Local blogger Katie Leavitt says she believes style is a language that she enjoys expressing on her blog, Running on Happiness.
"The great thing about personal style is that it is ever-evolving," Leavitt says. "As I have gotten older, and dare I say, wiser, I've learned that style doesn't have to be something to shy away from, but rather something to embrace."
What are you wearing?
I am wearing BCBG skinny jeans that I purchased a couple of seasons ago, a cream Kensie Girl crochet poncho, a felt hat from Nine West, and my Gucci bag from several seasons ago.
I love Urban Outfitters, FreePeople, Macy's Impulse, Francesca's Collections, Anthropologie, H&M, and Forever21.
What was the last clothing purchase you made?
I just picked up a few sale items from Anthropologie. I'm talking some sweet cream corduroy bell bottom pants with a higher waist that hug your body in all the right places. They will be perfect for fall and winter.
What are you favorite trends for fall?
Colored pants are fun, modern and on trend this season. Sweaters mixed with maxis, polka dots and leopard shoes are also on my list.
What item of clothing do you covet at the moment?
Most girls have a shoe obsession, however, I have a pants obsession. I am willing to splurge on the right pair. Right now, I am coveting my JBrand 'Bianca' high rise flare in the blue wash.
Give us a childhood memory of you and clothing.
Growing up I had the raddest stock pile of dress up clothes a girl could ask for -- dresses from the 50s, 60s and 70s courtesy of my grandmothers and dance costumes I inherited from my older sister. The collection was adorned with sequined berets, high heels, crochet shrugs, dresses made of lace, fish net tights, tutus, and even a "scarf" made of some type of animal. Playing dress up was my fantasy world where I could be whoever I wanted, even though I was just a scrawny little girl in grown up clothes, with rather large shoes to fill.
It's too hard to choose, but if I had to narrow it down, I'd have to say Nordstrom because they dabble in it all and I know I could walk away with some killer stuff.
Name five things every woman should have in their closet.
1. A blazer, preferably black. It's classic and never goes out of style.
2. Jeans. And, not just any pair of jeans, but a great fitting pair of jeans that you feel hot in!
3. A little black dress saved for a special occasion.
4. A chambray shirt. These are just too cool not to own, and they go with anything. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them with denim. It's the shirt that keeps on giving.
5. And if I had to decide between a pair of sexy heels, a neutral cardigan or a pencil skirt, I'm going to have to say a great pair of boots for fall.
What is your one piece of fashion advice for Phoenix?
Phoenix is a dynamic city to live in and filled with so many interesting people. My one piece of advice, as cliche as it may sound, would be to feel confident in yourself and not to care what other people think. Fashion is all about taking risks and embracing your own individuality. When I wear bright red pants in a sea of denim, I feel the initial stares, and that little voice comes into my head and says, "Maybe you should just put your jeans on, girl." Learn to shut that voice up and dress for yourself, not for others.
