Look at these li’l treats of ear candy…Seriously, look at them, have you seen anything more fabulous? As a writer-girl who obsesses over the idea of owning a retro pink typewriter, I am officially in heart.

Where can you buy these treats? The awesome Model Citizen Clothing, that’s where.

Model Citizen Clothing is the creation of the fabu Bonnie Rue. All of her designs are inspired by her friends who actually are Model Citizens. Tough, talented and ready to take on the world, like her, they are a seriously loveable bunch. Come meet her, she’s a huge helping of awesome sauce…

Model Citizen, what is it exactly and how did it all begin?
Years ago I was living in a tiny little garage apartment, doodling all my free time away. I did one drawing of some tiger ladies dancing and that was where it all began. I talked to a friend and he screened it on some shirts for me in a few different colors.. but then I had these shirts and no where to sell them so I took a walk down South Congress (our strip here in Austin TX) and a boutique bought them all off of me right then and there. Now Model Citizen is a full line of T’s, dresses, hoodies, tank tops & even jewelry based on doodles in my sketch book and I sell them to people all over the world. The extra income that comes from it allows me time and money that I can donate to women’s organizations and my local homeless shelter… hence the name – Model Citizen.
 
When did you discover you were a creative girl who could make items of fabulousness?
I’ve always been pretty crafty and I have my mom to thank for that. She always sewed, made belts & stuff like that. In highschool I sewed my own bags and made t-shirts in art class. I never really thought of turning it into a job though, not that I think of this as a job. It’s way too fun to call it work!

 
What is your fave prod and why?
Right now I’m really in love with the collaboration I did with Sublime Stitching – because not only is it a rad tote bag, it’s also a craft project! The bag comes with some floss and instructions on how to embroider. I am new to embroidery and I have to say – it’s addictive & it’s really exciting to see my artwork in a way I never imagined it. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34764819
 

Who are your inspir-o-girls and why do they rock your world?
Well, I’m an audiophile & I have a major girl crush on Kristen Gundred of Grand Ole Party & Dum Dum Girls. Her voice is amazing and she manages to sing WHILE she DRUMS! I think she is incredible!
I’m also pretty in love with Hope Perkins (of Austin Craft Mafia fame) work. She just recently did a series of upcycled taxidermy. Which I know, you think taxidermy and you think yuck! but she has saved these poor creatures from an eternity of lodge living. I actually bought an awesome goat for my boyfriend for xmas. Check her out! http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/11/trendy-tuesday-upcycling-taxidermy.html
 

Is it hard to be creative and business-y too, if so, how do you make it happen?
Geez – I won’t lie, it really is hard! There’s so much to think about! Luckily my creativity comes in waves. Some days I have nothing but good ideas and on others I draw a blank. So I take those days when my creativity is lacking and work on things like organizing my inventory or contacting new possible whole sale clients. Staying busy is what works for me. I make lists and crossing things off of them never fails to put me in a good mood.
 
If you could return to another decade, which would it be and why?
Oh man, maybe it’s cliche, but I’d have to say the 60’s. When I think of all those big hair do’s, dance-able music & change in the air, I get excited!  Here in Austin TX on the 2nd Sunday of every month there is a dance party down the street from my house and they play old do wop and R&B, everyone dresses up in their old frocks and we get down. I try to never miss it.  

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
So Many things! A trip to the record store with my manfriend. A new pair of boots. Eating somewhere new for the first time. Flying kites! Playing badminton in the summer with my friends!
 
What’s your motto for life?
It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.
 
What 5 songs would be on a Model Citizen soundtrack?
Um, this is the greatest question ever!
Off the top of my head & in no particular order:
Rich by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Laser Life by The Blood Brothers
Walking in LA by Missing Persons
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Trouble Maker by The All Girl Summer Fun Band
Gold Pants by Leslie & The Ly’s
 
Bonnie’s Sassy List – what’s your favorite…
Book: Right now I’m reading Persepolis & I LOVE it!
Make-up brand: Mmm.. Flirt Cosmetics!
Quote: “I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.” – Mae West
Movie:
Oldie: The House of Yes
Newbie: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Food: Anything with lots of ginger & cilantro.. so Thai food all the way!
City: Austin TX!
Website: Texts from Last Night always makes me laugh! Always!
http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

What does the term ‘Sassy Minx’ mean to you?
100% Confidence!