This has been a hard secret to keep, but my curated Fall collection with Matisse is now available! I hand picked 6 of my favorite boots + booties that I know you gals will swoon over. These are my go-to's and must haves for the colder months! This Fall, I have been very drawn to animal print + warm terracotta tones, so I knew I had to incorporate these vibes into the collection. I've been test driving each pair for the past month, and I have to say that each and every one of these booties are the most comfortable and chic shoes I own. (YES, a stiletto can be kind!) My favorite thing about Matisse has always the way each pair feels broken in right when they slide on your feet.
I sat down for a quick Q + A session with Matisse, and here are some of the things we chatted about.
Before you became a prominent influencer, what was going on in your life?
I was a sophomore in high school when I started on Instagram, so I was just heavily involved in sports + trying to make my Christian school uniform less ugly by styling it with “street clothes” and that’s kinda where my fashion posts started.
What inspired you to start blogging and sharing your life with the world?
I’ve always been interested in fashion and have been taking #OOTD selfies for as long as I can remember so when an app came out that allowed me to share daily, I was all for it! I constantly got questions about my outfits, so I created my blog www.evacatherine.com so that people can find outfit details and all that good stuff.
Aside from blogging, you are running so many other businesses. Give us the low-down on all that you have your hand in!
Outside of Instagram, I LOVE editing photos + working as a wardrobe stylist and creative director.
I founded my corporation Indie Gypsie Inc this year, and have been turning it into a creative agency with my boyfriend/photographer Johnny Chicollo.
As part of my branding, I’ve created a distinct pastel pink color palate sell my Lightroom presets on Etsy. (www.etsy.com/indiegypsiepresets)
Your boyfriend Johnny Chicollo is also a talented photographer as well, how often do you guys work together on projects?
Johnny truly is an incredible photographer and I love shooting with him! He is a nursing student, so we only shoot together about once per week but when he’s on break we usually shoot 3 days per week depending on projects/deadlines.
Is there a process that works best for the two of you when creating and putting your ideas into motion?
Yes, totally! I love making moodboards and sharing my ideas with Johnny prior to shooting so that we are on the same page and are creating content that is on brand for both myself and the client. We have learned that we can shoot 4 looks max otherwise we fight like crazy!
If you weren’t working in fashion, what would you be doing?
Before Instagram was a thing, I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and any advice you would give to those trying to get their start as a blogger?
“Don't make decisions based on those who will be disappointed by that choice; instead on whether or not you will disappoint yourself." Once I started to live by this, it forced me to re-evaluate my life and think about what truly makes me happy. When I knew what made me happy, what didn’t make me happy really stood out and I was able to make necessary changes. This has worked wonders for my mental + emotional health!
Also.. I’ve always been told to put up BOUNDARIES! This is another thing that has saved my emotional health.
To anyone looking to start as a blogger, I recommend having a distinct and UNIQUE take on fashion and lifestyle. This industry is so saturated, so to be successful you have to stand out!
How would you describe your personal style?
Bohemian luxe with a touch of Beachy flair
Who are your fashion idols or where do you look for style inspiration?
Ever since I saw the movie Almost Famous, Penny Lane has been a wardrobe icon for me as well as Stevie Nicks! I just love their bohemian + free spirit style. I find most of my fashion inspiration from good ole Pinterest!
What is your favorite fashion moment, you’ve ever had?
This is a hard one! I’d have to say my 60s retro bohemian wardrobe this past season at New York Fashion Week!
What is your favorite accessory, to elevate an outfit?
I love throwing on my Gucci Mormont bag or Balenciaga sneakers to punch up an outfit a bit!
What are your favorite pieces to accessorize with as temperatures start to drop?
I’m a die hard fan of teddy coats and absolutely LOVE some over-knee boots paired with chunky sweater!
What do you love from Matisse’s Fall Collection?
EVERYTHING! But the Bastille boot in both tan + snake are a current staple in my fall wardrobe. I even wore the tan ones with my Halloween costume.
You currently reside in Los Angeles. What is your favorite characteristic about this city?
There is ALWAYS something going on, and you run into the most amazing people just walking around town!
If someone were visiting LA for 24 hours, what agenda would you set for them to have the perfect day?
We would start the day watching the sunrise in Malibu, then head down to Beverly Hills for breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Next, we would walk Rodeo Drive + check out the iconic street lamps at Lacma. Then we would go to In N Out for lunch and then explore the Getty Center. Next we would catch the sunset at the Griffith Observatory and then grab dinner at Catch! Then maybe drinks at No Vacancy! It would be a PACKED day, but so much fun!
You recently just traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah – what are three words you would use to describe it?
Yeah! We shot this collection in Salt Lake, Park City, and Bonneville. I would say that its 100% picturesque, FREEZING, and has all the fall vibes!
What was your favorite part about Utah, and you trip as a whole?
I loved getting to see all of the fall colors. We don’t really get true seasons in LA, so experiencing the trees with burning color was magical! I also really loved the Bonneville salt flats. It legitimately feels like you’re on another planet there! Also, Salt Lake has insanely yummy Vegan restaurants!
What are your three favorite vacation spots?
I loved visiting Paris, Italy, and Palm Springs!
Where have you not yet been, but are you dying to go?
Morocco has always been number one on my list! Maybe 2020 will bring me there 💕
