Blogger Interview: Marinell Montales

This past weekend we had the pleasure of meeting fellow JC’er and blogger, Marinell who runs Jersey City’s first street style blog, Downtown, Natch!

Marinell, who moved to moved to Jersey City 8 years ago, freelances in graphic design and social media. On the weekends, she also works at the Warehouse Cafe, in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District, which is where we met and got to talking. And natch, by the end of our conversation, the cameras came out for some fun photos #bloggerlife.

So how did the idea for Downtown, Natch! come about? Marinell explains that she originally started a blog with a friend but with their differing schedules and a new job, the blog became hard to update.  After investing in a camera and the desire to continue blogging, she decided to start a new project on her own - a street style blog to put Jersey City style on the map.

For people looking to get snapped on the streets of downtown JC, here’s what captures Marinell’s eye. She’s not necessarily into shooting trends, but looks for uniqueness and creativity. Something with character, but most of all an outfit that conveys a sense of pride in one’s appearance.

I like well put-together looks… When people take time into presenting themselves and it looks thought-out.

Marinell also admits that she’s no fashion expert when it comes to designers and industry terms but her background in graphic design gives her a keen eye for aesthetics. She’s more interested in the “how you wear it” than the “what you wear” aspect of personal style.

When taking photos, I decided against asking what brands or labels people are wearing… It’s really about the overall look and feel of an outfit. It can be high end designer or thrift…but it has to have style.

She prefers to let the outfit speak for itself. It’s this style of blogging that makes Downtown, Natch! relatable and appeal to the average fashion conscious person.

When it comes to Marinell’s own sense of style, she has a harder time putting it into exact words. It’s a good thing then that her outfit spoke for itself. A casual green parka, bright blue v-neck, and an easy pair of black jeans - relaxed, but still stylish and put together.  But like the people she chooses to photograph, Marinell adds her own “something extra” to the look with bold accessories. In this case, a few statement bracelets and necklaces, including a necklace from one of Jersey City’s own designers - Swallow and the Swift.

So what’s next for Downtown, Natch? More photos and a new season for fashion.

I’m looking forward to spring and warmer weather. I want to be able to go outside of the usual Grove Street area and find more people to photograph. Especially more girls. It’s been hard to get women to stop and pose for a photo during the cold winter. Hopefully the spring weather will change that.”

Marinell’s hopeful that the the blog will continue to gain more attention in the coming months and even has plans to really mobilize the fashion community in Jersey City with talks of fashion showcases and maybe even some press events in the future.

As we continued to chat with Marinell about style, Jersey City, and her blog, it should come as no surprise that we couldn’t end our time together without asking Marinell one last question - something about #menswear. Specifically, what does Marinell look for in a well-dressed man?

I love layering. The mix of textures and patterns… even just a sweater over a button down… It has a confident look to it. Like you know how to dress and you put thought into it…

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Check out Marinell’s blog, Downtown, Natch! here.