Next up in our series of blogger interviews is Gemma from the vintage and retro style blog, Retro Chick, who tells Qypers about the inspirations behind her unique style, where she does her shopping and what we can’t afford to miss in Norwich.

Qype: Can you tell Qypers who you are and what you do?
Gemma: My name is Gemma and I write and edit Retro Chick. It’s a women’s fashion blog that reflects my own interests in vintage, retro and ethical fashion and lifestyle. I also sell vintage and pre-owned clothing through my eBay shop.

Qype: What prompted you to start your blog, and what elements do you think have contributed to it becoming so popular?
G: A few years ago I left my job that was making me miserable. I started selling vintage and pre-owned clothing online to make some money, and the blog started initially as an offshoot of that; I just wanted a space where I could ramble and talk about things that inspired me or that I just wanted to rant about! It’s grown rapidly over the 2 years I’ve been writing it, I couldn’t say why, you’d have to ask the people who read it! I can only assume that its focus on personal style, as opposed to high fashion, appeals to people, and that they feel they can relate to the subjects I write about.

Qype: Who’s your fashion icon?
G: I have so many people that inspire me; it’s a regular feature on the blog! I love elegant women who still have a love for experimenting with fashion. Dita Von Teese, Victoria Beckham and Audrey Hepburn are all icons of mine.

Qype: What are your favourite places in London to visit when you want to do some shopping?
G: I don’t really shop in London much; in fact I can’t remember the last time I did. I do love Vivien of Holloway, which is in North London, though I tend to buy online. Most of my shopping is done in charity shops, vintage markets and online.

Qype: Where do the fashionistas of Norwich hang out and where do you get the best snaps?
G: Norwich is packed with great places to go. My favourites are The Playhouse Bar, which is a wonderful vibrant place near the art college to stop for a drink, as is Take 5 opposite the Cathedral which has art exhibitions in its upstairs gallery and The Rumsey Wells on St Andrews Street which has the best beer mats to create your own art on.
For wonderful outfits and great snaps I love to go to the retro-themed nights at The Talk organised by Bo Nanafana; they are generally every couple of months and always a glamorous treat.

Qype: Can you tell us your trend predictions for next season?
G: I think next season we’ll see some elegant lady like styles with a bit of a 60s vibe, whether it’s grown up smart tailoring or A-line mini dresses. Expect beehives, winged glasses and nude lips.

Qype: Give us one place which you think every Anglian should have in their ‘little black book’ of hidden gems!
G: I would say the Treasure Chest Centre on Magadalen Street in Norwich. It’s an antiques market and I always find the most amazing things hidden away in corners. I stay in there for hours, just browsing! I bought the most gorgeous pair of 1950s gloves in there for just £3 and it has some great home stuff.

Pick up more fashion advice and vintage style inspiration on Gemma’s blog. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next in our blogger interview series, or, if you know of someone we should be firing questions at, then just let us know!