Get in the ring with Mill Creek fashion blogger

Clothes are never truly one-size-fits-all, but this fashion blog is.

Anne Dofelmier covers everything from a nod to grunge and DIY choker necklaces to sexy-sensible shoes and what to carry for a fashion emergency.

The 47-year-old Mill Creek fashion blogger tells all at www.dailyfashionmuse.com.

Hair care. Tailors. Belts. Brooches. Stubborn stains. Screaming deals. Struggles, such as how she lost 27 pounds and three pant sizes.

Her tips are easy to try and apply. There are loads of pictures, too.

This fashionista brings a wide background of experiences to the fashion plate. Among other things, she’s a former amateur boxer: she bent her engagement ring hitting a bag.

So, what’s her style?

“Someone once asked me to define my distinct style,” she said. “After some consideration, I came up with this: Edgy, classic, eclectic, Americana, bohemian, with a twist of rocker. The truth is, I subscribe to all styles depending on who I want to be that morning when I get dressed. What kind of mood I wake up in defines what I will wear that day.”

Still, it’s what’s inside that counts.

“Style is 10 percent what you wear and 90 percent the attitude with which you wear it.”

She and her husband, Dan, have been married 19 years and have two children, Millicent, 18, and Oliver, 9.

And, yes, they take her fashion advice. Most of the time.

Talk about yourself.

I was born and raised in Southern California by two British immigrants. I am the very first American in my entire family. I went to college at the University of Oregon where I got a degree in sociology. I am a fanatical Ducks fan.

After college, I did a brief stint where I ran a camp for kids in South Korea. I then decided to move to Washington with $200 in my pocket and no prospects of a job. I ended up landing a job running a before-and-after school program. In 1994, I went back to school and received a degree in commercial photography. I landed a job working for Bon Marche/Macy’s in their advertising department where I shot the catalogs and newspaper advertisements.

I began editing wardrobes and styling friends. It has since grown into a personal styling business and fashion blog known as Daily Fashion Muse.

Why did you start blogging?

I began my fashion blog back in 2012. My husband had been mobilized for active duty for a third time and I was going to have to do the single mom thing again for the year that he was away. Having been down this road twice before, I knew that maintaining my current job would be challenging.

I have always styled people on the side and helped edit their wardrobes. I thought that blogging would be a great way to add styling information for my clients. I could make my own hours and work from home, making the task of tending to our two children much easier. I taught myself everything about starting a blog, making it successful and profitable through endless hours of research. I am still learning every day.

What’s the biggest fashion mistake people make?

Wearing clothes that are too big for them in an effort to camouflage areas of their body that they see as less than desirable.

What’s the easiest fix?

Purchase and tailor clothes to fit the body. When clothing fits properly, it automatically makes you appear smaller. The next strategy is shop according to what is most flattering to your body type, not what is trendy. Add trends with accent pieces.

What are simple things the average person can do to look stylish?

Utilize the finishing piece to complete your look. Wear jewelry. Wear scarves. Update basics regularly. Get a blazer tailored to your body.

Where do you shop?

One of my favorite places to shop is the Assistance League of Everett Thrift Store (5107 Evergreen Way). I have discovered so many amazing pieces there and the best part is that no one else has them. I love a bargain.

Some of my most amazing finds have been a Valentino skirt, a cashmere Chanel sweater, and a gorgeous Michael Kors Collection skirt. You can find one of a kind vintage pieces mixed in with designer labels and the prices are so reasonable.

I also love to hit Nordstrom Rack and scour the racks.

Finally, I am a huge proponent of shopping online. Some of my favorite shops: Asos.com, a British fashion and beauty store. Zara.com, because they have interesting designs and I love their shoes. Stories.com, for interesting cuts and awesome jewelry pieces.

What is the main difference between men and women when it comes to fashion?

Men typically shop and wear clothes out of necessity and women shop and wear clothes for pleasure.

What’s the best advice for women over 40?

Stop fixating on the past. You need to love yourself where you are right now on this very day. Find what is beautiful about yourself and work to accentuate it. I find that so many women are so consumed with how they used to look they can’t see the beauty that is right in front of their face.

How about for men?

Give your wardrobe an update. For many in their 40s, they bought clothes in their late 20s when they got their first real job. After that, they never bought clothes again unless their significant other forced them to. Men often wear ill-fitting clothes because they just don’t care or they don’t know. I recommend hiring someone to revamp their wardrobe. I can’t tell you how many I have helped revamp their wardrobe and suddenly their boss saw them in a new light and they got a promotion.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve seen someone wear that works?

A button-down shirt worn backwards. It really looked cool.

Is it possible to find cute flats that don’t cost $200?

Flats are like jeans. You have to try on a 100 pairs to find the right ones. My suggestion is to wear a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off and hit the streets.

Be prepared to try on many shoes. Once you find a pair that works, get them in neutral colors.

That being said, I have two pairs of flats that cost $200 each by Taryn Rose, a former podiatrist who was desperate to develop a comfortable, good-looking shoe. I bought those more than 12 years ago and I am still wearing them. You get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to invest in a good pair of shoes. They are always worth the money.

Finish this sentence: People would be shocked to know…

I was a registered amateur boxer. I had exhibition fights against men, because there were no women in my weight division and once boxed with a former heavyweight pro.

What’s your proudest moment?

That is a tough one. I have so many minor accomplishments that I am proud of. I suppose the most life-changing one was when I finally found the courage in my 20s to leave an abusive relationship and that I was strong enough to do it on my own. It made me the person I am today and gave me the confidence to be a strong outspoken woman.

What is your pet peeve?

People who constantly talk about their and other people’s weight. And when my husband chews ice.

Does your family let you dress them?

Surprisingly, yes. While I definitely get some pushback from my 18-year-old, she usually concedes that her mom was right after all. As all teenagers do, they fall victim to trends whether they actually look good on them or not. But, when she comes to me for my advice and then takes it, that makes my day. As for the boys, I bring them clothes from the store and they wear them no questions asked. It is the parting with the worn-out clothes that proves to be the biggest challenge with them.

I purchase most of my husband’s clothes as he would just prefer not to. When we go out, he usually asks me what to wear. But when it comes to day-to-day minutia, he just wears what is convenient.

If you could have a drink with anyone alive or in history, who would it be?

I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea with the Queen of England. She has lived through so many changes in history and been an integral part of many of them. I find her fascinating.

Any advice for the Queen?

I would never. She is the Queen, for heaven’s sake. She knows who she is, what her style is and she owns it. We could all learn a thing or two from the Queen. And anyone who has a hat collection as big as hers gets my total respect. We should bring the hat back to the U.S.

Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.