Marin Daley-Hawkins from Marin Monroe

Grazia Daily: How long have you been blogging?

Marin: Since 2009.

Grazia Daily: What made you decide to start your blog?

Marin: I always wanted to be a journalist, and I needed a place to publish some of my writing, so I could make contacts.

Grazia Daily: What’s been your highlight so far?

Marin: Being listed as ‘influential’ by the Independent and having my photo in Japanese Vogue’s event pages just below Anna Wintour. It’s crazy.

Grazia Daily: What are your favourite Winter 2012 trends?

Marin: Gothic!

Grazia Daily: Do you have any winter fashion rules?

Marin: Wear two pairs of tights under your favourite dresses and skirts.

Grazia Daily: You’re modelling in the eBay look book – what are your top tips for posing for photos? 

Marin: If you look down and then up quickly before the shot is taken you’ll look brighter-eyed, and for profile shots: putting your tongue against the roof of your mouth stops a ‘faux double chin’ forming!

Grazia Daily: Where do you get your style inspiration?

Marin: From fashion editorials.

Grazia Daily: Which was your favourite London Fashion Week SS13 show and why?

Marin: I loved the Louise Gray show. It was really refreshing to see such a playful offering among a lot of very commercial collections.

Grazia Daily: Which brands do you rely on?

Marin: Vero Moda and Qulit (not quilt!) make some great leather pieces and I don’t know what I’d do without my t-shirts by Mercy & Wild and IAmVibes. If I have something dressy to go to I’ll definitely try and wear a creation by Tarang Bharti.

Grazia Daily: What are your top tips for shopping on a budget?

Marin: Charity shops in affluent areas often have lots of designer finds, the Oxfam in Hampstead even separates ‘labels’ out for you! Designer outlets are also a woman’s best friend, and sites like eBay are great for finding one-offs and high-street brands for a fraction of the price

Grazia Daily: Which other fashion blogs do you love?

Marin: I love Abimarvel, Shiny Thoughts, Mode D’Amour and LDNfashion who I still contribute to sometimes!