Meet Inge Van Israël, creator and founder of the fabulous Fashion En Vie. Inge began her blog in January of 2012 and maintains that Fashion En Vie is a true reflection of her interest and passion for the constant and fluid-like transformation that is fashion. Although she has always had an interest in clothing and honing her personal style, Inge says that she truly fell in love with the world of beauty and fashion when she journeyed into modeling a few years ago; the chemistry was undeniable, and there was no going back. Be sure to check out Inge’s fabulous blog where you can shop her highly coveted closet, check out her product reviews, street-style inspirations, and of course, her brilliant outfit posts. We’re obsessed.
What was your inspiration for starting your blog? What was your initial vision for your blog?- I started my blog during my first exam period at the university in Antwerp, I was looking for something to take my mind off studying once in a while and as I had been reading fashion blogs as well, I simply decided to go for it. I initially wanted to inspire people, even if it were only a few visitors. Things started going quite fast after a few months and I’m eager to continue learning and growing more every day but it’s still about inspiring people and showing what I like.
What sets your blog apart from other culture or lifestyle based blogs?- I’ve been asked this question quite a lot, but my answer still remains: my own personal style. I think every fashion blog is different from others because there is a different person, with a different vision and a different style behind it. My blog is about portraying my own personal style and inspiring people with that.
…I love to mix different textures like mesh, leather and silk…
What type of content fits with your targeted audience?- I’ve noticed that most of my readers love seeing my outfits posts which are mainly meant to inspire people and show girls how a certain trend or piece of clothing can be worn. I also enjoy doing simple nail art posts that my readers can try out as well, those have proven to be popular as well.
What does a day in your blog life look like?– A day in my life usually starts with checking my emails and social media in bed on my smartphone. Then I read other blogs during breakfast to get inspired and see what other people are up to. Afterwards I normally attend my classes at university and during my lunch break I try to schedule my social media posts and promote my post of the day. I mostly spend my evenings writing the post for the next morning and most of my outfits photos are taken somewhere during the day, whenever I have spare time and the weather is decent.
Is running your own blog as glamorous as it sounds?- It is definitely a lot of fun to do but it is a lot of work as well and that’s something that I probably underestimated when I first started Fashion En Vie. It is amazing to do but when I had a busy week with events in the evenings that I had to rush to after classes, I’m just glad to crash on my couch during the weekend like everyone else! I think that a lot of people underestimate the work that goes into a blog, even my friends and family often don’t believe that I’m still working or getting things done for the blog (at 11pm for example).
How would you describe your personal style, and who are your biggest style inspirations?- I would describe my style as very relaxed and dressed-down with some sport lux influences that are still very feminine. I love to mix different textures like mesh, leather and silk mainly in black, white or greys. I just don’t think I’m the girl for outgoing colours all the time!
…I think that a lot of people underestimate the work that goes into a blog…
What are your favourite stores to shop at for the perfect outfit?- I love to shop at Zara, COS, H&M and online at Asos and Topshop. A few of my favourite brands are Alexander Wang, Tibi, Weekday and recently the shop from the blogger The Haute Pursuit.
What is your favourite travel hot spot? What items do you not leave behind?– I love tropical climates and the beach, my perfect travel spot would definitely be somewhere at the seaside. Perhaps France, Spain, Thailand or Indonesia but I haven’t been in the latter yet.
Can you offer any advice for new bloggers or entrepreneurs looking to promote their business?- Be sure to believe in yourself and just go for it! Don’t lose yourself in the process though, make your own decisions and don’t forget who you are and what you want to achieve with your blog.
Don’t forget to check Inge out on Facebook as well as at Fashion En Vie!