Tom Boy Chic

I have many reasons I decided to create a blog about fashion.  One of the several reasons, include my friend Jessica.  She recently graduated from FDIM and inspired me to look more into depth about the fashion industry and society.  So I decided why not interview her?

Ashley: Hey Jessica!  So you know that I have a blog and it’s about fashion.  Because you helped me gain knowledge about this specific topic, I’d like to ask you a few questions and post our conversation on my blog.

Jessica: It’s great to know someone who has interest in fashion and taking it somewhere beyond everything.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you want to know all about.

Ashley: Great. So to start things off, describe fashion in your own words.

Jessica: Fashion is an art form of self-expression. It creates a personality without spoken words. It’s telling a story.

Ashley: How would you describe your style of dress from head to toe?

Jessica: Tom boy chic. The great thing about fashion is that you can always change your style.  The hard thing is remaining the same when fashion is constantly changing and so do your interests.

Ashley: What are the most comfortable/stylish shoes you like to wear with your outfit of the day?

Jessica: I love the way suede booties look, but I absolutely love my Doc Martens!  Both shoes can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Ashley: As for an everyday outfit, what accessories or type of clothing do you like to wear or is your ultimate “must have on” before you leave your house?

Jessica: A fist full of gold....rings.  Jewelry is a girl’s best friend, after all.

Ashley: If you were to change up your style, how would you go about doing so?  Would you wear something that’s out of your element of dress? What would it be and why?

Jessica: I’d love to wear heels on a daily basis but my lifestyle doesn’t allow it.  The art of walking perfectly without stumbling isn’t a big deal for me but the thought of holding up for hours make me cringe.  I applaud anyone that can withstand a full day in heels. People always say how crazy people are at school for doing so I give them my full blessing if that makes any sense.

Ashley: Is there anyone, as far as friends, celebrities, or designers, etc., that inspire you to dress the way you do?  If so, who is it and why?

Jessica: My biggest inspiration is Lanie Alabanza-Barcena who is the founder and creative director of Hellz Bellz.  I pretty much grew up with the brand when they just started with t-shirts that later evolved into creating dresses, accessories, etc.  The reason I love Hellz is because it is an independent brand, they're moderately priced so they're a little bit more expensive than clothes at Forever 21, but lower priced than luxury brands like YSL, Marc Jacobs, Christian Galliano, etc.  There is a large following for the brand but you never find yourself wearing the same garment as the next girl, that’s for sure. 

Ashley: How do people react to fashion and how do you react to it?

Jessica: I can only speak for myself and not others but I’m a people watcher. I constantly watch people especially strangers, strangers fascinate me and just reading them through the type of shoes they wear or handbag they’re carrying says a lot.  The great thing about being a fashion student is that you understand it clearer than the next person.

Ashley: Why do costumers go for a particular brand?

Jessica: Consumers?  For the most part, I believe most people go for certain brands because of the name whether or not they know the history behind it because they see other people wearing it. Being a fashion student, I am fortunate to learn about fashion designers and the brands in depth.

Ashley: Why do people hate when they see someone wearing what they’re wearing?

Jessica: Earlier, I said fashion is an art form of self-expression.  Through self-expression, we think of ourselves as individuals, not carbon copies.  When you see someone wearing the same outfit, it defeats the purpose of being yourself. That’s the reason why I don’t care for stores like Forever 21 because their clothes are mass produced and if you think no one else will be wearing the same thing you are ever at the same moment, you’re wrong.

Ashley: What do you think about fashion trends? Do you follow them because others wear what’s “in” or is it at your own interest?

Jessica: I don’t follow trends. I do study color forecasts but never do I take it into consideration to what I’m wearing.  The thing is, I always think about what I’ll wear out. I never dress for the weather but more for my comfort.  I love wearing dresses and even when it’s 40 degrees outside, I’d probably still wear a dress.

Ashley: Interesting.  Well, that cuts the end of the interview and once again I want to thank you for everything.

Jessica: No problem.  I can go on and on about fashion and if anything I had fun answering your questions.  Thanks to you also!   

            Jessica mentioned a lot of good statements I can agree with and maybe you can too.  I would have to say throughout the interviews I’ve done, I can relate more to Jessica’s style because her interests would be somewhat similar to mine.  Not just to the fact she is a female, but because we share common interests.  For example, she mentioned Hellz Bellz, which is a brand I wear and she also wears gold accessories too.  And although she says she has that tom boy chic look, I think that her fashion sense can also be categorized under urban street wear.  Yes, at times when you think about females wearing street wear, you may think “oh she’s a straight up tom boy”.  No.  We may look like a boy with the clothes we have on, but we can also be girly looking and deeply, we are females dressed the way we want.