This week, we talked to Melanie Gunn from style blog Yes I Dress to find out more about her personal style and online business; unique fashion store Batoko. Catering to girls who want to stand out from the saturated high street market, with quirky and expressive clothing, Batoko is a treasure trove of vintage and pre-loved threads. Melanie’s inspiring self-started business is going from strength to strength, so we picked her brains about becoming self-employed and sourcing the latest trends.

Hi Melanie, what inspired you to start your style blog?
I’ve been following blogs forever and love the concept, but it didn’t really dawn on me to start up my own until early this year when I had a sudden feeling of ‘right, I’m going to give this a go’. I also love how fashion forward blogging is in terms of seasonal trends. It’s a great way to determine what my shoppers are going to want to see in my shop next season.

We love your online boutique, Batoko. What inspired you to start the website?
The inspiration for Batoko came mainly from my previous job. I worked as an in-house photographer/editor at an online fashion company, and although I loved my job role, I disliked the work ethic. I eventually left after three years and decided to put my skills into something/anything. Batoko kind of happened by accident, mainly from pure drive of wanting to work for myself. I originally starting making and selling recycled vintage jewellery, which then lead onto vintage clothing and accessories. I’ve just recently launched a whole new modern collection to the site, that in-keeping with my vintage products; consist of only limited stock designs.

What is the signature Batoko style?
Batoko is for the kind of girl that craves something different, who enjoys expressing herself through her clothes, yet doesn’t take herself too seriously.

What advice do you have for other young women who are eager to start their own internet business?
Go for it! Be inspired but think realistically, it’s probably not going to happen overnight and it’s going to take a lot of hard work, so self-motivation is a must (especially if you’re doing it solo). The best thing about having your own business is that when you’re doing something you love it doesn’t really feel like work and it can be so rewarding and fun.

Who is your favourite blogger and why?
I follow hundreds of blogs, but I am such a fan girl of Betty Autier from Le Blog De Betty. I find both her style and personality so fun and refreshing.

What are your favourite online stores and why?
ASOS is a must if I’m after something specific, but I tend to shop mostly on stores like Etsy, ASOS Marketplace and ebay simply because you can find such interesting one-off pieces (the vintage on ASOS Marketplace is incredible). I try my hardest to resist stealing from the Batoko racks, but sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) I cave.

What are you wearing this A/W?
This season I’m going a bit mad for metallic – shiny gold, silver and pewter. I also adore the masculine shirt collar/dicky bow trend; I think it looks so cute on girls!

Do you think blogging has any negatives?
With blogging you’re putting yourself out there and allowing people to express their opinions which may not reflect your own. If I can give one piece of advice, turn that ‘anonymous’ option off on your comments now.

How do you see your blog evolving over the next few years?
Blogging is like a whirlwind, I’ve met so many lovely people so far and the opportunities that have arisen are amazing. I think for the time being I’m just going to keep going with the flow and as long as I keep my subscribers inspired, I’m happy!

Finally, what is your most treasured item?
My absolute treasure is this big chunky cashmere jumper that I found in a local Charity shop for £2.40 and absolutely love. I bought it at the beginning of summer, so now it’s getting a bit colder out, I am wearing it at every opportunity.

Don’t forget to visit Melanie’s personal blog at: Yesidress.blogspot.com and her online shop Batoko.com to see what she has in store!