Chic Interview: Apricot Tea
November 18, 2009 | Filed Under Chic Interview | 3 Comments
This time we decided to do something a little different. Instead of going the usual path of interviewing a fashion blogger, we decided to interview a blogger with a fashionable side to her. Ev´Yan Nasman hails from Pasadena, California, and unlike most bloggeristas, is married and to a hot vegetarian nonetheless! Apricot Tea is best described as Ev’Yan’s personal diary because she cover all things in her life, not just fashion, making her blog an interesting read. This girl has mad writing skills, if I do say so myself, and her blog is simply addictive. Check it out and prepare to be wrapped up in the world that is Apricot Tea…
Chic Intuition: Okay let’s start with the cliche question, what got you into blogging?
Ev’Yan: I actually started in 2002, when the term “blog” was pretty much nonexistent. My blog at the time wasn’t very public, not very many people knew that I had one, and it was very anonymous. I closed it down directly after a horrendous breakup with an ex and never thought that I would make another one. But several years later, I had this urge to compose, and share, and have my own unique space on the internet. I talked to my boyfriend (now my husband) and asked him to create and design a blog for me. Within a few weeks, Apricot Tea was up and running.
Chic Intuition: What we thought was unique about your blog is that, mixed in with the fashion, you also take reader questions and give them personal advice. What made you decide to do so?
Ev’Yan: Since starting Apricot Tea, I would get a lot of emails from readers randomly asking me for fashion & beauty advice. I found that so flattering and thought it would be great if I could have a blog dedicated to my readers & their questions, no matter how big or small. I soon discovered that there weren’t many advice blogs around the blogosphere, and the ones that did exist, were run by an older generation. The best way to put it, I think, was that I wanted it to be an Ask Abby for 20-somethings. Ask Apricot is still flourishing in its own way, & it doesn’t have the amount of success that Apricot Tea has. But I’m proud of it, nonetheless.
Chic Intuition:How would you describe your personal style?
Ev’Yan: My style is always evolving; it really depends on my mood. It can be light on some days and heavy on others (both literally and figuratively). I take inspiration from men’s styles and the music I listen to. I don’t even know if there’s an accurate word for it. My style is just my own. No matter what I wear, though, I always dress for comfort. Always.
Chic Intuition: One of the things that makes you stand out is your cute pixie cut. How did you get the courage to chop of your locks? And did your mom freak out (we know ours would…)?
Ev’Yan: For the latter question: No… my mother did not freak out (haha!). She was actually quite proud, I think, that I was willing to cut off all my hair without remorse. At the time, my hair was shoulder length and I hated it. I felt like it was weighing me down, physically & emotionally. One day, I was looking at magazines to get inspiration, and I saw this black model with a funky mohawk, and I was like, “That is what I want.” I remember taking the picture to my hairstylist (who was also my neighbor) and she was really, really hesitant to cut it that short. She kept asking me, “Are you sure? Are you sure?” And I was firm with my answer. That was about 5 years ago, and since then, I have never had my hair long. I’m pretty sure I’ll have a short crop all my life. It’s so much easier to manage. My next version of a pixie cut will most likely be a buzzed head. I’ve been wanting to do it for years. I’m just waiting for the right moment!
Chic Intuition: We noticed that you are married and to a super cute guy FYI. What did you wear on your wedding day? Did you go for the traditional or did you add a little of your unique edge?
Ev’yan: Since it was spontaneous (we eloped to Vegas), I didn’t have a real wedding dress. But I did have a white sun-dress that I loved, so I wore that. Since it was in the middle of December (Christmas, to be exact!), I wore black skinny jeans with the dress. Jonathan, my husband, wore a white button-up shirt, with skinny black jeans, annd black Chucks. We looked very put together, but our personal styles still shown through. I guess it’s safe to say that I added my own unique edge.
Chic Intuition: Lastly, a philosophical question, how personal is too personal?
Ev’Yan: If you’re a friend of mine, nothing is too personal. Nothing.
Chic Interview: What is Reality Anyway
October 26, 2009 | Filed Under Chic Interview | 5 Comments
Its been a while since we last posted a Chic Interview, but we promise our latest interviewee is worth the wait. Currently running around between NY and Cali, this bohemian blogger oozes talent. Twenty-seven year old Krystal Simpson is the girl to keep your eye on. With a stint on an MTV reality tv show, collaborations with a t-shirt designer and fashion label, and a knack for writing that leads to full on blog stalking, Krystal proves that talent can take you places. Read what she had to say below and then check out her inspiring blog.
Chic Intuition: I’m going to start off by being quite honest about my first encounter with your blog. I stumbled upon a link in someone’s sidebar, and was in awe of the photography, let alone the exquisite, and honest, expression of words. But while I was scanning your blog, I couldn’t help but think “This girl looks damn familiar!?” A little Googling later, I realized the girl from ‘that Rolling Stone show on MTV’ had undergone a fashion transformation. New haircut, new makeup, new Krystal. What influenced the change?
Krystal: That’s s flattering, thank you. But really, I change on a daily basis; I cut my hair all the time, and I’ve always collected vintage clothing, and been into fashion. When I was on the show [I’m From Rolling Stone], the focus was on writing, so they really didn’t show my love for the fashion world all that much. As for the new makeup thing, it is really more like the little to no makeup thing. Women are so beautiful with no extras, they don’t need all that camouflage to hide what they really look like every day. I just don’t understand that standard in the fashion world, women and makeup makes no sense. I just know what we are naturally is so far away from our perceived image, fashion sense, and style. Were just wearing our preferences, we are what we choose to be every day, why not have fun and change it up, or not–it’s all up to the individual.
Chic Intuition: I’d like to think your blog is a form of artistic expression. How did you come up with the theme?
Krystal: My favorite writing jobs have been the ones that allow me carte blanche, any time I have a restriction of any kind placed on my work, I tend to back away from it–now thankfully I don’t have to take those kinds of jobs at all. But I wanted my website to be a place to post anything and everything I could possibly dream up. The title “What is Reality Anyway” is double in meaning, both from my time on reality TV, but more-so from my love of quantum physics and the science of creating your own reality. I’ve been a writer for a while, and my mentor, the poet and writer Maria Garcia Tabor always encouraged me to start a blog in addition to my various writing gigs. I should have listened to her and started one years ago, knowing now how blogging is the future of publishing, and all the opportunities I’ve received just from having a blog. If I didn’t start a blog would I still have a jean with Quiksilver? A t-shirt? I’m quite thankful for all of it though, the dream continues.
Chic Intuition: Music, music, and music. From the titles of your posts, one realizes how big a part it has in your life. Does it affect your style as well?
Krystal: Oh yes, music was my first conscious style influence, the male rock stars specifically–they are just the coolest dudes, full of swagger, and could care less what anyone thinks about them. Why would you want to be the groupie when you can be the rock star? I love the toughness their fashion, all the boots, leather, the beading–those boys can wear women’s clothes the way I love to see them worn, a little bit ragged. I like things in fashion to be a little off, disheveled. Anything too perfect makes me want to mess it up before I can go on. I never walk around looking like a too girly porcelain doll, it just isn’t me to be cutesy like that. Teetering around on heels that really shouldn’t be made for any sort of healthy foot, and piling on makeup, hair, all that extra crap makes me nervous.
Chic Intuition: Let’s not sidetrack here, how can we forget that you are a literary genius, prize winning poet and writer. What do words mean to you?
Krystal: Words are great; so many different ones that mean the same thing, but they are all there to flow in prose, so beautiful that certain pieces can bring people to tears because of the way the writer captured a moment and expressed it. It really isn’t the words, it is their perceived meaning that hooks us.
Chic Intuition: So we have to ask, how did you get to be on MTV, and did the experience of starring in a reality show help launch your career?
Krystal: Basically I sent my writing samples in for the casting process, and after a few interviews that was it. And yes, of course being on TV helped my career, although I never had any set career. People probably think I was just on a TV show and that was it, but I’ve been writing for various papers and other publications since right after high school, and also done other things in fashion and photography. I never wanted to have real job, and I have done very well at not having one. I made a lot of great friends and business contacts when I did the TV show, and it opened a lot of doors. It was one of my dreams, to work for Rolling Stone, and the wave that followed it; going to Fashion Week, sitting front row at some shows, going to these crazy events. I mean, I am from a pretty small town, there is no grand events happening there, no fashion, nothing outside of the regular golf tournament, so I had always wanted to find out what else there was out there that was exciting and fresh. When I decided I wanted more, all my dreams came true in record time, I had to consciously conjure up new fantasies, since all the ones from my past came true.
Chic Intuition: How does it feel to be immortalized on a t-shirt? Surreal?
Krystal: The Ediot tee, I love her brand, it was so flattering, and of course surreal. I’m glad someone thinks I warrant that kind of display, haha!
Chic Intuition: Finally, philosophical q time: If you had to choose one, would your rock or would you roll?
Krystal: Hmm, I could get really deep and philosophical on this one and say that like consciousness and energy, they {rock and roll} are inextricably combined, and one simply couldn’t exist without the other. At least that’s how it goes in my world.
*Images courtesy of whatisrealityanyway.com. Graphics courtesy of Chic Intuition LLC.
Chic Interview: Monica Rose
August 18, 2009 | Filed Under Chic Interview | 12 Comments
If you, like us, have been enamored with Catt Saddler and Debbie Matenopoulos’ style on E!’s Daily 10 from day one, meet the woman responsible. Not only is Monica Rose the brain behind this duo’s amazing style, she’s also the force who managed to single-handedly put Kim Kardashian on the map as a new fashion icon. While the internet is infested with wannabe stylist bloggeristas galore, Monica is an established stylist who decided to start her own blog. The result? A 24/7 stylist at your fingertips with one click of a mouse! Her site is a mix of cheap chic picks, inspirational fashion shoots, and breakdowns of her clients’ outfits. One look and we were hooked and we’re sure you will be too. Think of it this way, what better place to get fashion advice than from a celebrity-trusted source? Check out our interview with Monica Rose below then make sure to head on over to her website for your own personal style session.
Chic Intuition: Let’s get the most obvious question out of the way, for the aspiring stylists out there, tell us what it takes to break into the Hollywood Industry? Also, what is the difference between someone stylish and a Stylist?
Monica:It’s about being reliable, following through, staying committed – not only to your obligations but to your clients and maintaining positive relationships with showrooms, designers,tailors, etc. Also, appreciating the people behind the scenes who actually make everything I do style-wise possible is key! I think that the best way to break into the Hollywood side of this industry is to be well rounded, follow through, have patience and never give up! Being young and hungry really shows in your work and people take notice and will want use you all the time in this industry. I remember I would work 15 hours days straight and not complain once just do my job. I was not even getting paid anything but I knew it would pay off in the long run. Styling is no joke it’s not all Glitz and Glamour like people think it is.
In regard to the difference between someone stylish and a stylist is that a stylist is in tune with what their clients needs and they don’t dress their clients like they would their own self. Yes, of course I have my influence when it comes to trends but as a stylist I have to remember that my clients have their own body types, and that it’s most important to dress them in what makes them comfortable and feel fabulous. A stylish person knows their body to a T and takes risks with their own image which is awesome! I love seeing so many stylish people out and about. It inspires me!
Chic Intuition: I have this little mind game I play with my mom. I count how many times she literally stops in her tracks every time E!’s Daily 10 is on, and stares at the ladies’ wardrobes. What do you think makes their style so appealing to women of all ages?
Monica: Debbie and Catt are amazing to work with. They both have very different styles. My goal everyday is to make sure my talent feels great and confident in front of the camera! They love being fashion forward and are open to any new idea I may have. I think women can relate to Debbie and Catt’s style because they own their look, I make sure the wardrobe I select works with their body types and nothing is forced! It all comes very naturally.
Chic Intuition: In addition to your TV gig, you dress one of the red carpet’s style mavens: Kim Kardashian. Is there a difference between styling for TV and for the red carpet?
Monica: There is a big difference but they are equally challenging! TV is so different because there are camera rules and it is very challenging to work around them. Especially with moraying, making sure things read properly , etc. I recreate all the wardrobe to fit the ladies for the show which takes a lot of time pinning to make sure it fits perfect for television. Its more work than you would think. Also, I dress them for 5 shows a week plus field shoots so always having a full wardrobe is a major challenge.
Kim is amazing to work with and she LOVES to take fashion risks! There is more on the line when it comes to red carpet events so it is challenging finding the perfect ensemble and easier because I don’t have to worry about camera rules. There are other factors to tie into red carpet/event styling like making sure the outfit is functional, photographs well and that the hair and makeup is in sync with her look. It’s a team effort!
Chic Intuition: Because Celebs are very public figures, it’s hard not to view what they wear as a reflection of their individual style. We, however, know that it takes a team to make them look that good. Have you ever had to transform a style dud into a style maven?
Monica: I can say that there is no such thing as a style dud, just people who need direction as it is a challenge for most people to stick with what works for THEM! When I started working with my client Khloe Kardashian, we literally went through her closet and got rid of SO many things! She was freaking out! It was time for a change. She had great clothes but she was shopping for what she liked and not what was right for her. So now she has a sexy, sleek style with very simple but definitive direction. And I think she looks fab and really made her style her own! I live for makeovers! It’s my thing.
Chic Intuition: Do you think stylists don’t get enough credit for the work they do?
Monica: I never really think about feeling credited or being recognized. I’m happy with a simple thank you or a smile on my clients face when we find the perfect outfit. I don’t need validation because I am happy with my work. Just looking back on where I was 5 years ago and the challenges I faced that got me where I am now is all the credit I need!
Chic Intuition: Leggings, throw them in the trash or keep them in your stash?
Monica: Keep them! I love leggings, they are so easy and effortless when done right.
Chic Intuition: Truth be told, a ton of girls aim at investing in a Hermes Birkin. Do you think that should be the goal of a 20 something, or should she aim at something more accessable like a quilted Chanel?
Monica: I don’t believe in going outside your means for any piece, so I would recommend working with your budget. If you can afford the Hermes Birkin then go for it! It’s a classic! I would personally go for the Chanel in a basic color so it will work with your wardrobe.
Chic Intuition: Your blog is absolutely amazing. We love the fact that you always post stylish bargains. What are your favorite stores for hot bargain shopping?
Monica: I love H&M, Topshop and Zara. I am also into thrifting and I get a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces. I love going downtown to the Fashion District. I find a lot of great affordable pieces down there too. I have my hidden spots!
Chic Intuition: You’re standing in front of your closet, scouring through the hangers and can’t find anything to wear (been there, done that, huh?). What would be the easiest/safest thing to wear for a dinner out with friends?
Monica: If all else fails I always fall back on my favorite skinny jeans, a great tank top and a pair of flat sandals. If the girls decide to make it a night out, I put on a pair of heels and a blazer and the transition from dinner to dancing is complete! It’s always safe to bring a pair of heels out for those just in case situations.
Chic Intuition: Since you are a stylist, we have to take advantage and ask, what are this season’s top 5 style musts?
Monica: I love this question!
1. Studs – boots, gloves, tights, jackets. Anything studded!
2. Gloves – Gloves are going to be HUGE this fall!
3. Animal print – HUGE for fall as well!
4. Structured pieces – Detailing, shoulder pads. Anything with shape.
5. Oversized or Exaggerated accessories – A MUST HAVE!
Chic Intuition: We find it so intriguing that you decided to take to the internet and start your own blog. We must ask, what are three of your favorite fashion blogs?
Monica: There are so many great ones! But I would have to say my top 3 sites I start my mornings with are fashionindie.com, becauseimaddicted.net, fashioncopious.typepad.com.
Chic Intuition: Last, but not least, a philosophical question: how much black is too much black?
Monica: Have you seen my blog! I always pull so much black wardrobe for my clients. I think black is very chic and it more slimming too. Every girl needs a black basic skirt, dress, pant and blazer in their closet. You can base your entire wardrobe for a week around those key pieces. There is no such thing as too much black!
*Images courtesy of monicarosestylist.blogspot.com and flisted.com. Graphics courtesy of Chic Intuition LLC.
Chic Interview: Where Did U Get That
August 12, 2009 | Filed Under Chic Interview | 3 Comments
We were extremely excited about interviewing this chic 28 year-old who hails from London but currently resides in NY. Karen’s blog opened up tons of opportunities for her, like modeling in the latest Rachel by Rachel Roy collection. Awestruck? You should be, but just remember that anything fab can happen to you too. Oh, and we also had to know how she met the queen of the fashion world, Kate Lanphear! What do we love most about Karen? The fact that she admits to the urge of talking about fashion/shopping all day. Our kinda girl! Take a look at what she had to say and then head on over to her amazing blog.
Chic Intuition: From your site we compiled the following facts: you’re a model, you love fashion and anything DIY, and you’re a blogger. So smart of us huh? We love how the focus of your blog is actually on what you’re wearing, we sometimes tire of the personal therapy sessions other bloggers tend to drag on. What’s your goal behind Where Did U Get That?
Karen:I LOVE clothes and shopping. Always have. So I could talk about that all day long. I’ve been doing so already for years with friends and anyone else who will listen long enough before their eyes glaze over. It was one of the reasons that I started a blog. I sometimes get asked where did I get something that I’m wearing, plus people assumed that I worked in the fashion industry (I wish!), so I thought ok I really need to do SOMETHING. Hence the blog was born. There’s no real goal for it except to just get better and better in terms of content and hopefully I would LOVE if it in some way helped me break into the fashion industry in some form or another. I’ve had a really amazing time though in such a short period and have been given some amazing opportunities along the way, like modeling for the Rachel Rachel Roy new diffusion line now out at Macy’s across the country.
Chic Intuition: Congrats on finally getting your hands on the coveted Sam Edelman Zoe Boots! On a scale from 1-10, how much do these babies up the outfit hotness factor in your mind?
Karen:Hmmm. 1 – 10? I’d give them roughly 55? Seriously they are unreal. I strongly urge you to get your hands on a pair pronto. I waited years for these and am so glad that they got re-released. I almost fainted when I heard. The fashion gods had spoken.
Chic Intuition: We had to take a breath when we spotted this pic of you and Kate Lanphear. Spill!!
Karen: My stylist friend told me about a fashion industry party at the Soho Grand hotel and so I had to go. Neither of us expected to see Kate there, let alone actually speak to her!! She’s one of my style icons. Effortless, timeless rock chick chic. My friend Tay Trong went up to her and just started chatting. I joined in and have to say she is so down to earth and very humbled. Zero attitude. Like someone I would actually hang out with had I not known who she was. It was so humid that evening though so beauty wise I felt like I looked like something the cat dragged in. Isn’t it always that way? The day that you most needed to look your best for something unexpected, you look the exact opposite?
Chic Intuition: What advice would you give any aspiring model? How do you crack into the industry?
Karen:I was selected from Lucky Magazine (after they saw my blog), for a casting call for the Rachel Rachel Roy Fall/Winter 09 campaign and I was a crumpled mess of tears when I heard that I was one of the four girls chosen for their lookbook. I have never modeled professionally before (I am not signed with an agency but would love the opportunity. I’m just too nervous to approach any). The RRR experience really was my very first time. I have since done other modeling work for the designer which has also been a huge blessing.
Chic Intuition: So we honestly think you are the ONLY person who can pull of snake printed skinnies. How’d you have the guts to go there?
Karen:I loved the print and the cut. Plus they were on clearance for $20! Bargain!! Plus anything relatively loud can be counter balanced with an over-sized plain top or a blazer. I have a rocker side to me so I knew I HAD to have those skinnies. The print on them is SICK. I think growing up in London all my life where street style is more experimental than in New York. I am not intimidated by wearing pieces that to others may seem a bit um… challenging?
Chic Intuition: If you had to choose: hippie or rocker chic, and why?
Karen: Wow. I love both but it’s got to be rocker chic. It just resonates more with me. All the elements, the attitude, not just what is worn but HOW it’s worn. Also the timelessness of it too. It just ‘feels like me.’ I’m at my most comfortable when dressed that way. Hippie comes a close second though..!
Chic Intuition: And finally, philosophical q time: how studded is too studded?
Karen: When it’s worn on more than one piece at the same time. Can you imagine a studded bag with a studded jacket to match? OMG!! As long as it’s one key studded piece worn all by itself and mixed in with the rest of your outfit, then it will always look cool. At least in my books 
*Images courtesy of karen-wheredidugetthat.blogspot.com. Graphics courtesy of Chic Intuition LLC.
Chic Interview: Kristin of prim. Magazine
August 3, 2009 | Filed Under Chic Interview | 3 Comments
Most 15 year olds are out partying or at the mall with their greatest achievement being an A on their latest math test. Not Kristin of prim. magazine. At 15, she is the founder and editor of her own fashion magazine with a recent viewership count of just under 130,000. In addition to seeing her cutting edge layouts and edgy designs in print, she has also had the honor to interview the likes of Rad Hourani. prim. is a publication which strives to showcase only the most cutting edge in fashion, music, and art and for her work, Kristin has been featured in French Glamour, Italian Elle, and Teen Vogue among others. On top of all that, she is absolutely beautiful and, in our humble opinion, mature well beyond her years. Check out our interview with Kristin below then head over to her amazing magazine here and prepare to be just as hooked on her as we are.
Chic Intuition: Let’s start by saying we are absolutely dumbfounded. After seeing your magazine we were extremely impressed and the fact that you’re only 15 blew us away! What motivated you to start your own magazine at such a young age? And how did you get anyone to take you seriously?
Kristin: I have always been driven by aesthetics; I am an absolute perfectionist when it comes to my image and how things look. For this reason, fashion and art began to consume my life. Instead of studying for math and science I found myself endlessly flipping through my abundant supply of fashion/art magazines. The idea to begin my own magazine came to me about a year and a half ago and I decided to run with it. It was a complete shot in the dark but it began to come together within a few months. At first no one took me seriously. I would tell people I ran a publication and their responses would be “that’s nice” or “aw, that’s cute.” I think as prim. began to really make its way around the web (and the print versions around the world) did people begin to realize I was absolutely taking it as seriously as anything.
Chic Intuition: Do you spend most of your free time working? If so,ever long to drop the responsibility of running your own magazine to go out and party like other kids your age?
Kristin: Well I think it is a misconception that I don’t have time to be with my friends. I don’t run the whole entire magazine myself; people write the articles, book the interviewees, find retailers, etc. I design the layouts and OK everything that is put on the pages. This does allow me to have a social life, which I do love. Sure sometimes I cannot go out because I am required to fulfill my responsibilities at prim., but it is actually pretty rare that I have to decline an invitation to do so.
Chic Intuition: You attended your first fashion week this year. What was it like?Details please!
Kristin:Attending NY Fashion Week was absolutely amazing! I got to sit front row at a number of shows and attend those which I never dreamt of ever seeing in person like Ports 1961 and Charlotte Ronson. At different points in the week I found myself sitting across from or next to the likes of Anna Wintour and Lindsay Lohan. I am pretty sure I attended around twenty shows throughout the week, but was unable to be there one full day because of a family obligation. It killed but I had to do it.
Chic Intuition: Now to the fashion, we absolutely loved your latest issue! What was it like to score an interview with Rad Hourani?
Kristin:Rad is an absolute genius; I was floored when he agreed to do an interview with prim. As a matter of fact I guess he liked the issue too because he invited us all to attend his fashion presentation for his diffusion line, Rad by Rad Hourani. It took place on the 28th here in NYC and it was amazing. You can check my blog for a first look at the collection. He truly is a master of his craft.
Chic Intuition: Describe your personal style for our readers. Do you feel that you are now under pressure to always look good ever since you became an editor of a fashion magazine?
Kristin:I definitely am a fusion of different styles, a little grunge and a little boho. I love studs, leather, lace, black, white, grays, etc. As a source recently described, a “perfect fusion of Alice Dellal and Mary-Kate Olsen” which I like very, very much. Being a magazine editor definitely did put a little pressure on the way I dressed, but not much really. I have always had to leave the house looking absolutely perfect so I don’t feel the pressure as much.
Chic Intuition: What are this season’s top trends?
Kristin: I definitely see a ton of harem pants, blazers, fringing, feathers, and pleats. I never follow trends; I don’t walk into stores looking to buy what’s “hot” so I often find myself being lost in a world of trendiness. I am surely not an expert when it comes to trends.
Chic Intuition: What’s one trend that you think should be completely wiped off the face of the fashion world?
Kristin: I hate neon. I saw a lot of it scattered here and there throughout various collections and I think the whole world would just do better without it simply because most people do not know how to wear it. I never wear neon; I don’t enjoy bright colors much at all.
Chic Intuition: With running a fashion magazine already under your belt, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Kristin: Hopefully still at prim., only it being ten times the size it is now.
Chic Intuition: Finally, philosophical question time. How prim. is too prim.?
Kristin: prim. is definitely a fashion magazine with edge. prim. being too prim. would be trying too hard to look edgy either by overdoing studs, leather, repeating shapes, or patterns. No one likes a poser.
