Corridor40

Straight out of the Corridor, Kansas Couture blogger Katy Seibel was recently among the top eight in the Bluefly and stylelist.com contest. I was able to chat with Katy about her views on fashion and personal style in the heartland.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: It seems like it’s all-over-the-place, but perhaps a discerning outside perspective would disagree with that. Some days, it’s feminine and vintage-inspired; some days, modern and a bit trendy; other days, some kind of combination of the two. I’d say vintage inspiration, big necklaces, high-waist silhouettes, denim and use of color and texture are key points.

Q: Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?

A: I don’t think I can name a single person! I pick up inspiration here and there from many sources, including movies (Wes Anderson and other indie flicks), fellow fashion bloggers, people on the street and famous folks like Zooey Deschanel, Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny.

Q: What made you want to start a blog?

A: After graduating from college with an English degree, I was trying to figure out what to do with myself creatively and intellectually. I had been wanting to start a blog for awhile, but I wasn’t even sure what type of blog. Because fashion was a longtime interest that I hadn’t fully explored, I decided to give it a shot. The daily style format really clicked with me. It’s such a great way to connect with people on a personal level within the realm of style.

Q: What is your favorite place to shop in Kansas City?

A: Though I’ve lived so close to Kansas City my entire life, I spend very, very little time there. When I do shop there, it’s usually at estate sales and thrift stores–like DAV and the Re-Runs Warehouse. In my town (Lawrence), I like to shop downtown at local stores like Wildman Vintage.

Q: What are some places in Kansas City are must-visits for travelers?

A: I like the Nelson Atkins Art Museum. From the whimsical, oversized badminton birdies on the lawn to the impressive collection of artwork inside, it’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon. I’ve been going there with my mom since I was a kid, so it’ll always be special to me.

Q: How did you get involved in the America’s Most Stylish Blogger contest?

A: America’s Most Stylish Blogger is a contest hosted by stylelist.com and bluefly.com. I received an email encouraging me to enter, and was lucky enough to be among the eight bloggers chosen to participate. For the five-week competition, the bloggers were sent the same item from bluefly.com to style into an outfit. Celebrity judges gave their appraisal of each week’s looks, but it was up to voters to determine the winner. Of course, style is relative, and there are way too many stylish bloggers to actually narrow it down to one… but I was honored to have been included. It was fun!

Q: Who are your favorite designers?

A: I don’t really follow the world of high fashion. Style trickles down from the top, so I’m affected by the industry whether I know it or not, but I don’t make a point of paying attention. I’m awed by the amazing creative talents of designers, and do visit style.com for runway inspiration, but I couldn’t tell you about that specific print from so-and-so’s SS10 collection. When I first started my blog, I tried to include the runway element, but realized it just wasn’t me. I’m all about everyday, accessible style… what real people-on-a-budget wear.

Q: What are three things you cannot leave the house without?

A: I won’t leave the house without drinking a cup of coffee, without a tube of chapstick in my pocket and wearing anything other than an outfit that makes me feel good.

Q: What is on your wishlist for winter?

A: Big, cozy sweaters; bright turtlenecks for layering; textured tights; interesting hats; flat ankle boots; heeled, lace-up boots; a cape or poncho; a coat with a faux fur collar… the list always goes on.

Images via Kansas Couture