Interview: ModCloth

This week I had the privilege of having a phone chat with Susan Gregg Koger, the founder of ModCloth. ModCloth is one of my favorite places to shop online, so it was such fun getting a chance to talk to the person behind the amazing company.

Me: Hi Susan! Tell us a bit more about yourself and ModCloth.
Susan: My title is the chief creative officer which basically means that I sit above the creative side of the organization. I work with the marketing, photography, design, styling, writing, merchandising and buying teams. I am also the head buyer which means I travel with a team and visit trade shows.
Me: Ohh, that sounds like fun!
Susan: Yes, I feel pretty lucky that I get to shop for a living!

Me: Why did you decide to start ModCloth?
Susan: I founded ModCloth with my boyfriend (now husband), Eric in 2002 when I was 17. I loved to thrift and that summer found so many vintage things that I couldn’t wear them all. Eric knew a bit about web design, so we decided to start a website. I taught myself Photoshop and did all the banner designs for the website while literally sitting in a dorm room.
Me: Wow! That’s amazing you were able to teach yourself all that! Did you have a ‘click’ moment of this is what you want to do?
Susan: Approaching graduation, I realized I was passionate about fashion. I took a look at the website, and realized that we had a lot of traffic, but a bad business model. Because everything was one-of-a-kind vintage, it was hard as a customer to find something that fit. So, we started stocking vintage inspired designs from independent designers, and it’s grown from there. We’ve become one of the best places on the web to find one-of-a-kind vintage clothes and vintage inspired designs.
Me: What would you say your vision at ModCloth is?
Susan: Our vision is to really focus on getting our customers involved in everything we do. We want to democratize the fashion industry!




Me: Why the name ModCloth?
Susan: Ooh this is a great question! When Eric and I founded the company in 2002, we knew we needed to get a domain name that wasn’t already registered. We came up with a bunch of ideas that had vintage in the name. Then Eric came up with the name ModCloth and it kind of stuck. And we were able to buy the domain so we went for it.

Me: Why did you choose Winston the pug as your mascot?
Susan: We got Winston a few years into running of ModCloth and I’ve always loved pugs. He was so cute, I just wanted to share him with the world. He comes to the office every day with us and gets to hang out with everyone!
Me: Aw, how cute :)

Me: How would you describe your style?
Susan: My style is definitely a bit of a mix. It pretty much depends on my mood. I wouldn’t pin my style to one particular vintage decade or one trend or look. I look at all the trends that are happening and pick and choose my favorites.
Me: Any particular designs you especially like?
Susan: I love vintage a-lines and silhouettes. I do enjoy being very girly.

Me: What’s your current favorite item in your closet?
Susan: My favorite piece of clothing is a leopard print coat from the ‘60s that my grandmother wore. I used to always dress up in it in her basement and do little fashion shows when I was younger. Then when I was 14, she gave it to me.

Me: What is your favorite part about your job?
Susan: #1: I get to work with really amazing people. #2: The clothing; I get to be around fashion all the time; I get to be the head buyer of ModCloth. It is so exciting and it’s so much fun. I’ll go to a trade show for 8 hours and feel like I’m energized as opposed to being drained like so many jobs are.
Me: Yes, that does sound like fun! What would you say is the most stressful part?
Susan: Being an entrepreneur and being the one in charge can be fun at times but it can also be really stressful. I think that’s the hardest thing: if the going gets tough and things get overwhelming there’s no leaving work at work and going home. My work is absolutely a part of who I am. I am the person who’s ultimately responsible.

(from the ModCloth scrabook)

Me: Any advice to people who want to get into the fashion industry?
Susan: Well I was completely self-taught and didn’t study fashion or design. That’s a great way to start.
Me: So you think you can teach yourself?
Susan: You can absolutely can teach yourself, especially the way the Internet has changed fashion. Read fashion blogs, look at runway shows posted at places like style.com. So much is finding what you like and don’t like. I currently read 100-150 blogs a day. I think that’s so important. For someone who really wants to get into the industry, my advice is don’t wait to get an internship or go to school, start now and become part of the community.

image sources (in order of appearance): photo of susan, photo of eric: unknown, photo of winston, modcloth, winston in glasses, modcloth.

INTERVIEW: Nadinoo

I recently had the privilege of doing a little interview/chat with Nadia Izruna, the creative mastermind behind British label Nadinoo. She is such an inspirational woman, truly pursuing what she loves. I hope this leaves you feeling inspired to create. Enjoy!

Me: Tell us a bit more about yourself.
Nadia: My name is Nadia Izruna. I’m a 25 year old British designer currently working out of my East London based studio.
Me: Oh, fun! When/why did you start Nadinoo?
Nadia: I set up Nadinoo early 2009 after leaving my cozy job designing for Puma. I wanted to get back to designing product I truly loved and enjoyed wearing myself. I began the first collection with my final pay packet, sewing small quantities to start with, most of which were custom orders. A year on and I am working on Nadinoo’s fourth collection for the AW10 season.
Me: WOW! You've really accomplished a lot in short amount of time! That's really amazing.
Nadia: Yes, I’m so pleased with the wonderful online following Nadinoo has received through the many kind blog posts and features. It has opened up so many doors and helped Nadinoo get off the ground.

Me: What inspired you to become a designer?
Nadia: I’ve always had a great passion for clothing so it never felt like a conscious decision to go into fashion.
Me: Have any particular designers influenced you?
Nadia: Designers like Hussein Chalayan and Rei Kawakubo definitely drew me towards fashion from an art perspective but I think the love grew mainly while at University getting to create a garment and understand the processes involved.
Me: Very cool. And what's your favorite part of designing?
Nadia: My favourite part is definitely seeing my collections on the beautiful model for the photoshoots, it’s really the first time I get to step back from it and see it all come together. I really enjoy the styling too, it’s like having a life size doll to dress up as I please…
Me: So you do all the styling for your shoots?
Nadia: I used to use stylists for the on location mood shoots but realized I had a good idea of the look after researching for the collection. It's really a great excuse to make use of all the hats, shoes, and accessories I have hoarded over the years at flea markets and vintage stores and even a better excuse to buy more!



Me: Why do you like having an online store vs. a brick and mortar store?
Nadia: I think the practicalities of setting up online were far easier also reaching a wider audience.
Me: Yes, that is the general appeal of an online store. Would you ever like to open up a brick and mortar store?
Nadia: Yes, I still have the dream of setting up my own Nadinoo boutique with adjoining atelier. I daydream about it all the time, imagining my own little Nadinoo world.
Me: That sounds absolutely lovely! What would you enjoy most about opening up a boutique?
Nadia: I think the face to face interaction with customers is something I’m really looking forward to and seeing a customer walk out of the store with a happy Nadinoo purchase.

Me: Where do you find your inspiration?
Nadia: I find lady’s fashion from the early to mid 1900’s incredibly inspiring, I can’t help dipping into era’s and plucking out details and silhouettes that are too good to be forgotten. I chop and change between my favourite eras.
Me: Any eras you're particularly fond of?
Nadia: I’m currently smitten with the 1940’s and all the wonderful accessories a lady must wear: gloves, hats, broaches, petticoats, stockings... the list goes on.
Me: Oohh I LOVE the '40s as well. Do you have a '40s (or any era for that matter) style icon?
Nadia: I love so many it's hard to choose... Kate Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin, Mia Farrow, Audrey Tautou, Zooey Deschanel, all cute, cute cute! Louise Brooks look in the 20's is also one that always stands out for me, it's wonderful to think 100 years on her style is still edgy and relevant.

Me: Any advice to people who want to start their own clothing line?
Nadia: Make sure you are designing something you truly love, it makes the long hours and hard work all worth while.
Me: Well thanks so much, Nadia for that lovely interview!
Nadia: It was such fun! Thanks again for letting Nadinoo be a part of your beautiful blog!

Be sure to visit the Nadinoo shop and blog and be prepared to swoon!

INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Every Little Counts

Every Little Counts is all about young love and nostalgia, winsome sentiments and tender thoughts. It is based in Los Angeles and run by Amy and her husband, Adam. Romantic verses grace the tops of tees, tote bags, and dresses, creating a perfectly sweet aesthetic.

Me: Soo...tell us a little more about Every Little Counts.

Amy: Well, my husband and I started Every Little Counts last January. I had been working as a designer for a lot of different companies in both New York and Los Angeles over the previous 6 years, and it had just come to the point where I felt like I was ready to start out on my own. It was definitely my idea and the vision to start the company, but I sort of roped Adam-my husband-into the whole thing. But, we have a good time and we work well together.

Me: What inspires you to design?

Amy: We're inspired a lot by pop culture from different eras or places.

Me: Ohhh, can you give us some examples?

Amy: Hmm...we love old films, particularly those from the 60's and 70's-even better if they're French. We love old music, obscure French singers, new wave pop from the 80's; New Order, for instance (which is where we get our name), and just general romantic sentiments and daydreams. We wanted Every Little Counts to reflect our obsession with romance, nostalgia, and young love, but in a cooler, more reserved way that lets us indulge our love of cool modernism. So the graphics tend to say or refer to these really over-the-top romantic notions, but do so in a graphic style that's more clean, modern, and maybe a little ironic.

Me: Do you think your designs reflect the type of person you are? Are you a violent, sensual, sensitive girl yourself?

Amy: Ha ha...well, it's funny that "a violent, sensual, sensitive girl" has become one of our most defining styles. It's actually a quote from Dr. Zhivago that I had written down a few years ago because I loved it so much. When I first started Every Little Counts, this was our very first design. The version you see now on our site is actually an update from the original. It became so popular, we just couldn't get rid of it. But getting back to it-I am definitely sensual and sensitive for sure, maybe not so violent, but it sounds good anyway. It makes me sound tough ;) All of our designs are a reflection of me in one way or another, whether I am referencing a thought, feeling, or influence I am into right now or something I may have been into 10 or 15 years ago. It's all about young love and nostalgia.

Me: Any words of advice to people who are looking to open up an online boutique?

Amy: Hmm...advice? It helps to know web design-or be lucky enough to be married to someone who knows web design (like me). Photography and graphic design are also crucial.

Me: Ohh, that reminds me, I've always wondered, who does the photography for Every Little Counts?

Amy: Adam (husband) does all of the photography, web design, graphic design, music (on the site), and screenprinting (except when I act as his assistant). He is pretty amazing. Incredible. The best. All of that.

Me: Wow, he sounds like he's a huge help! You're so fortunate to have his services at your disposal! Sorry to get you off track there ;)

Amy: Yeah, back to my words of advice, after that, well it's all about marketing. Having an online boutique is definitely more economical than having a brick and mortar store, but then again it's harder for customers to find you. It is a never-ending process. Be prepared to spend many hours on the computer-blogging, twittering, facebooking, networking in any way possible.

Me: Well thanks Amy for sharing a bit about yourself and Every Little Counts!

Amy: No, thank YOU, the interview was such fun!

{ TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY }

Leave a comment on this post. Each person is allowed up to two comments to better their chances of winning.

I will pick a winner using the random number generator on Tuesday, September 29th.

Have fun!

*THE ENTERING PERIOD HAS NOW ENDED FOR THIS GIVEAWAY*

INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: oh, hello friend

One of my very best bloggy friends is Danni of oh, hello friend. She is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met in my life, never mind just in the blogosphere! I thought all of you should get to know her better, so I did a little interview (okay, well actually it's long!). Enjoy :)

Me: When did you start making things?
Danni: I started making things for my shop about a year ago, though I had been stocking up on supplies here and there for several months. So I had lots by the time I decided to finally just go for it.
Me: Yeah, that's pretty much the stage I'm at right now-closets full of art supplies, but no store. Maybe in the near future, though! What made you decide to "finally just go for it"?
Danni: I think after sitting around for so long just waiting to start a shop, I finally decided "I just need to do it!" so I started small and took a day and listed a few items. So if anyone has been wanting to start a shop but for some reason, is just putting it off, just go for it! :) It's the best.

Me: Were you always really crafty?
Danni: I'd like to think so-I did a lot of modge podge and random 'crafts' in high school.
Me: Ohhh, me too! Did you ever sell any of these crafts before?
Danni: Nope, I totally have never sold any of my crafts before my Etsy shop! I definitely just did it for fun before. But it's still fun now ;)

Me: What do you do besides blog and run your Etsy store?
Danni: Pretty much just blog and run the Etsy store ;) It's pretty time consuming. I'd like to start up lots of other things, just need to prioritize and make time for it.
Me: Hmm...start up other things...like what?
Danni: Well, I'd really love to start a stationary line...screen printing...letterpress...all those sorts of things, time time time! I wish I could stop the clock in the day and do everything ;)

Me: It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, what are you doing?
Danni: Probably in, relaxing and watching a TV show with my boyfriend. Or spending time at a bookstore, looking through magazines/books, getting inspiration.
Me: Any particular magazines and books you find yourself going to for inspiration over others?
Danni: I gather lots of inspiration from Martha Stewart magazines, I really like looking through wedding mags ;) and readymade, of course. I flip through Dwell and usual magazines in the craft section of Borders. A lot of really good mags are out of print now-so sad!

Me: You wake up one day and realize you have pretty much nothing really to do, what do you do with your free time?
Danni: I would LOVE a day like this! If I had free time, I'd probably go to the park and catch up on a good book. Or spend time making things.
Or catch up on miscellaneous things that need to be done around the house.
Me: Mmm...I'd love to have a day like that too! Lazy days are the best :) Too bad they're such a rarity!
Danni: Definitely ;)

Me: What inspires you?
Danni: SO MUCH...I'm inspired by other blogs, handmade things, beautiful things, unique things, creative things, photography, design, decorating, lately, a lot of design that comes from Korea and Japan inspire me...(they just have the cutest things ever. I want to own everything)
Me: Oh, you've got lots and lots of things! Many listed here serve as my source of inspiration as well. Ohhh, photography, my favorite! Who are some of your favorite photographers?
Danni: My favorite photographers at the moment are Gabrielle Kai + Irene Suchocki + Max Wagner.
Some of those Korean + Japanese shops I was talking about were ones like nothingelegant.

Me: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Danni: I'd love to live in England...or somewhere in Europe. It just seems so quaint there.
I love all the architecture and the weather and really everything about it!
Me: England sounds lovely! I've never been there, but I've love to go. Would you live in the city or the country?
Danni: OOOOH great question Micaela! HAHA, I think I'd love to live in BOTH places! I love the city and everything about it but the country is soooo cozy!

Me: Name 4 loves.
Danni: 4 loves.

I love to create and be creative.

I love the rain.

I love to be inspired.

I love my boyfriend ;)

Me: Aww, you're too sweet :) Shout-out to Danni's boyfriend, she loves you!
Danni: Haha, he should read this. He hardly reads my blog though ;)

Me: What came first, your blog or your Etsy shop?
Danni: Blog first...then not much later, my Etsy shop.
Me: So when did you actually create your blog?
Danni: Mmm, let's see. The blog was started at the end of June/beginning of July of 2008 + the shops was started at the end of July '08!
Me: So it was recently your blog's and Etsy shop's first birthday?
Danni: Yep :)

Me: Why did you decide to start a blog?
Danni: I originally wanted to start my blog out as a personal blog but it eventually became what it is today, an inspiration blog.
Whenever I come across lovely things, I just love to share it and pass it on.
Me: Yeah, that's kind of the same story with me, I just fell in love with other inspiration blogs, and then decided to go that route instead. I'm much better at sharing my inspiration rather than writing about my own boring old life, anyway.
Danni: LOL, same here.

Danni: What a lovely interview-thanks Micaela.
It was so much fun!
Me: Aww, thank YOU for doing this with me! Maybe we'll meet up at a future craft fair :)

But wait!

There's more :)



You, my dear readers have a chance to win a hair pin, pocket mirror, brooch, or impart delight necklace from Danni!

{ TO ENTER }

It's quite simple: Leave me a comment and be sure to provide a link to where I can contact you!

I will use the random number generator to pick a winner on Tuesday, September 15th.

Have fun!

Love,
Micaela

P.S. To see more of Danni, you can check out her:
{Blog}
{Etsy store}
{Twitter}
{Flickr}

*THE ENTERING PERIOD HAS ENDED FOR THIS GIVEAWAY*

anisa makhoul.

"Anisa Makhoul has been designing her clothing line, Makool for the past 10 years. Originally born out of her love for printing, and desire to create simple basic styles to print on, Makool has grown into a strong independent clothing label producing two to three collections a year...Designing for Makool, and traveling the globe to find new designers takes up much of Anisa's time, in spite of it she's currently working on opening her first brick and mortar boutique in her home city of Portland, Oregon."

When talking to Anisa, she had such a casual, laid back demeanor, it felt like I was catching up with an old friend. I was so delighted when Anisa agreed to do an interview with me, so without further ado, here it is:

Me: When did you start Makool Loves You?

Anisa: 2001

Me: And where did you get the idea for the name?

Anisa: It's the phonetical spelling of my last name.

Me: Do you hand sew all of the clothing that is sold?

Anisa: No, not all of it-I work with local sewers.

Me: When you were little, did you ever envision yourself owning a store/designing clothing?

Anisa: Hmm, I guess I thought I'd be a designer of some sort, not really a shop owner.

*Photos of inside the store via Design Sponge.*

Me: Who is behind all the beautiful photo shoots?

Anisa: I do most of the photography myself, I'm glad you like it.

Me: What do you like and dislike about your location: Portland, Oregon?

Anisa: I love Portland, it's really great here, the only thing I don't like about it is it's not Amsterdam.

Me: Is your family supportive of your being an independent designer and store owner?

Anisa: Yes, I come from a family of entrepreneurs.

Me: What do the rest of your family do?

Anisa: My mom's an herbalist, my brother owns a cupcake bakery, among tons of other things, my family has way too many businesses.

Me: Would you ever open up another store location?

Anisa: I don't think so, it's a ton of work.

Me: Well...if you were to open up another store location, where would it be and why?

Anisa: I guess Europe, maybe Amsterdam, although I do seem to sell to Australia a lot.

Me: Do you have a personal blog, other than Makool Loves You?

Anisa: Nope, MLY is my only blog, but my twitter page blurs the lines of personal and business.

Me: Well...thank you Anisa for doing an interview for the ol' blog!

Anisa: Thanks Micaela! It was my pleasure.

To see more of Makool Loves You and Anisa, you can visit her:

Blog

Twitter

Website

All photos, unless otherwise mentioned are from Anisa's blog.

anna wolf.

Anna Wolf, at 30 years old has shot for over 20 magazines and catalogues, including Bon Appetit, Domino Magazine, Free People, Jane Magazine, Lucky Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Nike, Urban Outfitters, and Quicksilver. Her photography evokes a certain air of nostalgia and she charms the world with the beautiful, dreamy way she captures life. Her lovely photography certainly matches her sweet personality. I was so privileged to have her grace me with an interview.

Me: Many photographers say that photography has been their passion since they were little. Do you find that to be the case for you?

Anna: Yes and no. One day in middle school I shot a polaroid of three of my friends hanging out in a school bathroom. I brought the photo home and my mom told me I should be a photographer. I started shooting seriously in high school-mostly because I pretty much hated school and just wanted to party and take pictures. It was kind of a default interest since at the time I wasn't interested in anything else.

Me: When you say you started shooting seriously in high school, do you mean that was the moment you knew you wanted to do photography and did a lot on your own as a hobby, or do you mean that you started your career then, actually taking your work to magazines and such?

Anna: Well, I was shooting because, aside from reading and writing, not a whole lot else in high school appealed to me. So, I can't say I was passionate about it then. But it was definitely when I started doing it in a serious way. I was on the yearbook staff and was the photo editor for the school paper. I spent a lot of time ditching other classes and hanging out in the darkroom...my photo teacher was pretty laid back!

Me: You wake up one morning, and as you are sitting up in bed, realize you have absolutely nothing planned for the day. How do you spend your free time?

Anna: I never have nothing planned for the day!

Me: Wow, you are quite the busy person. If, one day, a natural phenomenon occurs and you have a bit of free time, what do you like to do?

Anna: In my free time I really enjoy cooking at home with friends. Weekends are my favorite-tons of coffee and a big brunch. I also live very close to Prospect Park, so I spend a lot of time hanging out there.

Me: What type of camera do you use?

Anna: Mamiya 6x4.5, Contax 6x4.5, Mamiya RZ for film. Hassleblad, Canon 5D and MarkIII for digital, and tons of old cameras and toy cameras. Half frame, Lubitel, Lomo, Contax G2, polaroid cameras, etc.

Me: Wow, you certainly use A LOT of cameras. I only expected one or two, or even three. Do you have any particular one you are constantly using more than the others?

Anna: For jobs, without a doubt my favorite is the Contax 6x4.5. It is really well designed, super light and easy to run around with. My arms are pretty scrawny, small so holding anything bigger is just crazy. When I started at Art Center College of Design, I was shooting with the RZ 6x7. My wrist always felt like it was going to snap in half!

Me: What would you recommend budding photographers who are looking to get into the industry to do?

Anna: Work hard. Wake up every day and work like the rest of the world works. You don't just become successful over night. There will always be setbacks, you are constantly picking yourself up and dusting off-and if you want it, you can't ever give up. That's the only way. There are so many things. I spend a ton of time marketing myself to magazines, ad agencies, retail clients, and design firms. Emails, promos, phone calls, meetings, etc. And I'm always shooting and generating new work. One thing I come across with new photographers, is that they never feel ready to show their work. But the thing is, you'll never feel ready. You just have to put it out there. You meet with a particular photo editor today, and then in one year you go back with a whole new book, and show them how much you've grown. And then you do it again in two years...all the while sending them new shoots and stuff you're working on. I'd say for ever 20 meetings I go on, I'll get one job. It's a numbers game, and you just have to go full force.

Me: How were you able to bridge the gap from photography being a mere hobby to an actual career?

Anna: That's a really big question and a really long answer. When I moved to New York I was assisting, waiting tables, shooting and constantly going to meetings and doing self promotion. I had to be 5 places at once. But I never talked myself out of things. Even when my work was crap I would take it around to magazines. Then a year later, I would take it around again. And people got to know me. They saw my work progress. There isn't a formula for getting from photography as a hobby to shooting as a career-but one thing almost every successful photographer, is work really hard.

Me: Wow, you sure showed true commitment and dedication to your work. Did you also have any contacts, or connections to people in the industry that helped get your name around, like a relative or friend?

Anna: Yes definitely. Friends are always getting me into places to show my work. But you have to have the work to back it up. Connections are huge, but they just get you in the door.

Me: Do you have a photographer who's your icon?

Anna: Right now (and it changes a lot) Coliena Rentmeester with Ray Brown Agency. Others that I love are Cass Bird, Cedric Bihr, Emma Hary, and Melodie McDaniel

Me: Cool-I've never heard of her, but I'll be sure to check her out!

Me: What type of message/motif do you try/want to get across through your photos?

Anna: I don't try for message or motif in particular. I just shoot what comes out and it typically ends up looking pretty quiet, honest, and at times nostalgic.

Me: Yes, indeed-they are all very dreamy and inspiring.

Me: What inspires you?

Anna: Friends/peers and the work they are doing, locations, light, fashion, magazines, blogs.

Me: Do you use any of your family or friends as models in the photos you take?

Anna: Yes. I've been working on a portrait series of my brother Michael who goes to Bard College. His friends are really cool and interesting, and the setting at Bard is quite beautiful. My other brother Daniel, is about to go to college, so I'm planning on visiting him at least twice a year and shooting him and his friends.

Me: Where do you get most of your props and those lovely dresses?

Anna: Stylists!!!

Me: Wow that must be nice having other people pick out the clothes and props for you! Do you get to choose what clothes and props get used, though, after the stylists gather a whole selection, or do the stylists do everything?

Anna: Every shoot is different. With jobs, I don't have a big say in what is being used. The marketing teams have that on lock down. But for fashion editorials or test shoots, its much more of a collaborative effort. However, having said that, I work with people who's work I admire, and most of the time I let them do what they are good at. And for the people that are starting out, it's really great to hook up with stylists who are starting out as well-you can do shoots and give them prints in exchange for styling the shoot. It's a win-win for everyone.

Me: Where's your favorite place to take photos?

Anna: Outside surrounded by trees.

Me: Mmm...sounds pretty. Do you often travel far to shoot?

Anna: Only when I'm lucky!

And now for some random fun questions...

Me: Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?

Anna: Chocolate!

Me: If you were stranded on an island and could only have three items with you, what would they be and why?

Anna: My boyfriend, my phone (as long as there was reception), and the New Yorker Magazine.

Me: Any quirky pet peeves and/or idiosyncrasies?

Anna: Chicken bones on the subway.

Me: Ewww...chicken bones on the subway? There's really chicken bones on the subway?
Anna: Unfortunately yes! It's one of those weird things about New York that make this place so unique but horrifying at the same time!

(Ahhh I love this picture so, so much)

Me: Do you have a blog of your own?

Anna: I started this blog because I didn't want to make a bio...I thought it would be a good alternative. I ended up making a bio anyway but the blog remains as a bridge between my personal life and my work.

Me: Awesome! I'll be sure to check it out!

Me: Thanks for letting me interview you, Anna! It was such a privilege to work with you!

Anna: Thanks, Micaela for the interest in my work, and thanks to the readers for taking the time to read my interview!

To check out more of her work, go to Anna's website or blog.

Sorry for my lack of posting/commenting. I do believe I've become the queen of irregular blogging. I got back from Florida on Friday night and spent the weekend unpacking and getting things done around the house. Here are some photos that I took in Florida:

I think the one with the birds all lined up is the cutest...

I finally picked up my mug from this pottery place where a few friends and I painted mugs. Here it is:

Also, I just recently watched the Coco Chanel Movie for the first time. I loved it so much and I found it was incredibly well-done for just a TV movie, although I wasn't particularly fond of Shirley MacLaine's part. The transitions from the present time to the flashbacks could have been smoother also. But I did adore the person playing the younger Chanel.

The costumes are just simply exquisite. I wish people would dress like that today.

Last week, I was so pleasantly surprised to check my blog email and discover 3 new fan mails for the day!!! That's more than I ever get in a week, never mind a day! Needless to say, that made me very happy. These were such sweet emails, I just had to share them with you, so here they are:

Email #1:

hey,
drifted through your blog. couldn't resist but to write to you. its
looks either you are too clear a person and put all your thoughts and
emotions on a platter. or you are the best faker who have just faked
each and every bit of emotions. who ever you are- it was a pleasure to
come across your blog. was very sensitive. thanks for creating it.

Email #2:

Dear creator of this blog,

I accidentaly found your blog by google.
Probably you have heard this a million times already,
but I can't describe how in love I am with your blog.

The music, the photographs, the taste, the words,...

This is like the magic where only some can believe in.

I just wanted to say this to you, because I am realy thrilled by how
much I love it. I'm daydreamer myself and I always seem to believe in things.

That's the main thing why I adore your blog. Because it's not only beautiful,
it's meaningful as well, and most of all; I can find myself in ALL of the quotes
that you've put down. And all the pictures inspire me to get inspired even more.

Now i'm dreaming away with every page i'm watching.
So please keep continuing with this, it's amazing.

I love to write texts and quotes myself. So, I was wondering if you would like to take a look
at them and give your opinion, I would realy be happy if so.

With kind regards, from A., from Belguim.

Email #3:

I'm just writing to congratulate you. Your blog is amazing. The photos are great, the song too. I feel very comfortable seeing it.

Congratulations, Micaela

I am absolutely in love with your blog. It's not just any old photo blog. You've really made it something else and completely unique!

Thanks to everyone of my sweet commenters and emailers for making me smile every day. If it wasn't for you, I probably would have quitted blogging a long time ago.

I have a received a few awards, but I will leave them for the next post.

xoxo,

Micaela