The last of the 21 Questions. And we end with Chloe. The youngest blogger to experience my curiousness, and well, she probably owned it, with her big words...and stuff! Once you've read this, you'll know she has a brilliant fashion background, and an amazing fashion sense. This busy bee has a love able, excellent, that I am happy to publicise. As with all the rest.
- 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?
To be totally honest, I still see myself as a child as I’m only thirteen years old! I think that above all, I love reading. I love discovering new books and being able to fully immerse myself into a good book, one which allows me to think and feel all sorts of emotions that I would not experience otherwise. I also love listening to music; both mainstream and little unknown singers and indie bands. I love the greats, the new, and the old; Van Morrison is probably my favourite though.
However, when I was little, I suppose I always loved playing libraries and shops but I guess that I grew up very, very quickly. I’ve matured loads in the last few years and I think that this has definitely shaped me into who I am, because I never really had much of an interest in toys or games, and if I did, I can’t really recall any. Nevertheless, I’m a thirteen year old and still growing up so there’s still time to see where I end up!
- Is there anything that you remembered from childhood, which was maybe your first flash of fashion?
My mum told me that when I was little and people came round to our house, I would always walk round trying on their shoes, playing dress up with clothes which were ten sizes too big and smearing (thus, destroying) my mum’s Lancome and Dior lipsticks (sorry, Mum!). That’s probably my first flash of fashion... Another notable memory was a small Versace dress that my mum picked up from Bicester Village in the sale; that was probably my first designer piece and it was quite hideous, if I’m being honest! These are very small glimpses, but still my very first flashes of fashion – they’re more comical than fashion-savvy but I’ll just go with it, haha.
- Is there anyone you look up to as a style icon?
I’ve already mentioned my mum in the previous question and I think that she is, above all, my style icon. She is the person of whom I have inherited many designer items as well as given me advice and told me what looks good or not. She has a very classic sense of fashion and knows what suits me or not. I like to hope I’ve inherited her sense of style and I’m really grateful for her good sense of style!
In terms of famous fashionistas, I guess Alexa Chung comes high up on most people’s lists, but I do like her kooky sense of fashion which she toughens up with hard, vintage boots and the like. I really like Diane Kruger’s taste in beautiful dresses and Rachel Bilson who, time after time, dresses wonderfully and classically. Also Emma Watson’s simplistic chic, not to mention being the face of Burberry and being such a classy young woman who I really look up to. All these women have a well-honed style and beauty about them which I adore. For tougher women with a more punk rock feel, I have to hand it to Mischa Barton and MK&A Olsen for working the eclectic and quirky look. A few other notable mentions should go to Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley, Rachel McAdams, Blake Lively, Zooey Deschanel, Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen, Kirsten Dunst... The list really does go on and on and on! They’re all so fantastic at making their look their own.
- Is there anything that you truly hated as children but adore now? (style/fashion wise)
I don’t really know if there is anything that I truly hated but now adore. I guess I used to dislike leather jackets because I just didn’t like them, I have no idea why. I didn’t really have much of a liking for peep toe shoes either but now, being someone who has seen the light and now the owner of a beautiful pair of Kurt Geiger peep toes, my opinion has changed drastically!
One thing which I have never liked and probably never will are wedge shoes; I just find them so bulky and ugly! I also don’t like flared jeans, they’re not flattering at all. That’s pretty much it!
- 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?)
I didn’t so much do any research or anything like that. I had been looking on sites like Lookbook and visiting many other blogs prior to the start of my own blog. I just really liked looking at all the creativity that these blogs and looks emitted, each style individual to each person. However, I have many different interests so I decided to create a blog which covered every aspect of my life, not just fashion. I have had a good response and I just love posting about what’s going on in my day-to-day life and it allows me to write about what I know. It’s always such a huge compliment to see someone commenting on my blog and just knowing that people read it is hugely flattering! I started my blog towards the end of Summer 2009, and although I do find it hard to keep up with regular posts, I try really hard and love hearing feedback!
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much does fashion mean to you?
To be quite honest, fashion doesn’t mean so much to me. I mean, I like looking nice and absolutely love love love shopping but it’s definitely not the most important thing in my life. I could never be a fashion designer or work in the fashion industry because even though it’s a great thing in my life, it’s more of a hobby. It’s more of a fashion to myself, how I present myself – rather than the whole fashion industry because I’m not the type to critically analyse a designer’s collection and pretend I know what’s going on because I don’t, haha. I guess a 7 because I like fashion and I like it when things look nice and when particular trends or pieces grab my attention, I hone onto that by researching or looking at magazines to improve my fashion knowledge.- Do you take yourself as a follower of trends, or more of an atheist to the fashion religion?
A bit of both, but mostly to being ‘an atheist to the fashion religion’ (I really like that phrase, by the way!) because, of course, it’s almost impossible to NOT be a follower of the trends. But mostly, no because I’ve been told that I dress very maturely for my age as I’m more into nice blouses, silk, nice trousers, smart shoes and an innumerable number of blazers!
- What would you say was your signature piece? What do you wear practically all the time?
I’m not really sure, to be honest! I love tucking shirts in, I can’t help it! I have naturally short legs, which isn’t great with my already petite frame of 5’3”, so by tucking shirts and tops into jeans, shorts and skirts, this accentuates my legs to give the illusion that they’re longer! I have also worn my DKNY black skinny jeans a countless number of times, never seen without a nice leather belt (I have two main ones that I always wear, a Moschino vintage one and a brown leather one bought in Italy!). I also never ever change my earrings and I only ever wear my pearl earrings, very run-of-the-mill, I know but I just love the look of them and when I wear my Hermes silk scarf with it, I look quite demure and I love that!
- If you won 5,000 $/£/€, what particular pieces would you spend it on?
If I were to win £5,000, I think it would only be right for me to buy a beautiful bag, or more than one! I have a weakness for great bags and there are quite a few which spring to mind. I really like Mulberry bags and would love an Oak Coloured Mulberry Bayswater bag. I also love Louis Vuitton and Gucci so I would definitely hope to acquire perhaps a Gucci holdall bag and a monograph LV? I sound so spoilt but I absolutely love bags! If I had enough money left over, an Hermes Birkin would be out of this world! Or a YSL Muse bag?! My, my, I never knew how much I loved bags, haha. I would also buy clothes, obviously, perhaps a Stella McCartney blazer, Proenza Schouler dresses, Sonia Rykiel dress, a D&G dress, Malene Birger tops, Christopher Kane and Luella dresses... Then not forgetting high street, I would probably buy a nice FCUK dress, some Topshop tops, dresses and a hat, some jewellery and other lovely things from Urban Outfitters, a blazer and some high-waisted, skinny, wool trousers from Zara, some lovely tops or a merino wool jumper or cardigan from Gap, some nice pumps, loafers, ankle boots and knee high boots from Office or another shoe store, or even a vintage shop where they can be picked up for a fraction of a normal RRP. Then a few pairs of Ray Ban sunglasses and some nice shift dresses from various high street shops... Perhaps a cute owl necklace which I’ve been looking for, for ages might turn up and I think I’m good to go!
Haha, I think I’ve just about gone over my £5,000 but all of these things are so lovely! If anyone needs to Google them and see them in all their wonderful glory, please do, they’re all so beautiful to look at, especially the bags!!!
- If you could put yourself in any fashion category, what would you be? ( You can make one up)
I don’t know if I fit into one fashion category, I’m like a hybrid of a few. Fashion allows me to fit into many different categories, all at once. I am primarily one who adheres to the classic theme of nice fitted blazers, nicely fit skinny jeans or shorts, nice blouse, shirt or top and my Ray Ban Clubmasters for good measure. I guess that most of the time, I fit into the category of very prim and proper, tailored clothing. Other times, I like the sort of rock and roll feel with punky blacks thrown into the mix. So I’m really a hybrid of neutral, pastel-y colours mixed with tailored blazers and skinny jeans with beautiful jewellery and an element of black somewhere.
- What are your ambitions? Are you taking the path of fashion, or another but still staying stylish?
As mentioned in question six, I am not planning on a career in the fashion industry, due to it being such a fierce industry, like many, but also because of the hobby-like nature that I associate with fashion. I think that I want to become a stock trader or broker in an investment bank such as Morgan Stanley, as my aunty has this job in Japan and she gets quite a few opportunities to travel, etc. So I would definitely consider a job like this where pay is good, travel is good and I like maths and this seems like a good job for me. Long hours and hard work is required but I’m willing to take that on as it can only go up from here, I guess.
- If you could move to a fashion capital, which one would it be?
If I could move to a fashion capital, I guess it would have to be London with New York and Paris coming in a close second and third, respectively. I feel that the main factor of choosing somewhere to live would be that I am actually able to speak the language. I have yet to choose whether I’m taking Latin or French GCSE but as I hate French, Latin is looking like the more likely candidate, so my French is shaky, to say the least! Having just spent the last few days in London, I also feel that London is somewhere where everything happens, it’s such a busy city and there is always something going on! London is also home to brilliant stores, individual boutiques and markets; I’ve scored many bargains from Portobello Market, which I love! There’s nothing better than to peruse through the stores for ages and finding the perfect item!
- What is your best investment?
I have been extremely lucky in that I have inherited many designer pieces from my mum and various members of family. My Ray Ban Clubmasters sunglasses have been so great; they were quite expensive but a big present and instantly jazz up an outfit in the summer! I think they can make me look so effortlessly cool, and they’ve been a great investment. Other items include a recent Malene Birger blouse purchased for less than 75% of the RRP price, in a Selfridge’s sale. Other items which are noteworthy are DKNY skinny jeans and a Moschino belt – both of which have been staples in my wardrobe.
- Where do you see yourself in 10/15 years?
In 10/15 years, I will be 23/28 and at 23 years old, I aspire to be fresh from Oxford University. I have huge aspirations to attend Christ Church College, Oxford University; these goals are stemming from when I was eight years old, due to extended family having attended the same college at Oxford. Academics are hugely important to me so that’s why I so desperately feel like Oxford would be a great place to cater for those needs. In fifteen years time, when I’m 28, I feel like London is the greatest place for me to live. After having spent the last few days there, I really love the whole atmosphere and the fact that the city is always there. I like the idea of a fast-track life, with no limitations to what you can do or where you can go.
- If you could ask a popular designer 1 question, who would it be, and what would it be?If I could ask any popular designer a question, I think I would have to ask Stella McCartney where she gets her inspiration from. I think that she is such an influential fashion designer and despite having such a famous father who she could’ve just sponged off for the rest of her life, she really made a name for herself. Her clothes are so classic but with a nice twist so that they’re still very contemporary and stylish/chic.
- What music do you listen to? Favourite song/singer at the moment?
Oh, how I love music! I listen to many different genres and it would be hard for me to pick just one favourite song or singer, of any time period. I mostly listen to blues, folk, soul, indie and some rock, but some new pop and r&b tracks do stick in my head and are really great to listen to when feeling upbeat. I like both old and new artists, ranging from Van Morrison to the Smiths, to Passion Pit, to James Morrison, to Bon Iver, to Regina Spektor, to Laura Marling.
I love listening to feel-good music and also songs with very low tones which express distress and anguish. Songs with good lyrics are a must too.
- If you could have another hairstyle, what would you pick? Maybe one that you like, but doesn’t suit you.
I used to have long hair and had been growing it for about two years and then I had it all chopped off to about shoulder length. Big change and I don’t think I liked it. I have really thick hair too so I had more subtle layers but I think that more choppy layers suits me more.
I’d really love to try out a long, choppy fringe, which would come just above the eyes. I don’t think this would suit me very much but that would be one for me to try!
- High street, designer or both?
BOTH! My clothes consist of both high street and designer, due to my mum’s penchant for designer bags and clothing. For high street, I like shopping in Gap, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Zara, Office and the like. Not only that, but I like vintage clothes shopping by going to small boutiques and markets such as Portobello Market in London. I like doing this kind of shopping because you are able to find very individual pieces for a reasonable price.
For designer, I love Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Luella, Alexander Wang, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Rodarte, Lanvin, Hermes, 3.1 Philip Lim, MaxMara, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Christopher Kane, Sonia Rykiel and so many more. I love admiring all of the items that these designers produce... Granted, I don’t own many designer items, most having been inherited from my mum but I do have my fair share with an LV bag, a Gucci messenger bag, Hermes silk scarf, Burberry duffle coat, Burberry scarf, Burberry blazer, DKNY jeans, Marc Jacobs blazer, MaxMara blazer, Ray Ban Clubmasters, Salvatore Ferragamo bag, Matthew Williamson bag, Costume National brogues, a Gucci watch and a few others.
- Minimalist or outrageous?
I have to admit that I’m not one to go completely crazy and be really outrageous in an outfit. I guessit’s the introvert in me! I like contemporary outfits with a subtle twist which can make it very whimsical, quirky and just pretty! I love nude colours and my outfits must always have an element of black; it’s such a classy colour and matures an outfit in the first instance. It’s gotta be minimalist.
For an outing, how do you organise what to wear?
I don’t really know! It depends on the occasion, whether it’s a formal event or I’m just hanging out with friends. But I guess that sometimes, an outfit just comes to mind straightaway so that it doesn’t really take much thinking at all. However, there have also been times where I’ve been sitting in front of the wardrobe and just thinking “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAAAAAR!” You get the picture. In those particular scenarios, I just pull out everything and try different things on until I’m happy with the result; this can prove to be extra time-consuming. I guess it’s just luck as to whether an outfit springs to mind or not. Also, if I’ve bought something new, I always love the opportunity to wear it out so of course; new buys come first, alongside my staple favourites.
- And for your readers, what is your best fashion tip?
Terribly cliché but I would say, just dress for you. Don’t dress for anyone else, don’t try to be anyone else. Dress comfortably because I always think that comfort comes first, before anything else. If you aren’t at ease in your outfit, then that will show and that’s the worst thing that can happen. Size doesn’t matter that much either, as I am a proud size ten and it all depends on how you work with your figure to make yourself look the best that you possibly can. Not all of us are born as 5’10” beauties with legs as long as the eye can see and size four figures!
Work wonders with what you have and you will reap the benefits, no doubt about it!
Another little tip is that a little goes a long way; there is absolutely no need to wear a million trends all at once. Moderation is important and investing in a few staple items is always good as you can then put your own creative spin in an outfit with different accessories, bag, shoes, etc!
Go visit Chloe's blog :D
J'aime J'adore.
