I recently had the opportunity to interview Ching-Yun of The Shopaholic 24/7. We chatted about her love of Paris, her caution towards approaching head-to-toe prints, and what being a "frugalista" really entails!
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| Ching-Yun |
What inspired you to start blogging?I wanted to create a space where I could share my personal style, DIY projects, bargain buys & shopping hauls with fellow bloggers, friends, and other fashionistas. After college graduation, I began to miss sharing these kinds of things with my old college roommates and girlfriends, so I started The Shopaholic {24/7} to help me fill that void. Even if I help to inspire 1 person to wear something different and step out of his/her comfort zone, then I truly believe my efforts would have all been worth it!
What is the fashion scene like where you live?In all honesty, the street fashion in San Diego is very predictable. I see a lot of casual, comfortable clothing, especially when the weather is warmer (aka 8-9 months in the year, ha). It is popular to see Ugg boots, Rainbow sandals, and Toms shoes on girls here, almost always paired with skinny jeans or shorts and a tank top or dolman. In California, I am more inspired by the street styles found in San Francisco and Los Angeles, although, oddly enough, Irvine, where I lived for a few years, was recently named the most fashionable city in the U.S. I would like to think that I contributed to that. TOTALLY KIDDING. Please keep reading.
Where do you buy the majority of your clothes and why?This is a hard question, because my closet is so diverse in terms of the variety of labels, but I can definitely say that I buy most of my clothes at fast fashion boutiques and outlet stores. Whenever I spot a trend I like, I always strive to find it for less. I’m a total frugalista with clothes and accessories, but I tend to splurge on purses and shoes! However, looking back on my OOTDs, I’d have to go with Forever 21 because I’m still on a journey to find my signature style, so in the meantime, I like to try new trends and get sick of wearing one thing too many times. Therefore, shops like F21 allow me to explore fashions, be fickle, while simultaneously staying within my budget! Win and win, right?
What are some of your favourite fashion blogs and why?I have way too many, but I am particularly fond of Wendy’s Lookbook and ExtraPetite because they are both young, petite women who show other petite women how to dress for their size and inspire us to find fashion that fits, which helps us feel more confident. Other fashion blogs I read include: 9 to 5 Chic, Life Ann Style, Fash Boulevard, Atlantic Pacific, and Haute Pink Pretty.
Which Spring/Summer 2012 trends are you excited to try? Which trends would you never be caught dead in?I’m excited to start incorporating some more color into my outfits, especially some neon pinks and yellows, as well as a crisp, mint green. I used to never want to be caught dead in crochet, but now I’m not so sure! One trend I KNOW I can’t pull off, and really don’t want to make an attempt to, has got to be head-to-toe prints. Eek!
What do you think that your next big purchases will be?I love how this question insinuates more than one with the plural “purchases!” I have been lusting after a pair of classic CC Chanel earrings for longer than I even care to remember, so that will definitely be a huge ticket item for me. As for any more, more likely than not I will be splurging for a few items for my parents as both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner!
What advice would you offer to an aspiring style blogging?This is a funny question, as I also consider myself an aspiring style blogger, since I opened my Blogspot account in January 2012, but I would say, blog about all the things that make you, you. It sounds simple and perhaps even as a trite expression, but staying true to yourself, your style, your culture, and background is so important. Don’t let any negative comments, affiliates or advertising companies change you or your style. Keep yourself intact and show us who you are and what your sartorial philosophy is, girl (or guy)!
Pick One:
New York City or Paris?I have been fortunate enough to visit both of these cities, and although they are each inspiring and unique in their own respective ways, my heart definitely belongs to Paris, Paris, Paris! Paris is where I studied abroad for a semester in college, and ever since then, I haven’t been the same person. It’s corny, but it’s true! I fell in love, a head over heels kind of love. I had never experienced anything like it, even though I had been to Paris twice before. I fell in love with fromage in a freshly baked baguette, the Louis Vuitton flagship store on les Champs-Elysees, the night views from the Seine, les Jardins des Tuileries, Monet’s paintings, macarons & crepes, the French language, vintage finds in the Marais, and of course, French fashion. I went to Paris as a 19 year old girl who knew what she liked, but left as an independent young woman who learned a lot more about what she loved, both in and out of her personal style. Lastly, Paris holds a special place in my heart, because that’s where I began dating my current boyfriend of 4 years. Paris, je t’aime!
Karl Lagerfeld or Marc Jacobs?Since I’m such a lover of all things French, including fashion, I will have to say Karl (closest to my fave, who is of course, Madame Coco).
Heels or Flats?Heels, no matter what I’m doing or where I’m going (except to the gym)! In Emma’s words (Monte Carlo film), “If they ain't hurtin' , they ain't workin'!”
You think water moves fast? You should see ice. It moves like it has a mind. Like it knows it killed the world once and got a taste for murder. After the avalanche, it took us a week to climb out. Now, I don't know exactly when we turned on each other, but I know that seven of us survived the slide...