Photos by Valerie Keeler and courtesy of @mariesbazaar
Ready to elevate your fashion game? Ottawa fashion bloggers are supporting local and are helping to boost the style quotient across the city. Blogger collaborations with local boutiques and Canadian brands are taking off and companies, big and small are looking to Ottawa for these bloggers perspective. Marie Ernst is one of Ottawa’s top influencers who is making waves in the blogging community and is proving that this political city has style.
We spoke with Marie about her decision to be a fashion blogger and how her focus is all about honing her personal style.
Ottawa Life Magazine: What does #OttawaStyle mean to you?
Marie Ernst: Ottawa is such a warm and comfortable city to live in, so to me, that's exactly what it means. Finding comfort in what you wear.
Tell me how you define your style and how it separates you from the rest?
I think my style is casual chic and I love to stay feminine with what I wear. I tend to stay away from big designer brands and show women they don't need to spend a million to look like it.
How does dressing differ from the work week to the weekend?
I am pretty consistent with my style, but I tend to be in jeans and sneakers a lot more when I don't have any plans.
If you could only have a few items in your closet, what would you need?
Definitely a pair of fitted skinny jeans! I live in them. A nice bag always brings your outfit to the next level. And a cozy sweater to wrap yourself in.
How do you hope you can help others looking to garner their own sense of style?
I hope to show that being comfortable with yourself is the most important. If you don't feel good in what you are wearing, it won't work. And that a smile is the best accessory you have!
What are some of your favourite brands and shops around Ottawa?
Zara has always been my favorite store for everything feminine and unique and Dynamite Clothing has a lot of affordable staples.
When it comes to fashion in Ottawa, what sort of changes would you like to see?
People need to be confident in their fashion choices. Many people in Ottawa are too afraid to push their boundaries – even if they want to! I hope Ottawa can become a fashion forward destination, even in winter!
Tell us why you started your blog and what gap in the style community were you looking to fill?
I started my blog as a way to share what fits and works for me. I realized a lot of young women are scared of fashion, because the only inspiration we are used to have comes from supermodels and designers. I want to be part of the movement that empowers women to be true to who they are and what they like, regardless of what society tells us to do.
What does it take to become an influential style blogger and maintain your status in the Ottawa community?
To me, consistency, patience and passion have been key to getting to where I am right now!
Follow Marie Ernst online:
Instagram: @mariesbazaar
Website: mariesbazaar.com
