CrowdInk had the chance to sit down (virtually) with Bernadette of “That’s My Style,” a fashion and lifestyle blog dedicated to helping women empower themselves through how they choose to present. She talks through the power of statement pieces, raising kids while running a business, and a few tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.
CrowdInk: Tell us about your brand, how did you get started? What was your inspiration?
Bernadette: My inspiration behind ‘That’s My Style’ is that I truly believe everyone has the right to feel like the best version of themselves everyday. After 20 years of working as a buyer and product developer for major Australian retailers, I knew I had a lot I could offer everyday people.
I want people to understand the power of clothing and how it can make you feel. Dressing confidently and understanding what works for you can change people’s perception of themselves. With this comes acceptance and new-found confidence that impacts across their personal and professional life.
CI: What makes your brand unique?
B: The feedback I constantly receive from clients, is the feeling of empowerment. My whole philosophy is that the best outfit a person can wear is confidence. The only way to have a true feeling of confidence is to start from how you feel on the inside. This is where we start. Exploring your own personal style begins with what matters to you – your values, your lifestyle, and how you want to be perceived. Once you focus on what matters, then the rest comes. It not about the latest trends or keeping up with what’s currently the latest look, it’s about being clear on what suits your body and lifestyle.
CI: What’s your number one tip for aspiring bloggers?
B: I am new to blogging, but my audience responds to articles that really speak honestly and openly about my experiences as a stylist and what tips work for me as a busy working mum. Blogging will be a focus for me over the next 12 months.
CI: What’s your top styling tip?
B: Not to dress to cover up the parts of you that you don’t want people to see, but to dress to draw the eye to your positive attributes. It’s a shift in mentality for a lot of people. Also, know the neckline that suits you best – this is what frames your face. Your face is an attribute.
CI: What’s your favourite fashion accessory?
B: I have a bit of an obsession with necklaces. I love wearing a basic core outfit (a blank canvas) and adding a statement necklace and my rose gold loafers. It’s a great way to get dressed in the morning when you have to get 3 kids out the door and you’re off to style a client. Accessories are what finishes off your outfit and is what a lot of women are not doing purely because they are not sure what suits them.
Check out Bernadette’s blog here.