I’m convinced that Trina of La La Lovely is magical. I mean, it’s the only answer! To run one of the best design blogs around, freelance as a writer, art director and beyond, all while raising a brood of children is no easy feat. But this girl does it with style, class and so. much. grace. With photos from Yazy Jo, we’re going behind the blog, and it’s really really good.
SMP: Tell us a little about La La lovely!
La La Lovely is really my place to share my favorite finds and work out my words. I have a habit of looking for the lovely. Some days I find it in perfectly styled spaces, and other days i find it in the broken places. But simply put, La La Lovely is a lifestyle blog that offers inspiration in the areas of decor, design, style, littles and life.
SMP: What made you decide to start a blog?
I started blogging 6 years ago and I wasn’t even exactly sure what a blog was at that time (aside from my Xanga). I had been thumbing through Domino Magazine and read about a design blog called Absolutely Beautiful Things. I hopped online and was so inspired and excited about what I had stumbled upon. I knew I wanted to start one for myself. It seemed like the perfect place for me to write (which I love most about blogging) and a great way to share things that inspire me. Friends were always asking me where I got this or that or what I would suggest for gifts, etc. Also, it was a great way to digitally keep a file of all of my favorite decorating ideas and anything that was visually inspiring. Today, I blog for the same reason, I started, because I love to write and share inspiration and ideas.
SMP: What’s one thing you’ve learnt along the way?
Trust your gut. I’ve learned that just because an opportunity is there doesn’t always mean you should take it, even it appears to be a good one. When you’re a blogger you are a little bit of everything (especially in the early days), a designer, a photographer, a stylist, a writer, an salesperson, a business owner to name a few. As you get going you’ll find your voice, your style and your message. Once you find that, let it be a filter and guide as to what opportunities best align with you.
SMP: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
I don’t know that I would do that much differently It’s been a pretty organic process for me. I suppose I probably would have reached out and went after a few opportunities sooner. And, I would try to find a blogging schedule, earlier on, that didn’t require staying up until the wee hours of the morning. It catches up with you, eventually.
SMP: One piece of advice you’d give to a blogger just starting out?
My greatest advice is simple…..be yourself. Write about what you love and be true to your own voice. Don’t be concerned about what others are doing. Be concerned about what moves you. There are some basic principles that will work for everyone, like being consistent on how often you post and creating a consistent aesthetic, but I’ve found that if you are consistent with being yourself first, your style will develop and you will have created a brand naturally and authentically.
SMP: What was the tipping point in your business that made you feel your blog was going to thrive?
A few years ago, after I had re-designed my daughter’s room, The Land of Nod reached out to me to collaborate for an upcoming catalog. Three rooms in my home were featured as well as two rooms in a New York City apartment that I designed. It was so fun and extremely inspiring working with such a great brand and such fun and amazingly talented people. After that project I felt more confident and comfortable in my abilities to design spaces and to take on bigger projects and collaborations.
SMP: What color do you think will stand the test of time?
I’d have to say white. You just can’t go wrong with crisp white walls. And, pink. Some shade of pink always seems to be in style. Pink can be sweet, modern, neutral or punk rock.
SMP: One thing you simply can’t live with out?
My family. And, coffee. During this season of life, coffee seems like a means of survival.
SMP: Three things every stylish homeowner should have?
1- A favorite chair.
2- A breathtaking light fixture that makes you always look up (whether glamorous or modern).
3- Comfy Bedding.
SMP: Your favourite online design resource?
Pinterest. What can I say, It always seems to be where I start (online). I love getting lost on different rabbit trails that take me, somehow, to exactly where I need to be.
Photography: yazy jo | Design: Lala Lovely Things | Beauty: Design Within Reach | Decor: Ikea | Decor: Z Gallerie | Vendor: Benjamin Moore's Robbins Egg, High Gloss | Vendor: RugsUsa | Vendor: Lulu & Georgia | Vendor: High Fashion Home | Vendor: Sherwin Williams "Nomadic Desert" | Vendor: Land Of Nod | Vendor: Pottery Barn Kids
