I’ve missed a couple of weeks of sharing the ladies doing it their way but I’m back today with the fabulous Chet of @chilliesandclothes. I was lucky enough to meet Chet in real life at a recent blogger event in Manchester and she is genuinely lovely and bubbly. She looked super stylish (she had on the most gorgeous dress and some beautiful pearl hair clips), was really friendly and made time to talk to everyone, putting everyone at ease (blogger events can be scary). I love her colourful style and that what she is shares is always wearable. She has the most amazing blog with fashion tips but also some amazing food recipes. I just knew I had to share her on here.
Tell me a bit about yourself
Hi my name is Chet and I am the founder of Chillies and Clothes a Fashion, Food and Lifestyle website. I am also mum to two girls (age 8 and 11) and wife to one very patient husband.
I’m from Leeds and I studied Marketing and moved down to London shortly after I finished my degree with my now husband. We lived in London for about 10 years where I started out working agency side and then moved to work client side for companies such as Virgin Drinks and Coca-Cola.
We moved out of London about 13 years ago mainly because of my husbands work and haven’t really looked back.
Why did you start Chillies and Clothes?
If I’m being totally honest I started Chillies and Clothes about 18 months ago to relieve boredom and to try and reclaim a little bit of my identity. I see it as my space to be creative and share the things I love.
Where did your love of fashion come from? I love all your choices and wonder where you get your inspiration from?
I have always loved clothes and according to my mother I was very particular about what I would and would not wear from an early age. I had applied to do both, a Fashion degree and a Marketing degree and at the last minute I chose Marketing, but never stopped loving clothes and all things fashion.
I am creative by nature and love experimenting with my wardrobe, I am also happy to take a risk and try out something that might be a little different and not for everyone.
I get my inspiration from anywhere and everywhere. It might the person in the street, a mum at school, Pinterest, Instagram at a party or on TV.
Your Instagram account has done so well, why do you think this is? Any tips or tricks?
Firstly that is so kind of you to say. Secondly there are so many tips some are easier to implement than others. My main points would be
- Take good quality clear photos, buy a tripod if you have no one to take your photos.
- Post consistently and at a time that your audience is online. It will be trial and error to begin with.
- Stay authentic. Look to others for inspiration but ultimately stay true to yourself.
- Captions are important. A caption will help you connect with your audience and help to give them an idea of your personality.
- Use hashtags (you can use up to 30) and make sure they are relevant and good quality.
- Engage with other accounts doing similar things to you.
- Have fun and don’t take it all too seriously.
Where are your favourite places to buy clothing from and why?
I am a big fan of on-line shopping. For anything that is considered a trend I tend to buy from the high street. I love Zara, Top Shop, & Other Stories, Ganni, Outnet, HM, Revolve, ASOS.
I am also a huge believer that the right accessories can make an outfit. Over the years I have picked up some classic designer pieces and accessories that help to elevate my daily look and style.
I am always open to new brands and suggestions. I have so many clothes because I’m a hoarder, I now try to be a little bit more picky with my choices. If there is a style I like I first check what I have in my wardrobe that is similar. If I don’t have anything that comes close to what I want I will buy it but I don’t take labels off new purchases until I am 100% sure that I love the item.
I’m intrigued by peoples morning routines and how they set themselves up for the day. What is your breakfast/morning routine?
I am up at 6.15 am, I start most days with Celery juice. I then get ready and usually dress depending on my mood and weather. I generally have about 15 mins to get ready. I then sort my girls out, breakfast, hair, last minute school prep and at 7.30am we leave for the school drop off. I’m back home around 9.15am and that is usually when I will have something to eat and my coffee.
In the last 5 years what new belief, habit or behaviour has most improved your life?
A new habit that I feel has benefited me and my health has to be drinking celery juice most mornings. I also try and listen to books about mindfulness and these help me to stay calm, and remain positive.
If you could put one book in the high school curriculum what would it be and why?
I love this question. My girls and I listen to a lot of audio books on the way to school. Don’t get me wrong when I pick Non-Fiction books I do get a lot of eye rolling but I don’t care.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and
You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed.
Both books are incredibly positive and teach us not to give up, they also teach us that it’s ok to not know something and that we learn from our mistakes. I am a big fan of the saying ‘Your thoughts create your reality’.
What do you wish you could tell your younger self?
It will all be ok, you won’t stay hairy in all the wrong places forever, you will find your tribe and truly fit in. Don’t sweat the small stuff it’s really not important. Oh and boys will fancy you.
What do you love/hate about Instagram?
I love seeing the creativity and inspiration. I love meeting new people and seeing how they match up to their online persona.
I hate the way it can make people feel like they are not good enough or have enough. If you ever feel like this step away from the app for a few days and remind yourself that these boxes only tell us the story the creator wants us to see.
Shelley x
