The Skinny on Bubby and Bean's Fashion Blog | Skinny Mom | Tips for Moms | Fitness | Food | Fashion

Some fashion blogs are impossible to replicate, others make you want to shut your computer off and hit Michigan Ave. for some shopping and others, well they make you feel somehow even less fashionable than you already felt. For a fashion blog that truly makes you feel good about what you wear and most importantly how you wear it, check out Bubby and Bean. Mountains of the Moon’s (an eco-friendly womenswear clothing line) designer, Melissa created the site after she went off the grid for a while to rediscover her happiness. As a Chicago native dealing with the loss of her closest friend, she needed to re-evaluate her schedule and what she was truly making time for. Her fashion is much like her sense of spirit: elegant and simple with a splash of bohemia. Take a break from your workaholic schedule, wherever it may be, and ignite your passion for your self with Bubby and Bean.

1. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I’d just lost a best friend/family member, and needed some time to re-evaluate my life. I took a few weeks off to travel, rest, and re-learn how to “follow my bliss.” From the new inspirations I found, Bubby and Bean was born. When I started the blog, it wasn’t intended to become part of my career or something to which I’d be devoting several hours everyday. I blogged about the things that I love, and focused on a wide variety of things that inspired me. Eventually it became its own entity, and I love it. It’s become my favorite project of all time.

2. What is your favorite aspect about being part of an online blogging community?

Being able to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, and encourage one another.

3. What is your favorite topic to blog about?

There are so many topics I love blogging about, but my favorite is probably a tie between DIY projects and personal style.

4. In your opinion, what is the best feature on your blog?

It would be hard for me to choose a ‘best’ feature, but my favorite is probably the “My Style” feature where I share my outfits and personal style.

5. Where do your fashion ideas come from?

I actually design eco-friendly women’s wear for a living (http://www.mountainsofthemoon.com), so a lot of my fashion ideas come from working in the industry. But many of them also come from thrifting/vintage shopping and even from watching people on the street in my city (Chicago).

6. What fashion advice do you have for busy moms and women that don’t have a lot of time to get ready?

Pick a few staple pieces and work around those. Closets that are packed full become overwhelming. Focus on a handful of timeless pieces and change them up by pairing them with different accessories. And don’t worry too much – effortless outfits always look best.

7. What is your favorite fashion accessory?

A simple, elegant necklace.

8. What is one piece that every woman should have in their closet?

A printed scarf in neutral colors.

9. What fashion item says “Super Mom” to you?

A chic handbag secretly stuffed with juice boxes and diapers.

10. Who is your celebrity fashion icon?

Alexa Chung.

11. If you could style any celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be?

Audrey Hepburn.

12. What is your favorite trend right now?

I’m really loving the tribal prints we’ve been seeing the past few seasons. I also adore titanium grey, which is one of the biggest colors right now.

13. What is the best strategy for shopping on a budget?

As I said in number 6, focus on a few key pieces. There’s never a need to own hundreds of pieces of clothing. Also, you’d be surprised at the amazing clothing you can find at thrift stores for fractions of their original prices.

14. Where do you draw the line with age appropriate fashion…is there one?

I think you should wear what makes you feel good. I think “age appropriate” is a thing of the past.

15. What is the key to pulling off a new look: edgy, collegiate, leather, etc.? Is it hair, makeup, confidence?

Confidence. Always.

16. Would you mind giving us an example of a styled look?

Here’s an example of an easy way to style a simple, solid-colored dress. This dress is a great closet staple that can easily be changed up with the right belt, shoes, and bag!

Want to hear more from Melissa? Check out the site by clicking here. And make sure to follow her on all her social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!