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

Michelle: Professionally, I work for a division of the provincial government which takes care of the safety of workers and employers. It's truthfully rather boring and static (as I focus generally on administration with legal documentation & correspondence). Blogging is my much needed creative outlet.

How would you describe your personal style?

Michelle: Essentially retro feminine. I'm greatly influenced by silhouettes of the figure hugging styles of the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s. More often than not, you will find me in a fun dress.

Who or what has been your greatest fashion influence?

Michelle: The majority of my inspiration comes straight out of classic Hollywood cinema. My figure is essentially "hour-glass" so I look to icons like Marilyn Monroe, modern pin-up models of today like Doris MayDay, or actresses like Christina Hendricks (aka Joan from Mad Men) for fashion direction.

What is your fantasy splurge?

Michelle: While I know there were only 36 pairs created, I would go to great lengths to secure my very own pair of the limited edition Marie Antoinette shoes by Christian Louboutin (in pink). The thought of my feet merely sitting in them for a moment is pure joy. Dita Von Teese is one lucky woman!

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

Michelle: I've lived my entire life in Toronto, or just outside of the city. If I could chose 4 places to spend all my dough they would be: Doll Factory by Damzels (pin-up/retro inspired clothing), Flashback in Kensington Market (vintage), Black Daffodil (retro inspired), and Anthropologie.

What are you wearing right now?

Michelle: A vintage early 70s dress which I've altered. Overall the colour is tomato red with a small floral pattern and a bib/collar of navy blue with white buttons. It also has long sleeves that have snaps at the ends. It's a bit short for the cold so I'm wearing black tights to keep warm.

Great fashion steal:

Michelle: The dress I'm wearing in the picture I purchased for $10. It looked like this hideous 1980s moo-moo, but I saw potential. I cut off the long sleeves; took it in everywhere and pulled up the length. I wore the heck out of it last summer as it was quite comfortable and I felt so sexy in it.

What types of items do you like to save $ on and what do you splurge on?

Michelle: I find it depends on what I am looking for. I like to save where I can, but will splurge if the fit, colour and cut is right on an item of clothing I want or on a pair of dream shoes. Otherwise saving, purchasing second-hand and altering can be almost as big a thrill!

What 5 items do you always have in your purse?

Michelle: I generally always have my iPhone (with headphones in), red tinted lip gloss, a cutesy cheap little mirror I bought in one of the booths along the Seine in Paris, whatever novel I'm reading (currently it's Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants), and of course, my wallet!

4 things you can't live without:

Michelle: My wonderful family & friends, Paris (where was my life before I had been to Paris?), classic Hollywood films, and music.