Exclusive Interview: Tonya Smith’s Journey From Inspiration to Fashion Icon

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We recently had the opportunity to interview up-and-coming blogger Tonya Smith, who authors The Moptop, a personal style blog that is making waves in the blogosphere at the moment.

Of course, when you visit her site, it isn’t hard to see why the girl is such a hit. Her entries will leave you more than a little addicted. We can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about her style that makes her super cool and unique, but the words laid back, edgy, girly, and hip come to mind.

Already, her fashion sense has quickly made us a fan. Even more so when we saw how she loves to layer. With scarves! Yup, we found a kindred in this fashionable blogger. And so we thought, why not invite her for a little Q&A?

Tonya Smith of The Moptop masterfully styles a chic scarfTonya Smith of The Moptop masterfully styles a chic scarf

In Conversation with Tonya Smith: Insights and Inspirations

Scarves & Wraps: Please tell us a little about your blog, its focus (when it started and what your main fashion focus is), and why you named it The Moptop.

Tonya: I started my blog in December of 2010, and at first I just posted about things that inspired me, and eventually I started to post my own personal outfits. The name comes from my favorite band, The Beatles. They are often known as the Moptops.

Scarves & Wraps: We noticed that you love layering with scarves. Do you have a particular favorite? What brand and where did you get it? Would you have a picture of it?

Tonya: My favorite scarf is probably the one in my post “Time & Time Again.” I really like the color and texture of it, and I got it last year at Forever 21.

Style spotlight: Tonya Smith in her go-to Forever 21 scarfStyle spotlight: Tonya Smith in her go-to Forever 21 scarf

Scarves & Wraps: If you were to buy your next scarf, what would it be, and from what store/brand?

Tonya: I like to get my scarves from Forever 21 usually because they have a lot of variety and great colors.

Scarves & Wraps: Your blog shows that you love Free People. Are there any scarves on their website that you would love to grab? Which ones?

Tonya: I really love Free People, and I hope to work for them someday! They have some great scarves right now. I’m loving the Eddy Raggy sheer scarf in both the mustard and brown. And I also love the bohemian look of the Zusto border print scarf. So cute!

Free People Eddy Raggy Sheer Scarf in Mustard and BrownFree People Eddy Raggy Sheer Scarf in Mustard and Brown, $48

Free People Zusto Border Print ScarfFree People Zusto Border Print Scarf, $48

Scarves & Wraps: What inspires your daily dressing/style? What do you usually start with?

Tonya: My style is really unpredictable, I am inspired by so many different things that it really depends on my mood with what I want to wear. I usually just start with a dress or a simple top and go from there.

Scarves & Wraps: Any style advice?

Tonya: Keep things simple. I don’t like to over-accessorize or anything. I think many times less is more. And of course, just stay true to yourself and what you like!

A BIG thanks to Tonya for sparing a few moments of her time to allow us this interview!