Better Know A Blogger: Joellen Lu of JoellenLove
"My style tends to reach out to polar opposites simultaneously."
Taking her cues from TV and movies, Long Beach-based style blogger Joellen Lu transforms her inspirations into wholly unique outfits which she shares with the world at large via her style blog JoellenLove. Blogging in the fashion realm for the past two years, Lu regularly catalogs her outfits, taste and other creative travails for a growing readership that has catapulted her into the pages of Teen Vogue. On her blog and in real life, she can be seen rocking bold prints, dip-dyed hair and her affinity for vintage clothing flows just as easily between high-end labels and unrecognizable finds. In addition to her blog, she also runs her own online clothing shop. The 21-year-old student gives us the lowdown on her favorite trends, her love of vintage and her take on downtown L.A. fashion amongst other special tidbits like her summer plans and more.
How would you describe yourself?
Joellen Lu: I'm a big-hearted extrovert that loves daydreaming and laughs way too much. I can definitely be a rule-breaker in the name of a good laugh. The simplest things make me the happiest: candy, blowing bubbles, good company...burritos.
How would you describe your style?
My style tends to reach out to polar opposites simultaneously, e.g. grungy while somehow still being extremely girly, or classic mixed in with modern pieces.
What influences your style?
I draw inspiration from all my surroundings, but lately (most likely because I'm out of classes for the summer) it has been television and movies. Nick at Nite is surprisingly inspirational, from the two-piece suit sets worn by Laverne & Shirley in the '70s to Stephanie Tanner's amazing sweaters circa 1990.
What are your favorite trends of the moment?
My favorite trend of the moment is the private school prep look demonstrated by Carven, YSL and others on the runway in recent seasons. Nothing is more classic than crisp oxfords and a tailored blazer, which is easily achievable on any budget.
What's the best thing about wearing vintage?
There are so many reasons why wearing vintage clothing is superior to other choices. Besides its sustainability and benefits to the ecosystem, vintage offers an outlet to other times and places. It allows you to literally walk in another person's shoes and perhaps even learn about history, including reoccurring trends in fashion. After all, history does tend to repeat itself.
You wear a lot of color. Has it always been that way? What are your favorite colors to wear and why?
Integrating different colors into my wardrobe has never been a decision I made consciously; I'd just pick out items that I love and it turns out they'd be brimming with color! My favorite colors are mint and rose colors because they illuminate a sense of happiness and being carefree. White is technically not a color (actually all the colors combined), but it also elicits the same feelings of an unplanned, relaxing vacation.
How would you describe L.A. fashion?
L.A. fashion is very unique to its residents. It's very bold, unconventional, and stretches things to the limit, which I find inspiring! L.A. fashion can be categorized as those crazy, out there styled girls on Tumblr that people from other states may wonder, "Where can you get away with wearing this awesome ensemble?" Try downtown L.A.!
What have been your favorite/most notable opportunities to come your way through the blog?
I've met so many amazing people through my blog and it's opened so many doors, with many more to come. So far, along with opportunities to cover fashion shows, features with Teen Vogue and others, I'd have to say being able to start up my own online vintage shop, Tarte Vintage, would be the most gratifying opportunity. But it only gets better! This summer I have some blog-related travels planned and will be a contributor to Goodwill International's blog.
What are your ambitions for the blog? How about outside of the blog?
My main ambition for the blog is to inspire others, whether it be through fashion, painting, writing, photography, whatever. Outside the blog, I hope to pursue my career in psychology while helping my online business to grow.
What do you do when you're not blogging?
I am a psych major but I'm also planning to double up with a business major as well, I run my online store (with some help, of course), and I enjoy drawing/painting with watercolors.
What are three posts from your archives from the beginning to now that new readers should view?
1. New York look book/photo diary
2. Spring Vintage Looks
3. Shoulder Spike
