In this series, KP Fusion talks with fellow fashion bloggers to find out what inspires them, what’s in their makeup bag, some of their favorite trends, and that one wardrobe staple that they can’t live without. Read along to discover something new about your blogger’s favorite bloggers! Name: Courtney M. Homebase: Boston, MA Blog: ThoseGraces.com and BeautyShy.com Month/Year Blog Launched: July 2010 How did you get into blogging? I wanted a space where I could write about clothes and makeup without annoying anyone. What has been the best thing about it? Hardest? Learning to open up has been the best AND the hardest thing. There was a time where I refused to tell people that I blogged. Looking back, I was afraid of being judged for my opinions. However, once I made the conscious decision to share more of my life and my thoughts, I was able to connect with readers more by being more honest. I can’t lie, there’s still times when I’m scared to hit the “publish” button especially when it’s on a sensitive subject. But being honest has brought me nothing but good things and great readers! What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? I quit my 9 to 5 in June, and since then I’ve been freelancing as a writer, photographer and social media consultant. Dream Job: Me and the term “dream job” have a love/hate relationship. I never really had a specific dream job and bounced around between different fields. Right now my dream is to be my own boss and develop a business based on social media consulting and photography. I’m working with a career counselor to better refine my version of a dream job, too. It’s a work in progress! Describe your look in five words: Textured layered looks with clean lines. (Sorry that was six words!) Who/what influences your style? Other bloggers influence my style more than anyone else. Growing up, I would clip out photos from magazines of movie stars. Now I pin my favorite blogger looks to Pinterest. There are so many great, stylish bloggers out there! Who are some of your favorite designers? To be honest, I don’t really have specific favorite designers, but I’ve really enjoyed seeing Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s work with The Row. I also really love Isabel Toledo’s work. Where are some of your favorite places to shop? I’m all about Goodwill, and I would say 70 percent of my wardrobe is either thrifted or vintage. Other than Goodwill, I’m a sucker for T.J. Maxx. It’s very rare that I pay retail for anything in my wardrobe. What’s one item in your wardrobe that you can’t live without? My mind is entirely in winter, so I’m going to say a vintage wool cardigan that I found in my parents’ basement ten years ago. I think it was my mom’s from the ’70s. I absolutely love it and wear it every winter. What’s a classic item that every woman should own? A pair of stilettos that match their skin tone. I bought my first pair about a year ago and have gotten SO much wear out of them. They go with everything and immediately dress up a casual outfit. Which trend(s) were you most excited to try this season? To be honest, I don’t really follow trends all that much! Fashion on Film: Which movies inspire you? I love documentaries on the fashion industry like Bill Cunningham New York and The September Issue. You really get to see how hectic the fashion industry really is! Aside from documentaries, I love the classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday. I’m also big into gangster movies like The Godfather and The Departed. Though those don’t really inspire my style directly, The Departed did convince me to buy a Red Sox baseball hat, which I wear quite frequently. Three magazines that you MUST read monthly: At one point in time, I was subscribed to a dozen magazines at a time. I had to take a break after that! I don’t currently read any magazines, but when I did, I loved Vogue and Glamour. Glamour is like a hidden gem, great writing and down to earth advice. I’m also a huge fan of Fast Company, which I think is a must-read for any blogger. Three items in your makeup bag: Only three?! Wow, that’s hard. I’d say Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation, Nyx’s Pure Red Lipstick and Milani’s Lumionoso Blush. Favorite color of lipstick/lipgloss: Red, of course. Favorite color of nail polish: Any shade of blue, especially shades in the mint family. Essie’s Mint Candy Apple is my favorite mint shade! Words of (style) wisdom: My words of style wisdom are actually stolen from Kristen, who’s a blogger at The Boston Fashionista. She once told me, “Don’t buy clothes for a life you don’t have.” So that’s the advice I pass on to those reading this! The most important question of all: cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream? You know, I don’t really have sweet tooth, and, I’m lactose intolerant. However, I do LOVE cookie dough. I guess that would technically make my answer cookies! Thanks Courtney! Interest in being a part of this series or learning about one of your faves? Contact me here! Stylish Dining | Seasons 52 Memphis Beauty Buy | Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer