Blog Spot: Glam.spoon
In episode three of our Blog Spot series we meet recent SM guest blogger Tina Witherspoon. When the local designer, blogger, and expert thrifter isn’t watching Fashion Star (ha!), attending local shows of every sort (if she’s not watching from some prominent seat, she’s backstage dressing models in order to show off her recycled glamor), or raising awareness about local causes like Dress for Success (she’d like to invite you to one of their dynamic luncheon fundraisers on Tuesday, April 24), she’s keeping up Glam.spoon, her online compendium of sales, events, and style.
WWW: Your personal geography, please. Where were you born and raised, and where are you currently living?
Witherspoon: I was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and was raised in rural New Hampshire. After college in upstate New York, I bought a one-way ticket to Seattle. That was 20 years ago, so I think I’m an honorary native.
Your personal style in three words: Bohemian, DIY, Layered.
Assuming your blog doesn’t pay the bills, what do you in order to pay the wireless bill and buy new clothes?
I’ve been working part-time as a freelance executive assistant for two years since leaving the corporate world. I’ve worked on and off for financial firms, event planners, and architects. I wish I’d gone freelance years ago because, compared with when I was working full-time for one company, I’m so much more productive and efficient with my time.
Your blogging timeline: Is this your first? What, if anything, came before?
Glam.spoon is my first blog. I started it in 2007 as a companion to my clothing line, but it’s really taken on a life of its own. Over the years I’ve taken writing, photography, and web design classes, and now I’m using all of those skills in one place. I’m also happy to use the platform to build community, help promote other local brands, and cover events. We have a ton of creative people in Seattle.
What was the voice inside your head saying as you were first imagining this blog?
First and foremost, I wanted to promote my brand and share my philosophy and approach with recycled textiles. What I didn’t expect was to actually love blogging. It’s liberating to have your own platform to connect with people. Through the blog and social media outlets, I’ve met some really interesting people from around the world as well as locally, and I never would have met them otherwise. I also found a community of like-minded creatives who all subscribe to the same manifesto: DIY and be creative.
Who reads your blog? What do you think people like about your posts and pictures? My readers really like to see the fashion. The posts showcasing new couture pieces get the most attention. Last fall I participated in The Ruby Room’s annual auction and uploaded a gown a day for six days to promote the event. That was by far the highest traffic week so far.
What’s the hardest thing in terms of blogging about style in Seattle?
Finding inspiration on the streets. I was so inspired by the documentary on Bill Cunningham, but he would not have had a 50-year career if he lived in Seattle. Seattleites may have great clothes on underneath, but for eight months of the year, we trudge through the streets in long black coats and sensible shoes while clutching umbrellas. It’s not easy fighting the elements with grace.
What’s the raddest thing in terms of blogging about style in Seattle?
I love the fact that Seattleites are very individual and take risks, but mostly that we don’t take it all too seriously.
One blog that no one knows about that everyone should read:
I’ve become obsessed with attending Portland Fashion Week this year, so I’ve been looking for Portland area blogs to read for inspiration. I found Urban Weeds first, and really love the vibe of it. I also like Clever Nettle and Confessions of a Product Junkie.
What do you want to do more of on your blog? What’s keeping you from doing it?
I’d love to do daily outfit posts. One of my resolutions for 2012 was to make an effort every day no matter the weather, so I owe it to myself to document that. What’s keeping me from it is getting a decent photo! I’m a pro at taking my own headshots, but a full body/outfit post is tricky. However, I just downloaded a camera app with a timer, so maybe I’ll figure something out.
What would you like to see more of in Seattle in terms of style?
I’ve always been comfortable being the girl in the room that’s overdressed for an occasion. Seattle does casual chic really well, but I’d like to see more people elevate style to another level on a more regular basis.
