Style blogger and jewelry designer Holly Darling, 27, couldn’t have a more appropriate last name. Her style sweet spot can be found on her Instagram (@HollyJollyDolly) where the Somervillian shares her life as a retail associate, stylist, and cat mother with her 1,800 followers.
Q. What made you first start your blog?
A. When I first started my blog, it was just another one of those Tumblr blogs where I posted a lot of pretty, inspirational pictures. But I had just graduated with a degree in fashion, and then discovered the style blogger community. So diving into that world felt like the perfect creative outlet for me. My first outfit post was a single, blurry, overly filtered photo of an outfit I wore to a local food festival. It was a simple, basic tank and denim skirt.
Q. What’s your method for picking looks to photograph?
A. While I do love a good, basic everyday outfit as much as the next person, my favorites to photograph and post are those with really interesting details. A purse shaped like a camera or a pineapple? A super wide leg plaid jumpsuit? Check and check. I also get really excited to photograph any of my handmade wardrobe pieces. I love sewing and being able to make items that I actually want to wear, so I have a lot of pride in those. My husband will usually end up snapping over 100 photos, only to be narrowed down to about 5 for a post. But that’s mainly because I just get really excited about the outfits.
Q. Do you choose pieces that are weather dependent? How did you get by during the recent storms?
A. Oh man, these storms have been brutal for style bloggers. But I’ve learned that you just got to embrace the snow boots and heavy coats as part of your wardrobe. Let them be a part of your outfit, or even the star of your outfit, and not just something you have to cover up with. I’ve acquired a nice size collection of coats, capes, beanies, and scarves for this reason. My winter wardrobe is definitely all about styling my outerwear.
Q. When did you branch out into Etsy [to sell your jewelry]?
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A. I love Etsy! I’ve been selling on there since before I even started blogging. My items have evolved a lot over the last few years, and I’m happy with the selection of jewelry and accessories I have now. My newest addition are wire formed word necklaces. I’m most excited about my “hashtag ootd” [outfit of the day] version!
Q. Where else on Etsy should readers shop? Who are good people to follow?
A. As far as other Etsy shops, shout out to another MA maker and fellow blogger, Salem Style! And I also love Boston-based Little Pancakes and H. Nichols Illustration.
Q. What’s your following on instagram like? Is it different from your blog?
A. Most of my blog followers follow me on Instagram, too. But there is also a whole other audience on Instagram that you just don’t get online. Instagram is my absolute favorite social media platform. And I’ve started to pay a lot more attention to how, and what, I share. My feed used to be just random life snippets, but now I let a lot of my blog content roll over, in between all the cat photos. I mean, most people don’t have the time to visit all their favorite blogs every single day, but most people will scroll through their Instagram feed daily! I’m completely fascinated with it.
Rachel Raczka can be reached at rachel.raczka@globe.com. Tweet her @rachelraczka.