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Check our interview with “Hello Fashion” fashion blogger and founder of of ILY Couture, mom, and travel enthusiast stunning fashionista Christine Andrew.
Hello Fashion is more than your average blog, as it allows Christine to communicate directly with “the everyday woman,” offering style inspiration and advice along the way. The young entrepreneur has developed her prosperous business from her self-created style that’s entirely her own; pairing classic and edgy, feminine and masculine, and always adding a fashionable dose of global influence as a nod to her Latin roots. Christine isn’t the only fashion expert in the family; Her husband Cody is the creator of the men’s fashion blog, Hellohis.com.
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Hi Christine, please tell us a little about you?
I was born in Bogota, Colombia and now live in SLC, UT with my husband. I am a mom, stepmom, and dog mom. I run my fashion line, ILY, and blog together with my husband. I love traveling and feel inspired when I’m seeing new places!
What’s your background?
I went to high school in a small town in Montana where there was a total of maybe 20-30 stores in our mall. I got my first job at Lady Footlocker when I was 15 and after that was the assistant manager at Express so I’ve always worked in retail. I went to college got my Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Business. I’ve always loved art and creating, and knew I wanted to do something create and have my own business.
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When did you start into fashion and blogging? When and why did you created “Hello Fashion”?
I start Hello Fashion in December of 2011 but I was only posting maybe once a week and didn’t start taking it more seriously until awhile after. When I started the blog I was doing it to show people how to wear pieces from my shop, ILY and how to find things on sale. I always wanted to do something in fashion but after a few dead-ends (and a rejection letter from FIDM 😉 I decided to find my own outlet to share my creativity and love of fashion. Cody and I had just gotten married and money was a little tighter so I had to shop sale pieces so initially the blog started as a way to share my great budget-friendly finds and my pieces from ILY.
What Summer fashion trends you can share with us?
Lace up sandals, unexpected sleeves, off-the-shoulder trend, mules, wide-leg pants/trousers!
How often do you update your site?
I try to create new content at least 5 to 6 days a week.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Models – who doesn’t love Gigi and Kendall right now? They are everywhere and seem to have flawless style on and off the runway.
Designers – I love self-portrait and Fabiana Filippi – their pieces are so unique! IRO is another one of my favorite brands.
What does fashion mean to you?
It’s an expression of your style, mood, the place you are at in your life, and all together just an expression of who you are.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Jessica Alba – she can do both minimal and glam makeup so well. It’s not just one look for her – she looks good in everything!
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a double-edged sword. It’s such an amazing way to connect with so many people and places and get inspiration and see events in real time from anywhere in the world. You can see anything and everything in an instant which is incredible but it can also give people a false sense of reality and cause you to stop living in the moment.
Who was your role model as a child?
My dad! He always worked really hard and had so many successful businesses of his own. He has always believed in me and pushed creativity which helped me become an entrepreneur and follow my passions.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
I usually get eyelash extensions before I travel so I can keep my makeup simple. With a tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and highlighter I’m good to go. I love a good face mask after a long day of traveling too! Oh and I’m obsessed with Chapstick’s mint flavor. It’s a drugstore beauty buy but I swear it’s the only think that keeps my lips from getting chapped.
How did you stay fit?
Chasing my kids around 🙂 No, but really I’ve had a harder time getting my motivation up to go the gym recently so as a family we have been focusing on getting outdoors to stay active – we love hiking! We’ve also focused on eating healthier and it’s helped me realize how much of an impact it makes, sometimes even more so than just being active.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocado Egg Toast – it’s such an easy, quick healthy snack!
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate Chip Cookies or Cookie Dough Blizzards 😉
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I hope the blog and my brand continue to grow! We are working adding some exciting things to ILY and expanding our line as well as the blog. I’m also hoping to finish a children’s book I’ve been working on.
What music we can find in your iPod?
I love James Bay, Chainsmokers, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Disclosure, Coldplay (best concert I’ve ever been too!), Bruno Mars his voice is so good (ready for him to release some new music though), Justin Bieber. I’m a Belieber 😉
Do you support any charity?
We support a lot of different charities. My husband and I choose some that stand out to us and make it a point to donate every month.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Is it bad to say my cell phone? Chapstick/lipgloss and a hair tie.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My kids sleeping in past 7:30 😉 An amazing breakfast (it’s my favorite meal of the day!!), not getting out of my pajamas, online shopping, and binge-watching a Netflix series while eating my chocolate chip cookies.
Where we can follow you?
My main Instagram: @hellofashionblog and I also just started a more day to day in my life the “unfiltered” life that shows more of my family and my un-curated pics: @ChristineAndrewUnfiltered
Favorite food: French Fries or Avocado Toast
Song: Rihanna We Found Love In A Hopeless – not because of the words, it’s just a feel good song, I hit a big goal when that song came out so it just reminds me of a time in my life that was special.
Travel destination: Anywhere new – I love Europe but more-so just exploring any new places. I always leave so inspired!
Celebrity Crush: Jessica Alba! She is so inspiring and does a great job of balancing work, being a mom, and being an entrepreneur.
Restaurant: Anywhere that serves chips and guac or pasta!
Quote: Nothing worth having comes easy. It’s just been a reminder that the things you want in life often don’t come with out sacrifice, but it always pays off. Hard work and dedication help you achieve your dreams.
Book: I love reading books by entrepreneurs and learning about the work habits of successful people. In full honesty it’s hard to find time to sit down and read books these days unless it’s bed time stories to the kids 😉 but in the morning I like to sit down and read articles about – anything to do with entrepreneurs and motivated people.
Movie: The Notebook is still one of my favorites… I’m a hopeless romantic.
Drink: Strawberry or Caramel Frappe, Pina Colada, Coke or a Margarita on the rocks.
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