Inside the Home of Mary O'Regan

Inside the home of Mary O'Regan-- the founder of the style blog Art of Wore and senior features writer at Nordstrom. 

You grew up in Minneapolis. How has it influenced your style?
It opened the door to thrifting. Minnesota has amazing vintage clothing, jewelry and décor in thrift stores peppered throughout the state. Living there gave me access to regular treasure hunts, and I learned how to take vintage pieces and reinterpret them into contemporary looks.

Your day job is senior features writer at Nordstrom. What does that involve exactly?
I write trend guides, lookbooks, styling tips, designer Q&As, blog entries, and things like that. It's fun!

How did you start your style blog- Art of Wore?
I started when I was a senior fashion editor at a magazine publishing company in Minneapolis. My day job was limited to the local fashion scene, and I wanted to be able to write about anything that struck my fancy—an outlet for my style obsessions, local or not. My blog has enabled me to write about items I'm coveting, trend reports, Fashion Week, my personal style and favorite designers.

What inspired you to start working in the fashion industry?
I discovered my love for fashion during my trek around Europe. It was so inspiring seeing the uninhibited way many Europeans dress. When I got back to the states, I started writing about the local fashion scene and eventually got to where I am today.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Mary Katrantzou, Proenza Schouler, Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen, and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen.

What other elements influence your personal aesthetic? 
Street fashion. I feel it's more genuine and less contrived versus fashion shows and campaigns which are highly stylized. I love show and campaigns, but when it comes to inspiration for how I'm actually going to dress, I like to see how real people wear things. 

What are some of your favorite style blogs?

Fashion Toast, Oracle Fox, The Glmaourai, Frou Frouu, Garance Doré, and Tommy Ton. 

What are some of your fashion faux pas?

When people wear clothes that don't fit properly. Knowing your size is the first step to dressing well. I also don't like how overly casual everyone has gotten. People don't even dress up to go to the theater anymore. And I know some women who don't own a single pair of heels. It's a shame.

Do you have a daily mantra?

It's more of a way of living: Be carefree, lighten up, have fun with life. Do what feels good and don't care what other people think. 

What's your most valuable possession?

In terms of practicality, my laptop. It's my connection to the outside world. Sentimentally, I'd have to say a delicate vintage koi fish necklace that my boyfriend gave me. 

If you could be anywhere, where would you be?

Pink Floyd, live at Pompeii, Italy 1972. 

What's on your personal soundtrack?

Tons of classic rock, soul, 90s hip hop, and indie rock. I love Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, The National, Bon Iver, Frightened Rabbit, My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Sleigh Bells.

What's the last book you read?

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. 

Current read?

Gay Men Don't Get Fat by Simon Doonan.

What has been one of your most gratifying experiences to date?
 Taking off on a solo backpacking trip across Europe for three months. Best thing I ever did.

What're you looking forward to?
Summer in Seattle. Everyone keeps telling me about it. I'm excited for music festivals, sunshine, boating, hiking, sundresses, sunglasses, freckles and bonfires. 

What you do admire most in a woman?

Strength. A woman who knows what she wants, goes for it and doesn't let fears or insecurities get in her way.

How about a man?

Respect. A man who respects the things around him and himself. A smart man with manners, charm, and a sense of decorum.

What's your advice?

Don't worry about what other people think. Do what you think feels right. Go with your gut.