For the past couple of years, Los Angeles local Monique Aquino has been living under the alter ego (suitably named) Dillon Delacroix. Her blog, Buttons and Bows Los Angeles first caught our eye last month, as her style is undeniably fresh and flawless. Surprisingly, this uber-fashionable blogger admits, “I don’t live and breathe fashion, but I do like what I like,” setting her apart from thousands of fashion bloggers in the Los Angeles area. Dillon does not claim to know everything about fashion, nor does she use her platform to debate over the latest season’s collections. Honestly, she could care less and is simply just doing her part to get through life with an (admittedly) imperfect panache.
While finishing up her degree in fashion marketing and business she manages to keep the interest of her readers with three personal blogs that have them wanting to see (fashion), hear (music) and taste (food) all of her subjects. Speaking on the subject of the blogosphere, she says, “A blog is almost imperative nowadays to showcase an extension of you.” In addition to all that and the BBLA eBay store, Monique has another smart fashion business plan in motion with good friend, Karen Marley (yes, Bob Marley’s daughter), that will blow your mind. We promised not to leak too much info about the new venture–for now anyways–as specifics are still in the works, but expect an exceptional concept, off-the-beaten-path location, and opening in the next few months.
Aside from building her future, Delacroix tends to keep things so much under the radar that expecting to see her in Hollywood is far fetched. She keeps to the streets of Downtown LA and does not usually stray too far west of Mid-City, unless it is for a motorcycle ride along Pacific Coat Highway or a photo shoot in Venice Beach. But no matter where she is– dancing around in sky high Surface to Air platforms at a speakeasy, or attending a social opening with some obscure jewelry on her fingers– trust she will always look killer. And now, a few words from the purveyor of fun herself:
When and why did you decide to start your blog? DD: I started my blog around 2009 mainly because I was inspired to share information whether that was showcasing personal style, design details that I was into at the time, editorials, flea market scours– and everything else in between such as music & good eats– and eventually launching my small eBay store.
Tell us about BBLA’s online store.
DD: BBLA’s online store is a small eBay store that was initially there to just unload my closet. I found it a good way to help supply some supplemental income while doing some closet therapy. I tried the whole vintage routine, but well, that didn’t pan out as well as I would have liked. Ebay is saturated with that stuff. Then friends of mine would ask me to sell their things, so then I opened up a small consignment store on eBay. My whole thing, though, was to offer rare high-end pieces at affordable prices to make it accessible to others.
The lookbook you produced is something that is typically not done by bloggers, but we love that kind of outside-of-the-box thinking…what is your logic behind it?
DD: As mentioned before, eBay in general is a saturation of things. But at the same time, it’s a gold mine of digital buried treasures, there for the taking. In order to succeed, you have to express a unique point of view. So rather than selling a second-hand topshop sequin-embellished jacket, for example, I curated the lookbooks to give the clothes life, or a reincarnation, if you will, by styling it and shooting it in a location to evoke a different vibe to the clothing.
Do you have a production team (hair, make-up, stylists, photographers, etc) or is it all you? DD: No set team, I have just been very fortunate to have had some super talented and generous people that wanted to work with me. As far as photographers, I have been supremely fortuitous in my relationships with talented friends willing to help me get on my feet. Jesse Fiorino has been super amazing in helping me out with catalog, as well as, producing the June editorial for Buttons and Bows– which was just beyond my wildest expectations. Linus Shentu was the first photographer I ever shot with, and it was so nerve wrecking, but it felt natural to shoot with him right away. As far as hair, make-up, and other stylists it’s pretty much just me usually with the exception of BBLA’s June lookbook, in which my friend and new business partner Karen helped style. Most of the killer pieces in the lookbook belong to her.
What kind of projects and or opportunities have come from BBLA?
DD: Nothing outwardly major, relative to the likes of fashion toast, or CHIC muse, but I have definitely gotten a little bit of something. If anyone ever asks if they should start a blog, I always say an enthusiastic “YES!” It basically serves as a visual resume (depending on how you use it) and I have landed jobs such as a fashion buyer, trend consultant, editorial styling gigs, and writing for various fashion sites.
If you could work with/ for anyone, who would it be? DD: I would love to be Nicholas Wooster’s assistant (former style director and luxe buyer for Neiman and Saks). Hands down. Or follow around the likes of Scott Schulman and Garance Dore. I also wouldn’t mind working with my Internet blogging friend from the land down under, Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage. That chick is beyond inspirational.
Blogging certainly has it perks–gifting namely– who have you received stuff from?
DD: Again, nothing major relatively speaking, but oddly enough as the whole “gifting” thing just started this year for me. Just recently, I received a nice care package from comfy luxe-chic company Saint Grace, and some nice feminine dresses from Deborah Viereck.
What inspires your style? What are your style do and don’ts.
DD: Anyone who emulates a sense of effortless, minimal and timeless aesthetic, think Tina Chow and Bianca Jagger. Quirky, tom-boyish, and androgynous elements also tickle my fancy and perfect examples of wearing this well would be Alexa Chung, Cailin Hill, Kate Lanphear, and Agyness Deyn.
As far as do’s and don’ts, when dressing yourself don’t put too much thought into it. Do dress for yourself. I never leave the house without appearing put-together. My motto is, you have to look good to feel good.
Are there any downfalls to blogging?
DD: The only downfall is keeping up with oneself in the blogosphere. If you don’t, you lose the momentum, which in the end you lose readers. Besides that, competing with the saturation of jargon that is out there. Just like with anything else, there will be a saturation of those people that try to make their mark and get in wherever they can fit in. There are also some amazing view points, ideas, innovations, and thought provoking things out there that have yet to be unearthed. There are moments where I question what certain people want to get out of blogging, how can you not? But because of the saturation you can tell which bloggers are doing it for more popularity, and which really have something unique to say.
Where do you normally shop?
DD: I don’t shop retail. If I do, it’s always when there’s a sale. I live for the hunt and take pride in possessing something broken-in. Second-hand/consignment shops float my boat, there’s nothing like a good dig. That being said, numero uno is always
Wasteland. On good sale days,
Opening Ceremony (duh),
Creatures of Comfort,
Ten Over Six, Confederacy, and for unreal deals and steals for exquisite vintage at The Painted Bird (thanks to FIDOO for turning me onto them!).
Who has noteworthy collections that you are looking forward to this Autumn/ Winter? DD: Can I be honest? I’m not that in tune with things like that. I know, gasp! I think that’s why I haven’t thrived in full amongst the many fashiontas and the fashionistos out there.
If you were to write a BBLA guide to LA, what places would you say are a must?
DD: The Getty off the 405 is always delightful. Eating at the Farmer’s market at the Grove is always a crowd pleaser, plus they have a multitude of unpretentious and tasty eats to choose from. Shopping wise, Opening Ceremony, The Painted Bird, Vermont street in the Los Feliz area for some decent shopping. Venice beach board walk to look at some awesome scenery and weirdo people watching–nothing like going to Venice Beach to remind yourself that you’re not all the crazy in the world.
For someone who does not have much access to great shopping– like those in LA and NY– what online shops would you direct them to??
Music and food are a couple of your other loves, so much so that you started blogs for them…Tell us a little about those.
DD: In addition to fashion, I found I would just post stuff about food and music (which I feel I’m a bit more passionate about these days) in the blog, but felt like a hodgepodge of information was getting lost. I wanted to separate all of that so that the information presented could be focused in their own right. So needless to say
themixtapefiles.tumblr.com and
thedelectabledelacroix.tumblr.com was born, which I am having so much fun with!
We heard you are into astrology, what signs do you think are the most fashionably daring/ creative/ etc?
DD: Hmm….tough to say. I think it would be silly of me to say, “well geminis dress this way, and virgos dress another.” I think all signs bring something beautiful to the table, but I will be biased and say I found that scorpios have been a bit nice in how they dress. I really feel like they have something unique to say. i.e. Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny, Parker Posey. Being a scorpio I feel that we reveal just enough to tease, without overdoing it. But seriously you can’t pin signs in any category according to what month they were born in.
What is up next for you and Buttons and Bows LA?
DD: Well, I’m usually a lone wolf in any personal venture that I do. But, as briefly mentioned, I have a new business partner, Karen Marley, whom I’ve done most of my consigning services for and I have to say her style is just impeccable. She has one of the freshest closets ever! I really couldn’t imagine doing this venture with anyone else.
After a while, we found ourselves liking and owning a lot of the same things, but not in the SWF (‘single while female’) kind of way. One day, I casually mentioned it under my breath that we should co-own a store together, and she totally agreed! We wanted to do a brick and mortar store of new independent designers that we liked, but given the recent economy we were advised it wasn’t the best idea. Going off of the buttons and bows eBay store idea, we wanted an actual store front where we could offer consignment, buy, sell, and trade within the few coming months. It will be a very edited selection of things that we’ll be carrying, intended for the none-diggers out there, so you know you’re only going to find the best of the best, but at accessible price points. We also will be offering a more competitive pay out than some of the other local resale stores. Keep close on
www.buttonsandbowsla.com for updates!
9 Comments on "Fashion Perspective from Dillon Delacroix of Button & Bows Los Angeles"
Dillon you are Beautiful! I am a new fan!!!!
Thanks so much Giselle! Hopefully you are in the LA area, and stop by shop. We’ll have a glass of champagne waiting for you at the new store! Cheers!
I will be keeping my eye on this lady, how could you not?!?!
The store sounds fab, can’t wait!!
wow..on point!
Lovely interview! It’s straight to the point and digs deep. The answers are clearly real and thought provoking. Bravo! Looking forward to checking out Buttons and Bows as well as Monique’s eBay store. Thx Antoinette!
Thanks Gretchen! Our writer Antoinette is definitely an asset for the Fidoo team.
thanks for the kudos ladies! Did you know that BBLA is having their grandopening soiree next week?!? you should go! more details on their website and facebook.
cheers!
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