Thought I’d take this sunny mid-week opportunity to sit down and talk about some of the frequently asked questions I’ve been getting across Tumblr, Twitter, my inbox, Instagram and blog comments over the past couple of months. The last time I tackled a Q&A, I did a good amount of answering and thought you guys had a ball at reading my answers as I did answering them. So why not do a round two, right? I’m just going to spiel, and over the course of reading, I will hopefully cover all of your inquiries about my job, my degree, my blog, my height, and my eyeliner secrets.
Before we head onto that, let us marvel in this beautiful piece from Miami Posh Boutique. This dress came all the way from London. I’ve forgotten how beautiful and elegant a simple dress can make one feel.
-When are you coming to Amsterdam?
Hopefully soon. The whole city seems incredibly inviting that I have to make a trip soon!
-How would you describe your fashion?
Clean and masculine. I feel that dresses are a little overrated and that more women should grow a pair and rock HIS stuff because we actually wear them better ;). I keep things clean as well. I can’t leave ripped jeans just that. I would pair it with a tailored button up top.
– If you had to spend 5 years in jail, what would you finally have time for?
5 years is a long time. I already have a good amount of time in my hands but I would probably think of some ways to start my own cosmetic or clothing line and have someone run it for me while I am in jail until I get out.
-Did you ever consider your career to go down this route when you were younger? I am still undecided about what you want to do but you inspire me so much and have really helped me shape the love I have for fashion.
No. I wanted to be Pocahontas when I was 4 years old, and all I could remember was how that was always corrected into ” Be a Doctor.” Slowly as I grew older and realized Pocahontas was just not happening, I aimed to become someone in the fashion industry just like my mother. I did not think I was going to be where I am now when I was 4, but I had a good feeling of knowing exactly what I wanted ~ that I was made for Fashion and that if I ran after this passion I would succeed greatly.
Being undecided is fine but sooner or later you will have to decide. Follow your heart, but be logical at the same time. This won’t be easy but it will lead you toward the right direction. Your career is what you make of it. There is nothing left to chance. Fortune favors action.
-Why you mad fine?
Hi Denise, Thugnanny taught me. Much love my dear.
-Can you speak Tagalog? Any languages you speak besides English?
I can try but I end up sounding very awkward because I am Visayan and my native tongue is Ilonggo. I do speak a little French since I took four years of the language in high school. When I say a little, I mean ” Hi, Bye and You’re beautiful” Is all of it.
-If I wanted to do what you do as a career, how would I go about starting that ? What do I need to start off?
Start with your social media image. Social mediums are the new ways of marketing – everything. Take that window and use it to your advantage. Set your image the way you want people to know you as. For instance I keep mine very simple and clean. I like monochromatic looks and so this is what my Social Mediums portray for the most part. Once you get this down packed , all else will fall into place.
-How did you start your career as a blogger and social media brand ambassador?
I have only been blogging since April of 2014. So not too long ago. Although I have been on Instagram for a while, I never really looked at it as a career or thought of taking it to a whole new level until I started working with a Social Media Marketing Company.
-If you were only allowed one outfit everyday for the rest of your life, what would you wear?
Joah Brown things all day. I pretty much lived in Joah all summer. I recently realized how fantastic their items are and how versatile each piece was that I simply have to bring them into fall as well!
-What is your ethnic background?
I have mentioned this before. I am Filipino and part German. My Father’s side is German.
-How do you take your pictures? With a tripod? Does someone take it?
My amazing boyfriend takes my photos almost 90% of the time. No tripods are used. Ever.
-Why are you so lovely?
Oh thank you. I’m just living. I appreciate your compliment!
-Short or long hair? By the way you’ve got amazing brows. They are on point!
Short hair is chic-er. I used to have super duper long hair because I was honestly never allowed long hair while growing up. However, when I found myself , found my look and my style I realized that short hair works best for my look.
-What apps to do usually use for your photos?
I use Photo Toaster. The rest are trade secrets.
-Who or what inspired you to have start blogging?
My readers , as I have mentioned in my first Q&A. You all inspire me to continue to inspire you back.
-Hi! I am in love with your feed. How did you start up your Instagram?
I was actually one of the late adopters with social media. The only reason I started Instagram was because someone made a fake account of me. I wanted to blow this fake out the water and so I started my own Instagram with the cheesiest name in the world @theoriginal_jlanvin. Like I’ve mentioned, go for a look, stick with it, this will determine your audience and everything else will fall into place.
-Did you go to school for what you’re doing?
No I did not. I have no degree in marketing nor did I go to school for fashion though I wish I did. A piece of paper to back up my talent would be lovely. But who reads that piece of paper anyways these day? Today, all you need is experience on your back, an open mind and good old fashion manners. These will help you become your own master at what you do.
-Any meet and greets soon? In France for example?
Hi! A France meet and greet is such a dream of mine. Just France in general is a dream. No worries, when things are set in stone you’ll know about it!
-Hi! How can I lose belly fat? I do workouts but I tend to lack off a bit and the gain back weight. I hear skate boarding helps since it’s cardio. Am I missing anything else?
You are right about cardio, girlfriend! What you are wrong about is asking me. I’m being funny. I do not work out. The most working out I do is run around my apartment trying to catch my bunny. But here’s what I learned a few years back when I was actually an active gym member:
You need to lose the fat before working on keeping your leanness. Losing fat means doing cardio. Another thing to keep in mind that people miss out on is that the food you take in plays the biggest role in weight loss or gain. Exercise does not work on its own. Food plays a huge role and by this I mean that quality of the food you take in is what matters and not the quantity. So don’t starve yourself or skip meals. Instead, choose to eat healthier and pair that with cardio and ab work out. I’m pretty sure you’ll get results slowly!
Where can I find a good pair of ripped jeans and boyfriend jeans?
Urban Outfitters carries a great deal of these! But the better suggestion would be to go to your local thrift shop and buy them there. Chances are, Urban outfitters sourced it out from them and marked them up whereas buying them straight from the source benefits you and your wallet more!
If you could live a life of any person dead or alive for a whole week, who would it be?
It would so be Anthony Bourdain. I mean, food and traveling pair together as a career? YES a million times.
You are in the fashion industry, have you ever struggled with body image?
Like every other human out there yes I have. When I was new to social media, I did not know who I truly was. I did not know my personal style and where I stood. I just knew I wanted to impress everyone though I felt out of place. I had long hair because it seemed beautiful, I wore what everyone wore because it seems to work, I drank coffee because it seemed to be the Instagrammer’s way of life. This is a huge mistake, the biggest mistake you can make. But the most common mistake everyone makes. It is what you make of this situation that builds you up and out of it.
Until one day I woke up and decided, I don’t like long hair. I don’t even like skimpy outfits.I wanted to loose the hoochie image and the feeling of needing cleavage or what have you. I found myself in looser clothes and avant garde outfits . Heels? What are those? You can have those. I wanted to be different. I wanted to wear things I found myself in~ and then GreyLayers was born. This leads me to saying : You need to own it. Dress for yourself, be confident because this is the best apparel you can possibly wear. A long time girls would dress a certain way because society dictated it. Now we don’t have to do that ! We get to ~ it is now a choice. It is an incredible feeling to know you have found yourself ~ sticking to what you truly love and owning it regardless of if you are the only one standing by it.
Hi! I just started a new job and although I know I can handle the responsibilities, I can’t help but feel like I am less than my peers. What is your advice for new working professionals? How do you get rid of feeling inept ?
The feeling, it goes away inevitably as you progress with the company. You can be clueless but confident. Show that you have an open mind and a willingness to learn. Interact with your peers in the office to an extent within professionalism to show your personality. Two of the best advices I can give you is
1. Ask questions and write their answers.
2. Never say no to anything. Always say Yes and then learn it afterwards.
How did you learn how to pose? I am always super awkward.
My mother ever since I was about three used to make me pose in front of the camera. Legs crossed, dressed up and ready to take on every click. So yes, my mama taught me.
How do you do your eyeliner so perfect ? Have you always dressed beautifully?
I’ve been using eyeliner since I was 14. So I guess its the years that have taught me well and youtube. Yes Michelle Phan, You taught me well in those summer days I spent staying in my room back when I was fifteen. Also I do use liquid liner from Milani. They are streak-free and fabulous.
In regards to how I dress, no. I have had my days of skinnies and Abercrombie hoodies camouflaging every other teen in our high school.
If you have any questions about my answers, comment below and I’ll try my best to answer you!
Thank you Varick for the photos.