By MIMI on 27 Mar 2011 | 1 Comment

I have been an admirer of the fashion blog, Nickles Arcade for a few months now and have watched it grow into one of the most popular fashion blogs. Ambika A, the founder showcases her very unique style in such a simplistic yet so artistic manner. Not only is she beautiful but like me she’s also pursing a degree in business and has a passion for travel (she’s been to over 25 countires!). What I love most about Ambika is how authentic she is and how true she stays to her personal style. We wanted to get to know this fashionista a little better, here is her take on style.

HM: Describe your style in one word.
AA: “Me”—my style is very true to who I am and how I feel, every single day!

HM: Who is you favorite fashion designer?
AA: Edun. I love the simplicity of colors and patterns combined with innovative shapes that truly give the clothing an ethnic feel. More than the actual clothing, I really respect the mission of the company to bring trade and economic opportunity to Africa. I love that Ali and Bono are using fashion as a means to bring the world’s attention to a continent that has only a 2% share of world trade.

HM: What is your dream travel destination?
AA: My dream travel destination is Rio de Janeiro. For as long as I can remember I have dreamed to go to Brazil—the photos of Rio look too amazing to be real. I have to go check it out to make sure its not make believe!

HM: What would you pack if you could only bring one item?
AA: Since its Rio, I would definitely bring my one-piece cutout bathing suit that I found on an online boutique a few summers ago. As much as I would like to say I would bring my favorite pair of cowboy boots—I cant walk around naked!

HM: What makes you feel glamorous?
AA: I know this is not directly fashion related, but honestly a good nights sleep. I am not one of those people who can function on 5 hours of sleep—in fact I need 9. When I wake up from a good nights sleep I feel like putting on a fabulous outfit and a smile—and that’s when I truly feel glamorous!

HM: What is your best-kept beauty secret?
AA: I am abnormally crazy about eyebrows. I think that having nicely shaped eyebrows is the most important thing a girl can do for herself—more important than makeup or hair. My secret is the amazing lady, Shanti, who threads my eyebrows—she is truly an artist! Well I suppose its not so much of a secret anymore, since I have told all my friends to go to her as well…

HM: What advice would you give to those who are aspiring to make it big in the
fashion industry?
AA: I don’t think that I am the best person to ask, but when I asked my favorite blogger Coury, (of Fancy Treehouse) about how to have a successful blog, I was given the best advice. She simply told me “I think the key is letting your personality show and not trying to follow what anyone else is doing. Just be yourself and it will automatically be as unique as you are,” says Coury. I have been doing just that, and have found success! I would assume that the same advice is applicable for anything in life, especially in the fashion industry, where uniqueness is so important.

HM: What is your favorite online shopping destination?
AA: Etsy!!! Etsy is hands down, my favorite online shopping spot. Most of the stuff on there is vintage, and one of a kind. I love buying pieces that I know no one else will have, because it feels special and unique to me. I also love the mystery behind vintage-wear; I always wonder who owned each piece before me, and what they may have been like.

HM: What are your three fashion must-haves?
AA: (1) My cowboy boots from the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market in NYC. I can wear those things in the middle of summer and winter and that’s why I love ‘em! (2) My camel colored cape-coat. I live in place where it is cold 7 months of the year, so a trendy coat is a must-have. I have been rocking this cape from Top Shop to stay warm and feel fabulous. (3) My Levi 501 jean shorts. I wear them year round, probably way too much.
And I got them for only $10 at Urban Outfitters!

For more information on Ambika, Visit her blog here.