The Fashion Time Magazine

The innovative and enterprising Sarah-Jean Ballard has found her niche in the Fashion blogosphere with the creation of a website, The Fashionable Housewife that caters to housewives and stay-at-home-moms, fashion-conscious but life-occupied women, who in the past had neither the time nor energy, to seek out the fab and glamorous, stylish and couture, trendy and chic.

Sarah-Jean, a web designer and SAHM (Stay-at-Home-Mom) herself, with an interest in yoga, ballet, guitar, music, obsessive cleaning, and computers, recently had a baby girl of her own, which resulted in the formation of another site, The Fashionable Bambino, that fulfills infants and children’s stylish clothing and apparel needs.

We thank Sarah-Jean for taking time off from her busy schedule to participate in the Interview.

Fashion Time: How did you start your blog?

Sarah-Jean: My interest in fashion started at a very young age. I remember how fascinated I was when I saw Vogue for the first time! I must have been like 6 or 7. I immediately became a fashion addict!

I’ve always known hat my taste in fashion was always a little different than everyone else and also noticed that either were no fashion blogs catering to women who either had kids or were on a budget. So in May 2006 I decided to start The Fashionable Housewife.

Fashion Time: What does your job as Editor-in-Chief of The Fashionable Housewife entail?

Sarah-Jean: I’m the chief, cook and bottle washer! I’m the one woman band here. I spend 5 or more hours a day researching what to write about and I write 90% of the content myself. Plus I spend an extensive amount of time reviewing products thoroughly so that I can accurately report on them. I take great pride in knowing that when I post a product review that I am giving the most accurate and honest opinion I can possibly give.

I spend probably 8-10 hours a day working on the blog, whether it’s researching and writing my next editorial, testing a product, answering countless emails, or just sprucing up the homepage. It really is a full time job!

Fashion Time: Is there a social stigmatism to being a housewife in America these days?

Sarah-Jean: Yes, I find that most people look down on women that stay home and either raise their children or work from home. They have no idea that housewives and stay at home mom’s don’t just sit around on their butts all day! Being a mom in itself is a full time job, nevermind working from home too. It’s like they think we’re lazy or something!

Fashion Time: How do the fashion needs of housewives differ from other women?

Sarah-Jean: Well housewives and SAHM’s (stay at home moms) can’t be running around doing errands in Jimmy Choos and a strapless cocktail dress. It’s impractical and most certainly foolish. The life of a housewife is so much different than women in NYC with full time jobs. We can’t take a cab to keep our new shoes looking fabulous or keep from getting blisters in them. We’re usually chasing toddlers around from dawn until dusk for heaven’s sakes! Housewives need a completely different set of fashion rules and tips for their busy, demanding lifestyle.

Fashion Time: What do you feel about women who look down at women who are housewives?

Sarah-Jean: I think they are all just jealous… Deep down inside they wish they could stay home too!

Fashion Time: Tell us about your other site, The Fashionable Bambino?

Sarah-Jean: I just had my first baby a little under a year ago and I spend as much time getting her outfit ready as I do my own, so she’s already Mommy’s little fashionista! I just had to make a site just for her. It’s not just about fashion though. I review a lot of baby products and stuff for moms to help them decide what things to buy for their new baby.

Fashion Time: Would you buy your 6 month-old baby stilettos (heelarious.com sells them)?

Sarah-Jean: LOL Oh my goodness, yes! Those are fabulous!

Fashion Time: What’s the hottest trend in baby fashions these days?

Sarah-Jean: Legwarmers. Baby Legs has the cutest baby legwarmers and everyone is getting them for their babies and older kids too. They’re so hot!

Fashion Time: Maternity Wear: What the hottest trend for the summer?

Sarah-Jean: Long dresses. Also a trend for non-maternity gals too. This trend works for everyone.

Fashion Time: Are Plus-Sized fashions a good idea or does it suggest we have too many overweight women (and men too) in the United States?

Sarah-Jean: This is really a controversial subject… I know there are a lot of overweight people in the US and so I try to reach out to as many people as possible with my fashion tips. Big girls want to look good too! But personally, I think that truly fashionable clothes shouldn’t be bigger than a size 8. Once the clothes get bigger than that, they start looking distorted and you lose the true style of the clothing itself. For that reason, no I don’t like plus sized fashion. But since obesity is such an epidemic and not too many people seem to care, I think it’s nice that the big girls can fit in with everyone else and feel good about themselves.

Fashion Time: Who is your fashion muse?

Sarah-Jean: I find myself frequently enamored with Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton’s style choices. Sometimes they are way off, but most times I’m in love. Ideally though, it would be Audrey Hepburn.

Fashion Time: What fashion trend makes your skin crawl?

Sarah-Jean: It’s a toss up between madras and high top sneakers. Are Crocs considered a fashion trend? Or maybe they are just a fashion atrocity…

Fashion Time: What’s a must have item for your makeup bag?

Sarah-Jean: I can’t live without CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara. I don’t go out in public without mascara on!

Fashion Time: Who is your favorite local designer?

Sarah-Jean: I have to say Nicole Locher has definitely caught my attention!

(Non local designer fav is Marc Jacobs.)

Fashion Time: What’s the most important item of clothing in your wardrobe?

Sarah-Jean: My Spanx Power Panties. Thank God for those things!

Fashion Time: What is your favorite part about blogging?

Sarah-Jean: I live and breath fashion, so just being able to write about something I’m passionate about is very fullfilling.

Fashion Time: What are the five best online sites for Fashion?

Sarah-Jean: You mean besides mine? lol I like:

1. http://frugal-fashionista.blogspot.com/
2. http://www.mywardrobetoday.com/
3. http://thebudgetfashionista.com/
4. http://momfinds.com/
5. http://www.theitlists.com/

Fashion Time: Do you think Men really find the SATC ladies attractive or do they see them as more like the Sex Hags of the City?

Sarah-Jean: Well, I don’t talk to many men about SATC, but I know the few that I have think they are all old hags. I couldn’t disagree more! I loved the show and I loved the movie! I’m a huge fan.

Fashion Time: Project Runway: Do you have a favorite designer from the show?

Sarah-Jean: I don’t watch the show every week, but I did like Victorya from season 4.