Blogger exposé: Dylana of Nana of Wonderland

If you haven’t heard of Dylana yet, you’re missing out. This multi-talented wonder is a fashion blogger hailing from Southern California with the voice of Jewel and a style all her own. Blogging for her personal style blog, Nana of Wonderland, serves us a true wonderland of killer legs, punchy lips and natural-eased style. (Check her out in my post on the Top Five Style Trends of 2010!)

About Dylana

You’re obviously a fabulous photographer (shooting your sister, Natalie, for Free People’s October Catalog), does that mean you’re now working as a photographer? Spill!

I don’t work professionally as a photographer (yet…haha), but I do really love photography things and people. I didn’t fall in love with photography until I started the blog, and I really got into it after I received my first DSLR camera, an old Canon 10D, last spring. Shooting the Free People catalog was really an amazing and eye-opening experience, and it really pushed me to take photography a little more seriously. I photography pictures mostly for on my own blog and my sister’s blog, but I will also be using my photography skills at Volcom for their new blog that will be launching this March.

You also sing and play guitar. My, my, my, you’re one multi-talented girl! When did you start singing and playing the guitar? Your rendition of Foolish Games is beautiful!

Thank you! I have been singing since I was out of the womb, my mom says! I grew up watching Disney movies and I always sang the soundtrack to those movies. I was very influenced by music when I was little and always dreamed of being a singer (but I was always so shy!). I did perform at talent shows and did some musicals, but nothing serious. I just sang because I loved it. I played the piano since I was 10, and sang in a band for a little while that my piano teacher set up. I learned how to play guitar while I was at university, but now I just teach myself. Really, I am not that good at the guitar and only know the basics, but I enjoy it and I know enough to play some of my favorite songs! Music is a very big part of my life, and I feel lucky to be able to share my passion with my blog readers. (Check her YouTube Channel!)

Why did you start blogging and what’s your purpose in this crazy blogosphere?

I started blogging a few years ago, but the funny thing was that when I started blogging (back in 2008), I had no idea of fashion blogs, other than The Sartorialist. It wasn’t until I came across Fashion Toast and a few other well-known blogs in 2009 that I really discovered this whole online community of fashion and style bloggers, and I felt that I needed to be a part of it. It intrigued me and it was so fascinating seeing all these real girls just like me wearing what they liked and sharing this little part of their lives with others. Fashion has always been one of my favorite things in life and blogging just seemed like the perfect escape from everything non-creative in my life. I just wanted to connect with others who liked the same things that I did. And now it is such a big part of my life. I couldn’t be happier!

What have you learned from blogging since you started in 2009?

I have definitely learned more about myself as a person. I am more confident with my fashion choices; and thus, more confident in my everyday choices in life. I finally know what I like and what I don’t like. And I have become a smarter blogger, looking for quality and design over quantity. And I vintage shop so much more now! Before blogging, I never thought I would ever work in fashion. I was just a student working towards a career in the medical field. I loved fashion and it was always at the back of my mind, but it never seemed reachable in reality. Blogging has helped me embrace my more creative side and allow it to grow even more. It has helped me express the real me. I have also learned that one should never give up on their dreams. Hard work and passion truly pay off.

Who are your favorite bloggers right now and why?

I love so many bloggers. But I will list those bloggers that first really inspired me when I just started blogging: Andy from Stylescrapbook, Liz from Late Afternoon, Erika from Fashion Chalet, Jules from Sincerely Jules, Megan from Another Day To Dress Up, Yara from This Chick’s Got Style, Taylor from Sterling Style, and Nathalie from My Floor is Red. My sister Natalie’s blog Natalie Off Duty is also my favorite! These are just a few of my favorites. I love each and every blogger out there!

About Dylana’s Style

How would you describe your style?

Whenever I get asked this question, I always say I am minimalistic with a quirky touch. It’s feminine but a little rough around the edges. But really, it changes every single day because I love to experiment.

Being trendy in L.A. is something that’s not too hard to do since everyone is doing it. How do you separate yourself from that and be an individual?

If I happen to like something that is trendy, then I’ll wear it. But you’ll most likely never find me in a head-to-toe outfit full of the latest trends. I just wouldn’t feel like myself. I love to shop the sales for great quality designer pieces and my most favorite items come from thrift stores for just a few bucks. My style is a mix of high and love, new and vintage. It is a little bit of everything because so many things inspire me and I love being able to dress up like a new character everyday. It’s fun for me and it makes me feel good, and that is all that matters, trendy or not trendy.

What are some trends that you can’t stay away from?

Well, I must say that I cannot stay away from stripes. They are timeless and go with everything. I love to wear them all the time! I also really love leather motorcycle jackets and colorful blazers. I am also so obsessed with maxi skirts. I wear them way too much but they are so comfortable and make me feel really confident for some reason.

If you could put your style on another blogger, who would it be and why?
 

 I would have to say Andy from Style Scrapbook because we are both the same height, 5’11”. I have some Mexican in me and Andy is full Mexican, and sometimes I get comments saying that we look similar! I am a huge fan of her blog and I think we have quite similar styles (we both love maxi skirts), and I would love to see her in some of the outfits I put together. And I would love to wear a lot of hers!

What’s your most prized piece in your wardrobe?

My Salvatore Ferragamo black leather Vara pumps. I found them brand new at an estate sale for only $20! They are so timeless and so cute as a button. I feel like Audrey Hepburn when I wear them with pants that hit at the ankle. I know I will wear them for the rest of my life!

If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy and why?

Gosh, this is a hard question. I would probably buy a bunch of really cool, lightweight jackets in every sort of style. I love how a really great jacket in a cool color, print or shape can totally transform your outfit in an instant. A floral printed blazer would be nice. And I really want more skirts that hit at the ankle and sit high on the waist, like the ones at the Rebecca Taylor show. They would look so nice with a pair of gladiator sandals. Oh, and I would also buy a whole bunch of new leather sandals in every color in the rainbow.

What are your favorite shopping sites? Share your secrets!

Do you know a blogger you’d like to recommend who lives in Los Angeles and has great style? Email me at Christina@profreshstyle.com