Spotlight on Tami Sellem

We started following her in her second pregnancy over a year ago, and since then she has grown in skill and profile on the Israeli blogging scene. Tami Sellem, known as @tamibetchic on Instagram, is married, 25 and a mother of two spends her spare time experimenting in fashion, empowering fellow bloggers and sharing her adventures and we love it.

Here, Tami shares more about herself with us:

1.    Do you consider yourself a stylist, personal shopper, influencer or blogger or all of the above?

I define myself as one who lives and breathes fashion, my dream is to one day create a personal collection and sell my clothes.

2.    Tell us a bit about your life?

So at the age of 25, I married my amazing husband and we have two sweet sons, a 2.5 year old and a little boy of 7 months.

3.    When did you begin this blogging/styling journey?

Since our wedding I think I have always been interested in fashion but more recently I've found and fostered a very strong sense of fashion. I did not study fashion or styling formally, only here and there I read articles.

About 5 years ago I discovered a fashion app called Polyvore (since shut down)- it (was) a shopping platform and an addictive activity centre that you could create collages and it was through this that I started developing my look through many many collages.

I began to cultivate my Instagram page when I got into my second pregnancy. I stopped working when I was in the fourth month and I had lots of free time and so I found myself almost every day creating and uploading my collages to instagram and that's how it all actually started.

4.    What do you love most about this work?

The empowerment – I have received great support and I am giving great support.

5.    Do you have a favourite designer? Why?

I do not know if I have a preference for a specific designer, but I can say that I really like Zara's style of clothes beyond that everything is in a relatively cheap style. You can also find many modest clothes there.

6.    All-time favorite piece of clothing? 

My favorite fashion style is vintage style. I'm totally attached to it maybe because through the clothes I can feel the touch of the beautiful past.

7.    The Israeli fashion industry has undergone massive changes in the last 5 years, have you noticed? Can you explain it?

It is clear to me that the fashion industry in Israel has changed in recent years, especially in the religious sector. I guess it's because of the internet, especially the social networks that have let us be exposed to a lot more than before. We are seeing different styles, we are more aware and so we are seeing today a lot more women and girls who dare to try different styles than before.

8.    What makes you feel beautiful?

What makes me feel beautiful? I don’t know, maybe self-acceptance? ... And of course when my husband tells me how beautiful I am.

9.    What’s a typical day look like in your life? 

Well currently I'm on long maternity leave until I get back to work. But a typical day in my life starts with the kids waking up at about seven sometimes before, sometimes after

Takes the big one to a private kindergarten and the little one stays with me, I do what needs to be done in the household, cook, errands, but most of the time I spend time with my sweet baby. Until four in the afternoon, my oldest returns from his kindergarten to play together in the garden, watches a little television, dinner, showers and sleep.

10.Chocolate - milk, dark or white?

Chocolate - not a big fan, but if I eat then milk chocolate

11.Ugly sneakers or not?

A cool trend, but in my opinion sneakers are ugly and I would not wear them

12.Fur or no fur?

Very fond of fur (not real of course)

13.What are some of your upcoming future projects or collaborations?

I am aspiring to become a fashion designer and create a collection, as for collaborations, I am open to suggestions

14.Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years: Living in my dream house with my beloved husband, the kids are big and I am running my successful business.

15.Do you have a piece of advice to share with our readers (about anything)?

Always be gracious and grateful and say thank you, for everything in life (even the least good things) because I believe nothing is coincidence and everything that happens is for the best

And when it comes to developing your personal style look for your inspiration. My inspiration could come from anything I see- from the street, from nature, home and interior design, I can even look at a children's book or a toy and get inspired. When I build a look I think about a few things;

- Do not be afraid to combine

- Just play with the clothes 

- There are no rules in fashion as long as it looks good 

- Pay attention to to your season, and of course current trends (but not always).

You can find Tami’s fashion blog, Shades of Modest fashion, here and follow her on Instagram.