NE: What made you want to work in Fashion?

MG: This is a tough one. I have always been interested in fashion since I’ve been young. Overall, I guess not one thing “made” me want to go into fashion, but the events over the past years of my life have led me to fashion.

NE: What are the main focuses of your blog?

MG: I would say the underlying theme of The Lion’s Threads is Fashion, my personal style, and inspiration.

NE: Why “The Lion’s Threads”?

MG: My middle name “DeLeon” means “of the lions” and as an homage to myself and my love for making clothes, I named it The Lion’s Threads.

NE: Name your top three designers.

MG: Peter Dundas, Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen.

NE: Where do you see yourself in the 5 years?

MG: Hmm, by that time I would have graduated from College so , hopefully, I will be getting my foot in the door of either a Visual Merchandising or Styling job.

NE: Name a book that has inspired you.

MG: One of the recent books that has inspired me is called, “Secrets of a Stylist” by Sasha Charnin Morrison. I accidently stumbled upon it while I was shopping in Urban Outfitters. It gives you a real view of styling that you can’t get from watching shows like Rachel Zoe and It’s a Brad, Brad world. The way its written is so real and will pretty much kick your ass into the real world of styling once you read it.

NE: Would you rather be locked in a)Forever 21 b) Bloomingdales OR c)American Apparel ?

MG: The funny thing is that there is no Bloomingdale’s in sight here in Des Moines, Iowa. So, if I had to choose between Forever 21 and American Apparel, I would choose Forever 21. 

NE: Is there any item you are currently lusting over?

MG: Anything fringe. I currently have a fringe obsession that won’t be dying down anytime soon.

NE: Top 3 magazines you read?

MG: 1. NYLON- It mixes Fashion, Music, and Art; which I love!

2. Vogue -For my high fashion fix.

3. Marie Claire – It’s a basic fashion magazine that’s more for real world people and it is where I get most of my inspiration from.

NE: Would you rather splurge on a certain item because of its label or save on a look-a-like?

MG: Well, it depends on what exactly the item is. If it were shoes, I would for sure splurge.If it were a trendy style item like high-waisted shorts, I would save. I would rather splurge on something I love and not waste money on clothes that will go out of style in the next few seasons. Lets just say, I am always looking for a bigger bang for my buck!

To get more from Marisa check out her Tumblr!

You may also like: Ten Minutes with Swedish Style Blogger Jakob Andersson