Tag! I'm it!

The fantastic woman who has the blog "Pull Your Socks Up" tagged me a few weeks ago, but of course I'm always behind and just got wind of it. I've been in a bit of a writing slump, too many projects, too little time... so hopefully this will jar me out of my blog writing block...

What's your favourite fashion accessory?

Do shoes count? They are my fav accessory and can transform the most boring of outfits to fab in seconds! Aside from shoes my favs are rings, bracelets, and scarves. And I have quite a collection of each to prove it!

A selection of new and vintage scarves. I have about two boxes full to the brim!
For those of you "Desperately Seeking Susan" fans, that shawl/ scarf to the left -- black with green skulls screen printed all over was made for me by one of my besties back then, the artist Michael Roman. His artwork featured heavily in the film. You'll spot his art right away, as a Mexican-American he used a lot of Dia de los Muertos themes, hence loads of skulls. He always painted me as cat skeletons, and I guess this is one of my "portraits". One day I'll get brave enough to show another as its slightly embarrassing!

Who's your fashion role model?

I don't have any. If pressed, I'd have to say me -- I'm my own fashion role model. (and I don't mean that in a pompous way -- it is what it is). Seriously, I've never wanted to look like or copy someone else. My fashion inspiration is a complete mix-up of styles and eras. It's just about what I want to wear at any given moment. I may see something on someone I adore and will purchase, but its always worn with my own twist and never exactly as originally shown.

What do you always carry with you?

I always have my glasses (can't read without them!) and a pair of sunglasses (bright light sux), my iPhone, a pen and moleskine notebook (writing inspiration always comes at the most inopportune moments, so I've learned to be prepared!), something for my lips (balm, lipstick --usually some shade of red, I hate dry lips), and a foreign coin (my travel lust runs deep). If the weather is inclement add a scarf to that as I hate brollies. Oh and if I'm out shopping I carry a Longchamp Le Pilage--those suckers can hold tons! Here's a tip: an acquaintance discounts them, and you can buy online. They're even cheaper than the outlets! Here is the website: http://www.bagshop.com/ The owner's name is Phyllis and you can tell her I sent you! She also discounts Wolford! And has shops in the city as well.

How would you describe your style?

Crazy mixed-up kid with a shoe addiction.

What's your favourite? Jeans, sunglasses or heels?

Heels, no contest. I recall being just old enough to finally fit my tiny tootsies into heels, and there's been no looking back! The Punk Glam King will back me up on that as well as anyone who has seen my overflowing closets (yes plural). I started collecting vintage shoes back in the late 70s, and can't part with many of them as now they're pieces of history, as well as works of art! Sunglasses and jeans are close but I tend to stick with favs rather than switch things up like I do with shoes.

Currently in rotation -- both high and low end, doesn't matter as long as I'm in love with them!

The Punk Glam King got me these gorgeous (and comfy) glitter booties as an anniversary gift. A little early as our anniversary is Halloween, but they've been selling out so I got lucky --both with the shoes and my beloved Punk Glam King!

What is your favourite fashion store?

I don't really have any one... depends on what I'm on the search for. McQueen is always a fav and I've followed his career from the very beginning (and miss him dearly), iconic styles, upscale department stores for ideas, basics I want to last, and of course vintage and thrift for the thrill of the hunt! The internet has been great not only for finding the latest, but also for seeking out the hard to find and discovering new designers.

What inspired you to blog about fashion?

I'm a professional writer/ author, and I started privately blogging about 5 or 6 years ago. Finally I decided to go public and write about the things I love that I don't "have" to. Its a release to be able to babble on about what I love rather than what I "have" to write about. Fashion has always played a big role in my life, along with music, so its nice to write without having some editor hanging over my shoulder!

Who doesn't love Nick Cave in a helmet?

What is your favourite fabric in clothing?

Silk, velvet, and silk jersey. I just love the way it drapes.

Who are your favourite designers?

McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, vintage YSL & Pucci, MiuMiu, Louboutin & Manolo (along with YSL for shoes that last a lifetime) gosh so many I love...this week! And too many emerging designers to mention here. There are also those "no-name" vintage designers that created masterpieces! Some of my favourite vintage pieces are hand-made, the care that went into those garments is something to behold!

Who or what inspires your style?

Gosh it can be anything from a colour, to a mood, to art, to well anything really! Sometimes a certain fabric will inspire me, and I've been a designer in the past so many times its the fabric that will inspire me to create or put something together in a new way.

Would you choose to buy something high quality or make it yourself if you could?

Depends. If I had the means to make something I'd do that, but I do have limitations. I never use patterns, which can sometimes make for some interesting mistakes that wind up being my favs! I'd opt to buy something quality made if it was out of my design skills, which doesn't always mean high-end.

Since I'm late to the party, consider yourself tagged! The first to respond can go ahead and follow through-- and hopefully you won't be as lame as me! And thank you for tagging me!

Cheers!