I was absolutely delighted when Olivia Purvis from What Olivia Did agreed to answer my questions, as I adore her blog! She always manages to look immaculate, whatever the event – and she looks amazing in pretty much everything! Last year, Olivia took the prestigious blogging title of ‘newcomer of the year’ at the Cosmopolitan Awards and since then, her blog has gone from strength to strength!
What initially inspired you to start up a blog? Were you a reader of other fashion blogs before you set up your own?
I was a huge lover of fashion blogs before I began my own and am pretty sure that my love for reading them is what inspired me to start up What Olivia Did even though my blog was initially music based!
“I get style inspiration from everywhere! Even my boyfriend!”
Your style is very unique and you always manage to look effortlessly gorgeous! Who are your style inspirations/which eras inspire you?
Aw thank you very much! I get style inspiration from everywhere! Who I’m with (my family and friends have amazing style – even my boyfriend!), people watching, magazines, street style – everything! Even music! Obviously celebrities play a role, and I love the style of people like Alexa Chung, Tennessee Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Fearne Cotton. [With regards to eras] I’d probably say I’m most inspired by either the 50’s or 60’s as I am a sucker for a beehive hairdo’s, peter pan collars and prom dresses!
What is your daily life like aside from your blogging? Are you interning at the moment?
I’m not interning at the moment, and when I’m not it’s usually filled with my part time retail job, seeing my friends and family, visiting as many tea rooms as my poor tummy can manage, country walks, and my favourite past time- shopping!
What is your dream job?
I would love to be either a fashion writer or a stylist. Or even (dreaming big) have my own magazine!
It must have been a huge achievement to have been awarded ‘best new fashion blog’ at the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards last year! What do you think set you aside from the other nominated blogs?
I honestly wish I could tell you, but I don’t know! The other blogs were amazing, so I am so so lucky to have even been nominated!
“Sometimes it’s nice to be able to chat about ‘blogs’ with a community of people who are in the same position as you!”
You have a very loyal readership! Did you ever expect your blog to be so successful?
Never in a million years! I was writing to about 14 (very loyal) people for what seemed like an age, so when more and more people started reading it, I was blown away!
What blogs do you regularly catch up on?
There are so many that I couldn’t possibly list them all, I have so many favourites! Many are on my blogroll- lazy Liv!
Many bloggers say that having their own blog has opened up a completely new circle of friends ,do you find this is the case? Have you met friends through blogging?
Yes I do agree, I’ve met some amazing and hugely inspiring people through blogging and sometimes it’s nice to be able to chat about ‘blogs’ with a community of people who are in the same position as you. I’ve also met some people that I’d call proper ‘friends’ which is amazing too.
Many blogs talk about having a specific niche and appealing to it, do you think What Olivia Did has a niche or do you just consider it your personal space on the web to collect your thoughts and ideas?
I wouldn’t say my blog has a particular niche, I mean, I’d love to think it offers a little more than simple fashion posts (maybe recipes, music and a little photography) but in the end, it’s just somewhere to gather my ideas, and post about clothes and what inspires me!
You must work very hard on your blog to post every day, as often it is so hard to balance a blog on top of other things! What do you find is the most rewarding thing about blogging?
There are so many rewarding things about blogging! The people, the feedback and even sometimes the events! I’m so privileged to have such a great readership, even just a simple tweet can put the biggest smile on my face!
What would you say the negative aspects of blogging are?
There isn’t a huge amount of negatives to blogging. Obviously you get trolls and people who can be really nasty, but I think when you enjoy something you can’t really let it get to you that much!
What tips would you give to aspiring bloggers?
Just write about what you love! People will be able to tell if you have a real passion for what you’re blogging about, so make sure you enjoy it and post as much as you can! I promise it will pay off!
Your pictures are beautiful and the colour balance of your images are lovely! What camera do you use and do you edit your photographs to achieve this effect?
I use a Nikon D40 and edit using picmonkey! I have NO idea how to use photoshop!
Do you ever see your blog being your full time career?
Not currently, it’s a hobby at the moment, but maybe one day. Who knows!
What is the one item from your wardrobe that you’d save (if you had to choose)?
My jeans!
I absolutely love your blog header! It’s amazing! Did you design it yourself?
I didn’t! The wonderful Emma Block drew it for me and Lauren made my layout lovely!
Your hair always looks fantastic! What products do you use in your hair on a day to day basis to keep it looking healthy and shiny?
Awwh thank you! I just use whatever shampoo and conditioner I can find (usually a Herbal Essences one) and then use a Pantene hairspray after I’ve back brushed a little! Occasionally, when my hair is looking a bit ‘straw like’ I’ll use some Moroccan Oil!
What is your favourite non-high street shop?
ASOS!
Where do you see your blog in ten years time?
Hopefully where it is now, as long as I still enjoy it and love writing it that’s the main thing!
Thank you ever so much to Olivia, who kindly took the time to answer my questions! She is obviously extremely passionate about all things fashion, and the time and effort she puts into her blog is clear! It is lovely to read a blog where you can tell the editor clearly enjoys blogging, as this is evident.
If you haven’t already visited Olivia’s blog, you can do so by clicking here.