Every once in a while we fall in love with a blog. This is one of those times. If any of you have an obsession with fashion and vintage than you will adore this month’s Bitchin’ Babe, Jasmin Rodriguez.
We’ll openly admit that we have a girl crush on her and soon you will too. Don't worry, it's not creepy. Maybe some of you already follow her blog - Vintage Vandalizm - if not, hold onto your fedora hat, because you are about to be introduced to the wonderful world of vintage.
Angelique Picanco: Someone on Twitter told us about you. We’re so glad we checked out your blog. For people who might not be familiar with it, can you give us a mini bio?
Vintage Vandalizm: It’s all about an exhibitionist who loves to dress up, shop for bargains, and explore all aspects of fashion.[What does Vintage Vandalizm mean? Click here for her answer]
AP: Why do you love vintage so much? Is there a particular era that you especially love?
VV: I love vintage because every item has a story. Every time I buy something vintage I often wonder who wore it before me and if they loved it as much as I do. I love the 1950s, I am still waiting for someone to create a time machine.
AP: Your blog has been around since 2008, do you have a favorite post, one you feel best describes the entire site?
VV: My favorite post would have to be the one about my mother, I think it gave people a bird’s eye view on why I am who I am today. It really made sense to a lot of people who were wondering where all of my style originated from.
AP: Where do you draw the line – are you the type of vintage lover that would also go through another person’s or limit yourself to garage sales and thrift shops?
VV :I don't limit myself from anything. If I like it and its clean and in good condition, I will buy it.
AP: Do you have any vintage hunting horror stories – or has all your findings been amazing?
VV: I have never had horror stories with vintage other than maybe breaking a heel or tearing a strap.
AP: We love the outfits you wore in the photo shoot for the Audra Catalogue - what would you say is your favorite thing to wear?
VV: Thank you :). I love wearing dresses, I own more dresses than I own anything else. I would say I am a collector because my collection is huge.
AP: On your website you mention that people are ‘fixated on trends that people tend to forget who they are.’ Why do you think people shy away from expressing themselves?
VV: I think people are afraid of criticism, they are scared to be themselves in fear that people wont accept them. I don't care for acceptance.
AP: If you had to pick one celebrity who you feel has the best sense of fashion and self, who would it be?
VV: I would say Dita Von Teese because she absolutely OWNS her style. Some people just throw on a few crazy items and walk the streets uncomfortable and contrived. You look at Dita and you just know, thats ALL her.
AP: What is the one piece in your closet that is most likely to be vintage - belts, shoes, dresses?
VV: I would say my dresses. Dresses from the 1960s and undder all fit me the best.
AP: What is the coolest piece you’ve ever found?
VV: I found a beautiful iridescent tulle and lace cocktail dress that still ranks my favorite most valuable vintage piece I own.
AP: When Vintage hunting, what is the best advice you can give a beginner, like myself?
VV: I would say to keep an open mind. So many people say "I never find anything in thrift stores!". You have to really look, you have to know your body and how things fit, you have to have an open mind to things that may seem unappealing at first glance. Im starting to realize vintage shopping isn't as easy for everyone else as it is for me because they don't know how things fit and what compliments their body and style.
AP: We’ve seen some of your artwork and designs, all amazing. What would you say is the hardest thing about breaking into the industry?
VV:I haven't broken into the industry yet, I don't think I want to be a part of the fashion/Art industry. I want to start my own industry, I don't have break into something I create. I think the Elite Fashion/Art industry has changed and it isn't as stylish or creative as it used to be. At least not here in the states. We need to create a new industry that shines light on people out there who are REAL artists that break the mold and REAL fashionistas who don't follow trends.
AP: If there was one thing you wanted people to know about you, what would it be?
VV:I wish I could express how I grew up and how far I have come. I think it would really blow their minds to see what I went through to get this far and I'm still going.
AP: We have to ask: What’s your favorite recipe?
VV: I don't cook, it's so bad…but my favorite dish would have to be CREPES. I love desert and I plan to get a crepe maker so I can pig-out on nutella, strawberry's, bananas, and whipped cream.
AP: Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to discuss?
Every once in a while we fall in love with a blog. This is one of those times. If any of you have an obsession for fashion and vintage than you will adore this month’s Bitchin’ Babe, Jasmin Rodriguez.
We’ll openly admit that we have a girl crush on her and soon you will too. Maybe some of you already follow her blog - Vintage Vandalizm - if not, hold onto your fedora hat, because you are about to be introduced to the wonderful world of Vintage.
Angelique Picanco: Someone on Twitter told us about you. We’re so glad we checked out your blog. For people who might not be familiar with it, can you give us a mini bio?
Vintage Vandalizm: It’s all about an exhibitionist who loves to dress up, shop for bargains, and explore all aspects of fashion.
AP: Why do you love vintage so much? Is there a particular era that you especially love?
VV: I love vintage because every item has a story. Every time I buy something vintage I often wonder who wore it before me and if they loved it as much as I do. I love the 1950s, I am still waiting for someone to create a time machine.
AP: Your blog has been around since 2008, do you have a favorite post, one you feel best describes the entire site?
VV: My favorite post would have to be the one about my mother, I think it gave people a bird’s eye view on why I am who I am today. It really made sense to a lot of people who were wondering where all of my style originated from.
AP: Where do you draw the line – are you the type of vintage lover that would also go through another person’s or limit yourself to garage sales and thrift shops?
VV:I don't limit myself from anything. If I like it and its clean and in good condition, I will buy it.
AP: Do you have any vintage hunting horror stories – or has all your findings been amazing?
VV: I have never had horror stories with vintage other than maybe breaking a heel or tearing a strap.
AP: We love the outfits you wore in the photo shoot for HYPERLINK "http://theaudracatalog.com/home/" Audra Catalogue - what would you say is your favorite thing to wear?
VV: Thank you :). I love wearing dresses, I own more dresses than I own anything else. I would say I am a collector because my collection is huge.
AP: On your website you mention that people are ‘fixated on trends that people tend to forget who they are.’ Why do you think people shy away from expressing themselves?
VV: I think people are afraid of criticism, they are scared to be themselves in fear that people wont accept them. I don't care for acceptance.
AP: If you had to pick one celebrity who you feel has the best sense of fashion and self, who would it be?
VV: I would say Dita Von Teese because she absolutely OWNS her style. Some people just throw on a few crazy items and walk the streets uncomfortable and contrived. You look at Dita and you just know, thats ALL her.
AP: What is the one piece in your closet that is most likely to be vintage (belts, shoes, dresses)?
VV: I would say my dresses. Dresses from the 1960s down all fit me the best.
AP: What is the coolest piece you’ve ever found?
VV: I found a beautiful irrodecent tulle and lace cocktail dress that still ranks my favorite most valuable vintage piece I own.
AP: When Vintage hunting, what is the best advice you can give a beginner, like myself?
VV: I would say to keep an open mind. So many people say "I never find anything in thrift stores!". You have to really look, you have to know your body and how things fit, you have to have an open mind to things that may seem unappealing at first glance. Im starting to realize vintage shopping isn't as easy for everyone else as it is for me because they don't know how things fit and what compliments their body and style.
AP: We’ve seen some of your artwork and designs, all amazing. What would you say is the hardest thing about breaking into the industry?
VV:I haven't broken into the industry yet, I don't think I want to be a part of the fashion/Art industry. I want to start my own industry, I don't have break into something I create. I think the Elite Fashion/Art industry has changed and it isn't as stylish or creative as it used to be. At least not here in the states. We need to create a new industry that shines light on people out there who are REAL artists that break the mold and REAL fashionistas who don't follow trends.
AP: If there was one thing you wanted people to know about you, what would it be?
VV:I wish I could express how I grew up and how far I have come. I think it would really blow their minds to see what I went through to get this far and I'm still going.
AP: We have to ask: What’s your favorite recipe?
VV: I don't cook, it's so bad…but my favorite dish would have to be CREPES. I love desert and I plan to get a crepe maker so I can pig-out on nutella, strawberry's, bananas, and whipped cream.
AP: Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to discuss?
