New Blogger Courtney Trop Makes a Statement With Basics

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Although style blogs are a dime a dozen these days, every so often someone comes along with a look so sharp that we can't resist adding them to our daily reader. Such is the case with Courtney Trop, who launched Always Judging only one month ago.

Based in LA, the strawberry blonde-coiffed's style motto is "always dress down," which is why her wardrobe is chock-full of tees and denim. But she's not your average basics hoarder; this girl knows how to incorporate a statement detail like no other, from a neon Theyskens' Theory bag to futuristic Ellery shades. Intrigued by her steez, we sat down with Trop to learn more.

What's your day job?
"I graduated a few years ago from FIDM and am currently the brand manager and buyer for Hauler Deals."

What inspired you to start your blog?
"I started it for two reasons. First, for as long as I can remember my closet has been my girlfriends' personal showroom. I even used to get in trouble when I was 10-years-old by my dad because he thought I was running a loaning business. The second reason is that I consume fashion blogs and online publications every day. My blog is the perfect platform to share my knowledge."

Who takes your photos and how do you build outfits?
"I inspired my boyfriend to dive into photography after starting my blog. He takes half of my photos, and the other half are taken by one of my very good friends, Kevin. Kevin is an amazing photographer and helps me with just about everything! As for my outfits, I decide what to wear by building my outfits around one key piece that I want to show off."

Who are some of your favorite bloggers?
"The most influential bloggers in my world would have to be Elin Kling from Style by Kling, Evangelie from styleheroine and Danielle from We Wore What. I follow all three religiously not only for stylistic inspiration, but I'm in love with how detailed and meticulous they are in describing the pieces they choose, and their relentless commitment to their blogs."

Where do you like to shop in LA?
"As much as I would love to spend the night in any department store shoe salon, my go-to spots in LA are small boutiques. I like shopping in quaint boutiques like Milk, Satine and Creatures of Comfort because the experience is more intimate. Not only is the experience more intimate, but the racks are decked out in more unique pieces. I am also a very big online shopper, Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, La Garconne, just to name a few."

What is your most prized item in your closet?
"This may be the hardest question for me because my current obsession changes every month. If I had to choose, I would say my most prized piece has consistently been a silk nude-colored Chloe blouse I've had for the past five years; it's so beautiful and simple. I found her hidden on a sale bar at Intermix years ago waiting for me to take her home, and we've been in love ever since."

What trend are you feeling this season?
"For spring, I've already started filling my closet with all black/white everything, from prints to stripes to color-blocking. It's so simple, yet refined. This summer I definitely see myself mixing a busy-printed black and white top with a good structured trouser pant, and topping it off with a neon orange lip."
· Always Judging [Official Site]
· Rumi, Aimee, Emily Named Today's Most Influential Bloggers [Racked]