Fashion Files Magazine: Who's That Blogger?
Dree Harper, Create That Style
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 08 January 2012 13:22
- Written by Anna Marevska
Dree Harper of Create That Style, photo courtesy of Create That Style
I am so thrilled to introduce our next Who's That Blogger? spotlight, not only because her impeccable taste has captured the hearts of many but also because she is our very first "out of town" blogger we highlight in the series. Marjorie Harper, a.k.a. Dree, hails from Florida and is the blogger behind Create That Style, where she pens her vintage-meets-modern fashion musings. She is also a super mom, a stylist, a personal shopper, a fashion expert for HSN, and recently added a Refeinery29 contributing writer gig to her packed resume. Dree and I "met" on Twitter and bonded during our a many Project Runway Twitter Parties last season (join us for Project Runway All Stars!). She is smart, charming, with a unique sense of style and does not take herself too seriously - the perfect concoction for a successful fashion blog.
FFMag: Tell our readers a little about yourself. How did you get into blogging?
Dree: I owned an online vintage clothing shop called theURBANcollection for five years and then had my son in 2009. It was then that I decided to close up shop and focus on being a mother. The blog was created so that I could have an online presence, a portfolio of sorts that allows me to continue my dialogue about fashion and style. It's been fun!
FFMag: What are your style words to live by?
D: Be me. Offer my point of view.
FFMag: How would you describe the style scene in Florida?
D: I live in Saint Petersburg, Fla., a scenic water town on Tampa Bay. It's certainly a far cry from my roots of Seattle. Sunshine allows for more skin, more color [and] more expression. I live in a town that has a college scene so there are tons of cute dressers here. There's a strong influence of the 70s, bohemian, rock, hipster....pretty much what you'll find in any college town. Less layers, though!
FFMag: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.
D: I am a certified herbalist having studied at The Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies in Boulder, Colo.
FFMag: Who are your style icons? 
D: I have many but from the 70s - Jimmi Hendrix, Talitha Getty, Ali MacGraw, Cher. Bohemian and gypsy styles have always been a big part of my style. I'm sad it's become so "trendy." Modern icons include Giovanna Battaglia, Kate Moss, Christine Centenera, Natalie Joos. Anyone with a distinctive and unique point a of view.
FFMag: Who are your favorite designers?
D: I love prints and the innovation behind masterfully mixing them. So I ADORE Dries Van Noten, Etro, Erdem, Peter Pilotto. I have had a lifelong affection for Ralph Lauren as well. That man can do no wrong!
FFMag: What is your fantasy purchase?
D: Just one? How about a few? A pair of Dries Van Noten silky, wide leg, printed pants. A vintage Ralph Lauren blanket cardigan and a vintage Oscar de la Renta floorlength gown - in particular a strapless, ethnic printed one he did in the 70s.
FFMag: What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
D: An LBD that highlights her best and hides her worst. One that can be styled countless ways.
FFMag: What piece of jewelry should every woman have?
D: A classic watch. Whether it's feminine and classic or timeless and masculine, I think a watch is a cool part of personal style. Plus it's functional!
FFMag: Finish the sentence: If I was not in the fashion industry I would be…
D: An interior designer or a curator for spaces. I want to get paid shopping at flea markets for people!
FFMag: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
D: Strong colors. Prints. I adore designers like Mary Katranzou, who really bring artistic prints to the table. I also enjoy Jenna Lyons of J.Crew and her cool spin on high/low mixing, not to mention her love for saturated hues and bringing fresh perspectives on how to wear them.
FFMag: What trends from the past would you like to make a comeback?
D: Well, they've made a comeback already but if 30s/40s style tea dresses stay, I'm not complaining. I like how Miuccia Prada has focused on modernizing the whole vibe. If "The Talented Mr. Ripley" weren't so creepy, I'd watch it all the time for the fashionable eye-candy. There's something so alluring about an effortless yet ultra feminine look. The elegance behind it far outweighs the over-the-top sexiness we see in some cultures. Enough with the skin tight, satin mini dresses, spilling cleavage, long extensions and 7 inch platform heels!
FFMag: What’s your secret cheapie?
D: Jewelry. I gather costume jewelry from flea markets, Forever21, H&M.
FFMag: And what do you usually splurge on?
D: Shoes and Bags!
FFMag: What are your favorite fashion blogs? Why?
D: Tales of Endearment for the writing and photographs; Natalie Joos' perspective is extremely unique. StreetFsn and Jak&Jil for street style, ClosetVisit for wardrobe inspiration. I love seeing other people's collections.
FFMag: What is your signature scent?
D: Hermès Eau Claire Des Merveilles
FFMag What is your favorite grooming essential?
D: CeraVe creme moisturizer in a tub for my skin, Organix Argan Oil for my hair. Hello Flawless by Benefit for makeup.
FFMag: What’s your favorite… Gadget?
D: My iPhone.
FFMag: Hostess gift?
D: A bag of Tully's coffee from Seattle. My mom sends them to me by the dozens.
FFMag: Comfort food?
D: A creamy tomato & basil soup with some crushed crackers. Maybe a grilled cheese on the side.
FFMag Wine?
D: Sauvignon Blanc by Estancia or Rodney Strong. Awesome wine, awesome value.
FFMag: Pastime?
D: Hiking when I'm back home or in Colorado. Here in Florida: biking or playing at the park with my husband and son. Outdoor activities ground me. I adore fashion but it's not my God.
FFMag Accessory?
D: My Dad's vintage gold Seiko watch.
