Saturday, June 28, 2008

Vogue Girl Korea!




I've been in a sorry state the past few days with an energy-draining cold I've been grappling with, so when the postman rang the doorbell yesterday I didn't manage to answer it in time and had to flag him down barefoot in my sick uniform of yoga pants and cardigan. Must have been quite the sight, but I signed for my package and got really excited when I saw that it was from Korea and in magazine form. I tore it open and the editor that had contacted me for the World Blogger feature had kindly marked the page with a Post-it note. It's quite surreal seeing photos of myself in print (though I can't decide how embarrassed I am to be wearing the same shoes in almost every photo..heh..), and I'm very honored to be included in this story - so thank you very much Vogue Girl Korea! I was so happy to see a diverse bunch of familiar blogger faces from all over the world, but I won't ruin it by posting their pages too. I actually haven't ever been able to look at an issue of Vogue Girl since I never see it for sale anywhere here in the US, but I must say it's really fun to flip through even though I can't read a single bit of it.

Now to work on getting better so I can get back to posting outfits and filling the store with all the crazy cool stuff I've found lately. And partake in drunken 4th of July festivities, of course.

The interview in English:

1 Briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Rumi Neely, I run an eBay store and do freelance fashion work from the San Francisco Bay Area.

2 When did you first blogging and why?

I first started it as an extension of my eBay store, Treasure Chest Vintage - I would receive a lot of message asking where I got my accessories from and if I had an online diary of my personal style. When Whowhatweardaily put me in one of their Myspace Muse features, I finally decided to really give the blogging thing a try.

3 What is your signature style?

It's very California - slightly messy and bohemian with an edge. I like to wear really casual, nondescript items alongside crazy heels, and most of the time I incorporate vintage into my look to give it a special touch.

4 When and how did you come about establishing your own style and look?

I've been into clothes since I was a little girl, but of course like anyone else, I've experimented and been through a bunch of phases. I think the mark of coming into your own look is when most of the things you buy you still love and wear years later, and this happened for me a couple years ago.

5 What is your fashion/styling rule?

I think my only rule is to not have any rules! I love to take something that is generally perceived as ugly and try to make it work, like a strange '80s fringe jacket or oversized men's denim shirt.

6 Explain how you get dressed in the morning, step by step.

For me it isn't about a method, it's more just pure randomness that affects what I wear. Some mornings, I'll try to pick something out of my closet that I haven't worn in a while and try to rework it, other times I'll base it on the shoes that I want to wear that day, and sometimes I even just put on whatever's on the floor of my bedroom since it's the most easily accessible.

7 What is your key fashion item?

I have a strange fascination with denim shorts, currently my vintage Levi's are at the top of my list.

8 And what's your favorite way of styling the item?

Since they're so tomboy-ish and rugged, I like to wear them with high high chunky heels and lately I've been loving the look with my vintage fur vest and tons of jewelry.

9 Explain how you mix and max color palette.

I like to wear colors that aren't so obvious to put together, I recently wore an outfit with a red bandage skirt and army green strappy heels and really liked that combination. I like neutrals just as much as I like brights, so it really depends on what mood I happen to be in. If I think an outfit is too dull, I'll add in colorful bangles or an obnoxiously bright bag.

10 Who's your fashion icon and why?

Erin Wasson - she has such a way of mixing up simple clothing to create unique looks and always knows exactly how much to accessorize or layer.

11 Where do you shop? What are some of your favorite shops and why?

I shop everywhere! From Barney's to thrift stores to eBay to cheap stores like Forever 21 and H&M, I think there are treasures to be had most places if you look closely enough. I love to put together looks that incorporate pieces from all of these places - I think it really adds dimension and personality to one's look.

12 What are some things you keep in mind when you shop? Do you have any shopping rules?

I always ask myself if I really love something before I purchase it, my closet is too small to buy everything that catches my eye. I never really go shopping in order to look for a specific piece, I just go when I'm in the mood to hunt and buy whatever sticks out to me, be it a feathered headband or a mirrored jewelry box. I've found that if I go looking for something in particular, I'm bound not to find it! So my main shopping rule is to be open to anything.

13 What's your most recent purchase? Can you give any tips on how to wear it?

A pair of triple strap Chloe maryjane heels from the spring '06 collection that I bought from Yoox. I imagine I'll be wearing them the most with summery minidresses, but my first look with them was a simple knit top and fringed skirt worn with long chain necklaces.

14 What's your favorite show from 2008 S/S collection? Has this show affected the way you dress in any way?

My favorite show was Balmain, the tough hippie look really appealed to me. I love that Christophe Decarnin made everything from tie dye to sequin vests look fresh again.

15 If you can buy one item for the summer, what would it be?

Balmain's moccasin ankle boots to wear with shorts and minidresses - they are the ultimate shoe to me.

88 comments:

WendyB said...

Congrats!

Shen-Shen said...

Ahh, that's so exciting!! Congrats :D

Fruchtzwerg said...

How cool is this? Congratulations! I'm envying you for making it into Vogue Girl Korea and you really deserves it.

moi said...

Congratulations!
You look lovely!

1234 said...

hey congrats on the mag appearance! that is super cool.

Caroline said...

thats pretty intense! how exciting :) congrats!

Anonymous said...

Wow that is soo cool I officially envy your life- if thats not too weird. Congrats you deserve it.

Fashion Is Poison said...

that is SO awesome! congrats!! you totally deserve it. and hey about wearing the same shoes, it just makes you appeal to the crowd even more in my opinion. :]

kirsten said...

Yay Congratulations! Thats sooo cool. I'm telling you US Vogue seriously doesn't have shit on any of the other Vogues especially not French Vogue!

Dani Perez said...

Wow Congrats!!I love your blog!!Saludos desde Mexico!!

Anonymous said...

how awesome!!! i can read korean so i'm going to head to the nearest korean bookstore and buy it~ :)

yayeeeeeeeee congrats rumi :D

*sunny*

dakota77 said...

Wow, that's so cool! Congratulations, Rumi!

CoutureCarrie said...

Wonderful work here!

bananas said...

You look great, Congrats!! Hey if you ever need anyone to translate the article, im your man- wait no, girl that is. Congrats again!

Stephanie said...

Rumi, you're famous! I bet a national campaign is just a few weeks away (like that kid bryanboy in the marc ads..)

Lisa said...

Hi!
I'm also in the latest post of Vogue Girl Korea ;)
Really fun to see!

I was wondering, where did you find the pictures (so that I can get a look) Love, Lisa.

chauss said...

congratulations rumi! totally great news. :)

Ingvild Marie said...

wow!! thats great:)

Anonymous said...

I'm korean! (ahem, random sorry.) Congrats Rumi!

yulanda said...

Congrats!

alis said...

Gratz! I agree with stephanie, it could be any moment a cool designer chooses you as his new muse :)

Kaitlyn said...

Congradulations! Were you in WWWD a couple of months ago, too?? You look familiar.

saray said...

wow congrats :)

Ella said...

well done and congrats!

<3 fashion chalet said...

How fun, miss famous Rumi!!

Can't wait to see the other Bloggers who also made the cut. Any hints? :)

Cindy said...

Rumi, Please provide your answers. It's so tantalizing that the questions are in English, but not the responses. Cindy

emma said...

wow congrats girlie!

Shini said...

Wow, congrats congrats!! I'm a Korean and I was surprised to see korean text on the magazine in the beginning, heh. so excited that your fashion can be seen there too. Camille, Lulu, and so many others1! Awwweeesome...

i think thats hauttte said...

wow thats is really cool, congratulations!

Heidi said...

Ahh, this is amazing. Lucky you :)

Krista said...

OOOO good for you! I really enjoy the way you dress... it is so edgy and bold and you pull it off really well. I hope you get better.

emily said...

omg the internet is officially *amazing*

and so are you, still, inspirationgirl!

xx

Kim said...

Congrats! That's so awesome!

<3 fashion chalet said...

Great article answers.

I too covet those Balmain booties. When can we purchase them? ♥

I Am An Automaton said...

I love your blog and your style is so fun! Congrats!

Kim said...

rumi that's awesome news...love the pics and the interview. congratulations!

Tavi said...

Congrats, You deserved it! I must see those Chloe maryjanes

get dressed! said...

again, congrats!

Neekoh said...

WOW! Look at you, big timer! Congratulations :)

crabbit said...

That's exciting! Congratulations.

Fashion Tidbits said...

yay, i'm glad you finally got the copy! it was a nice feature i have to say :) it was cool to read about you in korean too

Katt said...

Ahhh that must be insane seeing yourself in a magazine! Very cool!

R said...

Thats so awesome Rumi! its pretty amazing how blogs can open up so many doors. Congrats =)

ashleigh said...

Oh you deserve this. You're amazing. Congrats! :)

http://fashion--smashion.blogspot.com

Lady Smaggle said...

It looks fantastic congrats my love. It is annoying that they showed the same pair of shoes so many times. Considering how many pairs of fabulous shoes you own! It's still great though the outfit shots are awesome!

-h of candid cool said...

that's so cooL!

miss_vogue said...

CheCheChe!

Anonymous said...

cool!

angie said...

Congratulations!! You have a great style. You must be very happy cuz japanesse are very fashionable.

xxx

Blue Floppy Hat said...

Vogue Girl Korea always has fantastic pictures, and now that they've featured one of my favourite bloggers it's even cooler in my eyes! Congrats on the feature- all the pics look great!

Luce said...

Vogue girl korea has the best eds, congrats!! I totally agree about Erin Wasson too, she is the best scruffy-hot dresser i've ever seen!

malliss said...

Congratulations!!!
read your blog every day keep up the good work!!

Luxe. said...

Oh thats amazing Rumi well done!!

Lena said...

How fun! :D Congratulations!

Rice and Beans Vintage Clothing said...

Very Exciting!

Anonymous said...

yay! congrats :)

Miss at la Playa said...

Can you imagine you were featured on the "Une fille un style"? :P
Congrats for it, you really deserve it.

Thanks for your lovely comment :)

Serafin said...

u are a daily muse to my eyes Rumi!!
i just wish i could pull off minis like u

cassandra said...

please post the other pics of the other bloggers. It's fun to see. Congrats!

Coco said...

Congratulations!!!!

you´re not only a it-girl, but a vogue it-girl :D

and I must say I really like your style :)

AlicePleasance said...

Oh congrats! How cool and I can see you're in good company with others fab bloggers :-)

casey said...

Nice! You are famous and an inspiration.

Luna said...

Wow, that is amazing! Congrats!

Jennifer said...

Congrats! This is super amazing and you so deserve to be featured! It was cool reading the article in Korean, too.

Lisa said...

There is Lisa :)

STYLE DU MONDE said...

Congratulations! Always love your outfits!

apricot. said...

congratulations! What an amazing feat. :]

ramis kim said...

That's super awesome! I am a big fan of your blog and I read it everyday. Please check my aurora vintage blog, too if you get a chance.

Greetings from LA

Xoxo

HeyBigTrender said...

wow, that's fantastic! such a great achievment, and very well deserved!!

congrats again :)

Jay said...

ah cthis is really cool and i love really casual things with a bit of an edge well done

kirsten said...

The Balmain collection was my favorite of the season too! There was seriously not a single piece I didn't love. The entire collection was like heaven. Those moccassin boots really are to die for!

vivian said...

congrats girl!!

i now live in seoul, korea for one year... i'll run to the store on my break to buy the magazine, that's amazing!!

She's Dressing Up said...

Great article! I love all the images they chose as well =]

Gemma (Petite Coquine) said...

Congrats on being featured!

I added you to my blogroll :)

x

Paris Tarts said...

Ur famous!! You always were in my book though....remember the little people when u get up top :)

Tart

Little Miss Obsessive said...

Congrats on the magazine! I found your blog today, and have become obsessed! Your style is too amazing, it's almost exactly what I have recently decided I want to do with my own style!

Mica said...

Congratulations! :)

kirsty lee said...

woohooo it's so cool that you and a few others i know are in this too. my copy hasn't arrived yet - i want it now!!

Lorentzo said...

CONGRATULATIONS*

Helene said...

Congratulations, you deserve it!

kirsty lee said...

hey, i nicked your top pic for my post about this. hope you don't mind.

we wear things said...

oh congrats!!! we absolutely love your style!!

we just started up a little fashion blog of our own and would love it if you could link to us!

wewearthings.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

congrats:)

can you tell me the other girls blogs?kiss

Anonymous said...

That Vogue girl-cover was Teen Vogue-cover in December/January 2008, so wierd

xoxo

Anonymous said...

you're awesome. congrats on the feature.

vogued out!!! said...

congrats Rumi.

Anna Pope said...

So exciting, congrats!!

martina said...

hi Rummi!
very nice interview!
congrats!!
i'm your fan!!