21 Questions : Michelle

Happy New Year: 2010, I cannot believe it! The Year of Elegance!


21 Questions

For the New Year, I have decided to do something a little bit different. 4 posts (hopefully) will get to you, about budding bloggers that I have enjoyed hearing from. I have produced 21 questions for them to answer. I thought of this idea, because, when, as a NEW blogger, you are asked to talk about yourself for a while, it is really hard. Obviously we do not analyse ourselves the way others do, so I thought it easier if they answer direct questions.

The first to endure my curious questions is fifteen year old Michelle. I found her a few weeks ago, and really like her blog, it was actually on her page when I came up with the idea. When she e-mailed me back I was like... "Do I really want to do this!". But then, once I'd created my questions it was very easy.

Well lets hear, it I hear you say, to stop me babbling! J'aime.

First things first: As a child what did you enjoy? Movies, toys, games, what were your favourites? Do you feel that these particular things made you what you are now?

1] I always enjoyed reading books and watching lots of movies when I was little... And I still like it. I think because of all those movies and books I could kind of escape from reality. I became a dreamer. And I still am. I think that without dreams, you are nowhere.

Is there anything that you remembered from childhood, which was maybe your first flash of fashion?

2] What I remember very well in my childhood, I always watched the DVD of Jennifer Lopez live in Puerto Rico. During that concert, Jennifer changed clothes every few songs. She wore amazing dresses and shoes, cool tops, and her hair was gorgeous. That’s what made me interested in clothing and all of that, for the first time.

Is there anyone you look up to as a style icon?

3] I adore Blake Lively. She’s not afraid to wear whatever she wants. She pairs and combines whatever she wants. I always do that too (I don’t care what other people think of it, I mean, I’m the one that has to like it, right?!) so I love her style.

Is there anything that you truly hated as children but adore now? (style/fashion wise)

4] Well, I remember when skinny jeans first started being hot in fashion world. At first I SO hated those pants! I really disliked skinny jeans. But now I love them; they look nice and fit well.

What first inspired you to blog? Did you think and organise what your were going to put or did you just DIG IN? (If you did organise, what research did you do?)

5] Well, I’ve always read other’s fashion blogs; Swedish, American, English, French, does not matter – and I always thought: I want something like that too! So I started blogging in June 09, in my summer holiday. I didn’t really set up any guide lines or whatever – I just decided to see where everything would take me. My blog is about fashion, photography and music. All about my life. That’s why I called it michelle-city; it’s the city of my life.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much does fashion mean to you?

6] Eight. I really like fashion. I’m not a runway fashion addict or anything, to me, it’s more about daily life. I like watching how people dress, I like thinking about my own outfits and all that. So I’m not a designer fashion lover, it’s more about my own thing. My own world of fashion, you know.

Do you take yourself as a follower of trends, or more of an atheist to the fashion religion?

7] I don’t follow trends, so I have to go for the second! I wear what I want, when I want it and how I want it. Not because it’s ‘in style’ or ‘hot’ or whatever, but because I like it.

What would you say was your signature piece? What do you wear practically all the time?

8] Good one! On my right arm I have these bracelets that I never take off. (I wouldn’t even know how to get them off!) And I wear my digital watches a lot. Also, I mostly wear black tights/treggings. I usually pair them with a black long top and from that I go on with a nice tee, cardigan, shoes and a scarf. Plus, I always pile on with bracelets. I think bracelets are so cool!

If you won 5,000 $/£/Euro, what particular pieces would you spend it on?

9] I wouldn't say no to 5000 euro, hehe! I want beige Chucks. (converse all stars.) And a tee with the head of a lion on it. I can’t seem to find those two anywhere! And I would die for a vintage necklace that has got a watch in it. But you don’t just find that anywhere either. I will continue my search until I found those, hehe.

If you could put yourself in any fashion category, what would you be? ( You can make one up)

10] rock ‘n’ roll and eclectic, I suppose!

What are your ambitions? Are you taking the path of fashion, or another but still staying stylish?

11] No, I want to do international law school! But I’m sure I’ll stay interested in fashion forever.

If you could move to a fashion capital, which one would it be?

12] I love London. Every time I’m in London, it feels like I’m home. I will definitely live in London when I’m older.

What is your best investment?

13] My blue digital watch. Ordered it online.

Where do you see yourself in 10/15 years?

14] Hopefully I’m then a top student in international law school! In 15 years I should really be done studying, hehe.

If you could ask a popular designer 1 question, who would it be, and what would it be?

15] I’d love to meet Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana one day and ask them if they could maybe make a gorgeous dress specially for me...

What music do you listen to? Favourite song/singer at the moment?

16] I listen to rock n roll, punkrock, poprock, classic rock, and some reggae from time to time. My favourite song these days is ‘Hit me with your best shot’ by old rockchick Pat Benetar.

If you could have another hairstyle, what would you pick? Maybe one that you like, but doesn’t suit you.

17] I’d love to have Gossip Girl’s Serena’s long and wavy hair!

High street, designer or both?

18] High street, defo! Like I said, I’m not really a designer lover. I get inspired by what I see out on the streets.

Minimalist or outrageous?

19] Somewhere in between, hehe. I’m not super outrageous but also not like boringly minimalistic.

For an outing, how do you organise what to wear?

20] Well... I first look at the occasion. If it’s something formal, like eating in a fancy restaurant, then I won’t wear my ripped jeans with my Rolling Stones shirt. I just look in what mood I am. Let’s say I’m in a blue mood, then I go from there.

And for your readers, what is your best fashion tip?

21] I know it’s really really cliche, but you have to wear what YOU like, because YOU want to wear it, and not because other people want you to. YOU decide, it’s your body, it’s your life! And don’t let people staring at you or people disapproving your outfit stop you! Don’t let anyone ever stop you! Just be yourself!

And, it’s handy to have a good start. Invest in a well-fitting, good pair of jeans, some cool shirts and shoes, and lots of nice jewelry/accessoiries. Then you can always pair everything you like.

Have fun living your own (fashionable) life!

I hope you've enjoyed Michelle's answers (and my questions)! But after reading this myself, I feel so delighted that I did this. Good tips... and also getting to know people a lot more. You hear the media always going on about how you never know the people you're talking to over the internet, and now I've accumulated a way to do it! I will probably be doing this every four months with regular posts inbetween. Interested in the words of Michelle? Who wouldn't be! Her site: Michelle-City*

J'aime J'adore!

I know that we are all anticipating each other's presents, so I guess I'll let rip on what I got. Nothing better than boasting and bragging about your Christmas presents - 'Tis the season to be Jolly!

Okay, lets start dearies: Perfume, top from the clothes show, dressing gown, cream, cool stocking, scarf, gloves, chocolate, Harper's Bazaar subscription (I keep on telling everyone about that, and they're like "Who?', such frustration), Christian Siriano: Fierce Style Book, underwear, money, skirt! I cannot remember the rest, it's what people have given me before Christmas, and I opened them, and now they're somewhere in my room - Oops.

But the one, that was not better than the rest in that respect, but probably topped my list was the "Teen Vogue Handbook", I know personally that many teens have grabbed for this book. Now that I have it, I can see why.

It's just amazing. And I have it beside me now. Nearly finished, only got it yesterday as well. I have learnt quite a lot! I aspire to be somewhere in the Style/Journalism world, as you already know - I've probably said it a million times since being on this blog, even dedicated a damn post to it - but, jeez I've lost my words. It has just helped me, in any situation I can think of.

Also, I keep complaining that I don't know much about fashion, when I had to key to the information right under my nose. The library. I practically go in there every month to either give an over-return-date book back, or to get one out. I usually venture towards the teenage section, and swarm around any good book I've heard of. The fashion section is upstairs. And the only time I ever go upstairs is to nip to the only laboratory! The only one that they let the public use, may I say, but just across from their, a couple of steps, is maybe my future. Maybe before, or when I return to school, I must, without hesitations, get myself to the library!

Let me talk about my day! Got up about 10.50 am, to watch my favourite show: Hollyoaks. If you're looks for a teenage aspect, for the T.V soap world, Hollyoaks is your best bet.

But anyhow, I went into town, for the day after boxing day sale shopping. Mooched around with my dads girlfriend and her friend for abit, before I did my sister's errod to get her a double cheese burger, and meet her, where she works. We did some good shopping. Cardigan in newlook, and some school shoes that I desperately needed, another cardigan in primarni and some tights that were also needed, then I got a HAT! Remember my whole post about where to get a hat, well they'd sold out in all the places, and I didn't bother orderin from House of Fraser, but there was one in Topshop, which I loved! Great.

I get you some photographys when I can, but I must leave you with some, of people fighting over sale clothes. I nearly had a panic attack while being squeezed against the walls of next, and thats not a shop that I even like. C'était aggresif!

Well, gladly, I didn't see, or get involved in any sale shopping fights, even though I find them hilarious. Confessions of a Shopaholic comes to mind.

+ I havent been spending my money on just clothes, I had some DVD sprees. I got my sister Pulp Fiction and The Pianist and then I treated myself to Seven Pounds and Moulin Rouge.

Well, I have to go. Make sure I get back to you guys.

With Joy and Mr. Love-ah-Love-ah!

J'aime J'adore.

Speechless: WOW

I actually contradict my title since I'm babbling on here, but actually in real life, every time I look at my own blog, I am speechless. And it's not because of what I have wrote, or any pictures, or my lovely new banner, but the little icons underneath the banner.

Followers. I have come, from having none, to about five, maybe seven, to eleven, forward to 16, and even one stopped following, to my sadness, but still, the followers strive on. And it makes me wonderfully happy.

I have voyaged into the tough, hard-knocking blog world, and I have gotten back up. Honestly, I am a little bit of a quitter. Ballet, violin, dance-class, acting classes - notice the plural - to even gardening. No hobbies can hold me. And I dearly regret quitting all of those things, especially Ballet, and the Violin. And also my dearly beloved gymnastics, which I did not quit, but forgot to pay in time, and then forgot about it all together, and then had to go through ache, and cramps to get over - literally.

But blogging is a whole different thing. I must say, it has taken my life away a little, with being on the Internet a hell of a lot. But "you have to lose some, to gain some", they say.

I can't actually remember when I first started this. But an older blog I had, was called something like "The new city town girl" or whatever, something that was practically not me. Though I quit that, I made a new blog, "Tino'Mino Squared". You may want to know the meaning of this name... I cannot quite explain myself, but my name is Jazmine, and on an occasional basis, my friends call me "Jazmino", so that's where "mino" comes from. I am hardly tiny, like the word "tino", but I am quite small against my friends, to my frustration, but I work with it, because I love it.

"Squared"? Well, there are not two of me, I know that for sure, but it sounded good, so I put it, and it worked out for me.

Except when I first put my URL, and put tinominosqured, and blogger couldn't find it, and my heart nearly died, but the little spelling error, soon corrected it.

But anyway, it's my first Christmas, as a good old bloggling, and I've dearly been welcomed by the blogging world. I thank everyone that has believed in me, and seen through my giddy writing, and my crazy self. As well as people giving their opinions and comments, I thoroughly enjoy. I sort of have a mild spasm whenever I see the number has raised 1 on my comments.

You should see how many blogs I have followed myself, from all different parts of the world, and also in different languages. I only speak little French, but I add the odd 'mais et c'est fantastique' just to apply to other readers out there!

Through this I have found myself as well, like when your on one of those inspirational journeys. But many have actually inspired me, and helped increase my vocabulary in the fashion world, and also outside that. I first started as a fashion blog, but now I am out of it. My blog it just a blog, it's just Tino'Mino. It is mostly about clothes, but I enjoy talking about different things as well. This has really helped my way onto journalism as well, and I thank everybody.

I am speechless guys, and thank you so much, I can feel a tear to my eye if I was actually speaking, because it means so much. Who says that using the Internet is bad? I've met you lot right!

I hope everyone will have an amazing holiday.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Joyeux Noel! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad! Frohe Weihnachten! vrolijke Kerstmis! Sheng Dan Kuai Le!

I am truly now, a child of the blogging industry.

And as my teachers say, before the end of term, stay safe, and have a wonderful Christmas.

"Ow the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we have no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snooooow"

"You better not shout, you better not cry, you better no pout I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town"

J'aime J'adore.

With lots and lots of Mr. Love-ah-Lover-ah!

I need a hat.... BADLY.

I am adament on getting this coat this coat from River Island, I havent got the picture on this computer, so please scroll down to Fuuuufect et Heel Obsessed. It's the leopard print.

But, to complete the winter look I need a good old fur hat don't I?

I've been looking at menswear shops, because I believe I'd be more successful there. The best tip-top menswear shops I can call is Burtons and Topman. They are all in some sort of circle, originating from the same designer. I know this information, because my good old sister works in Burtons. 25% off Topshop comes in handy once in awhile.

Voila.

1. Is from the wonderful Topman. Everytime I venture to Topshop, I always find myself in the Mens section. £16.00 nahh, scratch that, £8.00

2. Courtesy of Burtons, this brilliant item, that I think I'm vouching for overall was £18.00, which I would never pay, but now its a decent £12.00

3. Is a really cool hat, its really casual, and I could just picure it on someone I know in particular. Again, courtesy of

Burtons. Was: £12.00, mais now the good old £8.00.

4. Is from a whole different place. I nicely asked Style of a Fashionista, where it was from, and she said I was lucky to live in England because its courtesy of House of Fraser. I'll give you the link for the Linea department, and the hats section. I'm not quite sure if it's the same of Style's but it is as good as. Wopper Bargain, because over my dead body would I pay for a hat at £20.00, or maybe I would, I'm not very good at bargaining, or shopping cheaply, but now my mom won't shout at me because it's at a nicely done £10.00. Half Price. ;)

5. Well, I picked this one, because it is for those that like simplicity, but they still wan't to have that up to date look. Whenever it comes to winter, I treat myself to scarves, and hats, and gloves, and this item is probably one that I would pick up. I read somewhere, probably from a good old magazine or a fellow blog, that you should wear a beenie scrunched not folded, and many of my school mates have taken that tip. This is also from Linea aswell, best one here at a bargain sized £5. single digits, I like it. But it was at £10.00, but that just makes it sale, a hell of a lot cheaper.

ACE.

6. Well, whoever can brave the blue, you brave it. I really like this, but I fear it would clash with my not yet invested faux fur coat! And get this: original price : £22.00 bad old wopper! But now, just to return back to my normal heart rate, it's down to £10.00.

7. Last, but not least, is the "brown borg trapper", yes those hats, with the turned up tops are called "trappers" - that name was unknown to moi until this post - well, this a little different from most of my choices. Adds that bit of spice. It has a biker feel to it. I could just imagine a man, with a white frosting beard, and that nice "Trapper" on. Oooops, that description sounds like bloody Santa, I'm sure in his spair time, he goes biking, just to get a thrill, because nothing's as fast as his sleigh! Back to business: it was an awful £20.00, but now, it's at a lovely half price.

I have to say, going through the hats was quite beneficial. Shopping Yoga I must call it. Mall meditation! I think I must go with my initial thought, though it is out of stock on the internet site. But obviously, I cannot go buying things without your opinion, can I? This is what blogging is all about! So please, help me to make a decision. Use your best persuasion skills. (While saying persuasion skills, dodge your head from side to side, with a coy look on your face) That will get the persuasion out of you!

With thanks and mr. Love-a-Love-ah.

J'aime x

P.S. Just in case you don't live in England or anywhere that has not been aquainted with Burtons, Topman and House of Fraser, here are the sites.

Contemplating and confusion.

Quite frankly, we all want our blogs to be good, have about 30 or more comments, and have the best photos considered. I mean who says no to that. We all started a blog mostly, to be acknowledged by probably the biggest thing in the world: 'The Internet'. Mainly, because it is the fastest, modern thing to walk the earth in the 21st Centuary. And yes, I hear you say ''walk?''. Because most of the time, they are in the hands of humans, or humans carrying their laptop bags, that carry the laptop. Being acknowleged by 'The internet' is probably the quickest way to fame I say, people from every corner of the earth can get to know you. Easy Peasy.

I want people to comment on my blog all the time, I've probably checked my blog thrice a day. It is so time absorbing! I've even checked it at school, because I cannot wait to get home! I basically cannot live without the internet.
I'm not saying that blogging and using hte internet 24/7 is a bad thing, some people have been awarded with making the best blogs out, and interesting their readers with something no-one else is doing. I bet you've all heard that I want to be a journalist. To me it would be a good job, I am very artistic in my words, dare I say.

But the world of journalism and blog-ism is to me so blasé! Only a few can really master the art of words. Some don't even have to use words, they portray it with their photos and art, and these things just make you think. I quite like things like that, things that make me think, and assume, but then in the end you may be that little bit wrong.
I have my way with words... not being big headed or anything, only being 'frank' but potentially I do have my way with words. My main subject in this blog is fashion. I do enjoy dressing up, and slobbering over the lastest designer pieces. But fashion words? And analysing fashion for me is not very good. So when I actually made my first post, I was no very happy. Compared with all the people that are fantastic with fashion words, and describing fashion, and getting the lastest, and entertaining their readers. I am not quite sure. When writing I'm quite serious about the odd thing or too. I enjoy writing like this. With huge big paragraphs, and adding things from anywhere in general. Perhaps I should go for a more political side in journalism, or media side. Things to inform, because I am good at analysing people, and getting the right research is great.

Fashion is not my strongest subject. Doesn't mean I can't try. I'd love to imagine myself being in the set of 'The Devil wears Prada' and 'Ugly Betty'. But then thinking about my fashion writing skills maybe not. I'm good at putting things together, I can say that. I have my way with style. I'd love to be a stylist. I think I'd be good. Personally, I think fashion and style are a totally different thing. Ever since my thoughts of being included in a fashion magazine, I've always thought of Fashion Fashion Fashion. No, no J'aime, now I say, think Style Style Style, because everybody is good at style. Their own style. And maybe, I could rub my style off on somebody else or help their style in some way. Because I'm good at analysing people, and analysing their style. Thinking things out is quite good. Style Journalist has a deliberate ring to it.

Style Journalist
With my whole thing about blogging and using the internet, I could get my style out to you guys quicker.
Perfect, don't you think. Also, I need to get my act together with costomising this blog, honestly it is plain.


J'aime. - Is back on top!

FUUURRFECT et HEEL OBSESSED

I guess, my regular readers have read about my New Year's Resolution to become elegant. I know it's a bit forward, because I detest thinking of things that are about 1 month away, it is inevitable to me - an exception to holidays, may I say.

The elegant attire is difficult for a youth like me. I'm deemed to wear jeans, flowery, eccentric skirts, and some polka dot dolly shoes. The women that I aspire to in the movies, that are, for a matter of fact, elegant, are not exactly teens are they?

So, certainly, I have to substitute some things that I adore. For example, maxi dresses, that at the moment I am not exactly tall for, and those heeled sandles.
Me and my friend, always talk about girls that are acting older than they are, and it does involve fashion - like practically everything - because everyone is considered to wear the right thing.
I mean, who says I cannot wear a tweed skirt? Or who says that only older women are supposed to wear them? Ridicule, huh? Media is so burlesque and arrogant.

Okay, so substituting, I had to have a little skip around some internet shopping.

My idea, of teen elegance is: shoe boots, faux fur, skirts and dresses, that have a more sleeker, down-tone, flats: studded or decorated, jackets or coats. Even though we're talking about womanly elegance, menswear is still contemporary, with blazers, trousers, knits and brogues, they give a sheek, quick pleat-neat look. Menswear is a really straight cut, but adding that tuck-in pleat adds that elegance.

I've brought in some simple, high street buys, a bag, shoes, pants and cardigans.

If you need to know where these things were from please comment.

Et, English Rose, I know you have this blissfull bag, and after I saw it on your page I went searching. :D Rivers can bring out the best in us.

I also sort of love the nude tone to clothing, its wonderful and it does bring out that womanly effect, indeed I think it perfect.

As well as this good buy from Rivers aswell - for anyone that is wondering what the heck River's is, it's my shortening for River Island, to me it sounds better - This faux fur mide blower is my fuuuuuuuuurfect. I think its a leopard print, and don't think that I just saw it on the site either, I saw it in the shop and fell in love. Definitely a good new years buy for J'aime.

I hope you've all done your Christmas Shopping aswell. Or do you just like the mad Christmas Eve shopping rush? I actually do, but we parted today at school, so I had to give my friends' theirs.

J'aime