Blogger Ashley Dean is in short an inspiration. Going through a tough time in her life, she started a style blog Wise Rabbit Says to keep her focus on fashion and to share her style with other girls. Now at University, Ashley is continuing to work hard to achieve her dreams. We are regularly enthused by her free-spirited personal style and the soft photography that features in her blog. Read on to find out more and don’t forget to visit her blog HERE.

What inspired you to start blogging?
I was diagnosed in 2008 with a life threatening blood clot in a large vein in my head, amongst other things I had to re-think my plans for school and ultimately university. I deferred my uni place and took a year out after my A-levels to regain my strength, but wanted to make it a useful time. I started my blog so I could stay involved in the fashion “world” whilst completing an art foundation degree. That meant I was able to explore fashion, what inspires it and how it is created, developed and how ultimately it filters down to us mortals where we snatch it from the racks. After a month of looking at other blogs for inspiration and design ideas I started up Wise Rabbit Says. My blog is also a great help as I continue my studies now at university, allowing me to record what inspires me and the parts of fashion I love.

How would you describe your signature style?
Evolving. As I look through my blog I can see how my style has changed along with trends, my mood, my confidence and views at the time. I often lean towards things that are: ’70s vintage, but like a mix of styles that I try to blend together.

What advice do you have for girls who want to get into photography?
Go for it :). Be as creative as possible and try and look for different angles, light and locations to always make your photographs stand out. I take my Nikon D60 everywhere with me as you never know when you could capture an amazing image.

Who is your favourite blogger and why?
I love and follow a large number of blogs but my favourite at the moment has to be Jean Greige by Madeline. I love her eclectic style and how she mixes clothing and accessories. She is opening an online store with fellow blogger, Brit from Disarming Darling in December and I can’t way to see the garments.

Which are your favourite online stores and why?
I love Yayer they have a great mix of Vintage and modern clothes and they style the models brilliantly. I buy most of my clothes online (I have a shopping problem!). I’m also a huge fan of Topshop, H and M, Beyond Retro and Forever 21.

What are you wearing this A/W?
Lots of Velvet, faux fur and hats. I am going to be getting mileage from my summer shorts through styling and of course shoes, shoes, shoes. I was obsessed by the Michael Van Der Ham show where he featured lots of velvet dresses in beautiful jewel tones; I have found great high street alternatives at Topshop and Forever 21.

Do you think blogging has any negatives?
Yes, it does take up a lot of time especially when uni deadlines are imminent and I find myself constantly obsessing over what to post next! I have known fellow bloggers to be on the receiving end of negative comments but these are luckily rare. I think the positives aspects of blogging outweighs the negatives by far, you just have to be confident and believe in what you post and try as much as you can to help and get to know the blogging community.

How do you see your blog evolving over the next few years?
I would love to be more involved in the blogging community, going to more events and meeting others that have the same interests as me. I’m hoping that through my Fashion Communication and Promotion Degree my blog will improve as I’m introduced to more of the fashion world. I‘m currently in the process of setting up a Tumblr account so I can collect and share inspirational images alongside my personal style blog.

Finally, what is your most treasured item?
I love my vintage faux fur coat. It was a bargain from Reading Festival for £10 two years ago. I wear it every winter and it’s the warmest thing I have very owned!