Ladies of the Blogisphere - Marta

The first young lady being featured is the ever lovely and totally adorable Marta of With Love....Gabrielle. Marta's blog is picturesque view into her amazing closet and fun filled life. You can't help but simply fall in love with her blog. So here is a peek into what inspires her both blog and life wise.....

INTRODUCTION

Name: Marta
Age: 21
Hometown: Born in Lutsk, Ukraine. Moved to Toronto, Canada at the age of 10.
Blog: www.withlovegabrielle.com 

BLOG

How did you choose your blogs name?

- My  blogs name (With Love... Gabrielle) pays tribute to my idol, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel and just how much I adore the woman that she was and the ideals that she still stands for. 

How long have you been blogging for?

 - A little over a year.

What made you start your blog?
  - Honestly, I have no idea...I just woke up one morning, opened blogger and started a blog.

How did you come up with the concept of your blog, or did it evolve over time?
 - There was absolutely no concept and there still isn't. I just go with what I feel like. Some days I wake up and feel silly telling myself,  "Who cares what I write? Or post?" but at the same time I love to be able express myself and interact with so many wonderful people that share the same interests as I do. Everyday is something new and I never know what comes next. 

Your blog is somewhat personal, were you ever nervous about putting yourself out there in terms of posting photo's of yourself ect?

  - Nope! I am pretty naive when it comes to the dangers of exposing myself in such a public domain, because I have so much faith in people and their goodness. But then again, I honestly think that every time one steps outside the doors they are exopsed in the same way, if not more. 

What keeps you inspired to keep blogging?

  - I blog strictly for myself, there's no alternative motive or need to become an inspiration to others. It offers me a daily get away from my everyday life as a student. It is the escape that drives me to continue and enjoy every moment that I spend on it. 
 

Where do the ideas for your posts come from?

  - Observations, whether it is of my own images or others. I am a very observant and analytical person, ideas always flood my head. 

What are the three blogs that inspire you the most?

  - I love them all! Every single blog has something new and unique to offer. 

What have you learned from having your own blog?

  - This might sound cliche but this blog has really shaped me into the individual that I am today. My style has also developed quite a bit. Seeing myself in images really did give me a different perspective as opposed to a mirror, over time I learned what flatters me and what doesn't. 

What would you say is necessary for a successful blog?

- My goodness, I have no clue. I know one thing, and that is stay true to yourself and don't let anyone get into your head. 

Why do you think you blog is so popular?

- I had no idea that it was! I really do not pay attention to such insignificant things; stas really do not matter to me. In the end of the day, it is all about the people you connect with. 

What do your friends, family and loved ones say about your blog?

- My mom is probably my most avid supporter; she re-reads all of my posts a couple of times. My family, Andrew and Natalia were the only people who knew about my blog up until a few months ago...Even now only my close friends know (I have personally told them), I do not hide my blog or how much I love it...but at the same time I don't go telling everybody about it. My blog is very personal and close to me, therefore I do not promote it but rather have people discover it on their own terms. If they like it then thats awesome...if they don't well thats alright too. Because of it, I have made new friends...which is always a pleasure :)

Do you think you will continue blogging when you leave varsity and enter the working world?

 - Of course, why not? This blog is developing along with me, the journey continues :)

PERSONAL 

From your blog, we all know that you are a fine arts/architecture student, what made you go into that fied and what year are you?

 - I am doing a specialist in fine art/architecture at the University of Toronto and am in my 4th year if studies. I was accepting into the University for Criminology and was interested in studying law, but it took me about a week to figure out that it was not for me. I've always loved fine art but never considered it a career option. However, I eventually (after a variety of courses ranging in all sorts of disciplines) went on to take my first fine art course from then I went to explore architecture (and thanks to one amazing professor I was hooked on it)...my love and passion for both areas only grew and I went on to specialize. This was probably one of the best choices I've made in my life and definitely the best choice I've made in my academic career.   

If you could be anything in the world, what would it be and why?

 - I would love to run my own art gallery; it has always been my dream. Otherwise, I would love to share my passion for art/architecture by becoming a professor. Only time will tell...

Who taught you about style, fit, cut and quality with regards to fashion?

 - Hands down, my mother...I still think it is up to a mother to foresee how her daughter grows up. My mom was very keen on bringing me up as a young lady (hehehe :). My father also has a refined eye for quality and it is from him as well as my mother that I have adopted quality over quantity attitude. My parents have always played a huge role in my life as well as in the development of my style. 

What are you basic wardrobe essentials?

 - Skinny Jeans
 - Cashmere (scarves, dresses, sweaters, ect)
 - Leather Jacket
 - Black Pumps
 - Simple Ballerina's
 - Simple Blouses
 - Booties/Boots
 - Wool Jacket
 - A well fitted pair of trousers
 - Simple Tees
 - Cardigans 

What is your fashion "Mantra"?

 - "Quality over quantity"
 - "Women should be two things; classy and fabulous" (Coco Chanel)
 - "Always be paranoid about detail"

What are your top shopping tips?
- Buy only the items that you love. Never settle for anything less.
- Classics never go out of style (They are also easy to pick up on off season sales)
- Don't be a slave to trends; you will look like everyone else.
- Wear what you feel comfortable in.
- Be fabulous, because you are!  

You have such lovely skin, what is your secret?

- Thank you! :) There's no secret except for SPF 60, everyday! Having a good ermatologist is also very important. I visit him pretty often!

What does your daily make up routine consist of?

 - SPF 60, translucent powder (Chanel) Diorshow powder in Spotlight Peach (really makes your skin glow); after long nights of studying I wear concealer (Dior); Mascara (Chanel); Lipgloss (Givenchy). Also, the most important part is good eyebrows. I love threading; its amazing and very precise. 
 

What does your evening/going out make up routine consist of?

- Usually it is the same as it is for day. I don't really like wearing heavy make up, I often feel like I'm wearing a mask. Sometimes, I will line my upper lid with light brown pencil, but that happens rarely.

Aside from fashion what are you other interests/hobbies?

 - reading
 - ballet (watching as well) 
 - skiing
 - pilaties
 - swimming
 - rock climbing
 - rollerblading
 - shopping
 - sports, I played baseball for three years. I also love going to hockey games!
 - gallery/museum hopping
 - and many more

As an avid dancer myself I have picked up on several mentions of ballet on your blog, also your beautiful elegance and grace are a surefire give away, how long did you dance for and do you still dance at all?

  - Awww, thank you :) I danced ballet for about 8 years and jazz for only a year. I had to stop before university because of the overwhelming schedule but I still hope to go back just for fun. I really do love it!

What are you favourite colours?

- Blacks, Greys, Pastels (especially pinks).

As a lover of books myself I am curious to know what your favourite book is?

- That is a hard one. I have a few: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; Leonard's Swans by Karen Essex; Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser; 1984 by George Orwell; and anything by Agatha Christie. I really love the majority of the books that I read, I think that classic literature can never be bad as it has withstood the test of time. 

What are your favourite foods?

  - My mommy is the greatest cook, so I will definitely say Ukrainian. I also love Chinese, Japanese and Italian. But I am always willing to try anything new at least once.

Of all the places you have traveled which is your favourite place and why?

 - No doubt, Ukraine. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Being born there and still having the majority of the family in Ukraine, it will always be my favourite place plus the history and beauty makes it incredibly interesting to discover everytime. 

Thank you so much Marta for taking part :) I just adore your blog. 

If you haven't yet discover Marta's blog With Love.... you should definitely drop by. What do you think of her blog? Are you as big a fan as me? :) Leave a comment.

 - Please note, all photos are the property of With Love... and cannot be copied without permission.