I’ve spent a lot of my life living in the Midwest… growing up in Chicago, going to school in Milwaukee and working out of St. Louis; and let me tell you – this part of the world is not exactly known for it’s fashion sense. Perhaps it is that fact that has me following a number of Midwest-based inspirational fashion bloggers. Tieka from Selective Potential is the exception to the ‘Midwest-rule.’ She’s got style, class and a whole lot of personality.
Where does the name come from? I wanted something really universal that could grow with me as my blog turned into a personal diary type blog into a fashion blog – into maybe something else in the future. I always felt I had potential but never felt I was living up to it until just a few years ago – I wanted it to mean that I have the power of selecting my potential, if that even makes sense. Haha!
When did you start the blog? I started it September 2009.
How has your blog changed over the months/years? In the very very beginning (before Sept 2009), it was just a personal journal showcasing our trips and things my husband and I did together. Then, it turned into a personal style blog and has just evolved continuously from there.
City you are based out of: Grand Rapids, MI
How does your location help or hinder your blog? Definitely helps. My personal style is so defined by our seasons here in Michigan. It’s so easy to look out the window and become inspired by whatever season we’re in.
What would you say the mission of your blog is? At first it was to help me develop my own personal style, now that I feel I have my own style.. I do it just for fun. It’s seriously a blast.
How many hours a week do you spend working on it? Probably 30.
How has this blog changed your life? In the beginning, it helped me with my confidence, developing a personal style and learning more about social networking, html coding, design, etc. It helped me win the excellence award when I graduated from college and it was a huge reason why I landed my career. It’s been the best investment I’ve ever made.
Besides this blog, what do you do professionally? I’m a graphic designer.
In 5 words or less how would you describe your personal style? Floral, grunge, girly, surroundings, seasons.
What would you say is the hardest part about blogging? Definitely the time it takes – it takes a lot of time to answer emails, update online communities, take outfit pictures, edit pictures, formspring, twitter, facebook, chictopia, weardrobe, lookbook., sponsors, etc, etc. It’s insane sometimes!
What is your one golden piece of shopping advice? Think about where you’re going or where you’ll be wearing whatever you want to buy. It helps me to blend in with my surroundings and makes shopping a lot easier.
What is the most rewarding part? Definitely the friendships I’ve made and all I’ve learned about myself – with my style and seeing my life unfold on a blog helps me want to become a better person to inspire other girls.
If you had to pick one mantra for life, what would yours be? Every day counts. I say it everyday to myself.. to remind myself that no matter the day, it counts. It helped as I was losing weight, it helped as I was working on the blog, going to school, every day that was crummy and I didn’t feel like doing anything – I just always reminded myself that “every day counts”.
What are your favorite items in your closet? My Jeffrey Campbell lace up boots, any floral dress in my closet, my black opaque tights and my H&M olive green cardigan. I could live in those items.
In your opinion, every woman should own: Liquid eyeliner.
A woman’s most beautiful feature is her: Confidence.
Where do you see your blog in 5 years? I see it much the same – outfit photos, trips our family takes, things about Brett and I. There will definitely be some pregnancy outfit posts in there – and definitely a little bit about at least one baby. 
What in your wardrobe could you not stand to part with, ever? My namesake dress from ModCloth.
What would you say to a woman who bemoans the fact that she is not the ‘ideal’ bodyshape? I would just tell her that there is no “ideal” bodyshape – every woman comes in different shapes and sizes and the most beautiful women are the ones who embrace their body and style their outfits around their body, not their body around their outfits.
What are some of your favorite blogs to read? Delightfully Tacky, Jen Loves Kev, Orchid Grey, Flashes of Style, Fancy fine.
Do you have an fool-proof home beauty remedies? Clinique Clarifying Lotion. As soon as I started using it, my skin changed completely – even after just a couple of days.
What is the most innovative fashion statement you’ve rocked? When I first started my blog, I used to get a ton of compliments on my belted scarves. I’m not sure it’s the most innovative though.
One trend you would like to never see again is: I personally don’t like harlem pants, but I don’t judge anymore who can work them!
For the fall you are coveting: Orange and brown colors, oversized cardigans, chunky belts, autumnal prints
Favorite designer: Jeffrey Campbell – love all of his shoes.
Favorite color to wear: I really love a pop of red in an outfit.
Favorite fashion accessory: Scarves – they are the cheapest way to spruce up an outfit.
Which celebrities style do you envy? Rachel Bilson, Diane Kruger
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I love reading Tieka's blog. This is a really great profile. Thanks for interviewing her! And thanks, Tieka, for participating. I love hearing about what my favorite bloggers love and love to wear. It's really inspiring.
Damn, I wish I could pull of liquid liner like this beauty!
Thank you so much for the lovely feature!! It means the world!
I love Tieka!! She's adorable. Thank you for featuring her!! The interview questions were really interesting.
Oooh, she's so cute… love her hair and style! She does have a great location for shooting outfit posts for sure!
Thanks for sharing, i love these posts.
x.o.x.o
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