Hello everyone!
I recently did an interview for TravelingNatural.com. The wonderful bloggers name is Tamara and she’s lived in Korea and traveled to numerous places all over the world. A few weeks ago she contacted me to be apart of her “Women Who Inspire” series. Since we’re far from each other it was a virtual interview but nonetheless I was ecstatic to be a part of it and learn more about TN.com.
Below is the interview and you can also click here to view the post on her blog. Definitely stop by and comment and subscribe to her blog as she chronicles the amazing adventures Traveling while Natural. ๐
Would you ever work/teach inJapan
2NE1:
Just because theyโre so awesome. For a video or performance Iโd dress them really girly and feminine. Flowy and form fitting dresses with gold jewelry (to contrast with their fierce edgy style that I LOVE). Iโd put Minzy in a cute but sporty dress showing her legs. Since sheโs a dance machine Iโd add some short lace leggings. Minzyโs a really attractive and sexy woman but since in Korean society sheโs still seen as a teen and that sheโs not the โidealโ look people donโtโ really see her. Sheโs gorgeous, fierce and sexy and I canโt wait til sheโs of age so she can show it!
Where is your favorite place to shop inKorea
How would you compare Korean fashion to the fashion you saw inJapan
Seoul
HmmโฆIโd probably choose outfits that would intertwine with the style the usually wear. Martina likes 50โs style dresses so I think a form fitting white dress with polka dotted cherries would look great on her. The 50โs style shape would give her the look she loves, the cherries would represent her fun and colorful personality and the form fitting part would be a new look for her thatโs meshed with the other elements. A tiny red belt around her waist and cherry earrings would accessories it. Black flats would top it off.
I recently did an interview for TravelingNatural.com. The wonderful bloggers name is Tamara and she’s lived in Korea and traveled to numerous places all over the world. A few weeks ago she contacted me to be apart of her “Women Who Inspire” series. Since we’re far from each other it was a virtual interview but nonetheless I was ecstatic to be a part of it and learn more about TN.com.
Below is the interview and you can also click here to view the post on her blog. Definitely stop by and comment and subscribe to her blog as she chronicles the amazing adventures Traveling while Natural. ๐
Follow TravelingNatural.com on Twitter
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With Korean pop sensation PSY’s “Gangnam style” still tearing up the air waves across the globe months after its release, one can’t help but wonder… what next from the “Hallyu” phenomenon will stir up a world wide trend!
I’d like to think its the fashion. Personally I am not a fan of straight Korean fashion (I guess you’d have to live there to truly know what I mean). But I love when fashionistas fuse American or European chic with Korean style.
One blogger/vlogger (who is also a fashion designer) in particular does it so poetically, that I am surprised she has not been scooped up by the best of the best in the Asian fashion houses yet. I give it another year or two til her name and inspiration is all over the media ๐
Many of you already know Ms. April Jackson from YouTube channel recounting hilarious stories about her life Korea.
But if you don’t you can also check out her blog under the same moniker(Pink Fashion Ninja) here.
Please introduce yourself.
Well Iโm a gal from Kansas City who miraculously ended up in Korea! Iโve loved world cultures since I was a child. Egypt and Asia were the two places I had always dreamed of going. Iโm a Scorpio (Zodiac) and Earth Dragon (Chinese year) so I think that explains me pretty much in a nutshell! I go after my aspirations and dust my shoulders off and rebound from my defaults and mistakes, all while wearing spiked heels and a pink tulle skirt. ๐
What do you love about living and teaching in South Korea
I enjoy learning and experiencing another culture. Things can be so different at times and it has equipped me to better understand and deal with various people and cultures. My students at my new school are amazing. Theyโre so inquisitive and fun. I enjoy being around them everyday and seeing their smiles. Though teaching isnโt my passion, Iโm grateful to have really nice students. I also like how Iโm giving back to others by providing ESL teaching. Iโm able to share and help others who want to advance in the language.
Would you ever work/teach in
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| Tokyo, Japan |
Ah! I visited Japan Japan before I decided to come to Korea
How would you define your style?
Wow. Iโd have to say my blog title would explain it to some degree, Pink Fashion Ninja. I was in branding class in college one day and the instructor asked us to describe ourselves to make a brand. A friend of mine shouted out PFN and it stuck with me from there. Pink would describe me as being very colorful, fun and unpredictable. Fashion is pretty self explanatory but I feel that style runs through my veins.
My grandmother was 7 years old when she started making clothes for her entire family and her style genes and knowledge passed down to my mother and I (it seemed to skip my other family members though. ๐ )
My grandmother was 7 years old when she started making clothes for her entire family and her style genes and knowledge passed down to my mother and I (it seemed to skip my other family members though. ๐ )
Because of my grandmother I know that fashion isnโt supposed to be vein. Itโs to express yourself and sometimes hide/suppress the pain your dealing with.
-April Jackson
She went through A LOT in her life that no words can describe but EVERYDAY she was dressed to the T, every Sunday the hat was crisp, and her kids were well dress. No one would ever know the pain she had to deal with at home. Even if some did they were flabbergasted at how everyday sheโd manage to look like a million bucks. I believe fashion can show your strength and that no matter what youโre dealing with to always take care of yourself. Then the Ninja part is simply because I love Asian culture more specific butt kicking movies ๐ And when kicking butt we must be sexy right? Lol.
Name 2 male Kpop stars or boy bands that you would love to dress. What about 2 female Kpop stars or girl bands?
Rain:
First which most would expect from me would be Rain ๋น. NOT because I want to see him naked..(maybe) but that I would love to be the one to implement his new refreshed image when ends his military duty. During his later years heโs been in suits and very well polished which I love but I think a good transition would be a boho, monochromatic laidback but still put together type of look. The kind of โI donโt careโlook. To visualize it think of Japanese guitar god Miyaviโs new look. After a wife and two kids he changed from visual kei and crazy colors to a monochromatic laid back style. I feel Jung Jihoon would look GOOD in a loose fitting white shirt and harem pants with black boots. Whew!
First which most would expect from me would be Rain ๋น. NOT because I want to see him naked..(maybe) but that I would love to be the one to implement his new refreshed image when ends his military duty. During his later years heโs been in suits and very well polished which I love but I think a good transition would be a boho, monochromatic laidback but still put together type of look. The kind of โI donโt careโlook. To visualize it think of Japanese guitar god Miyaviโs new look. After a wife and two kids he changed from visual kei and crazy colors to a monochromatic laid back style. I feel Jung Jihoon would look GOOD in a loose fitting white shirt and harem pants with black boots. Whew!
BOB4:
Theyโre a brand new Kpop band thatโs out. Very FT Island/CN Blueish but seem to have their own flair. I first experienced them at Jay Parkโs New Breed concert in Seoul with them doing a rendition of 2NE1โs โI love you.โ I feel theyโre still trying to find a look for themselves, especially the lead singer. Iโd like to see them in really geeked out different patterned high watered suits. Iโd throw a top hat on the leader. Iโd give the guitarist colored drum sticks to match his outfits.
Theyโre a brand new Kpop band thatโs out. Very FT Island/CN Blueish but seem to have their own flair. I first experienced them at Jay Parkโs New Breed concert in Seoul with them doing a rendition of 2NE1โs โI love you.โ I feel theyโre still trying to find a look for themselves, especially the lead singer. Iโd like to see them in really geeked out different patterned high watered suits. Iโd throw a top hat on the leader. Iโd give the guitarist colored drum sticks to match his outfits.
2NE1:Just because theyโre so awesome. For a video or performance Iโd dress them really girly and feminine. Flowy and form fitting dresses with gold jewelry (to contrast with their fierce edgy style that I LOVE). Iโd put Minzy in a cute but sporty dress showing her legs. Since sheโs a dance machine Iโd add some short lace leggings. Minzyโs a really attractive and sexy woman but since in Korean society sheโs still seen as a teen and that sheโs not the โidealโ look people donโtโ really see her. Sheโs gorgeous, fierce and sexy and I canโt wait til sheโs of age so she can show it!
Park Min Young:
The female lead in City Hunter and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. In my opinion sheโs the most gorgeous actress in Asia. Sheโs gentle, sweet and cute as a button. Iโd like to dress her with that image but also throw in some hot red lipstick, smokey eyes with a Valentino gown. Give her a daring look. Iโd even like to see her with shorter hair since her face is so petite and small. Kinda choppy to contrast with her sweet persona.
The female lead in City Hunter and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. In my opinion sheโs the most gorgeous actress in Asia. Sheโs gentle, sweet and cute as a button. Iโd like to dress her with that image but also throw in some hot red lipstick, smokey eyes with a Valentino gown. Give her a daring look. Iโd even like to see her with shorter hair since her face is so petite and small. Kinda choppy to contrast with her sweet persona.
Where is your favorite place to shop in
 |
| Korean shoe store ShoeSone |
Various places really. Iโm visiting Sinsa-dong this week because Iโve read how different and cool their shops are. And also Kpop loving brand Joyrich has a shop there. I found out about an open fashion market open once a month in Gangnam I will check out this weekend. Places I already love would be Hongdae. My favorite shoe store ShoeSone is there and the clothes in Hongdae are very artsy. I really love Gangnam Station because you can buy clothes for only 10,000won ($8USD) because theyโre always having sales. Subway stations in
How would you compare Korean fashion to the fashion you saw in
There really is a huge difference. Korea Japan even though Tokyo
Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I want my brand to be constantly moving and growing. I know I want to MC and host fashion and music related things. So within that 5 years time I hope to have transitioned into that. I want to establish an accessory line and continue blogging and vlogging inAsia . Continuing expressing myself, promoting Asian fashion and music, and giving insight into life abroad is my goal for a while. I have such supportive people who follow my blog and vids that I want to continue doing for them and giving inspiration to people who want to travel abroad. The sky is the limit!
Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I want my brand to be constantly moving and growing. I know I want to MC and host fashion and music related things. So within that 5 years time I hope to have transitioned into that. I want to establish an accessory line and continue blogging and vlogging in
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| Caruso SFW 2013 (Oct 22nd) |
Iโm so excited to be going again but one of the obstacles is figuring out whatโs going on. I feel with Korea
When it comes to designers I plan to attend the entire week but I think Iโll miss a day due to a 2 day field trip I have to go with my school on. Eh! I want to attend Vandalist by Vandal, Yoni P & Steve J, D.Gnak. I really wish the brand Joyrich would show there. Oh golly Iโd be happy ๐
What advice would you give to young fashionistas that want to make a name overseas?
Advice Iโd give is to first and foremost go after your dreams. If you want to be in Asia then prepare yourself for the big move. #1 COME WITH A GOAL. In life you canโt always plan how things will work out but if you know the goal you want to reach and achieve it will be a major help! At times living overseas you will feel alone, become overwhelmed quickly and easily be distracted from the things you want to achieve. So before you come save money, practice the language and find what connections you might have in Asia . When you get here, stay on that rode, give yourself monthly goals to make connections, network, and or attend as many events as you can. Take every opportunity around you no matter how afraid you are. Also pray about things and ask God to lead your footsteps.
You have an opportunity to meet Big Bang and style them for a photo shoot. What are YOU wearing to the meeting?
Woah! Trina shake me up! Wow, if I were going to a meeting to discuss styling BB. What would I wear? Iโd wear a white cotton/polyester capped sleeve peplum top with a hot pink above the knee bandage skirt. Iโd have my hair slicked in a big bun on top of my head with huge gold chandelier earrings. Iโd add a huge gold ball ring and a floral charm bracelet on the other hand. To top it off Iโd rock sky high black patent leather pumps with an over sized royal blue bag. First thing I pictured myself in after reading the question!
Many young teachers relocating to Korea Seoul
Oh I love them so much. Iโve met them twice and the first time was at their very first fan meet they had ever done. Girls were only asking them about Kpop stuff but when I got the turn I asked how they transitioned to blog/vlogging full time from being teachers. I knew what they were doing was something I wanted to do one day so to hear it from them in person was inspiring. It was great to hear their story and they were actually the ones who told me to start vlogging. Simon even visited my blog and commented! They are really cool people.
HmmโฆIโd probably choose outfits that would intertwine with the style the usually wear. Martina likes 50โs style dresses so I think a form fitting white dress with polka dotted cherries would look great on her. The 50โs style shape would give her the look she loves, the cherries would represent her fun and colorful personality and the form fitting part would be a new look for her thatโs meshed with the other elements. A tiny red belt around her waist and cherry earrings would accessories it. Black flats would top it off.
For Simon, he like to have fun with the โnerdyโ look, (framed glasses suspenders and button ups.) I would style him in a black button up with a grey graphic t that has a picture of a woman from the 50โs on it (maybe a pinup girl or 50โs family picture.) For bottoms, heโd have a pair of black jeans with grayish shoes. To finish it off a pair of red glasses and an EYK key chain hanging from the front jean pocket. They would compliment each other nicely!
April Jay is a style and travel content creator who loves sewing, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and rocking out to One OK Rock.
Follow her on Twitter
Nicely done, pink! I had a great time reading this.
Congrats and good show. That's how you represent. ๐
haha Thanks Stephe! ๐
So glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks again love for doing the interview. You're awesome! Stay blessed in SoKo ๐