The Fashion Time Magazine

She has fashion for breakfast, style for lunch, and haute couture for supper, with plenty of room left over for fab and glam.

It’s the one and only,  Tina Leone, the very en vogue, twenty-something writer, artist, and stylenista from Baltimore, who is proprietress of Fashion For Breakfast,  a site that details Teenuh’s personal style, chronicles the fashion industry, and celebrates the quest for the “Glamorous Life.”

We thank Tina from taking time off from her busy schedule to participate in the interview.

Fashion Time: How did you start your blog?

Tina Leon: Well I’ve always loved to write and I’ve always wanted to start my own fashion site! I wanted to have a place to call my own where I was able to express my opinions freely on what was important to me in the fashion world and focus on the latest news & celebrities’ style of course. So I just did it. I instantly got started on blogging on Blogger back in August of 2007. My original site name was Fashionation. But there was another blog under that name (just spelled differently) and I didn’t want any confusion so I had to change the name of my blog! I scrambled forever to think of a new name and couldn’t think of nothing. Then finally out of nowhere Fashion For Breakfast just popped in my head. I took it within the context where fashion was equivalent to food for me. The same way I would consume food, I consumed fashion - daily! Fashion really is the first thing I look at in my day, lol. While most people are looking at stocks and politics, I’m looking at the new handbag of the season or who looked a mess on the red carpet.

Fashion Time: Could you describe your personal style?

Tina Leone:I often refer to myself (and my style) as Chameleon. [laugh] I change my style up often depending on my mood or what look I feel like going for that day/week. I could be minimalist, hipster, boho chic, rock glam, vintage inspired, etc. I like taking risks and mixing and matching things. I like to keep people guessing, like “What is she gonna do next?” I think your style should be a reflection of your personality. I get bored easily so I’m always switching things up in life - my style included.

Fashion Time: Is there any piece of jewelry which you own, that holds a special sentimental value for you?

Tina Leone: Hmm, yes! There’s a ruby cocktail ring that my great-grandmother gave to me before she passed a few years ago. It’s gorgeous! I feel very Audrey Hepburn whenever I wear it. I like statement jewelry.

Fashion Time: The most sensual smelling fragrance is?

Tina Leone: Mmm, a man’s scent. Plain and simple. I love Unforgivable by Sean John and Izzy Miyake!

Fashion Time: Tell us something unique about yourself?

Tina Leone: Most people don’t know that I’m a Jane of all Trades, lol. They just think that all I do is write or look at fashion magazines all day I’m but pretty multi-talented. I play instruments, I draw/sketch, I sing, I dance and developed an interest in photography most recently. I’ve always been into the arts of all kinds!

Fashion Time: Who are the biggest hypocrites in the fashion industry?

Tina Leone: People who say that they hate “followers” or swagger jackers but they’re always following the latest fads or trends to the T and they look like everybody else! Don’t follow the trend, BE the trend.

Fashion Time: What rule of fashion do you always break?

Tina Leone: To me, there are no rules in fashion or at least there shouldn’t be. Fashion is a form of expression for us so there should be no restrictions!

Fashion Time: Do you pay any attention to celebrity endorsements of products?

Tina Leone: Not really. I’m more interested in the product itself. I’m paying for the actual product not the celebrity who got paid to be the spokesperson. And plus, there’s way too many celebrity endorsements out there right now. It’s starting to become overkill!

Fashion Time: Can you explain for those who don’t know what Voguing is? Is it en vogue to be voguing?

Tina Leone

Tina Leone: Funny that you ask that! Because I just found out what Voguing really was myself recently. Voguing is actually a form of dance that originated back in the 70’s in the New York City club scene. Most people, think it’s just some simple hand gesture that Madonna made up. It is to an extent but it’s much deeper than that, it’s an entire culture! Look it up because it’s definitely a part of fashion!

Fashion Time: Is the fashion industry biased against plus-sized women of color?

Tina Leone: I think the fashion industry is bias against a lot of people, not just plus sized women or women of color. Change will come though, I’m confident about it.

Fashion Time: Does the fashion industry neglect black women?

Tina Leone: I wouldn’t say the industry necessarily neglects black women but I would say they don’t put them on the same pedestal as white models. You would think in this day and age this issue wouldn’t even be relevant but it IS and slowly but surely changes are getting made! Just take a look at the July Issue of Vogue Italia! Monumental. It’s not the first time an “all black” issue has been done but it’s definitely long overdue. I wanna get to the point though in the industry were everything doesn’t have to be so racially motivated. Things should just BE. All races should be equally represented all the time - including Asian, Latina, Indian models. It’s just the long haul that I’m worried about. Consistency is key!

Fashion Time: You absolutely adore vintage fashions. What’s the neatest article of clothing you’ve purchased from a vintage store?

Tina Leone: Yes, I LOVE vintage! There’s nothing like knowing that you’ll be the only person wearing that item! Merchandise is also often much more unique that what you can buy today at your local store. My favorite item that I’ve purchased is actually a piece I just purchased this week! It is this white vintage quilted “Chanel Inspired” handbag, It’s so chic! I can’t wait to wear it!

Fashion Time: Who’s hot among the young trendy black designers now?

Tina Leone: Right now, I’m feeling Tracy Reese, Mychael Knight, Jedda Khan, Kai Milla, Rachel Roy, and of course the legend Kevan Hall is always a favorite. Oh and Angela and Vanessa Simmons are doing their thing right now with Pastry! I’m always on the lookout for up and coming designers too! Keep an eye out and ear open for Ellie Owen, ODP Couture and Ying Edge designs! They’re generation next!

Fashion Time: Tell us about some male celeb eye candy you’ve been scoping out recently?

Tina Leone: There’s so much eye candy out there! But recently I’ve been looking at a lot of new male models. Red Models has some serious eye candy in their roster! My favorites right now are Omar Kennedy, Lamar James and Shawn Sutton. Google them. They’re all gorgeous.

Fashion Time: Why aren’t there more plus-sized models?

Tina Leone: I guess because it’s too risky for designers to do. The rule of thumb is that models are actually the “hangers” for designers to showcase their clothes and putting them on a more curvy body won’t have the same effect. Who knows, it’s my hope that the industry will soon enough be accepting of more than just one body type because we’re all beautiful!

Fashion Time: You would have a fashion orgasm over the purchase of?

Tina Leone: My first pair of Louboutin, Jimmy Choo or Sergio Rossi pumps! I wouldn’t even want to wear them right away. I would probably just keep them in the box for a couple months, admire them and THEN wear them, lol. Their shoes are like wearable art. I admire the craftsmanship and beauty these designers put into their work!

Fashion Time: Your fave fashionable couple are Beyonce and Jay Z. What is it about those two that stand out in your mind?

Tina Leone: What I love most about those two is that they both have their individual styles but when they come together they blend perfectly. Another thing that I love about them is Beyonce is all about glamour and designer labels but she still knows how to dress up a cute casual look and Jay-Z normally has a more street style but also knows how to get his grown man swag on in a suit when necessary!

Image Credits: Fashion For Breakfast