As people have moved away from traditional media and spend more time on social media, trendsetters have molded into more relatable “influencers.”
It is no longer just celebrities who influence society’s tastes; social media stars play an increasingly larger role these days. These modern influencers are social media personalities with loyal audiences built through regular, direct communication with their followers. Influencers can break through the noise of traditional advertising and spread a brand’s message to the intended audience in an authentic, natural way. Because influencers come across as more genuine, they can deliver brand messages in ways that advertisers can’t along with valuable fashion trends and advice.
We were honored to pick some of our best local fashion influencers and interview them for our September style issue.
Lauren Weinberg: Looks By Lauren (LBL)
Instagram: @looksbylaurenpac
Lauren is a Birmingham mom, dermatology physician associate and a Metro Detroit social ambassador on the pulse of all things fashion minded. Amongst her many talents, in her spare time she started fashion influencing and has gained the trust and respect of her followers along with the Somerset Collection Styling Team who she now does personalized styling for. Her friends and followers like to just call her LBL.
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
I am loving faux, vegan leather because it has improved so much over the years. There’s no need to snag the real deal when a perfect alternative exists. Its soft, flexible and comfortable. And items such as blazers, trousers, jumpsuits and shirt dresses look expensive and can pass as genuine leather.
Who is your number one fashion inspiration?
Kate Moss.
Favorite Designer?
There are many great designers out there, I purchase pieces based on what draws my attention and how I feel wearing them, not on who the designer is. With that being said, I have a ton of denim pieces from Agolde because it fits me like a glove. Hands down Chanel bags are my very favorite. They are truly timeless and they keep their value. I'll be passing my collection down to my girls one day and they will look as current on them then as they do on me.
Coffee or Tea?
Definitely coffee!
Lora Kawar and Amal Badran: LAMstyle
Instagram: @LAMstyle_
Lora Kawar and Amal Badran, both of Metro Detroit, became connected through their jobs. They both work as physician associates and share an interest in the world of fashion. This discovery led to the birth of their blog, LAM Style, which allows them to share their interests, beauty tips, travels and fashion diary. Through this platform they’ve developed quite the following with more than 73k followers. They aim to show their followers that the world of medicine and fashion are not mutually exclusive.
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
(Lora)
Streetwear, I love that we can be casual, comfortable and chic at the same time. My biker shorts are an easy go-to.
(Amal)
90s trends, flared denim, colorful sweats, bucket hats, chunky sneakers, shoulder and mini bags.
What is your number one fashion inspiration?
(Lora)
My biggest fashion inspiration has to be social media, there’s no denying that this has been the best tool for following trends.
Heels or Flats?
(Amal)
Both! It really depends on the occasion and your comfort level.
Favorite Designer?
(Lora)
I love so many fashion designers so it’s hard to pick. But if I had to choose I would say Bottega Veneta. I love their shoes and handbags so much right now.
(Amal)
Hands down Christian Dior! The “Lady Dior” is stunning.
Coffee or Tea?
(Lora)
Iced coffee for sure!
(Amal)
Coffee!
Farrah Davidson: London Had A Little Lamb
Instagram: @londonhadalittlelamb
Farrah Davidson is a mommy, fashion + lifestyle blogger and practicing dentist from Rochester Hills, Michigan. When her daughter, London, was only ten months old, the mother-daughter duo started London Had A Little Lamb; a little luxury and lifestyle blog. Over the past year, Farrah and London have been chosen as the Style Ambassadors for Twelve Oaks Mall (a major shopping destination of Metro Detroit) and welcomed London’s two newest lambs, twins baby brother Leonardo and baby sister Gisele. What began as a platform to showcase London’s daily looks and the things she loves, has over time become an avenue to celebrate all of life’s little pleasures along with her 222k followers. The goal of London Had A Little Lamb is to encourage and inspire readers through the world of fashion, art and design.
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
Bucket hats, leather moto jackets, oversized collars, matching sets, monochrome looks, bright colors and loud prints, especially on activewear.
Heels or flats?
As much as I love a good pair of dad sneakers and combat boots, heels will always be my go-to.
Favorite designer?
Chanel, Paco Rabanne and David Yurman. I couldn’t choose so I picked all three.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee for sure and only organic. I make in my french press, and I always add a sprinkle of cinnamon to it!