Blog Spotter // Blog Spotter: Allergic to Vanilla

Carlina Harris, the stylish San Francisco resident behind Allergic to Vanilla, is opposed to all things bland and well, vanilla. If we had to guess we are almost certain that Carlina is more of a rainbow sherbet kind of girl. A fashion editor with a love of all things printed and an affinity to go against the norm, Carlina correlates a blog filled with inspiring outfit posts that feature her completely unique style. While some may say that mixing prints is a major fashion fail, Carlina challenges this statement, putting together looks that layer stripes on stripes or a navy and white printed J.Crew jacket paired with a mustard yellow polka dot dress. When Carlina isn’t mixing and matching prints, she can usually be spotted wearing at least one printed item per outfit and has been known to rock the occasional poodle printed blazer.

Carlina is not afraid of color, especially neon, and motivates us to say out with the black and neutrals in our wardrobes and in with the bold and bright hiding in the backs of our closets! This California girl’s individual style is surely one to covet and we are pretty impressed by the cool projects she takes part in like her recent involvement in the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Conference, which celebrates and connects Latina bloggers. Ever imagine how polar opposite styles (and we’re talking Clueless and Spice Girls, not your average girly-edgy!) could come together to influence one fabulous blogger ? Read on to find out in CK’s exclusive interview with Carlina below.

CocoKouture: How did you start your blog?
Carlina Harris:  It was a creative outlet for me. I was working in a male-dominated field at NASA Ames Research Center and I needed something girly my life! My restrained work style M-F made me yearn for a little more fashion in my life. It was the perfect excuse to dress up after work and on the weekends!

CK: If you had to describe your personal style in one sentence what would it be?
CH: I have a little bit of fun with my professional work style -prints, pencil skirts and on trend merchandise pepper my closet!

CK: You have an affinity for prints, what is your favorite print in your closet currently?
CH: I have two! The first is a poodle printed blazer and skirt set that I found on Asos. The second is a tropical bird printed pencil skirt- I saw Geri Heirsh wearing at Lucky FABB I visited H&M for weeks until I found it in my size!!

CK: How did your love affair with fashion begin?
CH: When I was younger I looked up to my little sister who had a huge thing for the Spice Girls and the movie Clueless. I remember our walls were plastered with their posters for years! The two styles were so different, I think that’s why I don’t really have one specific style I gravitate to- my style is always evolving.

CK: What are some of your favorite trends to try this summer?
CH: Peplum, matching print suits, mixing prints, neon, neoprene… I want to try every trend at least once.

Carlina lives for making a statement with her style which makes for pretty exciting blog content, so if you are looking for a new blog to follow head on over to Allergic To Vanilla, we are positive you will love what you find!