Styled On

Perusing the pages of Jasmin Rodriguez's blog, Vintage Vandalizm, is a breath of fresh air. Her 50s-inspired pin up style is bold and beautiful and first caught our eye when we spotted her in a fitted wool skirt suit and army hat at the IFB Conference this February (see below right). We had to learn more about her inspirations, aspirations, and must-have items – read on to get to know Jasmin and see her site here!

StyledOn: Tell us a little about yourself – how did you get into blogging?
Jasmin Rodriguez: My name is Jasmin Rodriguez and I am a 25 years young with an old soul. I got into blogging over 10 years ago to showcase my poetry, it was my way of expressing myself in ways I couldn't in person. I wasn't too open with people and this was my way of speaking to the world. From poetry I started to showcase other things I was good at like my comic illustrations, paintings, and then fashion. I was an all around artist and it all kind of evolved organically as I would jump from one talent to another. However, fashion design was one of my talents that just stuck with me and never got old and to show how creative I was with fashion I started posting pictures of myself in my outfits. It all went uphill from there.

SO: Who is your vintage style icon?
JR: How could I choose? There were so many! Many of my fashion icons were regular women in old photographs, but if I had to choose one that was famous I would have to state the obvious and go with Bettie Page. Even though she rarely wore any clothes at all, there was something about her image that entices me.

SO: What is your dream career?
JR:  My dream career is to be a fashion designer, particularly channeling the 1950's with a cultural, pop art, avant garde, art deco, and modern twist. I like to mix the eras and clash opposites, it is a challenge to make them work seamlessly. I want to bring back the essence of mid-century fashion in full force.

SO: What are your style words to live by?
JR:  Style should be genuine, limitless, timeless, and fun.

SO: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
JR:  I have too many, my most treasured item IS my closet.

SO: What is the best vintage find you have ever scored?
JR:  I found the most beautiful fur coat at Beacons Closet that resembled a coat my Barbie wore as a kid. It was my favorite Barbie and I had now found the same exact coat for a life-sized me! Even better was the price at just $50. I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it.

SO: Is there something you think every woman should have in her wardrobe?
JR:  I think every woman should have at least 10 dresses. Mainly because they are so easy to throw on and don't require much thought when accessorizing. All you need to find is a matching pair of shoes and a purse and you are good to go.

SO: Are you more of a shoe girl, or more of a handbag girl?
JR:  I am definitely more of a shoe girl. I am so picky when it comes to handbags.

SO: We love your blog and read it on a regular basis. Which blogs do you read the most?
JR:  Yay! I am so happy you guys love my blog! I wish I could say I love certain blogs and this is a question I dread whenever people ask me. To be honest I don't really read other people’s blogs unless Perez Hilton counts. Other than that I am always so caught up in my own blog that I naturally don't venture out. I am not opposed to reading other blogs, I just haven't found one that I am addicted to and I know there are great ones out there. I guess I need to venture out.

SO: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.
Hmmm. Most people don't know that I LOVE video games. I used to be a tomboy up until I was 14 years old and I guess many of my old traits never left me. I get so hooked I could play for hours and all through the night given the right game. Don't even get me started with Grand Theft Auto games. I played Vice City for three days straight once. You'd never expect that from a pinup girl.

Are you loving Jasmin's style?

http://vintagevandalizm.com/