Blogger Feature: Georgia of Velvet Bitches

Welcome to the very first installment of the Bip Bopping Days Blogger Feature! From time to time, I'll be posting interviews with bloggers whose lives I enjoy keeping up with staring with the lovely Georgia (one half of Velvet Bitches).

I feel like there's no way more accurate way for me to describe Georgia than as a kindred spirit. Perhaps it's the fact that we're both unapologetically fond of whimsy, but I know that if I ever made my way to her neck of the woods in Christchurch, New Zealand, we would have the best time hunting for vintage dresses (of which she has a very impressive collection!), filling up rolls of film, and taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Velvet Bitches is a breath of fresh air in the style blog world because Georgia and Christie seem, first and foremost, like they're getting dressed to have a good time, which is what fashion is all about to me! I can appreciate the occasional photo of a good-looking-girl wistfully staring off into the distance in an outfit she carefully calculated to look like she isn't trying too hard, but I'd much rather find my inspiration from ladies I'd like to have a drink with.

When did your love of vintage clothing begin? Do you remember anything in particular that inspired it?

Since I was a kid I've loved clothing. Starting from when I was about 7, I used to carry 'round this notebook and sketch my 'fashion designs' in it- I remember a lime green halterneck top in particular. I used to love the descriptions of clothing in books, and our house was full of old classics. I would pick up Gone With The Wind and The Great Gatsby and Laura Ingalls-Wilder books and just skip to the bits where they described the clothes and read them over and over. When I was about 10 I discovered the thrift store down the road from me, in my search for sewing supplies, and it escalated dramatically from there.

Do you have any thrifting rituals or methods? Do you go with something in mind or see what pops out at you?

I make sure to check every single rack. I've got so many amazing bargains in the menswear, childrenswear or maternity sections, or things that have fallen off hangers and are crumpled on the floor. I never really have something specific I'm searching for, and I try not to get disheartened from a fruitless thrifting trip. I also take a belt and some safety pins with me so I can try something on and see what it would look like if it fitted me. Basic alterations, like hemming or removing sleeves, are easy and increase an item's potential infinitely.

Is there a particular article of clothing you're currently on the hunt for?

Although it's the middle of a sweltering Summer here in New Zealand, the perfect vintage coat still alludes me. I'm also on the lookout for some black and white basics, because I've recently realised 98% of my wardrobe features zany bright prints and I really don't have anything... normal.

Where is your favorite place to go within half an hour from where you live?

t's a bit of a stretch to get there within half an hour, but my boyfriend's place in the North Canterbury countryside is one of my favourite places ever. The bulk of my blog photos are taken there, and the bulk of my free time spent there, in the beautiful fields or by the river.

What is number one on your list of places to go before you die?

India! I am absolutely obsessed with it, and I know I'll get to visit one day. I love countries that are a little off the beaten track, with a generous helping of filth and adventure and sweat and all that wonderful stuff.