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remember me

An Interview with Mckenzie of The Fitting

Hello! My name is Mckenzie Dowler, and my fashion blog is The Fitting! I’m originally from a small town in Utah, but moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, to attend UCLA.

Fashion has been in my life since I was a small girl who loved to dress up in Mom's clothes. I was a child model and stayed with the industry in my High school years, interning for a small fashion house. I started fashion blogging a few years ago, and continue to intern in the industry.

The Fitting is an ever-evolving fashion blog that helps me give my own voice to the fashion industry, and life. Afterall, Christian Dior once defined “the fitting” as something that helps to emphasize your loveliness, and “fit” as something you can never spend too much time on.

This interview was published on Saturday, April 30, 2011.

How would you describe your personal style?

Mckenzie: My personal style changes on a daily basis, it's always evolving. But, I always seem to structure my outfits around oppositions—masculine/feminine, classic/trendy, bold color/muted neutrals, vintage/new rocker girl/preppy. I think these add intrigue, and give a whole lot of depth.

What is your nerdiest hobby?

Mckenzie: Oh jeez..I would have to say watching 80's movies! I have a major crush on the young Judd Nelson and Matthew Broderick. I also love the cute Molly Ringwald, the amazing and crazy 80's fashion, and of course, the GREAT 80's music.

What would be the one fashion tip you would give to a friend?

Mckenzie: Don't wear anything you don't love, or don't feel comfortable in. Fashion is all about experimenting with your style, and being yourself. And, you can't be yourself if you feel uncomfortable and unenthusiastic in your outfit. Love what you're in!

How are you able to stay fashionable without spending a lot of $$? What are your tips and where do you shop?

Mckenzie: VINTAGE!! I do a lot of shopping at vintage shops because you can find one of a kind pieces for VERY affordable prices. Shopping at random, obscure vintage shops is always a plus too. Most of the selection won't be picked over, and you have a higher chance of finding vintage designer pieces.

What types of items do you like to save $ on and what do you splurge on?

Mckenzie: I save on most accessories and beauty products. There are endless options when it comes to jewelry, scarves, and lipsticks. I'm always changing these too, so why spend lots of money on them? I seem to ALWAYS splurge on shoes, as well as high-quality, classic, basics that I know will last forever.

In your opinion, every woman should own:

Mckenzie: I think every woman should own a strong sense of empowerment. Women are amazing creatures, and sometimes we don't realize our worth. In terms of fashion, I think every woman needs a pair of sky scraper heels. There is absolutely nothing sexier, or more powerful.

One trend you would like to never see again is:

Mckenzie: Ha there are quite a few! When I was younger I participated in the butterfly clip, glitter-face, bedazzled, and jelly sandal trends. I would definitely be happy to never relive those! I'm also not a fan of the thong trend..like, "whale tail." I never understood why girls wanted to show them off.

What are key pieces from your wardrobe that you find yourself wearing over and over?

Mckenzie: I have a thing for jackets! When I'm not wearing my leather jacket, I throw on my vintage army jacket, or a structured blazer. I also seem to always favor my chambray. I treat it like a classic, white button-up shirt. I put it under blazers, tuck it into pant/skirts, and throw it over dresses.

How long does it take you to decide on an outfit to post?

Mckenzie: Not very long. I generally blog about my daily outfits, whether I was so excited and thought about it continuously the previous day, or just threw it together right before heading out the door in the morning.

Favorite beauty product of all time? Why?

Mckenzie: I love, love, love my GIVENCHY Phenomen'Eyes mascara. At first, I was leery of using it—the brush looks like some medieval torture tool. But, it both separates my lashes, and gives them dramatic length. I always receive compliments on how big, and bright my eyes look after I use it.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would play the lead role as you?

Mckenzie: I would be honored if Ms. Leighton Meester would be my silver screen stand-in. She is a very talented, and beautiful actress. She has a great fashion sense both on, and off screen, and she can nail the role of a strong, elegant woman who knows exactly what she wants—Blair Waldorf.

Do you have any comfort foods and what memories do you have associated with them?

Mckenzie: I have so many! My top three are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheeses, and macaroni and cheese. Confession: I still eat all of these on a daily basis. My dad would always pack one of these in my lunch in kindergarten through sixth grade. So easy, so simple, so YUMMY!

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