‘I am a girl full of life, full of passion, full of Sparks and Fireworks!’ reads the introduction to Jessica Shearing’s style diary ‘Sparks and fireworks’. From the very first click, we were absolutely hooked. Truly engaging, with a genuine and deep love for fashion, Jessica’s blog is a must read. We caught up with the lovely girl for a deeper insight into her creative ambitions, style and why she loves blogging so much. Visit Sparksandfireworks.blogspot.com to see for yourself!

Hi Jess, what inspired you to start a blog?
I have always had a creative flare and love for fashion art and photography. When I decided to do a business degree I realised I needed a new creative outlet so that I could continue with both passions in my life. I wanted to have the blog to help me build and enhance my style, which I feel it really has! I also wanted to become part of the community after following blogs for about a year before I started.

What is your ‘signature’ look?
Ooooh…This is such a tough question! My look is constantly updating and evolving. I am a bit like a style chameleon. I have my girly days but then I also have my grungy days! I suppose you could say I try and keep my style classic with a bit of an edge. I might wear a really girly dress but I always feel the need to toughen it up with something like a leather jacket or biker boots. I always try to wear at lease one of these to complete my outfit: studs, spikes, feathers, gemstones, Navajo print or fringing!

Who is your favourite blogger and why?
I have so many favourite bloggers! I enjoy reading all the hugely popular blogs like The Blonde Salad, but I much prefer interacting with bloggers I know or feel I have built up a relationship with! Giselle from Style of a Fashionista constantly inspires me and I look up to her as not only does she have amazing style she also holds down a full-time managerial job as well as blog daily, that in my opinion takes some doing! I also love Belle de couture, A fashion love affair, and Gal meets Glam. Go check them out!

You have been blogging for a relatively short time and have become quite successful. What are your tips for girls who are new to blogging and want to build up their readership as quickly as possible?
Don’t even start; if your main aim is to blog to get a following then I don’t think it is worth starting. You have to really enjoy what you are doing and balance the want for more followers with the need to create quality content. If you really focus on creating the best content you can then this will come across to readers, they will recommend you to their friends and in no time people will start reading. I really don’t like the world ‘following’ I would much rather have engaged readers than a following, it makes them sound like sheep!

You got to go to LFW this year, what were your favourite shows?
I was really lucky to get to go to LFW, I met so many lovely people and other bloggers. I attended lots of the Vauxhall Fashion Shows, my favourite out of those being Jacob Kimmie, which I loved for all its contrast and dove print! I was also blown away by Inbar Spector, definitely my favourite show this year, the gowns were made up of concertina like detailing that looked similar to bee hives. The dresses filled the whole runway and the uproar of applause at the end was so well deserved! You really need to check this designer out!!

What other cool blogger events have you been to?
I attended The Only Way Is Blogging on Saturday, which was a master class of talks on various aspects of blogging. It was such a helpful event where I met loads of other bloggers and got to ask those burning questions that I have had since I started blogging! There was also make up tutorials from two make-up companies, Vivo and Fashionista Beauty, they even inspired me to be more creative with my make up. What would a blogger event be without some great freebies too?! I definitely recommend going to as many blogging events as possible, it is so great to turn fellow bloggers into close friends!

You have 10 minutes to get ready for a swanky party. What would you grab out of your wardrobe to wear?
My mum has always told me that as long as your hair and shoes look good, the middle doesn’t really matter. So going with this I would grab my favorite pair of heels (the biggest I own!) some leather shorts a plain tee and a blazer. I love the dressed up but still casual look!

Ever worn an outfit that you have regretted?
Yes!! Haven’t we all?! Haha, but that is the thing with fashion, some things when you look back on them are just completely cringe worthy! It is so good to look back and laugh at yourself! Although fashion comes back around, so when I have grandchildren I will be saying ‘I had the original of that, don’t think it is all new’.

Do you think blogging has any negatives?
I think everything in life has positives and negatives, as long as the positive always outweigh the negatives then it is worth doing! Blogging is so rewarding and there are so many opportunities, but it can be hard work and takes alot of commitment!

What items are on your A/W wishlist?
I have so many items on my wishlist always!! I am lusting after a Planet Blue Navajo print Mongolian lined jacket, some snow boots, (In case the rumors’ it will be hitting the UK are true!) I am also obsessing over Free People’s belle sleeve lace dresses! I can see me pairing them with leggings and over the knee boots!

Finally, how do you see ‘Sparks and Fireworks’ evolving over the next few years?
I have lots of things in the pipeline already! I am having a bit of an overhaul with the look of my blog, I want to make it more user friendly and exciting! I hope to continue inspiring and communicating with my lovely followers and I really want to make my blog more of a place to chat and interact, which I think, can be quite hard with the blogger platform. I love what I am doing now so want to continue and see where it leads me! I will finish my business degree next year so I can see my blog evolving very quickly from then. I have always wanted to start my own company and my own brand, so who knows, you may be seeing a Sparks and Fireworks company in the next few years!!