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.