Meet Mihal Freinquel

Mihal Freinquel, 29
Freelance Writer
New York City, New York

What inspired you to start writing, and how did you make it to where you are today?
I never really had a moment of inspiration. My best friend and I started a party blog in 2007 but he did most of the writing. Then one day I just tried it out - my first piece was about tie dye - and I was surprised how much I fancied it. I hated writing all throughout college. Then I just kept doing it. Eventually I got fired from a job that I hated and began blogging more about fashion, then an editor from Huffington Post liked my blog (that's back in the day when their style section was still cool) and let me blog for them. After that it was all about meeting people and continuing to write - it still is. Just write write write - even if nobody's reading.

What is your favorite magazine, or newspaper publication? Why?
I read the NYTimes style section daily, even though their trend pieces make me want to gag - but I live for Cathy Horyn. I love Jezebel, and have been lucky enough to write for them a couple of times. As far as fashion magazines, I think Bazaar is by far the best and most unique. I read TheCut, NY Mag's fashion blog. I like anything with a sense of attitude, irreverence, and irony - people who take themselves too seriously, especially in fashion, bore the shit out of me.

What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?
I love the freedom. The self-expression. Every day is different and I'm exposed to a lot of new information and people. But a freelance writer can never get too comfortable - you always have to be searching for what's next and make sure you're making ends meet.

What do you love most about your city? Top three places to visit?
Haha, I'm actually about to leave my city!! NYC is great but I'm entering a different phase of life I think - one that involves a slower pace, more organic food and yoga, and just an overall change of scenery. I've been on the east coast for 11 years so now I'm headed back to Oregon where I'm from. But if you're in NYC you have to eat the Brussels sprouts at Ilili - this outstanding Lebanese place. If you're in Portland, Oregon - where I'm headed - you MUST visit House of Vintage - the biggest, most incredibly stocked vintage store I've ever been to.

How would you describe your personal style, and what makes your style different from everybody else?
I don't think I'm that different than everybody else. I dress in mostly dark colors - I love layering. I live for fall and winter, can't stand dressing in warm months. I'm pretty grungy and androgynous, I'm totally lost when it comes to dressing ladylike.

If you could raid anyone's closet, whose would it be? Kate Lanphear hands down.

What's on your iPod at this moment?
I've never really stopped listening to 90's alternative rock/grunge - Nirvana, Sublime, The Cranberries, No Doubt, Bush, Cake...you get the idea. I also love Motown, I was raised listening to the greats - Aretha, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson. But I'm also into 60's and 70's rock n roll and folk stuff - Dylan, Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell. And hip hop - Fugees, Kanye...my boyfriend makes me listen to a lot of Texas screw.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?
Hm, professionally it was probably writing for the NYTimes' fashion week issue - that was an incredible feeling. At the time, my boyfriend and I were still just dating - he framed it for me and now it's on the wall in our kitchen :) Hopefully there will be far greater things to come though!

Best advice you've been given?
There are no right or wrong decisions. You just make one, and deal with the consequences.
image via Layonbone