Clara Smiles

An interview with the stunning blogger Maria, from Clara Smiles.

What are your signature pieces/ traits?

Love vintage clothes and recycled pieces, if I have to choose, it could be the Clasic Black Leather Jacket, Motorcycle Leather Boots and Long Sleeve Shirts.

What does your current wishlist consist of?
I'm not used to having wishlists, I prefer to surprise myself by finding wonderful things without planning, but some of my favourites this year could be the Stylestalker's Vulture Dress and the Cat-Eyed Sunglasses by Alexander Wang!

Whose wardrobe would you steal besides the magical one in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"?
Generally I get influenced by many different places, around on the web or magazines that I wouldn't choose someone specifically, mixing is more Fun!

Fashion inspirations?
As I have a family background of Rock/Techno musicians, I prefer Edgy looks, part trashy, part trendy.

To name a few, David Bowie, Robert Smith, Jay Kay, Deborah Harry, Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny, the whole psicodelic acid age, the punk movement too.

Favorite online shops?
I usually buy locally, so I don`t have a favorite online shop.

Favorite local shops?
I enjoy much buying my clothes on vintage markets (sometimes i have to re-adapt stuff to the look i like).

So my favorite treasure shops are flea markets.

How long have you been blogging?
Less than a year.

What made you decide to start blogging?
I wanted to make something personal, just for myself, had many pictures that I had taken and I wanted to put them on a kind of album, never expected the world liked my stuff.

How do your friends and family support your blogging?
They are very happy with it, and proud, they always show it to their friends.

How long have you been interested in fashion? How did your interest develop?
As a child I remember seeing my father singing in his PopRock band with all the make up and wardrobe for the shows. Those images, and seeing other band shows made an impact on me. My house allowed us, my brother and me, to dress the way we liked, which was generally different from the other kids and always music influenced.

Where did you pick up your style?
I think style is a work in progress, I never think about it. When I take pictures, I start with a simple idea but never know how it will end up, most of the times is just me with my clothes at home with the camera. I`m surprised that most of the people find a Style and Defined Ahestetic on my work, I think everybody has their own Style and exploration is the key to find it.

Has blogging affected your career? Has it lead you in a new direction in life?
In my country blogging is not as popular to properly affect your life or career, but it has opened my mind in new directions certainly.

Best advice to fashion lovers, bloggers and non bloggers?
Just believe in yourself, follow your heart, develop your own style.

Personal benefits to blogging?
I`m happy to show my little world and receive instant feedback from many marvellous bloggers. As i`m the photographer in most of the shots, it`s also great to share my personal view of my things and my place. I have known many wonderfull people (virtually) which I wouldn´t if it wasn`t for the blog.