Double feature: Rhiannon and Lauren

If you are familiar with the blogging world, no doubt you have run across Rhiannon's blog: Liebemarlene, and her sister Lauren's blog: Blooming Leopold! Both girls currently live in the south, Rhiannon in Atlanta, and Lauren in Nashville. I already feel such a connection to them as a fellow Southern girl! In addition, Rhiannon and Lauren both run fashion businesses. Rhiannon has an online shop called Silent Sundays. She stocks beautiful independent designers (Secret Squirrel, TBA, Family Affairs, etc.) and vintage. Rhiannon is going to be selected some vintage pieces especially for Audrey Grace! Lauren runs, Blooming Leopold, her own handmade line. Every piece is so special and pretty. Blooming Leopold will be stocked in Audrey Grace. I am so excited to have these stylish sisters as a part of the boutique. Enjoy my interviews with them below!

Interview with Rhiannon of Liebemarlene!

Rhiannon wearing TBA, a label that will be stocked in Audrey Grace 

Tell me a little big about yourself, your blog Liebemarlene, and your shop Silent Sundays.

I started blogging over four years ago in the days when I was selling vintage on Ebay. In those days I wasn't sure about blogging (didn't know if people would care enough to read the stuff I wrote and still don't) but I loved it, especially the chance to babble on about the things I loved and was inspired by. I sold vintage on Ebay, then Etsy, and eventually set up an online store with my friend Jamie Hopper. She's my favorite photographer in Atlanta, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather work with. We both choose what we want to sell--lots of vintage, and each season we have a small collection of things from some of our favorite independent designers.

Where did you grow up?

In the midwest--I grew up in northern Illinois is a pretty small town, then went to college in an even smaller town in Indiana.  When I lived there I used to knock it, but it's really not so bad, and sometimes I start missing things about the midwest, like its amazing summers and taking weekend trips to Wisconsin. 

What do you like about living in Atlanta?

I like that Atlanta's a city with lots of things to do and see and eat--whenever people come to visit us there's always a new restaurant to go to or good stores to shop at. It's a really diverse place, and pretty liberal for the south (which I like). I like that there's always at least one contestant from Atlanta on each season of RuPaul's Drag Race--makes me proud.  Also Ludacris lives here.

What do you love about living in the south? Do you find it to be a magical place?

Mostly I love that it's different from what I'm used to. I grew up in a place with mostly cornfields--no hills and not many trees. A lot of the south is physically beautiful and has a ton of history, which living here has made me super passionate about. I love that after three years of living here I'm still excited about site-seeing and I'm still checking out nerdy books from the library about southern history and culture. The south is magical to me sometimes--depends where I am. Atlanta isn't magical (unless in funny ways) but cities like Savannah and Charleston are probably more romantic than any other city I've been to in the States.

How do you think Audrey Grace will contribute to the retail scene in the South and specifically, Jackson.

I don't know much about Jackson except that Eudora Welty lived there, and I went to Mississippi once with Jamie and fell in love with it.  The parts I saw of it were beautiful and old-fashioned, and I think that the romantic clothes at Audrey Grace will be a hit there.  

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

I'm in love with Up the Wooden Hills and Alexandra Grecco, and I hear something about Blooming Leopold selling at Audrey Grace?

Tell me about the work Silent Sundays is doing for Audrey Grace.

Jamie and I are putting together a capsule collection of vintage pieces that we think will fit the Audrey Grace spirit. And we might put together some photographs too.

Who are some of your favorite designers, artists and photographers?

For the last few years I've really been into designers from Australia and New Zealand--Lover, Secret Squirrel, Juliette Hogan, and Twenty-Seven Names are always favorites. I love TBA and Nadinoo a bunch.  I'm very ignorant when it comes to art, but usually in art museums I like things from the late 1700s best. As for photographers I like Jody Rogac a ton for fashion stuff-- Jamie Hopper too! And photographers like William Eggleston and Clarence John Laughlin make me glad to live in the south. 

What are your favorite books and magazines to look through for inspiration?

Lula, Bullett, Frankie, Rush, and The Gentlewoman are my favorite fashion magazines, and I love Garden and Gun and Georgia Backroads for southern tourist stuff. I can't really read fashion related books anymore (burnt out and don't really care about Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, etc.) but I like history books and biographies and novels. Just finished Deborah Mitford's memoirs and it made me want to move out to the country and start over. Or just move to England so I can be her friend.

What are your favorite blogs?

My sister Lauren's blog Blooming Leopold, Foxtail & Fern, Jeana Sohn, Olive My Love for fashion. I love Forgotten New York for history stuff and food blogs like Lottie and Doof and Smitten Kitchen.

Your recent wedding was so beautiful! What advice can you give to those planning a stylish wedding? And where did you find your dress?

Thank you! I'm not big on weddings so don't think I'd be good at giving advice; I just wanted something really low-key and simple and outdoors.  We lucked out on our venue--an old farm community that had prettiness to make up for our lack of decorating, etc. My dress is actually an old one by Lover that I found on Australian Ebay.

Describe your personal style.

I used to dress in very romantic things, but since I'm getting older (thirty-one this month!) I'm trying to tone some of that stuff down--fewer bows, frills, peter pan collars, even though I think it's all adorable. Right now I like pretty simple, boring stuff--plain velvet dresses and tights and ankle boots pretty much make up my fall uniform.    

Who is your style icon?

Silent film stars like Marion Davies and Mabel Normand, Joan Crawford, Julie Christie.  And I like modern girls like Leith Clark, Alexa Chung (of course), Michelle Williams, and Kirsten Dunst.

What are your favorite places in Atlanta and across the South?

In Atlanta I love this new Korean taco place called Takorea, Star Provisions for sandwiches and desserts, Octane for coffee, Antico pizza. Favorite places across the south: Rock City in Chattanooga, Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, the whole city of Charleston, and where my parents live in Tennessee.

What are your favorite films for fashion?

Busby Berkeley musicals, Julie Christie in Darling, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Lately I really like Joan Crawford's costumes in '30s movies like Sadie McKee--sort of over the top, but beautiful.

What do you love about your sister's collection, Blooming Leopold?

I love that it's so Lauren--I could see her wearing every single thing in it, and I love that she puts her own touch on everything. I already have my eye on one of the dresses--it has the most perfect sleeves.

What is your favorite decade for vintage?

Probably the '30s and '70s, especially '70s versions of '30s styles. I love art deco elements and flutter sleeves, anything in silk.

What does the future look like for you, your blog and Silent Sundays? Hopefully lots of exciting things!

Thanks! Well I'm bad at planning things. For my blog I want to change it up a little--write about more than fashion and write about other things I'm interested in.. more history posts, for one thing. We just released our new fall lookbook and collection for Silent Sundays, so I'm still thinking about that and not really sure what's next. Excited to get shopping again for our next release!

Thank you, Rhiannon!

The beautiful fall lookbook for Silent Sundays, shot by the amazing Jamie Hopper

Interview with Lauren of Blooming Leopold!

Tell me a little big about yourself, your blog and your line, Blooming Leopold.

My name is Lauren Winter and I'm the girl behind the Blooming Leopold blog and shop! I began the blog as a means to chronicle my personal style adventures and it grew into a love of sewing and a handmade line in 2011, which I couldn't be more excited about.

Where did the name Blooming Leopold come from?

Blooming Leopold is a play on the name of Ulysses' main character, Leopold Bloom. I was on a James Joyce kick the summer I started the blog! My husband and I even named our dog after the character - Bloom.

What do you think is so special about having handmade garments? This is obviously a very important aspect of your line that I love!

Sewing a handmade garment and shipping it to someone is a much more personal experience for me than selling vintage. You put a piece of yourself in everything you sew- with all the added time and effort, and especially since the garments were designed by you, your collection kind of becomes your baby. It's scary to release it into the world, almost, but also extremely rewarding when it finds a home.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in northern Illinois in a very typical midwestern town, surrounded by cornfields. Growing up, I just wanted to get away and find a place with more beauty. Now that I have grown up and moved away, I think the Midwest - with its flat expanse and endless farmland - has its own special brand of beauty that I really couldn't appreciate when I was little.

What do you like about living in Nashville?

I love Nashville! The southern states seem to have a lot of history and personality to me. Living in a city in the south means you still have the life and universal feel of a city while being close to the old plantation homes and well-preserved culture of the south. Nashville has the sweetest people I've ever met, beautiful weather, and awesome coffee shops (Crema, Dose, and Roast Inc. are our current favorites).

How do you think Audrey Grace will contribute to the retail scene in the south and specifically, Jackson?

With the variety of designers and vintage stockists heading Jackson's way, I think Audrey Grace Boutique will leave an indelible mark on the fashion scene around the area! Designers from all over will be selling their wares at the store, including several designers that are only available in large cities like New York and London. What a treat Mississippi has to be able to shop these collections locally! 

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

Everything! My favorites have got to be TBA, Silent Sundays, and Rachel Antonoff.

Tell me about the vintage pieces you are sourcing for Audrey Grace.

I'm lucky to not only be providing my handmade collection but also vintage found here in Nashville! Pieces I'll provide for the boutique include dreamy holiday garments - 1940s velvet dresses in rich jewel hues, sequined tops, and assorted lace and chiffon pieces in pastels.

Why do you think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly's style is relevant today?

To me, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly embody a classic sort of beauty that never really goes out of style. The shapes and fabrics they wore can generally be found in the garments of today- holiday dresses in brocade, wool suit sets and simple black dresses. Not to mention, both women were stunning and confident.

Who are some of your favorite designers, artists and photographers?

Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Gorey, JW Waterhouse, David Hamilton, TBA, Family Affairs, many more!

What are your favorite books and magazines to look through for inspiration?

Umberto Eco's History of Beauty and Lula Magazine! I love looking through illustrated books from the 1920s or older, too. I have a turn of the century copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (I think I picked it up at a yard sale when I was little) that has these beautiful color images, and a collection of children's fairytales that's about 90 years old now.

What are your favorite blogs?

Liebemarlene, Hannah and Landon, and Hello Mr. Fox are definitely my top three favorite blogs! I love Always, Sometime, Anytime as well. The Selby is a website I've been visiting a lot lately too, we just bought a house and I'm in desperate need of some interior design inspiration.

Describe your personal style.

I don't know how to describe my personal style because it's always changing.. right now, I'm in a 70s meets 90s phase - boxy blazers, cut off shorts, grunge-y maxi dresses, Gunne Sax, floral wreaths, lots of velvet. I'm addicted to this pair of chunky platform lace ups I found at a thrift store last year.

Who is your style icon?

My style icons are my sisters! They never fail to be themselves- they both have very distinct styles and I love them for it.

What are your favorite shops? Do you shop locally or online?

My favorite shops are thrift stores, preferably out in the country around Nashville or in Madison, TN. I try to keep my shopping local at nearby vintage stores like Local Honey and Goodbuy Girls, and I buy a lot of stuff from American Apparel in town. When I shop online for clothing, it's either on Madewell, Topshop, or Etsy (but that's mostly dream shopping).

What are your favorite films for fashion?

I think I get more inspiration from films than from books- films like The Red Shoes, Pretty Baby, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and Amadeus. I revisit my favorite films often. The best films for fashion are movies that try to capture another time period, like Picnic at Hanging Rock or Badlands, because inevitably they leave some of their own decade's (or century's) style in the film and the mix can be beautiful.

What do you love about your sister's vintage collection and her shop, Silent Sundays?

I love looking at Silent Sundays' wares and instantly thinking of Rhiannon and Jamie - their shop is reminiscent of their own personal fashion, and that's how a shop should be! How every piece is styled and the professional quality of their lookbooks, too.. have you seen their latest one? Their vintage is always classic but still manages to be current - a line suede skirts, brown velvet mini dresses, sheer polka dot tops. I'm always bragging about their shop to people!

What is your favorite decade for vintage?

If you looked at what I wear, you'd probably say the 90s, but the 1940s are my favorite. The elegance and cut of clothing are so unique and instantly recognizable. I think that decade was very flattering for men and women. And everyone wore a hat - we need to bring that back.

What does the future look like for you, your blog and Blooming Leopold? Besides collaborating with Audrey Grace, of course!

I'm currently putting together a handmade and vintage holiday collection, to debut at the Audrey Grace Boutique and online in late November or early December! Stay tuned.

Thank you, Lauren! Below are photos from Blooming Leopold's AW11 collection. So excited the line will be stocked at Audrey Grace!

Interview with Ginny Branch

I had been reading Ginny's blog My Favorite Color is Shiny for a few years. I was constantly inspired by her photos, designer finds and just everything she featured.  She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, and then moved to New York to work in fashion. Ginny is also a fellow Southerner, she currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she runs her own styling and design company. She also styles and plans the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. Her own wedding looked like it was something out of The Great Gatsby- so beautiful! I contacted her a while back to collaborate with me on Audrey Grace. I was so excited when she accepted, and she is creating some very special illustrations for the shop. For more on Ginny, check out her site: Ginny Branch. My conversation with her follows below. How adorable is she?

Ginny Branch Styling and Designs 

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your blog and your styling business. 

I started my blog forever ago and it has evolved from being my daily gratitudes from my life in New York to a little sketchbook of inspirations and recent work from my styling gigs. I started styling when I moved back to Atlanta and I am really loving being my own boss. I work with a lot of really talented and creative people and I am never ever bored! I actually just moved into a dream studio with some really great women- amy osaba, erica loesing, and Maria Taylor. 

What do you like about living in the South?

Southern hospitality and accents. 

How do you think Audrey Grace will contribute to the retail scene of the South?

I am always excited to see young women creating new outlets for the South's fashion scene. The brands you are showcasing are phenomenal and I wish more boutiques in the South would take risks on newer, independent designers. 

What are you creating for Audrey Grace?

A series of illustrations based on a few of the owner's favorite storybook characters.  

What are you favorite films for fashion?

Ooooooh that's tough! I could list a million: Picnic at Hanging Rock, Fried Green Tomatoes, Midnight in Paris, A River Runs Through It, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, I Capture The Castle...pretty much any film that takes place between 1900-1930s. I'm a sucker for depression-era period pieces that were filmed in the 90s-ha!

Who is your style icon?

I don't know if i have any personal style icons... but I do like katharine hepburn and her sartorial contemporary, Marina Munoz. Oh, and Sarah Sophie Flicker is like my ultimate muse, ever since I was in college. 

Ginny on her wedding day

What was your favorite SS12 collection?

A tie between Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs.  

What are your favorite places in Atlanta?

The goat farm where my studio is, Warhorse Coffee Joint, star provisions, Scott's Antique Market that comes        once a month, The Book Nook for finding great old books, nicholas kniel is the most too-die-for trim shop that rivals some of my favorites in New York.

Which celebrity would you love to style?

Hmmm. I'd like to be friends with Michelle Williams and Emma Stone. Also, if I ever met Claire Danes, my childhood girl inside me would spontaneously combust.  

What are your favorite Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly films?

Audrey Hepburn- Two For The Road and Grace Kelly- Rear Window. I grew up with that being my mother's favorite movie and Grace Kelly being my older sister's style icon. 

What can you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

I think Alexandra Grecco is the jam. 

Describe an ideal day for you. 

Can I teleport? If so, I'd start off at cafe cluny in New York for brunch after sleeping in terribly late, followed by some stops in left bank books and the strand. I would definitely have to go to tinsel trading, geminola, brook farm general store, moon river chattel, darr, obscura, and the Chelsea Antiques Garage flea market and all of my best friends from college would be living in New York with me again. We'd finish the night at little branch for a bramble or two or three. Basically i would relive my entire first year in New York all over again.

What are your favorite books and magazines to look through for inspiration?

I really love Cecil Beaton's the art of the scrapbook, the quilts of gees bend, any book by maira kalman, any book by sibella court, tim walker's pictures. 

Magazines- Lula, World of Interiors, Donna Hay, Selvedge, French Playboy...

Your wedding was extremely beautiful. Were you inspired by the 1920s and The Great Gatsby? Where did you source your beautiful vintage dresses from?

That's so sweet, thank you :) I have a crush on the entire depression era fashion scene- from the workwear overalls to the beaded flapper dresses. The Great Gatsby, Fried Green Tomatoes, and A River Runs Through It all were on my inspiration board (and still are). My dress came from ebay-ha! And people bought them online various places, flea markets, and several made theirs!  

Who are your favorite designers?

That's one looooong list! In my fanciest version of myself- Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Margaret Howell, J.Crew, Sonia Rykiel, Marni, Dries Van Noten. Throw in some old school Maison Martin Margiela for good measure. In reality I'd rather collect lovely vintage pieces that are kind of threadbare: silk with it's worn out spots, dresses with the beads and sequins falling off, and wool with moth holes in i,  a good cotton voile lawn dress or blouse. I like pieces that tell a story about its past life. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Movies, paintings, textile art, flowers, the farmers market, people from the past and present. I sort of collage a lot of different images into my life and work. 

I read that you worked at Marc Jacobs for a while. How was that experience? His runway shows are always a fairy tale! (Especially his most recent for Louis Vuitton!)

I worked at Marc Jacobs right after college, straight from Savannah to New York. I worked with some of my best friends in the whole world and have pieces from his collections that I will never part with and hope I can pass down to a sweet little girl one day. And I would say going to his shows and working for the company were on my childhood bucket list. It felt pretty awesome to cross those off! 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Brussels or Maine. 

Who are your favorite artists and photographers?

Artists- egon schiele, henry darger, the quilters of gees bend, maira kalman, shona heath, mary delany, cy twombly, simone shubuck, louise bourgeois, cynthia warren, livia cetti. These people all have shaped my aesthetic over the years.

Photographers- tim walker, wendy bevan, paolo roversi, johnny miller, jen gotch, josh goleman. 

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Listening to the Andy Williams Christmas album. And the new She & Him Christmas album. I really like Christmas music. Everything about the holiday season actually: an excuse to wear sequins, being with my and my husband's family, late nights with friends, driving around looking at Christmas lights, mistletoe, the smell of Christmas trees. Oh man, October-December really is the most wonderful time of the year. After New Years it's all down hill-ha!

What is your favorite Southern food?

Three-way tie: biscuits, pecan pie, and collard greens. 

What's in the future for you and your company?

I wouldn't mind owning a nostalgia shop one day ;) Or selling flowers out of an airstream trailer... It was a dream i had recently that felt so real. 

Thank you so much, Ginny!

All photos courtesy, Ginny Branch Styling & Designs

Genevieve Godbout for Audrey Grace Boutique

I had the pleasure of working with the very talented London based illustrator, Genevieve Godbout on two special creations for the boutique. Genevieve, usually illustrates children's books, but she agreed to create two special illustrations of Audrey and Grace for the shop. These beautiful girls will be printed on totes bags, t-shirts, and other items, which will be exclusively available at Audrey Grace. I have also added some exciting photographers to the exhibit, as well as a few more designers to be stocked in the shop! More information coming soon! I hope you adore Genevieve's illustrations as much as I do! I can't wait to see what they look like on all the products for the shop. 

Interview with Jo of Lost in The Haze

Jo is a very stylish lady with a wonderful blog, Lost in The Haze! She has a love for all things vintage, like me! Often found traipsing around the woods with a milkmaid braid, Jo blogs from a very beautiful place- Christchurch, New Zealand and her photos often show the beautiful natural surroundings. She also is a fan of several lines we are stocking in the store- Vivetta, Family Affairs, Wayward Daughter, and TBA. It was a treat to interview such a sweet and stylish girl for the blog. Jo really embodies what the Audrey Grace girl is all about!

Tell me a little bit about your blog, Lost in The Haze.
Lost in the Haze is set in my pretty little city, Christchurch, in New Zealand. I share beautiful vintage finds – often with pan collars; my favourite! I go on many scenic adventures and love to show off picturesque New Zealand!

What has been your favorite show of the various spring fashion weeks so far?
 My favourite has definitely been Orla Kiely! My absolute favourite piece was the matching jacket and shorts. I can picture wearing it with a boater hat and a pair of dusty blue Swedish hasbeens. I’ll definitely have to keep an eye on ebay!

Who are your favorite designers?
I have so many favourites! Some of my current favourites are TBA, Nadinoo, and Dear Creatures.

Where would be your dream place to travel?
It is a complete tie between Egypt and Prague! I was ridiculously obsessed with hieroglyphics as a kid, and even now love to read Tutankhamen conspiracy books! I’d love to be able to see all of the Egyptian gold in person too; it would be so amazing! I’d also love to go to Prague as I’m obsessed with the architecture. I’ve always wanted to buy a Pashley bicycle and cycle through Europe; starting in Prague of course!

What are your favorite Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly movies?
For Audrey it’s definitely the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I have always been completely captivated by her hair in that movie! For Grace it would be To Catch A Thief. I love the chemistry between Grace and Cary Grant!

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace Boutique?
I’d be happy with anything from the Wayward Daughter collection! Anything Cait touches is magic!

Do you have any favorite New Zealand designers?
I love Ruby! They have the most amazing designs, and the boutique always has the most amazing sales! Sadly, the Christchurch earthquake took my closest Ruby Boutique; I’m just happy there is an online store!

What is the future for Lost in The Haze?
I’m really excited that Lost in the Haze is moving more into video! I’m hoping to have at least one video a week. It is sure a wonderful way to show off outfits in detail and also share the pretty locations!

Describe an ideal day for you. 
A perfect day begins with a perfect outfit! I get dressed and go out for a yummy hot chocolate breakfast with my fella. We’d head on a scenic excursion; possibly to my favourite park. I’m slightly obsessive about ducks, so I’d bring along a loaf of bread to feed them at the river. I’d make my way to my favourite vintage store and score some amazing goodies. I’d finish my day off with a twilight bicycle ride followed by a burger and chip dinner, yum!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from all over! I feel inspired going on excursions and seeing pretty places, looking at my favourite blogs, taking photographs, sewing, sourcing vintage clothing, and going for long runs.

Who is your style icon?
I am influenced by so many stylish people! Edie Sedgwick and Jane Birkin are two major influences (I love the 1960s!) Like many fashion bloggers, I love Alexa Chung’s effortless style. It’s a bit random; but I am also influenced by Vince Noir’s style. He reminds me its fun to be a little ridiculous!

Thank you Jo! (All photos courtesy, www.lostinthehaze.blogspot.com)

Interview with Ale of Rosaspina Vintage!

The lovely Ale of the blog, Rosaspina Vintage agreed for me to post a little interview I conducted with her. Ale takes beautiful photographs for her blog, and has the best sense of style! I always enjoy her posts. To my delight, I found out Ale was also an illustrator and I asked her to create some special pieces for Audrey Grace. Previews of which you can see below. Hope you enjoy the interview, and check out Ale's beautiful blog here: Rosaspina Vintage!

How would you describe your style in a sentence?

It all depends on how I’m feeling when I wake up. Sometimes I feel like wearing romantic frocks with pretty details, sometimes I go for a more preppy schoolgirl look, sometimes you can even see me in a 40s buttoned dresscoat and long leather gloves. I do enjoy a lot mixing vintage with modern. But whatever I'm wearing, the key thing for me is to feel comfortable. Oops, that was more than one sentence ;)

What are your favorite fashion brands and designers?

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Orla Kiely, her retro aesthetic keeps very consistent season after season yet it always feels fresh, never ceasing to leave me smitten. 

My weakness for fun prints extends of course to Liberty fabrics, and I always find in Nadinoo's collections something to fall in love with.

Max&co is another favorite of mine, high sartorial quality and italian taste, chic yet wearable, I adore it.

What is the inspiration behind your blog, Rosaspina Vintage?

I started my blog one year ago when I set up my vintage shop on Etsy, it was just a little room for my store updates and inspiration, I definitely wasn't expecting that it would take on a life of its own! I'm amazed at the number of lovely people, new designers and charming style blogs I came across along the way and it's such a relaxing and creative past time for me, I'm truly enjoying it. 

Tell me a little bit about what you have created for Audrey Grace Boutique?

I have created a series of four illustrations inspired by Jaclyn's favorite style icons: Audrey Hepburn, Alexa Chung, Tennessee Thomas and Kirsten Dunst. The four lovely ladies will eventually come to life appearing on tote bags, clothing items and limited edition prints. 

Tell me about the process behind your illustrations?

Well I always start with visual reference, possibly from reality, making quick scribbles on paper to capture the idea and lock the composition I have in mind. Then I start sketching with more detail until I'm happy with the overall feel and at that point I decide which technique I'm going to use for the final illustration. I adore the feel of color pencils, they will always be my favorite, but lately I'm also doing a lot of digital work, it's fun, and it lets me draw quickly without worrying about clumsy accidents (see dropping watercolors onto a finished work, eep!)

What type of girl do you see collecting your art?

Ladies with a sense of humor and a love for retro dresses and pretty collars!

Who is your vintage style icon?

The one and only, Mary Poppins! Boater hats, carpet bags, well tailored jackets and victorian lace ups? Yes please! And she is such a strong, smart and fun woman, I've always had a huge girl crush on her.

Your modern day style icon?

There are so many pretty ladies out there… I adored Carey Mulligan in An Education, her wardrobe is simply dreamy, from the first school outfits to her ladylike frocks. Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road and Mildred Pierce, so feminine, elegant and with real woman curves. I always end up loving what Keira Knightley picks for her outfits, she's always so effortlessly chic. And of course vintage style bloggers are my favorite daily inspiration.

Describe your perfect day?

I'm a lazy gal, so a perfect day would certainly start with a nice long sleep! Then I would get my straw basket ready for a girly picnic in the woods, I can't wait to see all those gorgeous gold and red leaves again. In the afternoon I'd curl up on the couch with my cat, watching something like The Neverending Story with a cup of hot chocolate! And to finish, a simple dinner date with my loved one in our favorite pizza restaurant: good food is crucial in my perfect day :)

What would be your dream job?

I wanted to work in animation since I was a little girl and eventually that dream came true. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love for a living, waking up in the morning and feeling happy to grab my pencil is something I wouldn't trade with any other job in the world!

What are your favorite Audrey (Hepburn) and Grace (Kelly) films and looks that they have worn?

The reason why I love Audrey is that she always looks amazing even with the most basic thing on and I adore her in Roman Holiday, sporting a simple white blouse with a high waisted full skirt, all brightened up by a fun striped scarf.

As for Grace Kelly, although her most memorable wardrobe might be the one in Rear Window, I love her more casual holiday outfits in To Catch A Thief. 

What is your most coveted fashion item for fall?

I'm very much into hats, my collection is actually getting a bit out of control but I can't resist a good quality wool felt hat, especially if it's vintage. This season I'm on the hunt for the perfect 20s hat, its uncomplicated elegance makes it wearable everyday and protects your ears in the windiest days!

Who are your favorite artists?

I've always been influenced by Art Nouveau and I'm deeply in love with Alphonse Mucha's work, from the advertising and book illustrations to the oil paintings, the quick pencil sketches and his photography series. I had the fortune to admire his original works last year with my own eyes and was completely blown away by the perfect elegance of his lines, incredible draftsmanship and taste for composition. 

I'm also a big fan of Quentin Blake children's books, so fresh and fun to look at. And Mary Blair of course, oh such a talented, innovative and stylish lady! If I could travel through time I would definitely love to meet her for a cup of tea!

What is the future for Rosaspina Vintage?

Well I'll definitely keep writing on it, it's such a relaxing past time and it gave me the chance to meet adorable ladies who share my same interests. Some of them became very special friends to me so I feel very grateful to my blog :) There's actually a couple of exciting projects I'm working on and I can't wait to share them, but for now it's a surprise!

Thank you so much, Ale!