Blogger Nicola Kirkbride has won us over with her easy yet edgy dress sense and relaxed yet humorous writing. She is one of those rare bloggers whose daily style posts are injected with a big touch of personality. We can’t get enough of her ensembles, not to mention her killer shoe collection and multitude of amazing sweaters. We caught up with the Scottish fashionista to talk shopping and style.

What inspired you to start your style blog?
I study Fashion Management at uni and in third year we had an assignment in Fashion Communication, where we had to start our own blog. Mine was actually on vintage fashion and thrifting but I got a taste for blogging and after it was finished I started up Nicola Claire, my personal style blog.

If you had 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what would you throw on?
Ohhh I think I would pick one of my favourite statement pieces of the moment and build my look up around that, it could be a pair of shorts, a top, a bag or even a necklace. The outfit would of course also include some ridiculous heels. I like to make my looks feel balanced and always have to have the right mix of textures and structures.

We love your edgy style, created from pieces mainly available on the high street. What draws you to a particular item of clothing?
One of the things that draws me to an item is colour. Just now I’m loving deep burgundies or electric blues. Another thing that I’m drawn to is fabric. I love the sheer aesthetics just now and also bit of leather. Anything with a distinctive or interesting structure will win me over too!

Who is your favourite blogger and why?
I’m going to have to say Leandra of the Man Repeller, besides being ridiculously stylish she has a great sense of humour too and I think that’s really important in a blog.

What are your favourite online stores and why?
Of course ASOS is going to be up there, it’s just got such a diverse base of fashion from high street retailers to more premium fashion brands. Its delivery/returns service is amazing too! Another one I love is My-Wardrobe, but mostly just for staring at all of things I could buy in a dream world. Nasty Gal is amazing too but shipping to the UK can be a bit of a nightmare. My Yard has a similar sort of vibe though (and luckily it’s based in the UK).

Name one A/W trend that you love?
There were so many different kinds of hats on the catwalk for this A/W, beanies, fedoras, berets and even caps. I love hats for anytime of the year so this is always good news. Turtle necks are another one to look out for! Both of these choices are very practical, I’ve changed!

Do you think blogging has any negatives?
As with most things in life it can come with a few negatives but the positives definitely outweigh those. We are so lucky to live in a society where information is so readily available through the means of the internet and blogging is just one of those channels. It’s amazing that with the click of a button we can see what our favourite bloggers were wearing that day and I find that having a face and personality to put to the style only enhances that. Fortunately I haven’t experienced any negatives yet.

How do you see your blog evolving over the next few years?
Hopefully it will evolve as my style does, but right now I’m over the moon with the response I’ve had to my blog. I really appreciate every single person who subscribes and leaves comments and emails. I’m just glad people can find inspiration through my looks, and as long as they continue to do that over the years I will be more than happy!

What is on your A/W wishlist?
I’m still looking for the perfect coat for this winter, there are also SO many pairs of shoes that I want, including the pointed metal toe capped ones from Nowhere.

Finally, what is your most treasured item (be it clothing/jewellery/a hat/photo!)?
Can I say my dog?! If so, definitely my dog Charlie!

For more from Nicola check out her blog HERE.