Screen handle: FashionTOFood

Website: www.fashiontofood.com or fashiontofood.tumblr.com

Where are you based?: Toronto

FashionTOFood’s Blogger site

Why did you start your site?

It all started with my need to express my creative side. Initially, it was writing and designing with the understanding that I wouldn’t have very many people following me. As I produced more and more content, I had really positive feedback and realized people want to hear from their own kind – from their own peers.

How long have you been blogging?

Fashion to Food celebrated its first birthday in September. Although it has evolved from its original name & concept, it’s been a really fun year.

Do you consider yourself a food blogger first or a style blogger first?

I consider myself a style blogger because style to me is above food and fashion. It’s something that touches every aspect of life, and really dictates how you live your life. So I like to share the inspirations between the kitchen and the closet and hope to evolve my own style and that of my readers.

The Tumblr site

What’s your definition of a “foodie”? Do you consider yourself to be one?

Foodie is an overused term but I do like what it stands for. It refers to people who have a curiosity, a passion for all things food. It isn’t just about eating. It’s about how food has been and will continue to be a channel of creative expression. I love learning about the history of food, different expressions of it so if that makes me a foodie, I’d be honoured to have that title.

Favourite type of cuisine?

My background is Armenian and Turkish. I’m married to a Canadian with South Asian origins. The food in three cultures is complex. While I love all three cuisines, I have grown to appreciate simple flavours that a short list of ingredients can create. For that, I adore Italian food. It’s simple and sophisticated, accessible and delicious!

Restaurant or home cooking?

I prefer a home cooked meal because for me it is about bringing people together and serving up my own creations. You can’t beat the feeling that you get when people are truly satisfied with their meal and it’s all thanks to you. Of course going to a new restaurant and experiencing the work of a trained chef is always a welcome addition.

What kind of impact do you think bloggers have made in the style and food industries, if at all? 

Bloggers are generally regular people who have a true curiosity about their subject matters – food or fashion. They aren’t paid to write about the topics. I believe the impact on the industries has been significant. It has made the worlds of food and fashion more accessible, relatable, available to the general public. Bloggers bring a different energy and a more real perspective and companies are paying attention to that.  Also, bloggers are more authentic and people appreciate that.

Have you seen changes over the past few years?

Yes. For example, street style blogs are dominating the fashion world. Today, it is as important to be snapped by a street style photog as it is by a magazine photog. The same goes for food blogs. I’d give credit to food bloggers to start the conversation around gluten free. Now, companies are coming out with products to match consumer needs.  So bloggers are the gateway in a way to consumer needs/demands.

What piece of clothing/beauty item can’t you live without?

This is a lengthy list but I absolutely could not live without my cigarette pants and blush. When in doubt, both help.

Online shopping or brick-and-mortar stores?

Both. I appreciate the ease of online shopping and the ability to go through catalogs of products but for me, nothing beats the hands-on experience in the store.

If there’s one thing you can change about the “real” (both food and style) industry, what would it be?

I hope the influence of bloggers continues to grow and a meaningful dialogue takes place between industry professionals and bloggers who are advocates or antagonists. Perhaps more co-creation opportunities.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for the spotlight!