Moonshine Junkyard

This is Heather. She considers herself a true California girl,  born and raised. She writes a personal style blog, Moonshine Junkyard, and writes about creative culture while living in a small California town. Moonshine Junkyard highlights her romantic fancy about beauty & fun found in her everyday. 

Heather is a waitress by day, and an Etsy seller by night. When she's not busy blogging or waiting tables or listing charming vintage in her Etsy shop, you can find her kicking it with her husband and cats, or sitting on the porch sipping lemonade with some friends. 

Just looking at this ray of sunshine, you can probably tell that friends and family mean a lot to her. In fact, blogging seems to run in her blood. Her sister and her 3 brothers blog, In fact it was one of her brother's family blog that inspired her to start writing her own. We recently "spoke" via email, and here's an excerpt of our conversations:

the Citizen:  Where do you live?

Heather: I live in Placerville, California, a historic gold mining town that is also known as "old hangtown." It's a place rich with stories and natural beauty, and is located between the American and the Consumnes Rivers.

the Citizen: How long have you been blogging and what are some of your favorite blogs? 

Heather: I've been blogging in some form or another since 2005. I honestly never thought I'd ever have a "follower" that wasn't someone I already knew or that I'd make friends online. It has become an inspiring community for me and a fun way to share some of my exuberance about stuff going on in life.

My favorite blogs are: Thrift Candy, Astral Boutique, and Violet Folklore.

the Citizen: What do you do for a living? What do you do for fun?
Heather: For a living, as far as making money, I do very little (laughs). For fun, on the other hand, I do a lot! I read, write, take photographs, go hiking, camping and backpacking, swim in the river, take road trips, play games, hang out with friends, dance, drink beer, play with my cats, watch films, see live music, eat, sing karaoke, learn as much as I can about as many things as I can, make little movies with my friends, daydream and write letters and snuggle and do yoga and bake goodies and go to thrift stores and go swinging at the park and throw parties. 

  

the Citizen: Who would you say was your biggest fan?

Heather: I'd say my husband Darin, but he thinks I'm a "diamond who wants to stay coal," to quote Tom Waits. 

The party's on and ISQUISOFRENIA rocks!

Have you ever met someone who is nothing like you, but the two of you get on famously? A person who seems your complete opposite but you suspect would be the best drinking buddy on a Friday night, dressed up for nowhere, & just kicking it?  THAT's how I feel about the blogger at Isquisofrenia.  We are very different in temperment and style,  but I LOVE this girl's spirit and style so much, and every one of her outfit posts. Isquisofrenia rocks! She looks part sunset, part whiskey and pure rock-n-roll. 

Case in point:

I mean this chica just looks like fun. I can totally imagine drinking a few brews with her and shooting the shit, on a late Sactown summer night on the porch. Mind you I don't have a porch.  And she doesn't live in Sactown. So I decided to interview her.

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: You've got great style, and you're petite, a little over 5'2" right? Does that affect your style, and how you dress?
 ISQUSOFRENIA: First of all, thank-you for featuring me on your blog!!! I am five feet two inches, and I hate it, to be honest. But, sometimes, it has its advantages. For example a cute tunic can be worn as a dress for me, and that works just fine. I don't think being short affects my style at all. 

 "Isquisofrenia rocks! She looks part sunset, part whiskey & pure rock-n-roll."

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: Ok, where exactly are you? I mean, where do you live? I know you're a fellow Californian, but are you Nor-cal, or So-cal? I'm hoping Nor-Cal, but you're cool, if you're from So-cal, you're still all right by me.

ISQUISOFRENIA: Ha-ha-ha-ha! I live in Southern California. Let's just say I'm 45 minutes away from Los Angeles.  Originally, I'm from South America.

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: What got you blogging? And when did you start blogging?

 ISQUESOFRENIA: At first I wanted to sell my clothes online and then I started seeing really cool girls wearing awesome outfits and then I was like wait maybe I can do the same hahha, so I decided to have my own blog too. I started blogging in Jan 2009.

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: What do you do for fun?

ISQUISOFRENIA: For fun I go to bars, amusement parks, hang out with friends, go to shows & check out bands; that's MY kind of fun.  I really enjoy going to see bands play in small venues. It’s better that way I think, and I drink wine at home for fun too.

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: When I see your outfit posts, I think "rock-n-roll." Does rock music or music in general have an influence of how you dress? 

ISQUISOFRENIA: Yes, I think it does. I know I don’t wear a lot of pants but I love how Iggy Pop just wears those damn tight ass pants with leather jackets, no shirt hahhah and sometimes just listening to rock& roll makes me dress that way I do. I listen to music all the time, especially when I’m getting dressed.

 

CITIZEN ROSEBUD: Pants or skirts?

ISQUISOFRENIA: Cutoffs shorts=)

CITIZEN ROSEBUD:  Heels or flats?

ISQUISOFRENIA: Chunky heels so maybe heels then?

 CITIZEN ROSEBUD:  Thrift stores or vintage shops?

See Emily Play: An interview with Emily Roche

One of the many pay-offs of blogging has been meeting & making friends with folks that you may not have ever met in the real life.   I've had the good fortune of "virtually" meeting some great gals I can now solidly count as real time pals. 

One of these, is my dear friend Emily Roche. She blogs Pamja Libri: a Lookbook,  and basically turns her style inspirations into fashionable collages via Polyvore. I wish she'd post more photos of herself and her outfits, as she is cute-as-buttons, and write more about her real life adventures. Once I found out that she has an artistic bent, and is a passionate organic gardener, I knew I'd found a friend for life.

  
The following is an interview with her. 
                              -Bella Q

Question: Where do you live, and where are you from?

                Originally, I'm from Oxford. However, as of last April, I live in Tunbridge Wells. Me & my boyfriend Alex have our very own flat. It was absolutely empty in the beginning, and we have spent every weekend combing the charity shops & markets for bits and pieces to fill it up with. We discovered a lovely black lacquered bistro chair in a skip a few weeks ago. Yesterday, we found a sorry-for-itself cupboard, but have painted it bright blue and will update it with new handles, a.s.a.p.

Question: What do you do for a living? What do you do for fun?

               At the moment, I'm doing some temp work. I love plants and animals, but unfortunately I don't currently have a garden, so I've filled the flat with potted plants and shower every random cat with adoration. I love photography and practice at every opportunity. You can see my portfolio here.

Question: How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to blog?

                I started a travel blog in September 2009 to chart my adventures in the Antipodes. At the same time, I started doing my fashion blog with the aim of experiencing a capsule wardrobe. In the end, however, I was not doing the sort of traveling that involves luggage; I had a rucksack full of everything I need and lived in a car or a tent for almost four months. So fashion kind of went out the window. When I returned to the U.K., however, I started up the fashion blog again and have been rambling away ever since.

Question: Name some blogs that YOU admire, that inspire you.

                I love LUXIRARE for beautiful, inspiring things that are produced and photographed in glorious technicolor. I enjoy the Citizen Rosebud (Editor's note: this answer was unsolicited but she does get major brownie points) because of the fun stories and anecdotes. I read Sea of Shoes for the snippets of the fashion world and for the love of the off-beat jewelry often included in the posts.

"I want to be an explorer, a zoologist, a baker, a thinker, and most especially, a contented person."

Question: If you could give the world anything, what would it be?

                A breeding pair of every extinct or nearly extinct creature. Except, maybe dinosaurs- while I adore them, I don't think the world is ready to repeat the Jurassic period. Yet.

Geek Chic: Interview with Wynne of Fashion Geek's Closet

 Meet Wynne Prasetyo. This blogger doesn't live down the street from me. In fact, she lives half-way around the world, in Indonesia. Her style however, is international.  She dresses it best in effortless, classic chic style, that knows no borders.

Her blog is called Fashion Geek's Closet, and she's from Jakarta, Indonesia. She's 19 years-old, a student of Law, and a blogger since 2008. She says fashion took over her blog last summer, in August 2009."I've had a thing about fashion for quite a long time," she writes, "Fashion is a freedom of expression and I want to share my personal style." She won't cite any particular fashion or style influences, she feels "the biggest influence is something within me, the way I think about fashion. When I dress up, I dress for myself, and I go with my mood. I do read magazines, and sometimes they can inspire me, sometimes they don't. I can wake up in the morning and think that a certain fashion item is trending even when no fashion magazines say so, and I'll wear it for weeks."

It's a message she wants to share with those around her, to be confident of one's personal look, and to use one's own interior world as inspiration. 

She's eager to share her favorite blogs, and shows an ardent support of fellow fashion bloggers. "I LOVE Karla's Closet the most," she says, "I love that she's completely confident with her body shape and curves, and she always succeeds in putting together her outfits in ways that compliment her body." Wynne also "adores" Tagrid, Le Blog de Betty, and Saucy Glossy, calling each of them "awesome bloggers."

Trends she plans to wear this summer are lots of short skirts and shorts to show off her legs. Not a big fan of bright colors, this Fashion Geek prefers instead to wear neutrals: black, cream, grey, khaki, and even pastels. This seems to resonate with her personality, which seems confident, yet quiet and understated. The outfits I think she wears best are strictly colorless, the seasonless neutrals of grey, cream and black dressed up in flowy fabrics and classic cuts, like here:  

As you can guess from her photos, Wynne is a shoe-lover. She's an avid fan of Christian Loubotin, and Jimmy Choo. And as much as she likes mixing up high-low fashions, she does appreciate the big-time designers. Her favorite collections this season are Lanvin, Ellie Saab, and Zac Posen.

The Fashion Geek has some salient advice for up-and-coming fashionistas: "Don't focus on your flaws to present your style, emphasis your strong points. There are no unbreakable rules in fashion, and even if there are, be brave enough to break them. At some point, you may think you've run out of ideas for new looks, so remember that is what fashion magazines and blogs are for: they are sources of inspiration. And lastly, don't hesitate to modify items in your wardrobe to keep your clothing looking fresh and brand-new."

Not exactly pocket protector stuff, this geek. Just chic. You can follow her latest outfits posts at her blog: http://www.fashiongeekscloset.blogspot.com

The Ultra-Violet: An Interview with Violet Folklore

I first met Amber Magnolia Hill in 2004, when we both worked at a certain natural foods co-op in Sacramento, California. She was young, single and heart-meltingly beautiful, an artist & poet freshly transplanted from South Lake Tahoe.  A lot has changed since then. Amber met and married a certain Graham Hayes (another former co-worker, amazing being, and dear friend,) and together they raise their beautiful 3 year-old daughter, Mycelia Violet. They currently live in Grass Valley, California, where she writes, and sells vintage in her shop on Etsy for a living. For the record: Amber is still a melt-in-your-heart beauty.

Her blog and her shop bear the same name: Violet Folklore, and the style is eclectic, folksy and personal. She has a fondness for Gunne Sax dresses, A-line skirts, comfortable shoes, and loves old towns that pack history. She writes about motherhood, traditional nutrition, herbal healing and about her life, which, like her writing, is unconventional, sincere, at once down-to-earth and starry-ly mesmerizing. 

Q: How long have you been blogging, & what inspired you to blog?

A: My first blog was called Nourished Mother. I started it when Mycelia was a year old, as a way to share my experiences and knowledge about birth, breastfeeding, traditional nutrition and herbal healing. It was about that time that I started getting into thrift-shopping, and started to supplement my posts with my thrift store and yard sale finds. I realized that there were tons of blogs out there doing the same thing, and began to create a separate blog just for that. I started my Etsy shop shortly after, and so the thrifting blog and the Etsy blog became one: www.VioletFolklore.com.

Q: Name some blogs that YOU admire, that inspire you.
A: Well, since starting my own blog, I hardly have time to peruse other folks' blogs like I used to do! The ones I do keep up with are written by women with whom I've made online friendships. I love Missa at Thrift Candy, Milla at The Girl Who Married a Bear, Nicole at Flaming Hag Folkwear, and my former Etsy partner, Sasha at Astral Boutique.  There's no high fashion or layers of make-up on these blogs, just sweet ladies documenting their lives & wardrobes. 

Q: What do you do for a living? What do you do for fun?
A:  I run my Etsy shop, but mostly I am a mama to an extremely lively 3.5 year old little sprite. For fun, I read in the bath! Seriously, that's the highlight of my day. And, take walks in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Sierra Foothills. And every now and then I go out on the town with my girls and get hella crunk.

Q: Who is your biggest fan?
A: My partner Graham. He set up my first blog as a present for me, back in 2008, for Mother's Day, and gives me so much support. He does the cooking, the cleaning and spends time with our daughter so I can shop, take photos and be online. PLUS he does all my graphic design!

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the the world, where would you go? 
A: The Alps in the springtime. 

Q: Who is your biggest influence in your outlook on life?
A: Hm. Well my mom has always been just so chill and easy going. I am grateful to her for modeling that for me. But really I think that my outlook on life is more of a synthesis of all the books that I've read, covering a whole range of subjects.... Two books that come to mind are The Tao Te Ching, and The View From The Center of the Universe by Joel Primack and Nancy Ellen Abrams.

"every now and then I go out on the town with my girls and get hella crunk."

Q: Who/What are your biggest style/fashion influences?
A:  I adore smocking, rainbow patterns, empire waists, floral prints, eyelet, little hearts, polka dots, and all the hallmarks of little girl clothing. Honestly, I think my style has more to do with the clothes I wore as a child than anything I see online or in magazines today. The photos of my Californian mom from the late '60's & '70's have inspired my style for as long as I can remember. I'm attracted to bohemian style, especially when photographed in a beautiful, natural surrounding. This is something I try to create in my Violet Folklore photo shoots. 

 Q: If you could give the world anything, what would it be? 
 A: True self esteem & self knowledge for young girls and women. If women were empowered to truly know themselves, and respect the biological functions of their bodies, the ripple effect would impact every area of society, and I think, be a real catalyst for healing. I've been lucky enough to study with wise women and herbalists, who have taught me to revere my moon cycle, take care of my uterus and ovaries,and tap into my intuition; I am so thrilled to have a daughter to all of this with as she grows. 

  "I adore smocking, rainbow patterns, empire waists, floral prints, eyelet, little hearts, polka dots, and all the hallmarks of little girl clothing."

 Q: What are you doing to make this world a better place? What would you like to be doing? 
A: Raising up my girl the best way I know how and sharing the things I find beautiful, fascinating, and helpful with all my Facebook friends and blog readers!

Q: What will you be wearing this summer?

A: Pretty dresses, pretty dresses and pretty dresses.

 Q: Tell me something about yourself, that I might not know.

A: My kinfolk from my dad's side come from the Appalachian region, and I feel a very strong connection to the nature and culture of that place. I've never been there, but it feels like home.

Q: Coffee, tea or other? If other what:  
A: Coffee occasionally (with cream and honey and cinnamon!). I love it but I hate being addicted to anything. I try to have at least one herbal infusion a day- nettles, comfrey, catnip, or peppermint.

Q: If you were a flower, what kind of flower would you be? 
A: Why my darling, I'd be a violet! Sweet smelling, close to the earth, beautifully hued, and with an affinity for softening the rigidity in human, especially women's, bodies.

 You can read more of Amber's musings at: VioletFolklore.com

Me & Mrs Jones: Interview with Leproust Vintage

Meet Kristin Jones from Nashville. She shares her home with her husband Robin, her dog Desmond, and a whole lot of vintage.

A long-time avid collector of vintage, Kristin is fairly new to the blogging scene, but she hit the ground running with a fresh & charming blog called Leproust Vintage. It's been so successful that it actually got her into the vintage business, and she has since opened up an etsy shop which keeps her very busy.

But being merely busy isn't enough for the lovely Mrs. Jones.  She likes things CRAZY busy so she's been filling up her month with stylist duties, fashion shows, AND a recent collaboration with Market Publique which premieres April 27th.  It is a premium 18-piece collection of uber-cool vintage pieces selected to take your breath away.  The Leproust Vintage items are definite "must-haves" for vintage lovers. Her Market Publique collection can be seen here.

The name for her blog and her shop came from her love of the memories associated with wearing clothes, and how each vintage piece comes with its own history. The way that Marcel Proust famously savored that madeleine, is the way Kristin Jones savors her vintage. I was lucky enough for Kristen to take some time out of her busy schedule and  "sit down" for an interview. 

Where do you live, and where are you from? 
Currently I live in Nashville, Tennessee with my husband Robin and my spastic dog Desmond. I am originally from the tiny town of Piqua, Ohio.
 
How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to start your blog? 
I started my blog in July 2009, so I have been blogging for approximately 8 months. Whew! 8 months has flown by! I started blogging as I was so inspired from so many of the fashion blogs that I read everyday. I love being creative in the dressing process, and I love being able to share that with such a wonderful online community interested in the same thing.

Name some blogs that YOU admire, that inspire you.  

Right now I really love, and am incredibly inspired by Tieka of Selective Potential, Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky, Jen of Jen Loves Kev, Erin of Calivintage, Meryl of Clydes's Rebirth, and Rachel of Mousevox Vintage.

What do you do for a living? What do you do for fun?
I am actually a Speech Pathologist full time. 

In addition, I have my etsy shop. I 've  had a few exciting projects this month,  styling a runway show, and covering some fashion events for some websites. I would love to work in the future as a wardrobe stylist and fashion journalist either part or full time.

What do you do for fun?

For fun I like to exercise, cook, spend time with my husband, friends, and family, shop, watch movies, and read. Oh, and drink wine! :)

Who is your biggest fan?
Hands down, my husband Robin and best friend Courtney. They both have been so supportive and encouraging. Robin often photographs my outfits, and puts up with me staying up half the night trying to maintain my blog and shop while working full time! 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
London! I have always wanted to visit London. Plans to visit in the fall are in the works as we speak...

Who is your biggest influence in your outlook on life?
I hate to keep talking about Robin, but he truly is my biggest influence. He is incredibly laid back and positive, yet driven and motivated at the same time.

WHO/WHAT are your biggest fashion/style influences.
Asian street fashion is my biggest influence. In addition, I love street style blogs and independent fashion blogs.

If you could give the world anything, what would it be? 
Complete equality. Equality of benefits, wealth, rights, everything.

What will you be wearing this summer? 
Lots of floral prints, lace, neutrals, high waist skirts and jeans, very high wedges, and clogs.

 
Tell me 3 trends that you like seeing, and would like to incorporate into your wardrobe.
I am loving the 1970s trends right now....clogs, platform wedges, and high waist denim.

   

Tell me something about yourself, that I might not know.
hmm..I am incredibly tall (5'10) and I LOVE wearing high heels that make me even taller! 

"I LOVE being creative in the dressing process"

Who's your favorite artist? 

Music wise, it is currently Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Actual art wise, I love a local artist in Columbus, Ohio named Paul Robinette.

Coffee, Tea, or both? 

COFFEE!! All the time! Black French press to be exact.

If you were a flower, what kind of flower would you be?

Hydrangeas...I love them!

If you haven't already, do yourself a flavor and visit Leproust Vintage. 

wierzbowa witka, the Marta interview

She's Polish, with polish. Meet Marta, of the blog, wierzbowa witka. When I started following Marta's blog, she hadn't yet acquired a photographer, but was taking self shot snaps in her bedroom, against the closet door/mirror. Her outfits always rocked, and her personal charm shone through in spite of the sometimes awkward lighting.  Her smile is  almost as bright as the camera's flash.  She's recently enlisted her brother as a photographer, and together they create outfit posts full of fun and charm. The following is an interview with this stellar ingenue of style.

What is your name? 

My name is Marta P. (my surname is too difficult to pronounce for foreigners. However, it derives from birds!)

Where do you live, and where are you from?

I live in a large town in the south of Poland, Rybnik.

How long have you been blogging, and what inspired you to start your blog?

I've been blogging since December 2009. I read an article about Polish fashion bloggers and I realized that it sounded fun and a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Moreover, I am still on a style search and I presume that my blog will help me find that particular "Marta style" indeed. Besides, I treat fashion as a good fun, an adventure even.

Name some blogs that YOU admire, that inspire you.

Difficult question, to be honest. Every single blog I visit regularly inspires me to some extent. However, Apparel, Cocorosa, Nana in Wonderland, and Meg from Another Day to Dress Up are my favorite bloggers. Not only do they have incredible, unique style, but they are wonderful people as well!  Instead of following magazines about fashion, for example, I prefer to visit their blogs in order to check the hottest trends. Also, I absolutely admire Kiyo from Tokyo Identity, as her blog is an insight into Japanese culture and fashion as well. And I love visiting your blog, because it is incredibly vibrant and unique!

What does the title of your blog mean? How did you choose to name your blog, wierzbowawitka?
Wierzbowa witka (it should be written separately) means a willow's twig! Honestly, there isn't any incredible story involved in my choice; I was just reading an article about trees. 

What do you do for a living? What do you do for fun?

Hah, I'm a jobless student. Mainly, I still get pocket money from my parents. When it comes to the second part of the question, it depends on how much time I have and with whom I'm going to share this time. I am a very sociable person and I need other people like fresh air. I read books for fun, meet my friends, go to concerts, go to the gym (yes, for fun!), ride a bicycle when the sun is shining, go skiing in the winter, watch Donald Duck cartoons....

Who is your biggest fan?

My mom, my gran, and some of my friends, I think.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

I absolutely love traveling! It's such a fantastic opportunity to become familiar with new cultures, meet wonderful people, broaden your mind even. If I could, I'd like to go absolutely everywhere! At the moment, I wish to visit wild Tanzania; African culture fascinates me, and I want to go on a real safari!  Also, I'm looking forward to visiting California next summer. I will probably will visit Maldives*- a real paradise where I could forget daily problems, take a rest.

Who is your biggest influence in your outlook on life?

That would be my mom. She has had, and still has (sometimes,) the greatest influence on me. At the moment, I rarely listen to her feedback, because I'm convinced that I'm old enough to be independent and do what I want. The problem is, even now, she knows me better than I know myself, and I sometimes regret I didn't listen to her advice. She has taught me how to be tolerant and how to be a good person.

WHO/WHAT are your biggest fashion/style influences.

When it comes to celebrity fashion world, Kate Moss influences me. Also, Sienna Miller, and Alexa Chung.  And I love street fashion.

What are you doing to make this world a better place? What would you like to be doing?

I have to admit that this particular question made me think if I have ever made anything to made this world a better place… When it comes to the world as a environment, as our surrounding, I and my family segregate regularly garbage, do not use plastic bags, I don’t drive car when I don’t need to.  Last year, me and my family took part in “Plant a tree” campaign. Little things, but they can change a lot. 

What will you be wearing this summer? 

Bikini, I hope! And a maxi dress. And loads of accessories!

Tell me 3 trends that you like seeing, and would like to incorporate into your wardrobe. 

Combination of different patterns, crazy African prints and floral patterns. This season I don’t want anything plain in my closet. 

Tell me something about yourself, that I might not know.

Probably you didn’t know that I hate when people are chewing gum with open mouth. Then, you didn’t know that I am make up artist as well! Another thing about me that you weren’t aware of is the fact that I would like to dive with the sharks, and that I watch every single film that is situated in New York.

Who's your favorite artist? 

I have already admitted that music is another important aspect in my life. I listen, I discover, I go on various concerts. I have many favorite artists, but I listen to Metallica and Iron Maiden with pure excitement. In fact, I am metal freak. I like Queen and Abba as well, but at the moment I am addictively listening to Muse and RATM.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A teacher! Or a traveler!
But the first option is more probable and realistic that the second one. I like working with people and being the center of attention. Besides, teaching doesn’t involve routine, as students are different and the Polish Department of Education constantly provides changes, so they won’t let you get bored so easily.
But for me, the most important aspect is that you meet fantastic people. As you have probably noticed, new acquaintances are an important aspect of my life. I couldn’t imagine living on a desert island.

Coffee, tea or other? If other what?

I only drink green tea and water. Ok, sometimes coke as well.

If you were a flower, what kind of flower would you be? 

Sunflowers are my favorite flowers. They evoke for me summertime, and joy.

 

 Marta not only was sweet enough to let me interview her, she kindly sent me brand-new unpublished pictures of her to post. So you saw them here first, Rosebud readers! Drink in the awesome stripes and florals!

To see more of Marta's wierzbowa witka style, click here.

* The Maldive Islands, or officially the Republic of Maldives is an island country of 26 atolls that stand in the Laccdive Sea, around 435 miles south-west of Sri Lanka. It is the smallest Asian country, both in population and area.  - Editor's note