coffee and a cardigan

This week I've had the pleasure of getting to know Louise of Coffee and a Cardigan. Not only is she super beautiful and stylish, but she is also a full time mom and wife. Definitely an amazing lady! Read my interview with her below and visit her blog to read her feature with me! Don't forget to follow her! She's an interesting read.

Tell me a little about yourself before we begin.

My name is Louise!  I recently moved from Portland to a small town called Mount Angel.  I'm living the country life and I love it!  I live with my husband Darin, my daughter Rowena (pronounced 'Rowenna') and our cat Milton.

Why did you start a style blog?

I just ended a 5-year stint at Gap, and I was in desperate need of a fashion outlet.  I've wanted to start a blog for so long, but was intimidated by it. I finally got over the fear of rejection, and haven't regretted it.

What fashion blogs do you read?

Some Girls Wander was my first 'inspiration' blog. I also enjoy What I Wore, Lulu Letty, Already Pretty, Idee Geniale, and Delightfully Tacky.

Who are your style inspirations?
Judy Garland, Daria, Black Apple paintings, Joan Holloway, and Gene Kelly.

What music do you listen to?

Oh gosh. I love bluegrass, The Monkees, hip-hop, Ella Fitzgerald, Gregorian chant, Indigo Girls, Nickel Creek, Newton Faulkner, Barenaked Ladies, and Mozart.  Jennifer Knapp's Kansas album is probably my sentimental favorite.  When I lived in Portland, I was in a really intense polyphony/Gregorian chant choir. Leaving the choir was one of the saddest parts of moving from Portland.

What movies are your favorites?

I need to preface this by saying that when all the other kids had NSYNC plastered on their bedroom walls, Fred Astaire adorned mine.  Musicals and classics are my favorite.  Others include Gentlemen Broncos, Run Lola Run, Napoleon Dynamite, Kill Bill, Amelie, You Can't Take It With You, War of the Buttons, and Life is Beautiful. I also love anything Hitchcock. Or with Fred Astaire! 

Favorite books? 

Brideshead Revisited, Ivanhoe, The Man Who Was Thursday, Maus: A Survivor's Tale, Shakespeare, Agatha Christie, Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, the Brothers Grimm

Tell me about Rowena! She's adorable.

Thank you so much!  My daughter is two years old, has a splendid sense of humor and politeness, and has definitely made my life better.  Her favorite pastimes are reading books out loud on our bed and playing tag with our fluffy cat, Milton.  I used to be worried that once I became a mother, I would be less Louise. I was so wrong!  I am even more Louise.  Motherhood has definitely made me a better version of myself.

Favorite places to shop?

Three times a year the Antique and Collectible Show in Portland occurs; it is the best place for vintage, and so much fun to attend.  I also like Gap, Etsy, Anthropologie, Forever 21, and thrift stores.

How would you describe your personal style?

A little old lady, a little modern, always with a sense of humor. No rules.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Cardigans!  I also love my scarves and hats. I am absolutely addicted to shoes; I am a shoe collector of sorts.  I just can't have enough!  I may need intervention.

Louise, it's been a wonder to get to know a little about you! I know the blogging world will feel the same way.

Thanks for reading,

Anna Rose