Blogs We Love: Sarah Leigh’s Style Files

This week Blogs We Love takes a different approach and highlights one of our favorite sites from a fashion industry insider. Although Sarah-Leigh Wade says style is as much a hobby as it is a job, we love the behind-the-scenes access her fashion editor status gets her and in turn, us. As the Managing Editor of Mpdclick.com, an online fashion forecasting service from Mudpie, Wade’s experience spans trend forecasting, styling, consultancy, writing and photography. But her blog, Sarah-Leigh’s Style Files, is an interesting mix of professional attitude and personal flavor, giving the reader industry insight, a glimpse at fashion shows and events as well as the day-to-day musings, purchases, trips and delicious delights of a true fashion and photography aficionado.

Working within the industry has exposed Wade to so many different opinions and ideas, many of which influence what goes on the blog. To reach her readers she takes a business savvy approach, using Google Analytics to better understand what they are truly looking for. She also prides herself on giving guidance to those who are looking to break into the fashion industry. But in no way does Sarah-Leigh’s Style Files seem like a stuffy, professional fashion site, but more so a personal sneak peek into a stylish world. We had a chat with Wade about everything from the UK style, to her stance in the great editor vs. blogger debate to the blogs she loves.

How does your job differ from your blog? Day-to-day I oversee and support both the in-house and remote teams at Mpdclick.com. I am responsible for the site’s content, while scheduling and managing content and product developments. Sarah-Leigh’s Style Files started as an extension of my position at Mudpie, while being about my personal opinion and interests in fashion and design generally.

Should all fashion editors have blogs? I think it’s entirely up to them. For me it’s an extension of a thought process, and I think it can interest people to see behind the scenes of a part of the industry. Similarly, I love reading Melanie Rickey’s blog, detailing what she gets up to in her role as Grazia UK’s Fashion Editor at Large

What is your style philosophy? I’m not sure I have one! I’m pretty eclectic; one reader recently commented that I never look the same in any two photos. I kind of like that. I may have been inspired by a film, TV program, collection or even another blogger. One day Mad Men’s Joan might be my muse, the next day might be dark and grungy… A little dress-up is always fun.

Wade at London Fashion Week

How is South UK style unique? South UK style tends to be a little more understated than Northern UK style. In and around London trends tend to be quite vintage oriented, whether it actually is vintage or a high street retailer’s version of Indie/hipster/grunge. Whatever you call it there’s a definite sense of eclectic, effortlessly cool individuality. Northern style can be more designer orientated and far more groomed. There’s a mass following of 60s style, complete with beehives, cat-like eye make-up and mod clothing in Liverpool right now that I find really interesting. Subcultures are more avidly followed in the North.

Have you been a part of any projects because of the blog? I’ve been a part of some great projects thanks to Style Files, from giving guidance to university students to hosting charity events. Most recently I’ve become involved with a creative collective. Also, last March Style Files hosted its first event, Style Society, to aid Oxfam. We took over the various levels of a boutique bar on the UK’s South Coast, combining fund raising activities, including an auction featuring bespoke art work and customised trainers donated by Reebok. This fun-filled night raised valuable cash for a hugely worthy cause, and I hope will become an annual event.

How is your blog different than other fashion blogs? What I would like to think is different is that I aim to pass on the things I’ve seen and the things I’ve learnt to others. Many of my readers are just starting out, still students or working in another industry with a passion to become involved in fashion. Through my posts I actively aim to give guidance and provide honesty and clarity on projects I’m involved in and others may like to become involved in.

Styled and shot by Wade

How do you think blogging is changing the fashion industry? Blogging has definitely made the fashion industry more accessible to the masses. I sometimes wonder if the weekly glossies and blogs like Style Bubble’s readership numbers are that far apart. Blogging has become the way to check out what’s happening in the industry. I’m sure those interested spend more time checking their favourite blogs daily than they do nosing through WWD or Drapers, although that may not be as ‘wise’ or thematic as we’d care to admit.

I also think that the fashion spectatorship now has a voice. Bloggers are criticised the world-over, their ‘qualification’ to pass opinion is under constant scrutiny by the industry. Coming from a journalism background and working on a service that also provides news and insight to the industry, I can see both sides of the argument. But let’s face it, reading a blog is optional, skeptics need not spend their time reading what a fifteen-year-old from Rochdale, or a single mother of five from Jacksonville think of the new Marc Jacobs collection. And if they’re narked that a fifteen-year-old stole their front row seat, maybe they should check back and read their review from last season to see if that’s the real reason they’ve been demoted.

I think there’s room enough for all of us, enthusiasts too. Fashion is about creativity, so let’s not get hypocritical.

Where do you find inspiration? I’m more inspired by history and film when it comes to fashion. I follow some bloggers avidly such as Karla Derass from Karla’s Closet and Sally Jane Vintage, and there’s the odd celebrity that I think dresses well, but a film or more importantly an era will leave me more motivated to try something new.

Like many interested in photography, my inspiration there stems from nature’s curiosities and beautiful landscapes. I love that it’s autumn now in the UK, it provides the perfect backdrop for my current obsession with sludgy colours, gem stone jewellery and grungy imperfection.

What was your favorite fashion week experience? Although I love the buzz and eccentricity that London Fashion Week brings to my hometown, my favourite experience this season comes from Copenhagen. We were invited as guests of the Copenhagen Fashion Council to attend. A mile-long catwalk was erected through the city, while 220 models walked for free to highlight and raise funds for the cause that is Chernobyl Children’s Project International. It was a great event, for a great cause, CFC’s CEO Eva Kruse and CCPI’s ambassador Helena Christensen were fantastic hosts and we were proud to be a part of the day. You can read my coverage here.

The World’s Greatest Catwalk by Wade

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