STREETLIGHT FEATURE: KATIE

This week's feature is Katie, one of my besties and probably the most adorable human I know.  She currently lives in Fairfax, VA and is finishing up her last semester at George Mason University studying Elementary Education.  I love her free spirit which you will see also translates into her style.  We "hiked" around Great Falls in McLean, VA for an afternoon and dressed a little too nice for climbing rocks and puddle jumping...oh well!

jacket: Gap, DIY bleached sleeves
blouse: Urban Outfitters
shorts: thrift find, altered
shoes: DSW, Madden Girl
jewelry: Michael Kors and an Israeli souvenir shop
sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
socks: Betsey Johnson

How would you describe your style? How does it differ than those in your city?

My style is pretty eclectic. I like things that are bohemian, girly, and vintage. I love having an array of choices in my closet because I can pull out things that I want to wear according to how I’m feeling that day.

I don’t think my style differs too much from people in my city, but I’m probably a lot more likely to wear quirky pieces than most others I live around. I find that many people in my area, especially on campus, look like they just rolled out of bed or they’re about to go to the gym, always. I don’t get that! It takes the same amount of effort to put on yoga pants than a cute skirt or some fun bright pants. Fine, maybe like 2 more minutes, but I think it’s worth it!

Where are your favorite places to shop? Do you shop online at all? Where?

Some of my favorite stores are Urban Outfitters, Free People, Forever 21, H&M, modcloth.com and I recently discovered nastygal.com. I also love thrift stores! I like going in not knowing what I might find, and the hunt is half the fun. I recently bought a brand new with tags, beautiful Anthropologie cardigan for under 5 bucks! You can’t beat that. 

What kind of DIYs have you done to amp up your style?

I’m such a craft- a- holic. I love challenging myself with DIYs! I recently bought a sewing machine and I’m teaching myself how to use it for sewing and refashioning. If I love a vintage dress but think it’s too long, I can easily hem it up and make it wearable. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a unique piece, like what I did with my shorts above. I try not to buy things that I think I could easily replicate... poor college kid, ya know, and I like to make things custom to how I want them. Bleaching is also great to play with, as seen with my denim jacket above. And Rach, you and I need to do some studding soon! The possibilities with DIYs are endless. There are tons of DIY fashion blogs out there for inspiration. http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com/ is one of my favorites.

What are your go-to, everyday accessories?

I’m a pretty simple gal when it comes to accessorizing but I do love a good arm party. I throw on my Michael Kors watch every day and I am loving my latest H&M purchase, a hot pink and lime green geometric bracelet. 

Any style advice you’d like to give!?

Dress for yourself! Wear what you like and don’t be afraid to try something new.

photography by me, and editing by Chris Forster.

STREETLIGHT FEATURE: CHRIS

Check out Chris and his G-town swag! Chris is mah best brah and my photographer for most of my shoots. He's currently studying towards a B.F.A. in Film & TV with a minor in Advertising at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia.

top: macy's

jacket, pants, & tie: H&M

shoes: puma

How do you make your look polished, but still casual enough to wear during the day?

My style derives from taking high end looking fashion pieces and tweaking them in such a way that they look like casual wear. This usually consists of rolling up dress slacks, wearing sport shoes with a dressy outfit, or adding pops of color to an otherwise fancy getup.

You have subtle patterning on your tie, but do you have any other looks with prints or pattern?

I try to mix and match patterns as much as possible while at the same time maintaining a sense of consistency. I also am a great fan of wearing items with bold bright colors on top of a mostly muted look.

You grew up in Northern Virginia, but currently attend school in Savannah, Georgia.  Has living in a subcultural environment affected your style at all?

Living in Savannah has made me come out of my shell. I am constantly inspired by the vast array of different style I see guys wearing every day. I definitely feel like I can wear anything I want where as before, I would always be worried about what other people were thinking about my outfit.

On your average day, what are your go-to pieces to just throw on?

I’m a big fan of the tanktop/cardigan look. I also love to wear design-heavy t-shirts and the occasional slim sweatpant.

photography by me, and editing by chris forster.