An Interview with Basse Mode

With the ongoing animosity between fashion journalists and fashion bloggers heating up, fashion is falling more into the hands of the customer and real people rather than the editorialists.  Even with the introduction of magazines like Lucky Magazine, fashionistas are no longer looking towards the publications that once were the pillar of the fashion industry.  We are wanting practical fashion at practical prices.  Fortunately, a group of fashion bloggers are rolling out a magazine called Basse Mode.  I had the chance to interview the creator and founder of Basse Mode, Lauren Cooke and her passion for this has only made me want to get involved more.

 
Where did the name Basse Mode come from?  Does it have any special meaning?
When we started thinking of the name for the magazine, we knew that we wanted something that symbolised what we stood for. We started off thinking about ideas around "real", but then realised that the real message running through the idea was the message about "low fashion". This sounded much better in French, and so the name of the magazine was born!

How did you become interested in fashion?

It was something of an accident. When I was younger I pretty much just wore what my mum dressed me in, and I never even considered that someone might judge someone on what they wore. Then I wore my flowery dungarees to school on a plain clothes day, and was mocked. I think this awakened my mind to the fact that what people looks like can actually change the responses they get from other people, which has disappointed me to this day. From that moment on, however, I started developing an interest in the inner workings and psychologies of the world of fashion - and almost by accident I discovered a love of shoes and my own personal style. I still don't buy into the whole trends thing, and think that fashion (as in the world of models etc) is absurd - but I have also discovered a way to dress like "me".

What designers or bloggers are you inspired by?

I started blogging because of Cie at Secondhand Shopper, and it was a while before I became fully immersed in the world of blogging. However, some of the bloggers that I got to know first of all (either personally or just vicariously through their blog) were Amber, Becki, Nubby and Fleur. I find them all inspiring both in terms of fashion, and in the loveliness that they portray!

How did Basse Mode get started and what inspired you to create this?

I had been thinking about how wonderful it would be to buy a magazine the featured all the stuff I love in fashion blogs. And then, after a conversation on Twitter with Emma and Fi, it actually happened. We decided that even if it never goes to print we would love to show that people want it to happen, and so the blog was born to raise awareness - and hopefully to ensure that one day it is a reality.

Do you have any fashion goals or mantras that you live by or tell yourself often?

Just to be myself. It sounds simple, but this really is one of the things that I try hard to be, even though you would think it was obvious! I generally believe if someone doesn't like me for who I am, then I probably don't like to know them!

Any advice for beginning fashion/style bloggers? 

Always write about things that you are interested in. If you write well and interestingly then people will read you, it is unavoidable! Oh, and also to get involved in the community, it is one of the most important parts of the fashion blogging world.

If you want to get involved with Basse Mode, visit their website and start spreading the word.  They are currently looking for all sorts of contributors.  Thank you to Lauren for letting me interview her, and make sure to go check out Basse Mode on their blog and on twitter. 

Do you believe in lucky clothes?

Can you guess what inspired this outfit?  Oh its this:

I love Kirsten Dunst.  I love her style and the characters she plays.  She is quirky and pretty.  This red hat made a huge statement in the film and since then I have wanted one.  Well, my senior year of college I asked my roommate at the time Rachel to knit me a red hat.  On Tuesday, I got the hat in the mail (and I don't even mind that it was 3 years late haha).  And it is beautiful!  I couldn't wait to wear it.

The reason I bring up the quote about lucky clothes is because, I think this might be a lucky outfit.  Sam and I went bowling with some friends last night and I, for the first time in my life, got a turkey.  What is a turkey?  It is when you bowl three strikes in a row.  I did that... I DID IT! 

Back to the outfit.  I am a huge fan of it.  I felt comfortable, casual, and incredibly chic for being in jeans and a t-shirt.  I think that has something to do with the pumps I was wearing.

Red knit slouchy hat: Knitted by a friend!
Black Beatles Abbey Road T-shirt: Forever21
Creased skinny jeans: Forever 21
Gold pendant necklace: courtesy of Modcloth Mobile Contest
Red leather cuff: ModCloth
Black and brown pumps: Flieschman's Vintage, Clothing XChange

GIVE-A-WAY - The Better World Shopping Guide #2

In honor of the huge mile stone that was hit yesterday regarding my full year of going without shopping, I wanted to do a give a way that was a little purposeful.  You see, something I don't exclusively talk about on my blog is that I am a pretty eco-concious person, and this year of not buying clothing is more than just an excercise in self control and ridding myself of harmful coping mechanisms, but also a little bit of an exploration on what it means to shop smartly. 

"Every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you want to live in." 

I have no idea who to credit with this quote, but its incredibly powerful.  Maybe its because I am 25 and making my own decisions about how I want to live and how I want to spend my money, or maybe its an overall awareness happening in the United States... this I don't know, but I want to give my money to companies that are responsible. 

First off, I try to buy locally as much as possible.  My rule of thumb is, if I could drive to this place... then I'll buy from them over another brand.  This isn't just with food, but with other stuff as well.  I no longer use typical detergent, instead I use soap nuts (I would love to answer any questions but in my personal opinion, I LOVE THEM.  My laundry has never been softer and my skin does not get irritated from harsh perfumes).  Another one is my toothpaste comes from Murfreesboro and a lip balm I use is made from beeswax that was harvested in middle Tennessee, etc.  Yes, I still buy from companies that do not have a great track record because this change is only beginning.  However, I wanted to equip someone with the ability to be an eco-concious shopper with this give-a-way!

Today I am giving a way a copy of Dr. Ellis Jones book The Better World Shopping Guide #2.  This pocket sized book grades companies and corporations that provide all sorts of goods and services.  Whether its a grocery store or an airline, car company or *gasp* clothing manufacturer, this book has gives it a grade of A+ through F. 

In order to enter the give away all you have to do is comment on this post with one way that you can be a more eco-concious consumer by 11:00 PM Central Standard Time February 27, 2010.   Please leave your e-mail address, twitter handle, or a link to your blog so that I can get in touch with you.  This give a way is open to US residents only.

Get another entry by retweeting about this give a way on twitter.  You can follow me on twitter at @alysonisneat.

Good luck everyone!  And again, thank you so much for being my reader, and for commenting and encouraging and just believe in me.  Even when I hear from my friends that they read my blog, I am just so thankful that they read it.  It means so much to me.  More give-a-ways to come this week, including one for my fellow size 9 shoe wearers :)!