There are a lot of blogs out there today-and not all of them are good. In fact let’s face it, most of them aren’t. So when I come across a new blog, that’s genuinely a great find, I get totally over-excited! I came across Hal’s Blog a couple of months back-I think just as we were getting ready to launch Studded- and knew immediately we had to interview her,  what I liked about her blog, apart from the obvious style factor was that it’s not a way to gain acceptance into the fashion community, nor is it an opportunity to eak out freebies from PR’s or attend glamorous fashion shows-then gloat to the very average reader about just how glam the succesful bloggers life is, it’s just Hal and the clothes she wears in her home town. Which appeals to me, because I need inspiration for everyday life, not an imaginary one. Hals style mixes Rock and Fashion effortlessly and by the looks of things she has a ring/jewellery collection worth dying for or at least selling a soul or two for!

Only one problem! Hal was ready to pop! When I came across Hals blog she already looked to be at least seven months along, so we figured having found the perfect blogger to interview we’d have to wait -patiently! Finally little Bobby Jr. arrived safely and a few weeks later, so did our interview! Enjoy guys…

Tell us a little about yourself (where you’re from etc) for those that don’t know!

I am a 24-year-old new mother from Philadelphia with a love of unique apparel … my husband has fronted American doom metal band Pentagram for 40 years this year. We’re a super average family who appears anything but average to most outsiders. The blog is a fun hobby for me.

What made you start writing a blog?

I just wanted to share my personal stylings in this fashion. I have always liked to write. I am nowhere near a “fashion expert” and don’t consider myself “influential” in any way. I don’t know what most people my age are wearing or listening to. I don’t think we even own a CD player right now. I like combining modern designers with exquisite vintage pieces. I have a great love of excessive sterling silver and a good pair of leather boots. I don’t really know what else to say.

Some of Hals rings (inc. the Leviticus Talon!)

How would you describe your style?

Quintessential throwback

Do you help style your husband or is he naturally a good dresser?

I can’t tell him what to wear. He’s a horse of a different color. He’s worn the same type of sh*t for decades. He’s probably the least trend-influence person I know. He tells me when he thinks something is ugly. He doesn’t get the whole platform wedge shoe thing. In the house he slums out in sweatpants and slippers — we both do. He loves paisley, gold lame, tight pants, platform boots, embroidered denim … his mother is 80 years old and still very stylish. She was a lounge singer when she was young. She came to see him play early this year and showed up in this stunning mink coat. She’s fantastic. I think he got a lot of the flamboyance from her. He’s very young-spirited and loves gaudy attire. He’s truly one of a kind.

Where do you draw your style inspiration from?

Usually from rock musicians of old … Burke Shelley, David Byron, Jimi Hendrix, old school Steven Tyler. People don’t look that good anymore. I pay moderate attention to runway shows. I’m loyal to design houses like Givenchy, Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Proenza Schouler  … Acne is a “newer” favorite of mine. I don’t really go to town on design names. I wasn’t super crazy about anything this season and only bought one pair of shoes — a pair of Jeffrey Campbells. I looked for those crazy Proenza Schouler platforms with the weird heel — you know what I’m talking about. I guess they weren’t released to the general public? All of our money is going towards diapers now anyway!

Do you have a style icon?

Steven Tyler will always be a favorite of mine. He was so spectacularly dressed in Aerosmith’s heyday. I guess they’re still having their heyday, but the Guitar Hero and American Idol thing kind of gives me a yucky feeling. I love David Byron. When I first started getting into Uriah Heep I bought a ton of medallions and my husband thought I looked like a total as*hole. I don’t really have any female fashion icons.

Favorite item of clothing/footwear at the moment?

My Alexander Wang beatle boots have been getting a lot of wear. I’m wary of walking on huge platforms when I have the baby strapped to me. I’m big on t-shirts. I almost never wear dresses.

Favorite piece of Jewellery you own?

Aside from my engagement band and wedding ring, probably my owl claw necklace from Blood Milk. I love her things. My Gareth Pugh scythe ring is pretty cherished. I also love this sterling ram head necklace my mother in law had made for my husband in his 20s. He had rubies put in the eyes about 2 Christmases ago and gave that to me.

Anything from Studded and Stoned in particular that you like?

I love the Bijules Knuckle bone ring. It’s delicate and unique. I’d probably wear it on its own without any other rings.

Bijules "Knuckle bone" ring £120

Which other bloggers do you like?

Jayne’s (of Stop It Right Now) blogging never gets old to me, and she’s so down-to-earth, funny, and sweet. Like many other people right now, I’m also liking Indecorous Taste. I’ve kind of been out of the loop with the whole blog thing lately since I had our son.

We think baby Bobby should have his own style blog, what are our chances of getting this?!

Nil! I feel strange putting pictures of him online. Who knows, he might be super extroverted like his father. Today he’s wearing some zip-up foot PJs with a construction theme that say “Hard Hat Zone” on them. Right now he just likes anything soft.

Do you think your style will change at all after having a baby?

It hasn’t changed too much aside from wearing flat boots a little more often. If his father is around to haul the car seat, I’ll wear the heels and platforms. I still make an effort. I don’t understand these mothers who magically don’t give a sh*t after having a child. Taking 30 minutes in the morning to put on makeup and a decent outfit doesn’t mean you don’t care about your kid. You don’t need to look like dumpy trash to be a good mother. I don’t subscribe to the whole “mom” [mum] look. I’m not cutting my hair. It’s gotten to the point of ridiculousness … my husband likes it, though. We’re both hair farmers. My mother told me I looked like “mountain woman” the other day, ha! Once it gets totally unmanageable, I’ll get a trim.

If readers of Halcoholic ask for style advice, what would you give?

It is mundane, but just be yourself … don’t lose your essence for the sake of trends. Incorporate trends and personalize them. You also don’t have to take out a new mortgage on your house to look good. Not everyone with money looks good. And what is “good” to me might be “sh*t” to someone else. Just try to do your own thing regardless of what people say. If you are happy when you look in the mirror, then that is all that matters.

Check out Hals Blog here!

Thanks Hallie xxx

[All images are property of Hal at Halcoholic]

Tags: bijules knuckle ring, hal, halcoholic, interview

Posted on Friday, October 1st, 2010 at 8:22 pm