Interview With LnA....April

Here is the second part of my Photo-Interview with the designers behind LnA. Read part 1 in the post below....
One half of the wonder team April show us her uber-chic style, inspiring words and don't even get me started on how jealous I am about the Malibu beach.....
Let me know what you think?


1. This is me –
 April Leight. I’m actually named after a character from a 1970s British TV show called “The Brothers”. My mom was watching it when she was pregnant with me and loved a character named “April Winter”. I also happened to be born in April so it seemed like the perfect name for me.




2. This is my office and our warehouse. On an average day, I come into my office and catch up on emails. I fill a lot of requests for celebrities, editors and stylists. I also go to Laurens office to see what her inspirations are for the upcoming season. We look at fabrics, try on samples that have been made and discuss the direction we are going for that particular season.







3. This is my favourite piece from spring 2011. It is the spaghetti strap dress in a beautiful bright blue. I love to wear dresses when it is warm out.




4. It is so hard to choose what my favourite thing is from my closet. But if I had to choose one, it would be my leopard Chloe jacket that I bought years ago. It was one of my first purchases I bought when I started LNA and I will never let it go. It is my go to jacket all the time.


5. My absolute favourite place is the beach in Malibu. My parents have a home there and it is the perfect place for me to unwind and relax on weekends. After a hectic week of work it is the place I go to. It is absolute heaven walking on the beach at sunset.




6. I can’t live without my wine. My family has a vineyard named Malibu Rocky Oaks. It is some of the best tasting wine in the US. It is very special to me because it is grown on our property and my family taste tests each wine to make sure it tastes superb.




7. This is a quote that I believe is so important when you want to achieve your dream. So many times you feel like all you want to do is give up when times are tough or the stress is too much. But you must power through it and remember that you can get through anything. And never listen to anyone that tells you it is impossible to get there. Focus on what you love to do and you achieve it. Dreams do come true.








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LnA interview....Lauren Alexander

Here is a photo-story interview I did as part of Celladoor Magazine with the beautiful and talented designers behind the lustful label LnA.  Some of you may know I already interviewed Lauren and April before for my blog, which you can view here too.  I wanted to capture their world through their eyes, turn the camera around and make them blogger's for a day.  Today is the turn of enviably dressed Lauren, it's not hard to work out how everyone has fallen head over heels for their stylish designs when the brains behind the label look this rad!  Check back tomorrow for April's second part of the interview....

Let me know what you think......?



1. We are-

Here are pictures I took sitting at my desk lately…. This is where I do all my designing! My style at work is casual and comfortable! I never get too dolled up or wear make up to the office!

































2. Where we work-

This is my office and the LNA warehouse! My office and desk tend to always be quite messy and full of sketches, samples, and fabric swatches! This is where I come to work everyday to design and run the day to day business with April and my team. This is also where we ship all of our orders from! You can see all the boxes getting ready to ship out!























3. My favourite piece from our new collection-

My favourite piece from Spring 2011 is the Raglan Top! It’s made with a double faced jersey that is double sided and sooo soft! I love how this top is comfy and slouchy and looks like you bought it in the men’s department. My favourite types of tops always tend to look like they were made for a guy.








My second favourite piece in spring is the multi pocket tee. I am obsessed with pockets right now and have been experimenting with different pocket shapes and ideas.







4.  My favourite thing from my closet is-
 This is a necklace my boyfriend gave me when we first started dating after I mentioned how much I loved his whistle necklace.  It has my name engraved on it and I recently added a lions tooth to the chain that he got me in South Africa









5. My favourite place in this City is-
My new favourite place to go is Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant! I love Mexican food and this place makes the best guacamole I’ve ever had. This place is special to me because it’s always the first place my boyfriend and I go to eat when he comes to LA to visit me! We both love Mexican food so much that we have cooking contests to see who makes the best guacamole!







6. I can’t live without-

I cannot live without my dog Samson!! He comes to work with me everyday and sits with me while I work. He spends everyday with us at LNA and runs around the LNA warehouse!










7. My one piece of advice to Is This Real Life? readers is –

My advice would be to always dream as big as possible and never let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. Try your dream, whatever is. I never listen to anyone, I always learn from my own mistakes and I wouldn’t have it any other way.









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Interview with Nails Inc. founder Thea Green....

1. As a young budding entrepreneur myself I find it so inspiring to hear that you stared Nails Inc. at just 23 years old. Looking back, do you think that you done the right thing starting your company so early on?

I think that the best thing about starting a business very young is that youth brings an amazing confidence and can do attitude which is very infectious and builds momentum in a start up company.

2. You studied Public Relations and Journalism at the London College of Fashion. Did you plan on having a career in the fashion industry and if so, do you think you would have enjoyed it as much as the job you do today?
I worked in fashion – styling and writing for a few years before I set up nails inc. I am passionate about fashion and beauty and feel that I still work with very fashion forward people and products.

3. You worked at Tatler magazine, what was that experience like, was the fashion industry anything like you expected it to be?
The fashion industry was both exciting and challenging, I don’t think you ever realise just how fast paced it can be! Its an incredible industry just like the beauty industry - I feel very lucky to have worked in both.

4. I read that it was seeing all the new nails bars opening up in America that gave you the idea for Nails Inc. At what point did it go from being just a good idea to deciding to make it an actual business?
After we did a round of focus groups and the customer feedback was unanimous and overwhelming.
The initial idea required a lot of research and after having conversations with many people in the beauty industry it made me realise that it was a perfect idea for a business.

5. When you first set up Nails Inc. did you have any prior business experience or did you just jump in head first?
A lot of my learning’s have been on the job. Through working in magazines I had a good understanding of women’s consumer trends and how to market and create and brand.

6. Was there ever a part of you that thought ‘wait this is to big a deal to start’ or did you always have faith that you would be able to launch the company successfully?
I have to always believe that we will be successful - it comes with the role. There’s no time for self doubt when you run your own business – you just have to dust yourself off and keep going!

7. You started Nails Inc. with your Tatler colleague Marie Therese but she left the business not long after it was launched. Was that a setback for you or by that point was the business already up and running and doing well?
Of course it was a set back but I have always had a team around me of dedicated inspiring women and I learnt a lot from my team.

8. I know that one of the best pieces of advice most business guides or books will give you is to get a mentor or business angel. Did you have either of these starting up and do you think they are necessary for every business start up?
Yes I have had non execs and mentors throughout nails inc. An external view is very helpful when you’re busy looking at day to day. It’s always good to set time aside to focus on the big picture view.

9. When was the first moment you realised Nails Inc. was a success?
The first day South Molton Street opened and the queues were huge. Sky TV was filming it and women were waiting 2 hours for a 15 minute manicure.

10. Do you think having had so much experience working at a fashion magazine is one of the key reasons that Nails Inc. Is so continually on trend?
Nails inc is extremely fashion led and we strive to set trends. We are inspired by the catwalk and my love of fashion runs through the brands DNA.

11. All your nail polishes are named after streets, what gave you the idea for this and how do you choose which colour will be named after which street?
I have always considered Londoners to have a unique and innovative style. Nails inc is a British brand and we wanted to celebrate that through our products. London is an aspirational destination to live in or visit and naming our products after London streets lets people have a little piece of London.

12. I am such a massive fan of Nails Inc. I recently did a post on my blog with a picture of how many polishes from your brand I own and some people commented that it is unusual that someone is so loyal to a certain type of nail polish. But I think that actually sums up how good nails inc is that I would rather save up to buy one of your nail polishes that I know I will love and that it will last rather than buy a couple for the same price from a cheaper make that will chip after wearing them for a day. How hard was it for you to get your polishes right and the quality you wanted?
Quality has always been hugely important to nails inc. I want to produce a high quality professional product that can be used both in our salons and at home. We manufacture all of our nail polishes in the UK to ensure that the formulation is as high quality as possible. We create products that people will want to use again and again. All of this has helped us establish a loyal fan base. I continue to develop the brand and take full advantage of the all the latest advancements and technologies.

13. Now that the brand is so successful are you able to take a more backseat role or do you think you will always want to be at the forefront making the decisions?
I am still very much involved in all aspects of the business and work at our head office. I love my role at nails inc but now I also have a team of great people to help me.

14. Did you feel that the recent financial crisis had an effect on your business or the beauty industry as a whole?
We found that we were not as affected in the beauty business as other businesses such as home / furniture / holidays / fashion – nail polish is an affordable luxury that our clients didn’t want to give up. Nail polish can transform your whole look and is far cheaper than buying a new dress of pair of shoes.

15. Nails Inc. is sold on the shopping channel QVC. I actually purchased your new Pastel collection range the last time it was on TV. QVC is a channel I really don’t watch to be honest but I always make a point of watching Nails Inc. when it is on it as I think the value of the sets is amazing. What made you make the decision to sell on the shopping channel and do you think they sometimes get an unfair press?
We wanted to reach out to new people – QVC is great for people who don’t have a nails inc store near them.

16. Being an entrepreneur yourself what do you think of shows like Dragons Den and The Apprentice. Do you think that they are fair ways to make it into the business world?
I think those shows are very entertaining and give people opportunities who may not otherwise have been able to make contact with such powerful and important investors.

17. You launched a new false eyelash brand called Get Lashed. Can you tell us more about this part of the company?
Get Lashed is a new brand that offers lash, threading and tinting services. We now have over 20 locations nationwide. We wanted to become a destination for beauty – you can visit us now for both a manicure, threading or lash services!
Lashes are one of the fastest growing beauty trends, and like nail polish, are the ultimate fashion accessory. Lashes are no longer just for party time, they can be worn every day and for any occasion.

18. Was it always your plan to expand your business and do you have any other plans to launch any other sidelines. I always imagined if Nails Inc made make up it would be wonderful, no?
Thank you. We have launched a sister brand, Get Lashed, which is selling strip lashes very successfully and we have a high fashion angle in the pipeline.

19. You have collaborated with a lot of designers and companies in the past such as Diet Coke, Luella, Gareth Pugh and PPQ to name just a few. How do these come about and do you have any more in the pipeline?
Often we are approached whereas sometimes we contact designers or brands who we really admire. We choose to collaborate with brands who fit well with nails inc and who we believe our innovative and inspirational. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline so you will have to wait and see!

20. What is the inspiration for Nails Inc. just now. What is influencing the new collections?
Nails inc polishes are catwalk inspired – right now the trend colours are camel, mink, nude, lilac and grey. Our collections this season are full of rich, luxurious shades that are both high fashion and easy to wear.

21. What advice would you give to young people looking to start their own business?
Do your research and find out what gaps there are in the market. You must believe in your idea and be determined to see it succeed. It’s hard work but incredible rewarding. Surround yourself with brilliant people always.

22. What is your view on blogs especially beauty blogs where people are more likely to talk about your products, do you think they are a good way to get your products out there to be seen?
I really do and the web is now such a hugely influential and important tool for communication. Blogs are fantastic as they promote equality – everyone can have their say / express their opinions. It is also a fantastic way to reach out to new customers. Its great to get that instant feedback.

23. If you had the chance to go back and give your 23 year old self some words of wisdom about what lay ahead, what would they be?
Just do it!

24. And finally, the secret to having perfect nails is......?
A regular manicure and wearing beautiful nail polish!



Check out Nails Inc. Here
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Interview with Sophie Ellis-Bextor

So most of you will know by now that i have been doing a series of interviews with people connected in some form to the fashion industry.

For this interview i chose Sophie Ellis-Bextor. She is a British singer that makes the most fabulous danceable pop music. Not only known for her music she is recognised as a British style star. She works her own brand of quirky cool, never one to be afraid of standing out from the pack if anything she relishes in it and works it to her advantage. I hope that by reading this interview you find out more about a women who is not only a wonderful mother but a career women too and that you get inspired by her fearlessness and honesty. And remember like Sophie says as long as you are staying true to what you do and what you believe in then it's ok to be a 'Christmas Tree' sometimes because everyones time to shine comes around sooner or later!
Look out for a post full of Sophie's most coveted outfits soon too!
If you want to read my past interviews then click here-
-Lauren Conrad
-LnA
-VV Brown
-Anna Wolf
-Carrie Cooper


I want to say a massive thanks to Sophie too for agreeing to be interviewed. Her awesome new single 'Bittersweet' is available to download on Sunday 2nd May and if you go to the bottom of this post you can check out the video for it!
As always let me know what you think of the interview!
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Interview

Pictured above Sophie Ellis-bextor






1. So, you’re back with your new single Bittersweet. I love the more electro sound of this song but you’ve still kept that pop vibe too, what were your influences when you were making this record?

I guess the biggest influence was the track itself, because that’s what we started with, it started off as an instrumental. I don’t know how melodies come about really, you just try a few noodles and then something sticks. The thing I really liked about the chorus melody is that to me it almost sounds like it could be from a musical. It sounds like it could be in the West End, but maybe that’s just my slightly strange tangent, I don’t know.

2. I always think you have the best titles for your album like ‘Shoot From The Hip’ and Trip The Light Fantastic’ and your new album is called ‘Straight To The Heart’ which is another great title how did you come up with this one, because I saw that you had recently changed it from ‘Make A Scene’?

In a lot of ways nobody should have really known about Make A Scene as that was just a working title, as Scene was one of the first songs written for the record. Straight To The Heart is actually a lyric from another song called Cut Straight To The Heart and I thought it was a really good title for a pop record because that’s what pop music does I think, it’s very emotional and instinctive. I think out of all my titles though my favourite is still Trip The Light Fantastic, I just like the way it feels to say that.

3. As well as being known for music you are also recognised for your style. You have a really strong look, you always wear such beautiful interesting pieces that you might not expect to work together but they really do on you because you also have a really chic feel to your style I think, which keeps your outfits classic looking. Have you always been interested in fashion?

Firstly, thank you for the compliment. I’ve always loved dressing up. Sometimes I think I have got it really wrong, but I think it doesn’t matter really, I try not to play it too safe, but I suppose part of the fun side of working in pop music is that you can really dress up, so I do.

4. Do you think it is important to have a strong style aesthetic when breaking into the music industry especially nowadays with the likes of Lady GaGa at the forefront of the fashion and music crossover?

I think undeniable that the visual and the audio side are connected. So many people are influenced by the front cover, the video, the way you look when you are performing, so although you can get away with not putting that much work into the aesthetic side, you’re probably doing yourself a disservice really. That little world you create helps to inform how you think your music should be heard. I certainly can watch a video and go from thinking ‘I’m not sure about that song’ to ‘actually I really love it’ it can sometimes really unlock it for me so I think it’s in your best interests to make it cohesive.

5. Would you ever consider designing your own fashion line?

I get asked this question a lot which is really lovely, unfortunately the people who haven’t asked me are the ones who actually would be able to provide that service. So yeah, I’d be up for it but I’m not talking to anyone about it. What girl wouldn’t want to do it? So if there are any companies out there want me…

6. Where do you like to shop are you more designer or high street?

I’m more high street than designer, but my favourite is actually second hand and vintage shops and markets because I’m addicted to that one-off thing, I just love finding something and thinking ‘ooh no-one else is going to have this’ and all the colours and the old fabric and the story behind the clothes.

7. You have also done some modelling in the past too for Rimmel and Accessorize, what was that experience like for you and would you consider doing more modelling?

I don’t really see it as modelling, as a pop singer you get your picture taken quite a lot anyway. For the Rimmel stuff it was really good fun because you get to wear make-up and do all the stuff you normally do, and I think it’s a nice brand to be associated with. I don’t see myself as a model at all but it’s very flattering to be asked.

8. In Between making great albums you have also got married and had two children. How did you find the difference between your career from before you had children to now, is it a difficult industry to be in when you are also trying to juggle family life as well or is it quite accommodating?

I think it’s quite accommodating actually. A lot of people I work with have got children. I think for my kids there are a lot worse childhoods than one that is surrounded by music. For them its second nature that there are loads of instruments lying round and Richard and I are always playing our new songs and singing around the place. I think the biggest difference between before them and after them is that I am much happier in myself and I think I have become strangely more fearless because you lose some of your inhibitions I suppose and I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore. I’m just enjoying it – there is no point playing it super safe.

9. Do you notice a lot of changes about the music industry from when you started out till now, what with all the different ways people have broke through whether it be MySpace ,YouTube or X Factor rather than the mainstream route, there seems to be a lot more variety out there now?

Yeah I think that’s true but at the same time I think things have got a lot more diluted. It feels like there isn’t a sense of occasion around stuff any more. It used to be that there would be an occasion around each single release or performing Top Of The Pops, but that has dissipated now amongst all these different mediums so I miss that a little bit, that heyday of gearing up for all these milestone moments, at the same time I think the whole digital age is exciting and gives the power back to the people really for everything, which has influenced fashion and music a lot.

10. I’ve always thought you seemed really fearless in your music choices like your new album having a different electro dance sound and even when you first started out with ‘murder on the dancefloor’ which to me is just such a classic song it never dates, but I remember at the time it was really different to what everyone else was doing and people were really impressed by your music, have you, with every album always wanted to kind of re invent your sound?

I think my most fearless moment (although it was quite unwitting really) was when I brought out my third album and which was very poppy and had bits of synth on it at the time the charts was full of guitars, I didn’t realise that I was in my own bubble thinking ‘I just like making pop music’ but now I’m like ‘blimey, that was actually quite bold’. But I think I’m a creature of habit, I’m like a Christmas tree, for 10 months of the year it doesn’t really make that much sense but then for two months it’s like ‘that’s exactly what we need right now’. I just wait my time until it comes around again.

11. Perez Hilton seems to be a really big fan of your music and has posted about you on his blog before. That must be great having support from such an influential figure. Have you any plans to go over and release your music in America?

Perez has been great and that’s cool. There have been little murmurings of going over to America because the Freemasons spend quite a lot of time DJing in clubs over there. So I might do a little tour of Gay clubs in America. There’s also been talk about going over to New York for Gay Pride and that would be pretty cool, but that’s about as far as it’s got. I’ll go wherever people want me, that’s always been my rule.

12. And finally, where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time, personally and professionally?

I’ve got not idea. Still doing what I love would be great. I’m sure music will still be a big part of my life. But I really don’t know – I can’t even really remember 10 years back and I can’t really imagine 10 years forward.

At This Moment In Time......

1. Favourite Song/Album-

My favourite album at the moment is the ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ album.

2. Favourite Quote-

Coco Chanel said that you should take off the last accessory that you put on and I always find that to be true.

3. Favourite TV Show-

Mad Men

4. Best Piece of Advice-

Trust your instincts (it’s what my mum says – she’s right!)

5. Favourite blog/website-

It’s gotta be this one!











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Interview With Lauren Conrad

As those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know, I have been carrying out a series of interviews for this blog. I have been choosing people who i am intrigued and inspired by and who are someway connected to the fashion industry. I wanted to get a view from every angle about these people that shape and make the industry that we are all fascinated by. My aim was to choose people, some you may have heard of and some you may be unaware of, but i hope that through my questions you will gain an insight into their world and their views on fashion. For this interview I choose Lauren Conrad. I know a lot of blogs try and focus on 'The Next Big Thing' style wise and i don't think there is anything wrong with that but what i don't like is being told if i don't like so and so's style then I'm unfashionable or un-cool, I don't believe just because something or someone is popular that that makes them instantly un-cool and that you automatically can't like them because it means you follow the pact. That is why i choose Lauren to interview as she is more high profile in the media than anyone else i have featured in an interview, I wanted to show that it's ok to like someones style that print magazines write about and not just someone who those 'cool kids' know about. Sometimes i think that by trying too hard to stand out you end up fitting in more than ever, so i say stick to what you like, whether it genuinely be the wearing the craziest outfit or just admitting that in fact no matter how 'amazing' everyone thinks that band is you would still rather listen to Britney's greatest hits on repeat because honestly as cheesy as it sounds being yourself and liking who and what you like will never go out of 'Fashion'. I really like Laurens style and I really liked her on Laguna Beach and The Hills too, more so than anything else though because she always stayed true to who she was style wise and personality wise. I think it's great that Lauren is using the platform she had from doing these shows to do something she truly loves. I hope you enjoy the interview and find the inspiration from her words to do like her and follow your own dreams!
Enjoy reading and please do let me know what you think!


Lauren Conrad Interview







1. You have just launched your newest collection for your Kohl’s line, which I love; I wish we could buy it here in the UK! There are so many pretty wearable pieces; I love how they really reflect your own personal style. Was it important for you to have this collection be something that you yourself would want to wear too?


- I always like to design things I would wear. It helps to design what you know and I also feel my fans like to buy things that reflect me and my own personal style.






2. What made you team up with Kohl’s?


-Kohl's allowed me to have input and not just put my name on the label and let someone else do the work. That was so important to me. Also the price point allows many people to buy the clothes.






3. You started your own label a few years ago but have put that on hold just now. What was that experience like for you having your own label so early on in your career and having all that responsibility?


-It wasn’t easy and I am about to relaunch the line again. I guess I like to challenge myself. Succeed or fail I know that for me I always have to try.






4. Did you always want to be a designer or were you ever interested in working in different parts of the fashion industry?


-I always loved fashion. Even when I was a young girl. I would sew clothes for all my dolls.






5. Everyone knows you from being on Laguna Beach and The Hills but does it annoy or frustrate you sometimes when people comment that you have only achieved what you have done fashion wise because of where you got your start on TV, rather than realising that you are a talented designer in your own right?


-Well I owe a lot to MTV and it has allowed me many things so I am so grateful and never take it for granted. I think it helped me open doors but once that happened it was up to me to deliver and prove myself so I also think it put pressure on me to deliver.






6. You were still at school when you started to film Laguna Beach, when you made that decision to take part in it did you look at it as something that could possibly help you in the future with your career, or did you just think it was a cool way to spend your senior year of high school?


-They actually found me and my group of friends thought it would be fun. We had no clue it would end up being what it was and would have such a following.






7. After Laguna you started The Hills, I’m imagining there wasn’t that big a gap between filming the two?
Where you ever apprehensive when MTV pitched you the idea to have your own show, it must have felt like a massive deal?


-Yes I was apprehensive about more cameras following me but I did like the idea of a show around my life and from my point of view so people could really get to know me.






8. I have always been a fan of yours since the Laguna days and throughout The Hills period too. I always thought that these two shows would never have worked without you in them, it was like amongst people who seemed to make drama for themselves , you were the kind of moral backbone, you were always the one that me and my friends and family were rooting for in the show, you know, things would happen to you or you would be put in certain situations and I always thought you acted how most people would, you were relatable, not everyone has a lifestyle like yours but everyone at some point definitely goes through similar things to you and it was always great to see you handle things with a sense of dignity. For me and everyone else that was a TV show but for you that was real life, did you ever have moments of thinking, I don’t want these personal situations on TV anymore?


-Yes a lot, but that was what I signed up for so I can’t complain. It has been nice to have some time now without cameras.






9. Did you feel like you had lost a little bit of control of how your life was going, because I suppose at certain points MTV must have intervened in your life to make certain situations more dramatic?


-Not really, they let us do our thing. Trust me the drama was all real.






10. Was there a defining moment that made you make the decision to leave The Hills?
It must have been quite daunting and exciting at the same time, because such a massive part of your growing up is attached to these shows, and I imagine it must have felt kind of like graduating from them and that part of your life when you left?


-I think after so many years I just wanted to try and live life without cameras. I have nothing but great things to say about my time on the show. but when it is time, it is time.






11. Is it still hard for you when the whole Heidi situation is brought up, It is always horrible when friendships don’t work out for whatever reason, but at least you are normally able to stay away from that person and kind of let it all go but you always seemed to be put in situations on the hills where Heidi would just appear and you weren’t able to just put the whole thing in the past, did that bother you that both her and MTV didn’t just let it fade away?


-It is always hard when you lose friends. For any teen growing up these times can be so tough. I think everyone can relate to the experiences we all went through in the show.






12. What was working at Teen Vogue like, was it a good experience being part of the whole Vogue family?


-It was great. I think interning is an amazing way to learn the business and make contacts.






13. Who are your favourite designers right now, and do you have any tips on any up and coming designers that we should keep our eyes on?


-I love Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Nanette Lapore, Alice and Olivia. There are so many great designers out there all doing different things. There is a style for everyone.






14. You have such a great natural style, really chic but with a modern twist so that you always look contemporary and trend led but your outfits always keep that classic look. You have become a fully fledged style icon, do you choose all your own outfits or do you have a stylist to help?


-When I am doing TV appearances and on the run I do get the help of a stylist, more to organize me than anything. But for everyday I style myself. I love to shop and create new looks.






15. Who do you take style inspiration from, is there someone that you look at in magazines and think they get it right every time?


Not one person, perhaps more from everything around me. I get inspired by things in nature, pages in magazines, films, music etc.






16. Is there any fashion blogs that you look at to get inspiration from?


-I love PopSugar and Hollyscoop.






17. As well as your fashion career you are also a bestselling author of two books now. I am currently reading your first book and I’m really loving it and I can’t wait to read your second now. How did you find the process of writing the book, has writing always been something you have enjoyed?


-The first one wasn’t easy, it was a huge learning process with writes and rewrites etc…but the second and third were actually a lot of fun for me.






18. Your first book is going to be turned into a movie, which is really exciting. That must have felt like a big achievement. Do you have any control over the casting process and if so who would you like to see in the lead roles?


-I am a producer so I will have a say, I think I want someone new and fresh…an unknown.






19. You seem to have achieved so much already and your only 24. What’s next for you, do you have a 10 year life plan or are you just letting fate lead the way?


-I am just going to work hard and do what I love and let the pieces fall into place.






At This Moment In Time-


1. Favourite Song/Album – Anything pop. Jonas Bros, Taylor Swift


2. Best piece of advice – Work hard and follow your dreams. Never give up


3. Favourite TV Show – The Family Guy


Source URL: https://dressfashiongirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview
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Interview With Carrie Cooper

A little while ago I posted about my love for a new footwear line called Beau Coops. Carrie Cooper is the genius behind the shoes and she kindly agreed to let me interview her for this blog. Carrie has worked with so many fabulous talented designers that clearly their skills have rubbed off on her, In my opinion she is the most exciting new footwear designer i have seen in a long time and i can't wait to see her future collections!
I hope you are inspired by her talent and her courage to start out on her own and to really make the shoes that she wants rather than what might be seen as acceptable right now, because i know i was!
Let me know what you think of the interview
And if you haven't already checked out her beautiful shoes then head over here to do so!
Also here are my past interviews in case you want to have a browse!
-LnA
-VV Brown
-Anna Wolf
Oh and remember to check out ......Continued, I have put a new style competition up and you can win some awesome goodies, t-shirts, sunglasses, etc!


Interview With Carrie Cooper

Images from Beau Coops footwear

1. How did you first get started in shoe design, did you have any training?

I was trained the on the job, almost an old style apprentice way by a master shoe maker, who was working with / for some design hero’s of mine. One of those ‘how did that happen?’ lucky little me.



2. You've worked with some amazing designers in the past like Eley Kishimoto and Alexander McQueen, that must have been so inspiring for you being around these creative minds, I imagine it would be inevitable that you would learn a lot from them, do you think working for such well known successful people at such an early stage in your career has shaped you as a designer and a person?

For sure, if anything it taught me that when it comes to creativity, or being a designer, there is no set hard and fast rule, and beauty or ‘talent’ is in your eye, no-one else's. The courage and un-deterred determination is something I was star struck by, and aspire to take from the years with them.



3. I am the biggest fan of your new footwear collection "Beau Coops" it's the best all round collection i have seen in a really long time. I love that every piece is exciting and fresh but at the same time i feel like the collection references the past, in the sense that the shoes/boots are very classic but with a new modern take, was that your aim to combine old and new and what was the inspiration behind these designs?

Thank you. I think I will always reference the old world (1800-1920’s) in my work. Its an aesthetic that I cannot shake. But I do just love visual simplicity and proportions. The concept of working with small idea’s and making a soft statement.



4. I imagine that it must have been really different designing your own footwear line instead of working for these large companies that you were involved with. Is it quite daunting knowing that it's just you without a designer to hide behind or do you find it quite liberating having all the creative control?

Yes, your much harder on yourself, torturous almost, but who isn’t about something they love... in life....but BC is more about, less is more, stripping idea’s back. I guess in a subconscious way I am plugging the gaps of all of the really fun over articulated / crazy femme fatal or ‘IT’ shoe work I do.



5. Would you ever consider doing a collaboration with a high street store like what Jimmy Choo has just done with H&M, when I first saw your Beau Coops collection I instantly thought that i could see them doing really well in somewhere like Urban Outfitters, your designs have that hip edge to them that would suit there i think?

Never say never, but we are still in primary school really.. Taking our lunch to the playground and swapping sandwiches for crisps...



6. What was it like growing up in New Zealand, do you think that has influenced the way you design?

New Zealand is a wonderful little bubble of harmony / peace and busting with overachieving creatives, thinking they are not good enough for the rest of the world... So its hard to say, perhaps my drive came from the feeling of such isolation.. but after 8 years in London, I feel like that has really influenced my aesthetic. Honestly... My designs mostly comes from airport departure lounges, the only time I have quiet time with me, myself and my music.....


7. You live in Australia now, there seems to be a sudden surge in new fashion talent coming from there with people like yourself, Ksubi and and many others. I know you've lived in London, which is renowned for being a creative hub, do you feel that Australia is having it's 'fashion moment' so to speak, that London has experienced in the past?

For sure its having a fashion moment.. Watch this space!


8. Have you got any plans to extend into accessories or clothing?

Accessories for sure, one day, somehow. Clothing, I don’t think I have the courage to tackle that beast!


9. And finally, what are the plans for the future, where do you see yourself and Beau Coops in 5 years down the line?

On a yacht... With any luck my shoes will get me there.

AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME......

1. Favourite Album/Song?........ Song: Daniel / Bat for lashes
2. Best advice?........ Head in the clouds, feet in the sand
3. Worst fear? ......... Small penis’s
4. Favourite Quote? ......... “A taste for the miniature was one aspect of an orderly spirit. Another was a passion for secrets.” ... Ian Mc Ewan
5. Favourite Blog? ......... http://www.imelda.com.au/
Source URL: https://dressfashiongirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview
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Interview With Anna Wolf

So, for my third interview for this blog I chose Anna Wolf. Anna is a photographer that has shot many high profile campaigns, editorials and lookbooks. I wanted to interview someone who saw the fashion world from a different view. I think photography is such a massive part of the fashion industry and i think it's sometimes forgotten that all of these photographers help sell us the clothes or the perfume of the make-up, to me being a good photographer means to be able to see beauty in the ordinary and to translate that to us. Which is what i think Anna does. I hope that by reading this interview you find out a little bit more about the person behind the lens and that you are inspired by her honesty and creativity. And in the words of the lady herself when in doubt "Just Shoot".
To see Anna's work click here
And to read my past interviews click here and here



Anna Wolf Interview

Photograph by Anna Wolf
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a photographer? Was there a defining moment that made you think this is what I want to do?
I had been at San Francisco State for 2 years, and was taking photo classes and doing undergrad stuff. One day towards the end of the semester, our instructor brought in a film that he had made. The film was really bad (I feel terrible saying that), and I thought, this is who is teaching me... and I knew at that moment I had to leave.
Everyone at that school had always talked about going to art school like it was this impossibly far away thing. I was totally scared but I applied to Art Center College of Design the following semester, packed up and moved to LA.

2. You've worked with so many different, varied brands and people, which shows just how versatile your work is. Is there anyone that you really want to work with, but haven't had the chance yet, such as a designer, model, brand etc?
I love that magazine Departamento, and have been really wanting to shoot for them for a while now. Love the designer Roanne Adams. And would do anything to shoot a lookbook for Lyell. On the more commercial end, I'm dying to shoot for Aerie, Anthropology, JCrew or anything that will take me to a tropical place :)
3. You spent a year living in Mexico, what was that like and do you think travelling and exploring helps you inspiration wise?
Mexico was super inspiring but not really in the making art kind of way. When I was there I was so stressed and consumed with just learning the language, so I didn't have a ton of mental and emotional energy to be creative. I also felt completely alone there, in a way that I've never felt before. But there was something so magical, frightening and exciting about that. I think traveling and exploring can be incredibly inspiring though. When I'm in New York, I get so caught up in the day to day, and I do need to leave every once in a while to remember what its like to see stars and hear nature. I need that or I go crazy.
4. Out of all the work you've done what has been your most enjoyable experience?
One of my favorite jobs was shooting for Urban Outfitters. We started in Philly and went to Canon Beach and Mt. Hood in Oregon. We had long shoot days but we spent the nights eating, drinking and hanging out in hot tubs. We even had a bon fire one night on the beach. I met my current boyfriend on that shoot, and I haven't had a shoot quite as fun as that one.
5. Do you have any hints or tips for all us amateur photographers out there to help us take the best picture possible? I have just gotten to grips with making sure my thumb isn't' over the lens, so all help would be welcome!
Trust yourself and don't give yourself a hard time. If you're ever unsure of what the next step should be, or if you get down on yourself, just shoot. Always shoot.
AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME WHAT IS YOUR........
1. Worst fear- That the phone won't ring
2. Favourite Country- Argentina.
3. Best piece of advice- work hard and don't quit.
4. Favourite album/song- Right now it's Timber Timbre
5. If you could have any character from a movie be your best friend, who would it be? Will Farrell in Elf (or really, any of his movies. he makes me so happy)


Source URL: https://dressfashiongirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview
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VV Brown Interview

For my second interview I wanted to chose somebody that wasn't involved directly in fashion but still had some kind of connection to it. So I interviewed VV Brown, a singer and songwriter from London. I love VV's music it's got that whole soulful/jazzy pop vibe going on. The reason why i picked her though was because I really love her style, it's natural but still unique enough to make you notice it. And when you go see or watch one of her shows you realise that it is more than the music that makes it amazing , it's her clothes, hair , make-up it's like a fashion show. VV is also a model and has opened up her own online vintage store which you can see here. I'm so happy she was able to take time out to answer some questions. I hope you like the interview and that her drive and determination to succeed and never give up inspires you!
Oh and if you have never heard her music check it out here and her album Travelling Like The Light is out now!
Enjoy, and tell me what you think!






VV Brown interview


VV Brown pictured above


1. Well first and foremost I want to say congratulations on the success of the album. I am such a big fan of your music, I think Shark in the water is definitely my song of the year!But aside from your music what caught my attention the most was that you had this "Popstar Presence", It's like in the 50's and 60's when musicians were performing, they put on a show, it was about the whole package, clothes, hair, make-up, etc. Whereas now a lot of performers will wear jeans and a T-shirt and just stand there in front of a microphone, which i think is great for a certain type of music but it's just not very special. Whereas I really feel like your bringing that old style of performing back, it feels like you have thought it all out and your putting on a proper show, was that your aim, to combine hair, make-up, music and fashion to kind of, bring the whole package?
-Absolutely its art to me and a lifestyle. When its your life u can't help it when it seeps into every area of u. I love those old movies from the 50"s where people could sing dance act and display beautiful fashions. I want my life to be an interesting movie and the people who listen to music to feel that movie, those stories and colours. In my shows, interviews, videos, clothes.... Its all art and its amazing !
2. You have worked with and worn a lot of Ashish in the past. I can definitely see the connection between you both. His designs are basically your music in the form of clothing, kind of jazzy, fun, sparkly and bright. Are you planning on working with him again and do you have any other favourite designers?
-Me and ashish are great friends. Who knows on a collaboration, I'd love to he is such a lovely man, ahhhhh xxx I also love victor and Rolf. There new collection made me almost cry.
3. As well as being a musician you are also a model. You appeared in an editorial for Vogue earlier this year, that must have been like a dream come true, what was that experience like?
-Unbelievable. As a black women it was so deep for me. Black women are not celebrated as much as there counterparts. To be a musician and a black women in vogue was an honour. I've been Reading vogue since I was 8 and trust me there isn't a lot of black women, it sometimes feels like tokenism at times or dependent on trends which I think is awful but overall I was happy. I am aiming for a cover one day !
4. In the summer you launched your own online vintage store, you have some really great pieces on there, do you source all the clothing yourself and have you got any plans to branch out and maybe start your own line?
-Thanks x I'm not sure. I live in the moments. Perhaps. I'd love to work with a quirky designer, perhaps ashish and evolve. The shop is very much a hobby to make small orgasms every time a person purchases a piece. It keeps my mind open to more than just melodies and promotion.
5. You've been working really, really hard to establish yourself for years now and it's finally paid off, you must be really proud that all your success is off the back of music you created solely on your own and that you have stayed true to the performer that you are rather than let a record company try and mould you into what was seen to be "cool" at the time. I guess that your success must be even more satisfying in knowing that?
-Oh my god it feels so amazing. We still have such a long way to go but it does ease the worry that its beginning now. I can't even tell you the amount of rejection there has been ups and downs and roundabouts. Even now we have hurdles. Radio was a big hurdle for us this year but I really am a fighter and will keep going. It feels so lovely when you see a small girl covering your song or a person say they danced there first dance at there wedding to your song.... So beautiful. That's where the joy lies after the hard work.
6. What is next for VV Brown?
-America, new song, comic book, touring and evolving.
AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME......
1. Worst Fear? Failure and loneliness
2. Favourite fashion blog? Yours he he x
3. Best piece of advice? Honesty is the best policy
4. Favourite album/song?hard question, but at the moment, Little dragons very first record is dope !!
5. Who is your style icon? Hard question, grace jones perhaps.
Source URL: https://dressfashiongirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview
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Interview with LnA

A little while ago I decided that I wanted to start to do some interviews for this blog. As well as showcasing new designers, brands and super stylish peeps, I wanted the blog to kinda go behind the lookbooks and photo shoots and find out why these talented people who I feature on my blog do what they do. I will be interviewing all kinds of different people, sometimes you might have heard of them and sometimes you might not have, but the whole point of these interviews is to try and find something new and hopefully be a little bit inspired by these people's success whether it be big or small!
I am beyond excited to let you know that the first people kind enough to agree to do an interview with me is the beautiful and fabulous designers from LnA (pictured below)
Anyone who reads this blog will know what a massive fan of the brand I am, so I was totally geeking out when they agreed to do the first interview!
I find both of these girls really inspiring and I hope you do to!
Let me know what you think!
Enjoy!



Interview with Lauren Alexander and April Leight
Designers behind LnA


Hey Girls!
1. So, I would love to know a little bit about your fashion backgrounds, if you trained and how you came together to start LnA?April and I met through a mutual friend when I was designing for my first line … she came over to buy some of my dresses and 2 weeks later we decided to start LNA. I never went to college, I hated school! April went to Santa Barbara then FIDM to study merchandise marketing.
2. A lot of people who have creative careers such as fashion designers, artists, etc. say they had a defining moment in their life that made them know that was the job they wanted. Did either of you have this "Oh My God, I want to be a designer moment" because of something, like your first art class, or a movie with beautiful costumes? -It’s weird, It’s just something I (Lauren) always knew I wanted to do. I’ve actually begun digging through old boxes from school and I found all my old school papers and projects. In almost every paper I talk about how I’m going to move to LA to become a fashion designer! I don’t even remember writing it! I (April)always knew I would do something in fashion, I would love to shop for clothes and I would love to dress up like my favorite musicians. I didn’t know what I was going to do in fashion until I was around 27 years old when I knew i had to design a better tshirt for women.
3. LnA is one of my favourite labels. I just love everything about it and what it stands for. In my opinion it has really turned basics into luxury must-have items. Did you imagine when you both started the company in 2007 that only 2 years later it would have made such an impact and be so established already? -You are so sweet! Yes, that was definitely our goal with LNA- We wanted to design basics with an edge....wardrobe staples with a twist. When April and I met we were both wearing men’s white T-shirts. We thought this is what we live in, how can we take this basic idea of a white T-shirt and make a statement with it. When we started LNA , no one was really designing lux tee’s like ours.
4. LnA is worn by a lot of celebrities, is their anyone who you would love to see wear it, who hasn't already? -Well, having Kate Moss is pretty unreal. Her support for LNA is amazing and she really has been such a great supporter of us which means a lot. We’d like to see Jamie Hince in LNA actually! We’re also huge Kills fans.
5. I can't wait to see your new S/S 2010 Lookbook, I always think the styling is really great too, they are like little mini pieces of art. Can you give me any details on the new collection, inspiration, fabrics, etc? -For Spring 2010 we used the early 90’s as inspiration... 90210, Saved by the Bell, and Weird Science. The proportions this season are a lot different than what we have done in the past. The tops are a lot shorter and wider and the bottoms all have much higher waistlines. We experimented with mesh this season as well: T-shirts that have alternating cotton and mesh stripes is one of my favorite pieces for Spring! We also have a new spandex fabric that comes in 4 shimmer colors: red, gold, silver, and a mermaid green. The shimmer leggings in silver look amazing at night! Spring is definitely our favorite collection so far. We really stretched the idea of a basic every way possible.

AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME WHAT IS YOUR.....
1.Worst fear- Not finishing the collection on time! I cut it waaayyy to close to deadlines!
2. Favourite fashion blog- yours of course! =) We also love becauseimaddicted.net and somenotesonnapkins.com
3. Best piece of advice- never never never never give up.
4. Favourite album/song- favorite song: Radiohead, talk show host. I love the Horrors, the Kills, Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Delta Fiasco... I also just bought the new Big Pink album..Source URL: https://dressfashiongirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview
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