Alexys Oliver is a multifaceted woman who works as a set designer and prop stylist and still finds the time to maintain her fashion blog, Fashionbater. She owns a company with her husband called Concretestem. They work on still photography ads. When they are not working, they are planning future trips usually while working on house and garden projects. Her style straddles the line between feminine and masculine. Her pictures always accentuate her tomboyish charm while still remaining delicate. Her blog is http://fashionbater.blogspot.com.
Tell us about your personal style. Where do you get your inspiration?
My style is different day to day. I do like to walk the very fine line of masculine/feminine. I have a strong attraction toward the androgynous flamboyancy of the late 1960’s and 1970′s. I love that this androgyny was prominent in nearly every genre.
What are staple pieces in your wardrobe? What are staple pieces you think every girl should have in their closet?
My vintage biker boots, slouchy oversized indigo thrifted cardigan
sweater, The Who old rocker tee, black satin vintage Fredrick’s of
Hollywood scalloped slip. These are on constant rotation. Every girl should own black tights, black bandeau, leather or vegan leatherette jacket, kimono or long vest to throw on over anything, tough comfortable boots.
Who are your fashion icons?
David Bowie, Lou Doillon, Mary Kate Olsen, Patti Smith and Erin Wasson.
What inspired you to make a fashion blog?
When I was five, my older sister Liz designated Sundays as sister day. We would look through fashion magazine and clip out Guess and Revlon ads and tape them up on the wall. She would point out the unique features of our favorite model, Paulina Porizkova and explain how far beauty has come. We would create folders of our favorite outfits and try to find similar pieces at resale shops. This was before the Internet, but essentially we were hard copy blogging! So I would have to say that my sister, Liz is the force and inspiration behind my love for fashion, my need to express it, and my desire to converse with fellow bloggers who share the same passion.
What is the meaning behind your fashion blog name?
I’m a fashionbater through and through. Some people may say it’s unhealthy to spend so much time thinking/blogging about clothing, shoes, accessories, but I think it’s an important and healthy pastime. I say dress for yourself, to make yourself feel and look good.
Which do you prefer blogspot or tumblr? And why?
Right now blogspot works for me. As I gain more knowledge this could change. I do enjoy tumblr but find the blogspot format suiting to my current needs.
What is the future for your blog? Are you planning any fashion collaborations? Designing?
I’m not sure what the future holds. I’m still rather new to blogging. I would love to design. I have a few design projects I have been toying with. I’m not sure if I want to dive into them completely yet.
What do you think separates you from other fashion bloggers?
An interval.
What are you looking to do in fashion? Is it a hobby or future career?
Right now it’s a hobby that sometimes bleeds into my career as a set designer.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to find the immaculate balance and success of my set design career, my passion for clothing, my love for gardening and my need to give to my community (particularly young people). Ideally my garden grows into a teaching farm exclusively for the children and teens in my community. In turn my blog becomes multi faceted and showcases urban farming, youth and their fashion influence.
What are your top places to shop at?
I shop for my work so I find myself all over the place, often in different states.
I’m a thrifter at heart: St. Vincent, Out of the Closet, Goodwill and Salvation Army. Vintage and trade: Painted bird, Wasteland and Squaresville. Staples: Zara, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Solestruck, Free People. Special pieces: Barneys NY, Spanish Moss, Creatures of Comfort, Mohawk General Store,
What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know.
I am a beekeeper. My husband and I have a thriving beehive. We are charmed by the different sounds of their buzzing but we think the females work too hard. They are used to our voice and scent and let us get very much up in their grill. I’m also an avid composter. We have a red worm bin full of lively worms that live like gluttons on our fruit and veggie waste. They are in the constant state of orgy, producing more and more worms as they break down our garbage. They give us great fertilizer and dirt for our garden.
What do you spend most on?
Handbags and boots.
What do you spend less on?
Passing trend pieces, jewelry (because I am hard on it).
What inspires you?
Music, nature, likeness and opposition.
Tell us about where you live.
I live in Los Angeles on the top of a hill in a house on a little over an acre of land. We are surrounded by hills and trees. but only seven minutes drive away from Downtown LA. My husband Sam and I garden and design in hopes of never completing this project that brings us utter delight and inspiration.
What are you passionate about?
Transforming things into anything but the mundane. Growth and change till the end.
Where would you like to visit/live in the future?
I’ve always been very curious about Galapagos, Madagascar and the moon. I could easily live in southern Thailand. It is a very incredible and special place full of infectious smiles.
What can’t you live without?
Love.
By: Cristina Horta
