Hello Strutters. Look, there are more important things in life than clothes. I know this. But as humans we are moved by visual stimulation. Which is why I think knowing how to dress well is a very powerful skill. Even more powerful is learning how to wear clothes instead of the clothes wearing you! The next style maven in the personal style series is Roseli. Roseli has an uncanny ability to mix eclectic pieces to create a look that is truly her own. Her outfits consists of free-flowing pieces that glow of self-expression. I would say her style is very bohemian: a casual mix of hipster, ethnic, with vintage elements. For Roseli it's all about the layers, earthy colors, and major accessories( scarves, pins, bold earrings, hats, necklaces; you name it). A colleague once said about Roseli's style, that when she gets dress, she clearly has a vision. And when you see the outfits she breezes into the office with, you can see that there is absolute truth to that observation. What I love about Roseli's personal style is that she has fun with it. Meet Roseli.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my personal style as vintage, urban-chic with a carefree attitude. I like to mix colors, textures, pieces made by local designers and vintage finds. I enjoy shopping at thrift stores, flea markets and on etsy.com to find unique clothing, shoes and accessories that are handmade, or second hand- and mixing them with contemporary pieces. Everything I wear has touches of the 70's and 80's alongside the modern.
What is your style inspiration?
Right now I'm really inspired by Janelle Monae and the way she mixes both masculine and feminine. She wears menswear that is impeccably tailored and still celebrates her body. I love her accessories: clip-on earrings, neck ties, and oxfords. My biggest style inspiration is the desire to use fashion not only as a creative outlet, but to counteract the dark side associated with the fashion industry. It's important for me to support local designers and mix vintage with new styles. I like that shopping second hand promotes reuse and I appreciate the creativity involved in taking someone else's castoffs and wearing them in a new way- in a way that has your personal signature. I run the online store SUBTEXTSTYLE for ladies who like vintage but don't have the time to dig through the racks at the thrift store.
What style rules do you live by?
I am 5'2, so fit is very important to me. Beyond tailoring, my biggest rule is to have fun. Getting dressed in the morning should be a creative exercise. Clothes should make you feel confident, not self-conscious!
What are three pieces you are lusting after for your fall wardrobe?
You'll notice that my three lusts are all shoes! A great pair of shoes completes any outfit.
Clogs. I have been wanting a pair of Swedish Hasbeens for a long time, but sans the ridiculously expensive price tag. Here is another pair that can achieve the same look for a third of the price, and they are vintage. Or for an even cheaper option, raid your mom's closet to see if she still has her clogs from the 70's.
Rainboots. The rainy season is coming, but that's no reason to abandon style. These boots are exclusive to Anthropologie and a collaboration with iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. I adore the oversized bows.
Menswear Oxfords with a Twist. My favorite oxfords are made by Osborn Design (I own two pairs!). Not only do I love the vibrant colors, but Osborn encompasses my desire to support sustainability in construction, as well as supporting fair labor practices. Osborn works with local weavers and cobblers in Guatemala to ensure that the workers' craft is appreciated and fairly compensated for.
What is the best style and fashion advice you’ve been given?
- No matter how cool the new trend is, don't buy it if it's not flattering. (Had this same dilemma with harem pants)
- Dress for yourself and no one else. Style comes from within, it's not projected from others.
Vintage:
Thrift town
Pretty Penny
Verunica
These are my favorite sellers on Etsy
Thief and Bandit for chunky braided necklaces
Marañon for colorful embroidered necklaces
James Rowland for leather boots
Where I go for inspiration, but can't afford the pricetags!: Pixie Market and Bona drag.
What I love about Roseli's look is that it's a state of mind and it's all about mixing the old with new, trendy with the classics. But best of all it's truly about the fine art of self-expression. Strut on!
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