1 Girl, 4 Looks: A Newbie S.F. Blogger Shows Off Her Winter Duds

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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We like to utilize this time of year to reflect on all the style strides we’ve recently made. One of our favorite S.F. fashion wins of 2012? Becoming the home of the poised and super-polished style blogger Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam. 

With bright, upbeat outfits, a shining personality to match, and an obvious love for the bold — not to mention a totally-devoted fan following — she’s the obvious choice to show us some super-fresh, copy-worthy ensembles for a brisk Bay Area winter. Oh, and we got the newbie local to give us the inside scoop on her favorite spots in her breezy Marina ‘hood, her whirlwind year, and what she has up her well-dressed sleeve for 2013.

1-a

When and why did you start your blog?
“I’ve been blogging since April of 2011 and wanted to create a website where I could share inexpensive ways to get designer looks. I started on Blogger, and from there it evolved into a personal style and beauty blog.”

Julia kicks it in a PJK Patterson J. Kincaid sweater, Club Monaco skirt, Gryphon jacket, Diane Von Furstenberg booties, and a Jeremy’s hat.

1-b

How has your style evolved since starting your blog? 
“It’s changed a lot — I was still in college when I created my blog, and at the time I was still figuring out my tastes. After I graduated, my needs changed — I was buying work wardrobe essentials and warmer clothes for the city. Plus, I love getting ready every day — even if I don’t leave the house, I love getting dressed up!”

1-c

How would you describe your style?
“It’s very feminine, classic, and colorful. I love investing in pieces that I will have forever, but I love mixing high- and low-end items. My style is always changing, and I love being open-minded to new ideas and ways to wear things.”

1-d

Where are some of your favorite places to shop in S.F.?
“There are so many amazing boutiques and shops in almost every neighborhood! I loveJeremy’sChloe RoseHeidi SaysCurve,AcrimonyScotch & Soda, and Nida. But, I do a majority of my shopping online because you can always find the best deals on Net-A-Porter,ShopbopASOS, and Matches.”

What are your top food spots in the city?
“We are frequent customers at Tacolicious,Lucca Deli, and Greens. I also love Tres in SoMa and Venticello in Nob Hill.”

1-e

What do you like best about living in San Francisco?
“I love that it’s a big yet little city. I know that’s an oxymoron, but it’s true! It’s big enough to always have something to do, but you could literally take a whole day and walk the entire city. The architecture and buildings are one-of-a-kind and so beautiful. Also, each neighborhood is so different — I love exploring and finding new places to eat, shop, and hang out.”

2-a

What are your favorite labels and designers at the moment?
“I love Milly NY by Michelle Smith, Shoshanna,Camilla and MarcSunoMaje, and Rebecca Taylor. They all make very feminine, beautiful dresses and never lack in the color department.” 

Julia outside A16 in her Marina hood, in an H&M top, Topshop skirt, Jimmy Choo heels, vintage purse, and Loren Hope necklace.

2-b

Which items in your wardrobe get the most play?
“I would say my jackets and coats, boots, and jeans — pretty much all the S.F. essentials!”

2-c

Do you have any blogging goals or style resolutions for 2013? 
“I have a lot of goals that I want to achieve both for my blog and personally. I would love to attend both the fall ’13 and spring ’14 Fashion Weeks in NYC this year. I also want to work on my time management and organizational skills.”

2-d

What are some on-trend items you’re rocking right now? What about any pieces you’d avoid like the plague? 
“I’ve already worn tons of Pantone’s Color Of The Year, emerald green, lady-like dresses, and winter whites. As for trends I’d steer clear of, I’d never wear a piece if it didn’t flatter my body.”

3-a

Who are some of your fashion icons? 
“I love Miroslava Duma, Miranda Kerr, Olivia Palermo, and Diane Kruger.” 

Julia, posting up outside her fave, Rose’s Cafe, looking stunning in a Zara jacket, Gap sweater, Madewell jeans, and Rebecca Minkoff flats.

3-b

What’s one thing people may not know about you?
“I have a huge sweet tooth — if there are candies or treats in front of me, I have no self-control!”

3-c

What are your go-to sites for style inspiration? 
“I love looking through Pinterest because any images I’d love from other blogs, magazines, and Tumblr are all there — you can find anything!”

3-d

When did you move to S.F.? 
“I moved to S.F. after graduating college in May of 2012. I went to school at University of the Pacific in Stockton and always knew I wanted to move to the city after graduating.” 

Has your style changed since living in S.F.? 
“I add a piece of outerwear to almost every outfit now! Plus, the weather in S.F. is always slightly cooler, which is great because I love bundling up in scarves and tons of layers. I’m a skirts and dresses kind of girl, so tights are now essentials.”

4-a

What are your best blogging moments thus far?
“Getting to work with designer Heidi Merrick in her L.A. studio and attending NYFW last fall.” 

Julia poses with her duds in a Forever 21 top, handmade bow, Joe’s Jeans denim, and YSL lipstick.

4-b

Your wedding looked gorgeous! What were your most memorable moments?
“Honestly, the whole night. I wish I could relive it again and again. We spent a majority of the night on the dance floor with our 200 guests — it was incredible!”

4-c

What has been your favorite S.F. weekend trip so far?
“I’ve enjoyed walking the city from SoMa to North Beach to Russian Hill to Downtown. We had a blast exploring the city on foot, and spent no money!”

4-d

If you weren’t blogging about style, what would you be doing instead? 
“I’d probably be working in marketing. I had a marketing internship at a shopping center during college, and interned with ShopStyle right after college when I moved to S.F. After that, I decided to take on my blog full-time in addition to freelance opportunities.”

Photographed by Maria del Rio

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