welcoming the new year: an interview with jessica

Monday, January 02, 2012
 

Happy 2012 everyone! I thought; why not get it started by introducing you to the very classic and beautiful Jessica from The Tragic Sense. I've been anticipating this interview for a while now as I'm constantly amazed by her impeccable taste in clothing, whimsical way with words, her clever and visually exciting photography and, last but not least, the beautiful collection of vintage she so effortlessly puts together. Jessica is also very humble and kind, making interviewing her delightful and inspiring. You can check out her other outfits at her blog, chictopia & lookbook.

 

In your spare time, you would usually be found...
Taking photos, thrifting, reading, writing, or blogging. I received a sewing machine for Christmas so I suppose that I will soon add sewing to the list? We’ll see how it goes!

Was your Mum a vintage collector like yourself?
No, not at all! She has some mildly terrifying remnants of her 80s wardrobe, but alas, my lovely mother is not nostalgic for clothing quite like I am. My maternal grandmother was said to be very stylish in her heyday and I’ve managed to acquire a few of her best hats! 

Is there anything or anyone in particular that inspires your style?
Not anybody in particular at the moment. I feel like my process of becoming inspired is much more organic now than it used to be. I am inspired by events, images, fleeting moments, dreams, memories, art, films, books, history and fairytales. The internet too is an endless source of inspiration! I’ve learned so much from ladies far spiffier than I in this vast, impressive fashion community.

Any photography skills you would like to share?

I’m certainly no expert, but photography is my first love so perhaps I will share with you some of my “wisdom” from over the years! To begin- practice, practice, practice! Get out there and take pictures of everything and everyone. As you develop an eye for composition and gain a better understanding of what strikes you aesthetically and emotionally, your individual photographic voice will emerge. Be inspired by other artists but don’t let your admiration consume you. Know your gear! Read about your camera and its functions, you’d be amazed how much more you can do artistically when you’ve got a firm grasp on its mechanics. At the same time, don’t fret over equipment. It’s not about having the best camera out there, it’s about you, the artist. It’s your vision. Don’t let it be spoiled by self-doubt. I’m happiest when I’m shooting with my old Minolta on haphazardly bought film from the supermarket!

 
 

Describe your beauty regime;
I am very meticulous about my skin because it was so terrible when I was a teenager (photos of my younger self are always quite humbling), at which time I developed a routine for taking care of it as best I could under the circumstances. I don’t shell out a ton of money on products, but I do own a basic cleanser, exfoliating cream, moisturizer, and lots of lip balm. I love trying out natural remedies as well! I've been using Vitamin E oil on my face recently and its been doing wonders for my brittle skin in the dry Canadian cold. It makes my makeup go on so smoothly. My go-to look is a cat eye, blush, dark brows and lightly red stained lips.

Three materialistic items you could not live without;
My camera, my vintage clothing collection (I know, I’m cheating!) and my laptop.

If you could go back in time to any era, what would it be?
Although I do often romanticize the past, I very much enjoy living right here in the present, where I can can take bits and pieces of inspiration from any era I choose with the added benefits of air conditioning and women’s rights! Fashion-wise, my favourite era is changing all the time. Right now I love the Victorian era for those elaborate, ethereal ensembles depicted in paintings. I’m also loving the 40s and 50s for classic glamour, lots of volume, immaculate hair and makeup and of course, the New Look!

All photos courtesy of Jessica Celebre ♥

32 comments:

Julia said...

Wow, I really love the last two photos. That coat is beautiful (especially paired with the hat)

Very cute!

Julia
Cup of Tea
http://cupoftea-style.blogspot.com

Jana K said...

Such gorgeous photos :) Nice interview.

Tania said...

She is absolutely stunning, what a great find :) so inspiring reading it!!

http://t-mareeclothing.blogspot.com

Nirmala D Mohan said...

Such a great interview... Beautiful Picturesque.. Happy New Year 2012..
U have a awosome & inspirational blog.. Thanks for a visit & comment on my blog..It was lovely.. Following ur blog on GFC..
All success & keep goin:)

SomeoneLikeYou said...

Ahh, Maria you picked the perfect lady to interview ❤ I have simply adored Jessica ever since she started her blog back in July... She is impeccably beautiful, so poised, a phenomenal writer, and not to mention a magician with words. It was so lovely learning more about her! xx

Midwest Muse said...

She is beautiful! Must go check out her blog!

Unknown said...

Great post... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

http://heydahye.blogspot.com/

GoNcha GoNcha said...

love her romantic style.
have a Cupcake sweet New Year!
http:///gonchagoncha.blogspot.com/

My Modern Vintage said...

really great interview I love her style
XX Ilana

www.mymodernvintage.com

batblush said...

What a great interview, now I'm definitely glad I followed you back! :) She's lovely and her blog has such softness and charm to it. Thanks for uncovering a new gem for me to enjoy, I'll give her blog a follow as well!

http://batblush.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

A wonderful interview Maria and an impeccable subject too boot! The imagery was perfect- frankie quality I would say, I can't wait for you to do another.

Love Alexandra

just me said...

great interview and wonderful photos.

http://excurlythoughts.blogspot.com

Kailey said...

Ahh, what an incredible interview! I am definitely checking out her blog now - I absolutely loved her answer to the last question!

Charlotte's Frame said...

I lover her blog! Thanks for interviewing!

/reply/ Thanks for your kind comments on my post :]

A Girl Named Leney said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog! Loving yours:) Definitely let's follow each other.

<3 Leney

http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

These photos are beautiful, lovely post! I’ve added you to my links page, take a look at my latest posts too :)
Lots of love, Charlotte x

www.charlottesweb-photography.blogspot.com

dunia kecil indi said...

she have a cute style. thanks for sharing :) happy new year, btw. hope you had a great year ahead :))

Anonymous said...

She has a gorgeous, unique style. :)

Happy new year,

xx Satu
Indie by Heart

Lilianajcardoso said...

HEr style is amazing, I didn't know her. I really liked the interview and the pictures of her. It was really fun to ready this!

xxxx & Happy New Year

Vic said...

She definitely has a gorgeous style; Totally gonna go and follow her, thanks for having the interview! :)

Happy new year! :]

http://fashionablyembraced.blogspot.com/

Sabina said...

Oh wow, love the one skirt and long coat looks. Great interview!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for introducing me to this girl! I love finding new blogs to read :)

Mabel
Mabel Time

stereospecs said...

ooh, lovely post. i love finding new blogs and learning about other people :)

leah flener said...

your blog is LOVELY as well! thank u so much for your sweet comment!!! i am gladly following!:):):)
xoxoxo
Leah (sookie says)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog!Great interview and amazing blog.Definitely let's follow each other!

xoxo

http://lemizy.blogspot.com/

Agnes Deer said...

Hello! I already sent your interview! It should be in your inbox! :)

Summer-Raye said...

these pictures are beautiful.

elspeth angharad said...

I love your interviews, Lovely!! xx

http://glitterandpearls.blogspot.com/

artichoke heart said...

you are just the sweetest thing i have seen x such a precious little blog you have

would you like to follow each other?

x
http://artichoke--heart.blogspot.com/

Mari Garcia said...

I have a major girl crush on her! Thanks for this post you just made my little stalker heart very happy :)

Xoxo,
Mary from ♥ meowwzie.blogspot.com ♥

I took your button over to my blog. You deserve more recognition.

Aurelia said...

I love her vintage , romantic style.Very interesting interviw....
Follow each otcher?
http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com

thepinkypromiseland said...

I am sooo stunned :))) absolutely the kind of style I adore to see, you are beautiful!