Instagram’s fashion influencers Eff Ulloa (@mensfashionpost) and Toni Mahfud (@tonimahfud) have both built irresistibly beautiful Instagram profiles and associated blogs.
Eff began his blog solely through Instagram—an Instablog, if you will—by uploading inspirational men’s fashion photos. Eventually, his keen curation and aesthetic allowed him to grow Men’s Fashion Post into its own blog. Today, he travels the world in search of menswear inspiration—and it’s certainly caught on. If you don’t believe us, just ask his 2 million Instagram followers.
Fellow world traveler Toni calls himself an “artist, fine art photographer, model, communication designer” and “a blogger for fashion, travel, and lifestyle.” He’s basically the opposite of the Zoolander-coined term “actor-slash-model,” or as he explains it, “Why should I concentrate on one thing in life, if I have the chance to do more?” His Instagram profile and blog show off his stunning looks, his exceptional artwork, and so much more.
The Daily Beast, in partnership with Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, asked both men about the holiday season and what inspires them. Here’s what they told us:
1: When it comes to the holidays, what do you feel passionate about?
Eff Ulloa: “There is much to love about the holidays. It’s the time of year that we focus on what really matters in life: friends and family. I love the feeling of giving and sharing awesome moments with those we love. It is about reflecting on the year and focusing on the those great moments to prepare for the new year. As Andy Williams would put it, ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year.’”
Toni Mahfud: “What I love about the holidays are of course the cookies, the times when the entire family gathers together in the kitchen to roll out, but, decorating and baking enough cookies in the shape of a tree or star with colorful icing and sparkles will always be my favorite! The time spent with family and friends, nothing is more important than that. :)”
2: If you had to choose, what would be your number one fashion tip for looking chic during the holidays?
Eff Ulloa: “The holidays bring great cheer but also the opportunity to layer up and get very creative with fashion. The cooler weather calls for knits and furs. For the holidays my best fashion tip would be to mix textures that typically cannot be worn during the hotter seasons. Fur is a great texture that can add sophistication to any outfit, whether it’s worn as a scarf or in the lining of a winter coat. Leather is another texture perfect for the holidays. Leather shoes, boots, and gloves can make any dull outfit into a sophisticated one.”
Toni Mahfud: “Well, holiday fashion tips…I would say, you have to wear something casual and classy in one look. Some tops with nice Christmas prints are always funny around this time to wear! I love wearing wearing rope sweaters in different colors, they’re warm and comfy, combined simply with a black jeans and winter boots.”
3: What about the holidays inspires you enough creatively that you post to your (beautiful!) Instagram account or blog?
Eff Ulloa: “The cold weather is what inspires me around the holidays. The accessories that cold weather demands are always key features in any holiday outfit. Hot drinks and layering up translate well into my Instagram posts: lattes or cappuccinos make for great shots and dusting out the winter coats create sophisticated looks that flood my Instagram feed.”
Toni Mahfud: “I love the holiday lights. Everywhere you go, the darkness is lit up with the most colorful strings of lights and decorations imaginable. As I drive down the streets in my city, the lights give a feeling of magic and warmth that could never be achieved in any other way. That’s what inspires me.”