You know Vogue’s classic “73 Questions” answered by celebrities? Today we did the same – check out these 73 rapid-fire questions answered by yours truly!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to pursue blogging (specifically fashion) as a career?

A few months into having a blog, I received this opportunity that forever changed the way I viewed blogging. That’s when I knew I wanted to do it as a career…

2. Why the name “The Style Bungalow”?

The name came about in a very un-sexy way! You can read more about how I named it and what it means to me today here. 

3. What was your first job and/or internship?

Job: I didn’t have much free time because of my dance training, but I needed to help pay for my coaching so I was a barista! (My call time was 5AM, ekkk!) 

Internship: I think my first official internship was with Miami City Ballet’s fundraising division. At the time, I thought I wanted to pursue Art’s Fundraising, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me.

4. Do you remember what you wore to your first interview? What was it? 

All I remember was the manager asking, “Have you ever had a job before?” I said, “No.” I managed to get the job so perhaps my outfit had to be stylish and memorable. Lol… Truthfully, I was a terrible barista but loved greeting the guests and remembered those special details…so they eventually placed me up front!

5. Which era would you live in if you could choose? Why?

Definitely the 1930s where floral was in, makeup was light and chic, shoulder pads were important and Old Hollywood had a profound influence on practically everything!

6. How is working in fashion different today than from when you first started?

I feel like it changes from one day to the next, but I’d say the biggest change is the conversation around sustainability. Now more than ever brands have to be transparent with how they make their clothing and what they stand for, which has a ripple effect on the frequency of drops, and its overall quality of garments and price. As someone who’s constantly immersed in this space, it can be tricky to navigate but I’m doing my best to be conscious and open to changing old habits!

7. What role do you think social media plays in fashion now?

This deserves its own blog post! I feel like social media plays a huge role in fashion today. Some designers are launching collections solely on Instagram and seeing great success from it. But overall, aside from visually sharing the brand’s story and collections, I’d say social media is crucial in continuing the communication and conversation between the brand story and their buyers…as well as better understanding them.

8. What’s your favorite part about doing what you do? 

Styling. I could style outfits all day, everyday. I’ve spent countless late nights in my closet…it’s therapeutic for me.

9. What was your biggest fear when starting out?

I had so many. But the biggest was fear of putting myself out there for everyone. I started my blog after losing my job as a ballet dancer and after enduring a rough few years in public relations so the thought of more criticism and judgement terrified me.

10. What was the best thing to happen to you in 2019?

I got engaged. 🙂 

11. What’s your go-to look?

Depends on my mood, but I’d say midi skirts and billowy blouses are a Style Bungalow staple! 

12. What are your 5 best styling tips?

Wear what works for your body and skin tone; not what’s trendy

Stick to the classics 

Take off one accessory before leaving the house

Keep makeup to a minimum, but always wear lipstick 

Avoid looking “too perfect” – mess up your hair, untuck your shirt or smudge your eyeliner a bit

13. What effects do you think the current climate/times has and will have on fashion?

Tough to say because it changes so rapidly, but I think fashion shows will become much smaller, intimate gatherings. The frequency of drops (release of new collections) will be much slower and brand transparency will continue to be key. I also think we’re returning back to skill and artistry! Brands who provide something different, something handmade or well-made to last a long time, will rise. Brands who churn out quick, wasteful clothing will experience a decline.

14. How are you preparing for it?

While you can’t prepare for something like this to happen, I feel like I’ve always celebrated small brands, my home and a more cozy, intimate experience. But moving forward, we’re definitely talking less about “what you need to buy” and more about what matters most.

15. What do you find yourself doing a lot these days?

I find myself researching a lot! I have quite the collection of coffee table books but I’ve rarely read them – just glanced at the pictures. So I’m going back and reading them…learning about each author (and following some on Instagram). I’ve also started taking online ballet classes, which has helped me tremendously with my anxiety. Exercise has always been important to me. 

16. What do you miss the most?

Seeing my family. My dad, a commercial pilot, was recently in West Palm Beach for two days at a hotel no less than one mile away from me. We both agreed it was too risky to see each other (he’s 64) so we kept our distance. That was tough. I miss my family.

17. What do you love most about being home?

Spending time with my fiancé! 

18. What’s your favorite activity you and your family enjoying doing together at home?

I usually go home for a few weeks over the holidays and every year we binge watch Harry Potter. It’s like three straight days of pajamas, Christmas cookies and Harry Potter. It’s the best… 

19. What’s something you own that you absolutely treasure?

My grandmother’s pearl encrusted clutch.

20. What’s a book or tv show you wish you wrote?

Sex and the City! 

21. What’s your favorite hobby of all time? 

That’s a no brainer – dancing. 🙂

22. What do you find yourself shopping for the most?

Lately, I’m buying a lot of athleisure, items I can wear again and again and lots of home goods like table linens and luxurious bedding!

23. How would you describe your sense of style in 3 words?

Three words? Oh boy. Timeless, feminine and chic, maybe? My style reflects my personality and experiences. It’s less about trends and more about the backstory.

24. What was the last movie that you watched?

Emma! Loved it by the way.

25. What was the last movie that made you laugh?

Good Boys was hysterical!

26. Who is the most fashionable person you know?

Do acquaintances count?

27. How do you style and create your shoot(s)?

Sometimes it comes to me quickly, sometimes my shoots are more thought out. I usually start with a mood/feeling or color scheme and run with that.

28. What’s your least favorite fashion trend?

I have so many, lol. While I love a good minimal or tonal look, I’m a little tired of seeing the same “Instagram aesthetic.” I can respect a strong point of view, even if it’s not my style, as long as it’s original and well thought out. I just want to feel inspired.

29. What’s the best song to workout with/run to?

3 Peat by Lil Wayne, Bounce Back by Big Sean, Trap Check by 2 Chainz or Lemonade by Gucci Mane. (Yes, I have an alter ego)

30. What’s your favorite way to exercise?

A good ole’ ballet class taught by one of the Cuban legends (they’re known for giving hard classes) or hip hop!

31. What’s your favorite home cooked meal?

My fiancé’s vegan tacos get me every time.

32. How do you like your coffee?

Oh, tough question. Right now I start with Nespresso’s Melozio blend, a splash of hazelnut oat milk with raw sugar.

33. What does your daily schedule/routine look like right now (pre-pandemic)?

I’m usually pretty religious about being at my computer by 9AM unless I have a shoot in the morning. I’ll stay at my computer working until 2ish. If I have an afternoon shoot, I style-steam-shoot. If I don’t, I’m either editing photos or running errands like picking up packages before a workout class. (pre-pandemic)

34. What’s your favorite beauty product?

Clinical strength retinol!

35. What’s been your favorite memory in life?

Another tough question, but probably one of my ballet performances where I executed every move perfectly and the audience went wild! You can’t beat that feeling.

36. Who are you most inspired by?

My late grandmother, a professional flamenco dancer from Puerto Rico.

37. What’s the best piece of advice your mom has given you?

What’s meant to be, is meant to be.

38. What advice would you give your younger self?

Go with your first choice; trust your gut and instincts.

39. What would you say to your future self?

Chill the f-out, lol.

40. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully managing a much bigger brand with kiddos in tow!

41. What podcast(s) have you been obsessed with lately?

Business of Fashion, The Glossy Podcast and Modern Retail Podcast.

42. Are you binge watching any television shows?

Yes! We just discovered Curb Your Enthusiasm and love it! 

43. What’s your favorite Carrie Bradshaw quote?

“Maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we’ve been given, and accessorize the outfit we got.”

44. What’s your go-to classic, vintage film?

Super cliche but Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Henry Mancini, the musical composer of the film, was my grandfather’s idol!

45. Which three characters or muses would you like to have coffee with (dead or alive)?

My grandmother (whom I never met), Oprah and Warren Buffet.

46. What would you ask each of them?

Grandmother: “What advice would you give me and my mom today?” 

Oprah: “How do you manage to stay calm, grateful and optimistic with so much happening around you and your business ventures?”

Warren Buffet: “You rely on personal judgement which has given you tremendous success. How do you know when something feels right?” 

47. What was your favorite childhood movie?

Probably Home Alone or Father of the Bride?

48. What’s your hidden talent?

I’m really good at trivia and tap dancing. Also, don’t play Monopoly with me.

49. What 5 tips would you give to a girlfriend when it comes to accessorizing?

Wear gold.

Collect vintage costume jewelry.

Invest in a watch from Rolex or Cartier. You’ll have it forever. 

Chanel is always appropriate, no matter what the occasion.

Invest in belts. 

50. What’s something people would find surprising to know about you?

I’m deeply fascinated by outer space and can talk about this subject for hours! I’ve also watched countless documentaries on outer space and (guilty) once considered buying tickets to watch Neil deGrasse Tyson lecture about space in another city. *facepalm

51. When do you feel most creative?

When I’m by myself and I have time to just be.

52. Who’s an artist we’d be surprised to know you listen to?

Gucci Mane, whom I find fascinating.

53. True or False, “You can rap pretty much any song on your Spotify rap/hip hop playlist?”

True, not ashamed.

54. Biggest learning experience?

Not listening to my gut, or the countless red flags, and working with the wrong people. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, but my intuition has always been right.

55. What do you admire most about your fiancé? 

I admire so many of his qualities but I love his optimism, patience and thirst for knowledge.

56. What are your favorite go-to brands for classic, casual and comfy pieces?

I love countless brands; there’s too many to list! Off the top of my head, I would go with Sezane since they’re an ethically made brand that’s both chic and affordable. But truthfully, I’ve yet to find the perfect one. I love elements of brands, but never fully. If you find a brand that’s well-made, tailored yet comfortable and classic while being moderately priced – tell me please.

57. What’s your favorite piece of clothing?

I can’t think of anything that comes to mind because I don’t get “attached” to clothing I buy, but I’m sure my wedding dress will soon replace this thought.

58. If you had to go through your fiancé’s closet, what item would you toss?

Toss: outdated designer goods, let me explain.

My fiancé isn’t afraid of investing, but he’ll only do it one time. Back in his Wall Street days, he invested in great pieces from Ferragamo, Gucci and Zenga. Today he wears somewhat casual-business attire so he doesn’t need those pieces anymore. Think: lots of outdated Brook Brothers, ugh. If I could toss anything, it would be those items so I could replace them with new ones! 

59. What item would you keep?

Keep: his watch collection. 

60. What’s something you’ve been wanting to learn?

Interior design.

61. What motivates you each day?

My struggles! I won’t repeat them.

62. What’s the best clothing/fashion hack?

A tailor.

63. What do you always carry in your handbag?

Lipstick in like three different shades (you never know when you’ll need it!)

64. What is your favorite local business you love shopping/dining at? (Feel free to name a few)

Shopping: Mrs. Mandolin in Miami, Lola Dre Boutique in Jupiter, Palm Beach Vintage, City Girls Consignment (my treasure trove) and Aerin on Worth Avenue 

Dining: Jo Bistro, Celis Produce, Bangkok O-Cha, Bolay, Buccan and Sushi Jo

65. What’s something brave you’ve done?

Give up my career as a professional ballet dancer when I didn’t necessarily want to.

66. What do you always misplace? 

My car keys! EVERYTIME.

67. What’s your greatest phobia?

OMG, thinking about it makes me cringe! But cockroaches are the most disgusting things to exist on this planet. And yes, I went to the Amazon two years ago and survived. 

68. What’s your styling process like?

Understanding my body and what works for my frame is the foremost important thing when styling — so I usually start with one piece that I know will suit me like pants or a skirt. From there, I build a scheme or feeling. I use fabric or color from the garment I absolutely love and play around with different combinations until I like it. Then, I snap a few photos to see what translates best; sometimes a smaller print doesn’t look good from a distance. I always say, if it doesn’t take you more than 30 minutes to put together an outfit for a shoot – you’re probably not spending enough time styling. 

That said, I definitely don’t have the resources to style the way I would like to, but one day I will!

69. What goals do you have for TSB?

Too many to list, but I think refining my point of view while continuing to share something unique, original to me and beautifully-made. 

70. What new project are you working on?

Presently, nothing that pertains to the blog because everything is at a standstill, but personally I’m taking interior design and photography classes! Stay tuned…

71. What’s the hardest part about your job?

In ballet they say, “you’re as good as your last performance.” Rarely do audiences remember your best shows – they just remember the last one. 

Sometimes I feel the same theory applies to my job. It’s hard to produce well every single day, especially when you’re in a creative funk, which has definitely happened to me many times since starting my blog. 

I also have a tendency to get in my head and overthink things. Deep down inside, I know when I let go big things will happen. But I’m just too scared to do it. Change is great (and one I’ve embraced many times in my life) but the process itself is hard for me. 

And lastly, I would have to say comparison. If you think for one second I don’t fall victim to this, you’re wrong. Having been in the industry for six years now (which isn’t long, but sort of is for influencers) watching others achieve their dreams can be hard. I’ve asked myself many times, “what am I doing wrong?” yet refuse to do what everyone else is doing. For this reason, I’ve learned that “slow growth is better” because it gives you time to figure out what you want and do it right. But patience is hard when you want so much!

72. Top 5 favorite designers? Top 5 Latin designers?

Chanel, duh lol

Valentino (preferably when Valentino himself designed the brand) 

Givenchy (preferably Hubert de Givenchy’s designs) 

Maison Schiaparelli 

Dior 

Latin Designers: 

Johanna Ortiz 

Cristóbal Balenciaga

Oscar de la Renta 

Carolina Herrera 

Loving Gabriela Hearst 

Hunting Season

*bonus: Loving Kika Vargas

*bonus: By Efrain Mogollon

*bonus: Monica Sordo Jewelry 

*bonus: Agua de Agua Bendita for contemporary

73. What’s the one thing you want your readers to take away from your brand?

To feel inspired.

Xo, Stephanie

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Blouse: Ganni

Jeans: (c/o) Sezane

Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane

Sandals: Schutz

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