Recently on the Qype community blog we’ve had a whole flurry of great interviews with blogger friends in the North East, so it seemed only fair to give someone from the North West a chance to let us in on their local secrets! Step in Lauren, of fashion blog IRONIC FASHION, who tells us whose style she loves both on and off the catwalk, and gives us some top tips on where to party in Liverpool!

Qype: Can you tell Qypers who you are and what you do?

Lauren: I’m Lauren and I have just graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University, where I studied International Fashion Marketing, BSc. Hons.
I am also a bit of a social-networking maniac, setting up online media for all sorts of different companies, and I am the editor of Select Magazine, which is a publication for Liverpool and the surrounding area. I think the reason I am here though is because of my Blog, IRONIC FASHION.

Qype: What prompted you to start your blog, and what elements do you think have contributed to it becoming so popular?

L: I started the Blog after reading other fashion Blogs, and wanted to see what the hype was. It is the best thing I have ever done. I’m not sure why the Blog has done as well as it has; I question that all the time. I don’t fluff the Blog up with long words to confuse anybody and I’m quite particular with what images I put on it. I’m just a (not-so-typical) Scouse girl who knows what she likes and knows how to talk in a way people will understand! Nice and simple!

Qype: Who’s your fashion icon?

L: I’ve got a few fashion icons; most of my best friends are boys, so because of them, my style has a slightly masculine edge to it. I remember reading an article about the Ronson sisters about five years ago in Elle magazine, and I loved how Samantha dressed; t-shirts, trainers and slim jeans so she has been my ultimate style icon for about five years. I love Leigh Lezark, and that New York kind of vibe she has going on, and Chloe Sevigny always looks good, and the Olsen twins are amaze; I’d love to look in their wardrobes.

Qype: Who was your favourite designer at this year’s London Fashion Week?

L: I liked Mark Fast’s collection, he caused a bit of chaos didn’t he, using the “plus-size” models to stir up a little trouble. It worked in his favour though; everybody knows who he is now don’t they! Did Alexander Wang show at LFW? He is my favefavefave designer ever.

Qype: What are your favourite places in Liverpool to visit when you want a new outfit?

L: It depends what you are after – our high street is amazing now we have Liverpool One, so you have such a good selection of stores there. I never leave H&M empty handed; I should be sponsored by them I buy so much from there. Then designer wise, you’ve got Flannels, and Cricket, and if you want female bespoke tailoring you must must must go to see Kirsty Doyle who won Project Catwalk, her store is amazing.

Qype: What’s the most under-rated place in Liverpool, in your opinion? And the most over-rated?

L: Hmm.. that is tricky! I could get a bit personal about some bars which could go in the “most over-rated” column, but I don’t like writing negative things about anybody (karma!) Under-rated would probably be Santa Chupitos, which is new little bar with a downtown New York vibe to it; they do incredible cocktails, like the $5 Shake, or the Bubble Gum Sour. Plus the guys who work behind the bar are v. cute – always a plus.

Qype: One interesting fact Qypers might not know about Liverpool?

L: Toxteth‘s Princes Park was one of the models that Central Park was based on!

Qype: We’re in Liverpool for one day – what would we be mad to miss?

L: Right, so start off early, have a walk through Sefton Park, then walk down Lark Lane and get some breakfast. Grab a cab into town, get out at the top of Bold Street and walk through town. Get some afternoon lunch in Tokyou noodle bar, then in the evening, head over to the Albert Dock and have a some cocktails in the circus-themed Circo, then come back in to town and hit Seel Street - Heebie Jeebies, La’go and Santa Chupitos, which is just round the corner on Parr Street.

So there you have it – if you’re in Liverpool for a day you know where to head! Do you know of any other local experts who could share some of their knowledge with us? Or is there a place you’re dying to know more about – let us know in the comments and we’ll find someone who has the answers!