Christy Osborne is a woman on a mission. She's the blonde bombshell behind the successful blog American Girl In Chelsea, she's also a qualified lawyer, social media expert and mum of two. Christy's blog has proven to be quite a hit with American women relocating to London, and has turned in to the go-to guide for anyone looking to discover London. We caught up with Christy to talk about life, fashion and her plans for the blog.
House of Holland Duchess Shirt, Rabens Saloner Cira Tank, J Brand Nappa Leather Crop JeansDONNA IDA: How did you decide what to call your blog?
CHRISTY: 'I was having lunch with some girlfriends about a year after I moved to London and I was talking about all the emails I was getting from girls who were moving to the UK, asking me all sorts of questions about relocating. One of the girls said "You should start a blog, An American Girl in London." The domain was taken, so "American Girl in Chelsea" was born.'
DONNA IDA: Where did you study? How did you get to where you are now? How did you get your big break?
CHRISTY: 'I studied pre-law at the University of Southern California, and have a law degree from Pepperdine University. I am actually qualified to practice law in California, but after I began writing the blog it led to so many other things. I was doing freelance journalism for a bit, mainly in beauty, and now have a social media company, Hashtag Haute, which provides social media services for boutique brands, mainly beauty, fashion and health.'
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to fellow bloggers to increase their audience?
CHRISTY: 'A friend who works at Google told me very early on, just keep writing. He said; "If you keep writing, the followers will come," and he was right. It's also important to get out and be at events to network. I have two little kids, so that's the hardest part for me, trying to balance being out at the right events, whilst also making sure I"m home for them.'
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DONNA IDA: Who are your favourite designers and why?
CHRISTY: 'Oscar de la Renta can do zero wrong in my eyes. He makes the most beautiful dresses, and I just adore the classic, chic style. If I had to wear one designer for the rest of my life it would be Oscar. Hands down.
I also fell in love with Pheobe Philo at a very young age. I met someone who told me that she sketched the first Chloe pony bag on a napkin at a restaurant. She's just so inspiring. What she's done to revive Celine is incredible.
I could talk about Karl Lagerfeld all day long, he's a total lunatic, but Chanel is Chanel. Every Chanel piece I have, whether it's a 2.55 quilted bag or set of pearls is such an investment that I cherish. I know I can save those things and pass them down to my daughter. At the moment I am loving Carven, it's girly and edgy all at the same time. But for everyday running around London, I live in Joie and Equipment tops, they are just so easy. I love a great IRO blazer, and I can't get enough of Frame Denim at the moment. The distressed boyfriend jeans are amazing. For lounging, I'm pretty much always in Wilfox. The sweatshirts are so cozy.'
DONNA IDA: What can't you leave the house without?
CHRISTY: '1) Lipstick, I am obsessed with Daniel Sandler at the moment, his micro red is the perfect shade. 2) QMS Handcare, it's the best non-greasy hand cream. And 3) An umbrella, because you never know when its going to rain in London...even in Summer!'
DONNA IDA: What are your favourite hot spots in Chelsea?
CHRISTY: 'The Good Life for a healthy lunch and green juice, Bluebird for a glass of wine alfresco, Brinkley's on Hollywood Road for my girls nights, and Daphne's for date night with my husband.'
J Brand Aiah Leather Jacket, Joie Blouse, Wildfox The Michelle Boyfriend ShortsDONNA IDA: What is your typical working day?
CHRISTY: 'My kids are up by 6 AM, so I'm up getting them fed and ready for nursery school or their activities for the day. I try to do an hour or so of social media work before I run out the door. The morning usually consists of meeting with clients or brands for American Girl in Chelsea, and I try to do pilates with Chloe Hodgson at least two or three times a week. Afternoons consist of shuttling the kids around town to activities, and squeezing in some desk-hours while I can. I usually do a blog post after the kids have gone to bed, if I am not lucky enough to be seeing friends or my husband in the evenings.'
DONNA IDA: If we were to go to LA for a week, what would you recommend we do?
CHRISTY: 'Either stay or at least pay a visit to the Hotel Bel Air, it's one of my favourite hotels in the world. Have lunch at The Ivy at the Shore and make sure you order an Ivy Gimlet. Book a blow out at The Dry Bar. Quick and easy and your hair will last a whole week! And go for a long walk along the boardwalk from Venice Beach to Malibu.'
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
CHRISTY: 'I've just partnered with a girlfriend, Juliet Angus, to launch her fashion and lifestyle blog. She's a fab stylist and fashion PR consultant and so I'm working on my photography skills to help showcase her looks. The day to day editing and managing of the site takes a lot of time, but it's a lot of fun. I'd also like to write a book, mainly a compilation of all my funny stories of being an expat in London, but also including all my practical tid-bits.'
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