OFFSPRING MEETS @MICKAELASUMMERVINE

We chat to Offspring Community member Mickaela aka @mickaelasummervine

Loading
Mickaela1

Who are you and what do you do for a living?

Sup gang. I’m Mickaela Summer Vine. I am 28 and from Northampton. My job role is basically managing complaints within the motor finance industry. Though, I have dabbled in all sorts including call-centers, managing, and a retail clothing merchandising. Fashion is my real passion! Damnnn do I love cheese and bread. I have about 28 tattoos, I have a phobia of hearing people eat and I drive a bright green Scirocco.

Loading
MIckaela2

How long have you been into sneakers and how did you get into them?

I have always loved sneakers for as long as I can remember and anything that builds a good fit, but actually collecting them it’s been about 7 years. It was mainly when I started my first proper job in a clothing retail store, I was always told off for wearing sneakers instead of their shoes. My passion for clothes grew into this new extended love for sneakers and my obsession went from there really.

What’s Northampton’s fashion game like?

I’d say quite average in my opinion. You see the odd few sick pairs about. In terms of access to cops, the only place I remember is an old skate shop and now that’s gone Northampton is even more poorly represented in the fashion game other than your normal generic clothing retailers.

I will say there’s also plenty of urban graffiti/art to admire and shoot with.

Vintage stores are hard come by, or I’ve already raided them, shopping for in hand cops means I’m travelling to do so which I love doing anyway and turning it into a whole motive.

Loading
Mickaela3

You’ve been a regular feature on the Offspring tags page, tell us about your style?

It changes a lot. I love funky sunglasses and any accessories that build a solid fit, I think this brings important character and individuality which is what I vibe with. My style is mostly represented by my moods and however I am feeling that day. Managing anxiety since I was young meant my life has always kinda felt a little all over the place. However, when I am putting my fits together and moodboarding my ideas, things feel a bit quieter. In a sense, I feel some form of peace expressing and representing myself through what I wear and how I wear it. I really just go with whatever feels right in the moment and my style is a real mixed bag of vibes.

Love a bit of Nike, Stussy, Jordan, Carhartt, a Bathing Ape, & AMBUSH.

You have a very vibrant style, where do you draw inspo from and most importantly do you dress from the shoes up?

Thanks! My mum and brother think I’m nuts but guess they’re used to it by now. I draw a lot of inspiration from the outdoors, weather, forests and any greenery, or wildlife. It’s something that really gets my creative juices flowing and helps me plan freely. Challenging my own creativity by wearing vibrant colours and out-there pieces definitely allows me to be more confident in clothing and silhouettes I might not have tried before.

Regarding dressing from the shoes up… It’s all very situational, I might make an impulsive cop and plan an outfit from that single purchase or I may fall in love with a crep and sculpt my ideas and vibes around it. Orrrrr I’ll just throw it together anyhow and hope for the best.

Loading
MIckaela4
Loading
Mickaela5

So we assume from your vast array of sneakers you are also a collector of clothes?

I have clothes stored around my house everywhere and anywhere you can imagine, I’m definitely a clothing hoarder. My family use this as an excuse to steal stuff all the time. I recently decorated my room so I now have a sick safe space with a clothing rail which stores all my favourite pieces.

What’s your most prized sneaker or clothing item?

My green Stussy CPFM denim jacket. I shall be taking her to the grave with me. Oh, and my Jordan 1 High Patent Breds.

Loading
Mickaela_11
Loading
Mickaela_10

The way you post is very considered and everything has a colour scheme. Is this a conscious effort? We really like it

Appreciate that! To be honest it’s quite simply organised chaos. I like a lot of stuff. So I mostly end up making 5 fits whilst I’m trying to execute the original idea! I start with one item though whether it’s the sneakers or a hat, and I work myself around it until I find something that feels right. Green is my faveeeee colour and I find this the easiest to style and combine with.

Loading
Loading
Loading

We see you’re part of TRSF - how’s the crew?

It’s been a bit quiet tbh but life has been busy for everyone. I help run the Instagram account so all I can say is watch this space. Hoping for some meet ups real soon! Big love to the fam always.

Early sneaker memory?

I just remember always being obsessed with Reebok classics as a kid (basic Monochrome colour way) and physically crying one time when my mum found me a thrifted fresh pair. I’ll never forget my swaggy K Swiss tongue twisters and the pair you could change the side panels on! But before sneakers came creepers - anyone even remember those?

Loading
Mickaela_18
Loading
Mickaela_15

Where did you shop back in the day? Take us down memory lane

There was a sick place in my town called Styles of London and if you copped a pair from there you were the coolest on the block. I brought my first pair of all black 95s from there with my first ever pay check.

I have always loved fashion and was a sassy gal when it came to my mum dressing me back in the day. Back then we didn't have much choice as we couldn't afford much, so it was carboot cops, which I flexed in daily and still love a good pre-loved bargain!

What is your sneaker grail?

Easy business. Travis Scott Olives. It’s mainly the experience that came along with it for me. They were my first Offspring win which I travelled to London alone to collect. I had no idea what the day would entail, but I ended up spontaneously meeting and making friends with so many other community members having awesome discussions and pure good vibes. I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone that day, and for me, this pair will always hold a sentimental value and a remembrance that you're capable of ANYTHING however big or small. Plus, this sneaker is obviously sensational.

What does community mean to you?

Community is everything. It’s way more than just sneakers. I’ve never really had large groups of friends throughout my life and never felt part of something as big as this, so it means a lot to me and that it continues to grow. The love that everyone shares between each other is something special which I am proud to be a part of. Regardless of distance, age or anything. Half these humans I haven’t even met but the energy is just unmatched, always. No matter how consistent I am with posting, or even being active, the gang are always there checking in and sharing the love regardless. I have made friends for life within this community and learnt so much from all of them. I continue to be inspired by the community every day. Thank you family.

Loading
Mickaela_17

Quickfire Questions:

Summer or winter wardrobe? I’m a winter gal, all day long. Layering season!

What would you give up collecting, clothes, or shoes?
Damn… would have to be clothes.

If you could only wear one tone for the rest of your life, brights, or all black?
Brights all day long.

PREVIOUS POST