Jillian Lansky from The August Diaries emits that laid-back Vancouver vibe, all while being Paris-level chic, on her blog and in person. We sat down and talked to the style setter to find out more about life on the West Coast, becoming a blogger and summer planning.
What inspired you to start The August Diaries?
I was in school studying Psychology and I needed a creative outlet. I loved fashion and had a feel for trends, so I started my blog. This further inspired me to do what I really wanted so I switched to Fashion Merchandising and the rest is history.
How long have you been blogging?
I actually changed my blog name to The August Diaries about 2 years ago. I had more of an unstructured WordPress blog before that (2010 and 2011) and it wasn’t until the name and website changed that things really got going.
Most memorable moment of The August Diaries so far?
When I was featured in InStyle magazine and People StyleWatch magazine last September. There’s nothing like picking up a copy and seeing yourself in print. I bought out the entire store.
What is your dream job?
Tough question. I would love to create and manage a magazine’s website and/or blog. I love working in the fashion industry online, I think it’s amazing what we can do with laptop. I also get great satisfaction out of working with a team as well as the creative layout aspects of websites and blogging.
Do you have any big plans for the summer?
One of my best friends is getting married in Quebec and I’m in the bridal party so I am very excited for that! I love weddings and am definitely a crier (note to self: wear waterproof mascara).
What do you love most about living in Vancouver?
The older I get and the more places I go, the more I value and admire how beautiful it is here. I love being outdoors and I have a dog so I’m constantly running or hiking in the mountains, which I now realize is not something everyone can do! Growing up here I think I took that for granted.
If we had 24 hours to visit Vancouver, where would you recommend we eat, sleep and visit?
I think I would basically bike around the whole city and make stops for eating/drinking and shopping along the way. I would start in the Olympic Village and have coffee at Terra Breads and then bike to downtown Vancouver to stop by a few shops. Robson Street is great for a lot of the big names and I also love One of a Few and Community in Gastown for a more boutique feel. Cocktail hour would definitely have to be at Cardero’s right on the water followed by a short bike ride to Nook, where they have the best Italian food in Vancouver.
If I only had 24 hours here I don’t know how much sleeping I’d do but the Hotel Georgia is just gorgeous and the perfect central location.
If someone told you that you needed to pack up your bags and move tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would be drawn to either San Francisco or Paris. I adore Paris because it is completely different from the West Coast and I love the European lifestyle. I’d go to San Francisco because I do love the West Coast and I love the feel of the city. It has similarities to Vancouver but is warmer and has that California vibe.
Or I would pack up everything and move to Bali.
What is your must-have piece for summer and why?
A little white dress (LWD). I’m still looking for the perfect one, but it’s so versatile and summery. You can throw it on over your bikini and then wear it with booties and a leather jacket for an evening out.
What is your number one style tip for the aspiring blogger?
Photography was something I really improved on and an aspect that I feel has made the biggest difference. I started using my iPhone and now have a DSLR with a great lens. You don’t need a pricey camera, just make sure you have good lighting (outside, soft golden light) and a thought-out background. Look at blogs with photographs you like and figure out why you like them. Replicate that.
Most importantly, be yourself. There are tons of bloggers joining the sphere every day and you want to stand out. I’ve realized that people actually want to hear about that day where I was feeling crappy about my body or the quirky personality trait I have.
Want to Be Our Guest? We’re looking for new contributors for interviews, travel tips and DIYs! Email us at blog@asc-to.com
