In the issues, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Cathy Peshek, the creative force behind the popular blog Poor Little It Girl. As a style blogger, NICU mom, and mother of three boys under four, Cathy navigates the beautiful chaos of parenting while staying true to herself. In this interview, she opens up about finding inspiration, embracing imperfection, and redefining the idea of balance in her career and family life.
1. On your blog, there is an article titled Why Being a Style Blogger Isn't Always As Glamorous As It Seems, where you mentioned the constant pressure of content creation as a fashion blogger. Could you share where your creative inspiration usually comes from?
Cathy: My inspiration comes from everywhere. Right now, it's heavily focused on what I'm experiencing in my life and the brands that resonate with me as a busy stay-at-home mom working from home on my blog. Comfort and versatility are non-negotiables. I find inspiration from friends, fellow moms, online communities, and even just browsing some of my favorite retailers' websites. That's how I've shaped my personal style over the years through trial and error, and lots of evolution. My closet was filled with fun heels and bold statement pieces ten years ago. Now, I gravitate toward a neutral, easy capsule wardrobe that I can mix and match seamlessly. And honestly, everything has to be machine washable because, with three boys under four, nothing can be too precious (or too high-maintenance).
2. We're quite curious about how you became a professional fashion blogger. What inspired you to start this career path?
Cathy: I started my fashion blog while living in NYC at the age of 25. At the time, I was working in fashion magazine editorial and had just started hearing about bloggers like Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I loved the idea of having a creative space of my own where I could share my love of style. That's when I launched Poor Little It Girl on a whim. It was originally a site focused on recreating celebrity looks for less. Over the years, it's transformed into shopping roundups, personal style posts, and, more recently, a mix of beauty, home, and motherhood content. It's been an incredible journey watching it grow and evolve with me.
3. As a mother of three, do you have any tips for balancing your responsibilities as a professional content creator, blogger, and parent?
Cathy: Honestly, I've learned there's no such thing as perfect balance. Some days, I'm on top of my work; other days, I'm rocking mom life. It's all about figuring out a routine that works for you and being mindful of how you spend your time. I've also realized the importance of giving myself grace. If I need to recharge, whether it's relaxing on the couch or sneaking in a quick nap while the kids are at school, I try not to feel guilty about it. Taking care of myself is essential to maintaining any kind of sanity. Another big lesson? You don't have to do it all. Saying no to certain things can be a form of self-care and a way to protect your mental health.
4. In terms of your career and family life, what aspirations do you have for the future?
Cathy: I've been blogging for 15 years, and I never imagined I'd still be doing this! Thinking about the future feels surreal because so much can change. That said, I'd love to continue growing Poor Little It Girl as a space where I can share life, advice, and inspiration with my audience. On the family front, while we are 100% done having kids, we're hoping to move into a larger house this year. With three boys getting older (and louder!), having more space to spread out is a top priority.
5. We know that you went through a NICU journey which lasted over two months. Were there any lessons or unexpected strengths you discovered about yourself or your family during this period?
Cathy: Navigating a high-risk pregnancy, delivering at 31 weeks, and Owen spending two months in the NICU taught me that I'm stronger than I ever imagined. That doesn't mean I handled everything perfectly, some days were incredibly hard, but I learned it's okay to feel sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Leaning on friends who've been through similar experiences was a lifeline. My husband, who's always been an amazing partner and father, really blew me away with how he handled the chaos. His support allowed me to focus on recovery and being with Owen in the hospital every day. It was an emotional time I'll never forget.
6. How has this experience influenced the way you approach content creation and the messages you want to share with your audience?
Cathy: Content creation has definitely taken a back seat to my family during this season of life. Some days, I'm able to get a lot done, like answering these questions while my sister is visiting and helping out! Other days, my kids need all of me, and blogging or newsletters just aren't in the cards. What's been amazing is the support of my audience. I'm so grateful for readers who stick with me through life's ups and downs. Right now, I'm just taking things one day at a time and doing what I can, when I can.
7. How do you personally interpret the concept of More Than A Mom?
Cathy: I love being a mom. It's the best decision I've ever made, even though it wasn't always part of my plan. But I've learned that while being a mom is a huge part of who I am, it's not all of who I am. I was my own person long before I became a mom, and I still am. I have my own career, hobbies, ideas, and passions that exist outside of my kids. In fact, I think showing my boys that I have a life and identity beyond being their mom makes me a better parent.
