Continuing our Hot Blogger Series, allow me to introduce you to Shanequa of Fashion Pad.  Since early 2008, Shanequa has been writing about the evolution of her style and learning on the ins and outs of the fashion industry. We asked her about her personal style, her schooling in the fashion field, and her style and image consulting business. Read on to see what she had to say!

Kaboodle: How has your personal style changed over the years? Have you always be into fashion?
Shanequa: My personal style has changed significantly over the years. When I was younger I used to be a tomboy so it was t-shirts, baggy jeans, and the latest tennis shoes for me.  Then, when I entered high school I started to take better care of my appearance. The real focus on fashion came when I entered college. I was inspired by all my fashionista friends and I really loved trying out different combinations of clothes and color schemes.  I really love Zara, ASOS, Banana Republic, fun tops from Forever 21, and quirky dresses and blazers from Urban Outfitters to name a few.


K: You’re going to school to obtain a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising.  What tools would you consider "must-haves” as a student in this field?
S: Time and patience. The field of fashion is extremely detail oriented and you need to be patient when constructing garments and developing business plans. In addition, you need to understand that you’re going to have to invest a lot of time into your studies. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to sit patiently and remove stitching…over and over again.

K: What would you never leave your house without?
S: A pair of earrings on and a designer bag. My favorites: Cole Haan, Furla, and Elliot Lucca.

K: You seem to have a fab collection of shoes—where do you find your favorite pairs?
S: I purchase the majority of my shoes from Bloomingdales, Bluefly, Nordstrom, and random fast fashion stores such as ALDO, Forever 21, and Steve Madden.


K: What is your hands-down favorite place to shop online?
S: Hands-down would be ASOS. With so many affordable selections and quick delivery, they are the number one shopping site on my list of favorites.

K: What is your most recent purchase?
S: I bought a pair of heels from the Jessica Simpson collection, the Dany platform shoe in black.

K: If you could splurge on anything right now, what would it be?
S: I would definitely scoop up a pair of Christian Louboutin classic high-heeled pumps. His shoes are sooooo sexy.

Check out Shanequa’s suggested wardrobe staples alongside our examples in this fashionably educational slideshow and let us know what you think about her style!