Meet Jessica Ebacher: Feminist, dynamic vintage fashionista, and all around (seriously!) cool lady

Whip smart, socially conscious, wittily funny (she's a fellow pun adoring gal just like me), fearlessly fashionable, and all kinds of beautiful inside and out, this month's interviewee in our ongoing Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger post series is none other than Jessica Ebacher from the fantastic blog Zella Maybe.




I've had the pleasure of knowing this fellow Jessica for a few years now and I can honestly say that her blog is consistently one of my favourite reads.

While vintage fashion (both her own and inspirational images of things that have been whetting her stylistic whistle lately) is a core component of Zella Maybe, it is by no means the only element and I return as much for Jessica's brilliant outfit posts as I do those that delve into other topics as well, such as (but certainly not limited to) history, her city, feminism, and some seriously great link roundups.

Jessica is someone that I'd secretly hoped to be able to interview from the moment this series launched, so when she kindly volunteered, I all but began writing my questions for her right then and there on the spot.

I really admire the thought and perspective that she brings to a plethora of different topics on her site. The creative, fresh, strikingly cool outfits that she sports (many of which delve into a wide range of different eras), the wonderfully active role that she takes in vintage blogging community, and fact that she seems like she'd be incredibly fun to hang out with in person, to boot.

Chicago and Penticton are thousands of miles apart, so that isn't possible at the moment, but I can, very happily, present all of us with a chance to get to know this terrific lady better via today's interview.

Pull up a chair, get comfy and settle in for an awesome interview as we discuss everything from fantasy travel plans to the vintage scene in her city to why Jessica really admires Dita Von Teese.


Thank you so much for this exciting interview, Jessica. For those who are meeting you and your blog, Zella Maybe, for the first time here today, can you please tell us what inspired your site’s name?

My great-grandmother was named Zella May, and I’ve always thought it was a beautiful and unusual name. Originally my blog was called Cakes and Cakes Vintage, because I’d intended to talk about food (cakes), and vintage pinup style (cheesecake).

After I actually started blogging, though, I hardly ever wrote about food, so when I moved from my .blogspot account, I thought it would be nice to choose something a little more personal. I think it has a fun, retro ring to it.


How would you personally define your blog at this point in time?

It’s funny that you ask that, because I’m trying to figure that out myself! I’d say right now it’s 90% fashion, 10% pop culture and politics. Although I do love fashion (to a degree that I freely admit is pretty obsessive), I’d like to put a little more energy into talking about the other things that I’m interested in – books, movies, television, and music, and social and political issues that inspire or anger me. I don’t expect everyone to be as interested in those things as I am, but one of the things that I enjoy as a blogger is the opportunity to speak my mind about a variety of topics.




If you could start over again with your blog, is there anything that you’d do differently this time around?

This might sound silly, but I wish I’d started wearing sunglasses sooner! I often take photos in very bright sunlight, and there are some that I feel would look so much better if only I wasn’t squinting so hard. I also wish that I’d gotten out of my back yard a little bit sooner. While shooting in a private location gave me the freedom to be creative with my posing, there was a big jump in the quality of my images once I moved out into the world.


What’s something you wish that people knew about your blog that few (likely) do?

I wonder sometimes if people realize quite how much of my free time blogging takes up. I only post twice a week, but in a typical week I’ll probably spend about 8 hours doing work for the blog. Between brainstorming ideas, prepping for, taking, and editing photos, and typing up posts, it ends up being a sizable chunk of my evenings and weekends. There are some evenings where I’m on a time crunch and wish I could just zone out on the couch and watch TV, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.


And what about your wardrobe?

I’m never not shopping. Even if I’m not buying anything, I’m always looking for new inspiration, or planning purchases, or trying to come up with different ways to wear the clothes that I already have. It’s a labor of love, but sometimes it starts to resemble the Augean Stables.


Never say never, of course, but are there a few items of clothing/types of accessories that you could just never picture yourself actually wearing?

Boxy 60s suits are just not my jam. I love a lot of 60s styles, particularly mod looks, but I feel like the classic Jackie Kennedy suit tends to make practically everyone look like a brick, unless you’re a leggy supermodel type.


How about one or two that you’d love to wear, but haven’t quite figured out how to pull off yet? (Socks + heels and women’s neckties are two that fall into that camp for me personally.)

I feel like with fashion, where there’s a will, there’s a way. You might have to do a lot of experimenting with different versions of a particular item, or tweak a tricky silhouette to make it more flattering, but I can’t think of anything that I’ve really loved that I haven’t been able to make work. Of course, sometimes making it work means throwing out the rules about what is and is not flattering on your body and just saying, “To hell with it, I feel cool in this.”




Your wardrobe is comprised of a marvelous assortment of genuine vintage, vintage appropriate and newer pieces. What are some of your favourite places (online and/or off) to source wearables from?

The list is so long! One of the consequences of “never not shopping,” I guess. I get a lot of my vintage locally, at a store called Knee Deep Vintage. Unfortunately they do not sell online, but that helps them keep their prices down. If you’re ever in Chicago, you really must stop in!

If I’m shopping online, I always check out Very Vintage Store and Voyeur Vintage, both of which have a great selection of pieces at a reasonable price.

Thrift stores can be a great place to find vintage appropriate items if you’re willing to spend the time. The pants that I wear most often, a pair of 90s Ralph Lauren wool trousers that I wore at least twice a week every week while the weather was cooler, were a thrift store find. Other than that, I also shop quite a bit on sites like Asos, Zara, and H&M. Because fashion is so cyclical, you can almost find something vintage inspired.


You’re a big fan of rocking lots of different hair colours, cuts and styles. Has there been a standout favourite for you over the years?

I looooooooooved my middy cut. Seriously, the best hair of my life was courtesy of that cut. Unfortunately, it ended up being really high maintenance, and it was frustrating to never have the option to just wash and go. Still, I highly recommend getting one, at least for a little while, if you enjoy authentic vintage hairstyles.




One you’d probably not want to repeat?

My platinum blonde phase. I always love being blonde when I’m blonde, but the moment I go darker I realize just how washed out I looked.


What role, if any, does feminism play in the context of your wardrobe?

I think feminism, in that context, is the freedom to wear what I want. I can be hyper-feminine and wear pink from head to toe, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not strong and confident.

I can wear men’s clothing, but that doesn’t mean that I’m ashamed to be a woman. I can cover up without feeling like I’m conforming to anyone’s idea of modesty, or I can wear a sexy, revealing dress just because I want to celebrate my body. I don’t have to conform to a particular idea of womanhood – I can just be the person that I want to be.




You live and work in the beautiful, historically rich city of Chicago. What are some of your favourite elements of life there?


There’s so much to love, I’m not sure I can cover it all. First and foremost, the food! I love trying different cuisines, and I wanted to, I could try a different one for dinner every night for a month and still have more places to go. I grew up in rural Colorado, and it was a big deal when we finally got a Chinese restaurant in my town, so sometimes there sheer number of choices here is almost overwhelming.

There’s also great architecture, a lively music scene, and plenty of great shopping, including a number of well-known vintage stores. On a more practical level, it’s easy to get around if you don’t have a car. I never learned to drive, so safe bike lanes and a great public transportation system are really important to me.


Does Chicago have much in the way of a vintage/rockabilly/pinup girl scene?

Very much yes. I’m lucky to live in the neighborhood that I feel is kind of the heart of that scene, since I’ve met a lot of cool, stylish, and talented folks because of it. The bar across the street from my house hosts a band called The Fat Babies every Wednesday and Sunday, and so many people turn up in amazing vintage ensembles to dance, socialize, or just enjoy some tunes and a beer. It’s wonderful to have that kind of community around, and of course that’s part of the reason there are several great vintage stores in walking distance of my house.




You and your partner have found some seriously cool locations to take blog photos in. Do you have any tips that you’d like to share with us for scouting and/or making the most of unique photography locations in one’s town/city?

My biggest tip – be bold! I mean, don’t get yourself arrested, but there are a surprising number of not quite public spaces where you can get away with shooting if you try. For the most part, people don’t even question it if you act like you belong. Be safe and be smart, but if you see what looks like a cool location, see if it’s accessible.

Admittedly, this is much easier to do if you have a partner in (sometimes literal) crime. I don’t think I’d have the guts to sneak onto a construction site if I was by myself. You cover a wide range of topics on your blog, in addition to sharing your some of your awesome outfits there with us.


What are some subjects that you’re especially passionate about discussing on Zella Maybe?

Feminism is a very important topic for me, of course. There are so many different ways that women, particularly women of color, are disenfranchised in America, and I think it’s incredibly important to speak out about injustice when you see it.

Some issues are literally life and death, like the disproportionally high homicide rate against transgender people, especially trans women of color. Other issues might seem trivial in comparison, like the representation of women of color on screen, but I think that if we don’t talk about these issues – large and small alike – we’ll never see the progress that we need to achieve anything like equality.


On top of your wardrobe and blog, what are some of your favourite ways to incorporate vintage into your daily life?

I enjoy old Hollywood films and watch them on a regular basis, and several of the shows that I watch are period shows – Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Mad Men, Agent Carter. Other than that, though, I live a pretty modern life. I know there are those out there who’d like to step back in time, but I’d really only want to be a time traveler if I could bring some clothes back with me.




In your opinion, what are some of the reasons why vintage fashion holds such widespread appeal to wearers the world over – and as time goes on, do you think we’ll see more/less/about the same number of 20th century fashion fans?

By far the most popular and widely recognized “vintage” look is the Dior New Look silhouette, and for a very good reason: it looks amazing on practically any woman. A nipped waist over a full skirt is just really flattering, whatever body type you may have.

I think there are a lot of women out there who love how uniquely and distinctively beautiful it can make them feel. I think Dita Von Teese said it really well when she talked about “created” glamour vs. “natural” beauty – when everyone else is rocking jeans and a t-shirt, it can feel really glamorous to put on your full, 50s style skirt, a silky blouse, and a swipe of red lipstick. Frankly, I think it’s a lot more achievable for many women. Not everyone can be a Victoria’s Secret model, but anyone can be a pinup.

Beyond that, I think there are a lot of vintage lovers out there who enjoy being part of a niche community. I love the rare occasions when I serendipitously encounter another person wearing vintage – the eye contact, the nod, the little smile. Even if you don’t stop and chat, it’s really lovely to have that moment of connection.

It’s like seeing someone wearing a t-shirt from your favorite band, or hearing someone speak your native tongue when you’re in a foreign country. Of course, vintage means different things to different people. When I wear vintage, I feel subversive, like I’m not conforming to a modern standard of beauty and style. For some, it’s a conservative gesture, signifying a sense of disillusionment with modernity. Still, the shared culture and love of a vintage aesthetic is there, and it can be wonderful.


Five people (past or present) whose styles never fail to inspire you?

There are so many! But to choose just five, I’d have to go with:

1. Audrey Hepburn: Whether she was playing a princess in romantic 1950s style or a clumsy thief in mod, 60s fashions, she always looked impeccable.

2. The Teddy Girls: More of a movement than a particular person, I love how those girls blended the new and the old, the masculine and the feminine. Every time I see a photo, I’m inspired all over again.

3. Dita Von Teese: I know, what’s more cliché than a vintage lover talking about Audrey and Dita? But clichés exist for a reason! Dita is the definition of a woman who knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to go for it. I love coming across paparazzi photos of her on the street, because her street style is surprisingly realistic, even for people who aren’t stars.

4. Blair Eadie from Atlantic-Pacific: As a general rule, I don’t follow modern bloggers, but Atlantic-Pacific is the exception. I love how much thought and detail that she puts into her outfits, and she’s always perfectly coordinated and polished. Aspirational style at its best.

5. Phryne Fisher: She may be fictional, but she’s the best dressed woman in the 1920s, and I am here for that.

{The breathtaking view from the dashboard that Jessica took while on holiday to Iceland.}

If you could only pack one (big!) suitcase and one carry-on bag for a year long trip around the world, what sorts of clothing, shoes and accessories would you want to take with you?

I like to think I’m pretty good at packing for a trip, if I say so myself! I’ve traveled for 10 days with just a dress, a pair of pants, and 2 shirts, so this is one area of my life where I don’t mind minimalism. I’m going to presume that the weather is pleasant wherever I’m going (so no coats), and say that I would bring along:

1. A nautical striped shirt

2. Two cotton/silk white button down shirts

3. Two short sleeve knit tops

4. Two lightweight cashmere cardigans

5. A pair of wide legged pants

6. A pair of skinny, cropped pants

7. Two calf length skirts in solid colors

8. A slinky cocktail dress

9. A lightweight waterproof jacket

10. Three pairs of shoes: black flats, black ankle boots, and black heels you can walk in

11. A few bright colored scarves

12. A great swimsuit

Call me crazy, but I really think that would be enough for me to travel and feel well-heeled! With the constant change of scenery, I don’t think you need much in the way of clothing or accessories. If I were really travelling for that long, I’d probably cut it down even farther so that I could make do with just a backpack.




And what would some of the stops along the way on this imaginary journey be for you?

Travelling is one of my favorite things in life, so I’ve thought quite a bit about where I’d go if I could just take off for a year or two. I’d probably start in Ireland and zigzag my way across Europe.

There are so many cities and countries that I’d like to visit it would get silly to list them all, so just assume that if you’ve heard it’s cool, I’d stop and see it. After that, on to Asia – India, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the works.

And since this is an imaginary trip, I’d also like to see an imaginary version of the Middle East, where all of the amazing history is intact and ISIL, the Taliban, and other extremist groups aren’t threatening the lives of those who live there. Iran in particular sounds so beautiful, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to see it in my lifetime.


With the ever changing landscape of the blogging world in 2016. Why do you (personally) feel that blogging still has relevance and importance, and what inspires you to keep going in the face of ever great social media dominance?

Hm. What keeps me going? Probably stubbornness. Definitely longwindedness.

At the risk of sounding like a nihilist, I don’t necessarily think that blogging is either relevant or important, but I also don’t think it needs to be in order to be worth doing. It’s just fun! I love thinking about fashion; I love getting dressed up and taking photos; I love writing about all of the different things that I get to write about. Would the world be substantially different if I didn’t do these things? Only my own little world.

I also don’t really make that much of a distinction between blogging and using social media – to me, it’s just a different way to do the same thing. Where blogging has more depth, social media has made a virtue of brevity.

On my blog, I have the luxury of space and a time. I can post half a dozen different photos of an outfit (full-length, front and back, detail shots, action shots) and tell a full story to create context. On Instagram, I would never post more than two photos of the same outfit (maybe three, if I really loved the shots), because it would be repetitive. I try to keep my captions and hashtags pithy, because no one’s going to read a long one.


Part of it, I think, is a generational thing. I’m generalizing here, but I feel like traditional fashion bloggers tend to be slightly older, and we model our posts after magazine spreads. People who started out sharing their outfits on Instagram have a much more intuitive sense how to compress a post into a photo (or two) and some hashtags. Kids these days, I tell ya. Post a photo of a lizard with the caption “me” and everyone knows what they mean.


What sorts of plans/goals/dreams do you have for your blog this year and beyond?

This year, I’d really like to push myself a little bit when it comes to blogging. I’ve always tried to create quality content; now I’d like to try and get more eyes on it. I’ve already invested in a higher quality camera and have been trying to be creative with my outfits and my shoot locations, and I’d also like to start advertising (within my budget, of course), collaborating with other bloggers, and start posting more often on a slightly broader range of topics.

I know that in order to do that I’m going to have to be better about planning ahead – brainstorming more post ideas, doing more photo shoots ahead of time so that I have some in reserve for when I’m ill or the weather is crappy.




And last, but certainly not least, can you share five things with us that never fail to bring you joy?

1. My fiancé Brian (pictured above), who is consistently kind, supportive, and dead sexy.

2. This “perfume ad” from an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. 16 seconds of pure joy, baby.

3. When a stranger on the street lets me pet their dog.

4. Pad thai.

5. A new dress.

Connect with Jessica on the following sites:


Her blog 

Facebook 

Instagram 

Pinterest 

Meet the past interviewees who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:

February 2015: Emileigh | March 2015: CiCi | April 2015: Helen Mae | May 2015: Esther | June 2015: Ms. Falcon | July 2015: Jessie, and Laurence & Sylvain| August 2015: Holly | September 2015: Rhia | October 2015: Franny | November 2015: Emily | December 2015: Porcelina | January 2016: Nora | February 2016: Kate | March 2016: Carla

♥ ♥ ♥

Massive thanks for this downright excellent – and very insightful – interview, Jessica. It was a joy and an honour getting to know you better, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share so much about yourself, your world, and your blog with Chronically Vintage's readers.

If you're not already following Jessica's blog, run, don't walk, over there and add her to your feeds on the double!

Next up, in the gorgeous mid-springtime month of May, we'll be staying putting in the good, ol' US of A when we talk to another awesome vintage fan with a razor sharp wit all her own, who just happens to be especially fond of shirtwaist dresses, fabulous hats, red lipstick, reading, and the theater (clearly we share much in common!). I can hardly wait!

As always, my marvelous dears, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of this ongoing "Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger" series and for the love you shower on the blogs of those who take part in it as well. It is hugely, hugely appreciated by all involved!

Meet Porcelina: Beautiful UK vintage fashionista, lingerie fan and travel lover

Smart, stylish, sweet, and very accomplished, December's interviewee is none other than beloved British vintage blogger Porcelina from the wonderful site Porcelina's World.

A fellow longtime blogger (her blog launched in 2010), I've had the pleasure of knowing Porcelina for years now and am constantly inspired, impressed, and educated by this beautiful lady, who I feel lucky to count as a dear online friend, too.




Much like myself, Porcelina has a wide range of interests, passions and plates in the air, so to speak. She's working on her PhD, adores a huge range of old school styles, delights in photography, is a devoted blogger (and, very thoughtfully, an avid commenter on other peoples' sites, too), is always up for a spot of travel, and never fails to have a kind, encouraging word at the ready. I really respect Porcelina, her vintage lifestyle blog, and the type of kindhearted, well-rounded woman that she is.

Continue reading, to learn more about this awesome British gal, as we talk about the things that keep her busy, bring her joy, and have her hopping in front (and behind) the lens week after enjoyable week on her terrific blog.


First of all Jessica, I must say what a pleasure it is to be interviewed by you!

Thank you so much, sweet lady! On your blog's about page, you share the eloquent line "Life through vintage tinted glasses", which resonates so deeply with me. Could you please, in your own words, describe some of the key ways that this statement currently rings most true for you?

For me, vintage is not just a connection with clothing and hair styles, but with a way of life, with people who've come and gone, with our history, art and culture. Here in the UK, we're particularly lucky that we don't have to look far to find a fragment of history, or in other words "something vintage". If you're shopping on the high street, you can easily find beautiful and affordable vintage style clothing.




Walking through any town, you'll see architecture from a sweeping range of historic eras. Turn on the radio and you'll hear a song that has obviously taken inspiration from early rock 'n roll, blues, soul or swing. I have to say that the glasses aren't rose-tinted. Most ordinary people would have led a hard life far removed from the Hollywood glamour we commonly associate with vintage eras.


So, I have a healthy respect for the past, and think it's very important to understand it so that we can put into context many aspects of our modern society - be it fashion, politics or music. Seeing "life through vintage tinted glasses" has been particularly relevant in the past year, since I've started writing for British magazine "In Retrospect", as I'm always on the look out for a vintage angle to turn into an article!


Was there one particular event that lead you to launch your blog, Porcelina's World, or was blogging something that you'd felt compelled to do for a long time?

I started my blog in early 2010, and had already loved vintage fashion since childhood, watching old films or episodes of Poirot on repeat, and fantasizing about living in that time and being able to dress in such a glamorous manner. Discovering Dita von Teese and a local burlesque scene gave me the realization that you didn't have to actually live in the past to wear clothing from bygone eras.


I then stumbled upon 'blogs', such as Diary of a Vintage Girl, and Chronically Vintage, of course! I immediately felt connected through a common interest. It was wonderful to be able to use blogs to share my excitement over the sweet vintage brooch I'd found for 50p or the Alfred Meakin gravy boat. Starting a blog was just something I did one day, it wasn't particularly planned. I just thought it was something I'd like to do, partly as a creative outlet, and partly as a way to help open other doors of possibility.




What have been some of the biggest surprises about blogging for you?

That I am still going, nearly 6 years later! Blogging has deepened my passion for vintage immensely. I think my blog has changed and developed a lot since the early years. It used to be much more about things I'd bought or wanted to buy, and any outfit photos were taken on a self-timer in my bedroom. Now I have much more of a regular 'outfit post' schedule, thanks to my husband.

He's a keen photographer, and once I got over the cringing embarrassment of having to strike awkward poses while he took seemingly endless photographs, I could see how much of an asset his skills would be to my blog. I quite enjoy the posing now, especially as we usually tie in a shoot to a day trip somewhere beautiful in our local area of the Welsh Valleys. I'm very grateful that my husband loves vintage as much as I do and is so supportive of my blog.


How about some of your favourite elements?

I think the vintage community is amazing, and I value being part of it. People have been incredibly welcoming, helpful, non-snobby and genuinely down-to-earth. I've learnt so much about vintage clothing, antiques and history, and about the places where people live. I've forged friendships with fellow vintage-lovers not just in the UK, but across the world, and that has been a truly wonderful bonus to blogging. I think blogging opens up your work and friendship circles in a different way to other social networking.

I've had some amazing opportunities through blogging, visiting some fabulous exhibitions, parties and venues, but for me, one of the most wonderful things is still that someone out there on the other side of the world is actually interested in what I bought in the car boot sale for £1 this week.




You have an absolutely fantastic sense of style and are keen on sporting looks from a wide array of decades (each of which look sensational on you, I should add). In general, are is one or more decades in particular that you feel most strongly about?

Thank you! It started with the 1930s, absolutely. My mother loves old Hollywood films, particularly screwball comedies, and growing up I would sit and watch black and white films with her on rainy Sundays. This then led to a Poirot obsession in my teens and twenties. I find my budget and lifestyle restricts me more with 1930s and 1920s styles, so I end up wearing more styles inspired by the 1940s through to the 1970s.

I think I've become much more open-minded about different decades and what they have to offer - for example, I wasn't a big fan of British 1960's styles such as those which Twiggy epitomized, but I've grown to love some of the 1960's American styles as portrayed in Mad Men. There's so much to take from each era, even if on the surface the major trends don't appeal. I find that my appreciation of different eras is cyclical, and I might turn away from 1940s styles only to fall back in love with them a few months later.


Do you enjoy dressing "vintage fusion" style, that is to say, mixing elements from different decades and/or vintage (or repro) + new items together in the same ensemble?

At first, the idea of mixing decades horrified me! I was a bit of a purist, or at least an idealist. Now, I love mixing my decades. On a Sunday at home I might wear some reproduction 1940's swing trousers with a 1970's style top, and 1950's style shoes.

It's a lot of fun to try and get an item from one era to 'go' with something so distinctly from another. It's rare that I dress from head to toe in one era, perhaps only for special occasions or if I'm attending an event that relates to a specific era. I don't have as much wearable true vintage in my wardrobe these days aside from accessories, and so most days I'm likely to be wearing repro or high-street "look-a-likes" with some true vintage touches like brooches. And red lippy of course!




From any era, what are some of your favourite types of accessories?

Gloves were my first vintage accessory obsession. I tend to only wear them in the colder months now, but a white pair in summer with a pretty frock looks very sweet, and you can't beat evening gloves with a gown for drama.

Brooches are another other weakness, especially novelty ones. I am not fussy about era, and buy modern brooches as well as vintage ones. Finally, when the weather allows I love parasols. My mother has inherited a Victorian one in black silk with ivory handle. It's incredibly beautiful. I hope to use it in a photo shoot one day (very carefully!).


How about (fabric) patterns?

I've always been drawn to bold prints such as spots, stripes and checks. I like some florals, if they're colourful and bold enough, which usually means tropical or oriental prints rather than English country garden florals. I adore novelty prints, and have a number of items with dogs and birds on. What would I like to wear but don't? Pucci prints are something I admire on others but don't feel they suit me personally.


Like myself, you're a passionate reader and periodically share book reviews on your blog. What are your favourite types of books?

Classic crime novels written or set in the 1930s and 1940s are entertaining, easy to read, and usually involve glamour, country estates, and diabolical motives. What more could you want? I also enjoy historical fiction, by classic authors such as Daphne Du Maurier, and modern writers such as Lisa Jewell and Amor Towles. In stark contrast, my other favourite genre is probably Science Fiction and Fantasy. I love authors such as John Wyndham and Robin Hobb. I am currently re-reading Ursula Le Guin's 'The Left Hand of Darkness', which I have been afraid to re-read because it was so good the first time.


Do you enjoy collecting and/or reading actual vintage books, too?

I have a small collection of vintage books, but they're more the falling-apart and mottled kind than antique and valuable! The collection includes a few old Agatha Christie books that my husband bought me as presents. I also have film annuals, and trashy doctor-nurse romances from the early 1960s that you can't read without becoming a bit more of a feminist.




A while back you moved into a wonderful looking early 20th century home that you and your husband have been renovating and revamping. When you were house shopping, did you specifically look for an older home or was it just a fortunate happenstance that you acquired the one that you did?

We knew we didn't want a new build, and in the United Kingdom buying an older property is the norm. (Because I like facts and figures, I looked up the statistics and found out that over 70% of the UK housing stock is older than 1958. Of those homes, 20% are at least 100 years old!) I visualized my husband and I buying a Victorian property, as we had been living in Victorian terraces while we were renting, so it was quite a surprise when we found our 1935 house. It was even more of a surprise to me that it wasn't located in the city where we were living, but in a semi-rural location in a former mining community.

I can't say it was love at first sight, because it was just so different to what I'd imagined, but it ticked all the boxes and was under budget, and it only took one more viewing for me to realize that it was "the one". There was a bird of prey circling the house as the mist rolled down the valley, and I took it as a sign! Since moving into our house, I've found a new appreciation for the architecture and interiors of the 1930s, and I've read everything about them that I can lay my hands on.


Are you going for a "time warp" sort of look with your decor, or is it a more diverse mix of pieces from various decades and design styles?

It's definitely not a time warp, but the decor and furnishings have to compliment the building. I had to abandon ideas of sleek Deco minimalism, and my husband his notions of more rustic decor. We are lucky to have some original features, such as parquet flooring. None of the original 1930s fireplaces were in the house, but rather than track down a reclaimed fireplace for our lounge, we decided to install a woodburner on a big slate hearth.

We are in Wales after all, and we have to recognize our location in how we approach our interiors as well as serving the house. Not all 1930s decor appeals to me to be honest - some of the colour combinations were actually a little garish, such as yellow with green in the hallway, and pink with blue in the bedroom. A world away from the Farrow and Ball of the modern generation!

We still have many rooms to decorate but it's a labour of love, and we want to grow into the house rather than having it all done quickly and then realizing that's not how we want it. There's also a question of budget, so lots of our furnishing are acquired little by little from car boot sales, charity shops and skips!

The most difficult decorating issue so far has been what pictures to hang on the walls. I have very feminine pictures of Marlene Dietrich or 1920s fashion plates, and my husband has Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jack Kerouac. We did find a vintage fiesta poster on honeymoon in Seville, and that's up on the wall, so it's a start.


Any firsthand advice for those who may be looking to purchase a vintage home themselves?

Purchasing a home has to be a decision of both head and heart. It's easy with a vintage home in particular to fall in love with its quirky charm, but it has to be functional and structurally sound too! There's a certain responsibility to preserve original features, on top of the inevitable work that will need doing, and so that has to be factored into budgets on top of the price of the house itself.

I think realistically appraising how much work needs to be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take, are all very pertinent things to think about before taking the plunge. Find a really good surveyor, who specializes in older or historic properties. Some surveyors who deal mainly with newer properties get a bit overly-dramatic about all of the potential dangers in older properties (Asbestos! Lead!!) and might scare you off from what could be a wonderful home.




You live in the UK, which has one of the most thriving vintage scenes in the world. Have you had a chance to take part in and/or visit a lot of vintage related events in your area and/or further afield in the country? Is there one in particular that has really stood out for you? And if so, why?

Last year we attended a 1940s weekend at the Black Country Living Museum in the Midlands. The whole museum was taken over by re-enactors, and there were regular air raids! Despite some inclement weather it was a lot of fun, great value and I'd go again in a heartbeat. The people were so lovely, and really keen for you to join in, no matter if you were dressed up or not. It felt very inclusive and I'm sure has helped some folks start their journey into the vintage world. There is always something vintage-related going on in most corners of the UK, and I can't wait to go to more events! Next year we're off to the Goodwood Revival for the first time, which I am very excited about.


Speaking of further afield, you adore traveling and treat us to some great getaway posts on your blog, both from the UK and elsewhere, such as your beautiful recent honeymoon. What are some of your favourite places that you've ever visited?

The United States holds a lot of memories. My husband being a singer-songwriter, we went on a musical pilgrimage across Tennessee, visiting Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax, The Grand Old Opry and other musical landmarks. It was the trip of a lifetime! Otherwise, I really think the UK has some amazing places that we return to again and again, such as the West Wales coast. We have a lot of natural beauty on our doorstep.




What are three that you'd love to see, but haven't yet visited?

I would love to return to California. I last went as a sulky teen. Now, I'd stay aboard the Queen Mary, go to a dinner dance at the Cicada Club, and stroll around a vintage flea market. I would also love to visit more of Europe - Italy and France in particular, as I've shockingly never been to either!




What were some of the ways that you involved vintage in your wedding?

Vintage ended up as a thread running through the whole day as it is a common interest for us, but I didn't intentionally impose a rigid theme. My dress was 1930s inspired, and I carried an oversized rose bouquet as a nod to the Glamelia trend of the 1940s. We invited guests to dress up in their "vintage finery" with an assurance that they couldn't overdress, and it was heartwarming how much effort people made. One male friend even had a 1920s haircut especially! Our reception was held in a 1908 church hall, and that couldn't have been more perfect.

I tried to add lots of vintage touches, with each female guest receiving a vintage brooch that I had collected over the year leading up to the wedding. The cake was in a Deco style, as was all the stationery, and my Mum did a nice display of vintage family wedding photographs. Music throughout the whole day was a mix of Elvis, big band, rockabilly and soul, with live performances and a DJ. It was rockin'!




You're a huge fan of vintage lingerie, did that factor into either, or both, events for you in any way?

Finding lingerie to wear under my wedding dress was one of the biggest headaches of the whole wedding planning! It's very difficult to find garments that work with the more fluid 1930's style wedding dresses, as most modern wedding dresses seem to have boned and strapless bodices.

Finding underwear to work under a low backed, sheer silk, gown is much, much harder. Lots of people said "just go without!" but I could see that going horribly wrong. In the end, I sewed bra cups into my dress myself, and after what seemed like an endless search, I finally found a pair of French knickers from What Katie Did that didn't show through my dress too badly. On my honeymoon I took my little 1920s inspired cropped cami top and shorts, which are a silk mix and lovely and cool in hot weather.


When not blogging, reading, traveling, or working, what are some of your key interests?

It's a simple life really. We do lots of home cooking, mainly low-carb, healthy meals, washed down with some good red wines. I do love trying out recipes from all over the world, and particularly love Moroccan and Lebanese food. I have been practicing yoga for many years but I still try and be stylish in my workout gear, and seek out good quality yoga brands rather than wearing old t-shirts and baggy sweatpants. Creativity is very important in our household. If I had more time I would like to write more short stories and poetry, paint, play music, sew, but I have to prioritize other things at the moment. There aren't enough hours in the day to be honest (so true!!!).



Is there anything about yourself that you'd be comfortable sharing, that your readers might not know about you?

My day job isn't very vintage. I'm an academic, with a background in Health Psychology. I used to deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to patients with anxiety and depression, which I did for years and very much enjoyed. I'm in a pure research role now at a university, looking at the mental health of doctors. I am also doing a PhD, so I will be Dr Porcelina in a few years!


As we head towards 2016, how would you describe your current style?

I very much dress according to my mood and find different eras present women (in particular) in very different ways, so I try to think "who do I want to be today?". Most recently, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries has been quite inspirational, and I have been adding a few kimono jackets and beaded necklaces to my collection, though I'm not going as far as to have a pearl-handled revolver in my handbag.

And last, but certainly not least, do you have any exciting plans - be they travel, work, home renovation, blogging, or otherwise related - that you can share with all of us?

I am going to take on the challenge of being behind the camera a little more! My husband is launching a new album in 2016, so it will be his turn to pose, along with guitars and banjos I imagine. I've helped out with the photography and artwork ideas for his previous albums, and it's a lot of fun. With the new album there will possibly be some more travel opportunities, but they can be very last minute so we'll have to wait and see! 

One place I am definitely going is Greece, as I am attending a conference for work. It's the first time I've ever had the opportunity to travel abroad for work, so I am thrilled. Aside from that, the home improvements will gently continue in the background, and we'll just be enjoying newly married life.

Connect with Porcelina on the following sites:


Good Reads

Facebook

Her blog

Pinterest

Twitter

Meet the past interviewees, up until this month, who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:

February 2015: Emileigh | March 2015: CiCi | April 2015: Helen Mae | May 2015: Esther | June 2015: Ms. Falcon |July 2015: Jessie, and Laurence & Sylvain | August 2015: Holly | September 2015: Rhia | October 2015: Franny | November 2015: Emily

♥ ♥ ♥

Thank you for a flat out stellar interview, Porcelina. You are such a delightful, elegant, highly talented person and I feel honoured to know and get a chance to share in the communal act of blogging with you.

On last month's interview post, a lovely commenter said something that sparked an idea in me. Going forward from this point, I will be linking to all past interview posts that have appeared up until that point in time. That way if you're new to the series or might have missed an entry here and there, you can easily catch up. I really appreciate this idea and want to thank that reader again for their great suggestion.

Next up, at present it looks like we'll be staying put in the good, ol' British Isles and chatting with another uber stylish lady who recently relocated there from the other side of the world. She's another well known name in our circle and I'm sure you'll adore hearing from her, too.

As 2015 quickly nears its end, I want to take a moment to wholeheartedly thank every one of the fantastic folks around the world who took part in this year's exciting Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger interview series, as well as all those of who commented on, shared, and even blogged about these delightful posts. One of my favourite things is bringing members of our community together (further) and I feel honoured to be able to do just that here each month through these reoccurring posts.

I have tons of awesome interviews lined up for 2016 already and can hardly wait to bring you in-depth chats with more of the folks who help make the online vintage world the truly beautiful, welcoming, and flat out fun place that is.

Here's to the next year of vintage blogger interviews and beyond!!!

Meet a fellow vintage blogger: Art deco fashion loving, super talented Finnish sewer Rhia

Unquestionably one of the most enjoyable aspects of this exciting ongoing vintage blogger interview series is the many diverse corners of the world from which those who take part in it hail from. Today I have the immense pleasure and honour of sitting down - via email, that is - with none other than Rhia, a wildly talented, sweet as can be, passionate vintage adoring seamstress from Finland who blogs about her love of the past on her blog, the Evil Dressmaker.

{The awesomely stylish Rhia sporting the one genuine 1920s dress currently in her wardrobe - and looking thoroughly amazing in it, if I may say so myself!}

Rhia is one of those ladies that you instantly admire. She is an accomplished sewer, a devoted vintage lifestyle enthusiasts (with a particular penchant for 1920s and 30s garb), a historical costumer, a makeup maven, a choir singer, and so very much more.

She radiates passion, loveliness, skill and it is instantly clear that she pours her heart and soul into everything that she does. I am much the same way and so adore it when I get a chance to talk with others who live their own lives and celebrate their own passions with this kind of devotion and wholehearted-ness.

Join me, won't you, as we get to know one of Finland's most beloved old school fans better in today's fabulously fun new vintage interview post.



You are an incredibly talented seamstress, could you please tell us about what lead you to start selling your vintage style handmade garments?

I suppose my own business has always been my dream, so I think it was pretty much my goal since the moment I started studying to be a seamstress. Vintage jumped on board much later. I also want to bring people better quality than you’d find from the average chain brands.

{A tremendously talented sewer, Rhia made this spot on 1930s looking vintage reproduction dress herself that many people have since thought was the genuine vintage deal - a testament to her incredible skill as a historical seamstress.}

You have a lovely Etsy shop, where else do you sell your wonderful creations?

Occasionally I can be found at local sales events and fairs. I also have my little workroom boutique where I have my collection on display and customers are always welcome to drop by when I’m working there.



Do you have a favourite decade (or two) to sew from?

The 30s and 40s are my favourite inspirations for sewing. Both decades have loads of buttons, pretty details and interesting cuts – all of which I love immensely!

{The picture of timeless elegance, Rhia dazzles in this sophisticated 1940s look, which includes a terrific pair of shoes from the Finnish designer Minna Parikka.}

Are these the same years that you most gravitate towards wearing yourself?

The 1920s has always been my favourite era, but during the past couple years I have also started to gravitate towards the 30s. I think that the 30s style actually fits me better than 20s, and these days I mostly love to wear 30s looks. Not that I have many authentic 20s garments mind you. They are very difficult to find here, unless one is prepared to order online and contend with the high price of such.


You also really enjoy making and wearing historical (aka, pre-20th century) costumes as well. What is your favourite pre-20th century time frame to dress from?

When I was a younger my favourite era was Rococoo with huge panier skirts and high powdered coiffures. Now when I actually started making historical costumes my favourite era turned out to be Regency (early 1800s, Jane Austin era). I really love the empire-line dresses and delicate styling. My other favourite is late 1800s, the bustle era, with very narrow skirts with huge behinds (yes, in my opinion, women have to have a proper backside ). But when I think about it, I can find something to like in every era.


Do you take part in many historical reenactment events?

I haven’t really until recently. Last Spring was the first time when I actually took part in any reenactment events. That was the 1700s Spring Ball, then a little over a month ago there was a 1700s fair that I took part in. Those are the only proper reenactment events so far, but next year I’m hoping to do more. I also like old era dances (renaissance and baroque), which I hope to learn better. They are fun and very different to modern dances.

{The breathtaking Regency ensemble that Rhia wore for a 1700s ball that she attended earlier this year.}

What were some of the strong influential factors in the development of your love of sewing?

My mum and granny did a lot of sewing and doing all sorts of handcrafts when I was a kid. I must have been quite young, not even in school yet, when I made my first doll costumes. I have made clothes for myself as for long as I can remember, even before I learned anything about patterns (they were horrid, absolutely horrid I tell you). So I suppose it sort of grew on me. We always had many handcraft tools at home such as weaving looms, knitting machines, sewing machines, etc.


Did/do you have any sewing mentors who have helped shape your path?

I suppose my mum and granny were my mentors in many ways. At least they encouraged me to do handcrafts from very young age, starting  with pinecone cows and cutting rags for loom weaving materials. My schoolmate from commercial school encouraged me to apply to a vocational school of handcrafts, because she knew I love handcrafts.

My biggest mentors were two of my teachers in that school, they were really inspiring and good at what they do. I am very grateful especially to my knitting and textile information teacher. She was the best teacher I’ve ever had, she managed to turn the dullest lectures into very interesting ones.


Have you been a passionate vintage lover for a long time?

Actually no, I have only really been into vintage for about 4 - 6 years or so now. I’ve been interested in vintage fashion for as long as I can remember (first the historical fashion, and later the 1900s decades), but I never really realized that I could actually wear that stuff. I found a Finnish vintage forum in 2010 and joined in.

Then soon after that I started really collecting more vintage garments and wearing them. I had some 1960s and 70s clothes even before that, but I didn’t really call them vintage at that time. I found lots of like-minded people from that forum and made friends with them.

{Rhia looking sublime in one of her favourite 1930s dresses.}

In addition to sewing and wearing vintage styles, what are some of the ways that you weave your love of the past into your daily life?

I also love old architecture, art, music, furniture, magazines, cars, you name it. I’m not purist in any of those fields, so I like stuff from many eras. But all old junk fascinates me in a way. The quality of work and materials, the design aesthetics and so on are somehow appealing. Old technology, old methods, ways and materials are interesting. I like reading about old technology and history. I collect old black and white photos and stereoscopic pictures, hat pins and powder cases. So our home is filled with my “junk” as my boyfriend likes to put it. Recently I have also started to experiment with old food recipes.


Are you member of (the Finland based vintage enthusiast group) Fintage?

Yes I am. It is actually registered association and we got members all around Finland. I’m the vice president. Earlier this month we had shoe fashion show in local museum. Members of the association modeled the vintage shoes in a show, which I curated. Fintage also arranges two major local vintage fairs a year and takes part in smaller vintage related events mainly in the southern part of the country.



What are some things about yourself that you'd like to share with my readers, who may be meeting you for the first time here today?

Tough question this one! Perhaps that I might make loud noise but I don’t bite. I might come across as a very serious person, when you read my writing, but when you see me in the photos, you might realize that I’m actually a bit of a joker. I always reply to comments left on my blog and I hope my rambling is both entertaining and interesting. Readers are also welcome to request posts on topics they'd like me to write about.

{A huge (fellow) fan of costume parties, this is the outfit that Rhia sported last year for Halloween. She was an un-named Star Trek character being attacked by an alien disease.}

What inspired you to start your awesome blog, The Evil Seamstress?

I started reading blogs in 2008 and soon found out it was quite fun thing to do. So I just decided that I’d give it a go and see if I get any readers. First it was more like a public diary. Then I started to move towards daily outfits and tutorials and other craft related stuff. Now it seems to be a combination of both, but I try to keep it interesting.



You are anything but evil, lovely lady, do people ever make unfair snap judgments about your blog, shop, or even yourself because of the word "evil" in that name?

During all these years, only one person (one of my customers, and older lady) so far has actually had any criticism about the name. Most often the comment is that I don’t look evil at all. I think people generally get the idea. It’s a joke about me poking customers with pins. But I don’t really do that - usually I just poke myself with them, pretty much daily actually.



In addition to sewing and fashion, you've very keen on makeup and beauty related topics as well. Can you share more about that love?

My other, all though a bit neglected profession, is makeup artist. I studied that in private school about 10 years or so ago. During my years in seamstress school I got this idea about being able to give customers a whole look, not just clothes. So a couple years after getting my seamstress papers, I went studying to be makeup artist.

However I don’t really have as much time for makeup stuff as I would like. It’s one profession which requires quite a lot of following the current trends, new inventions and keeping up with the industry to be able to give customers what they want. So for now I just settle for posting little snippets on my blog and creating fun looks on my own face. I would really love to learn more about making FX-makeup and prosthetic stuff.

{A fabulous vintage safari style outfit that Rhia wore for a day out at a botanical garden, complete with classic red lip for that hit of lady explorer glamour.}

What are five of your current must-have beauty products?

1. Wine red lipstick which is my makeup staple. My current favourite is Shu Uemura which I’m running low.

2. Setting lotion for my curls. Still in the process of finding the perfect one though, since it must be fragrance free.

3. Tinted lip balm for those days when I can’t be bothered with lipstick. Again, I need it to be fragrance and flavour free, so I’m currently using a local pharmacy brand called ACO.

4. MAC Fluidline eyeliner gel with MAC eyeliner brush. It took several years to find this and I’m not going to change any time soon.

5. Crystal deodorant is absolute must during hot Summer months. Unlike usual deo, you can use it everywhere on the body, like feet and under boobs. Yup, no more smelly boob sweat.


Any makeup secrets or favourite brands that would benefit the stylish gal on a tight budget?

If you are looking for eye shadows with loads of pigments but can’t afford high quality expensive brands, go for theater makeup. They are usually as loaded full of pigment as stage makeup that is made for professional use, and is more affordable than higher end brands. Packages might be uglier, but you get larger amounts of the actual product with same price.

 My favourite stage makeup brands are Grimas (from the Netherlands, very good eye shadow selection at an affordable price) and Kryolan (from Germany, they have a large variety of shadows, powders, makeup bases and quality bushes) which I can buy locally. Check local theater makeup sellers or fancy costume shops for local or international brands.

You can turn any matte finish eye shadow into shimmering one just by applying loose iridescent pigment on top. Going for multi-use products can also save money. Matte lipstick can be used as blush, choose colour that works both ways. Cold brown eye shadow works as contour shadow and ivory or cream shimmering loose pigment works as highlighter, an eye shadow and can be mixed with lipstick to create more shimmering look.

Once I made a whole party makeup looks with just a compact powder, one large eye shadow palette (The legendary Coastal Scents pallet) and lipstick, because I left all my other makeup at home by accident. Coastal Scents pallets are not as good pigment-wise as I would hope for, but if you are looking for massive amount of shades on a tight budget, they work fine. And you can make colours stand out better by applying eye shadow base.


You are such a renaissance woman with a wide variety of interests, what are some of your other passions that we haven't covered here yet?

It's quite a compliment to be called a renaissance woman, as I have always admired people who have many talents, but I suppose I qualify. A couple years ago I finally found the kind of exercise I like, ballet. I’m fascinated by the fact that it can be very relaxed in motion, but still always makes me sweat like crazy. I am hoping that some day my feet are strong enough to try out the pointe shoes.

A year ago I finally took the bull by its horns and joined a choir. I have always wanted to sing, but never had the courage to start doing so until then. I have also taken lessons on singing and I enjoyed every moment of it. It’s so different to anything else that I do it’s sort of way of relaxing to me. After joining in the choir I also managed to finally tackle my other long term dream: to learn to play saxophone. I managed to rent an alto sax via a choir member, but I’ve put that hobby on summer break for now. I’m not particularly good at it yet, but it makes me smile which is the main thing.

But wait, there’s more! I have one more part time profession. On weekends I turn into a glittering burlesque performer Sea Breeze and take my clothes off on stage. I did the International Stockholm Burlesque festival in 2014, which is the biggest Swedish burlesque event, as well as the Helsinki Burlesque Festival and a bunch of smaller local events. I also perform at private parties like birthdays and such. I perform both solo and as a duo with my lovely friend Lolita Love.


Have sewing and/or anything else pertaining to vintage become your full-time job or do you work in another field as well?

Sewing is my only job right now (besides the occasional burlesque gigs) and it’s my own business via co-op. Unfortunately that doesn’t support me full-time yet, so I’m constantly looking for another part time job to supplement my current income.

{Much like here in Canada, winters in Finland get mighty chilly! Layers, wool, fur, tights, and a hat are all a must, as Rhia demonstrates in this lovely cold weather vintage ensemble.}

On your blog, Evil Dressmaker, which you write in both Finnish and English, you share a wide range of awesome tutorials, what have been some of your favourite so far?

My favourite tutorials to write have been fabric covered buttons and a Christmas wreath.  However it looks like my readers have liked most the skate shaped Christmas decorations.


Where do you see the vintage scene going in Finland in the next decade? How about the rest of the world?

It’s becoming more and more popular and it’s slowly turning towards mainstream. Although I doubt it becoming completely mainstream, I suspect that during the next decade it’s getting more and more difficult to make reasonably priced vintage finds.

On the one hand it’s good that people realize old garments are not just something to fill the dump sites with, but good quality and long-lasting garments. On the other hand that also means higher prices and less selection. Also the older the garment, the more difficult to acquire. I think 20’s and 30’s are soonish going to be almost impossible to find.

I think that is happening everywhere, all around the world. I don’t know when we will see the peak of it. Very slowly people are realizing that the modern clothing industry produces very low quality garments and people have started wanting better quality. Basically anything made in 1990s and before that is better quality than modern. And until the fashion industry stops manufacturing low end stuff and starts returning to better materials, I don’t see the end of vintage wearing scene happening anytime soon.


Any exciting plans for your shop, blog, or any other area of your life in the coming months that you'd like to share with us?

I haven’t been able to update my Etsy shop for awhile because I’ve been busy with other stuff. I have been making a test collection of tango clothes. We don’t have any shops in Finland specializing in tango clothes, so my friend, a teacher of Argentinian tango, asked if I’d be interested in that kind of project. So we designed a collection together and I have been selling it in several tango events here in Finland. It has received pretty good reviews so I might continue doing that.

Sewing and handcraft-wise I’m planning new stuff for the blog too. I’m a huge fan of sci-fi and I’m planning on creating some new cosplay outfits, so readers might expect to see cosplay-related posts in the future. I’m also planning some more tutorials on sewing. And if I have time, I’m making similar Christmas-calendar type of set of posts in December (keep your fingers crossed!) to what I have done before. So stay tuned!

Connect with Rhia on:

Her blog

Her Etsy shop

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Ravelry

{Rhia as her burlesque character, Ms Sea Breeze, along with her friend Lolita Love, who also adores all things vintage. Together the beautiful pair form The Valentino Sisters burlesque act.}

♥ ♥ ♥

Seriously, you guys, is Rhia one over-the-moon cool - and incredibly talented - lady or what? I am so honoured that she jumped at the chance to be interviewed for this post series and truly want to thank her for such a stellar, in-depth, engaging conversation. I know who I will be looking her up right away if I ever have the good fortune of being in Finland!

In the next exciting interview, which falls in October, my very favourite month of the year, we will be zooming back to North America, where I'll chat with a dear friend of mine who is as wild about Halloween as I am! She also happens to be a goth gal who adores vintage, a passionate feminist, a whip smart educator, and one all-around awesome person - amongst her many other fantastic points.

I wholeheartedly mean it when I say that I can hardly wait to her interview this woman in a few weeks time - and for those who may be wondering, no, the timing of her post appearing in the very same month as All Hallows' Eve is not entirely a coincidence. :)

Meet a fellow vintage blogger: Old school fashionista Holly Brolsma-Colón

Much as in the offline world, there are certain folks that you meet online and after so many years have passed, you're hard pressed to remember when your paths first crossed. You know that you had an instant connection with that person though and that a bond was formed from the word "go". That sums up things perfectly when it comes to me and my very stylish friend Holly Brolsma-Colón from Long Island, New York.

Many of you may also know Holly from her delightful vintage lifestyle blog Veronica Vintage. She and I have been online friends for a number of years now and share quite a few points in common, but by the same token there are many interesting and inspiring aspects of Holly's life that differ from mine.

It is a tapestry of both that I wanted to delve into as soon as Holly very sweetly answered by call earlier this year for participants to be interviewed as part of this series.

Holly has faced a lot of challenges in her life and met them all with grace and unflappable strength. She is a beautiful woman not only on the outside, but very much on the inside as well. She's fun, sweet, smart, and super stylish. I highly suspect, if this your first time meeting Holly, that you'll quickly find yourself as drawn to her as I was (and am!).


The instantly eye-catching tagline on your blog, Veronica Vintage, is "One woman's trip from Modern Monotony to Vintage Vixen", can you please expand on this and share with us a bit about how you came to adore vintage and live an old school filled life?

I found myself always drawn to the days of old. My grandmother (pictured below) would tell me stories of when she was younger and show me her photos and I just felt at home. I had no idea there was a culture that embraced this until October of 2011, when I visited the Bettie Page store at the Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas. That was it! I was set. I found my home.



I used that tag line because I felt what I was living was indeed "modern monotony" - the same drab clothing everyone else was wearing that was supposed to be "fashionable". Nothing unique about it. Then I found the vintage lifestyle. I have never gotten more compliments and good responses since! I have never felt more confident either.


Do you find that your drawn more towards genuine vintage pieces, vintage reproduction styles, pinup/rockabilly looks or a combo of two or more of those things?

I am drawn to all of it. I find I wear a lot of vintage repro/pinup for casual day looks, and genuine vintage for outings or when I want to look just a little more "put together", if you will. It all depends on my mood! I have never been a vintage purist. Wear what makes you feel good and what you like! This is your style, your life - so live it!




You currently live in Long Island, New York. How have you found the vintage shopping scene to be there? Are there many other people in your area with a passion for the vintage lifestyle?

I am a bit of an odd duck out here when it comes to my style. But I love that! I love being unique and standing out. I am only a few minutes from NYC, so everyone around likes to wear the latest fashion trends. Everyone just ends up looking the same! I can safely say I am not like that. The shopping here for vintage however, leaves much to be desired. I much more often than not buy online. You would think there would be great vintage here, but it all seems to be in the Midwest!


Like so many of us, do you often buy more of your vintage/repro clothing online? What are some of your favourite sites for such?

I overwhelmingly buy online, due to the lack of good vintage around here mentioned above, and also because I'm not a petite gal! I buy on eBay quite often, and from Etsy sellers I have gotten a rapport with. I am also on several Facebook groups, one in particular called the Hefty Hideaway. It's hard but not impossible to find good vintage for those with waists over 30"!




When not filling your days with vintage awesomeness, what do you for a living? Does your job overlap with your passion for the past at all?

As of the moment, I am working for a lawyer and work on tort & insurance cases. But I am finally working on getting into the field I am really passionate in, and that's medicine. I am working towards becoming a physician assistant and getting into the orthopaedic specialty, since I have so much knowledge and [first hand] experience in it!


You launched your blog in October 2011 and have kept it going for nearly four years now. What drives/motivates you to keep blogging?

I love to share what I am passionate about. I love to teach and let others know about the things I come across. I find there are very few things for which I am truly passionate and actively have an ongoing love affair with; one of those things happens to be all things vintage (the others are medicine, the military, and animals). If I can help just one person, whether it be enlightening them, making them feel welcome to this community, or just making them laugh, that makes it all worth it to me.


Have you made many new friends, online or off, through your blog and/or love of vintage in general?

I've met you! :-) (Jessica's note: Aww, thank you!!!) I have met so many people and made so many connections, it's amazing. This community is so supportive and we all just want to lift each other up (while wearing fabulous vintage!). I've met fellow bloggers, musicians, makeup artists, photographers, and fellow enthusiasts just from our shared passion for vintage.



You're a devoted animal lover, like myself, and have three super cute pets. Can you tell us about them?

We actually just recently added a puppy to our little fur family! His name is Waffles, and he's a Shichi (Shih Tzu/Chihuahua mix) and he's the cutest puppy this side of the Mason-Dixon. He's only 6 months old. We have three cats too: Blankie, 10 months; Gustavo (after Gus Fring from Breaking Bad), 2 years; and Stinky (a nickname that stuck!), 3 years.

My husband and I are passionate animal lovers. We have talked about opening our own animal rescue after he retires from the police department so we can help as many animals as we can!


You got married last year and shared about your special day on your blog when you did (which was so lovely to see!). Did you know the moment you got engaged (or even before then!) that you wanted to wear a vintage style wedding dress?




I knew even before the question was popped! I knew I wanted a completely vintage affair. Unfortunately, it wasn't able to be that way exactly due to his job, but I still got my vintage themed dress and I helped him pick out his tux in a vintage style.

We got married on a yacht and then took a cruise around Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. It was a small wedding, but we aren't flashy "look at us" types. Smaller affairs are much more intimate and fun, and that's just what it was!


Does your husband (pictured above and below) share in your love of vintage?




I would say he tolerates it, but doesn't share my love for it, hahah. He appreciates the old cars and some of the styles, but he's a typical man and wants the latest and greatest. He knows how much I love my vintage, so he is fine with me having the vintage decor all over like I do, and also the fact that I have taken over all of the closets with my clothing!


What are five of your favourite types of vintage/repro garments?

I love a good novelty print dress. I'm a sucker for them. I also love waist cinchers - nothing gives you a more fabulous wasp waist and gives you a real hourglass figure like they do. They also flatten out any bulges, which is also a plus! And high waist capris/pedal pushers - I would wear them every single day all year-round if I could! I adore my vintage jewelry - Bakelite, brooches, confetti lucite...I could go on! And what kind of vintage dame would I be without my requisite red lipstick?


Do you have any fabulous vintage hairstyling and/or wardrobe tips that you'd like to share with us?

Don't be afraid to experiment! Some of my most fabulous looks have spawned from, "Ooh, this might look great!" Find what colours flatter you - I have a post about finding what colours match your skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour, and it has been my most popular to date (Link: http://veronicavintageblog.com/2012/08/30/dressing-for-your-skintone/). You can really notice a difference when you wear those colours that just work for you.

For hair styling, my best kept secret is dry shampoo. It works wonders for volume, teasing your hair, and for those days when you need to liven up those strands.


And last, but certainly not least, what are some of the ways that vintage enriches your life and inspires your world on a daily basis?

It inspires me to always be myself. I feel I have really come into my own and have gained immeasurable self confidence from vintage style and living.

I also find inspiration from those from the past, such as Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Myrna Loy, and even Franklin D. Roosevelt, of whom I am related to! I see their trials and tribulations and how they triumphed yet maintained their dignity and grace, and it inspires me so. I aspire to live every day to the fullest, appreciate what I have, and always be my most genuine self.

Connect with Holly on:

Veronica Vintage Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

♥ ♥ ♥

To date, I've never meet Holly in person, but I truly hope that we get a chance to hang out face-to-face one day. Though just when just exactly, down to the day, we first crossed paths online is lost in the ether of time now (chances are it was through one of our blogs), we've remained close ever since and have one of those awesome friendships where you can always pick up right where you left off, even if it's been several months since your last heart-to-heart.

I really want to thank Holly for being August's vintage blogger interviewee and also for being such a lovely face, force, and inspiration to all of us in the vintage blogging world. It was a true pleasure chatting with, and getting to know you even better, my dear friend!

If you're not already following Holly's blog, make sure you pop on over to Veronica Vintage and do so right now.

Next up, well, that remains to be seen as I request to move someone's post a couple months down the road, so I'm in the midst of rejigging my autumn interviewee schedule, but whomever it is, I promise you that they're be inspiring, tons of fun to talk to, and endlessly passionate about vintage! :)