Katelyn Zborowski is a Canadian girl with California dreams. She blogs her personal style and beauty obsessions and dreams of a life in fashion editorial.

Katelyn Zborowski

Since our interview, Katyeln has taken her katelynsaid.com offline – 

It’s been an incredible journey building this site, meeting so many people and working with some of my absolute favourite brands. Thank you for reading, commenting and making the past six years everything that it’s been.

How did you start blogging about beauty and fashion?

I read other blogs for a really long time and one day thought, “I could do this.” It just so happened I was searching for a creative outlet around the same time, so it just sort of happened. In January 2012 I launched my site with a horrible design and struggled for a while to find my “voice”. Now just over a year later, I couldn’t have imagined the great things that would come from it.

We love your website it is so clean and fresh. Describe your blog for our readers – what sets it apart from other fashion blogs?

Thank you! I think the design reflects the overall goal of my blog, to present a clear and honest peak into my life, style, and opinions. I’ve gotten away from the cutesy style blogging that a lot of people fall into and like focusing on good images, interesting but realistic ways of wearing things, and sharing only about beauty and makeup items I actually do love. I don’t hold myself to a strict posting schedule and would rather skip a day or two than post something for the sake of posting. I think that’s what sets me apart from other fashion blogs the most. I mean, the Internet really is forever so why would I want to post something with bad lighting or anything I’m not proud to have my name behind?

How would you describe your style?

It all depends on how I feel when I wake up. Some days I dress super casual, in ankle boots and jeggings with a shawl and chunky scarf. Other days I want to wear 5 inch heels, a skirt, and faux fur. I would probably say I’m best classified as “bohemian chic” on most days, but I have no problem switching gears and going for ultra glam or preppy.

What inspires you?

I know it’s not the most socially acceptable answer, but success really inspires me. If I read about someone who has made something from nothing, or has made smart business decisions, it inspires me. I’ve never really been the person who does creative things just because I’m a creative person, I do things because I’m always working on building my skills and making new accomplishments.

Do you ever given fashion advice to your husband?

All the time. He has pretty good style all on his own, though. Usually if we’re going out somewhere he’ll ask, “is this okay?” or mention a top or something he saw and ask for my opinion. It’s rare that he’s totally off base.

We both love H&M and are praying that one day Ottawa will finally get a store. What store is on your wish list for Ottawa?

I think it’s really odd that H&M doesn’t have an Ottawa location. I hear that one is coming but not until 2015, which sucks because I seriously doubt I’ll be in Ottawa at that time and would have loved to see how they target the more conservatively dressed crowd that lives here. I think that Ottawa could really use a bigger and better Holt Renfrew, and the people here would love a Topshop and J Crew.

I love Moroccan Oil and cannot live without it. You had the opportunity to work with the brand, can you tell us a bit about it?

Moroccan Oil is a life saver. I had the most horrible hair experience at a downtown salon last February, in which I attempted to go ombre and they destroyed my hair. I used Moroccan Oil’s treatments religiously and, a year later, my hair is in a much better spot. I had the chance to try out two of their new products, both Luminous Hair Sprays. I did a post and video about them (I doubt the video is still on my YouTube channel, however) and can honestly say they were amazing products. I still use the hairspray!

You are also a personal shopper and stylist. What is the best part of those jobs?

To be completely honest, I only recently made those official services of mine. I’ve long been the friend who comes over to choose outfits, or shops with a friend or coworker to help them upgrade their wardrobe, and now realize that’s a profession in its own right. In October 2012, I worked with NYC fashion stylist Alison Stewart on a project for QC Style Academy. I directed the filming of all the course videos for an upcoming course in personal styling, and was Alison’s assistant when it came to doing the shopping and building outfits for all the models. It was extremely exciting and I think what I loved most was being able to work with other body types aside from my own and see how happy each person looked and felt in the clothes.

If money was no object and you could magically have one dream outfit what would it be?

Just about anything worn by Shea Marie on www.peaceloveshea.com. That girl has a serious wardrobe.

Let’s hear a little bit about you…

Where is your favorite place to shop?

When I go to the US to shop, I love Neiman Marcus and Macys. I could spend hours in those stores. When I was NYC last September for a blogging conference, I went to the world’s largest Macys off of Broadway and could have just slept there. It’s a gorgeous store and packed absolutely full of anything a girl could ever want. In Canada, I adore The Bay (well, certain locations) as well as Aritzia, H&M and Urban Outfitters.

What are some of your favorite 2013 spring/summer trends?

Anything 70s inspired. We’re going to see a lot of retro pieces once again and I’m so excited!

What is your favorite piece of clothing you own?

I have this one black key-hole neckline dress from Inlovewithfashion.com that has gold glitter all over it and I love it. The only thing is, it’s totally a holiday dress so I can’t really get away with wearing it any other time of the year.

What are three beauty products you cannot live without?

Clinique’s Dramatically Different moisturizer, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia, and St Tropez Bronzing Mousse.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I feel like it’s difficult to get access to many amazing designers in Canada, simply because their pieces aren’t widely available in Canadian stores. With that being said, however, I do really like Zac Posen, Charlotte Ronson, and am surprised to say Lauren Conrad’s Paper Crown line is pretty amazing.

We are both shoeaholics. What is your “go to” pair of shoes for everyday and a night on the town?

I have a black suede pair of pumps from Nine West called “Drought” that I wear all the time. They are the comfiest heels I’ve ever owned.

Do you have an upcoming projects that you would like to share with us?

Aside from my regular style posts, beauty reviews, and social media work there aren’t too many things on-the-go right now. I’m still regularly posting for the BB Skinny blog with Billings Bridge and plan on stepping up my game with YouTube, but I’m really determined to make 2013 “my” year and just enjoy life. I’m hoping to get out to LA for a few days in the summer, spend some time at the cottage, and spend Christmas 2013 in Los Cabos. I’m really focusing on travel, going to concerts, and just having a good time this year.

Finally if you could offer one style tip, what would it be?

My number one style tip is to wear clothing that fits, and not to concentrate so heavily on the size the tag says. If you “always” wear a size 6, but the size 8 fits better, get the size 8. There’s nothing that kills an outfit as quickly as a piece being too tight or too short. Plus, no one’s going to be digging around in your top to find the size tag anyways!