Before attaining the Chictopia Style Icon title, you may have seen this 19-year-old sensation making her name known in the fashion blogosphere, such as being featured in Nylon Japan and ELLE China. Juggling multiple projects at once, this it-girl was able to answer some of our questions as how she does it. Let’s just say that, she definitely has us lusting over her style and glamorous life.
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LusttForLife is known as Olivia Lopez, 19, Student/Model/Stylist/Shop Owner
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Blog: Lust For Life
Congrats for having 1,200+ fans here on Chictopia! You’re a true inspiration to the community. How would you describe your style? And, do you have any muses/influences?
If I could describe my style, it would be motorcycle librarian vacationing in the 1960’s. The reason being that the main components of my personal style includes my love for clean crisp whites that’s so frequently visited in resort wear, mixed in with my life-long appreciation for hot shorts and leather pants. Lastly, there’s this feminine classicist side that sweeps in that opts for staples like collared blouses and vintage dresses.
The reason many people can relate to your looks is that you seem so confident in them. Any advice for Chictopians on finding their own style?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve had my blog throughout most of my entire teenage years, and in this time span I’ve gone through so many different style phases. But in the long run, it’s really help me understand what it is I love and am most confident in. Trying things and changing daily is only natural when you’re constantly evolving as a person. In short, don’t be afraid to expand—and it’s better to steer away from labeling yourself.
So your blog, Lust For Life, details your love for fashion and the like. What inspired you to create a fashion blog?
Ironically my blog didn’t start out with a fashion focus. I started Lust for Life as an online journal where I’d impart anecdotes that accompanied the travels and weekend adventures I’d have with my friends. I’m deeply inspired by old movies and 1960’s-1970’s counter culture, and my blog was an extension for that type of nostalgic fascination. It wasn’t until I got an SLR on my 16th birthday that I began documenting my personal style. It’s been one great ride seeing all the opportunities that’s opened for me ever since!
Also, we see that you are the owner of a vintage shop, The Caravan! Can you tell us a bit more about your store?
The Caravan is inspired by my perpetual state of wanderlust mixed with my love for fashion in every era I didn’t belong to. I’m super inspired by “It” girls of the sixties to today, and I love to source pieces that capture that element. Whether it’s burnt velvet fringe that reminds me of Anita Pallenberg or floor length, sheer kimonos that is akin to Charlotte Kemp, I try to keep a stock of pieces that are not only on purse with today’s trend, but are timeless as well.
Being a vintage store owner must have its perks, you get to score some really priceless pieces! Can you let Chictopians know how to snag some awesome finds?
1. Search thoroughly. As tedious as it sounds, gaining the patience to go through one rack piece by piece can be rewarding.
2. A flea market is a great place to source home furnishings and vinyls. I found my gold mirror tray (that now seconds as a perfume holder) for a dollar, and I’ve scored rare vinyls from the likes of Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen for the same price.
Speaking of indie shops, we know you regularly model items from the Chictopia Shop! Which are your top 8 items from Chictopia Shop?
1. Skull Collar Necklace (Jill Pineda, $15.00)
2. Crocheted Long Sleeve Blouse (Flaunt.cc, $24.00)
3. Colored Crochet Skirt (Style By Marina, $59.00)
4. Colorblock Statement Necklace (i Candy, $23)
5. Hardy Moto Jacket (Misha Code, $64)
6. Matiko “Paris” Leather Cut Out Wedge (Ashbury Skies, $163)
7. Galaxy iPhone 4 & 4s Case (Shop Jeen, $24)
8. 3/4 Sleeve Contrast Sheer Panel Blouse (Flaunt.cc, $24)
We must applaud you for your multi-tasking! Not only are you a model, stylist, shop owner, fashion blogger, AND a college student, we want to know how you find the time to do all of these things, and still maintain so relatable?
Growing up I’ve always felt like fashion was an industry that was only exclusive to those who were well off or well connected. The emerging presence of blogs has certainly steered that view. I’ve always found that the most successful people I’ve met have been the ones who’ve created opportunities them for themselves. It’s grounding when you excel working from a passion and a purpose versus being entitled to it.
It seems you’ve already taken off in the fashion industry since 2011, what are your future plans? Do you plan on having your own clothing line, or any upcoming projects in the works
I’m in the talks of working on a capsule collection. Fingers crossed!
Do you have any advice for people who want to become successful at fashion blogging? What kind of qualities and assets should one have?
Creativity is the most important asset of having a blog. When you’re constantly churning new ideas, you have unlimited content.
What 3-4 staple items should every Chictopian have in their closet?
1. (P)leather pants
2. Moto jacket
3. Pleated white skirt
4. “Investment” heels
Lastly, if you had to choose one item to wear for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
It’s a mouthful: Valentino’s calf hair leopard print heels with studs. They’re beautiful but completely intangible. The search for them has become some urgent that it has landed in my ‘Top 10’ in my bucket list.
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Thanks Olivia for sharing a snippet of her life with us! Have any questions for her? Leave them here! And don’t forget to check out the Show Us Your Sole contest that Olivia is guest judging!
Or, let us know via EverybodyIsUgly’s Twitter! We try our best to tweet back! (@EverybodyIsUgly)
By Crystal
All images provided by LusttForLife.
