Corridor40

After attracting unexpected attention for her distinct street style sensibilities, Arielle Noa decided it was time to take matters into her own hands by showcasing her looks via her personal style blog. For the past year, Something Navy has garnered ample attention from style-conscious women around the globe, as well as iconic brands like United Nude and even powerhouse fashion sites like MTV Style. Having already made a name for herself in the fashion blogosphere, Arielle continues to evolve her risk-taking style and expand her audience. Here, Arielle opens up to C40 about everything from her nerd-loving ways to the fellow bloggers she is currently stalking.

C40. What inspired you to blog about your personal style? How long have you had your blog, Something Navy?

AN. I began blogging one day last summer. I was getting stopped on the street a lot and receiving a lot of compliments on my outfits, so I figured the best way to express and describe my style would be through a blog. I started it as a hobby, but it’s been really amazing to watch it evolve into a business. I have had my blog for exactly one year on August 17th.

C40. Tell me about your sense of style. How has it evolved since you started your blog? What do you look for when picking out outfits for your blog?

AN. My style is ever-changing. I base my style and the way I dress on my mood, where I am in life, how I am feeling that day, what happened to me that day, etc. I tend to change my outfit several times a day. My style has changed a lot since I first started my blog; I’ve become a lot more risky, and a lot more real. The blog showed me when I was holding back in the way I dressed, so—since seeing that—I’ve become a lot more raw and have become more comfortable with myself. Plus, growing up really opens you up to being more yourself, as well. When picking out a look for my blog, again, it’s really how I feel that day, who inspired me, what inspired me and so on.

C40. What is your biggest vice?

AN. My biggest vice would be…learning as much as possible about the universe. I watch “Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking“; yes, I’m a science nerd.

C40. What are you currently coveting?

AN. A really special vintage fur coat. Hi, mom, if you’re reading this.

C40. Who are your style icons?

AN. My style icons are my mother and my older sister. They have taught me how to feel comfortable in my own skin, even if it’s weird to others around me. I am also really inspired by Tim Burton and his films; I think he has a very unique sense of style, which is evident in everything he does. I could watch his films on silent, and just acknowledge the aesthetics.

C40. What was your favorite childhood outfit?

AN. I was very girly. I loved dressing up in everything that was my mother’s. My favorite childhood outfit, though, was this sleeveless polka dot dress with ruffles on the bottom; ruffled, rolled-over socks and sparkly party shoes, and my grandfather’s fedora.

C40. When you aren’t blogging, what are you doing?

AN. Spending time with my family; checking out exhibits; watching scary films; researching everything in the cosmos, including cosmic conspiracies, and working.

C40. What blogs are you stalking?

AN. Garance Dore & Knightcat

C40. What inspired the name of your blog?

AN. I love the color navy, so I wanted to name it something with the word “navy”. I was sitting with my friend and I kept saying “think of something navy, something navy, come on…”, and then that was it.

C40. What advice do you have for girls who are having a hard time finding their own sense of style?

AN. I don’t believe anyone can really ever find their own sense of style. We spend our whole lives trying to find our own sense of self, but—along the way—you pick up key things that create your style. Keep moving forward, and—eventually—you’ll feel comfortable in the things you wear; that’s most important. Show what you feel and who you are everyday through the art of fashion, even if it may not make sense to others .

Images via Something Navy