Zoë Namey of Zoe with Love

Zoë with Love is currently one of Pittsburgh’s fastest growing blogs and we had the chance to talk exclusively with the girl behind it all, Zoë Namey. Zoë with Love is not just another fashion blog, it has many layers in addition to fashion posts, including: home and design, floral and garden, and family. Read on to learn more about Zoë and her blog!

Maniac Magazine: How did you first become interested in blogging?
Zoë Namey: I really was just looking for a creative outlet. I’d always been a creative person, but felt like I lost touch with it a bit after finishing school. I actually first started a blog back in 2012, but stopped when becoming pregnant with my son. After being away from the blogging world for a year or so I decided that I did miss it and wanted to start back up again. I wanted something new that would focus on where I was in my life, and that included lifestyle as a whole. That’s where Zoë With Love came from.

MM: What is your favorite part about blogging?
ZN: Having a way to showcase what I can do an what I want to say. It’s like my special place on the internet and on social media. Oh, and I’ve met some amazing local girls and businesses that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to otherwise. It’s amazing how far blogging has come, really.

MM: Who are some bloggers that inspire you and why?
ZN: Right now, I’m so impressed by style bloggers that are new moms. Taylor Sterling the creator of Glitter Guide, Amber Fillerup of Barefoot Blonde, and Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies are all very successful woman and mothers who are pretty amazing and inspire me with how they balance their time.

MM: How would you describe your personal style?
ZN: Still evolving. I feel like the more personal growth I have, the more my own style grows. I’ve always had an affinity for pretty dresses and skirts, along with more casual yet dressy looks. I still gravitate toward girlie looks and dresses, but there’s definitely a lot more maturity behind my style decisions now.

MM: What is your current go-to piece of clothing?
ZN: I am a coat fanatic. Every year I find myself collecting at least one more coat. If you think about it, most of the time we have, what.. a 5 or 6 month cold season? Fashionable outerwear is crucial to a look and I’ve found myself reaching for my favorite leopard coat quite a bit lately.

MM: If you could pick any past trend to make a comeback this year, what would it be?
ZN: It’s funny, I thought about this question for awhile and cringed a lot. I think most notable trends are trends for a reason and need to stay in the past. Fashion, however, is always recreating and recycling itself which is kind of magical in its own way.

MM: What goals do you have for your blog and personal style for 2016?
ZN: As far as blogging goals, I really want to stick with a better content schedule, I’m working on it! I’m still getting used to the mom/blogger time balance thing. I also need to get better at the tech side because I am pretty terrible at keeping up with it. June will mark a year since I launched Zoe With Love and I didn’t write down any big goals or try to streamline the trajectory of the blog or anything like that. I kind of just work and let things happen. Regarding my personal style, I want it to keep growing with me. My outlook on life has changed dramatically in the past couple of years, like I’ve really grown up. I feel like that’s starting to be reflected in my personal style.

MM: What sets your blog apart from other fashion blogs?
ZN: Well it’s very me, and I share more than fashion related posts. It’s more like an insight into my life, especially with the extension of social media. Things like my home decorating, gardening, a simple recipe here and there, but then I also focus on realistic fashion choices. I also have a pop-up flower bar that I host which is always a lot of fun. It gives me the chance to get out from behind the screen and work with other Pittsburgh businesses and of course flowers, which I’m kind of obsessed with.

MM: What advice can you give to aspiring bloggers?
ZN: That big cliche, just be yourself. Have your own way of doing things and don’t worry if it’s different than others, because it’s what will make you stand out.

MM: What is your most maniac moment?
ZN: Everyday with my son is a maniac moment.

Check out her website and follow her on Instagram!