The issue concerning cosmetic surgery and body image in this day and age is that so many people have chosen to take this route, instead of embrace the features and shape they have been graced with. If they do not fit the mold society and the media have shaped, then the solution is to alter how we look in order to be better accepted by others, disregarding our own opinions and those of our loved ones. When the issue is body image, instead of going for a change in lifestyle and eating healthy, most people take the easier route, but that is more costly and painful, surgery. Although a healthier lifestyle is promoted for now than ever, this society is lazy and wants a quick fix to their problems, even the ones they carry with them. However they do not understand that these surgeries do take time and can go horribly wrong.

My Position on Cosmetic Surgery

When it comes to the subject of cosmetic surgery, there are so many factors that go into why this isn't a safe path to take. Cosmetic surgery has gained so much publicity over the last couple decades and has become a popular choice for so many people. Their choice to choose this option is unclear and simply based on factors that influence our decisions and perceptions of how we need to be. Nobody truly understands why this choice is negative and there are other options, one being to accept ourselves for the way we are.

Media
It is inevitable that the media's influence has a lot to do with how we perceive our outer image in society. According to Dr. Michael Earley of Irish Health, "These patients were lured in by glossy advertisements promising unrealistic results and end up with bad or disfiguring surgery and, in some cases, complications that may risk their physical and mental wellbeing." (1) The media is a despicable source that projects fake messages to the greater population, especially teenagers who are easily influenced; however, they are so influential and controlling they have the power to make so many people believe anything. They believe these articles are true and that they MUST attain this level of beauty even if it means pain for a while. Someone once told me that pain is beauty, and cosmetic surgery is the definition of that. The media transmits these messages through magazines however, infomercials showing Cindy Crawford having beautiful skin and such an old age, makes other older women believe that they can have the same. Simply with a cream or a "simple" procedure they can diminish the wrinkles around their eyes and mouth. They are willing to spend countless dollars and go to extreme lengths to have something that they believe is attainable.

According to Buzzle.com, "The media in itself is so addictive that once glued to it, you tend to forget everything else. When you are not watching TV, you are surfing the Internet, when you are not on the web, you are reading newspapers, when you are not reading anything, you are listening to something. Thus, all the time, you are glued to some form of media." (3) The media has completely encircled our lives and control us in every aspect to know what's happening with our social circle we turn to Facebook, in order to speak with people we turn to Twitter. They later go on to say,

"Women with petite bodies and girls with a Barbie figure are always shown to be more popular or attractive while the overweight are portrayed as less popular, having less friends and being bullied. This leads to a notion that thin is sexy and fat is not. When this thought grips the minds of youngsters, they take to fad diets or turn to cosmetic surgeries to get that so-called perfect body. The craze for models or actors and actresses, makes teenagers want bodies and facial features like theirs. To get rid of a big nose or to get those big pouty lips, teenagers are ready to even go under the knife."(3)

The media has proven has proven that it surrounds us, to affect our judgments negatively, by publishing articles and stories that make us believe from a young age that we must change who we are.

Danger and Symptoms
With changing our body and image come some risks that could affect us. While in some cases death has been the outcome, there are other threats that come with this choice. Are our lives really that unimportant that these people are willing to risk it all for a "perfect" image? And even if these patients survive the risks does not mean their perfect outcome will come true. There is always the possibility of a mistake that is irreversible, so they are put in the position of yet another surgery. According to Dr. Michael Earley of Irish Health,

"We don't know how widespread this practice is [cosmetic surgery] or how many people are travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, so we can't say how much of it turns out badly, but we do know that we end up repairing the damage when the procedure goes awry. I would say 10 to 15 per cent of my work is corrective - repairing the bad work of others."(1)

This just proves how naïve people have become they are going overseas to have these surgeries performed simply because the price is lower; however in these countries the operations are more dangerous and less sterile. Mistakes are more common in these cases, and then what are these patients supposed to do. Clearly they have turned to this choice due to the pressure to look good and by regressing they are only putting a greater pressure and amount of stress on their shoulders.
Danger and risks is such an enormous factor in cosmetic surgery. Discover Health reported that,

"Patients often need days of continuous support such as rehydration, pressure dressings, and good nursing care, while others actually need resuscitation and hospitalization to recover." (2)

This can be caused because, "Overworking the heart can be a serious side effect of the tumescent technique. "Let's say they plan to remove 5,000 cc's of aspirate," says plastic surgeon Fodor, "so they inject a dangerously large amount of fluid. The patient would be practically 'drowning' in fluids. The heart can't handle this fluid overload."(2)
These are so many complex measures that are taken when performing these procedures and the body is fragile and cannot handle the pressure it is given. With all the danger and issues that can arise it leads me to ask, is it worth going under the knife, if the risk could be leaving behind your loved ones?

Opposing Side of the Issue

If cosmetic surgery is as popular as it is today than there must be reasons why. People clearly turn to this choice for certain reasons that help them feel better about themselves. Who are we to determine how someone should look and feel in his or her own skin. They have the freedom to choose and make their own decisions concerning their appearances. Whether it is due to media pressure, or society's pressure, if they have the funds and the mind to make the choice then so be it, it is their choice. It is no lie that many people rely on their outer image; therefore they are willing to put in the money and time for an outcome that is one their hope for. If in the end it keeps them youthful longer, and guarantees them a position at work with no stress then why not resort to this choice.

Self-Esteem Boost/Confidence
A person's outer image that is projected to others has a lot to do with their confidence. The sexier a man or woman feel, the more likely they feel the confidence to dress better, approach someone they would normally be too shy to do so, the more willing they are to fight for a position at work. However, those people who are overweight or feel they have blemishes feel insecure, and quiet. They tend to stick to their routine and dress in clothing that never makes them the center of attention. According to WikiAnswers,

"Plastic surgery can change your appearance and bolster your self esteem. If you are looking for improvement, not perfection, in your appearance and are realistic in your expectations, you may find that a facial implant is the right choice for you. Plastic surgery can produce some remarkable changes."(5)
If choosing this alternative can alter the mood of someone feeling depressed and embarrassed by their image, then I believe that they should definitely consider this option. People in today's society relies so greatly on looks that many men and women should consider some type of cosmetic surgery. It has such a strong ability to change a person's mood for the better that this is a popular choice. When someone gets a new haircut they feel rejuvenated, like they can wear clothing they never thought of being seen in. Cosmetic surgery is the same way. Although it is very permanent, it has the power to improve the way someone looks at themselves.

Professional World
In today's job force image has a lot to do with a person. Although skills and experience are still important, an employer does look at their prospective employee as someone they want to be attractive, clean and evoke a younger and more youthful approach to their company. So all the older colleagues feel this constant pressure to not only act and feel young, but to look young as well to fit their company's new and improved mold. According to CBS News,
"fit people are better looking. And people want to hire attractive people. Which is logical since attractive people do better at work, according to research published by Gordon Patzer in his book, "Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined."
In fact, you are more likely to do well at work if you are good-looking than if you are smart because, according to research from Tiziana Casciaro, professor of management at University of Toronto, it's more important to be liked than to be competent. People want to work with people they like more than they want to work with people who are merely skilled at their job. (6)"
Due to this added pressure on image, in our professional world, the designer duds are becoming not enough; now employees feel the need to resort to cosmetic surgery in order to keep their jobs longer. If choosing to get some type of alterations will set us up, for job raises and promotions that can better our future then this option is definitely one to consider. Our jobs are what help provide for our families and ourselves, so we should definitely consider whatever we have to do in order to keep it longer, only if it falls within our own morals and values.

Recommendations and Alternatives

There are always other ways of dealing with our bodily insecurities. Cosmetic surgery is not the only choices, however people have become so lazy and intent on taking the easiest route that cosmetic surgery is first to jump at the top of their list, as they continue harmful options. For example, men and women who want to age gracefully. They choose face-lifts and Botox, however continue go tanning at salons, which ruins the skin drastically. People have lost their priorities and are choosing harmful choices, instead of the cheaper and healthier ones.

Eating Healthy
For those who choose liposuction as a way of getting rid f the excess fat they happen to have in a certain area, I find is cowardly. Instead of choosing to change their lifestyle, to eat healthy and exercise frequently, they choose to take the easier way out. However, when one chooses to change their body image, the only way they will ever get long lasting results is if they choose to change their regime, because if they take the path of a gastric bypass, lap-band, or liposuction the results will change if you maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards. Many people do not understand this and choose the option of surgery thinking that it will give them the results shown in the magazines however, the process after surgery is just has long and hard, and leaves scars. "A healthy lifestyle is one that that concerns itself with good physical and mental health. Good physical health can be achieved by following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise." (4) Just because a man or woman goes under the knife does now mean that you will automatically feel happier and sexier. This is what most, if not all people do not understand.

Gym/Physical Activity
Being physical is one of the cheapest ways of getting healthy, and getting the body one dreams of having. It is so cheap it can even be free, simply by walking. However the society of today live such a fast paced life, that no one makes time for physical activity in their lives. Its hard to respect those who don't give a healthy and physical lifestyle a shot, and simply choose liposuction, and tummy tucks in order to hide the excess fat they have. According to CBS News,
"There are some things you can't control, but you can control your weight. So if you want to succeed in business, you must exercise. Ninety percent of CEOs work out three times a week because they know powerful people are almost always fit. Successful people also have self-discipline -- as exhibited by their workout schedule -- and there is more research than you can imagine on the benefits of exercise: You think better, you are a better friend, and you have more self-discipline in other areas of your life. (6)"
These lazy men and women further prove their laziness by choosing to so quickly have cosmetic surgery. If they choose to have a physical and healthier lifestyle then they will not only feel happier and healthier, but more accomplished. Our society needs to stop relying on the wick fixes they believe will make them happier, but rely on the changes that may take time, but will make them feel happier and more accomplished.

Work Cited

Citation for Images:
http://www.admadness.co/2011/01/plastic-surgery-promotions/
http://www.health-nutritionblog.com/the-right-cosmetic-surgeon-will-help-you-get-the-right-treatment/
http://everythingbeautyinsideout.wordpress.com
http://app.cheezburger.com/TemplateView.aspx?ciid=5860282
http://theberry.com/2009/11/11/plastic-surgery-hot-messes/comment-page-2/

Scholarly Sources:
1) Vize, Eimear. "The Ugly Side of Plastic Surgery - Irishhealth.com." The Ugly Side of Plastic Surgery - Irishhealth.com. MedMedia, 2005. Web. 03 Oct. 2012.
2) Anonymous. "Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Liposuction." Discovery Health. DiscoveryHealth, n.d. Web. 03 Oct. 2012.
3) Oak, Manali. "Negative Influences of Media." Buzzle.com. Buzzle.com, 05 Mar. 2012. Web. 03 Oct. 2012.
4) Anonymous. "Why Is a Healthy Lifestyle Important." Why Is a Healthy Lifestyle Important. Course Made Good, n.d. Web. 03 Oct. 2012.
5) Anonymous. "What Are the Advantages of Cosmetic Surgery?" WikiAnswers. Answers, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2012.
6) Trunk, Penelope. "Why Your Career Needs Plastic Surgery -- Literally." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 11 May 2010. Web. 07 Oct. 2012.

The backgrounder takes a look at cosmetic surgery and the reasons why women, and even men have resorted to this alternative to enhance their features.

The "IT" girl's representation has changed over time; being all natural was the depiction of true beauty, while now the media is exposing a plastic and fake image as hot. This is an up and coming trend girls as young as fourteen, are feeling the need to be apart of, due the encouragement of media sources. The pressure is great to be perfect for not only women, but men as well; causing both sexes to drop hundreds of thousands of dollars to prolong themselves from ageing and keep up with the new craze. This article will be aimed towards the younger generations of both men and women, teaching them the effects of getting cosmetic surgery and how much time and money actually go into attaining this "IT" look. It's a foolish choice that comes with many disadvantages and consequences and this will help them gain more knowledge on the subject instead of just jumping into the choice without research.

How do they feel about their body image, and why do they resort to these body altercations, for the same reason as women perhaps. Raising awareness about this issue is important to the well being of all people. Surgery causes scars and trauma, as well as the need to continue fixing our "imperfect body". But who chooses that we are imperfect; the media? They are a negative influence on our outlook of whom we are physically and who we need to be; however, these goals are unrealistic and cost so much money that many people cannot afford it. So, they continue living with themselves unsatisfied of the reflection they stare at in the mirror daily. This trend needs to end for both sides.

The History of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery has been around since the late 1800's. Although it began being performed in the 1900's, John Roe, introduced the idea of cosmetic rhinoplasty in 1887 through an article he had written, "The Deformity Termed Pug Nose, and Its Correction by a Simple Operation." This led the way to many people turning to enhancements in the early decades of the 1900's. The first surgery performed was the facelift, which is very popular in today's society. However, unprofessional doctors, who did not know the results of this operation, were performing the surgeries. Although alterations of one's face began emerging, body image was not as big of an issue; therefore women and men embraced their bodies to the fullest. In the 1940's women's figures were attractive when curvy and busty, and those who were skinny were considered frail and sick. In the case of men, there was no importance placed on their looks, what was important was the support they offered their family.

Charles Conrad Miller, is the man who began the craze of cosmetic surgery for both men and women. He was a surgical "visionary" who wrote many articles and guided later surgeons towards their path. He studied in Chicago where many procedures originated. He attracted many people, as the media likes to put it, through his articles for enhancements, which brought, men and women who pursued rebirth and desirability. Miller opened the door to many surgeons who followed and published their findings and attracted so many to this growing fad.

This go-to procedure continued to grow significantly during this time. Dr Thomas Cronin later introduced silicone in 1962. Initially it was used to perfect body and skin imperfections however it attracted many women to the idea of breast enhancements. However the use of silicone did not stop there. Through research and reconstruction they took silicone and made it usable for every part of the body; making it accessible to men as well. As more research was done in the 1980's, the more surgeons made their discoveries public and "made a big push to expand public awareness and improve public perception of plastic surgery."(2) Doing this increased the information people knew surrounding these surgeries, making it more attractive for them to pursue.
The popularity of this new fad, continued in the 1990's, however problems cost wise did arise from these expensive alterations. Insurances companies reimbursed a small amount of the cost for these procedures making many surgeons; change their focus to aesthetic work, and less on reconstructive surgery.

As the times have changed so have people's perceptions of the body and the need for plastic surgery for both women and men; and what has made it so popular that the rise has increased so greatly.

The Current Issues Concerning Altering Oneself

In the 21st century the perception and image of someone's outer appearance and body has changed drastically for both sexes. Although women definitely have it harder then men, men still feel the pressure to keep a young and built physique, not only in the professional world, but in their personal life as well. Nowadays women are expected to hold up this perfect image of someone who works out and then wears perfect clothing, with pounds of makeup on shielding their true identity behind all of this fakeness. This is unrealistic for many people, therefore causing them to turn to cosmetic surgery as a resort to attain this perfect image. For those who are overweight have little blemishes and imperfections, are seen as lazy, and are misjudged by so many, making the pressure they feel greater then ever. More do turn to aesthetic enhancement because they are unhappy with the image of themselves they see in the reflection, and that is shown to others.

In the 2000's cosmetic surgery quickly grew popular for many people and their image of perfection was now possible with the advances medicine was taking. People chose to educate themselves from the media when considering these procedures. With all the television shows showing only the good and bad but not the ugly, people feel like they have an understanding of these surgeries and are well educated, when they have not the slightest idea of the time and danger they may face. However, in this day and age many people gravitate towards this choice. According to a survey conducted by the "International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons", "in 2010, more than 1.6 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in the US, and nearly as many in Brazil. In the UK, more than 118,000 people went under the knife for cosmetic surgeries in 2010."(3) This just goes to prove how many naïve individuals are risking their lives to enhance the beauty they now have for an image of fakeness, not only to please themselves, but in order for society to accept their image.

1)Prolong Aging
One of the most popular procedures older women and now even men turn to, are those that slow down the process of ageing. Whatever wrinkles can be smoothed out, lifts can be done around the neck and eye area, are procedures women and men as young as 30 are now turning to. Although it used to be hot to be young, nowadays, it's hotter to be older yet look young. The guessing game is one that both men and women want people to play with their age. According to the "History of Plastic Surgery", the trendiest procedures are those that "use injectable substances, such as facial wrinkle fillers and, most notably, Botox."(2) Their study proved that there were over 1 million Botox insertions administered in the U.S. yearly, and clearly that number will only rise. "While the number of Botox treatments increased 233% from 2000 to 2005 among men, with an estimated 313,519 injections of toxin." (6) When celebrities like Kim Kardashian go on national television getting Botox injections it projects the message to young girls who watch her, that Botox is something to turn to even when our skin is as flawless as hers. However today's society can look younger, with a couple pokes her and there to their face. Aging gracefully is something of the past.

2)Confidence Booster
According to one of my sources, liposuction and breast enhancement were among the most popular procedures for women. In the case of men, a study done by Forbes Magazine shows that, "nose reshaping, hair transplantation and liposuction."(6) The magazine also states that in the case of men liposuction from 2004-2005 increased by 10%. Men and women hope that by choosing to alter specific body parts, like perhaps breast enhancements or perhaps a nose job, then their confidence will boost. According to one of my sources "beautiful people attract the attention of other people."(4) The more spectators sit back and stare at a woman then the more she feels youthful and sexy. The more women stare and gawk at a man the more he feels in control. They feel that by becoming beautiful they will have more friends' ad opportunities given to them, based on their looks. However what these women and men do not understand is that they will never be truly happy in their own skin after they have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of changing themselves. But the more people feel loved the more honest they are willing to be therefor expressing themselves more to others. Looks equal confidence. The better we feel about ourselves, the more ready we are to conquer the world.

3)More Opportunity in the Professional World
Men and women want to postpone the ageing period, by resorting to facelifts, and even Botox, to get rid of wrinkles. Being in a professional world where the young are coming in, being more competitive than older people causes much stress. The older more experienced workers feel pressure to get them to a younger level where they seem just as competitive and not as aged or tired. Companies want the younger and hotter women and men representing their companies, letting go of colleagues who have more experience, but have older features. This leads to the rise of liposuction, breast enhancements, and Botox as a way of keeping their jobs longer, as well as not being pushed away for the next young person who walks into the office. This leads us to believe, do skills at the workplace even matter anymore or is it simply based on looks. If a woman simply has to wear a short tight skirt and makeup, and men a fresh young face to get the job, then why even pursue our studies; if in 20 years our talents will be pushed aside for someone else based on something so simple yet expensive as their looks!

4) The Media's Influence
Saying that the media has no direct impact on today's population and society would be a complete lie. The media nowadays has so many different ways of reaching a broad range of audiences depending on what they put out. Teenage girls are such easy targets for magazines and television to trap into their web. They release magazines about celebrities and television shows with our favorite actors and actresses that portray a perfect image we must all attain. For example, the show the Hills; this reality TV show followed the lives of rich young adults living in Los Angeles. Heidi Montag, who is notorious for going under the knife and having had 10 surgeries performed on her at the same time. She wanted to be perfect and now even she regrets the choices she made. However when magazines are portraying "hot" models and male actors as being fit, thin, and unattainable girls and boys both strive for that image that I did mention was unattainable. They go to great lengths to be like this, and can cause serious consequences, like death, eating disorders, etc.

The media is powerful and a controlling source that has exposed everyone to the idea of plastic surgery and can control how we perceive our own looks. However, in order to control people they put out shows based on surgery. For example there was a show, The Swan, "a 2004 American reality television program broadcast on Fox in which women who were judged to be 'ugly' were given "extreme makeovers" that included several forms of plastic surgery."(10) Making people believe that someone as "ugly" as on their show can change allows the public to trust that they can be transformed as well allowing plastic surgery to be talked about as much as it is today. They shield the altercations however, only portraying the wonderful outcome. The media is destroying the definition of beauty.

Future Implications

Where exactly are our looks headed? By the looks for today's society it seems to only be relying even more on cosmetic surgery. With the pressure to look and feel great, we have seen what lengths people will already go to in order to achieve a more fulfilling public image to show to others. And this will only continue to grow as the times go on. More people will continue to turn to it, in hopes that they hold onto their young features for longer. And for those who can't afford all these altercations, they will simply feel like a failure, as well as depressed; which is sad and upsetting because these surgeries are a waste of money and we should all embrace our bodies and image as they age instead of slow down the process.

According to doctors, "about 12 million cosmetic procedures were performed last year which is a 44% jump from 2003." (5) This number as we have seen will only continue to rise as jobs get more competitive, aging becomes less accepted, and the media continues releasing influential articles. Thankfully, the media has been releasing exposure surrounding cosmetic surgery in a good light. This is possibly for more people to consider this choice of reconstruction. They have been focusing on surgeons who are now aiming to improve the value of life for those who do not have the funds for reconstruction and need it. They are the ones in need who actually need these surgeries and not those who just want to spend their money foolishly. It is nice to see cosmetic surgery put in this light. However, we cannot allow ourselves to get sucked in, because this is just a business that as we can see is growing faster by the year.

This business is growing rapidly and with the help of today's tools at the doctors disposal, who knows how the future of the cosmetic world will change, however we do know that as it gets easier and less painful, more people, both men and women will be attracted to resorting to this to attain a sense of beauty.

Work cited

Sources for Photos:
http://www.hcplive.com/pop-medicine/At-What-Price-Beauty-Plastic-Surgery-Scandals-Keep-Coming
http://www.arashmazinani.com/2011/01/29/the-adonis-complex-men-and-body-image/
http://www.dirbuzz.com/articles/most-popular-cosmetic-surgery-for-men-563.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2042878_measure-body-fat-men.html
http://www.presscouncils.org/10-good-tips-fitness-for-men.html/men-body

Scholarly Sources:
1) Rogers, Blair. "A Chronological History of Cosmetic Surgery." New York, N.Y. September 24, 1969.
2) Kita, Natalie. "History of Plastic Surgery." About.com Health's Disease and Condition. March 10, 2009.
3) O'Callaghan, Tiffany. "Plastic Surgeons: the 21st Century's Portrait Artists." CultureLab. December 9, 2011.
4) McNutt, Brent. "Reasons Why People Get Plastic Surgery." Articlesbase.com. Articlesbase.com, 15 May 2009. Web. 02 Oct. 2012.
5) Adams, Mike. "Cosmetic Surgery's Popularity Growing Thanks to Media Attention, Expert Says; Nearly 12 Million Procedures Performed in 2004." Cosmetic Surgery's Popularity Growing Thanks to Media Attention, Expert Says; Nearly 12 Million Procedures Performed in 2004. Health Ranger, 02 Mar. 2005. Web. 02 Oct. 2012.
6) Van Dusen, Allison. "Most Popular Plastic Surgery for Men." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 01 Nov. 2006. Web. 02 Oct. 2012.
7) Hall, Katy. "Heidi Montag's 10 Plastic Surgery Procedures: Before & After PHOTOS." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 14 Jan. 2010. Web. 02 Oct. 2012.
8) Sanneh, Kelefa (May 9, 2011). "New Yorker The Reality Principle". New Yorker. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
9) Bianco, Robert (April 12, 2004). "USAToday.com There is nothing beautiful about the swan". USA Today. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
10) Anonymous. "The Swan (TV Series)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Sept. 2012. Web. 02 Oct. 2012.

Painting your nails can be fun and creative but did you know that most nail polishes contain toxic ingredients?
Formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl are the three big offenders and many nail polish companies have removed them from from their polishes. However there are other ingredients which, though considered less toxic, still cause people with sensitivities to react badly. Some people are negatively effected by the strong smell of nail polish. These odors can trigger asthma attacks and migraines. Others find that the health of their nails deteriorates as they use nail polish more frequently, making their nails brittle, thin and discolored.

Happily, there is an alternative for those concerned about their health and the environment but still enjoy prettying up their nails. Water based polish is also safe for children and pregnant women and often marketed for these demographics.

This resource guide offers links to informative blogs that focus on water based polishes and various water based nail polish products available on the market.

Go here to find links to blogs and websites that review and talk about water based nail polish.
Click here to see my top 5 choices of water based nail polish.



Note: The creator of this resource did not and does not receive any incentives or gifts from the companies or blogs linked on this site.

The term "fashion blogger" or even just "blogger" is one that has blown up in the past decade. Blogging has gone from a fun internet hobby and procrastination tool to something that can be turned into a full-fledged career, if you're smart about it.

Street style blogs especially have become a crucial part of the fashion industry. Designers and industry insiders have realized the power of the personal style blog, and now successful bloggers can be seen front row of fashion week shows, along with celebrities and other powerful fashion elite.

The personal style blog is a great way of seeing how real people are wearing the latest trends. It's often way more inspiring to look at how real girls and guys are putting outfits together than to look at stock fashion editorial spreads.

Twenty-something Anik Lacasse-Richard is a Montreal-based style blogger, tackling two aspects of the fashion blogging scene - personal style blogging and street style blogging, in French and English. She lives and breathes the industry; when she's not working on her two blogs - Montreal In Style and Simplement Fashion - she manages the trendy Mile End boutique Unicorn.

She often photographs patrons in Unicorn whose style captures her eye, and intersperses that with her own outfits and style inspirations. Her blogs act as a cross between a mood board and a style diary. She has a keen eye and an attention to detail that has allowed her to become one of Montreal's top style bloggers.

When did you begin blogging?

I started Montreal In Style at the end of May 2009, almost three years now!

How would you describe your personal style?

I'm never good at describing my style! Feminine with an edge, a mix of high and low, I like to punch it up with my shoes.

Where are your favourite places to shop in Montreal?

Boutique Unicorn of course, but also Zara, H&M and Editorial.

Since you do a combination of personal style and street style blogging, what catches your eye when you're photographing other people?

I look for styles that are well put together, from head to toe. Something on trend, but not over the top trendy, that is worn effortlessly. And I always go with my fashion instinct!

What would you describe as the biggest trends in Montreal right now?

I think there are a lot of different styles going on in Montreal, which is really great, because that way we don't all look alike! Coloured denim is very in, and I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of it this spring!

What trends are you most excited for in the upcoming spring season?

I love the femininity and softness of pastels, which I wouldn't wear normally, but I'm excited to try to incorporate in my wardrobe.

Who are some of your celebrity style icons?

Definitely Alexa Chung and Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson. They all wear clothes with such easiness and coolness, it's inspiring.

What other fashion blogs do you read?

I follow a lot of personal style blogs, like Chicmuse, Fashion Squad, The Man Repeller and Style by Kling. I also love Because I'm Addicted, Garance Doré and Studded Hearts, to name a few!