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!

Concept-U :: Uyen Tu

Uyen won both the Fall Magic as well as the Most Flattering Look contest! Let’s learn more about Uyen!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Uyen Tu and I'm a Law student from Melbourne, Australia. Recently I've become a new slasher in town: the student/blogger on my personal style blog (concept-u.blogspot.com).



How did you become interested in fashion?
I've always loved fashion, even when I was a teenager with no fashion credentials.

During my early teens I quietly followed fashion by myself. I went through a fashion rebellion stage and swore never to follow what my friends were wearing. It wasn't until my late teens that the fashion gods got through to me and it was then that I realized you don't need any excuses when it comes to fashion.



What inspired you to start your own blog?
I wandered into blogging not too long ago after my sister suggested that I turn my internet-reading obsession into a proper hobby. I was always clicking, clicking, clicking away, watching shows on the internet, reading about trends, commenting on celebrities and their take on fashion, so the idea of blogging seems just right. I've only been blogging for a couple of months and I absolutely love it! It opens you up to such a broad audience so who knows where this will take me.



What are your dreams and aspirations?
My aspiration for the next few years is to be able to travel the world and see as many places as I can. As for my dreams, I’m hoping that my soon to be opened online store uyenboutique.com would be a success.



How would you describe your style? What’s your favorite look at this moment?
I think deep down I'm a minimalist at heart when it comes to fashion, so when I'm not experimenting with new trends, my "go-to" outfit would always be a blazer (fitted, boyfriend etc) thrown over a white t-shirt and skinny jeans. I'm also a believer in less is more, which means I would usually only wear one statement piece at a time. Lately I've been obsessing with maxi skirts and am on a mission to get my hands on as many as I can find!



Where do you get your fashion inspirations?
My sister is a fashion designer so I always come to her for inspiration and a chance to sneak out a few things from her wardrobe whenever I can. I'm also constantly inspired by celebrities such as Diane Kruger for her perfection, Kate Bosworth for her minimalistic approach to putting an outfit together and Chloe Sevigny for making everything look so quirky. They never fail to amaze me with their great individual styles.



Where do you shop? What are your favorite brands?
I shop everywhere, and I love mixing high end with chain store finds so there is never a shop I would say no to. Lately I've succumbed to online shopping because not only is it addictive, its easy. ASOS and Topshop are great for basic finds.



Uyen has both the brains and the looks! We wish Uyen best of luck in the fashion industry!

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!