Talking to: Michael Winkler from MicWinc

MicWinc who, you ask? Sixteen year old Austrian style blogger and photographer and cool t-shirt maker extraordinaire. He's been taking photos since he was knee high to a blade of grass and since his Facebook page in 2011 became even more popular which led to the creation of MicWinc in November, 2012. I was actually really excited to get to interview Michael, not only because he's a talented photographer but it's really great to see more people my age taking hold of their lives and just doing it for themselves.

Your photography is obviously a very important part of your blog. What got you into it?

I've started taking photos as a very young boy with my parent's camera, and I really fell for doing it. Since then I've grown my experience and specialised in portrait and fashion photography.

 

Michael's portrait photography
His portfolio is here.

Was there anyone who helped you get where you are today? And which photographers inspire you?

Of course there were many people. My first shooting with Laura Jurcevic in Kufstein was the beginning of my portrait photography.
There's one very special photographer, Christoph Schaller from Munich, who's in my eyes one of the greatest photographers in this sector. He inspires me a lot. Tumblr is a great source of inspiration too.

 

Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?

Get your camera, get your friends together, go outside and take pictures, pictures, pictures! You can't learn taking good photos from a book, you have to learn it by doing and living it.

 

Besides taking photos, what else do you like to do?

I love to travel, especially big cities, and of course I love to party with my friends!

 

If you could have dinner with any of the biggest names in fashion, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

That might be Karl Lagerfeld - he's a really brilliant guy with a very good sense for classic style.

 

Who are your favourite fashion bloggers?

My favourite fashion bloggers are MarkyMarc (he's not the type of blogger that writes about new styles etc., but he's a great fashion icon with very interesting style), Christoph Schaller, Scott Schumann and a few more - Kanye West is a big fashion inspiration to me, just as Hip Hop clothing itself has bearing on my style.

 

What is the fashion and photography scene like in Austria?

Austria is a very shy country on that score. Big cities definitely have a lot of well-dressed people, but these guys are very shy to try new and fresh things. When it comes to photography, Austria has a few really good photographers like Manfred Baumann or Andreas H. Bitesnich.

 

Would you say it’s a lot easier to be 'stylish' as a man or a woman?

Of course there are a lot more clothing shops for women, but being well-dressed and stylish does not depend on your gender.

 

Are there any specific rules you think men should abide by in terms of their dress?

Everyone should find his own way he dresses. Clothes can make you individual, no one should abide by some rules.

 

Name five items you never leave your house without and why.

My camera, my iPhone - to stay in contact and take quick pictures of things I should remember, my keys, money, matching clothes.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and whom from?
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - this is the most inspirational quote I know, it's from Apple's Think Different advertisement. 

All images are from micwinc.
Check out Michael's Facebook, Lookbook and Instagram.

Talking to: Luisa Verdee from Green's Life Diary

 Luisa, Luisa, Luisa. She's approachable, fun, casual and unpretentious. If you had to bottle fun minimalism into a stylish Hispanic bottle you'd have Luisa. Definitely a veteran in the blogosphere; she's been around since 2010 when the fashion/style blogging world was still full of vacancies and filled with girls in pretty dresses with boyfriends who had fancy pants SLRs. When you read Green's Life Diary, it's kind of like listening to one of those cool-without-trying-girls talk and tell you about her day but in the way that includes everyone surrounding her, you feel me?

 

What got you into the world of blogging?

I wanted to create a place where I could share all my thoughts and find people who liked the same things I like. My first contact with the blogosphere was Andy Torres’s blog, and I found it because of Elle’s magazine.

 Who are your favorite fashion bloggers?

Right now I love Daniela from Nany’s Klozet, Adriana from Fake-leather and Johanna from Sketchbook Six.

 If you could have dinner with any of the biggest names in fashion, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Grace Coddington; I love her work, her attitude and her sense of fashion.

 

 

 

 

When it comes to make-up and hair what are your favorite looks and styles?

Usually I don’t wear make up, but I love Smokey eyes, and for hair I love curly hair.

What is the fashion scene like in your city? Does this influence the way you dress?

Fashion is directly related with culture, and the city where I live is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. We love color, mixing textures and patterns, I feel that the Mexican’s are not afraid of “too much” and that’s what I love! Minimalism is really nice and chic, but being able to mix a lot of textures, colors and patters is what excites me the most.

 What were your favorite trends from the 1960s to the 1990s and why?

Definitely the 80’s is my favorite year, the minis, the beginning of the leggings, the shoulder pads and the oversized tops are trends that totally changed the path of fashion.

Are there any trends this year that you're in love with and any that you'd like to see die?

I have a hate-love relationship with the black and white trend, I love it because is chic, for everybody and is easy to create thousands of looks. But I hate it because I am getting bored of the same. Also I am in love with the hologram sunglasses trend! I find it very funny and youthful.

Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you've ever received and from whom?

Have fun and enjoy everything you do, being happy is your choice. And it came from one of my best friends.

 

 Find her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and don't forget to stalk her Instagram.
 

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Talking to: Lisa Jasmin from Dear Fashion

Nineteen year old German blogger and makeup artist Lisa from Dear Fashion is a treat. Sincerely so. She has the prettiest blue eyes and her bone structure makes the Tyra Banks in me excited. If I had to sum her style I'd say it was that casual chic you read about in magazines but when you try it out for yourself you're either under dressed or confused. I think being effortless is a birth right, you know? Putting her European aesthetic aside (seriously, how do they do it?) I also admired her, if you will, tolerance. I've grown around people who are very set in their ways and in the fashion community you see many people who believe that there's really only one right way to dress (which is dictated by the celebrities they idolise and the magazines they read) so Lisa was a breath of fresh air.

What got you into the world of blogging?
It came naturally, I just wanted to show my relatives my pictures from my travelling experiences and I searched for a way to make the pictures visible for everyone, everywhere. That was the beginning of my blog.

Who are your favourite fashion bloggers?
Definitely Kristina Bazan. There's no other blog that I love as much as hers.

 

 

If you could have dinner with any of the biggest names in fashion, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I really have no idea because I have so many designers [and] journalists that inspire me so much.

How would you describe the way you dress and what influences your style?
I think that my style is really versatile. I love to dress casual chic; like wearing pumps, nice chino pants and a pretty blouse. But there are also many days where I feel edgy and start wearing Jeffrey Campbell Litas or just something really crazy. My mood creates my style every day.

Are there any style rules/guidelines you follow or rebel against?
I don't follow any rules, because I think if you like the way you dress, it doesn't matter if there's a mix of pattern or anything like that. I totally rebel against the rule that you shouldn't mix styles! I think it's cute to wear a really cute dress with a dark leather jacket.

Describe yourself in ten adjectives.
Chic, trashy, weird, versatile, casual, different, make-up addicted, nuts, classy and girly.

Name five items you never leave your house without and why.
My boyfriend (because he simply belongs to me), my iPhone 4S (because it's just a life saver, haha), my purse (because we need money to survive, right?), my MAC cosmetics Myth lipstick (because it's the most gorgeous lipstick ever) and last but definitely not least my hair tie (because I hate eating with my hair open).

How did you become a make-up artist?
Well, I'm still in training. I currently visit a make up school in my region but I'll finish school in a month. I just had a passion for makeup and my parents are really supportive, so I just went ahead and started and I love it.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in make-up?
Just learn, learn and learn. Suck up tips and tricks like a sponge and try to get to know make up artists that can help you to become better every day. But the main thing is: have passion for make up and love what you're doing!

What are your favourite styles and looks in regards to hair and make-up?
I love the fishtail braid. But for me personally I just love having my hair really sleek. For make up I love freaky, colourful looks! I love coloured eyeshadow, lipstick, whatever. I also love smokey eyes with really flawless skin. But without nice eyebrows, no look will look perfect!
Are there any trends this year that you're in love with and any that you'd like to see die?
I really like the trend of casual pumps. The last year it was really trendy to wear plateau shoes or boots and I liked that as well but this year I am really pleased with the simple high heels. There's not really a trend that I hate because if someone likes it and feel comfortable wearing it, why should I complain? I don't have to walk around with it, right?

Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and from whom? The best advice I got was at an after show party from a hair stylist/make up artist that I really liked. He told me that if I can put make up on somebody that had, like, a plastic surgery "all over her face", I could put on make up on everybody.

 

 

Keep up with Lovely Lisa on Facebook, Twitter, follow Dear Fashion on Bloglovin and Blog Connect and stalk her Instagram - I know I will.

All images are from Dear Fashion.

When It Gets Loud, I Turn it Up

 

Leopard spots, polka dots, zebra stripes, light florals and Aztec prints. Prints are bigger than ever this June/July and I couldn't be happier. I know everything thinks that when you have really loud (sometimes borderline obnoxious) prints they have to be the star of the show but move aside paisley print-- you have to share the spotlight with even more graphic prints, tie-dye and bold colours.

1) Polka Dot: a classic! You can do no wrong with them but instead of going the route of being super girly with a circle, lilac polka dot dress by pairing it with some bows and pastel shoes and cupcakes. Why not make things edgier with some bad biatch shoes, heavy accessories and a beanie with everyone's third favourite year on it?
2) Aztec/Tribal Prints: are also love. I know everyone already wears them in shorts but they're amazing. And you can find similar versions of that TopShop bag at Cotton On, Edgars and Factorie.
3) Jewel/Scarf Print: One of the most glamourous prints. No one did it like Dolce and Gabana last year and I'm so excited that they're making a comeback. There's a really lovely jewel print skater skirt from Mr Price that I can't wait to get a hold of.
4) I was planning to show some ordinary leopard print but then I saw these graffiti leggings and had a vision. A vision of the future. There's a lot of turquoise and pink in the leggings so I matched that in the top, shoes and really cool sunglasses.

And, now, for the two biggest prints this summer:

Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, monochromatic, rainbow. Who doesn't love a good stripe? Or several. The best thing about stripes is that there are no limits to what you can pair with stripes. Do be careful, though, about horizontal stripes as they're fattening.

Florals, florals, florals. In the winter you saw the rise of the dark floral and now in the summer time I've completely abandoned that. White is also a really hot colour right now!

Don't forget to check out Alea from My Style Daily's post on summer style at work.

And the spunky Hannah from Fitness Fashion Mommyhood's post on summer style at the beach.

Yours,
Khenzo xoxo


Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

The lovely Hanna from Fitness Fashion Mommyhood is bringing us her top tips on summer style at the beach.
Since living in Southern California, the beach or pool have been the go to spots for us as a family so I decided to do my summer style for a day at the beach! When I go to the beach I always like to have a hat or something on my head. Find out the rest here.

Like her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, find interest on her Pinterest and stalk her on Instagram. And knowing you'll like what you see follow her blog on Bloglovin'.

Pink shorts, all day, everyday.
Yours, Khenzo
xx


  

Summer, summer, summertime

So I know it's not technically "summer" down here in the southern hizzy-hemisphere (that was me trying to be 'hip') but if you actually live down here you know it feels exactly like summer - sometimes hotter than the summer.
I'm collaborating with a couple of other bloggers to do a series of posts on summer style. So be a babe and check out Alea from My Style Daily.

Summer style at work can sometimes be a challenge. The weather warm out and you want to be comfortable, but not reveal too much skin. One of the best ways to achieve comfort and style during the summer at work is by wearing a dress.
Read more here.
Also, like her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, find interest on her Pinterest and stalk her on Instagram.



How adorable is this sundress?
Yours,
Khenzo

Talking to: Ludo and Andrea from It's About LA

So couples and fashion blogs are pretty synonymous but you hardly ever find that said couple are both in front of the camera. I absolutely love Ludo and Andrea and their very minimalist approach to fashion and they all their well composed photographs.  Also, I'm a sucker for a little Jungle Fever.

How did you two meet?
We first meet at a party. Then we started to talk about everything and that's how we realize that we were similare and we have exaclty the same hobbies.

What made you decide to begin a fashion blog together?
Because fashion is something very important to each of us. We thought that there weren't enough blogs with couples, that's why we decided to create a fashion blog together. So we can share our fashion's view with the blogosphere.

When you're not taking great photos, what can we find you two doing?
We can be found shopping, watching movies, listening to music, talking about many topics and eating lots of nice food.

Besides fashion, what other interests do you share?
We can say that we are exactly the same person, we really love the same things and we also have the same way of thinking. We always agree on everything. We listen to the same style of music and we have the same way of seeing the life and the world.

Are you both from Paris originally?
No, we are both from Angoulême. It's a city known for comics, there is a festival every year. We actually live there.

Well, how would you describe the fashion scene in Paris?
Fashion in Paris is really chic but it's casual too.
Andréa: I personnally think that the Parisian wants to give the cliche of the "chic à la française" so they wear chic jacket or high heels with a jean and lose t-shirt. I think that people who are not French think that we have a really good sense of fashion but it's just some people. A lot of person are simple and don't have great looks like we see at Fashion Week.

Do you have any favourite places to shop in Paris?
We are not Parisians so it will be difficult to give you some really good addresses. There is a shop where they sell watches from many brands, the place is really cool and some [of the] watches are not so expensive. The address is Rue Tiquetonne and the name of the shop is Chez Maman.
Are there any French blogs that you like?
Paris is a big city of fashion. So there are many fashion blogs but some of them are very cool. Our favourites bloggers from Paris are Betty, Adenorah , Kenza and many others.

How would you describe your sense of style?
We don't want to have the same style as the other people. That's why we always trying to have unique clothes, we are not the ones who will wear the "must-have" [clothes]. We want to wear clothes that we like, not because they are trendy.
So we describe our styles in constant evolution.

What is a great influence on your personal style?
Ludo: For me Andrea is my influence. Everytime I want to buy something I always need her advice and the same for Andrea. We are just like partners [in] shopping.

June is the beginning of a new season. What are your favourite trends for summer and what are your least favourite?
I think you need boat shoes, a bomber jacket, a soft jacket, a hat like a panama or a wide-brimmed hat and shorts because it's more comfortable than skirts or dresses - and don't forget the sunglasses.
Least favourite for us [are] Vans sneakers and sweaters.

Items you never leave the house without.
Ludo: My phone and my credit card.
Andrea: My phone and bag.

Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Ludo: 'Live the present day like it was the last,' from my mom.
Andrea: 'Never be influenced by other people' from my grandma.

Find Ludo and Andrea on their blog It's About LA.



All images are from www.itsaboutla.blogspot.fr

Talking to: Leah R from The Frill Seekers

Leah is a tart. I actually developed a teensy bit of a tooth ache reading through her blog and loving how sweet and sincere she is in her posts. She isn't one of the bloggers who want a me-me-me-me page on the internet but she just says what she thinks and what she likes and posts some really pretty photos. Also, how cute is she? Ridiculously so.

What got you into the world of blogging? And how did you decide on the really cute name of your blog?
A couple of years ago I got really into reading fashion magazines (though technically they were just the style section of my parents newspaper) and I came across  fashion bloggers who really inspired me to start my own.
Well, I'm going to have to give credit to my friend for the name, as I  was struggling with finding a good one and she came up with it and it just clicked - its cringy but my first blog name was 'fashionphotographyandblog'.

Who are your favourite fashion bloggers?
CoMonroe  - she is my favourite, her photography is so great too
Rookie Mag  - not really a fashion blog but they have a great style section
Ms Vintage Virgin  - her outfits are crazy but amazing
Fashion Rush  - also loving her outfits at the moment

If you could have dinner with any of the biggest names in fashion, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Coco Chanel - it's kind of obvious.

You live in the UK but you also visit Spain quite often. How different are the fashion scenes between these two countries?
Very different! The way I see it is that England is cooler and more ahead in terms of vintage and experimenting whereas in Spain they are more stylish and elegant yet their fashion scene can get a bit samey and boring - especially the small town where I am from.

Where are your favourite places to shop in the UK and Spain and why?
[In the] UK it has to be Urban Outfitters, Charity shops (they don't exist in Spain), Topshop and H&M. I love Zara in Spain and Stradivarias and Pull & Bear are also great.

How would you describe the way you dress and what influences your style?
My mixed background means that I am quite influenced by things I get to see when I travel abroad. I'd say I don't have a defined style, because I like changing it to suit my mood. I'm mostly influenced by what I see on other people, or my grandmas are a big source of influence as well as other fashion bloggers of course..oh and Lana Del Rey

You work/worked at the British Heart Foundation, which is a charity store? What’s that like?
It was awesome, not only did it make me feel like I was doing something good for the charity (its voluntary) but I also developed my passion of styling because my role became focused on styling the mannequins. It made me aware that you can easily make anything look good. Clothing is not exclusive.

You’re obviously a big fan of photography. Who are some of your favourite photographers?
I love art and photography, to be honest I haven't ever studied it so I don't know much about it but I love Cindy Sherman and Norman Parkinson.

Do you plan on taking photography as a career? Or art? (Your drawings are really great.) If not, what do you plan on doing?
At the moment I'd love to do something to do with the creative industries, whether that [is] art or photography or fashion I have no idea! I probably prefer art to photography but I also love writing as well as my languages (Spanish and French) so I'm a bit stuck! I'm just gonna go with the flow and see where the tide takes me.

Your friend, Sophie, is featured quite a bit on your blog. Is she often the focus of your photography and do you ever style her?
I love to bring my friends into my fashion blog to make it more personal and fun because they have great style and I don't want the blog to be all about me; plus I get to test out my photography (don't get the same satisfaction using self-timer). I love to do collaborative posts where we think of a theme, e.g. Molly Ringwald in the Breakfast Club and use each other’s wardrobes to make-up outfits. It’s like a dress-up game, only we ain’t kids no more.

You’re very into music. What are your top five favourite songs at the moment?
At the moment I'm in love with No Angels by Bastille ft. Ella (it’s a remix of TLC’s No Scrub and something by the XX, I think - so good.
The Kooks – Naïve
Imagine Dragons – Demons
I love Wicked Games cover by Coeur de Pirate 
As We enter by Nas and Damien Marley

What are your trends for June/July are you absolutely in love with and which ones would you like to see end?
I am so over studs. I used to be really obsessed [with them] but they kinda look a bit tacky when overdone now. Love the new dungaree trend, though not sure if I'd go for full length and pretty, lacey tops are essential for summer.

Are there any style rules/guidelines you follow or rebel against?
I never mix prints. I like co-ordination a bit too much sometimes (my Spanish influences) and never ever wear Uggs or Crocs - even if ugly shoes are for fashion, they are ugly full stop.

Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and from whom?
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain -- someone I know.







Find Leah on The Frill Seeker and fan her on Lookbook.

All images are from Leah's blog.