A new age muse

We first connected with the delightful Natalia Mohl (aka Wild Bindi) when Nine Lives was just a newborn baby. A big supporter of vintage-inspired labels, we've always been inspired by her dreamy, wanderlust style and adventurous ways. Tali has this way of mixing old with new that leaves us in utter awe. Her style is Penny Lane meets Stevie Nicks, and her wardrobe and jewellery collection is made up of desirable gems. We caught up with the stylish goddess + new age muse to find out what makes her tick.
How do you think style is defined?
Style can be defined as a medium to express who you are as an individual... and what's inspiring you at that time of your life. It's a form of art combining culture, history, music, politics etc etc... all the forces of the world filtered through your own individual eye.

 

What about your own style, how do you best describe it?
There is a strong 1970s presence in there... A lot of the time I leave the house looking like a groupie haha. If I'd been around, I wonder if I'd have been able to steal a gaze from Jimi Hendrix or Robert Plant in my outfits. I'm still quite open minded to other eras, cultures, current fashion trends... but you definitely won't find me in a bodycon dress and huge heels... those days are well and truly over!
What's your process for getting dressed each day?
Having moved to London I've had to adapt my style a fair bit... the weather here demands more layers which is a refreshing change from Sydney. Back home my go to's were always comfy and colourful outfits... printed wrap skirts, lacey long sleeved crops, a vintage belt, and a pair of sandals. Here I'm more drawn to printed dresses, embroidered blouses, fringed cardigans, vintage afghan coats, and embellished boots.

 

What do you look for when expanding your wardrobe?
Something that's like 'wham bam' when you see it... that you know will compliment your figure perfectly and you'll always pack in your suitcase no matter where you're going.

 

What kind of role does jewellery play in your life?
Jewellery is really special to me... without it I feel extremely naked and un-accessorized... I need my layered necklaces and chunky rings to complete my outfits. Most of the silver treasures I have come from artisans of the East, are gifts from people, or handed down from my mum. Every piece has story... so when I lose a ring (normally because of a night out), I'm absolutely devastated.
 
How has music influenced your style?
Music is everything to me... what album I'm listening to, what song is on repeat, what music biography I'm reading... it all seeps into how I feel and what I want to wear. The Rolling Stones boys used to hit up all the West London boutiques and just grab whatever caught their eye. This is what I love about the rock stars of the world... they don't try and recreate a look from a mannequin, a socialite, or a runway. Their style is a genuine reflection of who they are and what their music is about... Naturally my style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Keith Richards, Florence Welch, Jimi Hendrix, and the Led Zep boys.
What are the top five songs that are the soundtrack to your life?
I could only narrow it down to 16... too hard! :P
Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
Big Man - Boy and Bear
Proud Mary - CCR
Heroes - David Bowie
Tangerine - Led Zep
You Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac
Stay With Me - Faces
Hush - Deep Purple
Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder
Scar Tissue - RHCP
Sweet Child O Mine - GnR
Let It Be - Aretha Franklin cover

 

What era do you feel your soul most belongs to?
If I'm granted a time travel wish I'm going back to the summer of 1969... and I'd happily stay there until the end of the next decade.
What's the most prized possession in your wardrobe? Where did it come from?
My vintage afghan coats... they're quite rare now and it's hard to find one that perfectly fits you!

 

You have an incredible way of mixing old with new. Where are your favourite places to shop?
I love etsy, I spend way too much time searching for treasures on there... my favourite stores are Red Popy, Raggie Doll, Lucky Vintage Seattle, Nanometer, Beyond Retro, and Honey Wood Vintage. My favourite contemporary brands are Free People, Tigerlily, Blue Hippy, Tree of Life, Rapsodia... and all the boutiques in and around Byron Bay like Spell, Arnhem, Amilita... and yours truly!
What do you look for in vintage clothing?
Something with a story, a print I've never seen before, a unique embellishment, or a silhouette I haven't seen before...

 

Tell us about your job with Free People?
I'm a senior stylist and social media specialist for Free People UK... it's been a dream of mine to work for this company for quite some time. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that this is my life now... Half of my role involves being on the shop floor and engaging with the customers, sharing the Free People concept and the stories of each product. The other half of my role involves content creation for the pop-up... I run around London now with my Nikon taking photos of inspiring architecture and landscapes. A lot of weekends are spent shooting the girls and influencers in the latest FP treasures... And if I'm lucky enough I'm sent to exciting places or events to shoot products on our collaborators. The most recent one was The Sisterhood Band at the Rod Stewart concert... one of the best nights, if not, the best night of my life!
What's on the horizon for 2016?
I'd love to dance around a maypole during a Swedish Summer, rug up in a million thermals and see the Northern Lights, meet more wild and inspiring creatives, wake up on a Greek beach after a long night of laughing and crazy conversation... anything and everything to add to the story of my life. I wholly believe we only have one, so I'm going to make the most of every moment!

 

Check out Tali's incredible blog HERE

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