Jina langu ni Livilla Mwetu

Your name and what do you do?

Livilla Mwetu. I’m a data analyst and research assistant by day, in another lifeI’m a writer, might be how I ended up with my blog.

Tell us more about your blog?

It’s my way of telling stories about fashion. I grew up buried in magazines and newspaper columns so it largely takes after the two formats.

Editorial Monday is where I critique fashion, how it works, why it so and how much it’s changed/ is changing. I also share editorials that I find interesting.

I also curate designers and fashion bloggers that have mastered their craft and take risk from all over the world. I’d love to share more designers, especially those who have little or no media coverage. There’s always so much work that goes unseen and I hope my platform can help share that knowledge.

I retail ad space for related lifestyle products because I think it’s important to link fashion, design and style to everyday living i.e. travel spots, eateries, boutiques et al and discounts when available, I love a good bargain.

If you are attending an event in Mombasa, what would you wear?

Mombasa is generally hot so smart casual is ideal.Something that allows for layering given our bipolar weather these days, scarfs are really great for that.

Is there a specific fashion look in a man that draws you? Does it matter? 

I appreciate good tailoring, thankfully this is not limited to suits these days. So no pressure there.

Do you have any fashion rules in putting an outfit together?

More guides than rules, if you are uncertain, go the monochrome/ monotone way i.e. either one color and accessorize in a different color or different shades of the same color that complement each other.

Should ladies help their significant other with fashion? Would you shop/ advise / help out.

If asked to, yes. I think dressing is very personal and it preserves that sense of individuality that is sometimes lost in familiarity of relationships. Plus we all change so much over the years, it’s nice to see how your partner’s style changes as you grow.

What does the biggest tip you have for anyone want to start a fashion blog or website?

Know your message, what are you trying to say & how it’s helpful to your readers. You need a plan so that you don’t get lost but most important the thing is for you to just start. It won’t be perfect so relax and enjoy it,you’ll get better with time.

A lot of people think that blogging is an easy way to make money online. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from the blog?

Create good content, something you will be proud of 10 years from now. Your readers tend to stray from who you initially write for, anyone with an internet access could be your reader. Research and experiment with strategy from different fields in terms of layouts, content, branding et al.

Learn how to value your work, find out the market cost of doing business if you don’t know how to price your work.

Oh. And network, introduce yourself to people, tell them what you do, that sort of thing.

What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?

Authenticity. Fashion is so broad in terms of who it appeals to and what exactly appeals to you. There’s always room to experiment and figure out what really works for you.

Parting Shot

“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.” Diana Vreeland