Kerry Lockwood describes herself as a believer in old fashioned romance, a lover of style and an admirer of words, all features which can be found in her UK-based style blog Yours Truly, x.
How would you describe Yours Truly, x?
It’s a style-based documentation of places I go, things I do, odd bits I purchase and my obsession with all things vintage! I would like to think that it’s quite personable, and a real window into my life.
What made you decide to start a blog?
I specialised in Printed Textiles and Marketing at University so when it came to creating a portfolio for my work I thought that a blog was an easy format in which to present my designs. The blog then evolved into a sort of online journal, before eventually becoming a lot more style based like it is now.
What do you do when you're not blogging?
Well the blog does document most of what I do in my free time! But I’m also quite a film buff, in particular MGM classics, or films starring Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, or Katharine Hepburn (to name a few favourites!) I also love cooking, scrap-booking, long walks and just being with friends. The blog is such a great tool for my growing photography hobby. I by no means consider myself an accomplished photographer, I just love snapping things that catch my eye, and the blog gives me a perfect excuse to do this!
How would you describe your style?
It’s hard to say! I definitely dress for comfort, and have a real obsession for the quality of the fabric of garments I buy. I adore vintage obviously, and currently have a penchant for anything 1950’s. I love unusual garments, items with quirky detailing or great tailoring; there is no better thrill than finding an item that you instantly fall in love with.
How much time do you spend on your blog? Are you able to earn money from
it?
I endeavor to dedicate as much time feasibly possible to the blog. When creating a post I really try to take the time necessary to edit photos and work the story of each post. The narrative is really essential to me, as I want the posts to flow into each other. As for earning money, I have been approached by numerous sponsors, but perhaps in somewhat of a stupid act of integrity I have yet to find any of the offers suit the aesthetic of the blog and so have kept the blog sponsor free for now.
Blogs, particularly style blogs, have become hugely popular within the past
few years. Why do you think this is?
Well speaking for myself, whilst I enjoy reading Vogue or looking on professional fashion websites, it’s incomparable to the individualistic styles that blogging exhibits. It’s just like walking home on a dark night and being able to see into people’s living rooms, there’s an insatiable curiosity about the lives that other people lead. I also find that when you see someone in the street with great style, you feel you can’t really look as much as you want to for fear of seeming rude. Reading blogs means you can stare as much as you want with no qualms!
Tell us your thoughts on the blogging community!
I think I’m slowly getting more and more integrated in the blogging world! I’ve chatted with some lovely fellow bloggers, and soon I’m hoping to meet up with a couple of them too. It’s a great way of meeting people with the same passions and interests as you.
How do you feel about publishing parts of your life online? Where do you draw the line?
I don’t really ever consider what is out of bounds regarding my blog...I guess I don’t feature my friends out of respect for their privacy, ditto their children or families. I know my boyfriend is fine with his cameo appearances, and even finds it amusing sometimes! I guess I just intrinsically know when to keep my camera in my bag and let the moment be natural, as I’d hate to spoil days out by being ‘the annoying blogger’!
Do you think that blogs are an accurate portrayal of a person? Or do they present bits and pieces rather than a whole personality?
I know that personally my blog is really only a snippet of my whole life, because despite its honesty, and the efforts I make to invite the reader into my world, it’s also a very idealised version! I wish I could prance around in my best clothes with bee-hived hair all the time, but frankly work and travel and those days when Mother Nature really doesn’t like you just prevent this from happening!
What blogs inspire you?
Oh heaps! Too many to name! I try to regularly update the ‘Reading Material’ section my blog so that my readers can enjoy new blogs as I discover them. I like how each blog on the list is so completely different! I love bloggers that take their time to create interesting images, or to write something personable alongside their photos. Blogging is essentially just sharing what you love!
What hopes do you hold for your blog in the future?
Well later this year I hope to finally launch my own business. The process has been delayed by lack of funds and time, but I have so much passion for the things I am creating, I can’t wait to share them with my readers! I would also love to help other fledgling businesses by advertising their brands on my blog, but as afore mentioned, they would have to be cohesive with what I’m already doing.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start their own blog?
Just keep it personal, honest and remember to not take things too seriously! I am always attracted to blogs where the authors’ personality shines through, and like I mentioned before, people come to your blog to see your style not the catwalk reports, so just have some fun with it!
Interview by Isabella McDermott
Images from Yours Truly, x
