Blogger spotlight: Blog - The New Black

By: 

Editor's Note: This piece is part of a series focusing on local style bloggers. A new blogger will be featured on Fashionably Cleveland every Friday for the next few weeks. Check back every week to learn about another fabulous blogger!

Nadine Nocero began her blog, Blog - The New Black, in 2009 when the phrase “the new black” was used frequently to describe a new trend and when blogging was somewhat of a new platform. 

Nadine has great style; she is the definition of the downtown cool girl! Besides fashion, she is also passionate about travel and dining. In fact, she recently partnered with Smirnoff Vodka to create a new holiday cocktail. For more about Nadine, read our exclusive interview below:

Fashionably Cleveland: Describe your blog in your own words.

Nadine Nocero: It’s a lifestyle blog. I write about fashion, food and travel. It’s really a chronicle of my life, although I mostly write about fashion. 

FC: How did you get into blogging?

NN: I have always worked in technology, and I interned for a fashion writer in Chicago, and I also worked at Orbitz. So my own blog was just the next step.

FC: What is the last piece of clothing you bought?

NN: A dark pencil skirt with floral print from Zara. I like it because I can also transition it to winter.

FC: For winter fashion, what items do you suggest splurging on and saving on?

NN: Coats are always a good splurge and shoes; right now I love over-the-knee boots. Just make sure you get your shoes treated for winter; I use a shoe guy at the 5th Street Arcades. I usually save on scarves; I like to buy a bunch of different inexpensive ones. 

FC: What do you love most about Cleveland?

NN: Cleveland has a great art party scene. Since Cleveland is a smaller city, it’s more comfortable to go to events by yourself because you’ll usually run into a bunch of people you know. 

FC: What is your favorite restaurant in Cleveland?

NN: Ginko in Tremont!

FC: How would you describe Clevelanders’ style?

NN: Clevelanders usually keep it safe; they’re preppy and conservative, but they’re still on trend!

FC: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion bloggers?

NN: Blog about what you love! Don’t post about something just because you think it’s popular, and don’t think too much about it!

FC: Where do you get your style inspiration?

NN: Mostly other fashion blogs and Instagram.

FC: Who is your favorite local retailer?

NN: Knuth’s in Woodmere. They have a wide range of merchandise; I like them for clothes and shoes! Also Haven in Chagrin Falls. They do a great job merchandising their store! 

FC: Who is your favorite designer?

NN: I like Marc Jacobs for accessories, and I really love Diane von Furstenberg clothes, especially dresses!

FC: How would you describe your personal style?

NN: A little edgy and downtown, I love leather! But also work chic, kind of creative and cool.

FC: How often do you post?

NN: I try to post twice a week, but at best three times a week.

FC: Can you give me a general piece of fashion advice?

NN: Sure! When you’re traveling, pack black or other basics with lots of accessories!

FC: That’s great advice! Speaking of traveling, where is your favorite place that you have traveled to?

NN: Thailand! They have the best beaches and the food is amazing as well!

FC: The holiday season is quickly approaching; do you have any gift giving advice?

NN: I usually try to think of things that they wouldn’t buy for themselves.

FC: Is there anything special that you would love to receive this year?

NN: A great handbag like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull! Or an Hermes scarf or their H Bracelet, or the Cartier Love Bracelet!

FC: I would love to receive any of those too! Thanks so much for talking with me today - it was lovely to meet you!

NN: It was a pleasure, thank you!

Follow Nadine's blog at http://blogthenewblack.com/!

Friday, December 20, 2013