Our blogger interview series continues with Kristabel from I Want You To Know, who tells us about life as a fashion intern in the Big Apple and her favourite London haunts.

Qype: Can you tell Qypers who you are and what you do?
K: I’m Kristabel, a knitwear student originally from south-east London but living in New York for 6 months! I’ve been interning with a knitwear company, gaining valuable experience as well as exploring the city and its surroundings.

Qype: What prompted you to start your blog, and what elements do you think have contributed to it becoming so popular?
K: After reading a fair few, I eventually started my blog to put across my point of view and to share my fashion ramblings. It’s since grown into a log of what I’m inspired by at that particular moment in time and helps to keep my literary juices flowing (after so much knitting)! I’m not sure if it is typically popular but I like to think that people read it due to its relatable tone (it’s littered with many kbella-isms) and find it interestingly random. I’m happy with the way my readership has grown organically and I love reading my comments.

Qype: Who’s your style icon?
K: As a fan of mismatched chic I like the quirky types, such as Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny but I’m also partial to the style of certain bloggers (they mainly seem to be from France, Sweden or some interesting corner of the U.S.) Nevertheless, I try to base my own style on what suits me and I’m the first to admit it’s a work in progress, but my foundations are based on mixed-up jewellery, floral dresses and unusual leggings.

Qype: What are your favourite places in London to visit when you want a new outfit?
K: I really like Shoreditch for a bit of vintage clobber although some of the local charity shops can be just as good, if not a bit cheaper. I prefer Covent Garden and Carnaby Street as opposed to the craziness of Oxford Circus, though I can just about brave it for a Topshop spree. I recommend the East End Store in Whitechapel for pre-loved bargains and Kingly Court in Carnaby St for something a bit different. If you want to depress yourself, I recommend oogling pretty much anything on the third floor of Selfridges and perhaps comiserating with some more reasonable purchases on the ground floor.

Qype: What about in New York?
K: I’m somehow drawn to the more Downtown shopping areas of Soho and The East Village but also the areas of Park Slope and Williamsburg across the river. I seem to frequent more independent shops here than in London (that’s not to say I don’t have an occasional Forever 21 visit) but I love Zachary’s Smile, LF Stores and Inventory in Soho and the random vintage shops near Bedford Avenue. Beacon’s Closet, a clothing exchange, is also well worth a visit for second hand clothing and I always walk away with a bargain. I also love spending sunny Saturdays at the Brooklyn Flea market and hunting for something new and exciting.

Qype: The big question – which city do you prefer?
K: It’s extremely difficult to say but I guess I love both places for different reasons. I love being independent and New York has been perfect for me as I’ve gradually learnt how this city works and fended for myself in numerous situations. I live closer to a lively area with more cool shops and restaurants than in London and a lot of things are cheaper (mainly travel and haircuts). That being said, I’m a born and bred Londoner who mainly misses friends and family, cheap supermarkets and a distinct lack of tipping. I would love to live in New York for a while, but I’ll always come back to London.

Qype: What would your perfect London Sunday consist of (let’s assume there’s perfect weather, the Tube is running smoothly and you have a perfect bank balance)?
K: There would have to be some shopping involved (what with the perfect bank balance) around Carnaby Street, followed by a wander towards the Japan Centre in Piccadilly for a sushi picnic. Later on we’d catch an exhibition in Somerset House before downing a few cocktails in Shoreditch (and maybe nibbling a salmon and cream cheese bagel from Brick Lane) before collapsing in my snazzy apartment in Shad Thames.

Qype: Can you tell us your trend predictions for next season?
K: I try not to follow trends religiously, but will probably be on the hunt for even more draped tanks, chunky cardigans, interestingly beautiful dresses and a patterned cape. I truly want to go for a cosier feel for Autumn, with shearling lined jackets, big scarves and layered legwear.

Qype: Give us one place which you think every Londoner should have in their ‘little black book of hidden gems’.
K: I became a big fan of Turkish pizza (a.k.a. Lahmacun) during a placement in East London, and found that Mangal in Stoke Newington produced the tastiest version plus you still get plenty of change from £2. I’m still trying to find a version in New York!

Know of a fabulous blogger we should be interviewing? Leave a comment!