My 7 Wonders of the Fashion Blogging World - Calivintage

Sorry for the delay on the final part of my '7 Wonders' feature. But as yesterdays post said I was away for Jon's Birthday. So here is the final lovely lady. Most of you will have guessed who I was describing in my last '7 Wonders' post. The cropped hair, the fun tattoos and amazing vintage and edgy wardrobe must belong to...

Calivintage!

What's your name and where do you come from?

My full name is Erin Laura Perez Hagstrom. I'm from California.

What's your blog name and why did you name it that?

Calivintage. It started as California Vintage and sorta morphed into the single word.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?

I officially started my blog in December of 2008, but I didn't start posting outfit until the summer of 2009 and then I gradually increased to the 12 posts per week that I publish now.

What's your everyday job?

My blog!

How would you describe your style?

A mix of vintage, designer, and high street. Casual and vintage-inspired.

What/who inspires your fashion choices?

Friends, people I see on the street, fashion blogs, designer collections.

Do you believe in following trends?

Yes and no. Since I follow fashion so closely, I always get caught up in a few trends each season, but I try to stick to a lot of timeless classic pieces that can be worn from season to season rather than getting too concerned with what's hot right now.

Where do you stand on high street copy cats of designer pieces?

I don't think they're a threat to the designers because the people who are buying high street knock-offs are not the same customers who can afford designer pieces. Having said that, I try to balance out my designer and high street purchases with items from the thrift store or vintage shops to reduce the social and environmental impact created from the mass-production of goods.

Most of you wear vintage items, do you have a favourite type of item you look for or is there a specific era you like?

Not really. Vintage from the 80's and 90's are much easier to find (for obvious reasons), so they're most easily incorporated into my wardrobe at an affordable price (read: dirt cheap), but I also have my favorites from every decade starting in the 1900's and up through today.

What's the most memorable outfit you have ever worn?

Honestly, I don't really think too much about my outfits once they're been worn. More than anything, I suppose I have more memorable items. For example, I wear a straw boater hat a lot and I feel like it's come to define a part of my style now. I'm also known to have a large collection of silk scarves that I tie as turbans.

Have you ever made a really bad fashion faux paux?

Oh probably according to some people! I don't really think there's such a thing as a faux paux.

Do you have a favourite designer or new emerging designer?

This actually changes from season to season, and the list is insanely long. I always have trouble picking favorites! Some good recent collections from resort 2011 were Marc Jacobs, Erin Fetherston, Stella McCartney, Jason Wu, Vena Cava, and Sonia Rykiel.

What one items couldn't you live without?

Skinny jeans. I would die if I couldn't throw on a pair of jeans.

Whats your style tip for this season?

Shorts. I'm really into high rise shorts of all kinds this season. They're perfect for keeping cool and offer a bit more flexibility than a skirt.

If you could have any celebrity wardrobe who's would it be and why?

Alexa Chung. She has great eclectic taste with vintage appeal.

Who are your favourite bloggers?

The Clothes Horse, The Snail and The Cyclops, What I Wore, Too Much Too Young

What is your favourite Fashion Magazine, and is there a specific reason?

Lula. They just always feature my favorite designers and have such lovely editorials. I also like Frankie and Russh.

Is there any models/photographers/clothes store/etsy store/online store (generally anything) you love right now?

Some of my favorite online shops right now are Madewell, J.Crew, ASOS, and Gilt Groupe. Other than that, I'm really into browsing etsy for vintage or going to the local vintage and thrift shops!

What one tip would you give to new fashion bloggers now that you have a successful blog?

I would say to give it time. It's a nice thing when you start out and have only a few readers because it gives you time to build up a really good blog with unique content. You know, "If you build it, they will come." haha, it's true!

The quick fire round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee

Cupcakes or doughnuts? Cupcakes

Chocolate ice cream or strawberry? Chocolate

Cats or Dogs? Both

PC or Mac? Mac

Soaps or Reality? Reality

Books or Films? Films

Up North or Down South? The Equator

Summer or Winter Summer

Prada or Gucci? Prada

Single or Taken? Taken

Heels or Flats? Both

Sweet or Salty? Salty

Masculine or Feminine? Both

Early Mornings or Late nights? Late nights

I've been reading this amazing blog since I started blogging and I find her style very inspiring. Her vintage inspired outfits are great, and really show how to mix modern day with real vintage!

So thats the end of my '7 Wonders of the Fashion Blogging World'. Did you like all my picks? Would you like to see another '7 Wonder' feature? I'm thinking Beauty Bloggers?

If you have missed any of my other '7 Wonders' just click here for them.

Don't forget my giveaway either for you chance to win some great Nars, Lancome and Eyeko products, plus more.

Daisymay X

My 7 Wonders of the Fashion Blogging World - AlphaBetaChic

Well ladies we are almost there on my '7 Wonders' feature. This is number 6! Yay. I hope you are all enjoying. This time I bring you a beautiful girl who has quirky style with a glamourous edge. She is always a little bit fun and a little bit different. I love seeing the great items she is adding to her wardrobe and how she goes about styling them. She was also my first swap partner and sent me some amazing stuff, so for that I must thank her again. So without further ado:

Say hello to AlphaBetaChic

What's your name and where do you come from?

Patty Ann of Los Angeles!

What's your blog name and why did you name it that?

AlphaBetaChic. I finally settled on this blog name because I really wanted to use the word “chic” somehow and love the way Greek letters sound. The only thing stopping me from blogging sooner was figuring out that blog name!

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?

Just a little under a year! You know to-do lists? I make to-do lists of all the outfit ideas I come up with during the day so I can try them on when I get home. My blog started out as a personal journal with these daily lists, until I decided that I should photograph all the good outfits for my inspiration journal/blog. Some of my blog posts are outfits I’ve worn out and others are ones that I’ve come up with and I’m saving for those “nothing to wear” days. Lastly it’s also a great excuse to play dress up and have photoshoots with my friends.

What's your everyday job?

Investments management, surprised?! (I am!!)

How would you describe your style?

Girly. Sweet. Feminine. I prefer skirts and dresses over pants—the pouffier the better plus Big bows and ruffles. My friend knew me for two years and had never seen me wear jeans.,

What/who inspires your fashion choices?

Where I’m going has a lot to do with my choices since sometimes I consider the outfit as important as the event itself. I plan my outfits for events MONTHS in advance, no joke. I like to think of the place I’m going to as the set of a photoshoot and try to dress thematically and consistently with the location. I’ll also consider how fashion forward the crowd will be because its an opportunity to be more daring or out of the box.

Do you believe in following trends?

Following trends is fine but starting trends is more my style! I have to admit it’s pretty annoying when ugly trends take over every single store and retail therapy is useless! There are some trends that I love like harem pants, and some that I hate like shredded tshirts and stripper shoes.

Where do you stand on high street copy cats of designer pieces?

Knockoffs are fine by me, hello Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Topshop! What grosses me out is label whoring (wearing head to toe designer just for the sake of it) and horrendously cheap material (like plastic shoes or sticky bags). I just hope that people who buy copies know that what they are buying might have a similar design but the material quality is usually disgusting. That’s a huge difference so there’s no use pretending.

Most of you wear vintage items. Do you have a favourite type of item you look for or is there a specific era you like?

I love the 80s—cupcake dresses, sheer bandage dresses, and those ornate sequin tops/dresses that are elaborately covered in sequins and beading. Other vintage treasures I enjoy collecting include ponchos, caftans, sheer or lace Victorian dresses, ethnic or traditional costumes, and embroidered jackets with great detailing.

What's the most memorable outfit you have ever worn? (is it because of a specific item or an event you relate it to?

Most of my favorite pieces are favorites because something special was happening when I wore it. It’s hard to pick just one because so many items/outfits have a story behind it.

Have you ever made a really bad fashion faux paux?

Hahah of course. Usually it involves wearing head to toe in solid black or clubbing dresses. It feels alright in the moment because black is slimming or it feels “hot” but I always think differently looking back!!!

Do you have a favourite designer or new emerging designer?

Other than a long-time love for the D&G line and Ralph Lauren, I’m pretty fickle about my favorites.

What items couldn't you live without?

My throw-on red flannel plaid shirt and gold brogues.

What’s your style tip for this season?

Find yourself

• metallic brogues for long walks and/or dancing all night
• lots of white sundresses
• a flower hair crown
• gold and lucite jewelry

If you could have any celebrity wardrobe who's would it be and why?

Probably that of the Olsens. They wear so much vintage, and fashion for them is never a game of how much skin to show or being considered “sexy”.

Who are your favourite bloggers?

My friends Mel, Becs, Neekoh, and Tiff

What is your favourite Fashion Magazine, and is there a specific reason?

I used to read fashion magazines religiously and go to bookstores to browse for hours but lately I prefer designer and boutique lookbooks like ones on Wildfox, Stone Cold Fox, and Nasty Gal.

Are there any models/photographers/clothes store/etsy store/online store (generally anything) you love right now?

Obsessed with Etsy. Some of my favorites include

- whimsical and nature inspired hair pieces from My Fair Birdie

- statement necklaces from Nina Ramone

- girly but edgy jewelry from Poison Apple NYC

- flower hair crowns by Royal Menagerie

- statement necklaces from Bejewelled Bespoke.

- slave bracelets from Lellabean

- ear cuffs from Zannedelions

I want to start a shop but I don’t know what to sell

What one tip would you give to new fashion bloggers now that you have a successful blog?

Don’t give up! Putting in the extra effort to take pictures and post them makes the difference!

Tea or Coffee? Coffee, black.

Cupcakes or doughnuts? Cupcakes are much cuter, and cute=yum to my stomach

Chocolate ice cream or strawberry? Strawberry with real fruit bits

Cats or Dogs? Kittens

PC or Mac? Baby PCs

Soaps or Reality? Faux-reality. I want to have my own reality show LOL.

Books or Films? Books

Up North or Down South? I guess South?

Summer or Winter? Winter, more clothes to wear!

Prada or Gucci? Prada

Single or Taken? It’s complicated, jk jk.

Heels or Flats? Heels

Sweet or Salty? Sweet

Masculine or Feminine? Feminine

Early Mornings or Late nights? Late nights

Thanks lots to Patty Ann, if you want to see more of her great style see her blog.

Tomorrow will be the last of my '7 Wonders of the Fashion Blogging World' but I can't say I have saved the best till last, as all my lovely ladies are amazing, but I can say you won't want to miss out on this one, so please check back tomorrow. She has style in abundance, a cropped hair cut, some funky tattoos and some great vintage pieces. Bet you can all guess who it is already!

If you have missed any of my other '7 Wonders' just click here for them.

Don't forget my giveaway either for you chance to win some great Nars, Lancome and Eyeko products, plus more.

Daisymay X

my 7 Wonders of the Fashion Blogging World - The Clothes Horse

Well here is another of my '7 Wonders' posts. I don't really think this one needs much of an intro. I was instantly attracted to her amazing photos when I first found her blog. They are beautifully taken in a beautiful setting. Then you stick her and her amazing style into the mix and you get really great photos.

Say Hello to The Clothes Horse

What's your name and where do you come from?

I’m Rebecca and I’m from all over. My father is in the army, so I’ve moved every 3 years since I was six months old. I don’t really consider anywhere home since I’ve been hopping from state to state and even overseas my whole life.

What's your blog name and why did you name it that?

My blog is The Clothes Horse; the name sort of is a descriptor of me. It’s an antiquate term, so I liked the vintage vibe that it gives and the name also gives me liberty. I don’t write a fashion blog, my blog is written by a clothes horse, or someone who likes clothes—so I can write about non-fashion items as I will.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?

I’ve been blogging since the summer of 2007, so nearly 3 years. I was at my college during the summer after a semester in Japan and I was feeling really trapped and bored and there was no one around who shared my interests. I started my blog to connect to people with similar interests and to have a creative outlet.

What's your everyday job?

My blog is my job right now. I also work a little freelance writing and I’ve had a couple of photographs and illustrations commissioned.

How would you describe your style?

My style is quirky and feminine. I wear a lot of somewhat classic, girl-y pieces but I mix it up with colorful tights, unique jewelry, and vintage fascinators or hats.

What/who inspires your fashion choices?

Everything inspires me: the weather has a big influence on my style choices and the nature I live in. In addition, I’m inspired by other fashion bloggers, runway collections, old films, and so many other things!

Do you believe in following trends?

No, not really. I think you can embrace trends you like, but “following” something just because it is hot goes against how I think we should dress ourselves.

Where do you stand on high street copy cats of designer pieces?

I think it is best when high street stores make pieces inspired by designer pieces; it’s wonderful when we can buy pieces that are similar to designer ones at affordable prices. However, I think exact copies or nearly exact copies are definitely taking things too far. I also think the price of designer pieces isn’t always worth their quality and the money doesn’t always go back and benefit those who are part of the production.

Most of you wear vintage items, do you have a favourite type of item you look for or is there a specific era you like?

I love looking for and at vintage hats and fascinators. I’ve got quite a collection going and I keep finding more I like—they’re so easy to throw on with really modern clothes.

What's the most memorable outfit you have ever worn?

I have no idea what my most memorable outfit is…seriously, drawing a complete blank!

Have you ever made a really bad fashion faux pas?

I made a lot when I was younger—leggings and clogs (before they were hot and definitely in a not hot version!) and tons of clothes that simply didn’t fit. I probably make what many people believe are faux pas now (wearing black and navy, socks with open toed shoes, etc), but I embrace them—it wouldn’t be fun if we didn’t take risks or make mistakes.

Do you have a favourite designer or new emerging designer?

Christian Lacroix has been my favorite for a long time (so sad about his failing company…). More recent collections I like are Rodarte, Proenza Schouler, and Erdem.

What one items couldn't you live without?

My ballet flats, matte red lipstick, blue nail polish, and lots of rings!

What’s your style tip for this season?

Heidi or milkmaid braids! I’ve made a little tutorial b/c they’re a lot easier than they look to do (I have very few hairstyling skills) and they keep you so cool when the weather heats up.

If you could have any celebrity wardrobe who's would it be and why?

Sofia Coppola; I love her style so much!

Who are your favorite bloggers?

Calivintage, Style Bubble, Miss Pandora, and tons more!

What is your favourite Fashion Magazine, and is there a specific reason?

I love the editorials in Vogue Italia and Vogue Nippon. Italia has great pictorials and Nippon always seems to have the most playful ones.

Is there any models/photographers/clothes store/etsy store/online store (generally aything) you love right now?

The Olive Shoppe; I just found it and I sort of what everything they have in stock—I did buy one dress from there!

What one tip would you give to new fashion bloggers now that you have a successful blog?

Everyone probably says “blog about what you love” and while I agree, to keep things interesting: generate your own material. If people can find what you post on elsewhere, they will. Also, the best thing you can bring to your blog is yourself, so generating your own material is the best way to convey who you are.

Quick Fire Round

Tea or Coffee? Neither….

Cupcakes or doughnuts? Cupcakes

Chocolate ice cream or strawberry? Strawberry

Cats or Dogs? Dogs

PC or Mac? Mac

Soaps or Reality? Reality…

Books or Films? Books

Up North or Down South? Down South (for the weather)

Summer or Winter Summer (again, for the weather)

Prada or Gucci? Prada

Single or Taken? Single

Heels or Flats? Flats

Sweet or Salty? Sweet

Masculine or Feminine? Feminine (although it depends on what you’re referring to)

Early Mornings or Late nights? Late nights!!!

There you have it the amazing Rebecca, with some interesting answers.

Tomorrows lady may not be as well know as the ones I have featured so far but she definitely has plenty of chic! This girl has a quirky sense of style that manages to hit glamour with a capital G, yet does it so effortlessly!

If you have missed any of my other '7 Wonders' just click here for them.

Don't forget my giveaway either for you chance to win some great Nars, Lancome and Eyeko products, plus more.

Daisymay X