THE CITIZEN INDEX

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Woman of Style: Collette Osuna


Mother.
Freelance Writer.
Style Blogger. 
Magazine Editor. 
Fashion plate.
Sweetie pie. 

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Collette Osuna

makes
a Statement
in Fashion 
& says it
with style,
kindness
& sincerity.
 
                                              
Collette Osuna is living proof that style doesn't stop at 40. This proud mother, wife, writer,and soon-to-be magazine editor walks the talk when it comes to fashion friendly outfits, which you can see over on her personal blog, Statements of Fashion. 
Collette took time out of her schedule to answer some questions for the Citizen Rosebud.
 
The Citizen: You are a relative new-comer in the blogging world but have been in the fashion industry for 15 years. What did/do you do, and what inspired you start blogging?  

Collette: I'm a freelance fashion writer and model for an amazing Michigan fashion designer, Lesley Anne Designs. I've also been involved in Michigan Fashion Shows and feel that has helped me as a springboard for where I am now today. I've been a freelance writer for many years, and decided to change directions in August of 2010, and focus more on the fashion industry. I've always had a love of fashion from an early age, and decided to follow my passion.
I started my blog as a creative outlet for my freelance writing, as well to show women that style knows "no age".

The Citizen: Did being in the fashion industry help you getting started? Do you have any tips for up and coming bloggers to get noticed quickly?

Collette: Making fashion contacts has been a priceless thing for me. I have been fortunate to have met some amazing, talented people along the way who have helped me with advice, words of wisdom, etc. My best bit of advice to any blogger is to be yourself. I know this phrase gets overused quite frequently, but I cannot stress its importance enough. Far too many times, newer bloggers struggle to find themselves. Keep posting great content and your audience will grow. If you are not "keeping it real", your followers will know.

The Citizen: Not only do you consistently post on your personal blog, Statements in Fashion, but you were assistant editor for Style Sample until it ceased operation, and have taken on a new big project, The Fashion 411 Magazine? Care to tell me about it? 

Collette: I was very sad and disappointed when Style Sample ceased its operations. I respect and admire Tamia (Editor in Chief) for all  her hard work on the magazine and for taking it to such great successes.  Not only was I the News Editor of Style Sample, I was a reader who would get excited just like everyone else when each bi-monthly issue was released.
I realized that our industry needs this type of publication, be it in print or online. We need a "go to" source for the latest and greatest fashion industry news.
The The Fashion 411 will be published bi monthly, and will be written 100% by bloggers. The magazine will have several regular columns including Full Figure Fashion, Women Around the World (focusing on different ethnicities), fashion blogging from a male point of view, The Teen Scene, among many, many more. There's a lot of behind-the-scenes magazine planning going on right now, with updates posted weekly.
The Fashion 411 now has a redesigned blog, Twitter account, and can be followed on Bloglovin as well.
I'm hopeful that the first publication will be debuting within the next 4-6 weeks or so.

The Citizen: I read in a great interview by Katy Rose on Modly Chic that you spend 20 a week on your blog. To me this is incredible, as you produce great posts AND are very active commenting on other peoples blogs. Do you have any time management secrets you'd care to share with other bloggers?

Collette: My best time management tip would have to be to stay ahead of the game. I treat my personal blog as a magazine. I create an editorial calendar of what I want to post, outfits, features etc. and assign it a date. I plan things out as much as possible i.e. Twitter Tuesdays, Friend Friday, 30x30 Remix posts. I do my very best to respond to every reader who visits my blog. My relationship with my readers is very important to me. I value each and every one of their comments:) I have my blogroll set up on my page to post the newest entries first. That makes it easier for me to keep track of the last blog I read, if I need to catch up. It also doesn't hurt that I only require about four hours of sleep per night either, lol.

I follow no fashion rules. I wear what  I like and want, regardless of the current fashion trends. 

The Citizen: What inspires your style? How would you describe your style?

Collette: I find my style inspiration in many places. I love looking through magazines and ripping out pages to file in my "inspiration folder". I get tons of inspiration from everyday people on the street, and of course from all the fab, rocking blogs I visit everyday. I would best describe my style as "unexpected pattern mixing, meets cool colors."

Collette kind of makes looking great look effortless, doesn't she?

The Citizen: Is there a difference in the way you dress now then when you did in your 20's? What's changed?

Collette: I'd say there's a difference! Strangely, I dressed more conservative back in those years! Go figure....I realized along the way who I was. I follow no fashion rules.  I wear what I like and want, regardless of the current fashion trends.

The Citizen: You shared the fact that you lost 40 lbs in March by enrolling in Weight Watchers. First, congratulations, you look fantastic. Was it easy for you? What would you attribute as the key to your weight loss?

Collette: I lost 40 lbs from January to March of 2010. I joined Weight Watchers with my 18 year-old daughter Chloe, and we have been attending weekly meetings ever since.  Chloe is now 3 lbs away from her goal weight, and I couldn't be more proud of her!! It actually was very easy to follow the program. I really watched what I ate, gave up regular soft drinks completely, and became a vegetarian in the process.
I believe being a vegetarian had alot to do with my great success! I have never felt better, and will never go back to my old style of eating.

The Citizen: What are 3 essential must-have items in your wardrobe?

Collette: A leopard scarf, distressed hobo bag and chunky sweaters.

The Citizen: Name 3 bloggers that inspire you.

Collette: Kelly Framel @The Glamourai
                  Bella @The Citizen Rosebud (<-- Looky that's me! -Bella)
                  Folake Huntoon @The Style Pantry


The Citizen: Any predictions on big trends for spring?

Collette: I'm loving what I'm already seeing for Spring....the return of wide leg pants, full skirts and tons of things in Honeysuckle!

The Citizen: Why should we want to read Fashion 411

Collette: Because you want to be "in the know". You are interested in reading up and coming blogger interviews, and learn about the latest and greatest online stores and happenings.


The Citizen: Where do you see yourself, and your blog in five years?  

Collette: Still posting outfits and maintaining Statements in Fashion and being Editor in Chief of The Fashion 411 Magazine. Life is good....I'm doing what I love!

The Citizen: What advice do you have for aspiring bloggers?
Collette: Take your time finding your blogging voice and niche. It's not a race for comments or followers. I would much rather have fewer followers who read what I write, than many followers who could care less. Get your feet wet by visiting blogs that interest you, asking questions and making new friends along the way. You are unique, and your readers will appreciate that.

We LOVE Colors! Collette shows how to rock the colored tights from We Love Colors.
You can keep up with Collette by visiting:
Fashion 411

40 comments:

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

I loved learning about this new friend of mine. Thanks, Bella!

the Citizen Rosebud said...

She's crazy cool, ain't she, Steph?

My Heart Blogged said...

All I can say is Yesssssssss. She rocks so hardcore. She is so nice, down to earth, and unbelievably helpful. Love her.
My Heart Blogged

Demie said...

Wow I had nevere heard of her before...great interview!Thanks for shariing (ps:love her photos)!! <3

Demie xxx

mispapelicos said...

I know and follow Collete. A woman so close to my own heart!!!
Besos to both of you.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Anika http://www.byanika.com said...

Hi Beautiful Bella, this is an amazing interview! I love getting to know Colletta more, I have been reading her for a while. You questions were really good Bella. Collettas advice to new bloggers is very good, and I love how structured she is whith managing her blog. That is behaving your way to sucess right there, taking your self and your work seriously. I love how warm and supportive she is as well, be it with her daughter or us readers.

Thank you for sharing this, lovely. <3

xx Anika
http://byanika.com
@AnikaByAnika

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

For a long time, Collette inspired me through her style...then through her sweet comments and encouragment on my blog...but her most powerful inspiration in my life currently came from her post about her weight loss journey. I have learned over a few months that whatever she takes on she will do it with class, determination, and honesty!!

Carolann DeMatos said...

What a wonderful article, Bella. So real and honest. It was a wonderful read on this Tuesday morning.

Carolann

Unknown said...

So eye opening! thanks for providing this article :)

--Courtney

Anonymous said...

LOVE her last answer. Makes me feel good, not only because we're the same age, but because it really isn't a race. I love the feel of community from many of the blogs I follow and thanks for this lovely interview, Bella! Collette is fantastic and I've found another blog to follow!

xoxo
Cyrillynn

Fashnlvr said...

I love Collette! I have been following her since I first leapt onto the fashion blogging scene! I love her style and gosh she is beautiful! Such a sweet person too! Great interview and great interviewee!!
www.fashnlvr.blogspot.com

Collette Osuna said...

Thank you so much Bella for featuring me here today!! You too, are a real Sweetie!

I feel so blessed to have met so many awesome,talented and caring people along my blogging journey.

Hugs & Kissed to you ALL:)

Anupriya DG said...

Wow......she sure rocks in all her various roles!! Way to go! :)

A BRIT GREEK said...

Not only is she way cool, has a lot of good stuff to say and share with us, she also looks AMAZING - how is it that she has an 18yr old daughter?

Anyhoos, Bella once again this is an awesome interview and brilliant insight to superduper fab women!

x.o.x.o

Vanessa said...

great interview! She's got a lot of sass, and she's from Michigan! woop-woop to a fellow Mitten State lady!

Unknown said...

She's pretty amazing. I loved reading this interview.

Anonymous said...

Collette is fantastic......she literally radiates energy....you can even feel it through her words.....it's incredible....

Thanks for featuring her Bella.

Love

Tashrin from Toronto, Canada

The Closet Shopper said...

Collette is fantastic and one of my favorite bloggers. Thanks for featuring her. Great interview.

xo,
Tracy

PS) Your blog is now on my sidebar with the other blogs I love.

Jill said...

Thanks for featuring Collette. I was so shocked when you featured her in the 40 and up bloggers post, because, just like you, my dear Bella, I thought, There is no way Collette is 40 or over! Too young looking! I enjoyed your interview with her and I have been inspired by both of you in the past two weeks.

Ofelia said...

Bella, thanks for introducing me a new stylish and smart women! Her name makes me think of the book and movie-Gigi

The Creative Bohemian said...

What a beautiful lady! I love that last outfit in red and black. She looks great and I cannot believe she is over 40!

I better start looking through my own closet for inspiration, LOL!

Diane

Anonymous said...

Rosebud--another wonderful interview!

The Style Crone said...

Great interview and helpful tips. And I love Collette's outfits! The Style Crone

The Photodiarist said...

Terrific interview, Bella.

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the interview. Collette was a pleasure to talk to, as many of you know from her twitter and her comments on your blog. The Blog-world could use a lot more Collettes in the world!

Fabienne Jach said...

Yay for featuring one of my faves:) It's so funny to read that she dressed more conservatively in her 20's. U-huh. I can relate!

Lee Oliveira said...

Collette is so pretty that her beauty hurts my eyes.
She is very talented and her blog speaks for herself beautifully.

Lee x

Beautifully Invisible said...

I loved this. I am still getting to know Collette and I really enjoyed learning some new things about her! She is such a beauty - both inside and out!

Luna Tiger said...

She's so stylish !
http://selenite.weebly.com/

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

A leopard scarf...I knew I loved her!

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

Collette is so sweet and so inspiring. Great choice!


••V••
www.gritandglamour.com
@gritandglamour

Raquelita said...

I haven't been reading Collette's blog for all that long, but she is fast becoming one of my new fave's. She has great style and just seems so genuine and kind. Great feature!

Marissa said...

Wonderful profile! Collette is truly one of my favorites.

Marta said...

fantastic interview, and great job, bella!

stylenuggets said...

Great feature nad interview, Bella

JTWisdom said...

I just met Collette through her blog and she is awesome and an inspiration. I can relate with her on the weight loss and she looks great. I love it when she says
"I would much rather have fewer followers who read what I write, than many followers who could care less."

This is so true.

JT

Angeline said...

Yay! Love Collette. Great choice of blogger to feature. :)

Raquel said...

Oh dear she's gorgeous! And has an 18 year old daughter? Amazing.

Liv said...

Oh, her skin! Glowy perfection! She's a great blogger and I'm really happy to hear she's got a new project in the works. The demise of Style Sample left a void.

http://idlefascination.blogspot.com/

Liesl said...

I just love collette...what a fun interview! Lovely fashion blog you have too!

Liesl :)