1) So the first question that I NEED to ask you is how did you get your name? It’s pretty funny, but at the same time sort of “welcoming” haha I just wanna be like “Hey! It’s my home girl Nathalie! What’s up?” Where did it come from?

Haha. It’s been a term that I’ve always used growing up with friends, and to me “homegirl” describes that friend who’s always down for anything, there for you, has your back, hella chill. So, when I decided to make this channel I wanted to create that type of feeling and connection with my subscribers.

It’s really approachable and fun. What you describe is the exact feeling that I want to get. When I first debuted the channel, I had a lot of friends’ comment on how perfect the name was. And, I mean I seriously get a kick out of saying my intro because I’m literally YO’ HOMEGIRL and yo’ homegirl Nathalie. /I’m laughing right now actually/

2) And your style! Absolutely love it! Where or who do you get your inspiration from?

Thanks dude! Well, my older sister Gianinna was my gateway to fashion. She always looked so cool, regardless if she was going to hang out with friends, or going to school. /She used to get so annoyed at how I would just be creeping while she picked out an outfit haha/ The way she could put pieces together and her confidence that went with it was really amazing.

So while I grew up trying to emulate her type of style, I just fell into my own. In my early years of experimenting with styling, I was highly influenced by Japanese fashion. Although it was the eclectic clothing that originally pulled me in, what has still kept me into Japanese fashion is the confidence that goes into wearing what they wear. They can put on anything and make it look cool regardless if it’s in trend or not.

Overall, my style varies on my mood and environment. But it usually revolves around these questions: “how do I want to look?” and “how do I want to feel?” I’m very attached to my clothes. I like buying things that really speak to me- and sell for a reasonable price. I’m a huge bargain shopper.

3) Do you have ANY favorite pieces of clothing? A jacket? Ring? That you have to wear

For clothing, I love crop tops! It’s my favorite thing to wear. I’m a shorty so it helps balance out my proportions haha.

Oh! And the only rings and bracelets I wear are ones that my mother has gifted to me. She always picks out the most unique pieces and they’re usually from Peru (where my family is from). Especially living so far away, it’s nice to feel like she’s always with me and to always remember my roots.

4) Are there any other internet fashionistas that you currently look up to?

On YouTube I really like the Swedish duo, Maya and Julia from The Line Up! Even though their style is completely different from my own, I appreciate how they put things together. Their whole aesthetic is bomb!

In the blogosphere, I admire Susie Lau of Style Bubble’s sense of style! I like how it seems that she genuinely has fun with fashion and really loves layering.

5) If you could buy one item, no matter the price what would it be?

A mint green Vespa, so I could ride around town feeling like I was in a cute, pastel-toned Korean indie music video. (Optionally with a dog in a side car)

6) So you’re currently located in South Korea right? Where are you originally from? And are there any new style inspirations or techniques you’ve picked up while living there?

Yep! Passed the first year mark back in February! I’m originally from the States, Jersey to be exact.

And yeah definitely have picked up new style inspirations! After being fortunate enough to attend Fashion Week for 2 seasons now, it’s really opened up my eyes to some amazing Korean designers like Chez Heezin, Push Button, Andy & Debb, and Yohanix. I love how Korean high fashion puts a great deal of attention on detail, color palettes and silhouettes!

I’ve also learned to appreciate how Koreans can wear sneakers with virtually everything-I’ve actually been wearing more sneakers myself; something I never did back home.

7) I feel like South Korea is the hub of minimalistic style and aesthetic. How have the people there responded to your more eclectic and energetic sense of style? (If you’ve had any reactions haha)

Yeah, definitely! Though Koreans are very stylish people, aside from fashion week and people who are into fashion, the majority of everyday Korean style is a simple, clean-cut, one-standard style. This style is very affected by what’s trending, which can be a double-edged sword. It’s great because you can always find the latest “it” item in stores for a relatively low price, but also literally every store will carry the same things. If a coat comes in style, you can bet that within a week you will see every person walking down the street with that same coat. So, while everyday Koreans dress very nicely and fashionably, their style does lack diversity. Ironically- the everyday Korean style is what makes their fashion so unique to other places across the globe!

Even though my style is bolder compared to the muted pastel tones of everyday Korean wear, the reaction to my style hasn’t been any different from when I was living in the States. /haha/ People will sometimes comment on what I’m wearing, usually at fashion related events, but I have not noticed any extreme responses to my outfit choices.

8) Thank you so much for being interviewed by me. The last question I’m gonna ask is a bit of a puzzle (I like to make people think for no reason *laugh evilly*). If you could describe yourself using 3 words beginning with the letter “e” what would they be?

No, no! Thank YOU for reaching out to a homegirl!

And I love puzzles! Hm, I would have to choose: 1. Eclectic 2. Energetic 3. Expressive~!

Oh and the playlist you have on the website is A+!