Green Valley High School student is one of Claire’s top fashion bloggers

When 17-year-old Claire Cushing was asked to be a guest style blogger for the fashion retail store Claire's, she knew it was the perfect fit.

"Claire blogging for Claire's is a given," said Wendy Cushing, Claire's mom . "(Her modeling manager) said she should have (the job) permanently just because of the name."

For the third time in about a year, Claire was asked to give advice and tips on outfit ideas, matching accessories and to develop fashion pieces through photo spreads on her blog for other girls around the country to read.

Claire not only gets to use her perspective on fashion but also takes the opportunity to use her passion for photography to capture her ideas and tips. She has been taking courses at Green Valley High School.

"I really love being able to do the photos and go to different places to do them," Claire said.

Since the blog is supposed to represent the "everyday kind of girl" and Claire said the national office doesn't want to photos to look professionally done, she isn't able to use a lot of her equipment to do photos. But even with her point-and-shoot digital camera, Claire looks for the most creative photos she can take.

Claire has used everything from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to the Sugar Factory on Las Vegas Boulevard as her background. Her outfit ideas have been inspired by everything from songs and literature to events and holidays.

"I think one of my favorite ones was the one I did for New Year's Eve last year," Claire said. "I don't think people realize how crazy the Strip can be."

Claire, who has done modeling and acting on the side, first entered the running to be a blogger in May 2010 after her modeling manager presented the opportunity. In November 2010, she was selected.

"Girls usually just do it for one month," Wendy said.

However, after one of the December 2010 bloggers became ill and said she couldn't do the blog , the company asked Claire to return.

This December, the company is featuring the return of its favorite bloggers, including Claire.

"When I got the email from the company, I said, 'Of course she would be interested,' " Wendy said. "Then I realized I should check with (Claire)."

Claire was excited to return to her creative side.

"I've already got the routine down," Claire said. "It is tough, though, trying to balance school with everything else."

Every day after school, Claire puts together fashion ideas, matching earrings and purses with scarves, hats and belts, and takes several photos. After she finishes her homework, she assembles the post and submits it to the national office.

"They have to receive it by a certain time every day to edit the content," Claire said.

Blog content is about two or three paragraphs to explain the photos and the items Claire is wearing. She doesn't have to wear items exclusively from Claire's, but she does get many accessories from the store.

Claire said the national office came up with the blog to get young girls to talk about fashion and give each other ideas.

Growing up, Claire remembers shopping at the retail store.

"I used to look at earrings I longed to wear," Claire said. "But my ears weren't pierced at the time."

Claire is continually excited about the opportunity. As long as the company wants her words and posts, Claire said she will happily submit them.

No matter what the future holds, Claire foresees herself keeping up with some sort of blog as a creative outlet.

"I wouldn't do blogging professionally," Claire said. "But it's like Facebook. I couldn't imagine not doing it."

For more information or to read Claire's blog, visit claires.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.