Today’s featured list on GiftBuzz is signed by a Greek successful social media advertiser and promoter, Helene Vlacho, who works online for companies, promoting and advertising their products or their ideas through social media and Polyvore. We met her to ask her about her fashion related memories, her views on fashion consumption in Greece during these tough years, and of course — her fashion-victim picks on her list.

What is your very first fashion-related memory?

I remember being about 5 or 6 years old, before starting school, shopping with my mother and searching for my school uniform. I wanted something pretty but yet modern and not so girly, so I ended up with a blue one (it was the only accepted color) but pin striped and… hooded!

Economists believe that during hard times people forego extravagant purchases like cars, holidays and kitchens and, instead, spend their money on small luxuries like make-up or clothing. Do you think this is the situation in Greece nowadays?

Greece has been going through a financial crisis the past few years and this has affected the lifestyle and purchase choices of the people. It’s true that extravagant purchases have been reduced and a more low profile lifestyle has been adopted by celebrities, as well as most people, either because they cannot keep up the luxurious life they were living before the financial crisis or because they don’t want to provoke those in need by showing off. Small luxuries such as beauty and fashion items are still trending though. “Shopping Therapy” has always been a good stress relief and source of joy.

What do you think about wish lists — and why did you choose these specific items for your GiftBuzz list?

It’s sometimes hard to choose a gift and especially be certain that the person receiving it will be pleased and will like it. Of course, the thought matters, but we also all want the gifts given to be used and appreciated. Having the chance to choose a gift from a list that your friends have already made, with selected items to pick out from, makes the gift buying a lot easier in my opinion.

As a fashion addict I chose a beautiful croco crossbody bag, and could not resist an amazing pair of floral sneakers. In regards to my design selection, I found a vase that matched my living room decoration perfectly.

What was the best present someone ever gave you — and what was the worst?

The best present was a Michael Kors handbag, my first designer bag. As for the worst, I can’t pick something. I don’t remember having a gift like this as I always try to find the best in things and people.

We hope you found Helena’s suggestions useful, keep checking www.thegiftbuzz.com for new lists and contributors!