Blogger Of The Moment: Steffy's Pros and Cons
Stefanie Kuncman started Steffy's Pros and Cons less than a year ago, but in that short period of time, the college student has turned herself into a bona fide fashion brand. With a zany signature style that includes babydoll dresses, peter pan-collared blouses, and circa-'90s tunic sweaters, Steffy has built quite a following not just on her blog, but also Lookbook and Chictopia.
She has a knack for pairing the old (fair-isle sweaters, silk tie-neck tops) with the new (sequin minis, frayed cut-offs), creating a look that's unbelievably cool. Not long ago, she launched an online vintage shop that allows fans to get their hands on this thrifting aficionado's handpicked gems. Pro? There's a million things we need. Con? Well... there's a million things we need.
1/11Name: Steffy—Stefanie, but nobody calls me that—Kuncman
Age: 24
Hometown: Miami, FL
Blogging Since: February 2011
**Why did you initially decide to start a blog? **
I was living in Nicaragua in 2010 in a little town in the middle of nowhere and to pass the time i would read fashion blogs such as Keiko Lynn and Eat Sleep Wear. They would leave me feeling so inspired, so when I moved back to the states I began a blog of my own.
2/11Get to know internet it girl Stefanie Kuncman in this Q&A.
3/11How would you describe your style?
Vintage-inspired, girly, and quirky.
**Who are your favorite designers? **
I have always loved Betsey Johnson. Once I started fashion school, I learned about a whole bunch of designers I never even knew existed and gained lots of new favorites for different reasons. I love Chloe, Proenza Schouler, of course Mary Quant and all things 1960s, and Andre Courreges for his quirky modern designs.
4/11**Who inspires your wardrobe and why? **
I am inspired a lot by holidays. I tend to wear the colors of the season—pastels around Easter, bold colors and florals around summer, and deeper jewel tones through winter. I guess you can say I am driven by color in general.
**Where are your favorite places to shop? **
I shop about three days a week for my store, and the vintage in Miami never ceases to amaze me. So I guess all of the Miami thrift stores are my favorites. Also, H&M has the best accessories.
5/11**What are your personal favorite blogs? **
Flashes of Style has remained my favorite blog for a while. Bonnie seems sweet and we live life in the same spontaneous and carefree way. I also adore Lost in the Haze because Jo has such professional photographs; Calivintage’s Tumblr because Erin’s inspirations always inspire me to death; and Jen Loves Kev because Jen seems so down to earth and her DIYs are inspiring. Also, she used to be an art teacher and after attending art school for eight years of my life I have this "bond" with art teachers.
6/11**What is the story behind your blog's title? **
Before Steffy's Pros and Cons was a fashion blog, I used it as an inspiration board of sorts to keep myself inspired back in college. I would list my pros and cons each day to try and see the bright side of life. When I started a fashion blog, I just picked up using the old URL and name. It really wasn't very thought through.
**If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be? **
Inspire my audience to find beauty in the little things in life.
7/11**Any advice for anyone who wants to start her own blog? **
First, know your style. Obviously style evolves through time but you need to know your focus. Is it vintage? Is it high-end? Is it "how to mix the two?" There has to be some consistency. Also, I think the biggest deal is to have a good camera and to know how to take professional looking photographs. All of my favorite blogs are the ones that have pretty pictures.
**What do you do when you're not blogging? **
I love to run, and I am a big ercise junkie. Running gives me a calm throughout the whole day. I also love music; I like going to shows and finding new bands!
8/11**Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season? **
I have been really into sequins for the past few weeks. I think they jazz up any outfit.
**What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback? **
Flapper dresses!
9/11**What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects? **
The best aspect is meeting so many like-minded girls. I love e-mailing back and forth with women all over the world. I also run my own vintage store, Tea and Tulips, and the blog helps to advertise for my store. It is incredible what you can accomplish just by being creative and putting yourself out there. I feel so happy inside when girls tell me they love the vintage I find.
The hardest part is the criticism. Sometimes it makes me want to throw my hands up and quit, although I know I can't because I have worked so hard. People just say mean things anonymously on other sites or send me mean remarks on my Formspring and it hurts my feelings. You have to have a strong shell.
10/11**What clothing item would you say is timeless? **
A good pair of black boots because you can wear 'em forever.
**What beauty product can you not live without? **
My red CoverGirl lipstick!
11/11**How do you capture your outfits each day? **
My boyfriend takes all of my outfit pictures. Either we wake up a bit early before he goes to work and take them, or we snap photos when we spend the weekends together. If he is busy or not around, my mom takes them once in a while! It is great having the support of my loved ones.
**What type of camera do you use? **
I use a Canon 7D with a 50 MM lens.
Worry less about mean girls and more about math class. What’s your favorite Teen Vogue moment?
When there were five (!) different One Direction covers in 2012. Share a funny anecdote from a first job or internship.
As a Teen Vogue intern, I interviewed Jonas ... Read More
