Blogger Spotlight: Joana Duarte from Style & Expect

Joana Duarte from Style & Expect is one of my closest internet friends, although I feel like the internet part is a weird label considering I just see her as a close friend, but we did meet on the internet (it's a magical place). Not only is she a blogger that manages to wear items like running shoes in the most chic way possible, but her design skills really show through her whimsical and quirky illustrations.

Let's get to know Joana a bit better!

Tell us about yourself! Hello! My name is Joana, I'm a 24 year-old designer from Portugal.
When and why did you start blogging? About three years ago. It started as way to share some thoughts and drawings, but soon I realised I really enjoy fashion blogging.

As someone who studied fashion in university, did blogging help you? Or did school help blogging? Blogging gave me a special awareness about trends and influential people and events in the fashion world.
What is your favourite thing about blogging? Sharing! I know sometimes people see bloggers as very self-centered people, but for me the best part is getting to share myself with others, in the same way I can get to know other people and their habits.

Besides blogging, you own a business with your friend called Purple Pineapple, tell us a bit more about it! Purple Pineapple is a small business based on our illustration skills. We illustrate small notebooks and other stationary items, and more recently our drawings are also printed on tote bags and iPhone cases.

Does fashion and blogging play a part in the creativity process of your business or it it completely separate? Blogging is playing a huge part in the way I'm now so familiar with social media and all that background stuff that sharing our content is easier. Also, in the fashion blogging community it's easy to spot new trends and inspiration for our products.

What would say to someone looking to start their own small business? Believe in yourself and just do it! It's difficult to see results in the beginning, but if you put your mind into it, work hard and plan for the future, I'm sure you'll succeed. And do not give up with the first difficulty, it takes time.

Let's get deep here, where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years? As a proud owner of my brand, business and (hopefully) design agency.

Lightening Round (Let's get random):
- Describe your style in one word: casual. Wait, that sounds lame. Casual-chic, maybe? - Favourite item of clothing: anything with white and navy stripes. - Fashion/beauty pet peeve: too much makeup. - Favourite season for fashion: autumn. - #1 Tip when it comes to fashion: be comfortable with what you are wearing. - #1 Place a traveler to Lisbon, Portugal should visit: Chiado, it's the coolest neighbourhood.
And the final question:
Who are your favourite bloggers: Mademoiselle Ruta! Honestly though, I'm very much into a bloggers who keeps it real (all also who instagram a lot, because I'm addicted), and you are a perfect example. (awwwwww Joana)
If you haven't read Joana's blog, Style & Expect, then head on over and show her some love! While you're at it, be sure to check out her business, Purple Pineapple! I guarantee you'll want to buy everything! Joana's not only incredibly creative, but her kind and wonderful personality shines through everything she does!
Joana is all over the internet! You can find her on: Twitter ❤︎ Facebook ❤︎ YouTube ❤︎ Pinterest ❤︎ Tumblr ❤︎ Instagram ❤︎ Bloglovin'