Blogger Cutie: Carmel Yeates

"You have to do you."

Mele 

I'm back and with another amazing Blogger Cutie feature! Mele of Falala Mele is an eclectic fashion spirit who loves bold prints, colors, and thrifted jewelery finds! This is a feature you all must check out :)

Enjoy!!

Name: Carmel "Mele"Yeates

Age: 27

Blog: Falala Mele

Education: (Minor) Bachelor of Education (Primary) specialising in Creative Arts (but I am now teacher)

HomeTown: Beautiful south coast of Nowra, NSW Australia

 Where are you absolute favorite places to shop? Which stores have your go to items that you have to have? 

Shopping has changed so much for me. I used to shop and look for things that would fit or would do but I still always had that “oh I wish I could find something like that in my size” feeling in the back of my head. A few years ago Australia started to cater to plus size fashion a little more but with only a few competitors, outfits were overpriced and you could see heaps of other girls wearing the same limited items.....right now I love Op-shopping the most! I can find things that I am excited to wear and I know that no one else will have what I have. I love the price and the search is half the fun. I also did fall in love with the items and price tags at Forever 21 on my recent visit to the US. I liked the clothes, the plus size range was still fresh and I thought it was priced well. Well I didn’t mind spending my money there. Earrings and cool jewelery in thrift stores and I also like to find my bags there.

  How does your personal style reflect your personality? What kind of inspirations do you draw from with outfits you pick out for class or an outing?

My personal style depends on how I’m feeling. In general I love beautiful things, colours, shapes and patterns. I have never really assessed my personal style, but I guess thinking about it, I am drawn to bold colours and patterns. I love how fashion allows you to flip the script. If I want to be girly/chic one day I dress to make me feel that way and if I want to be a little more bold I chose certain pieces that I want to stand out and I accentuate either my hair or lips or both. I guess its all fun and dress ups for me.

My general day to day wear is always comfortable. Being a teacher I always felt like I had to dress like a teacher and I would have two separate wardrobes; my teacher clothes (which I really hated and I would always give it away to my Mum) and my clothes. Now I am much happier when I wear little things that show my personality and love for clothes and fashion.

When I go out I either have an idea of the type of look I am going for or I find something (usually something second hand) and I build up from there. I have a great deal of satisfaction in looking and feeling good without having to spend hundreds of dollars and I have currently been a little obsessed with lip colour. Makes me feel pretty.

 If you could have the CRB wish to have a dinner sponsored by any fashion icon who would it be, and why?

I am really terrible when it comes to knowing who’s hot, and what not in the fashion industry so I’m not sure if these people count but I have always admired Gwen Stefani’s personal style. Her makeup is flawless and she represents a perfect blend of old school glamour with her own edge to it. I feel as though she has never tried to play catch up or follow trends. She does things her own way and she always looking freaking amazing! Lately I cannot fault Solange Knowels. That girls personal style has evolved into something unique and it is extremely beautiful. She seems to find some amazing prints and I just love her hair.

 What trends are you drawing inspiration from right now?

 Hmmm I don’t really know. I don’t think I know what is in trend but for me personally it is nearly summer in Australia and I just spent a week in the South Pacific island of Samoa so I am really feeling the summer vibe. Anything that is girly and light; I seem to be drawn to. I also am looking forward to catching a little more sun so when I brown up I love wearing colours and white that make your skin look so golden brown (is that weird?).

 Do you have any favorite fashion blogs? Magazines? Website? If so, what are they?

We have a lovely Australian publication Magazine called Frankie and it is filled with beautiful fashion shoots. I would not wear a lot of the stuff it advertises but I always buy the mag and enjoy what they put forward every second month.

 I follow a few blogs and it is really hard to choose a favourite because each is really unique and I get different things from different blogs but I always seem to love the blog “big girls you are beautiful” she is a French girl and I just adore what she wears, her photos of her friends and the places they go....Its one person that I always look at and think..”oh my goodness, that is so cool”

 What kind of advice would you give to the lovely ladies who follow CRB, pertaining to how to create their very own personal style?

You have to do you. I guess its fun keeping up with the latest trends and must have items but I have really come to appreciate my own sense of style and I enjoy the search in thrift stores for items that my eyes are drawn to. I have a unique style compared to all my friends and family so I rarely ask them for advice when buying. I seem to know what I like and go for it. People who may not wear your style or get your taste cannot visualise the overall look or ever  imagine wearing certain pieces, but on you it may be perfect. So follow your instincts, dare to be different and enjoy the dress up game you get to play each day. It helps determine your mood and how the outside world view and react to you. Don’t be afraid to change it up and share the love by telling other women that they look great when you notice their personal fashion choices. It’s something so simple but I kind comment can mean the world to someone.