Today I wanted to highlight a fellow Chicago blogger who earned a big honor last year. In 2014, Maria of The Style Letters was chosen as a winner of the first annual REDBOOK Real Women Style Awards. She was one of 10 women, all of whom had different looks and style but also something in common – their personality and self confidence shown through in their personal style. I recently spoke with Maria about the perks of being a Real Woman of Style and how you can enter this year’s contest! See below.
Maria, bottom row second from left, along with two of my other fav bloggers, Kimberly of Penny Pincher Fashion, bottom row second from left, and Kendi of KendiEveryday, middle left (image via)
How did you decide which photos to use last year that conveyed your personal style?
I went through almost two years of blog posts, picking some of my favorite looks and focusing on certain staples that are in constant rotation in my closet (colorful pieces, stripes, heels, statement jewelry and coats), regardless of the season.
Were you a reader of Redbook? What do you like about the magazine?
So I’ve been in a long-term relationship with Redbook over the years! It was one of my grandma’s favorite magazines, and she always had it at her house. It’s changed so much since then, though – I find Redbook to be incredibly modern and relatable. It’s all about real women with real bodies and real budgets, and it has such a positive outlook on life. It’s one of my favorites.
When you found out you won, what was your reaction?
I was on the train and headed home after a very long work week when I got the email – think rush-hour Chicago, jam-packed full of people, no place to show emotion whatsoever! My face turned about ten shades of red from excitement, and I started texting my husband, family, and friends like a madwoman – I’m sure I looked as crazy as I felt. Getting that email – and having this whole experience – was one of the best things to ever happen to me.
How has being named a winner last year impacted your life?
It’s definitely helped in terms of readership and social media engagement, but I’ve also enjoyed the opportunities it’s opened up this past year. Shortly after my Redbook experience, I signed with Mode Media and have worked on some great campaigns for them – Burt’s Bees, Target and Sally Hansen, to name a few. I was featured in InStyle. On a personal note, I made some great friends through the experience. The other winners are just such amazing women and inspire me in so many ways. I keep in touch with a lot of them, and I love following their adventures through their blogs and social media.
Is there anything that all of last year’s winners had that you think someone should try to convey this year, or a tip for readers when they turn in their photos?
I think the one thing that connected us all was a true love of personal style – we know what we love on ourselves and commit to that, regardless of what the trend is or what anyone else thinks. There’s a beautiful confidence that comes with loving the clothes you’re in – everyone deserves the right to strut their stuff. Wear what you love, period.
Inspired? Now it’s your turn! You don’t have to be a blogger to enter. Simply choose at least three full-body photos of yourself conveying your personalize style and submit them by April 17 to this link for a chance to become one of the winners of the 2015 REDBOOK Real Style Awards.