One Haute Mess :: Marilyn

Marilyn eats, sleeps, breathes, bleeds and lives fashion, photography, art, music, food and extreme sports. Let’s learn more about her!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Marilyn Nguyen and I’m from Orange County, California. I am currently studying Marketing at CSUF. I love to get out as much as I can and be active. I enjoy going to the beach, surfing, snowboarding, and any fun or extreme activities. I have an obsession with shoes and accessories! My friends would tell me that I have a problem and I should seek help. HA HA! I also spend a large portion of my time browsing local shops, boutiques and retail stores for any new clothes that I can incorporate into a new outfit.



How did you become interested in fashion?
As long as I can remember, I’ve always been into fashion one way or another. As a kid, I loved diving into my mom’s closet and dressing myself up in her clothes, although they didn’t quite have the same look back then and the fit was a little less than perfect.



More recently, I have found myself transferring most of my paychecks directly to store purchases and ending up with one closet full of clothes after another. I really enjoy experimenting with different looks and styles. I love dressing up my younger sister and friends, and I often find myself donating items of clothing to complete looks here and there.

Reading fashion magazines, blogs and browsing through new trends has also fueled my passion for fashion.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I’ve always wanted to start my own fashion blog and share my ideas, but I was too intimidated by many other fashionistas who has more style and creativity than me. After a great deal of persuasion from a couple of my close friends, I was finally pushed over the edge and I’ve been freefalling into it ever since. I always thought it would be great to have a way to track my own fashion throughout my life and see how it changed and progressed over the years. It has also become a great way for me to inform friends and loyal readers of any affordable deals on clothes and shoes that I come across. I’ve also had the chance to promote various fashion sites, brands and contests that I come across, and I’ve now had the opportunity to have my pictures featured on several sites! This will also help me build my portfolio if I want a position in the fashion industry.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My dream would be to end up with a lifelong career related to fashion. I hope to pursue something in the field of fashion marketing or merchandising, and I’m always open to suggestions, comments and help. I’ve also considered the idea of starting my own online store to provide customers with easy access to fashionable and affordable clothing. Who knows, perhaps one day my own clothing line?



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
To be honest, I don’t think I could label my fashion as anything other than experimental. It tends to change from day to day and I love a variety of looks from punk / grunge to classy and elegant.

Currently, I have turned my sights to find cute grunge looks for the upcoming fall season. OR anything remotely close to Banana Republic, Stella McCartney, Gabriele Colangelo, Burberry Prorsum, or Hermes autumn 2010 look. :)



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
One of my favorite, personal fashion icons is Mary Kate Olsen because she wasn't afraid to take the road less traveled and put on the look less worn. But when it really comes down to it, I get most of my everyday fashion inspiration from other celebrities, designers, peers on chictopia / lookbook and my own imagination.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?.
I shop EVERYWHERE! From your local thrift stores to high end stores. I LOVE vintage shops and small boutiques, they usually have one-of-a-kind items that you won't see on anyone else.

Shops: Barneys, H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Zara, G-Star, Anthropology, etc...

Other Favorite Brands: H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, G-Star, Zara, etc...



Marilyn is both a contest winner and trendsetter at Mode Republic! Stay tuned for more inspirations from her!

Quality Rivets :: Lena Antonacci

Lena is the winner for the Most Flattering Look Contest. She is a buyer so she literally eats, breathes and lives for fashion! Let’s learn more about Lena!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Laval, Canada which is a suburb 10 minutes away from the famous Montreal. About 10 years ago, I obtained a degree in fashion marketing and now spend 40hrs/wk of my time working for a Canadian based fashion retailer as a Buyer. My dream job...I shop for a living :) I literally eat, breathe and live for fashion.



How did you become interested in fashion?
The earliest memory I can recall that would make me think began my love for fashion was back when I was approximately 10 years old. I had an aunt who was in her early 20's at the time and had a vast collection of Cosmopolitan magazines. I would sneak up in her room and try to look at as many of them as I could before getting caught. My parents weren't too keen on their little girl reading that stuff at that age. And that's when the little fashionista came to life :)



What inspired you to start your own blog?
What inspired me to start my blog was the fact that I might be able to inspire some girls out there to dress fashionable without having to spend a fortune. It's not always about brand names. All it takes is imagination and creativity. It will be 1 year in November that I'm blogging and I have to say that I'm addicted. I now post about anything. Outfits, personal, recipes, etc. I consider it a diary. I love blogging due to the fact that I've made so many friends from all over and have met some interesting people along the way.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My ultimate dream is to be able to sew my own clothing as it is sometimes very difficult to find pieces that I'm interested in. My husband once bought me a sewing machine for Christmas with lessons included. The only thing stopping me is time & learning how to make my own patterns. I'm sure if I work hard enough I can make this aspiration of mine come true.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I would consider my style as being "broad". I try different looks all the time. Casual and sporty, romantic and vintage, trendy and eclectic, etc. It's no fun if you don't expand your fashion horizon. At the moment, seeing as I'm 6 months pregnant, my favorite look is baggy tops with leggings as it's the most comfortable outfit. However I still manage to make this basic look seem fashionable. Attached is an example. Basic leggings, basic loose fit top, but I jazzed it up with a gorgeous stripe blazer, suede platform wedges and of course a few accessories. I was comfortable but still trendy.



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
Most of my fashion inspiration comes from magazines, fashion web sites and other bloggers. I absorb what I see and I interpret it to suit my taste and style.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?.
My favorite brands are Alexander Wang & the Row, however they are not in my budget at the moment. So I make do with my favorite stores. H&M, Forever 21, Zara, & Aldo. I also thrift shop as you never know what you can find out there for incredibly cheap prices. Thrift shops are also great for any DIY projects I have in mind. As they say, "Someone's trash could be your treasure."



As you can see, Lena is 6 months pregnant and looking great!!! Congratulations Lena! We wish you all the best!

Poisepolish: Silvia Siantar

Silvia is one of the winners of our Style in Your City Contest. Let’s learn more about Silvia!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Silvia Angela Siantar. I grew up in Surabaya, Indonesia. I am turning 18 this year, and currently studying in Curtin University Singapore. I am taking Marketing and Public Relations for my double major, however I want to work in the fashion industry after I graduate. And so, I thought a fashion blog would be a pretty decent jump start as it can also be my portfolio. My interests aside from fashion is hmm.. it's this hard to answer. It's just fashion that influences me the most.

I shop a lot for accessories. I wear mostly basics for everyday. I wear heels a lot since I am only 152 cm tall.






How did you become interested in fashion?
When everybody else reads seventeen and Cosmo Girl in jr. high, I don't read any other magazines except Bazaar and Vogue. And maybe a little Elle. I don't do Teen Vogue nor Elle Girl, they just don’t fit my needs. I love everything from shopping deals, editorials, photo shoots, styling and makeup. That was when I started to follow trends. Then I pay a lot of attention to details from the fashion week, I get familiar with the designers and lately, I am trying to always be up to date with news from the fashion business. Besides, I know a lot more than classic fashion figures like Kate Moss and Anna Wintour. I adore Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld the most. And Alexa Chung with her effortless style.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I have been following Karlascloset and Bryanboy for the last 2 years. I was a bit shy in the first place, but then I finally realize a blog is the simplest thing I can do to deliver my talent since I am not allowed to major in fashion.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
I want to work for an international designer as a fashion marketer. I also want to work for a retailer as a buyer. I don’t know. I'm not so sure which would fit me perfectly. Sometimes, I want to do a magazine too. And become a stylist. I want to travel around the world wearing the most beautiful shoes that are ever made. I want to make friends with fashion people. I want to have a great influence in the fashion world.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
My style is basic with a little touch up, something unique and fashionable, perhaps iconic and unforgettable to create a look. I don't do ribbons, laces and florals. A little androgynous, but not too tomboy. I always combine a pretty boyish look with heels. Beautiful pair of heels, which gives a significant silhouette to complete the look.



Where do you get fashion inspirations?
Other bloggers like Karla, Chicmuse and Chictopia and Lookbook. Also from the fashion bible, Vogue.

Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I shop in store. Definitely for the designer items, I need to try on, to be able to feel the energy, the connection between us. My favorite brands for everyday wear are Zara and Mango, a little Topshop and Forever 21. Warehouse and River Island. For the shoes, Christian Louboutin, YSL and Brian Atwood. Brands I would like to wear (RTW) are Balmain, Lanvin and YSL.



Silvia has great style and we wish her the best in her future endeavors in the fashion industry. To learn more about Silvia, visit her blog: http://www.poisepolish.com

Style in Nottingham: Elizabeth Gracie

Elizabeth is the winner of our Style in Your City Contest. Let’s learn more about Elizabeth.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Elizabeth and I live in Nottingham, UK. I have lived in the same house all my life. I study fine arts in college, which includes life drawing, fashion, photography, print, sculpture etc.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
I am unsure of what I would like to do. But I draw a lot and I love to paint. Anything related to art really. In particular, I really enjoy designing tattoos.




How would you describe your style and where do you get fashion inspirations?
My style changes every day and I don’t think I have a certain style. I find inspirations off the internet and different people’s blogs. I get most of my inspirations from Hannah Beth.



Who are your favorite fashion bloggers?
I like Gary Pepper Vintage as well as The Haute Pursuit.



Do you have an absolute favorite piece at the moment?
I got these new shoes and I absolute love them.

Your photos are beautiful. Who take them for you?
My boyfriend took the photo for the “Style in Your City” contest. I normally use my tripod and I have a Sony digital SLR.



To learn more about Elizabeth, visit her blog: misselizabethgracie.blogspot.com

Trendsetter: Barbro Andersen

Barbro is one of the winners of our Summer of Love Contest. Not only is she a winner of our contest, she is also one of our trendsetters! Let’s learn more about Barbro.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Barbro and I'm a twenty-something year old girl from the northern parts of Norway. I just recently moved to Oslo, which is the capital of Norway - and I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm a blogger, a volunteer freelance journalist and hopefully soon to be student.



How did you become interested in fashion?
Actually, that's kind of a hard question. I really don't know, it just kind of happened. I've always tried to look my very best and liked pretty clothes and shoes, but I think it was in 2008 that I realized there was more to clothing than just that pretty dress. I was surfing through the channels on TV, when I was mesmerized by one of the majestic shows Alexander McQueen was in charge of - and it just escalated from there!



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I guess it would be Alexander McQueen, He seems to be the reason I begun this style adventure of mine. I was heartbroken when he passed away, and I still am. I also had an online journal for several years prior to my style blog, but it was in a whole other genre.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My dreams are kind of whimsical. It seems I can never make up my mind about anything, and I'm kind of ambivalent regarding.. well, everything. I dream of doing something that makes me happy, and right now this is really making me happy. I love the whole idea of sharing my personal style with someone other than my closest family and friends, and I like the fact that my opinion seem to matter in the bigger picture. I've always loved writing, and that's one thing that hasn't changed throughout my life.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I guess I'm a romantic deep down, that's at least what's been the most consistent aspect of my style throughout the years. I think I'm an experimental romantic juggling a rocker chic vibe, with comfortable elements in an elegant and dark palette.

My favorite looks nowadays are pretty pale colors combined with black, black, black.



Where do you get fashion inspirations?
It kind of sounds silly, but since I grew up in the wilderness of northern Norway: nature really inspires me! The colors are genuine, the mountains are roaring high above me and the weather is harsh! I get inspiration from other bloggers and fashion magazines, of course, but mainly I live in my own little bubble.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I do most of my shopping online, via Ebay and different online stores. I love treasure hunting in vintage stores! I don't like H&M: they have become too mainstream! If I'm really desperate I'll stop by to buy leggings or clean cut tops, but I haven't been there lately. I don't really have a favorite label or brand: except from high-end ones like Alexander McQueen, of course - Fam Irvoll, Vatle and Undorn.



Barbro also recently got married! We wish Barbro great happiness. To learn more about Barbro, visit her blog: http://barkatt-barbro.blogspot.com/

Fashion and Sewing: Esther Boller

Esther is one of the winners of our Summer of Love Contest. Not only does she take beautiful photos, she also makes her own clothes! Let’s learn more about Esther!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from Indiana and come from a creative family. My mom is an artist, my sister is a dancer and my brother is a potter.

I make jewelry, knit, and sew. My dream is to be fashion designer when I grow up.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I started because I have all these photos that I’ve taken and things that I have sewn. I have no one to show it to other than my friends so I thought a blog would be a great channel to showcase my work, plus I thought it would be fun.



When did you start sewing and how did you learn?
My mom taught me how to sew from a pattern when I was 13. I started because I didn’t like what was in the store. Also I don’t have a whole lot of money and I learned I can buy a yard of cloth for $2 to make a $40 shirt!



Through the Alliance for Young Artist and Writers I was able to attend the Cranbrook Summer Art Institute where I studied Fashion Design, Fashion Illustration, Pattern Drafting and Sewing Techniques for 3 weeks! I learned so much there and it was a really great experience.

Can you share with us your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is a vintage 1900 style dress.



What advice would you give for people who would like to learn sewing?
I would recommend starting off with an easy sewing pattern and keep building up. That’s basically how I learned. The internet also has great advice on sewing.

A web site that I would recommend with great video tutorials and DIY stuff is Threadbanger.com. Also Burdastyle.com is a great sewing community and you can print patterns online.



Where do you get fashion inspirations?
My inspirations pretty much come from anywhere, e.g., movies, books, photos, people, and flowers etc.

Tell us more about the photos that you take?
I’ve been taking pictures for about two years shooting photos of themes that I like. I use a Sony Cybershot (purchased with my birthday and Christmas money) and take all my photos myself using a tripod and timer. I am looking into buying a remote sometime in the future.



Since I take photos on my own, I usually take one or two to see what angle I like best. Also I don’t usually do super close-up shots so I can crop the photos in different ways later on.

At a young age, Esther is already a talented young designer of clothing and jewelry. We wish her successful in her future endeavors!

Vintage Mavens: Shareen Rubiera

Shareen is our winner for the Summer of Love Contest. Before pursuing her passion for fashion, she actually worked in Capitol Hill! Let’s learn more about Shareen!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I studied international affairs and politics in Washington D.C. It was not something that I enjoyed, so I left Washington and went to New York.





When I first arrived in New York, I interned at fashion magazines, such as Women’s Wear Daily (WWD). I also started to do freelance styling for editors.

I moved to Miami and was immediately impressed by the plethora of amazing vintage it had to offer. I used to go thrifting every week and find the most stellar garments. Starting a vintage clothing store seemed like the natural next-step.

I started Vintage Maven while being a freelance stylist and a visual merchandiser so I have a packed schedule morning till night. Even though I’m pretty busy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely love what I do.

How did you become interested in fashion?
Fashion has always been something I loved. I would always go to the corner bookshop and grab a bunch of fashion magazine after work. I think I appreciate and enjoy fashion a lot because everyone can participate in it. Many people choose to use styling as a way to express themselves whether they realize it or not.



What advice would you give our readers in terms of working in the fashion industry?
Many people feel like the fashion industry is really glamorous. I worked harder in the fashion industry than any other industries that I have been in.

There are always tons of interns and a huge turnover. You need to go in with the mindset that you will work very hard. Very few girls can really make it and stand out.

What inspired you to start your own blog?
I never thought I would have a blog. I started blogging in April and absolutely love it. I think it is a great supplement to the store. The blog allows my customers to see what I do every day so I can connect with them more. At the same time, I get to meet a lot of amazing people that I would never have met otherwise.



How do you decide what goes in the store?
I like to carry a variety of styles in different price ranges so they are affordable for everyone. For instance we have simple t-shirts that sell for around $20 as well as silk bomber jackets that sell for around $150.




Where do you get fashion inspirations?
I get inspiration from everywhere – movies, people, places, artwork, magazines.

Tell us what your favorite outfit is.
Since I run around so much, I am a big fan of dressing comfortably. I am quite a tomboy so I would say my favorite outfit is an oversize vintage flannel shirt, disco pants and a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

Who are your favorite bloggers?
I really like diamondhorse.us and theSartorialist.com.

Finally, Shareen would like to thank everyone who has voted for her. She would also like to thank her husband who provides her the biggest support system a girl can ever have. With a loving husband, the ever-growing number of fans, as well as a background in fashion publication, we believe Shareen will be successful in any of her fashion endeavors!