FP Me Stylist Of The Week: The Moptop
Get to know our FP Me stylist of the week!
Remember starting your personal blog, and the importance of those first few “internet friends” you made? Uniting with other bloggers, in search of shared comments back and daily inspiration… Tonya, AKA The Moptop, was one of those friends for me…and still is. I’ve always been drawn to her photos — always clean, strong, and showcasing her travels and personal style, which makes her a perfect candidate for our weekly stylist. If you haven’t heard of Tonya, consider the below an introduction!
Tell us about yourself: where are you from/ where are you now/ what do you do / how did you get to where you are?
My name is Tonya! I am from Washington State originally, then moved to Portland a few years ago and then, just a couple of months ago, I moved to Las Vegas! I moved to Vegas to focus on school and blogging. It’s been awesome being able to focus more of my time and energy into something I love doing.
What does a day in the life of Tonya look like?
Honestly, right now my life isn’t too out of the ordinary since school takes up most of my time. But when I wake up, I love taking a hot bath with a cup of coffee and then, around 10, I love watching The Price is Right! Haha. During the day I am usually buried in my laptop working on homework or out taking blog photos, and hanging with my puppy! And if I have some extra free time during the night or weekend, I might be out exploring a new place. The desert has so many great places to see!
When did you start your blog? Does “The Moptop” refer to anything specific?
I started my blog early in 2011 after actually stumbling across Free People and the Free People blog! I was so inspired by its style, and the style of all of the other girls with blogs, that I decided to start one of my own! And ‘the Moptop’ comes from my love for The Beatles and my always messy bed head. 🙂
I remember years ago when we used to comment back and forth via our blogs. When comparing the blogosphere a few years back to now, how do you think blogging has evolved?
The blogoshpere seems to have changed a lot, both good and bad! I think there are so many great ways to promote your blog now and it’s easier than ever to share your style and connect with other bloggers compared to back when it was a new thing. But there is also a lot more competition! Which isn’t necessarily bad!
How did you grow your following?
I just stayed very persistent, I would post as much content as I could. I also would reach out to other bloggers and connect with them. And I think investing in a nice camera didn’t hurt either!
What’s your favorite thing to post about?
My favorite thing to post about is probably when I travel to a new place in combination with an outfit. I love finding an outfit that fits the place I’m at, it’s almost like creating a piece of art and a great way to express myself. Nature and fashion make a great pair I think.
505 Customized Boyfriend Jeans, Cecile Ankle Boot
How would you describe your personal style?
That’s always been a tough question for me to answer, for some reason! Some days my style is pretty boho and reminiscent of the 70s; other days, it’s very tomboy or minimal, and on others it’s 60s inspired. I would say that I’ve always been inspired by vintage pieces, so I guess vintage modern??
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Ahh there’s so many places! Honestly anywhere and everywhere. But if I had to choose I would love to go to Greece or Morocco. Greece looks SO incredible and I love the ocean so I think I would be blown away. And I’m always inspired by photos I see of Morocco. The patterns and colors are stunning.
Outlaw Boyfriend Short, FP ONE Pintuck Washed Top,
Do you have any special hobbies or talents you’d like to share with us?
I used to play the trombone from 5th until 10th grade! So I guess I could still probably play a tune or two! Haha! I love film photography as a little hobby on the side but I’m not too good at it, haha!
What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
I love @grantlegan — his photography is sooo goood. He’s been an inspiration for me, and his account gives me serious wanderlust! Some of my other favorites are: @bleubird, @alwaysjudging and @mija_mija.
What are three beauty products you can’t live without?
Recently, I switched over to Bobbi Brown and I don’t know what I did before that. I couldn’t live without the Bobbi Brown BB Cream. Or chapstick, any type of chapstick. or Kester Black nail polish…it’s all I wear anymore!
Do you have any resolutions or goals for 2016?
In 2016 I really just want to be my best self. I want to eat better, take care of my body, meet more people, explore more, take more risks. I can be shy at times but I don’t want that to hold me back at all this year. I’m ready for the new year! 🙂
What does being “free” mean to you?
Being free to me means just being able to be yourself. Without any restrictions or holding back or worries. And loving whoever that is at the end of the day.
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