Arabelle Sicardi of Fashion Pirates on David Lynch, Velvet and the Internet

Jersey City might seem like an unlikely stomping ground for an avant garde style blogger, but it’s home to Arabelle Sicardi aka the writer behind the massively popular Fashion Pirates blog. The 18-year-old Sicardi, a Taiwanese-American with a penchant for high-end goth, is currently in college, but still finds time for blogging—and her favorite things, here.

My secret to looking timeless: Well-kept hair and no wrinkly clothes. I steam everything.
Most powerful photo I’ve ever seen: David Lynch and Isabella Rosselini’s photograph together.
Favorite vintage fashion trend: Platform shoes. Velvet and platforms are the greatest combination ever.
Fashion trend I hope becomes classic: Long chiffon skirts. I have been working them since 2008 and I’m glad they’re popular now. I do hope they stick around.
Place I love to visit that’s rich in history: The Loews Vintage Theatre in Jersey City. I always make it a point to watch the double features when its showing something. Nothing beats a classic movie in a classic theatre.
Fave old-school song on my iPod: Britney Spears is my most played artist right now. I’m shameless and need to listen to “Hit Me Baby One More Time” at least three times a day.
Film that I can watch over and over again: The Dreamers by Bertolucci. It’s my favorite film and I watch it multiple times a year. It never gets old.
Tastiest mom-and-pop shop that’s been feeding me for years: Made with Love Organics in New Jersey.
Childhood sport I still love to play: I’ve been swimming since I was a little kid competitively and I still do to keep healthy.
How I like to keep in touch: Twitter and tumblr.
Best advice I’ve ever received: Become who you are.
A scent that takes me back: Burberry men’s cologne.
I couldn’t live without: A good Internet connection.