Blogger Profile: Alex Loves
• Catherine Beneduce
We catch up with fashion blogger Alex Vanthournout from Alexloves.com to talk about her black wardrobe, Elle stardom, and of course, her love for jewellery!
Tell us about yourself, and what made you go into blogging?
I’m 25, originally from Belgium but have been living and working in London for the past 7 years. After a string of long term internships at magazines and press offices I decided to go it on my own as a freelance fashion journalist. The change of pace was a big shock to the system, suddenly I found myself stuck at home often with long periods of no work, so I started the blog. It was a way for me to keep myself busy, create some new contacts, but mostly it was meant to be just a little hobby, not a career!
Tell us more about Alex Loves...
The reason I named my blog Alex Loves is pretty obvious; I only get to write about whatever I like, and ignore whatever I don’t. As a freelancer, ironically I’m not always as free to write whatever I want, so my blog is my little place of real self-indulgence. It’s really fun, obviously, and now it’s becoming something more than just a hobby, I know I’m very lucky to be able to do this every day. I think in the past year and a half since starting the blog, Alex Loves has given me a lot of opportunities to meet amazing people, designers, fellow bloggers,… I’m having the time of my life!
How did it feel when you first started appearing in publications such as Elle? And also your fab achievement by being listed in Stylist Magazine as ‘the people to follow on Twitter for LFW’?
Well, I wrote as a freelancer for Elle Belgium long before I had started the blog, so I find it pretty amusing how the tables have turned in such a short time. I was just working so hard to make it as a journalist here in London, I was the one interviewing people, then suddenly because of this blog I’m the one being interviewed – that’s still a little surreal to me! To be honest, the attention actually makes me a little uncomfortable, this is never a position I’d thought to be in! But obviously all the amazing coverage I’ve had is absolutely wonderful and has helped me get to where I am, so I’m very grateful. But would I rather be the one behind the camera, asking the questions? Absolutely, that’s where I feel most comfortable.
Describe your own personal style? Preppy chic, simple, comfortable, and 90% of my wardrobe is black. I’m curvy and short so I dress for my body – A-line dresses, skirts, cardigans, shirts, loafers and broages. For me, it’s all about the details. A frilly collar, a chunky bracelet, a little belt, a statement necklace over a simple dress. What would you say is your own personal staple accessory? I always always always have my Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse leopard scarf around my neck. It’s my favourite thing in the whole world, it’s big and comfy, and it adds a bit of spice to any outfit. Works with both skinny jeans as well as evening dresses – that’s a rare quality in an accessory. What are your favourite 3 pieces from Jon Richard and why? Betty Jackson Black Large Brushed Hinge Futuristic Cuff: I always think a statement piece of jewellery can really make an outfit. I prefer to wear 1 nice piece, 1 talking point if you will, than wear 10 different items of jewellery at a time. This bracelet is really perfect for that purpose. It’s not bright or wild, but it’s big and different and still subtle enough to let the clothes speak.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Beaten Gold Ring: I don’t wear rings often, but when I do, they have to stand out. I love this knuckle ring, the beaten effect also makes it look a little vintage.
Jon Richard Fox Chain Pearl Pendant: This long gold necklace with the pearl at the end has a real vintage look about it. Great to wear over a simple black shift dress.
Thank you!
