Yikes! Lots of questions so far so I think I'll need to do it parts. So I shall answer some questions just now, otherwise it'll end up being one huuuuuuge post!
Ok, here goes: PART ONE
Are you and "Queen Marie" related or best friends?
Queen Marie and I are more like family even though we aren't actually related. I have pretty much no family left so my friends have become my surrogate family.
Why did you start blogging?
A couple of reasons really. Queen Marie had broken up with a boyfriend the previous year and was still struggling emotionally, so I thought she needed a project which would take both our minds off of the situation. The blog was the obvious thing since we both talked fashion non-stop.
How come that you are so into DIY plus sooo talented at it?
Talent is objective isn't it? Some might look at my efforts and think they are woeful! But I started making things when I was very young. The Queen Mum (my mum) was insanely creative. She used to make these crazy flowers from old pairs of tights and wire - I can't remember how she did it but it was amazing. She was always hand stitching cushions or making curtains...or flowers from tights! So I got the bug from her. Before she died she started making these crazy multi-media collages from bits of wallpaper, spray paint, emulsion, anything she could shove on the bit of board. Then the next time I visited her she'd have painted over it and started again!
Did you ever take any sewing classes or read any particular books on DIY/Sewing?
I haven't taken classes and I tried reading a sewing book but I never got far with it. Everything I make, I work out in my head and it's a case of trial and lots of error! I am going to take classes hopefully in January.
What does DIY stand for ?
Do it yourself.
What music are you into?
Electronic music so jackin' house, techno, Detroit electro. But I have been going back to music I listened to when I was young like Dead Kennedys, The Cramps, Sonic Youth, Green River
If you had to list your top ten albums and favourite artists, what would they be?
Gosh! I honestly couldn't list them! My mind changes all the time! I listen to lots of DJ mixes. Right now I'm loving Adam Beyer and Claude von Stroke. In terms of albums my all time favourites are Legacy of Brutality by the Misfits; Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables by Dead Kennedys; Smell Of Female by the Cramps; November Coming Fire by Samhain; Never Mind The Bollocks by Sex Pistols and Songs About Fucking by Big Black
Is there any music that influences your style?
Yes, in spite of myself! When I was 12 I really got into heavy metal music and that's when I really 'found' myself and my look. I realised and accepted I was never going to be like other girls my age. My look was lots of skin tight black denim, spiky heels and biker jackets. When I became a punk in my teens it basically stayed the same but slightly more extreme. The music I listened to when I was young played such a big part in me finding out who I was that it influences me even now.
What is your fashion philosophy?
Never say never. Don't be afraid to change your mind and don't be scared to move outside your comfort zone.
Did you ever want to work in a fashion related job?
Nope.
What has been your biggest splurge on one item?
I spend £850 on a handbag.
Do you think starting a fashion/style blog is a good way to introduce yourself to the fashion industry?
I think the best way to get into the fashion industry is to do it the traditional way and study it at college or Uni. I think people who get into the industry via their blog are lucky and exceptions to the rule. I certainly wouldn't rely on it.
Do you have any advice on style/fashion blogging?
Don't blog with an agenda. If you start a blog with the hope you'll get scooped by a fashion magazine you may end up disappointed. Just be honest and blog about what you know and love and not what you think will get you somewhere.
Would you ever consider fashion design even if it were just a side project?
I would never consider fashion design even as a side project. It just isn't my thing. I enjoy making stuff for myself but I could never do it as a job.
How tall are you?
I'm 5ft 7".
How old are you ?
I am 35.
Do you work out to stay in shape?
I don't work out at all! The thought of a gym gives me the fear. I once tried a Jane Fonda work out video in 1984 and that was the first and last time I worked out. I pulled a muscle.
How much do you weigh?
I don't own scales but the last time I weighed myself, about 6 months ago at my Princes' mums house, I was 8st and 4lbs, but I may be heavier now.
Is there a limit to how high your shoes can be?
Without a platform - 4 inches. With a platform anything up to 5.5 inches. Anymore and I'd topple!
What item of clothing would you save from your wardrobe if your apartment/house was in the midst of being swept away by a tornado?
My first ever Balenciaga handbag. I saved up long and hard for it and I remember the day I got it like it was yesterday.
Do you ever plan on changing your hairstyle?
Yes, at some point. I will go for a blunt bob. I always said to myself that I'd do it when I turned 40. We'll see!
I love your hair cut, how long have you had it and how did you come to it?
I have been growing it for about 7 years after having a crazy asymmetric crop thing.
You said you were growing out a similar style to a platinum blond
mohawk, which has stuck in my mind from when I first stumbled on your
blog. Any pics of your do? Your hair is so distinctive now, I can't
imagine it any other way.
Yes, it was under shaved on one side and layered and chin length on the other side. So I could put it up into a mohawk with lots of hairspray. It was harsh and I looked like a boy, so no there is no photographic evidence of it at that stage but I do a photograph of the first stage, before I took it too far with the shaving!
I have had long hair with a blunt fringe on and off since I was a kid.
What is your favorite color?
I love a deep, royal purple but I rarely find the exact shade I like so I don't have many purple things in my wardrobe. I am open to most colours though.
What was your first ever fashion influence?(ie back when you started to develop your awesome style).
Adam Ant. I longed for a military jacket like his in the video for Stand And Deliver. I loved him. I wrote to Jim'll Fix It to see if he could fix it for me for Adam to come and pick me up from school on a white horse.
What did you dress like when you were younger?
Depends on how young you're talking. From 12 onwards I was a complete, undiluted rock chick. I tie dyed everything, I bleached denim, I put studs and patches on everything. Nothing was safe from being customised!
When did you start getting interested in fashion?
When I got really interested in music. I related the two and liked the idea of showing my allegiance to the music I liked by the clothes I wore, even though it wasn't being into fashion in the traditional sense.
Have you ever considered taking on another Queen?
I think there is enough confusion with 2 Queens without adding more! But we have crowned lots of Lords, Ladies and Sirs though.
Will you come and live with me? Alright then, at least come for tea?
Where do you live? If you have tea and buns then yes, but if you get me you also get two dogs and a Prince!
Do you ever get sick of or overwhelmed by fashion / style media / street style? (to put in context: I have occasional phases where the sheer proliferation makes me a bit queasy - maybe that's just me..)
Not really. Sometimes I have nothing to say about fashion as there is nothing exciting me, but I like to absorb as much as possible, and often find there isn't enough new stuff happening.
What design project are you most proud of and satisfied with? Who would be your ideal client?
I assume we are talking graphic design? I always pick holes in my work after it's done so I'm never 100% proud of anything. My ideal client is one who is in tune with me and completely trusts me to do my job. They'd be music related most likely.
Do you ever have days when you feel like wiping your internet presence?
Sometimes. But as I always say - if you're in, you're in!
Who's your own single must-read blogger?
I guess it would be Style Bubble. She isn't afraid to take chances. I am so bored of all the Erin Wasson-a-likes there are in blog land, and it's nice to see someone who moves in their own world doing their own thing regardless of whether it's 'right', 'sexy', 'trendy' or not.
Did you always want to be a graphic designer?
Always. Before I even knew what it was called.
How did you get into your job?
Hard work. Lots of hard work. I come from a poor family and my parents worked hard to get me to college and get out of the shitty town I came from. It's a hugely competitive industry but hard work and perseverance always pays off in the end.
Where can we see some of your graphic design work?
I am working on an image only online portfolio. I'll add a link when it's up and running.
Where did you work? How did you start working there?
I've worked for lots of agencies in the 13 years I've been doing this job. I am currently not working but trying to get freelance. Sadly the recession is making that pretty impossible.
Do you think that your fashion aesthetics and your graphic design aesthetics are connected in some way?
Absolutely. Especially when it comes to colour. I will sometimes use strange colour combinations in my clothes because I've designed a logo with the same combination and it worked. Shape and contour is very important to me which again reflect my design work.
What's your favorite physical feature?
I like my wrists. I have quite a nice ass too, for my age!
What would you change if you could?
I wish I could express my emotions more openly, especially anger.
What other hobbies do you endure apart from fashion?
I love scary films and reading history and real crime books. I also have a real geeky obsession with castles.
When will you post a foto of you and your prince?
My Prince is camera shy but maybe we will some time!
If there were a movie made about your life, what actress would you like to play you?
That's a crazy question! I'd like some unknown, new actress to play me as I spent alot of my life being invisible so it would be very fitting for an unknown actress to act my life. It would quite a dull movie though!
If I was ever able to come to your country and swore I'm not insane would you hang out with me and show me where to shop?
Of course!
What are your essentials for getting ready every day?
Clothes, concealer and lots of tea.
Are there any trends that you absolutely HATE? Or ones that you just cannot wear, like the rest of us girls?
I'll try pretty much anything, but I do have an aversion to white linen trousers. I don't suit dangley earrings - I look like a drag queen for some reason.
Do you believe in fashion rules or do you think rules are meant to be broken?
I believe fully that rules should be broken and if it works then great but if it clearly isn't working then move on and try something else.
What popular clothing items/shoes do you absolutely hate.....and why?
I am happy to do a u-turn on most things otherwise it's just cutting my nose off to spite my face. Life is too short to spend it on hate.
Who's your favourite celebrity (that's still alive) and why?
I love Marilyn Monroe. She was beautiful, funny and tragic.
EDIT: sorry just realised that question was about celebrities that are still alive. I am pathetic when it comes to who's who in celeb land. I honestly pay no attention to them whatsoever. But if I was forced I'd say Kirsten Dunst because she dresses to please herself and isn't beautiful in the traditional sense - her face has character and imperfections which I find attractive, but I don't know what's she's like as a person. She could be a bitch for all I know!
What's your 3 favourite foods?
Pizza (Domino's especially), macaroons and vegetarian hot dogs.
Well that was part one! Thanks for the questions people.
Queen Michelle
This Q&A has become quite a trend recently, I usually skip those posts, but I really like reading yours. Anyway, I have read about both your reasons to start this blog once before somewhere on here and I really like your story. It's great you both found a creative and interesting project together that thrives and flourishes with such wonderful results.
Posted by: the_kitten | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 12:56
I agree with the_kitten, I usually skip Q&As, but loved reading yours and Marie's. I agree with you about Susie (style bubble), hers and your take on fashion is so fresh and different from the masses that I sit up and pay attention. So thanks for inspiring!
Posted by: Anika | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 13:25
The only "fashion" blogs I can read are yours and Susie's. The others are so boring. It has been really interesting learning a bit about you. Think you have great Style!
Posted by: janavi | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 13:52
35, god! i thought you were like 23!
Posted by: p. | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 15:20
dear QM,
thank you for all your honesty!
it is just amazing to hear about some of the inner workings of someone's brain/creativity/self.
you are truly talented and inspire me on a daily basis.
thank you. thank you.
melissa
http://www.lifestyledissected.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Melissa | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 15:23
fab questions and responses! it was so fun to read
Posted by: Fashion Tidbits | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 15:23
Great answers. And what time -- Adam Ant has a live CD out: http://www.adam-ant.net/
Posted by: WendyB | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 16:14
Ack, what TIMING, I meant.
Posted by: WendyB | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 16:14
Awww...thanks Queen M.... the same sentiment can be said for your blog.... nobody asked me what blogs I read actually come to think of it.... well yours is always first on my list...
Posted by: susie_bubble | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 16:47
I never posted any questions, but it is so nice to learn a little bit more about both of you. I also agree that I'm a bit sick of seeing tons of Erin Wasson look alikes all over, and I always turn to you and Style Bubble for original, innovative new looks, and love that you both have such a unique and irreverent approach to fashion and style, regardless of what the current trends are.
xxx,
Tiffany
Posted by: The Six Six Sick Girls | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 17:58
Wow 35! Not that that is old at all but I thought you were MUCH younger. Early twenties probably.
You look great!
Nice to know I don't have to shrivel up and die in a boring suit world when I turn 30 or even 40.
Have been wanting to know how old you are for ages. lol.
Posted by: Ms Constantine | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 20:09
SO fun to learn more about you, lady!
Posted by: Sal | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 20:28
Forgot to say that besides you& Susie I also like Outsapop a lot!
Posted by: janavi | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 20:59
How funny- my mom had that EXACT Jane Fonda video when I was growing up and I used to think it was a music video! I would "dance" along with the video, and I remember thinking the lady in the thong leotard looked really uncomfortable! Thanks for bringing back that memory.
Posted by: Emily | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 22:05
Amazing! So insightful! I'm always happy to get to know more about my fave bloggers.
Keep up the good work,
- Pame
Posted by: Pamela | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 22:29
have to agree with some of the former posts. i thought you were way younger! you look amazing for your age!
i also really enjoyed reading this q&a. you seem to be such an interresting person!
Posted by: felice | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 22:36
It's so cool to find out more about you, and slightly alarming that I already knew the answers to a lot of the questions. Guess that makes me a KoS geek, huh? Ah, well!
Posted by: dressed and pressed | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 22:41
Thanks for spending all the time to put this together, Queen Michelle. It's been very educational.
Posted by: enc | Tuesday, 09 December 2008 at 22:56
wow. great read! i am actually embarrassed to say but this is the first time i visit your blog! i'd read all about it time after time and finally sat down to check it out. i LOVE it.
Posted by: fashionispoison | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 07:38
Thanks everyone! I shall do part two on Thursday, which is a wee bit smaller thankfully.
Fashionpoison, don't be embarrassed - we welcome new people to the Kingdom any time xx
Posted by: Queen Michelle | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 09:42
Sorry I didn't get round to asking a question, but I think your answers are fantastic, its great learn a little more about you, also the work out video pic is hilarious...
Posted by: Chic Looks | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 11:26
I suppose you have a lot of questions to answer yet, but I have one question on my mind after reading this...
Do you mean the coconut/chocolate drop type macaroons, or the French macaroons?
Posted by: truepenny | Wednesday, 10 December 2008 at 15:36
bloody blimey i hope i look like you when im 35. thought you were about 21!
Posted by: carnabystreetmods | Friday, 12 December 2008 at 16:54
This is simply brilliant! I didn't know that was possible. Stumbled it for you.
-Briana
Posted by: Food delivery Philippines | Saturday, 13 December 2008 at 07:13