Allora Grace: Q&A
Let’s take a minute to get acquainted. Ready, set, go!
Q: Tell us about you!
A: My name is Grace. I’m in my mid-twenties (27 is still mid, right? Please say yes!) and live just outside of charming Boston, MA. I prefer beaches over lakes, chocolate over sour candy, and I’m happiest with a glass of red wine or a margarita in my hand. My favorite hobbies are yoga and writing. I enjoy hosting dinner parties with close friends, curling up on my porch with a cup of coffee and my journal, and indulging in the same TV shows over and over again (anyone else seen Parks & Rec 600 times?). And, I love anything and everything related to design and style… which leads in perfectly to my next question.
Q: What do you plan to write about on Allora Grace?
A: Allora Grace is my personal space to indulge in my own creative interests, and in turn, I hope I spark your own creativity. My special gifts include design, styling, and visual strategy (you can learn more about how I came to the realization in THIS blog post). Through Allora Grace, I hope to offer inspiration to seamlessly integrate design and style into your own life, however that looks for you. This can include, home design and decor inspo, fashion tips, and more. You may also see some of my other interests or personal stories pop up as well.
Q: Why did you start your blog in the first place?
A: Just a couple years ago, I realized that creativity and authenticity were two of my core values. Since then, I wrote and published poetry, I took interior design and Photoshop courses, I designed content for my Instagram; I did any little or big thing I could to feel the two things that I knew brought me a personal sense of fulfillment. And the more I did these things, the more I wanted to have a space truly dedicated to my interests, hobbies, and special gifts. Allora Grace is that personal space, where I can now fully and unapologetically indulge in my own creativity and, hopefully, inspire others to do the same.
Q: How did you come up with your blog’s name?
A: The word “allora” has held a special meaning for me since my first abroad experience in Italy in 2014. The word itself doesn’t actually mean much of anything. It’s more of a filler word, similar to “well” or “so”, something you use to transition from thought to thought. When contemplating my blog’s name, I wanted it to be meaningful to me, reflective of who I am, and fit well with my first name, Grace. When I put the two together, I was sold. Not only did the name blend my Italian heritage and part of my identity, but it also represented how I want my blog to feel to my readers. Allora: a pause in your thoughts. A moment of indulgence. A chance to get lost and wander before jumping to the next thing in our seemingly endlessly busy lives. So, violà, Allora Grace was born.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Simple. Classic. Sophisticated. Practical.
Q: What’s your price point for your wardrobe items?
A: I personally don’t think you need to spend a lot of money to have great style. For stores that are known to be more pricey, I rely on their sales to invest in my higher splurge items. My biggest secret is to find pieces that look more expensive than they are, especially when paired with a full look.
Q: How would you describe your personal interior decor aesthetic?
A: I love light and airy concepts, white and black contrasts, gold and brass accents, and clean, simple finishings.
Q: Are you an interior designer?
A: Not by trade. However, I’ve completed college coursework in interior design, including space planning, color theory, material selection, and elevation drawing. I’ve helped close friends and family style their own homes with my seasoned Photoshop skills, and luckily I have a natural eye, which I’ve been told since I was a little girl. If you have an interior styling project you need help with, let me know! I offer a limited number of design and styling consultations.
Q: What are your favorite stores?
A: For fashion: H&M, Nordstrom, J. Crew, Anthropologie, Gap, Abercrombie, and Loft. For home furnishings: Wayfair, Home Sense, Home Goods, West Elm, and Anthropologie.
Q: What camera do you use for your photos?
A: Many of my photos are shot on my iPhone X! I also recently splurged and purchased a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 and I am LOVING learning how to use a professional camera.
Q: Do you get a commission for the products you recommend?
A: At the moment, no—so, hopefully you know everything I share is truthful. I’m here to give you my honest thoughts and reviews, and I will always do that even if I invest in partnerships down the road.
That’s all I got for now. Tell me something about you!
Xx - Grace