Find Your Downtime: An interview with fashion blogger Leonie Barlow
Have you checked out Boody Lounge yet? This month, we’re continuing the celebration of launching our first sustainable downtime wear range by profiling talented women from all walks of life, focusing on how they find their downtime.
Previously, we caught up with lifestyle bloggers and Instagrammers, Alex Cuthill and Bernice Averion. Today, we’re learning more about New Zealand fashion and lifestyle blogger Leonie Barlow. We discuss everything from her website The Style Insider to how she juggles her busy career with motherhood.
And, of course, we find out which are Leonie's favourite pieces from Boody Lounge and why. Dream-worthy!
Tell us a bit about The Style Insider.
I started The Style Insider eight years ago when I left magazines. I knew that online was the way of the future but at that time I didn’t really know how I was going to make a living out of it and I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing but I jumped in anyway.
What initially inspired you to create The Style Insider and how has it grown since you got started?
I’d always been passionate about social media and fell in love with Facebook the first time I discovered it. I’d been working as a print journalist for over 20-years and all of a sudden social media presented an exciting new way to communicate. At first, my blog was my entire focus, but over the years I’ve moved with the times and focused on other social media channels.
For the past two years, I’ve devoted most of my time to YouTube which is a platform I really love. I create fashion, beauty and lifestyle videos and reached a milestone recently when I reached 100K subscribers, which was really exciting for me.
Your background is editing some of New Zealand's top-selling women's magazines. Tell us about what that world was like and why you decided to leave it behind.
Yes, I absolutely loved working in magazine and was very sad to leave but I wanted to spend some more time with my two boys and working crazy hours made it very hard to strike a reasonable work/life balance. So something had to give and I decided to try and do something that gave me more time to enjoy my boys and that is how The Style Insider was born.
As you’ve mentioned, when you're not blogging you're a mum to two boys. Tell us a bit about them and how you juggle motherhood with your busy life.
My boys are my world and as any mum knows, the juggle is real. There are never enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do and I’m sure most mums can relate. The one thing that has really helped me to find a little balance is to make time to exercise. I find it’s the best way for me to de-stress and feel good about myself.
I have a personal trainer (who keeps me in check) and I have two dogs that need walking every day – so being active is a big part of my life and it helps to keep me sane.
We're thrilled that you're part of our Boody Lounge launch. What are your thoughts on the capsule collection?
The Boody Lounge collection is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the pieces when I first spied the lookbook but when they arrived, I fell in love with them even more. You can tell that each piece has been incredibly well cut and designed to stand the test of time. I love the minimal designs and I especially love that the pieces are as kind to the planet as they are to me.
What are your top picks from the range?
The Downtime Lounge Pants are my absolute favourite piece in the collection. They are super flattering and are good enough to wear out but are also comfy enough to snuggle up at home on the couch. I absolutely love them. The Goodnight Nightdress is a real winner for me too because I often wear t-shirts to bed so this nightdress gives you the comfort of a tee but the cover of a nightie and it’s perfect to wear all year round.
Of course, I can’t not mention the beautiful Cosy Knit Wrap that just gives you a little extra warmth when you need it and adds a little extra edge to each outfit.
How do you #FindYourDowntime in our busy modern world?
I always strip off my work clothes as soon as I get home and change into my comfy gear and that starts the process for me to shift out of work mode and into relaxation mode. This is why owning quality, comfortable loungewear is really important to me – it’s the best way for me to get in the zone to find my downtime.
How important is it to you to live an eco-friendly life?
It’s really important to me but I must admit I’m not perfect. However, I will always strive to be better and I believe that if we all try and make small changes each day then collectively we can make a very big difference.
What are your plans for the near future?
I don’t have anything specific planned for the future but I’m committed to always trying new things and never missing an opportunity to experience something new. I recently did a skydive and that has inspired me to tick a few more things off my bucket list. Because, at 52, I’m very aware that we are all here for a good time – not a long time.
Follow Leonie on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
You may also like
Interviews
An Open Letter on Mother’s Day
A letter to the women who gave me life and the daughters I birthed into this world. All having an impact and shaping me into the woman I am right now; the mother, the daughter and the granddaughter. My daughters Millie bobby & Lakey Boh, words can't describe the way I feel about you both and the unconditional love that fills my heart knowing you are mine. One of my biggest dreams growing up was to be a mum; to fall in love, have a family and live a happy, healthy, well balanced life. I feel so blessed that my dream is now a reality. Falling pregnant with you both brought me so much joy and excitement.To experience life dancing inside my womb was magic and birthing you was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I thank my lucky stars you girls chose me to be your mum. I promise to be there for you and help guide you through life, but allow you to find your own path. I will teach you and encourage you both to live life to its fullest, dream big, stand strong for your beliefs, show kindness and love. Love life, love hard and love yourself. As girls who will grow into women, you may come across challenges, you may have your heart broken, you may question yourself, you may find yourself lost. Just know that I am here and you are capable of anything. My girls, I want you to know that You are beautiful You are smart You are worthy You are kind You are loved You are like no other You are you And that's truly all you need to be. My world lies with you. Forever your biggest cheerleader. I love you with every part of me. Love your mummy My mum,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done and continue to do for me. Only now as a mum myself I truely understand. All the sleepless nights, the cooking to ensure we ate well, the cleaning and never ending laundry, personal taxi driver, unconditional love and the worrying that comes with the role. I feel so blessed to have you and our family. You worked so hard to give myself and my brother so much growing up and continue to give as I have my own family. I appreciate you, your giving nature and willingness to help when needed. From minding my girls, picking up groceries, cooking for us or giving a helping hand around the house. Now a Nonna to my girls, I thank you for your guidance. Millie adores you and enjoys her days with you. Nonna being one of her first words it was evident you had a big impression on her early on. Millie and Lakey are so lucky to have you and I'm so happy I get to watch your relationship with them. You areMy inspiration. My mentor.My friend . I love you To my grandma and Ma to my daughters,We have always just clicked; our love for arts and crafts, our love for a good chat, our love for outdoors and the ocean and our love for family. I've always felt special being your first grandchild and Pa's princess. I have so many good memories growing up at your house, outside playing with Ben (dog) or swimming in the pool. It was my second home and I loved it. You inspire me in many ways, You yourself, a mum of 6, it blows my mind. What a super woman you are. And now a grandma to 15 and a Ma to 2, such a big achievement. You should be so proud. You are a woman of routine, rain hail or shine. In the early hours of the morning you swim in the rock pool with your community of friends and fellow locals. I love this so much and enjoy telling others what a routine to have. What a way to feel alive within the ocean. Pure bliss. I'm so proud of you this last year after the passing of your loving husband, my pa. You are so loved by everyone around you and know I'm always here for you. I love you deeply Mother Nature,It seemed fit to include you in this letter as I have so much to thank you for. I am so blessed to have grown up and currently still live in a beautiful area called the Sutherland Shire. It is such an amazing area to live, grow up and watch my girls grow up in. After becoming a mother for the very first time, I was introduced to a natural way of living. Choosing plants over chemicals, choosing to become aware of ingredients and do research into the products my family use. Choosing safer natural alternatives where possible. Choosing health, wellness and happiness. Choosing to share my journey and build my community. Choosing to make a difference. The last 2.5yrs I have empowered myself and given my daughters a better start to life knowing I'm reducing their toxic exposure. I am connecting with like minded people and small businesses. It has been an eye opener and I am forever grateful. LoveLara Lara wears our Shaper Crop Bra and Classic Bikini. Shop now Follow Lara at @theessentialcoPhotos by @tashwhittyphotography
Interviews
An interview with Marlee Silva, Tiddas 4 Tiddas Founder
Marlee Silva, also known as the ultimate multi-tasker is the force behind Tiddas 4 Tiddas, a writer, a podcast host, and a published author. Marlee launched the Instagram platform Tiddas 4 Tiddas ('tidda' is an Aboriginal word for sister) in November of 2018 with her sister, Keely.
Interviews
International Women's Day | With Phoebe Ghorayeb
To mark International Women’s Day this year, we asked women who are part of our community, how the official IWD 2020 theme #ChooseToChallenge speaks to them. Meet Phoebe Ghorayeb, a mum, a wife, a model, a presenter and a blogger at [MODEL] Appetite.