Joellen describes herself as a ‘chronic shopper,’ yet we can hardly blame her – we want her entire wardrobe! A keen eye for mixing vintage with modern prints and texture, Joellen manages to look bang on-trend and effortless but always with a unique twist. Living in sun soaked California, we quizzed Joellen about her laid back style, influences and her top tips for successful thrifting.

When did you first become interested in fashion?
I’ve always had an eye for fashion since I was very young. Actually, recently I found sketches from when I was eight or nine with outfits I was planning for future field trips and and Girls Scouts events! Drawn with gel pens, naturally.

You seem to have the perfect laid back SoCalifornian style. Would you say living where you do influences the way you dress?
My SoCal location is definitely reflected not just by the climate here but also the sun-soaking, wave-loving culture, prevalent even 10s of miles away from the beach. Shorts, slinky dresses, and lightweight crochet knits are feasible to wear year-round.

If you had ten minutes to get ready for a party, what would you throw together?
The little black dress is always a quick go-to for parties on short notice. I love more unqiue LBDs such as bodycons with mesh panels and black maxis with a cute collar or neckline. Plunging, scoop backs are always sexy. This then gives you time to select appropriate accessories, which I believe make up half of the outfit! Swipe on a swatch of red lip lacquer and you’re set.

iFashion is all about shopping online. What are your favourite online shops and why?
Lately I’ve really been into Australian online boutiques because it’s refreshing to see some of my favorite brands like Stolen Girlfriends Club in stock with styles not often for sale in the U.S, e.g., idontlikemondays.us, oneteaspoon.com.au, and mintshop.com.au. My favorite shops, however, are those with one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces such as shophardcouture.com. Lastly, blog shops are a great way to find unique clothing, along with ideas on how to style each piece. You can see mine at http://shopjoellenlove.tumblr.com

You have an amazing vintage collection. What are your top tips for sourcing vintage clothing?
Thank you! My favorite places to find vintage clothing are hole-in-the-wall, independently owned thrift shops. In all honestly, besides knowledge of fashion trends during different eras, checking on a smart phone while shopping ensures vintage wear, or even better, higly coveted (to me at least) dead stock items. My online shop stemmed from my love for vintage and shopping in general, which was debuted after I realised my closet was literally overflowing with amazing pieces that would be put to use more by bloggers and fashionistas who share the same taste.

What is the one item you would save for a year to purchase?
With my (unhealthy?) shopping habit and tendency for impluse buys I don’t think I could wait a year to buy anything! If so, it’d probably be a pair of Balenciaga heels or a vintage quilted Chanel purse.

Whose style do you currently admire and why?
My style is very eclectic, and this reflects in my list of those who inspire me. This list includes Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and last but not least, Leyla (Lo) Safai of Heartsrevolution, who never fails to bring out my inner pink unicorn.

What will you be wearing this A/W?
As I mentioned before, Southern California doesn’t get that equal opportunity to throw on a ton of coats and chasmere scarfs, but there are ways to integrate these comfy accomodations. Silk and chiffon blouses, pleated slacks, blazers and cardigans, a lighter scarf and neutral platforms will come into play these next coming months.

Thanks Joellen! Want to raid her wardrobe? Don’t forget to check out her blog shop: http://shopjoellenlove.tumblr.com