Edgy and Bold :: Laura Tenshi

Laura Tenshi is one of our trendsetters! Let’s learn more about Laura.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Laura, I am 22 years old and I live in Bucharest, Romania. I've graduated from college where I've studied Public Administration last summer and I am currently unemployed.



How did you become interested in fashion?
I could tell you that I have always had a big interest in fashion and clothes, but I would be lying. The truth is that I started caring about my appearance in college where I didn't have to follow dress codes for the first time in 12 years.

I wore a school uniform from elementary school up until college, so, I couldn't experiment with my style.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I started my blog a couple of years ago in October 2008, but I found my blogger’s voice in March 2010, when I finally gathered the courage to show others my personal style and post outfits.

I said courage because I truly felt showcasing my personal style was an act of bravery back then. It was pretty intimidating to expose myself to the public like that, especially since I had little knowledge of fashion, but I wanted to show others that it's OK to be different and that if they have an unusual sense of style, they should embrace it rather than hide it and blend in.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
I really want to work in the fashion industry as a stylist. I know I have a lot of catching up to do since fashion wasn't part of my life until recently, but I am willing to try my best to succeed.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I have a deep affection for bright colors and I love mixing different patterns and prints. I would describe my style in two words: edgy and bold.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
Japanese and Korean fashion magazines, street style sites. My main source of inspiration is Style Arena, a street style site based in Tokyo.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I shop in Bucharest and my favorite brands are Vero Moda, Mango, Zara, Topshop



Congratulations again to Laura for becoming the Trendsetter at Mode Republic. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Laura!

Upside of Wonder :: Amanda

Upside of Wonder is one of our contest winners! Let’s learn more about Upside of Wonder.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Amanda and I’m from Austin, TX! I’m currently a student studying biology and getting ready to transfer to a bigger university. I absolutely love the ocean and am seriously considering a career in marine biology or biological oceanography. I would love to live in a little beach bungalow one day!



How did you become interested in fashion?
I’ve always had a love for cute clothes, but never really knew how to style up outfits or had the confidence to wear them! About a year and a half ago, I decided I needed to actually wear the clothes I bought!



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I randomly stumbled upon a vintage blog a while ago and loved the idea of it. From there I found so many other blogs and decided I wanted to start one of my own. Plus, there is such a great community within the style blog world. I’ve made some amazing friends, which I never would have expected to happen!



What are your dreams and aspirations?
I really just want to do something that makes me happy, whatever it is, big or small. Like I said, I would love to live in a beach bungalow and walk around barefoot all day while wearing pretty dresses and sipping on sweet tea.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
My style is pretty girly and very colorful. I love to wear flowy dresses and layer blouses under them. I’m definitely a Texas girl, I love going sleeveless and without tights! I really just love wearing anything that feels fun. I don’t think style is something that should be taken so seriously; it should be something that’s enjoyed!



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
Blogs! Is there really anything more inspiring in fashion than a normal girl on a budget who can put together a fabulous outfit?



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
For the most part, I think I stick with online shopping at places like Urban Outfitters, or any site with a good sale. I really hate dealing with crowds at the mall! I also tend to frequent my local Salvation Army…I find the best dresses there! I also love perusing through vintage dresses on Etsy. I swear, I spend way more time than I should adding things to my favorites!



Congratulations again to Upside of Wonder for winning the contest at Mode Republic. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Upside of Wonder!

Rock Paper Vintage

Rock Paper Vintage is one of our contest winners! Let’s learn more about Rock Paper Vintage.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm from Reno NV, but moved to NYC a few years ago to study fashion at F.I.T. I run online vintage store, Rock Paper Vintage and free lance as a fashion stylist.


Photography by Connie Wang

How did you become interested in fashion?
I've been interested in clothes and fashion my entire life and started sewing and creating my own clothes at an early age.

What are your dreams and aspirations?
I feel like I'm living some of my dreams right now :) - being in New York City, running my own clothing store, and getting the opportunity to work with talented photographers, models and stylists! It's amazing!



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I have an eclectic style, like most girls. I love vintage pieces with personalities of their own and my looks can range from rock ‘n’ roll to delicate and feminine. I suppose it’s probably a very rock goddess style!



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
From designer runways, to fashion blogs, to people walking in the street! NYC is full of fashion inspiration everywhere from the sidewalk to the subway.

Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I wear primarily vintage pieces, so I shop mainly at thrift stores, flea markets and vintage stores. There are too many fabulous brands to pick a favorite ;)



Congratulations again to Rock Paper Vintage for winning the contest at Mode Republic. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Rock Paper Vintage!

Black Velvet :: Karin

Karin is one of our trendsetters of the month! Let’s learn more about Karin.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Karin, I am a journalist and ever since I can remember I have been a self-confessed clothes-horse.



I dream of world style domination. My mind seems to be congested with visions and imaginings of exquisite clothing, textures and colors and how these transform every day banality and encourage us to experiment towards discovering our own unique style.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
Stylish and individual people on the street fill me with enthusiasm. Instead of hanging on to all these perplexing thoughts and inspirations bottled up inside my pretty little head, I decided pour them out onto others and start my own style blog called Wunderlust. I have always maintained an obsessive love-love relationship with individual style; vintage clothing and sky high shoes. To me personally fashion is the one element in my life that transforms, educates, inspires and gives purpose to.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I adore vintage items as each one tells a story and is a piece of history. Back in those days when clothing were not mass manufactured and stood the test of time. What inspires me most is not tomorrows trends or yesterdays fashion shows.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
My inspiration is individuality…people who express themselves and dress because clothing allows us to speak louder than words.

My blog Wunderlust: http://karinkirsten.blogspot.com



Congratulations again to Karin for becoming the trendsetter at Mode Republic. Stay tuned for more fashion inspirations from Karin!