Meet Trailblazer Ashleigh Connaghan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Connaghan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashleigh. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m known as Leigh! A 26-year-old girl living in Massachusetts! I’ve always had this idea of starting a blog, but I never felt like I really ever had anything to say. I’ve always loved fashion and writing but was never really sure how to connect the two in my everyday life. However, after 10 years of wearing a uniform to work, I’ve decided to embark on a new career path- in business chic! And finally, it seemed like the pieces were coming together where I might just be able to connect my love of fashion, clothing, and style with my love for writing!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trust your gut – if you want to try something, try it out! I was worried as to what everyone was going to say on my Instagram page or my website, I almost didn’t do it! I had to take a step back and really ask myself, what was the worst thing that could happen? People might not like it? Who cares! I knew this was something I at least wanted to try out- maybe I won’t be successful as I wanted to be or maybe I might not make it more than a year – but I’m never going to know unless I try!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about @leighslookbook – what should we know?
When I pondered starting my own website there were a lot of things I needed to take into consideration. I wanted to be able to express my love for fashion and writing of course, but I also understood that there are so many fashion bloggers out there. There are so many Instagram accounts that were dedicated to showing off fashion and style, I needed to decide how I was going to stand out. I spent some time thinking about how I was going to convey my message and stand out in the crowd. Each individual account is different, each influencer has their own voice, I knew I was going to have to figure out mine if I ever wanted to be successful, create meaningful content and stand out among the thousands of other equally amazing bloggers and fashion Instagrams out there.

Of course, I’m also aware I’m still a baby blogger, and I have so much to learn, but I’d like to think I’m doing a pretty good job. I really try to bring my own voice to each piece I write and each post I share. I try to keep it real, and honest. When I review a product or a pair of jeans, I like to think I’m your average consumer. I’m not an extra small, and I’m not a plus size woman either. I’m your normal, average, 26 years old trying to purchase pieces that will add style and also value to their closet. I’m over the phase of buying disposable clothing that’s SO trendy I’ll only wear it once, while equally trying to stay on trend and keep my closet up-to-date. I’m over buying cheaper pieces and instead look for items that will be around in a few months or a few years even. I’m trying to build a closet of staple pieces that I can make work within a few different outfits, while also priding myself in only repeating an outfit to work once in 4 months!

When I tell you I’m obsessed with a pair of jeans and that they really fit true to size, that means I’m fitting my size eight waist into them, my full thighs and my booty that tries desperately to match the squat booties on Pinterest, while knowing I’m not doing nearly enough squats to get there. I’m not wearing a size 00 or 2, and in by no means am I body shaming or talking down to any sort of body type, I just know how it feels to follow someone and wonder, okay, but what if I wear that? Am I going to look like a stuffed pepper? Am I going to look like I’m trying too hard? I also have ridiculously muscular calves despite my less than athletic lifestyle. Many of times I’ve gone to get pedicures and the sweet woman has commented, “Do you run track?” While slapping them, “No I don’t run track” I politely smile at her, I know it feels to squeeze my legs in a pair of riding boots, knowing they’re never going to zipper, and therefore I always try and share the best boots for wide calved ladies! When I tell you guys I love a top, it’s probably a large or an extra large depending on the cut, style, and where it’s from. As someone with broader shoulders, bigger boobs, and a short torso, I know how it feels to put on a top and instantly look like a linebacker. I know how it feels to have boobs that pop your buttons half way through the day and instantly make you look like you’re trying to be a porn star when you’re wearing a button up top.

I take 99% of my photos standing in front of the mirror in my room, 34 seconds before I need to leave the house, when the sun isn’t up and my room is dark, the lighting is natural, and usually crappy. There’s no fancy photographer taking my photos; if I’m lucky I might convince my mom or sister to snap a picture if they’re around, but usually it’s some sort of mirror selfie on a mirror that needs to be cleaned. Half the time I take those photos the dog’s waiting to go out, or photo bombing my photos. But, I’d like to think that’s part of their charm, knowing they’re being taken by a regular person. Trust me, I’d love to have someone follow me around and take the most casual looking photos on a staircase or leaning up against a picturesque wall, but I’m not that lucky. Anyone, wanna volunteer? I have to be at work at eight though, can we start shooting at 5 AM? Or is that too soon?

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Trying to fit in – don’t! Be yourself!

Contact Info:

• Email: https://leighslookbook.com/
• Instagram: @leighslookbook

Image Credit:
@leighslookbook

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.