Through the ages, influential men and women beyond designers and garment makers have risen to define popular fashion. From Marie Antoinette's provocative avant-garde ensembles and Katherine Hepburn's re-appropriation of menswear to Jackie O's Chanel suit, fashion icons have emerged redefining style for their time and generations to come.
However, the 21st century has marked a new kind of style influencer – the blogger. Bloggers from around the globe are sharing their style with thousands (sometimes millions) of attentive "followers," changing the direction of the fashion industry more quickly than ever before. These bloggers can now be found on the front row of the biggest fashion shows in the world, creating their own clothing and accessory lines and becoming spokespeople for major worldwide brands.
What does this mean for you? Instantaneous inspiration. Now you don't have to wait for your favorite fashion magazine to hit the newsstands each month. You can get a daily dose of the latest trends from around the world each morning while perusing your closet for the next fabulous statement outfit. In this month's style post, I will introduce you to five of my favorite bloggers defining style on the Internet today.
Top Five Style Icons to Follow
Blog: songofstyle.com | Instagram @songofstyle
Aimee Song is leading the blogger-style movement on her blog, Song of Style. From her front-row seat at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to a recent collaboration with Cover Girl Cosmetics, Song is trendsetting her way to the top of the glamour pyramid, and some of the world's biggest brands are taking notes from her.
Blog: thechroniclesofher.blogspot.com/| Instagram @chroniclesofher_
Australian beauty Carmen Hamilton chronicles her life Down Under through imagery on her chic blog, The Chronicles of Her. This Vogue Australia style contributor embraces the basics and exudes an effortless cool with her monochromatic color palette and tailored style.
Website: ssssociety.com | Instagram: @aguynamedpatrick
Recently named The 2014CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)FashionInstagrammer of the Year, Patrick Janelle is proving that men are doing their part to define style. His exploration of NYC, impeccable style and gang of stylish friends is documented on his award-winning Instagram feed, @aguynamedpatrick.
Blog: paridust.com | Instagram @paridust
The place in space and time where art and fashion collide is the point where you will find blogger Pari Ehsan. Ehsan's blog, Paridust, showcases the delicate balance overlapping visual art and designer fashion. Each carefully curated post provides insight into the selected art and paired fashion garments. Her bio simply states: "Style inspired by all the exquisite art & architecture that surround me." Get inspired!
Blog: kellygolightly.com | Instagram: @kellygolightly
If you mix one part Audrey Hepburn, one part Ralph Lauren and a dash of pop color, you will get the fun and fresh fashionista – Kelly Lee aka Kelly Golightly. One visit to Lee's site, and you will feel transported to another time and place where elegance reigned supreme and a girl never left the house without a smile.
BONUS: For all things fashion from New York to Paris, connect with NY Times Fashion via Instagram @nytimesfashion.
Fort Worth, Texas magazine welcomes a new addition to the style team – Fort Worth fashion blogger Holland Sanders of Haute Holland. Join her each month as she celebrates the evolving world of style, introducing readers to the hottest trends and latest fashion topics.
Blog: hauteholland.com | Instagram @hauteholland
