Skipping Heels :: Natalie

Natalie is one of our winners of the Color Magic Contest! Let’s learn more about Natalie.


Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live and was born in Spain all though my parents are both British. At the moment I am a full time student studying a degree in fashion, it is the first year they have established fashion as a university course in Spain. I finished last year a two-year course on pattern design and sewing. Over the summers I have worked in Pull&Bear (inditex) were I have learnt related to the fashion industry.



How did you become interested in fashion?
I discovered my interest in fashion when I was studying in art collage. I was surrounded by really artistic people. Although since I was small I always used to make dresses for my dolls.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I loved (and still do) hopping from one blog to an other and one day I told my self that there is no reason why I couldn't start a blog, I wanted somewhere to express my self thou fashion.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
I have many dream jobs I would love to take on. But at the moment I am working hard on my course and on my blog.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I try not to stick to one style, I like trying new trends and also mixing them up. I do tend to chose pastel colors lately and I love lace, so you could say that my look are a little vintage looking.

I never liked jogger pants, I only ever worn them at the gym, but I bought a pair not long ago and I found them so easy to mix and match with anything in my wardrobe.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
I get my inspirations from other bloggers and street style.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
Most of my clothes are from Zara and Pull&Bear. I have a lot of stuff from Primark, its so cheep and stylish!

Congratulations again to Natalie for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Natalie!

Lavilleinconnue :: Carys

Lavilleinconnue is the winner of the Color Magic Contest! Let’s learn more about her.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Carys, I am in my last year of sixth form, studying psychology, philosophy and French. I have lived in London my entire life, but my family is Welsh (that's where my 'unusual' name comes from).



How did you become interested in fashion?
When I was 15, I developed a total love of 1930s music (especially Edith Piaf), and became interested in the culture and fashion of the era too. I started wearing 1930s-inspired clothes, and I found that old-fashion styles really suited me. I also loved standing out and looking different from everyone else, so I started exploring different eras, and it just developed from there.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I used to want to be an actress more than anything, and then suddenly for no reason in the middle of a psychology lesson I decided that I didn't want to go to drama school anymore, I wanted to own a little vintage boutique in Paris. I decided to start a blog firstly to document the change I was making in my life, secondly to help establish myself as a vintage seller, and thirdly because I needed some sort of creative outlet.

I didn't realise that there was a massive vintage community online until this year, it was so nice to discover that there were other people walking around looking like they belong in a period drama.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
Right now, I am really hoping to go on a three-week fashion design course in Paris at the end of this summer, and in the future I want to own a shop (hopefully in France) of vintage or vintage-reproduction clothing.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I have a totally short attention span when it comes to clothes, and I'm very indecisive too. I always decide I hate a particular era, then within a week it will have become my favorite. I have been really into mod and teddy girl styles recently, two of my previous least favorites, I think it's something to do with my new pixie cut. My favorite outfit this week though would have to be a 1950s-style one, which I loved because I managed to make leggings look vintage-a rather impressive achievement, if I may say so myself.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
I get my inspiration from all sorts of places, but my favorite source is vintage photographs of real women. Films are a great source too, but they tend to show glamorous, unrealistic ideals of what people wore, rather than the genuine styles of the time. Since I joined the blogging community, my style has developed and changed so much, and I've been so influenced by the amazing outfits bloggers put together.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I get most of my clothes from second hand and charity shops; I try to shop as little as possible on the high street-I find it's either too overpriced, or it's so cheap that those making it could not have possibly been paid a fair wage for it. I go to a lot of jumble sales too-I'm one of those scary girls knocking people out of the way and grabbing all the best stuff-I apologise if you've ever encountered me at a jumble sale, but just know that I'm not usually so mean!



Congratulations again to Carys for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Carys!

The Young Fashionista :: Andrea Van Barthold

The Young Fashionista :: Andrea Van Barthold

Andrea is one of our winners of the Fashionista II Contest! Let’s learn more about Andrea.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, I'm half blood mixed between Dutch and Japanese. Many people asked me about my looks, so I'm telling you this.

I'm 22 years old. I'm taking master of international business (MBA).



I was accepted for scholarship of fashion design at Lasalle College Singapore and theatre at NAFA University earlier but I decided to give up on those things because my dad wouldn't accept if I go overseas and taking some art and design major. So I took journalism for bachelor degree and fast-tracked to master degree in international business major.

Now I'm working as a writer for The Jakarta Globe newspaper. I'm also working as a model for some magazines and beauty shot.



How did you become interested in fashion?
I was a complete fashion disaster before. I wore just shirt and jeans like boys usually do. I don't even care of my looks. People often mistake me for a boy.

But I'd like to draw and create some unique wardrobes. But they ended on the papers only. In return I'm starting to draw some daily clothes and produce them.

The other reason, as a model, I often attracted by wardrobes from the sponsors I have to model. In fact, it makes me want to own them. Lol. And to looks fashionable is important in the industry :)



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I don't really have a blog because I'm not that conscientious to make a blog, but I do have portfolios of my photo shoot and some of my articles :)



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My dreams are to be a successful person in the fashion industry and become one of influential people just like Oprah Winfrey :) u can just imagine what would I generated from the industry. :)

My aspirations is just to look forward to the future and try to become more than the successful people nowadays. Maybe I'm too greedy, but I just want more hahahaha..



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
My style is just like chameleon. I have many different styles. I couldn't take just one look, it's just too boring for me. My fav look at this moment would be the one that has lace materials in it :)





Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
I got my inspirations from movies!

There are many kind of movie genre. For instance: drama, action, romance, comedy, etc. In brief, my fashion knowledge is not limited only to a genre. And movies always come with something hot in their era/at the moment (currently in the trend).

All the magazines most likely just look the same for me. For example: you can really see that almost of all magazines come with the same type of wardrobe on the same month's issue. Not that I'm not read any of it, but my fashion inspirations are not come from them mostly :)



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
Most of my wardrobe is handmade. You don't have to buy branded stuff to look good. I designed them by myself and have someone to make my designs.

The most important thing is to be dressed by what described yourself, but still consider what people may think of your physical look (your fashion). Cover describes its content; so, your style describes you :)

Hahahahhaa maybe I should create my own brand then!



Congratulations again to Andrea for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Andrea!

Ezzentric Topz :: Twee Wu

Twee is a Mode Republic trendsetter and one of our winners of the Fashionista II Contest! Let’s learn more about Twee.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm from Hong Kong, I was born and grew up there. HK is one of the most beautiful cities and it's undoubtedly, a shopping paradise!

I came to Melbourne, Australia by myself in 2005 for University and was graduated with Bachelor of Creative Arts last August. I'm currently located in Melbourne.

I actually regretted not to do fashion in uni so when I finished uni, I told myself that I have to do something fashion related in the future.



In October 2009, My boyfriend Kz and I had this sudden thought of setting up our own business so we decided to give it a go. We started selling vintage clothes at our online store " Ezzentric Topz " alongside our part time jobs and about half a year later, we both decided to treat it seriously and take it full time.

Two months ago, we've also launched our very special own line - Ezzentric Topz Surprise - which specializes on stylish basic apparel such as tulle skirts and leggings.



How did you become interested in fashion?
Fashion means a lot to my family and I guess this is how I become influenced. My mum and sister are always fashion forward! Few years ago my mum has already started to wear boyfriend jean with brouges and my sister can always foresee trends! We share our clothes and talked about fashion all the time. How can you not be interested in fashion when your mum and sister are already fashionistas?!



What inspired you to start your own blog?
My blog was first started as a backstage of my store but it becomes more like my personal blog now. I usually blog about the latest updates of my store, trends i like, lookbooks from my favourite brands, and some snap shots of myself. I have also set up a blog store selling my own line "Ezzentric Topz Surprise", I reckon blog store is more convenient for bloggers to shop!



What are your dreams and aspirations?
In December, my boyfriend and I will start sourcing stylish and fashionable clothes and accessories outside Australia. By adding more diversities and new ideas to Ezzentric Topz, I'm hoping it can evolve into a one-stop fashion kingdom in five years time, both online and on land.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I think my style is quite simple, sometimes edgy (according to my readers =P) . I like minimalistic men's clothes so I always steal clothes from my boyfriend's wardrobe. I can never be too feminine and you will never seen me with ten rings in one hand, that is just not my cup of tea. My look varies depending on my mood and the weather but the common trait of most of my looks is "tomboy with a girly touch".



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
As I've mentioned, I get a lot of fashion inspiration from my mum and sister. Other than that, I get inspired by models like Agyness Deyn, Freja, and Alexa Chung. Fashion bloggers are very inspiring too! My favourite blogger at the moment is AnnaBu from Bu the right thing . She's just AMAZING!!



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I shop EVERYWHERE!! My favorite shopping place is of course HONG KONG! You can literally find everything there !But when I'm in Melbourne, I tend shop from op shop and online. I'm loving Alexander Wang and American Apparel at the moment, their stuff are just simple and versatile!



Congratulations again to Twee for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Twee!

Trendsetter from Jakarta :: Anastasia

Anastasia is a Mode Republic trendsetter and one of our winners of the Fall Magic Contest! Let’s learn more about Anastasia.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, and I just finished my advanced diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management last month in Singapore. I love everything about dance since I'm a dancer based in Indonesia and I also do love high heels a lot esp those with unique design. The most important thing is comfort in wearing them, since I like walking a lot =)



How did you become interested in fashion?
I started to love fashion because of my eldest sister. She is a fashion designer and I loved it when she bought a lot of local/international fashion magazines, from teen to make up magazines and even hairstyle magazines, then we would read them together sometimes. Also the fact that she used to be a shoes-lover, umm no, she was a freak shoes-lover and it did influenced me.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I don't have a blog but I love to read blogs. I'm also very interested in photography, fashion photoshoots and I do a little bit of modeling. I will sometimes post some of my photos on my deviantart (nazxean.deviantart.com). It is everything to do with photography. So can I consider it as my blog?? hahaha.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
Umm maybe a shoes-designer?? I wish..



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
Actually I have no specific style, I love to mix and match everything as long as it looks nice and comfortable, but catchy at the same time.
I don't know why but I love this look a lot.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
A lot. Fashion magazines, fashion websites like lookbook.nu, blogs, people I met on the streets/malls, my two older sisters (both have a nice body ehem *model like body*), TV shows and movies.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I don't really care about brands. I shop everything everywhere as long as I love it and maybe it has some unique features, comfortable, and when I wear them, they look nice on me. Why bother to buy branded or expensive things when I can find cheaper one is nicer and comfortable as well?? =)



Congratulations again to Anastasia for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Anastasia!

Fashion Nicotine :: Natascha

Fashion Nicotine is a Mode Republic trendsetter and one of our winners of the Fashionista II Contest! Let’s learn more about Fashion Nicotine.


Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Natascha and I’m from the Netherlands! I live in a small city in the middle of the Netherlands, not too far away from the famous Amsterdam! At the moment I’m working 40 hours / week as a junior staff auditor and I study Accountancy co-op (chartered accountant / auditor) in Amsterdam, I’m in my final year now. Besides that I’m a fashion blogger at www.fashionnicotine.com. After graduating I want to work in & study fashion!



How did you become interested in fashion?
I can’t remember when it started, so it must have been a long time ago haha! I’ve always been touched by beautiful clothes, when I was little, when I was a teen and now! While my classmates were playing sports, making homework etc. I was watching fashion shows and pictures on style.com. Hmm nothing changed actually haha!



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I liked to visit fashion blogs like fashiontoast and Lisaplace. And at one moment I wanted to begin one myself to share my outfits with others to see what they would think of it and maybe even inspire girls who don’t have a lot of money, by translating the trends from the runway into outfits with affordable clothes.

At first it was really addictive, I wanted to post an outfit everyday… but I realized quickly that a blog takes a lot of time, that I don’t have. So I had to find a balance or otherwise stop. All the nice comments and followers kept and keep me blogging!



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My dream is to have the best job in fashion! However I’m not sure what that will be for me, it could be as a designer, as a stylist or as a fashion magazine editor…



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I think that's always hard to define! Most of the time rock chic with a feminine touch, but I can also dress myself really girly. Depends on how I feel and where I'm going.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
I get inspiration from almost everything; internet, fashion magazines, fashion shows, blogs, films & series, street, my dreams, (old) photographs & art… and so on! I love to look at blogs from Swedish girls.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
Internet and I never leave H&M or Zara empty handed! Some of my other favourite brands; Topshop, River Island, Alexander Wang, ‘Nasty Gal’, Just Female, Fashionology and I’m dreaming of owning an item from Balmain!!



Congratulations again to Fashion Nicotine for winning the contest. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Fashion Nicotine!

See You In Sweden :: Rebecca

Rebecca is a Mode Republic Trendsetter and a winner of our Fall Magic Contest! Let’s learn more about Rebecca.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Philly now but have also lived in Boston, Wilmington, Delaware, Cleveland and Notre Dame, Indiana. But, I consider myself a proud Clevelander still! Having just finished my masters degree in Sports Information at the University of Pittsburgh, right now I'm sending out resumes and working as a research assistant at Widener Law University but I hope to be in Media Relations/Public Relations for the Sports Department at a university soon!



How did you become interested in fashion?
I can't remember when I didn't love fashion. It probably started when my love of shoes was realized as a nine year old at the Shoe Museum in Toronto, Ontario. I think it's always been an expression and an outlet for me because I was so shy when I was much younger and my parents, thankfully, always let me dress exactly as I liked. I started really getting into fashion a few years ago when I discovered the site rdujour.com and then my love for fashion blogs and fashion snowballed. It's like art to me!



What inspired you to start your own blog?
After reading so many blogs I felt a pent up energy that I wanted to express myself too and show my ideas. Fashion Photography is also one of my favorite forms of art. I started a blog during grad school but I was just too busy. After my graduation I saved up my money for two things: 1. A trip to Montreal, my favorite city in the world and 2. A DSLR (I had already taken a class about DSLR photography without a DSLR. The teacher was pretty confused about why I was there but worked with me when she realized I was just preparing!) After the DSLR I was really encouraged to start sharing my perspective on fashion and my love of fashion pictures!



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My aspirations are actually in sports media relations. Fashion may seem like my first love, but my passion has always been in sports which my father instilled in me (My mini schnauzer is even named Rugby!) Fashion is my side outlet and my escape. I would also like to see my blog grow because I am so in love with the aspect of blogging where you can connect and make friends with people all over the world. The world seems smaller to me now in a good way; I feel like I have friends everywhere and I know so much more about other cultures through their blogs!



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I hadn't realized it before the blog chronicled the fact but my style is very minimalistic, classic and an uncomplicated fashion. I'd say it's also quite affordable because if I have enough I will always spend it on traveling instead of clothing. My favorite looks of the moment are paper bag style pants/skirts, hats, lace and the influence of menswear.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
Only a little of my fashion inspiration comes from magazines (my favorite source is In Style UK). Most of my inspiration comes from sites like these and other fashion blogs. My biggest celebrity influence is hands down Olivia Palermo which is quite evident on my blog; otherwise, I pay little attention to celebrity fashion. I like to see what real people are wearing on Chictopia and Mode Republic!



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
As evidenced by the title of my blog ("See You in Sweden" a nod to my love for Scandinavian fashion) my favorite store and brand is H&M.



Congratulations again to Rebecca for winning the contest and becoming a trendsetter at Mode Republic. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Rebecca!