Gorgeous Erika Bowes is one of our favourite fashion bloggers and she is only 17! Inspired by the ’90s and Tokyo street style, her take on current trends is refreshing and unique. Keeping on top of her style blog, whilst studying hard at college, Erika hopes to one day get into fashion journalism and we couldn’t wish her more success on her chosen career path. iFashion chatted to Erika about Rumi Neely, kawaii and of course the merits of being a fashion blogger. Read on to find out more and visit her blog HERE.

What inspired you to start Handful of Fashion?
When I was around 13, I started to use the internet more for fashion inspiration by looking on older girls’ blogs such as Rumi Neely’s Fashion Toast and others like that. I’ve always loved taking photos of what I wore to parties and out with my friends so I thought starting up a blog would be a good way for me to share my style with others and listen to their opinions about fashion!

How would you describe your signature style?
I don’t really know how to describe my style because it changes all the time. My favourite colour is black, but I’m obsessed with leopard print and studded items, so I would say I’m very grunge and punk at times. But I am also inspired by Tokyo street fashion, because my family is from there. Tokyo street style is very ‘Kawaii’ which means cute and the clothing consists of pastel colours, jewels and lace. Some days I like to combine girly with laid back and maybe wear a vintage football T-shirt and add lace around the collar with ripped jeans and Doc Martens.

Are you surprised by the response your blog has had thus far?
Yes, I honestly didn’t think I would pick up a response, nor have that many followers/viewers since I am only 17 and live in a small area in the UK. I love that I have thousands of viewers a day and receive lovely messages asking about my style and how old I was when I first started taking an interest in fashion. I have also had many modelling opportunities for vintage clothing stores and I get many collaboration offers! Free clothes are great!

What would be your dream career?
I would love to be a Fashion Editor. I love journalism and I study English language at college at the moment and hope to take it further. I hope my blog helps me get a job in the business.

Who is your favourite blogger and why?
The list is endless but I’d probably say Rumi Neely because we are similar in the way she is half Japanese half white, but different in our taste of clothing and I love seeing what she wears. She also travels around the world a lot and that makes her blog posts more interesting. The fact her blog has opened many opportunities for her gives me inspiration.

What are your favourite online stores and why?
My favourite online store would have to be Nasty Gal. I love all the bodies and the dresses; it has a wider range of style compared to UK stores. I love how the model is wearing a whole outfit with the item of clothing for sale because it also helps you get ideas of how the garment will look on you and what to wear it with.

What are you wearing this A/W?
I’m in love with velvet at the moment and my creepers! I’ve seen a couple of fluffy coats and parkas that I want to buy. Glitter is a big thing for me at Christmas; you always have to have sparkly clothing for Christmas parties! In the evenings I’ll probably be wearing my onesie!

Do you think blogging has any negatives?
It has more positives, but the negatives would have to be the amount of work you need to put in to keep your blog interesting and with school work and college it’s hard to update it all the time and keep in contact with followers. Also you get a lot of judgemental people who will say bad things about what you wear and what you look like, but it’s best to ignore that!

How do you see your blog evolving over the next few years?
I really do not know what is going to happen! I know I’ll be blogging for a long time because I love it! I hope I get to go to fashion shows/events and store openings as I have seen other bloggers go to them!

Finally, what is your most treasured item?
My £9 disco pants almost identical to the American Apparel £80 ones!