With fashion blogs and blogging being such a great source for real life fashion we caught up with Sydney fashion blogger Joelyne Karan of Sydney Girl to find out what inspires her and how she juggles work and blogging.

Tell us a little about yourself; what’s the day to day life like for the fashion blogger of The Sydney Girl?

I work a 9-5 job in Sydney city providing career information for people who want to study in Sydney. So in the evenings, on the weekend or when I can take some time off work, I like to have a creative outlet where I can share my fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips and rituals, to hopefully motivate and help others.

I’ve always wanted to share my knowledge with others, and I love hearing other people’s stories. So I am also inspired by my readers and other bloggers. It’s really a two way thing!

The kind of things I do in my ‘blogging time’ is visit fashion showrooms, attend fashion, beauty and lifestyle events which I think would bring something to my readers, read lots of books, look at other blogs, magazines and interact with other bloggers. I love Twitter and Facebook and interacting with people. I take lots and lots of photos, edit them, try different methods for achieving my goals and put it all up on my blog! - in a nutshell!

What fashion style and looks inspire you?

I don't think anyone else in the world has my style. I don't think anyone really should have a look that's the same as anyone elses. But it's wonderful to draw snippets of style from different places. I get my dose of style inspiration from other bloggers, magazines, fashion shows, TV shows, movies and eras.

The 60's mod girl style I really love, but I like to put my own twist on it. I like a balance of feminine and masculine. Pretty and soft, mixed with edgy and strong.

Who’s fashion sense captures your attention?

Fictional characters like Carrie from Sex and the City and the Gossip Girl stars Blair and Serena.

What do you enjoy most about the blogging about fashion and life?

Fashion is exciting and a way for people to express themselves and find pieces that they love to wear that makes them feel good. I love being a part of that process. And life itself is something not to be taken for granted – I truly enjoy my life, because I set goals and achieve them. It’s quite magical how things come together, and I like showing others the possibilities out there.

What’s been the hardest part or experience you’ve had since starting your fashion blog?

The hardest part was the whole process of figuring out that I couldn’t please everyone. I couldn’t take outfit shots every day or post editorials all the time – which is something a lot of readers love. But I can be me, and I have a lot to offer. So now I blog about what I’m truly passionate about. I guess it was a hard experience, but a learning experience to – so I’m really glad for it.

What’s been the best thing for your fashion blog that you just stumbled upon?

GIMP – the editing software. I have so much fun using it and making my photos stand out.

What do you think has been a really important regular activity with your social media that’s helped you grow?

Asking people questions on Twitter that I don’t know the answer to. It’s helped me SO much. I’ve bought my iMac Pro and Kindle with the help of my Twitter friends!

Do you hope to be able to make a living from your fashion blog?

I would love to be able to work full time in something I have so much fun with, and which means so much to me. So yes, I do hope I can!

What are the hopes and plans for the Sydney Girl blog in the year ahead?

In the next year I would like to collaborate with brands I love. That’s a dream, but dreams can become a reality, can’t they?!

What would be your top 5 fashion tips?

1. Be you and completely you.

2. Spend a little more on one quality item rather than many flimsy ones.

3. Always buy leather shoes.

4. Experiment to find what you feel most confident in.

5. Have an organised closet. Otherwise you won’t be able to match your outfits as best you can.