“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ’I’m possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn
Having her photos being described as “Marc Jacobs”-esque, this fab gal has garnered a lot of attention from Chictopians and continues to. From being one of our EverybodyIsUgly editors to recently awarded Chictopia’s March Style Icon, KaitlynRickson never fails to amaze us. But, lovelies, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Here, we get a bit personal with KaitlynRickson, while also answering some of your (yes, you Chictopians!) questions!
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KaitlynRickson is known as Kaitlyn Rickson, 18, Online College Student/Fashion Blogger.
Blog: theaudpunk
Twitter: @theaudpunk
Facebook: theaudpunk
Location: Courtenay, B.C. Canada
Favorite quotes:
1. “You can be all you ever want in a dream.” – excerpt from the song, “Move Away and Shine,” sung by Polyphonic Spree
2. “I like free gowns.” – Courtney Love
3. “We have to overcome the idea that everyone is the same.” – from the movie, “Thumbsucker” (Justin Cobb)
You’re one of the most active Chictopians here. Not only are you this month’s Chictopia’s Style Icon, you are also one of EverybodyIsUgly’s Contributing Editor, and all this happened within a month! How do you describe your experiences with Chictopia so far?
I used to have an account on Chictopia called theaudpunk. That account was used for a year, and then recently I decided to be myself. It was an experiment, and allowed me to be as outlandish with my outfits. With my new account I wanted to have a fresh start, and sort of formally introduce myself to the fashion world. The year I spent blogging was for learning and finding me. I think I’ve changed, and it’s very liberating. Chictopia is the only fashion community that’s really welcomed me in open arms. I think it’s the fact we treat Chictopia like a true community, rather than just a place to submit photos and pray someone will “Chic Vote” our look enough times. The feedback is the best part, and it’s a treat to have such positive energy.
Do you think living in a small town has influenced your style?
Living in a small town has kept me grounded and made me appreciate going to lively cities. I wish I lived somewhere where I can be inspired by just walking down the street. Here, I have to search. That being said, I also have to deal with how I appear to others in this town. When I take pictures I just let loose and do what I have to do. Some might stare, but that’s ok. I try not to let the small feel of this place, change or alter my style. I am my style, no matter where I live.
Everyone’s definition of “style” is different. What is your definition of one’s style?
My definition of one’s style is to be you. Like punk, punk means to be yourself. It’s as simple as that.
Your photos have been on the front page multiple times and has even been described by our Chictopians that they resemble Marc Jacobs ads! Any tips for Chictopians on snapping a good photo?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hard on myself. It’s been this way ever since I’ve been an artist. I won’t stop until something looks right to me. Painting used to be my greatest passion, but I’ve taken a subtle break to focus on fashion. Now I take the time to capture my looks. Multiple steps are taken to achieve the final shot. First I have a vision in my mind of what story I’d like to put behind it all. Then I match an outfit to the story. Sometimes I’ll use a tripod and take my own pictures, and then other days I’ll have my dad take them. Music really helps; it lets you move in ways you can’t with static. Remember to try new things, and think outside the box. Dance around, jump, cry, and laugh. Emotion is key. In the end, liking your own photo is what matters. Believe in yourself, and know you are worthy of the front page or style gallery.
Do you have any Chictopian Style Icons that inspire you?
I look up to the everyday bloggers on Chictopia. Truthfully I follow and am inspired by anyone who shares a similar or interesting style. There are a few Style Icons I like, but just the same as a Chictopian who has a Style Council ranking.
What do you three to four staple items that every Chictopian (guy and gal) should have in their closet?
Band shirts are versatile and add a bit of personality to your wardrobe. They are a definite staple to anyone. Everyone should own a jacket or a blazer because they are a simple way to dress up or down an outfit. Lastly, invest in a specialty piece. As vague as this spectrum is, when you have a designer or just a well-crafted item in your wardrobe, it makes you happy. A smile is your best accessory, so why not have something that will forever make you do just that. My specialty item is my Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse shoes which I got for my 17th birthday.
So your blog is called theaudpunk. Can you tell us how you came up with that title, and what your blog is all about?
My blog has two components; Audrey Hepburn and punk. I remember an episode of “What Not To Wear,” where it featured a girl who Clinton and Stacy (the hosts) wanted to make into an Audrey Hepburn with a punk twist. Later I decided to shorten Audrey into aud (pronounced as odd). The pronunciation is linked as well because I think the misfits of the world are the most inspiring and have the best sense of style. Punk is there because of my love of music, and I’ve been into ska punk recently. Like I said before, punk means to be yourself so what better word is there to have in my blog?
We know that you have a flair for writing and everything for fashion. Do you think you will continue with the industry when you get out of school?
Fashion is my life. The college courses I’m taking right now are online, which allows me to spend most of my time blogging and writing. School is just a backup for me. What I’m studying to do isn’t what I want to do, but it’s there if things don’t go as planned. If an opportunity was given to me to write, model, or start a business, I’d take it. This industry is right for me.
Lastly, if you were stranded on a desert island, what five items would you take with you?
What a fun question to end with! Survival supplies aside, I’d take my mouse shoes, Snapple iced tea, a walkman and tons of batteries with the album, Hole’s Live Through This (an IPOD would run out of battery too soon), a blanket or a really warm jacket, and a video camera. If I’m already trapped, and the chance of dying is definite, then I’d want to make the time enjoyable.
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Questions From Our Own Chictopia Community!
1. How do you come up with your outfits? – Demy22
I refer back to films and look through my closet to achieve the essence of a character. Other times I’ll just throw something together and hope it looks good.
2. You always have some amazing thrift finds. What are some of your tips you can give Chictopians about finding great pieces? – Shaniqua1071
There are no stores I like here, so I rely on thrift stores. Every Friday, I go to the Salvation Army and spend about 40 minutes just looking and picking up items I see. Chances are if you like it, someone else might too so don’t be afraid to just put what you like in a basket; you can always put it back if it’s too much. When I’m thrift store shopping I search for uniqueness, quality, and things that speak to me. It’s hard to explain, but once you develop the thirfting skill, you’ll know what’s good and what’s not even worth a possibility. Only sort through brands if it’s genuine designer. Forgetting about labels,unless they are usually expensive, is important.
3. Is it possible to have great style and still stay on a tight budget? – LauraTenshi
I don’t have a ton of money, so I’m proof you can find stuff you like on a budget. Fit and personality are what I look for in clothes. I’ve found Guess and Versace pants from $5 to $30, so don’t believe that you have to spend $100 to find a nice pair of jeans or trousers. Some nameless or handmade items are just as great as designer brands, so check out local stores or merchants for some cool finds.
4. If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? – jeroy
I’m a sucker for tights, so the outfit I’d wear for the rest of my life would involve them for sure. It would involve my American Apparel punctuation tights, Nirvana hoody (because it’s warm), denim shorts, my newly found white blouse, my Alice in Wonderland lunchbox, and blue headband.
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Hope you enjoyed this interview! Feel free to leave your comments here of what you think of KaitlynRickson’s awesome style!
Also, remember, EverybodyIsUgly is also on Twitter! Tweet us just to say hello! (@EverybodyIsUgly")
- Crystal
