An Interview with The Window Shopper

If you have followed any of my Normal Girl posts, you probably understand that I generally just love fashion blogs. Even though "The Window Shopper" doesn't define herself as a fashion blogger (she is much more!), she is inspiring many with her style, so I want to introduce you ladies to Payton (The Window Shopper). I started following Payton on instagram a few months ago and I immediately began to love her style. She is an absolute committed fashionista. What I mean by this, is that she simply loves fashion, however individually defined. Payton is an example of how fashion should be; all personal, all fun, and all inspiring. I asked her to do a photo shoot and interview with HelloLuvvy because I believe she defines what the purpose of our Fashion section should be. It should be about expression and fun and rocking any look you love with confidence. Payton exemplifies the girl's dream of wearing exactly what they want and when they want, and wearing it with that confident edge. Payton has been featured in Citiscapes mag, has modeled for some of NWA's favorite boutiques, and has recently embarked on an exciting new career in fashion with Btiques. Below is a photo shoot we collaborated on and a few interview questions to pick Payton's fashion loving brain.

Darcy: "Payton how would you describe you style?" Payton: “My style.... I would say the first thing that comes to mind is fun. I just want to wear things that make me happy. My collection is very eclectic. I never discriminate against any decade, or style and I will try anything once. With all the thrifting I have a better understanding of what looks good on me and what I really love. I dress for occasions and locations. To me, dressing is like acting, you get to wear different hats for different events, literally." Darcy: "Do you think it is important to define your style?" Payton: "No. Absolutely not, because style should be an evolving thing. People shouldn’t put that much pressure on themselves."

Darcy: "Do you have a style mantra?" Payton: "Yes. One should choose between boobs, back, and legs. Two on vacation, three if you are in Vegas."  

Darcy: "As a fashion blogger you put yourself out there {on the internet}, and open yourself up to all sorts of opinions and judgments. How do you stay positive if they are ever negative?" Payton: “Fashion blogging, is just a part of what I do. While it can be hard to balance perceptions, most people say really positive things to me and because of my blog my life has changed for the better. I got to be a part of NWA Fashion week, and that has led me into a new exciting career. If people don't like what I am posting that is why there is a hide button {on Facebook}. I like to share my outfits because the responses have been positive. This makes me happy and that's why I do it. I'm not worried about anyone else when I am doing and pursuing what I love."  

Darcy: "What would you tell women to help them not care as much about social norms in fashion?" Payton: " Obviously everyone is not going to care about fashion, so if you are not interested in fashion than don’t worry about it. Find a look that works for you and wear it everyday. If you are in love with fashion but you are not comfortable with your body or your fashion choices, wear what makes you happy. Accessorize with fun things, but don’t wear things just because you think it is fashionable. You should feel good in what you are wearing."

 

   

Darcy: "Before you are going to take a “style risk” is there something you might say to your self to encourage the risk." Payton: ""Is it too much? (laughing)" I typically have to talk myself down rather than up, but mostly I don’t get concerned. I do consider if things are appropriate for a certain occasion and I always remind myself that my husband and I need to look like we are going to the same place. I can't look like I am going to the ball, while he looks like he is going to play a round of golf."

Darcy: "What are some of your goals with fashion?" Payton: " My goal was to make a living with fashion, social media, and in NWA; then I got a job at Btiques, so I really just want to continue growing in this path. I also want to make women more comfortable with themselves. The attitude of “only you can pull that off” is self-limiting. I don't want women to feel that way."

The details for the clothing in this shoot are basically as follows: thrifted. Pretty awesome! Payton informs me that she goes thrifting two, sometimes three times a week, and she always hits the dress racks. Her jewels are vintage from Mae's Emporium and the shoes are from Target. I am pretty sure you love her even more now!

I had a great time hanging with this girl for a few hours snapping some photos and just talking about fashion and life. She is truly committed and confident. I learned a lot from her and I hope you luvvies do too. Below is her professional Bio and links to her blog and instagram. I highly recommend following her in some capacity and downloading the Btiques App for your iPhone.

Payton Rosenzweig Bridewell is a native of Fayetteville. After graduating from Tulane University in New Orleans, she spent five years working for Procter & Gamble on the CoverGirl and Olay brands. Payton has always been a fashion-enthusiast (find her on the blog, thewindowshopper.org or see her work for NWAFW styling and modeling in publicity photoshoots for local stores) and is practically a fixture in local magazine, Citiscapes.

Payton recently left the corporate world to join the Ark Challenge-winning shopping application, Btiques. Btiques is a free service that allows iPhone/iPad users to shop local boutiques directly from their phones. The app changes the shopping game; it allows users to find, follow and shop the newest boutique looks on the go! Payton jumped at the chance to join the startup and is working with co-creators Sara Beck and Will Carter to introduce the app to the fashion-forward of NWA, Arkansas and beyond.

Payton on facebook, @mspayton on instagram, @the_mspayton on twitter

Download Btiques from the app store on your iPhone or iPad

@btiquestagram on Instagram

@btiques on Twitter

facebook.com/btiques

[caption id="attachment_2288" align="aligncenter" width="358"] "I've always loved playing dress up."[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2289" align="aligncenter" width="729"] "I'm really into wearing bathing suits as tops right now." Payton and her Dad[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2290" align="aligncenter" width="810"] "He is always my best accessory." Payton and her Husband[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2291" align="aligncenter" width="810"] The Window Shopper[/caption]