Irish blogger Bukola Veronica’s style is a breath of fresh air

Bukola Veronica is a newcomer on the Irish blogging scene, but her keen sense of personal style is certainly making people pay attention.

The 21-year-old Dubliner has already garnered a shortlist in the Irish Beauty Blog Awards, for her eponymous website where she writes about sustainable fashion, travel, styling tips, beauty and lifestyle.

Here, the college student reminisces on the first piece of clothing she ever made (with the help of her tailor mum), up-cycling, high street bargains – and the pair of trainers that will always have a place in her heart.

What makes you most excited about getting dressed in the morning?

Getting dressed in the mornings is one of the main things I do to prepare myself for the day ahead. Whether I’m heading out or staying in, whatever I’m wearing reflects my mood for the day. So, what makes me excited about getting dressed in the morning is that it simply sets up my mood for the day. I really believe in the saying that what you wear reflects how you feel.

What’s your failsafe, go-to look for a day when you’re lacking inspiration?

That’s easy. You can never go wrong with some jeans, a graphic t-shirt and a leather jacket. That’s definitely my go-to when my wardrobe isn’t speaking to me.

Last piece you bought?

A matching linen cropped shirt and pant set from Nasty Gal; it has the cutest pinstripes on it. When I saw it I knew instantly that I had to have it. It’s the perfect summer attire.

First piece you saved all your pocket money for?

The one thing I can think of off the top of my head would definitely be my Nike Air Max 90s. They are one of the items I always splurge on and if I could have a pair in every colour available, I would.

Where do you shop usually?

Nowadays, I definitely shop online more than I do in stores. Zara, Nasty Gal, iClothing and New Look are my go-to sites. However, when I’m in town I can’t resist calling into Penneys and Stradivarius.

If you have something big coming up, where do you look for a killer outfit?

That depends on what kind of outfit I’m planning on wearing. However, I’ll definitely have a scroll through ASOS, since they have almost every brand I can think of on there, as well as some more unique pieces. If I have no luck online, I’ll probably end up going into town to try and find some cute little boutiques for some one-of-a-kind outfits.

What do you do with your fashion purchases when you no longer need them?

If the clothes are still in good condition, I’d offer them first to my friends and family to see if they could make use of it. A lot of the clothes I don’t need anymore get donated to charity or sometimes I’ll end up up-cycling the clothes and making something new. I can’t count the amount of jeans that I’ve turned into shorts!

Last outfit you’d wear on earth?

If it was the last day on earth, you’d probably find me in some trainers, a mini-skirt and a t-shirt.

Best ever bargain purchase?

There was a pair of trainers that I saw in Topshop a good while back that I’d been eyeing. Then one day, I walked in and it was on sale. Luckily they had my size and I bagged the boots for €30. Now that was a bargain if I do say so myself.

Favourite fashion memory?

My mum used to be a tailor and I remember when I was younger, we had this huge sewing machine in our house. I was obsessed with the thing. One day, my mum decided to involve me in a little project and we made this cute skirt together. I remember never wanting to take the skirt off. That’s definitely one of my earliest and favourite fashion memories.

Designer you’d wear all the time if you won the lotto?

That would definitely have to be a choice between Yves Saint Laurent or Burberry.

Where do you seek style inspiration?

Instagram. There are so many amazing fashion content creators on Instagram. Inspiration is at every stop. I find myself spending a lot of time scrolling through the discover page, as well as my feed, for some style inspo. Pinterest is another site I use when I need some fashion inspiration.

Trend you’d never be caught in?

Low-cut jeans! I can’t believe that there was ever a time I wore low-cut jeans as today I’d never be caught in them. High-waisted jeans all the way.

Trend you’d wear ’til the cows come home?

It’s so hard to choose just one. However, you can never go wrong with an edgy black leather jacket. Everyone must have at least one leather jacket in their wardrobe.

One thing that’s been on your wishlist forever?

A Burberry trench coat. I remember seeing an ad for a Burberry trench a couple of years ago and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Related:

• How to nail model off duty style, with catwalk queen Kelly Horrigan…here
• Five minutes with Irish fashion entrepreneur Johanna Dooley…here
• Meet the Vancouver-based Irish fashion blogger who can’t live without her sneakers…here
• How this stylish Irish PR pro gets dressed for work and play…here