303 Style Profile is an ongoing series highlighting unique locals and their incredible style and stories. Go here to see past profiles.
She has been seen at Denver Fashion Week season after season all while becoming a local style influencer. She models for a renowned local fashion photographer, Rebecca Slaughter, and has built her blog, EllaXArnold, from the ground up while being a mother to her five-year-old son. Her name is Ella Arnold and she graced us with her chameleon style and glowing confidence. Arnold has pioneered a strong following on her social platforms including the blog that has allowed her the ability to embrace her followers in a personal way.
READ: Rebecca Slaughter’s Unapologetic Style
303 Magazine: What was the moment that pushed you into fashion blogging? How did you get to where you are now?
Ella Arnold: I have always been the girl that looks for trends and tries to put my own spin on them. It was probably in 2015 when I realized people started caring about what I was wearing so I decided to share it. It also helps being married to someone who cares about fashion. My husband, Sean, is the one who keeps me updated on the high fashion side of things.
303: You tend to work with very talented women photographers which shows in the photos your blog produces. Do you prefer feminine energy while working at a photo shoot, if so why?
EA: I absolutely prefer women photographers. I think it’s a completely different vibe. I feel more comfortable breaking down my walls and showing every side of me. I also think that women understand my angles and I just feel more empowered with a woman photographer. I’m not opposed to shooting with a man by any means, but I feel like I can be myself the most with a girl boss.
303: Your style seems to very fluid — you do sport and boho very well. How would you describe your style and where are your favorite places to shop from — local and not local?
EA: I have changed my personal style a lot and at one point I felt that I had to be either one thing or another. As I have grown more into who I am, I have realized that I can be a lot of different things and if I feel like dressing sporty one day and girly the next then that’s awesome. That’s what makes my personal style unique. I draw my inspiration from so many places and I’ve learned to just listen to the vibes I’m feeling for the day and dress accordingly. My favorite local shops are definitely boutiques like Midnight Rambler. I could also spend all day in any good vintage store like Goldmine Vintage. Fashion Nova is also great. It fits my body type so well so most of my jeans come from them. I like Zara and Topshop for my basics and fast fashion things.
303: Summer is around the corner. Are there any trends that you can’t wait to wear in the Denver heat?
EA: I’m really digging the biker shorts trend right now and I can’t wait to rock that out on the town when the weather warms up! I also really love over-sized clothes or anything light and flowy.
303: As a mother, what are your go-to styles and makeup hacks for your on-the-go schedule?
EA: I love a good pair of ripped black denim and a vintage tee. If I’m in a hurry that’s one thing that I know I will always like. As for makeup, I always try and get in the essentials. Eyebrows, some bronzer and mascara then throw my hair in a top knot and you have my go-to “mom look.”
303: “I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom,” is one of your social platform slogans. How has life as a fashion blogger been since you had your son?
EA: I think that being a mom and being fashionable can be frowned upon sometimes, which makes me so sad for all the women out there that think they can’t be their own person and dress for themselves. It’s all about owning who you are and being able to brush off the people who look down on you. Blogging has only brought me out of my shell more. It’s helped me mature into the woman I am now.
303: You recently went to Hawaii to renew your vows. How was it the experience with your son and husband?
EA: It was so beautiful. We never got the real wedding experience when we first got married so we went all out this time around. We decided at five years that was our time to celebrate. I got a dress and we finally got the experience we always wanted.
303: What is the best advice you have for anyone who wants to start their own business?
EA: Jump! Take that leap of faith because it’s so much fun and you get to do a job that you love, every day. Plan for distractions and failures but keep trying. You’ll be in the middle of it all one day and look back on where you started and thank yourself for not giving up.
All Photography by Danielle Webster.