interviews Archives - Page 2 of 11

vrx941 08/05/2020 Los Angeles

Wear is… Brittany Rae Torres?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Brittany Rae Torres?

WEAR IS… BRITTANY RAE TORRES?

Looking for Cali’s ultimate cool girl? Look no further than Brittany Rae Torres. With a killer shoe collection and a, if I may, dope blog, (does anyone still use that word? Her blog warrants it nonetheless), Brittany is the kind of girl everyone dreams of becoming besties with.

Scroll her Insta feed for a healthy dose of outfit inspiration and that ultra chic photography style that looks like Vogue accidentally caught you looking chic as all hell. And keep reading for Brittany’s thoughts on 19th century romanticism, Audio Dharma and marbling.

Hi Brittany! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hello and thank you for having me! My name is Brittany Rae Torres and I reside in Los Angeles, CA with my husband Clark and our pup Lalo. We’re both California natives with no plans to relocate, but I do dream about living life on the road someday, even if just for a year or two. We’ll see *shrugs*.

I work full-time as a MIT and Buyer Trainer for Crossroads Trading Co. and in my free time I like to create and share content to my blog and instagram. Most of the content is related to recycled fashion and personal growth. I have a degree in both Social and Behavioral Science and Textile Design, and I’d like my blog to be a marriage of the two.

And I apologize for being so vague. I’ve struggled with writing my “About Me” since the Myspace days. I still don’t have a proper bio on my blog either, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know about me I’m happy to share. ( :

1. How would you describe your personal style?

I like to think that my style straddles the line between quirky and cool, but not too cool. I want to be taken seriously but I also want people to know that I’m approachable.

2. If you could travel to any time period in fashion, which would you choose?

A few of my favorite decades that I regularly pull inspiration from are the 70’s and 80’s, but lately I’ve been swooning over the romanticism of the 19th century. Think corsets and blouses with puff sleeves, lace, ruffles. Being in quarantine has really helped me embrace my softer side.

3. How did you discover your personal style or are you still discovering it?

My style is that I have many styles, and I discovered this through thrifting. It’s been my main source of fashion for about twelve years now and I just love it because there are more resources available to you and it allows for creative freedom. I guess you could say that I’m still discovering it with no plans on landing on any one thing in the near future.

4. Do you have any current random favorites?

(podcasts, books, etc.)

Unfortunately, I have not hopped fully onto the podcast trend, but I do want to explore them a lot more. The only two podcasts I can give an honest recommendation for are Audio Dharma and Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. I guess that says a lot about me right there (lol).

Books that I highly recommend are Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Shiner by Amy Jo Burns, which I am almost finished with. They actually have a few parallels between them; they are both coming of age stories and involve a little love and little mystery. If you’re into that sort of thing then I think you’ll enjoy them.

5. Aside from style, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

During quarantine, I’ve been having a lot of fun in Photoshop creating graphic content for my blog. Some things that I’ve tried and would like to do again soon are marbling, sewing, and more yoga! I also love to read, write, and organize. Anything that brings me clarity and keeps me grounded.

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Eeek. I’m proud of so many people and things right now that it’s hard to choose just one, but I would say that I am proud of the company I work for, Crossroads Trading Co. They have done so much for their employees during this crazy time and It makes me really proud to be a part of their family. Things are really tough for so many people and I just give thanks, because I’m very very blessed.

Where else can we find you, Brittany?

My blog is www.stylejelly.co, instagram @style.jelly, and I regularly share fashion-related inspiration to Pinterest: https://pin.it/5YPwkVG

vrx941 07/29/2020 Orange County

Wear is… Hannah Shepherd?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Hannah Shepherd?

WEAR IS… HANNAH SHEPHERD?

There are so many questions we’d love to ask Hannah Shepherd. Namely, how does one get such fabulous hair? Is it genetic? Is it the product of tireless work each each morning? Also, how did you manage to find THE perfect pair of overalls? Because yes, Hannah is indeed blessed with great tresses and could tie with Jennifer Anniston in a “who-wore-those-overalls-best” competition.

But, perhaps some things are meant to remain a mystery. Never fear though! Because today we do get to discover many more wonderful things about Hannah and her impeccable style. So keep reading for her thoughts on disco cowgirls, Rock n’ roll and sewing.

Hi Hannah! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hey! My name is Hannah Shepherd, and I am 20 years old and located in Orange County, California. I am currently going to school at Cal State Long Beach for Fashion Merchandising, and am looking to be a stylist and/or a creative director in the future.

1. How would you describe your personal style?

My style changes on the daily, but I would say, effortless, sometimes french girl, sometimes rock and roll girl, it depends on my mood! My friend recently described my style as disco cowgirl, and that pretty much sums up how diverse it is! My style is also influenced by different decades, one week I’m feeling the 70s vibes, and the next, I want to be in the 90s.

2. If you could travel to any time period in fashion, which would you choose?

I would hands down go back in time to the 70s because there were so many different styles within that time period. One day you could be preppy, the next day you could be groovy, I am obsessed. I’m also a big fan of 70s music, and I feel like a lot of style icons that came out of that era were musicians, so I like how the music industry and fashion industry were closely related.

3. How did you discover your personal style or are you still discovering it?

I think I discovered it after high school going into college. Being a fashion student, I am surrounded by other creatives who have fully embraced their style, and this inspired me to not care what others think and start dressing how I wanted to. It is still developing though, and I am still figuring out things I like and don’t like.

4. Do you have any current random favorites?

I am a big rock n roll gal, but right now I have been into some more funky tunes like the bands Parcels, a band called HalfNoise, and an artist named Patrick Cowley.

5. Aside from style, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

Other hobbies would include, going to the beach, surfing, playing guitar, thrifting, and spending time with friends. I am also working on my sewing skills!

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Right now, I am proud that I am still finding the inspiration to create! I have a lot of ideas for photoshoots, that I need to execute, and I have been loving planning them out with Pinterest boards, and just staying inspired that way.

Where else can we find you, Hannah?

You can find me on Instagram @hannah-sheps

vrx941 07/21/2020

Wear is… Ayanna Swan?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Ayanna Swan?

WEAR IS… AYANNA SWAN?

Tenacious visionary, Ayanna Swan, is changing the sustainable fashion game with her brand, Eat Sleep Chic. This vintage clothing company is not only bringing the 70s back in the best way, but they’re also bringing it straight to your door, monthly! With their subscription service, they create a box of unique vintage goodies tailored just for you. Boldly going into this uncharted territory on the fashion front, Ayanna is blazing a wonderful new trail for the sustainability movement.

Today however, we’re getting to know more of the woman behind the brand. So keep reading for Ayanna’s thoughts on ice cream addiction, Marvin Gaye and the versatility of all women.

Hi Ayanna! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hi my name is Ayanna Swan. Everyone calls me Yanna! I’m located in the heart of north Jersey but I’m always moving around. You’ll probably catch me in Houston or Cali if you’re lucky. I started my vintage boutique in 2014 straight out of high school. I knew I wanted to do fashion but wasn’t sure if I wanted to design or go into fashion merchandising. I went to the art institute for a few years but they shut multiple locations down. So for a long time I was just working job to job but always had fashion in the back of my mind.

Once I moved back to Jersey in April of 2020 I buckled down and restarted my brand. I personally have an eclectic style. So I try to bring feminine and funky together to make my brand something fun and different. You’ll find vintage items from the 60s onward. Some days you might want to look like a princess and other days you might want to wear an oversized blazer set. We have a little bit of everything. Every week we have a new themed collection for purchase. And we also have vintage subscription boxes. So we cultivate the vintage for you and every month or every other month you have something new that only costs $40/month. So we’ve been pretty excited about that.

1. How would you describe your personal style?

My style is definitely a mix between princess and street style. I love oversized or loose fitted items but I also love to wear frills, lace and ruffled dresses in the summer time.

2. Who or what are your current biggest style inspirations?

I’ve really been into the late 80s/ early 90s era with Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan. I live for a good disco soul train line bodysuit or flared pants. And I love men’s oversized button ups to wear with a mini skirt.

3. How did you discover your personal style or are you still discovering it?

Everyday I’m discovering my style. Once I get on Pinterest I get inspired all over again. I see something new on Instagram and want to bring that forward. This is why we do collections every week. Because women are so versatile. I know it’s women out there that don’t stick to one aesthetic and just go with the flow. We love women who buy things that as long as it’s cute, we want it.

4. What’s on your thrift list right now?

Definitely men’s dress pants. We want men to shop with us to. So by August we will be providing cool men’s fashion too. We want you to shop for your boo. Or wear a men’s shirt and style it your way. It’s your prerogative.

5. What’s your go to midnight snack?

I love icecream. I have a mean addiction to anything icecream related. It’s a sickness.

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what’s something you’re really proud of right now?

I’m proud of every black woman hustling and making money moves everyday. I’m proud of every person standing right now for social injustices that people face everyday. I’m proud of myself for not counting myself out because we can be our own worst enemy and taking the first steps in doing what I love full time.

Where else can we find you, Ayanna?

You can find the shop at @eatsleepchic on Instagram and Facebook or your can go to our website shopeatsleepchic.com every Sunday at 1pm to see our new collection or purchase your own subscription box.

vrx941 07/15/2020 New York City

WEAR IS… ANNA Z GRAY?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Anna Z Gray?

WEAR IS… ANNA Z GRAY?

From New York City comes Anna Z Gray, a woman as captivating as the mysterious “Z” nestled in her name. Aside from the fact that her playful wardrobe and keen eye for vintage makes her a style icon, Anna is also the founder of Object Limited. With a growing community of over 19k, this marketplace and app is every vintage lover’s dream. It’s like “shopping your cool aunt’s closet,” and for those of us who don’t have one, thank the fashion gods Object Limited exists.

Both Anna and Object Limited have been featured by the likes of Man Repeller, Domino and Vogue which named OL “The Ultimate Vintage App.” It’s an absolute pleasure to interview Anna today, so keep reading for her thoughts on wearing many hats, interesting handbag discoveries and quarantine book clubs.

Hi Anna! Please Introduce your wonderful self!

Hello! I am Anna Z Gray on my birth certificate (and on the internet). I’m in New York City’s Lower East Side. I’m the cofounder of the vintage resale marketplace Object Limited.

1. Can you tell us about how Object Limited came to fruition?

I started working in fashion as soon as I moved to NYC at eighteen. I’ve worn a lot of hats (modeling, writing, event production, styling, PR…) and basically burned out on the quick spin and useless waste of the market. Swiveled to interior design for a minute until a 2-week road trip opened my eyes/brain to how many beautiful things were sitting in antique stores across the country.

It took us (I have a cofounder, Rudd Taylor!) a minute to figure out the question “How do we get these things into the hands of people that want them?” and now we’re figuring out the answer! We have an app and an IGTV show called How To Wear Stuff that breaks down styling tips with vintage.

2. What is it like running OL?

The hardest part is keeping our customers and vendors happy. What tech can we implement that makes selling and browsing and buying easier? This is also the most fun part of the job. I’ve bought vintage my whole life and started selling a few years ago so understanding and building features that I want to see on the platforms I’ve used in the past has been really exciting.

One-on-one interactions with our community is really important to us. We host multi-vendor Vintage Bazaars in different locations, have an open textline where customers can ask me styling questions, and our social feed (run by the inimitable Maggie Lanham – also a vendor!) is a fun, relatable source of information about vintage and secondhand.

3. Exploring so much vintage must be really inspiring. Do you think it’s had an effect on your personal style and where else do you draw inspiration from?

Very inspiring! I’ve always worn vintage. Initially for fiscal reasons and now additionally because I love the idiosyncrasy of it. I definitely have a macro understanding of trends and how truly cyclical and derivative style can be (which is great and deeply interesting). I also love the stories behind all of the pieces (once I found a woman’s calling card in a purse from the 50s and I googled her and she was still alive in Indiana! I didn’t tell her I had her bag though…). Another time I found a silvery halter dress in a vintage store in LA and it turned out to be a dress my friend had altered to wear to prom and it had originally been her mother’s prom dress. Is that not insane? She grew up in NJ, had no idea how the dress made it to LA.

4. Tell us about the women behind OL! Aside from fashion, what else do you enjoy?

Oh! We’re a fun bunch. Maggie and I shoot How To Wear Stuff together and have a grand time figuring out outfits to match a theme. We’re also very aligned on the idea that most things really can be purchased secondhand. During quarantine, our team has a book club that we host over Google Hangouts. It’s cute. We just finished Tara Westover’s Education. (Amazing story).

5. Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Someone just asked me this the other day. Bjork, Zadie Smith and Warren Buffet.

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Object Limited! Staying somewhat sane during Quarantine? My Rhododendron has been flowering for 4 weeks.

Where else can we find you, Anna?

@annazgray

and @object.limited 🙂

vrx941 07/01/2020 Canada

Wear is… Kayla Homenok?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Kayla Homenok?

WEAR IS... KAYLA HOMENOK?

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone as kind and open hearted as Kayla Homenok. This Canadian graphic designer, content creator and all around creative, produces empowering and uplifting imagery just as beautiful as her soul. In times like these, it's people like Kayla who remind us that there is still so much to be thankful for, so much good still left in the world.

Today she's sharing a wonderfully honest interview about her struggle to find her purpose and how it lead her to the inspiration she follows today. So keep reading for a smile and her thoughts on her creative process, enlightenment and "contemporary hypbaes."

Hi Kayla! Please introduce your wonderful self!

So nice to E-meet you! I’ll be meeting your audience really soon or probably now that this is live. Hello! I’m Kayla Homenok. I’m born and raised in a french and English borough in Montréal, Qc, Canada called Pierrefonds. (Hello to all my USA and Canadian friends, Canada gang 🇨🇦 !)

I’m a freelancer and artist in the digital realm; my creative passions are content creation, social media, writing, community management, mood boarding, and of course graphic design. I love creating for the wellness & lifestyle world. You can call me a Graphic Designer and Artist for short, that’s my biggest focus at the moment 🦋 I also am a big fan of healing through yoga, reading, cooking wholesome and hearty recipes ( love me some vegan chili!), laws of attraction, and tea.

1. Can you tell us a bit about how you got into graphic design and about your creation process?

In High School, you’re kind of lost towards the end of your years as a student. I was in the midst of not knowing my path and very-very! uncertain! My mental health was very weak…I got my thought process back towards the end of my 4 years and my creative conscience was telling me Graphic Design while we were all applying for college in 2015!

Fast forward to 2018, as a college graduate in Graphic Design, I’ve gained reasonable knowledge and skills but it was only until 2019 I started using Instagram as a safe space for my internal struggles, emotions, and affirmations. As for the Process! It all comes from my soul and if you can keep that level of authenticity your work will be one of a kind.

My steps as an artist go in this order I enlighten myself with a self-help book, yoga, a poem, Tumblr, Pinterest as a point of reference ⇥ I see a phrase that resonates with me ⇥ I generate it the passage directly or interpret the words into a quote on Adobe Illustrator ⇥ the colours represent my aura at that given moment…the gradients and colours you see on Kaysthetics3000 are purely by chance.

2. Who or what are your current biggest creative inspirations?

Do you ever see a vintage ad or self-help book cover from the 80s/90s? That is my inspo. Throughout my years at college, I’ve been a huge fan of vintage 80s/90s design, fashion, architecture, photography! And I try to implement an aesthetic through every aspect of my day/ life.

These creatives inspire me every day:

@violaineetjeremy
@jjjjound
Christión Lennon (associated with @museumofpeaceandquiet)
Subliming.Jpg
Glossier (!!!!)
@broccoli_boy
@saritawalsh
@hanna.k.l
@adamjk
@dorahujber
@elliotisacoolguy
@soultwinstudio
@circa78designs
@house_of_land
@woowoo.nz

3. How would you describe your personal fashion style?

Colour!! And I don’t know if this makes sense but hear me out…A contemporary Hypebae? I love bold statement sneakers, with a neutral outfit, or maybe a navy contemporary prairie dress with a fresh pair of new balances.

ALSO: Comfy if I’m working from home or have a day off…a good graphic tee and sweats. Or my Frank and Oak hoodie and biker shorts 🙂 If I am strolling downtown in the Summer it’s definitely a contemporary, colourful, patterned, dress. Something about a fitted denim overall dress with a white baby tee under it hits just right!

4. What's on your thrift list right now?

How did you know I thrift hehe, thrifted clothes are 95% of my wardrobe!! Here are some finds I dream of: Vintage black velcro Chanel sandals & graphic tees with good words from the 80s/90s. Vintage anything!

5. Where would you go on your ultimate dream vacation?

Somewhere with a huge field, rainforest, or ocean. Somewhere I can cultivate happiness and feel all the elements in that country. I just don’t know which one yet hehe.

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what's something you're really proud of right now?

My growth! My mind, my affirmation building, my safe space, and the community I’ve built on kaysthetics3000. I sometimes am taken aback by the overwhelming support my followers have shown me. I have never felt at home with my art, until now. I am so proud of my consistency and my willpower as a person who struggles with mental & chronic illness!! I can go on with this question, thank you for asking it 🙂
__

Where else can we find you, Kayla?

I am always in my bed, but digitally I’m on Instagram as@kaysthetics and @kaysthetics3000 & Pinterest as Kaysthetics! These are my go-to right now…hopefully when my portfolio gets stronger with the small projects I have coming up you'll see a web link one day! (I even Twitter & Tumblr…but those will be left a mystery 🤫).