Sabina Vitter is fearless when it comes to her fashion choices. She does not conform to trends. We love her style, especially the way she seamlessly mixes pieces to create her looks with a carefree spirit. Originally hailing from Kazakhstan and now calling Beijing "home", Sabina is making her mark on the fashion scene there as a sought-after stylist. We worked with Sabina on a different project a few years ago and it was only natural to have her creative input on our latest video project "The Chic Commute."

Just a few days ago, I sat down with Sabina over a cup of coffee at a popular cafe in the heart of Beijing for some girl talk. And even though Sabina is a friend, I learned more about this kind, warm-hearted beauty through our Q&A for this latest feature. We can't wait to see what's in store for her career-wise as she continues to challenge herself and to think outside the box. 

What is your favorite quote or life motto?
"Everything happens for the best." It's from a song by Billie Holiday. :)

How long have you been living in Beijing and what are your impressions of this ever so expanding city?
Almost 7 years. Truthfully speaking, Beijing has become my home. I came here on my own to attend the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology when I was only 16 years old so I feel that I grew up here. Like in the song by Wang Feng:

"Here I laughed, Here I cried,

    Here I've lived, Here I prayed,

       Here I've felt lost, Here I sought,

             Beijing... Beijing..."

How can you not fall in love with Beijing?! 

How would you describe your overall style?
It is always difficult to describe my own style. I never adhere to any rules, forms, brands. I can only say that my fashion choices fit my lifestyle. I love to combine all types of clothes. In fact, how I live is very much about mixing. For instance, I will call for a taxi, but then finish off my route on a skateboard. So I'd have to say my style is quite free flow. 

When you're in a rush and pressing for time, what is your go-to-outfit?
It's funny, but when I'm in a rush, I always think first and foremost about not leaving the key in the door to my apartment. I've done this 5 times. But I always think about my bag. 

What's your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Perfume!

Which shoes designers or brands do you love the most?
No specific favorite. As a fashion stylist, I'm lucky to have insider access to lots of new and up and coming designers. But, to answer the question, I have many shoes from Dr. Martens, Golden Goose, Ann Demeulemeester, 3 pairs of Celine, and 3 pairs of exclusive shoes from Georgian designers. 

What's your favorite shoe style?
I love all styles! I love shoes! 

Why did you choose the "Love Affair" printed shoe inserts and the new "Dollhouse" shoe bag? Most of us would pick the matching shoe bag, but you mixed the prints and we love it! 
I really like mixing and I thought that the two prints together - the hearts with the solid pink shoe bag - look so lovely together. The hearts on the shoe inserts are so fancy and fresh. Love the print! 

What inspires you?
I remember once I watched an interview with Donatella Versace and she said that she hates this question. Inspiration can come from anything, from everything that surrounds you - the people, the place, the atmosphere, the architecture. Anything. Here, I would have to totally agree with her. 

When you're not working on styling a shoot, what do you like to do?
I started to skate this fall. I plan to learn a lot of tricks. I love any kind of movement, so it can even be snowboarding or surfing, but I don't have time to do all of these great things. Skateboarding allows me to do it in the city. 

If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world, who would they be?
I would be with my family. When you are so far away from family, you start to appreciate simple but precious moments in your life. 

FOR MORE ON SABINA, FOLLOW HER!
Instagram: @vittersabina

All photos courtesy of Sabina. For usage, please first contact info@protectmyshoes.com