I first met Riva nearly ten years ago when she and I both worked at a shoe store at the mall. It was one of my first jobs, and Riva was my boss. I knew she was super stylish and really nice way back then and was relieved to find out nothing had changed when I recently met up with her for coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Riva is unapologetically herself at all times, and I just happen to think she's the coolest. She loves fashion and decided to celebrate that by starting a fashion blog, What Riva Wore. There, she documents her style, thoughts on trends, and the latest fashion happenings in the area. She's become an authoritative voice on fashion in Milwaukee, and you should definitely know her.

Check out my Q&A with Riva to find out more about her and her blog, What Riva Wore:

My Midwest is Showing: Describe your blog, What Riva Wore.

Riva Treasure: Quirky, silly, and caring. I mix what I am wearing with my daily thoughts on life! 

MMWIS: When did you launch What Riva Wore? 

RT: I had a blog about 5 years ago and didn't stick with it. I didn't have the support nor did I know what I was doing. I got discouraged and stopped – I wish I hadn't! I started What Riva Wore in May of 2016 to keep an online outfit diary. I started it with no expectations and have been blown away with the outcome!

MMWIS: How often do you post? How much of a time commitment is it?

RT: I post maybe once a week, sometimes more. It really depends on how many photos I have! Sometimes I share suggestions on my favorite pieces, but usually try to mix in things I own and love.

 MMWIS: Who takes your pictures? 

RT: Anyone who I can bribe with drinks or food. LOL! I wish I could get my husband to turn full #InstagramHusband...not happening. I have been working with an amazing photographer named Alex Good in Milwaukee. 

MMWIS: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a blog?

RT: Don't get caught up in other people's blogs and what they are doing. Believe in yourself and do not mold to meet the needs of others. If you pretend to like something or go along with all the trends, you will just blend in with the crowd. Be yourself! That's what makes you cool. Also, find a niche of people with the same interests. Make friends by engaging with other bloggers via their blog or social media. We can all inspire each other!

MMWIS: What keeps you motivated to keep posting and stay unique in a saturated blogosphere?

RT: I find my blog is different, because What Riva Wore isn't about making sales. I am not pushing brands unless I love them. I choose to collaborate with companies and brands that I genuinely like! I often see the randomness of people's blogs and the products they recommend, and I never want to be like that!

MMWIS: What's your favorite part of working on What Riva Wore?

RT: I would say the biggest challenge in blogging is not getting engagement on something you admire. If you work really hard and take the time to write a post or the time to take photos and no one likes it, you can get discouraged. But the exact opposite is the biggest reward. Getting genuine compliments and praise is what excites me the most! Finding women who have similar interests and seeing the way they blog is what is so exciting and motivating. 

 MMWIS: What's the coolest opportunity you've had because of your blog? 

RT: A couple months into blogging, I had someone recognize me at a coffee shop. They complimented my style and said they loved what I had to share. That made me happy because I would honestly say the same to some bloggers that I like if I saw them in real life. Recently, I had the opportunity to model holiday styles on a local news channel, and in the spring, I am co-hosting an event at Nordstrom!

MMWIS: What is your day job?

RT: I work for a family owned property management company called Burke Properties. I have worked there for almost 3 years and absolutely love it. The perk of working for a family owned company is you wear multiple hats and your job is constantly changing. I primarily do office management, marketing, and condo management.

 MMWIS: Describe your personal style.

RT: That's so hard! I fluctuate my style almost daily! Some days I will have a very trendy outfit on – for example, a choker with a velvet tank and some faux leather leggings. Other days I will be super preppy, or I might be wearing a vintage piece I picked up from the thrift store.

MMWIS: Favorite places to shop? 

RT: A few of my favorite places are Forever 21 (no shame), H&M, Zara, Nordstrom and any local vintage or thrift shop! Hyde Park and Broadway Paper are two of my favorite local shops, and I have been dying to get to Mod Gen too!

MMWIS: If someone was visiting Wisconsin for the first time, what would you tell them to do first?

RT: I would tell them to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is so beautiful and every time I go I find something new! I would also recommend taking a day to visit local breweries, like Milwaukee Brewing Co., and to shop around the Third Ward.

 MMWIS: Favorite thing about the Midwest?

RT: Everyone is genuinely nice!

MMWIS: How does your Midwest show through your personality and/or what you do?

RT: I'm mostly bundled up due to cold weather! Just kidding...sort of. I love beer, and I love how engaged we Green Bay Packers fans get! I am not a huge sports fan, but I do love the energy of watching a game with die-hard fans.

Be sure to check out What Riva Wore, and stay up to date with Riva on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!