If Cynthia looks familiar to you, you may remember her blog with the old name, Addicted2Etsy. While Cynthia is still a big fan of that site and features sellers and products from it regularly, her blog showcases her personal style, as well as peeks into her personal tastes and lifestyle. Her music mentions thrill me because I often learn about new artists that I too end up loving. Her hair is amazing and she regularly writes about how she cares for it. She does reviews of fashion and décor trends and beauty products without it being overkill and they always fit her clean, bright, fun and spirited aesthetic.
And Cynthia’s personal style? Just as stated above, it’s bright, fun, and spirited. She can pattern mix like the best, but always does it in a clean, thoughtful manner. You can see her personality and lifestyle through her clothing choices, be it a vintage Coach bag from Etsy, a band tee shirt, or a pair of sandals she picked up on a trip to Barcelona. 
Cynthia can rock color and bold prints without it feeling costumey. She has a good eye for proportion, balancing voluminous blouses with skinny jeans and knowing the right hem length to flatter her figure. She shops at budget-friendly shops but looks like a million bucks with her creative styling and pairing. I love how her hair is constantly changing, switching up the look of re-worn pieces and giving a whole new effect to her personal style. And her smile – gosh it’s refreshing to see a big happy smile in a sea of duck lips and pouts!Simply Cyn is a blog I always look forward to showing up in my reader; Cynthia is positive, creative, and inspiring. I was thrilled that she was willing to be part of my True Fashionista series. I asked Cynthia to answer the same five questions I ask of each True Fashionista; her answers:
How would you describe your personal style?
I think my personal style is about being chic but with a healthy dose of ease and comfort. There was a time I would try anything that was fashionable but I learned that I feel most beautiful and get the most positive response from people when I wear something that I am truly comfortable in. Being comfortable in your clothes and in your skin really comes across. It's about confidence.
Where did you get your passion for fashion?
My mom was always a top notch dresser. I grew up in Cameroon, West Africa and my mom actually owned a tailoring shop. I would hang out there with the tailors and watch them work and watch my mom give out instructions. I think that's where I started really liking clothes and patterns and different designs. It wasn't however until later that I realized how that fashion is not shallow, at least it doesn't have to be. It can really help on a crap day, the saying that when you look good, you feel good.
Where do you find sartorial inspiration?
A few years back it would have been mostly magazines, but now it's definitely from other bloggers and living in NYC, its the ladies & gents on the street and on the train.
What is the difference between fashion and style?
Fashion is temporary, style is forever.
Any advice for a woman who is starting to find her personal style?
Experiment. Its harder in the beginning, but if you don't try, you won't figure it out. Grab something you wouldn't normally wear, pair pieces you don't think go together. Be adventurous. You might be surprised what you discover.
***
The purpose of the Friday True Fashionista series is to show women who use clothing to express their personal style. Each woman has a different, unique look and opinion on clothing and fashion. These women inspire me in my clothing choices, and possibly their bold sartorial statements will inspire you. Stay tuned, there will be a featured True Fashionista every Friday. And if you know of a True Fashionista in your life, tell us about her in the comments... you never know she may end up being featured!
