What do you do when you're not blogging? What is your job?

Polly: When I'm not blogging I am a full time student, costume designer and owner of an online boutique called Paulie Antiques where I sell antiques, vintage, my handmade goods and my original artwork. I am currently working towards an art show and I'm designing a summer fashion line, too. :)

How would you describe your personal style?

Polly: antique chic with a touch of each family member close to me.

Where are you from and what are your top three favorite places to shop in your city?

Polly: I was born in Santa Monica, CA., but shortly after my mother and I moved back to her hometown: Taylorville, IL. I am a student at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign now and I LOVE to shop at Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Carrie's Antiques.

3 fun facts about you:

Polly: I have no idea what my biological father looks like- I only know his name, I am completely obsessed with hydrangeas and I collect vintage makeup compacts.

What inspires you?

Polly: Movies inspire me most. I am coming to find that Wes Anderson is one of the top directors who inspires my style and motivations to be a costume designer for film. Antique clothing from the 1800's really inspires me endlessly. Looking inside a garment hundreds of years old is SO educational!

What 5 items do you always have in your purse?

Polly: I don't normally carry a purse. I don't even have a wallet. I carry as little as possible.

Do you keep your older clothes or do you like to keep your closet small and organized?

Polly: My closet is cluttered above and below with vintage and antique goodies. I give away clothes or consign pieces that I no longer think are interesting and relevant to my current style. I cleanse my closet every couple of years.

Three things that are always in my fridge:

Polly: rainbow chard, a wheel of brie cheese, pineapple juice!

I can't live without...

Polly: my sewing machine, my iron, hair conditioner, my new blouse from the early 1900's.

If I could escape to any time and place, I would go to...

Polly: The palace of Versailles circa 1760

I am passionate about:

Polly: obsessions, mixing contrasting colors, stories behind garments and their past lives, old films, my camera, painting, finding new meaning in something old, Supertramp, The Beta Band, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, tattoo ideas, drawing and painting, and making clothing.

What's the oldest thing you're wearing today? Is there a story behind it?

Polly: A fur and wool spencer jacket from the 1950's. My grandmother found it for me at a garage sale back home a month or two ago. She is always on the lookout for me... she knows what I like :)