Kids, Fashion and Blogging with some of the Nets most famous Latte Mama's
Monday Mama is back with an all new crowd of wonderful Mum's from across Britain and Europe, giving us an exclusive look into the latest in kids fashion and blogging straight from those that matter.
This week we have the pleasure of MrsChic Fantastique, event designer, freelance fashion and lifestyle journalist and blogger with a passion for social media.
Name – Mrs ChicFantastique AKA Michaela Deasy-Smith
Location – London and the South of France
Website – in the design stage
There's so much
passion for fashion on your blog, and it really shows through, when and how did
this passion start?
I studied journalism, art history and business at
university, taking an internship with ABC radio in Australia. But every week I
was writing to Vogue, Cosmo, and every teen fashion mag I could. While I was
doing that a friend asked me to help organise a new salon store opening for
Toni & Guy. It went really well, for a first time event organiser. I loved
the buzz, and so steered my career into events, and boy, I’ve had fun. From
Royalty, to celebs, the rich and the not so famous, I’ve had an absolute
ball, and it’s been a lot of hard work. Ask Mr ChicFantastique who’s had to
ring me at 4am to find out when I would be coming home, and that’s been in the
weeks leading up to an event.
At 7 months
pregnant I was asked to travel to the Emirates to start work on another event
project, and it was so huge, and such a fabulous opportunity, and I knew that I
wouldn’t be able to keep up the work commitment, so I bowed out, and that’s
when the blogging really took off. I am truly passionate about breathing life
in the UK high street, giving a voice to independent fashion designers,
retailers and creatives. If someone had told me 15 years ago that I could be
using the internet to create a voice and easily get my work published, I could
have been a millionaire over and over by now.
How has your style
changed since becoming a mother?
I definitely put more effort into making
sure everything I wear is flattering to my shape (and I sometimes take a photo
of what I look like before I go out – isn’t that just super vain?). I tend to
put my jewellery on after I leave Chic Mini otherwise she will pull at it. I’m
also more obsessed than ever about anti-ageing products. I do so much research
into food, creams, and of course Botox, which Mr CF will not allow. If you
would like to know more about my anti-ageing crusade, tune into Twitter on the 7th
of June for my Twitter party exploring the world of natural vs surgery.
Tell us more about
your blog and how it complements your profession.
My blog has to be newsworthy, interesting,
inspirational and as independent as possible with a luxury edge. I suppose I am
a ‘blogger’, but I make sure that my journalism skills shine through with
accuracy, spelling and grammar, and attention to detail. People seem to like
what I do and actual paid writing and events work is slowly coming through via
ChicFantastique.
You're from
Australia, live in London and visit France often, what can you tell us about how
fashion varies in the different countries?
THE biggest fashion difference is
that UGGS are Australian and something we all had as kids - they were our
slippers. So different looking to what they are now. But in Australia we would
never have worn them out – they are for the house only. In the UK I have been
at a cocktail party and girls have arrived wearing a fabulous dress and
UGGS – oh my god!!! NO.
You will not find anyone in France, no matter how cold it is
wearing UGGS unless it’s a tourist. French women wear the most flattering
leather mid-calf and knee high boots, and I love the look.
The UK is a hot-pot of independent fashion talent who design
clothes, shoes and handbags, and I get goose-pimples each time I discover a new
one.
I spend a lot of time in the South of France where fashion
is all about luxury labels.
Australia does the best swimwear and underwear. My annual
parcel is due to arrive from mum any day now.
How would you
describe your little girl’s style?
Chic Mini is Mariella. She has a
fabulous head of dark hair, and massive bright, blue eyes, and eyelashes we would
pay for. And she wears colour so well.
I’ve never had her in a lot of pink – she looks stunning in red, blue, deep
purple. I’ve even had her in black. Mariella always has a trademark clip in her
hair and wears hats beautifully. French baby and children’s clothing is always
so full of colour, hardly any pink in sight, and I love it.
What are your
favorite finds in the baby fashion world?
We adore Sooki an Australian
brand. The pieces have super cute designs such as Babushka Dolls; very
functional with buttons and clips in all the right places, and they wash up
well time and time again. We also have a stack of Bonds singlets…a bedtime
must.
No Added Sugar is another gorgeous brand that design
eye-catching pieces with zip and button detail and cute fabrics. I have my eye
on the Trapeze Jump Suite on the Latte-Mama website, but waiting for a smaller Chic
Mini size.
I don’t mind what brand we buy, but I have to have fab body
suits for every day – long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless for the hot days.
Do you think runway
fashion inspires children's fashion at all, or is it the other way around?
Oh absolutely. That is the beauty of runway fashion. But becoming a parent is a very personal
thing and gives you the most amazing confidence to get out of your comfort
zone. Look at Victoria Beckham. But what I have noticed more in the last 5
years is that well known designers are becoming parents themselves. We are
seeing their children in the front row at the catwalk, and the designers
glowing with pride. Dona Karan famously created DKNY with her daughter in mind.
What is your
favourite trend for SS 2012?
In 1996 I travelled Malaysia and Thailand and it was hot. I bought these
really light-weight patterned trousers (we say pants), and not just one, but
about a suitcase full. I’ve got no idea where they are – perhaps a charity shop
or two. The printed trouser is back! And all I can think of are my travels. But
I’ve relented and bought a pair from H&M and they are fab, fab, fab. This
is what I’ve worn in my photoshoot for you. Make sure you wear with heels.
I also love the oversized clutch. I’ve invested in the
Orange Lizard Oversized Clutch by New York designer Riki Rosetta available
through BagServant.co.uk
What do you predict
will be the most popular one for AW 2012?
I am seeing a lot of peacock jewel colours coming out of Australia at the
moment. The very gorgeous Delta Goodrem (judge on The Voice, Australia) wore a stunning
sequin blazer the other night at an outdoor appearance, and I want one.
Also, big bags. I’ve just discovered Jane Goodchild, handbag
designer, and her lust-have big totes. You can try-on and buy at POP The
Fashion Store in Olney.
Mmmm, big bag love.
What is your top wish
list items from www.latte-mama.com?
Each week I am measuring Chic Mini’s feet hoping she is ready for the
gorgeous ballerina pumps by Mina Shoes. One day! One day!
