Meet Jessica Whitaker

I've been dying for a spare minute to sit down and put this post together for you all... I absolutely love conducting interviews, especially when I get to introduce some of my favorite people to you all! Remember back when I used to do Tuesday Talk interviews.... Well it's definitely been a while since the last one. Interviews are always fun for me... I love people, talking to people, and getting to know people. It's almost common knowledge that I am an aspiring photographer.. among other things, so young photographers are people that I keep up with on the reg. Jessica Whitaker is a 20 year old portrait photographer whose work amazes me and inspires me every day. So without further a do... Meet Jessica!

{ find this on Jessica's blog here }

:: website :: blog :: instagram :: twitter :: YouTube :: pinterest ::

Cathleen Slagle // So excited to get to interview you today! First, introduce yourself to everybody! Tell us about yourself!

Jessica Whitaker // Hi! My name is Jessica Whitaker, I’m 20 years old and from Seattle, Washington! I love photography, my dog Daisy, a good eyebrow and Jesus 

CS // When did your passion for photography really take off?
JW // Photography for me started about eight years ago! My friends and I were in my bathroom using the white shower curtain as seamless paper (I know, ratchet) and a floor lamp from Ikea as our light source. It was just for fun and something to pass the time. My aunt was downstairs and saw the photographs and was blown away! I haven’t stopped since. I think it was from her encouraging words- it really goes to show that the tongue can bring death or life. 

CS // What is your favorite subject matter to photograph?

JW // Portraits! I love showing a person how beautiful they are.

CS // So you're from Seattle, Washington… What are some of your favorite places in Seattle? (Either for photography reasons, cool hangout places, restaurants, anything really)

JW // My favorite place to eat brunch would be Lost Lakes in Capitol Hill! I also love Hot Cakes in Ballard! Ballard is probably one of my favorite neighborhoods, it slightly reminds me of Brooklyn and they have some great record shops.

CS // I noticed you're pretty social media savvy… What's your favorite social platform and why?

JW // Currently I’m obsessed with Snap Chat! You can really get creative with it as well as get your point across. I make announcements for giveaways, when I am booking, and my travel plans thru Snap Chat! I didn’t think it would be a successful but I think the 10 second limit is great for people with a short attention span (like myself)

CS // Your YouTube channel is definitely one of my favorite accounts of yours. How long have you been making videos on your channel?

JW // Thanks so much! I love the YouTube platform. This month is marks my second year of producing content on YouTube!

CS // With your photography talent and knowledge… I’m sure you have some advice for us! What are three most important things to keep in mind?

JW // My first tip would be framing your subject wisely! For instance, if you’re shooting outside, make sure there aren’t any branches that look like they’re growing out of the top of your subject’s head! Framing is really key, and less is more. Also, pay attention to the details on your model. Make sure the nails are clean (ex, not chipped), there isn’t any hair in the face or flyaways above the head. These little styling details will really make or break a portrait- epically if it’s a headshot. The third thing to keep in mind is how you’re cropping your subject. It drives me crazy when I see a photograph and the subject is cropped right below the knees. It looks unnatural, so my trick is to crop above the joints and be intentional.

CS // What camera(s) do you use for what type of shoot? What are some of your favorite lenses?

JW // I have used a Canon 5D Mark ii for the past few years! I only have a 50mm f/1.4 for portraits, and it is my favorite lens. I would love to invest in a 35mm and 85mm as well but my college budget currently doesn’t allow it. My 50mm is great and I would recommend it to anyone starting out in photography!

CS // Here’s a bit of a random question for you… Got any pets?

JW // Yes! I have one dog and one rabbit! My dog is a rescue pitbull from the Seattle Animal Shelter and her name is Daisy! Our rabbit is also a rescue, his name is Pinecone!

CS // How do you get inspired for your photoshoots? 

JW // Endless scrolling thru Pinterest and Tumblr! I’m currently in a creative rut right now and I have found that these online resources help me get fresh ideas!

So now that you've learned some fun facts about Jessica... Don't you just want her to be your best friend? When I'm 20, I hope to be as much of a Jesus lover and just all around cool person like Jessica. Be sure you check out her blog, portfolio, and follow her on all social media accounts! Aspiring photographers: be sure to check out her YouTube channel for photography tips and more! Also, if you're in the NYC area be sure to hit her up! Jessica does all kinds of different shoots including everything from fashion and fitness bloggers, weddings, senior portraits, engagement shots, lookbooks for designers and online boutiques, professional headshots, and so much more...

side note: as if you couldn't put it together... all the photos above belong to the fab, Jessica Whitaker

:: website :: blog :: instagram :: twitter :: YouTube :: pinterest ::

xo

Tuesday Talks -- Sarah of Stylish, Sassy & Classy

Happy Tuesday! Remember the first #tuesdaytalks post with Caitlin of Your Typical Prep? Well, I'm back again with Sarah from Stylish Sassy and Classy with another interview! So if you're interested in learning more about Sarah.. Keep reading :)

C.S. Hey Sarah! I'm so excited to have you here today for another Tuesday Talks! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview

S.Z. You're so welcome Cathleen I am very excited, this is my first interview.

C.S. Ah! Well let's get right on into it then because I just cannot wait for my readers to get to know you and your blog!

Let's start off with some basic questions.. Tell me about your blog! When did you start blogging?

S.Z. My blog is a mostly focuses on style, but also life at times. I am a junior at UNCG studying consumer apparel retail studies, so fashion really is my life, and I love sharing my style tips with everyone on Stylish Sassy and Classy. As a college student I do find myself sharing some studying tricks, and other college related topics on the blog at times. I started blogging in October of 2013 so I have been blogging for around a year and a half now, and have found it very rewarding.

C.S. I, as one of your readers, love all of your style tips and studying tips as well! So why did you start Stylish Sassy and Classy?

S.Z. As I mentioned earlier I am a college student in the fashion field, so during the sophomore year I began to look at style blogs because they were a foreign idea to me, but I knew they would soon be taking over the fashion industry, which they really are making a huge impact. After a few months of following several bloggers, I decided to make my own. None of my friends or boyfriend knew about it at first, and mostly consisted of selfies taken on my phone. After a few months my boyfriend (who is an amazing photographer) found out about it, and said as nicely as possible, your pictures suck. That is when he became my main photographer for Stylish Sassy and Classy, and it has grown ever since.

C.S. Aww! That's so sweet, and your pictures really are amazing! What's been your favorite part about blogging so far?

S.Z. That is hard because there is so much I love about it, my favorite thing would probably have to be the joy it brings me. When I get a comment that someone loved my outfit, or that I inspired them to try something outside of their normal comfort zone. Every time I gain a new follower I feel so much joy, its like a warm hug, and that is my favorite part of blogging.

C.S. Sweet comments from readers are always the best! Let's talk about social media! What is your favorite social media platform?

S.Z. INSTAGRAM!! I love Instagram, it easily eats up way to much of my free time. I love the artistic ideas that people put into their pictures and feeds it is very inspiring.

C.S. Hahaha I hoped you would say that! Your Instagram is definitely one of my favorite accounts that I follow. As soon as I open the app I make sure to search your account so I don't ever miss a post! Do you feel social media is important for bloggers?

S.Z. Awe thank you Cathleen you are too kind. I think it is easily the most important way for the blogger to help grow their blog, and is crucial to help a blogger reach their full potential target audience.

C.S. I agree! So let's talk more about you.. What are some things you're interested in? What do you do in your free time?

S.Z. Blog haha. I work at Belk in the Lilly Pulitzer department, and I spend a lot of time at the race track during the summer, my boyfriend is a race car driver if you didn't know But pretty much other then work and school I spend my time blogging, planning a post, or looking at others blogs.

C.S. Ooh! I bet working in the Lilly Pulitzer department is fun! So many bright colors and prints.. What's your favorite Lilly Pulitzer print?

S.Z. Right now, between Pink Colony and the yellow First Impressions

C.S. Oh I love those! What other brands, online shops, companies ect. have you been loving lately?

S.Z. Everything J.Crew has ever made, Lilly Pulitzer obviously, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Loft, ASOS, I honestly do a lot of my shopping at Belk because we carry so many brands.

C.S. Those are a lot of my favorites too.. Here's a bit of a more random question: What are some of your favorite quotes?

S.Z. I don't really have a "quote I live by" but here are a few that I like. "When I am afraid I put my trust in you" Psalm 56:3 "Whoever said that money doesn't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop" Blair Waldorf " I don't do fashion, I am fashion" COCO Chanel

C.S. I love all three of those quotes! Random question again: What's your favorite color or colors?

S.Z. Pink, purple, and yellow

C.S. Those are such fun and bright colors... Random again! Favorite tv shows and movies?

S.Z. I love say yes to the dress, really any wedding shows, and don't judge but I love the Kardashians. I am not a big movie person though, my attention span isn't that long haha.

C.S. Haha I love Say Yes to the Dress too:) Who are some of your favorite bloggers and style inspirations?

S.Z. Inspiration from non-bloggers: Blair Waldorf, Kate Middleton, Reese Witherspoon. Blogger inspiration: Caitlin from southern curls and pearls, Grace from a southern drawl, Emily from the sweetest thing, Rachel from Pink Peonies, Kendi from Kendi everyday, Kate from a lonestar state of southern, Megan from all things lovely, and Sarah from classy girls wear peals.

C.S. Ahh lovely inspiration.. Those are definitely some of my favorites too! One thing that I turn to for basically all inspiration is Pinterest. How do you feel about Pinterest?

S.Z. I love Pinterest, that is pretty much all I did my senior year in high school haha. Pinterest is also really great for bloggers to bring great traffic to their blogs.

C.S. Oh I totally agree! So another random question that I have is about music! What genre music do you typically find yourself listening to and who are some of your favorite artists?

S.Z. Country for sure, and I love me some Luke Bryan

C.S. Country is by far the best. And yesss Luke Bryan is perfect! What's one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting their own blog?

S.Z. Make sure you start off with structure, and really define what nitch you want your blog to fit into. Invest into a good design, and a quality camera. Most importantly have fun with it.

C.S. Great advice! And one last question for you.. Where can my readers follow you? (don't worry about the links! I'll add them in the post)

S.Z. Follow along with me: on the blog Stylish Sassy and Classy, Instagram @sarahlouisezerbe, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin, and on Facebook !!

Make sure y'all are following Sarah on all social media.. and go give her blog a follow too! :)

Tuesday Talks -- Caitlin of Your Typical Prep

I'm putting my Disney Travel Journals on pause just for a bit to introduce something new and fun to Classy Cathleen. For the longest time (ever since I started my blog honestly) I've wanted to have my own weekly interviews here on my blog. I love talking to people, learning new things about people, and just getting to know them beyond their blog! For the first ever #tuesdaytalks I thought I would interview one of my best blog friends (actually she's my Big.. it's a bit complicated), Caitlin Cooper of the blog Your Typical Prep. So without further ado... Let's get into this interview!

C.S. Hey Caitlin! I'm so excited to have you as the first ever person interviewed on Classy Cathleen for this new little series that I'm calling Tuesday Talks! I'm seriously so excited to chat with you, and for my readers to learn more about you :)

Let's start with some basics... 

Where are you from?

C.C. I live right in the middle of Atlanta! It's great being surrounded by such a big city because there's always something going on. 

C.S. That's definitely a good thing.. I love always having something to do! If you don't mind my asking.. How old are you?

C.C. I'm 17 and a senior in high school! It's a little crazy that I'll legally be an adult in just a few months...

C.S. Wow.. I can't even imagine. I'm younger than you so I don't have to deal with all that craziness yet haha. Okay so being a senior in high school, what colleges have you applied to or looked into?

C.C. I applied to UVA, UGA, UNC, Chapel Hill, Chapman, Dartmouth, Columbia, Washington, Lee, and Vanderbilt. It's quite a list, haha, but I wanted to have a few options since choosing a school really does determine so much for your future. 

C.S. Wow! That is quite the list haha, but it is always good to have options, and that totally makes sense. Next question! Do you have any pets?

C.C. I do! I have a cat. Her name is Sueva (pronounced sway-vuh), which is the name she already had when we adopted her from a shelter. She's pretty fat, which makers her all the more adorable!

C.S. Oh my gosh, I bet she's perfect.. Her name is so cute and creative! If I was to come to Atlanta, Georgia to hang out with you, what are some of your favorite places that we would probably go to?

C.C. Let's see... My favorite brunch destination is a little spot called Rise-n-Dine. They have amazing food and an adorable atmosphere. There's also a shop called Cacao that has the best hot chocolate ever, as well as some of the best macarons I've ever had. As for shopping, Lenox mall is the place to be!

C.S. Ooh brunch, macarons, and shopping sounds like so much fun! Here's a bit of a different question.. What three adjectives do you feel best describe you?

C.C. Hmm, I'd have to say organized, creative, and motivated.

C.S. Ooh, good words! You're definitely creative.. I've seen your Instagram! You're a pro! Any quick tips or previous posts you've written about Instagram? 

C.C. Thanks! I wrote a blog post all about Instagram tips recently. But to sum it up, the three musts are good lighting, good editing, and good framing. 

C.S. Those are such great tips! Thanks for sharing! Have you found social media helpful when it comes to growing your blog?

C.C. It's the simplest way to get your blog out in the open! It's also a great way to make connections with readers and other bloggers alike. Twitter is probably my favorite platform in terms of interacting with others, but I love Instagram for the pure creative side of it. 

C.S. I love both Twitter and Instagram.. Here's another social media question: how do you feel about Pinterest?

C.C. Pinterest is hands down my favorite way to pass the time when I want to get some ideas or just procrastinate. It's also a great way to promote blog posts! When people re-pin a pin connected to one of your posts, it can cause a really powerful chain of reaction in terms of people finding your blog. 

C.S. I love Pinterest too! It's absolutely perfect for procrastinating.. So how long have you been blogging?

C.C. I've technically been blogging for about a year and a half, but I've been consistently blogging since last July. 

C.S. I really love your blog.. Definitely one of my favorites! What made you want to start Your Typical Prep?

C.C. Thank You! I love yours as well! I've always loved writing, as well as fashion. Once I realized I was able to combine the two through a blog, Your Typical Prep was created! I was also inspired by a few other bloggers such as Carly of  The College Prepster. 

C.S. Carly is such an inspiration.. What other blogs and bloggers inspire you as a blogger, and also inspire your style?

C.C. Oh that's easy. Sarah Vickers' classic American style is my number one source of style inspiration. In terms of blogging, I really enjoy reading the blogs of Shannon of Prep Avenue and Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling. 

C.S. I can definitely tell that Sarah Vickers is part of the inspiration behind your style. I too enjoy reading Prep Avenue and Design Darling.. They are incredible blogs! how do you balance school with your blog? You always have an amazing post up each week and I definitely understand how tough it is to stay inspired and motivated to update the blog and sit down and write! How do you balance your time?

C.C. It can definitely be tough to find the right balance between school and blogging and I would be lying if I didn't say there weren't a few late nights included. I try to allot one hour before I begin my homework, and one hour after I finish for blog work. sometimes it's more, sometimes less. It just depends on how much pre-planning I did over the weekend. 

C.S. I really like the idea of setting out an hour before beginning homework.. I've always done an hour afterwards, but by the time I finish school work it's 12 or even 5 in the morning and I didn't have time to blog! That's a really good tip.. Thanks for sharing! What's been your favorite part of blogging so far?

C.C. Besides getting to know my personal style better, I'd have to say it's the connections I've made with other bloggers. Without blogging, I would have never met you, and you're such a great friend that I would hate to have never talked to you! 

C.S. Aw yes of course! The connections made through blogging and the friendships are literally incredible. And of course Caitlin, you're the best big sis! -- It's kind of a long story and a bit complicated, but yes, Caitlin's contact name in my phone is "MY BIG" and we talk basically every day. 

We're coming to the end of this interview... I really enjoyed chatting with you, and I hope my readers enjoyed learning about you! If they would like to know more about you and follow along with you and your blog... What accounts should they follow?

C.C. I update my Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter almost religiously. you'll see me around tumblr every now and then, and you can always shoot me an email! And of course, make sure to follow me on Bloglovin'

Well, is Caitlin amazing or is she AMAZING?! Her style is on point, and she is an incredible writer. Her blog is defenitly one that I check EVERY SINGLE DAY. Please make sure you show her some love and follow her on social media, because if I'm honest, is all perfect. Her Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and even Tumblr are all INCREDIBLE. I'm gonna put the links in ONE MORE TIME so you better click and follow :) 

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin' // Tumblr

A Chat with Courtney

One of the most important things you can do as a blogger, is connect on a personal level with other bloggers. Courtney of Behind Her Monogrammed Macbook, and I text every day (not exaggerating). It's so much fun to get to know the blogger behind the blog.. And I just can't wait for y'all to learn a bit about her from this little interview:) 

Hey Courtney! Let's start this interview off with some basic "getting to know you" questions... What are five words that describe you?

I would say classy, artistic, social, outgoing, and southern. 

You said that you would use the word "southern" to describe yourself.. Which southern state are you from?

I'm born and raised in Kentucky, I've grown up watching UK basketball and football and going to Keeneland every year.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Definitely New York City. I've been three times and it feels like home every time. The Broadway shows and Fifth Avenue style, I love it all. 

Wow! So other than New York.. Where else do you like to travel?

My family has always gone to the beach, so I love Hilton Head and anywhere in South Carolina. Visiting my family in Louisiana and Mississippi is always fun too, but I really want to visit Europe one day. 

Okay so still on the topic of getting to know you.. What types of Extracurricular activities do you do?

I've been a competitive dancer for nearly a decade and I love performing and traveling with my team. Besides that, I love musical theatre with my school and other groups. 

Wow! Dance and musical theater sound lie a lot of fun.. Here's a bit of a random question: Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have two labs, one yellow and one chocolate named Cawood and Claiborne. Those names probably sound crazy, but they're the names of two famous figures in University of Kentucky sports.

They sound adorable! Yet another random question: What is your favorite type of social media?

Oh that's tough. I can't pick between INstagram and Pinterest .With Instagram I get to see pictures of some of my favorite bloggers and post my outfits with neat filters and editing, while collecting inspiration on everything from home decor to fashion to wedding on Pinterest. I love them both! 

I have to agree.. Pinterest and Instagram are definitely my favorites too. Let's talk about BHMM... How long have you been blogging?

I started in February of this year. 

What's your favorite part about blogging so far?

I love the photography aspect. Photography Is one of my biggest passions and I love shooting my outfits and editing them so they look great!

Why did you decide to start BHMM? What was your inspiration?

Well I had always been interested in fashion and always loved writing. After reading blogs like Monogram Meredith who lives in my city and the College Prepster, I got really inspired. I wanted to put something out there and be a blogger, make original content and inspire girls like myself. 

You're definitely inspiring! I love reading all of your posts..  Let's talk briefly on fashion and beauty trends you've seen so far this Fall season.. Any particular trends that have caught your attention?

Well thank ya! I love fall fashion in general, what with all the boots and sweaters and scarves currently I love vests (I have a need for the J.Crew herringbone) and elbow patches on darker sweaters. Darker lips for Fall are a trend I've really seen and liked lately along with cooler tone looks.

Oh vests have been my latest obsession too. And darker lips are absolutely perfect for Fall. Oh vests have been my latest obsession too. And darker lips are absolutely perfect for fall. Another random question for you: What are your favorite t.v. shows and movies?

As far as TV, theres a running joke among my friends that I will never love anything as much as I loved Gossip Girl, which is very true. With movies, I love Clueless, anything with Marilyn Monroe, Breakfast at Tiffany's, all kinds of musicals, and of course the movie you and I bond over, Heathers. 

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorites.. But Heathers is obviously at the tippy top of my list. 

Being a blogger, I know it can be tough balancing out school and posting, not to mention keeping social media up to date... But somehow you manage to keep a very consistent posting schedule! How do you do it??!

On any given weekend you can find me shooting, writing, and scheduling posts. I love scheduling my posts on the weekend so I don't have to do a lot during the week and focus on school. I schedule my tweets and Instagram posts using different apps. I always try to put school first, but my blog is a great outlet for when I need a break.

You'll have to do a post later on with more on these apps and how you stay on top of things! 

I'm planing on it!

SUPER special thanks to Courtney for letting me interview her:) It was a lot of fun! ALL of my readers need to check out Behind Her Monogrammed Macbook for fabulous fashion and other fun posts! Also, She interviewed me as well.. So if you're interested in learning more about me, go check it out! 

Also, be sure you're following Courtney on social media! 

Pinterest////Instagram////Twitter////Facebook

An Interview with Kate...

Hey Y'all, 

I recently found Kate's blog through my Google Plus community! If you have not joined it please feel free to do so. {link} When I saw that her blog was titled "Long Island Prepster", I knew I would love all of her posts, and of course getting to know Kate as a blogger. So... I interviewed her:) I know y'all will love getting to know more about her as much as I did! 

1        1.      What encouraged you to start a blog?

For as long as I can remember I've always been in love with the idea of sharing ideas, reviews, style etc. through the Internet. When I was very young I would make posts on the Nick.com fashion message board. This developed into my love for tumblr, as I got older. Now I've decided to try blogging!   

2. What do you hope to get out of blogging?

I want my ideas to be shared with others while creating a close knit group of blogging friends.

 3.   What are some of your favorite blogs (maybe a list of 5-10)

The College Prep, Prep in yourStep, Classy Cathleen, and I love the YouTube’s of brookexbeauty, coffee&cashmeire and glamourkate08

3. What is your favorite color combo when it comes to putting together outfits?

Navy and white!

4. Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer? Explain why you chose what you chose.

Lilly Pulitzer, I love the prints!

5.Who would you consider to be your role models?

Kate Middleton is one of my role models. I feel the way she presents herself and her style is very inspiring.

6.Who/what inspires you?

The desire to live an exciting life, and not to wake up when I’m 40 depressed and hating my job.

7.What is your favorite food?

I love filet mignon.

8. Do you have any pets?

Yes! A Shih Tzu named Mater he is six years old

9. What are some of the items on your “want list” currently?

I really want a pair of Tory Burch leather sandals and riding boots. Also, pair of pearl earrings and a monogram necklace are on my want list!

10.What is your favorite quote?

“It’s about the endless supply of clothes that always looks the same, no matter what the era or fashion dictates”

11.What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I love to read in my free time.

12. What was the last book you read? And/or What is your favorite book?

I read the entire trilogy of the Summer I Turned Pretty Series while avoiding studying for my chem regents last week! My favorite books are the Harry Potter Series, To Kill A  Mocking Bird, The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye.

13.How would you describe your style?

Classic!

14.What is one special talent of yours?

I have been horseback riding for twelve years! I love it so much.

15.When you go to the zoo, what animal do you look forward to seeing the most?

I love penguins!

16.What is your favorite vacation spot?

Depending on the season, I love the Caribbean in the summer and Europe in the winter!

17.What is your favorite season and why?

I love the fall! My favorite parts of the fall are the changing leaves, light sweaters and riding boots

18. What is your go-to pair of shoes?

My Sperry’s.

19. What is your favorite accessory/ies that you own? (Hats, necklaces, rings, bracelets, sunglasses.. etc.)

My silver Marc Jacobs watch, my gold pearl necklace that I am currently filling up, my Louis Vuitton pocketbooks, and my diamond earrings!

I hope y'all enjoyed finding out more about Kate from Long Island Prepster. Be sure to check out her blog! Also if you are a blogger, and are interested in anything like guest posting {see page here}, a button swap {Only taking 3 more for the month of July, but feel free to email me about it} or even an interview {either you asking me questions, or me asking you} Just remember that I am always an email away! 

Be sure to check out Kate's blog, and join the community here!

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