Better Know A Blogger: Vintage Vandalizm
I like to channel culture and eras, sometimes mixing them together. You just never know what you are going to get with my style.
Jasmin Rodriguez is the force behind Vintage Vandalizm, a blog documenting her love of pin-up culture and style. Taking inspiration from the '40s, '50s and '60s, her style effortlessly fuses different decades and looks. We spoke to the artist and aspiring designer about how she got her start in the blogosphere and what motivates her to show the world her retro looks.
How did you pick the name of your site?
I was an art student in a trend-religious school called Art and Design, and because I hated trends I started shopping at the Salvation Army for my clothes. I fell in love with the unique vintage pieces I would find. Once I started developing my own style and saw the great response it was getting I realized vintage was the way to go. It was an inexpensive way to expose my creativity and eye for fashion. It was my way of seeing the potential in things that needed to be restored so I started buying vintage blazers in bulk, painting on them, and advertising my art work. It was also an inexpensive way of promoting myself and from there people started asking me to customize their clothing. One customer in particular wanted his vintage blazer customized with a Guns and Roses logo and when he received it, he jumped up with joy and said, "Wow, this is like vintage vandalism!" That's when I realized, this is the beginning of something. I wasn't sure what yet but I am glad I stuck with it.
What is your favorite outfit right now?
I don't really have a favorite outfit. My outfits are always changing all the time, and I love them all equally. If I had to choose, my favorite look would be the one I am best known for: '50s pin-up.
Describe your style.
My style is very versatile depending on my mood and inspiration. Some days I like to wear pretty dresses and channel my inner mid-century classic Hollywood glamazon, other days I like to be androgynous and channel my inner Charlie Chaplin in menswear inspired looks. I like to channel culture and eras, sometimes mixing them together. You just never know what you are going to get with my style but there is one thing you can be sure of — I always add an element of that pin-up femininity to my looks.
Which of your posts are you most proud of and why?
The posts I am usually proud of are the ones that are deep and personal. I have learned over the years to keep much of my life private but every now and then I like to express myself for the positive influence it may have on others. I love inspiring and influencing people from my own experiences and those are the posts that matter to me the most.
What is your best vintage find?
My best vintage find is a hard question to answer but I have this one dress that is in perfect condition. It is half lace and have tulle and an iridescent light purple/blue color and every time I wear it I feel amazing. It is definitely from the '50s and fits me like a glove. It is great when you find something amazing at a vintage store that you don't have to alter, its just right.
Do you have any stories about your fans?
I love them, what more can I say? They are the prime reason I am where I am at today and I wouldn't have gotten this far without their support. Sure I have some crazy ones, don't we all? But overall I am glad for the fans who have been genuine and accept and love me for me, because I am human after all.
When I am not blogging I like to…
When I am not blogging, I usually spend quality time with friends and family. I like to venture off into the city and walk around Soho, Central Park, and visit shops and bookstores. I am always looking for an adventure and when I am not blogging I like to get lost in my city. That's when my inspiration comes to me in 3's.
