Spotted: Oxford's Myra Mendoza

Name: Myra Mendoza

Occupation/What you're great at: I am equal parts geeky graphic designer (at Oxford University Press @ day & freelance @ night) and music / beauty / style / food & drink / tattoo / and travel enthusiast. Recently, I've been working closely with music producer and DJ, Tommy Bones, with social media marketing and designing his promo artwork. 

Where are you from? Jersey City, NJ! I love my hometown. I've seen it grow after all these years. Take the Path train and get off the Grove Street stop. There are now so many art galleries, restaurant options—including a beer garden—shops, pretty brownstones, and more. There's a huge art community there so every year they have the Jersey City Artist Studio Tour where you can walk into artists' studios. If you want to take in breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, get off the Pavonia/Newport or Exchange Place stops. 

Where do you live? UES, but I spend most of my days exploring Astoria, Queens since I know a hot DJ who lives there ;) 

Vintage tribal necklace & red/gold leather clutch (via Bum-Cake)

What/who inspires you to create or where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm a type geek so I get really excited over discovering new typefaces. I'm also inspired by great photography. I follow so many amazing photographers on Instagram, Tumblr, and various photo blogs.

If your weren’t living/working in NYC, you’d be? I'm an island girl so it would be on a tropical island running my own cute cafe.

Who’s your style inspirer? My style icons are Debbie Harry from Blondie, Iris Apfel, and I love Rihanna's style, particularly when it comes to her hair and make-up. She's not afraid to be bold and adventurous and I'm inspired by women like that. 

How would you describe your style?

My zodiac sign is Cancer so I'm moody by nature and my outfit du jour all depends on my mood. I'm also a Gemini cusp baby so I like to switch it up! One day it's a glamorous Myra, next day I'll be in all black, dark make up, torn stockings, and biker boots. It's all about being unpredictable and keeping things fun.

Why do you like vintage pieces? Vintage pieces are my style source of inspiration! They're unique so it's a great way to show your creativity. I would use one or two vintage pieces and plan my outfit around it. 

What’s your favorite vintage item? I have a couple of beautiful brooches from the 1950's. My absolute favorite though is this red leather clutch that I purchased from Bum-Cake Vintage. I use it almost everyday! It goes with everything in my closet.

You're makeup always looks fab—what are your beauty secrets?

Drinking lots of water! I've also been trying to eat healthier these days since my boyfriend is all about organic, all-natural, vegetable-based food. In terms of cosmetics, I can't live without my NARS larger than life eyeliner, but I'm a MAC Cosmetics girl. If you've never visited the MAC Pro Store in Chelsea, you should! It's an artists' environment with a photo studio and library with resources. Skip the crowds at the MAC counter and visit this place. My fave MAC lipsticks: Spirit (slight reddish brown so it looks natural with my complexion), Viva Glam (red), So Chaud (coral), Rebel (dark burgundy), and Girl About Town (hot pink). 

What kind of music have you been listening to lately? A lot of house music since I've been working closely with Tommy Bones. I've been taking a lot of notes on the history of house music, who the pioneers are and important names to remember, and different styles throughout the world. He tells me stories of clubbing in the 90s and I wish I could have been part of it. 

Favorite party spot in the city? On Thursday nights, I'm usually at the rooftop of Penthouse 808 at the Ravel Hotel in LIC where Tommy Bones plays from 7-11pm. I love reggae so sometimes, I'll also go to the Downtown Top Rankin party at Happy Ending on Thursday, 11p-3am. On Sunday evenings, the Funkbox party at Sullivan Room is where to be. So many great dancers!

Anything else you’d like to say? Thank you so much to Bum-Cake Vintage for featuring me on your blog! I feel so honored since I'm a huge fan of your look books and I can't wait to stop by your booths this summer to pick up more pieces!

You can contact Myra @ myamend[at]yahoo.com | IG: @jademya77 | Twitter: @jademya 

ALL PHOTOS BY: JAMIL SMITH (also on IG: commonwealthj)

Spotted: Sade Craig

 Name: Sadé Craig

Occupation/What you’re great at: I'm a Technical Operations Coordinator for NBCUniversal Archive Sales. However, I have love for capturing and editing abstract video and portraits.

Where are you from? Pasadena, MD

Where do you live? Long Island City, NY

Vintage Red/White Polka Dot Blouse by Halston + 1960's Pastel Drop Earrings

 What do you love most about your neighborhood?

Since I'm a suburban lady, I love how my neighborhood is a little more low-key and quiet than midtown Manhattan. Long Island City is just a few stops away from midtown and while it's an easy escape from the heavy hustle and bustle of the city, one will find that this neighborhood holds a variety of trendy European influence. I really enjoy the cute cafe's of multicultural expression, trendy restaurants, vintage stores and organic produce shops. One may say that the current NY trend for most is to explore various areas of Brooklyn, but Long Island City will forever be my gem. 

What kind of music have you been listening to lately? 

I'm a huge fan of Neo-Soul! Lately, I've been jamming to my older Dwele, Jill Scott, Vikter Duplaix & Liv Warfield CDs. 

 How would you describe your style? 

My style consists of a lot of warm earth tones. I love pairing a bright color with warm tones because it gives a pop to my style and looks very put-together. 

Who’s your style inspirer? 

My style inspirer is my maternal grandmother. She had such a range of great style that was very classy, reasonable, sexy & colorful! I'm lucky to say that I have a few of her vintage jewelry that I extremely value! 

1980's Multicolor Dotted White Dress + 1950's Golden Clutch

 Why do you like wearing vintage? 

Vintage pieces are so classic and well-crafted. It holds quality and represents a time capsule, so to add a vintage piece to your wardrobe presents a mix of quality and spunk to your attire & shows that you really have a taste for something better than the current cycle of distribution.

Early 90's Green Dotted Button Down Dress + 1950's Black Velvet Clutch

 What's your favorite vintage item? 

My favorite vintage item is my pea-green, leather Bottega Veneta handbag. The face of the leather is basket-weaved so it really stands out, plus it's the perfect size to hold all I need to get me throughout the day. 

If your weren’t in NYC, you’d be: 

Traveling and enjoy time with my family in MD.

How do you keep your hair so fab?

I give a lot of love and care to my hair every day. My actual secret is my prize possession – a red, heavy duty comb, passed down from my great-grandmother to me. The teeth on this comb is like no other and it really shapes my hair just the way I like it!  [Side Note: No, I do not allow anyone to touch this comb! AHAHA.]  My long, soft, wavy hair requires a lot of detangling and alcohol-free products to keep the frizz down. I really enjoy using BioSilk when straightening or spiral curling my hair to lock the curl in place and to help reveal a nice shine. On the days when I crave to keep my natural texture, Herbal Essence mousse does the trick! 

1970's  Handmade Red Multicolor Dotted Dress

 Anyone you’d LOVE to meet in your field of work? 

I'd love to meet Good Morning America's Desk Anchor, Robin Roberts. She is such an inspiration and perfect example of strength!

Anything else you’d like to say? 

Thank you Bum_cake for allowing me to share a piece of me on your wonderful vintage site. This experience was a ton of fun and I love every unique item that's available for purchase on your site! Keep up the great work! :) 

All of the pieces from this mini collection will be available online starting Monday 6.10.13.