Sweet Southern Style: Caitlin Covington of Southern Curls & Pearls

Meet Caitlin Covington, the sweet and stylish southern belle behind one of our favorite blogs, Southern Curls & Pearls. Sweet Lemon Magazine sat down with our latest Mover & Shaker to talk about the blog life, fashion and what’s next for her and SC&P.

Tell us a little about yourself and why you started SC&P.

I started Southern Curls & Pearls in 2011 as an outlet to practice writing and express my love for fashion. I had been following fashion blogs for a while and was inspired to create my own; I had no idea it would turn into what it is today (my first posts are still on my blog somewhere – and pretty laughable!). It is really such an honor that people read my words and pay attention to what I wear!

How would you define your personal style?

My personal style is classic but trendy at the same time. I love taking timeless pieces and mixing them with fun/trendy accessories. For instance, I’ll dress up a classic black dress with a fun statement necklace and a pair of leopard heels. My style is also very “southern” – lots of bright colors, showy pieces and of course I can pair my cowgirl boots with anything. I tend to spend more money on timeless items and less on trendy items that could go out of style in a couple of months. I love the fact that fashion is always changing!

What is the most rewarding part of sharing SC&P?

The most rewarding part of blogging is definitely the friendships I’ve made and the feedback I receive from readers. It’s crazy to think that some of my close friends I’ve never even met in person! It’s also amazing when people come to me for advice or tell me that I’ve impacted their life in a big way. I always want to give people the best advice I can, and I’m honored when girls come to me. Bloggers are role models and should be careful what they put out there for others to see.

Who are your biggest blogging inspirations?

My biggest blogging inspirations are bloggers that are actually my friends, too. It’s so fun talking to other bloggers that can relate what you’re going through. These girls are so down-to-earth and I know they are destined for big things! Emily from The Sweetest Thing, Megan from For All Things Lovely and Emily from Life With Emily are some of my biggest inspirations.

How do you balance blogging with a full time job and social life?

To be honest, it’s hard! My job requires working overtime most days, and spending time with my family, boyfriend and friends is my first priority. When life gets busy, it can be hard to “get inspired” and to even find the time to blog! I’ve had many late nights and early mornings with my computer, but because blogging is so important to me, I force myself to make time for it. One thing that really helps me is keeping a notebook of blog post ideas – I carry it around with me in my purse so I can add to it whenever inspiration strikes. When I do have free time, I like to write and schedule posts in advance.

Outside of blogging, what are your favorite activities? 

I love to exercise and eat healthy! Experimenting in the kitchen is a huge passion of mine, whether it’s cooking up healthy lunches for the week or creating a healthier version of my favorite dessert. I’m also an avid reader – I absolutely love to get lost in a good book. I tend to like the classics best – Jane Eyre and Rebecca are my all-time faves. I am constantly amazed at the power of the written word to evoke emotion. When I was younger I wanted to write novels for a living!

Name 5 items you absolutely can’t live without.

1. My Kate Spade watch – it is such a classic piece and makes for the most fantastic arm parties.

2. Cocoa butter chapstick. The actual tube of chapstick is huge (it actually looks similar to a glue stick!) but it’s the best and I’ve used it for years. It feels amazing on your lips and is a great base for lipsticks and gloss!

3. A great pair of nude heels. Nude heels elongate your legs and go with everything from LBDs to skinny jeans. They are definitely a closet staple!

4. My pearl earrings. I have a pair of simple pearl earrings that are my go-to. Statement earrings are great for a night out, but they tend to hurt my ear lobes (haha!). Pearl earrings are so beautiful and classic, and they really go with everything. Or maybe that’s the Southern in me talking.

5. A nice leather bag. I wear my leather bag throughout all the seasons. Investing in a nice leather bag is smart because they last for years and the leather can actually look better with age. Pick a simple, timeless bag that won’t go out of style in a few years.

What advice do you have for people interested in starting their own blog?

My advice is to write about your passions! If you are writing about what you love, then you can’t go wrong. One other big piece of advice is to network. It may sound funny, but networking and becoming friends with other bloggers is so helpful. Not only can you support each other, but you can ask for advice, share experiences and gain inspiration from them.

Where do you see yourself and SC&P in the future?

I have big dreams for my lil ol’ blog! I don’t know exactly where the future will take me, but I do hope to turn my passion for blogging into a full-time career. Whether that is starting an online boutique through my blog, turning my blog into a business, or helping create content for a different site, I am excited for what the future holds. One thing that is so important to me is having a career that I LOVE. A career should never feel work, and I’m learning that sometimes you just have to go out and create your dream job.

When life hands you lemons…

Put on sparkly jewels, bright lipstick and a smile! Sometimes you have to fake it ’til you make it. Having a positive attitude – and simply putting on a smile – can make a huge difference when faced with life obstacles. And of course, who can frown while wearing fabulous jewelry?

We couldn’t agree more!  Make sure to check out Caitlin’s blog, Southern Curls and Pearls. You can also follow her on ,  and !

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