23-year-old Angela Williamson is very proud to be from Arizona. The Tempe native is all about representing Southwest style, but with a twist.
"I want to encompass a very eclectic version of someone who is from the Southwest," Williamson says. "I wear a lot of bolo ties. A lot of western boots and a lot of bolo ties."
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The University of Arizona alum likes to keep people on their toes.
"Tucson brought out the weird in me," she says. "Growing up, I played soccer and was more of an athlete than fashion-oriented. But in college I started dressing a little bit more obscure."
Williamson dresses according to her daily mood, which sometimes means a more feminine look and other times something a bit more masculine. Either way, she fully commits.
"Sometimes I get a little carried away, but I like creating something completely unique every time I get dressed. I don't have in mind my "best outfit" or "my most comfortable shoes." I just feel best when my clothes reflect my mood.
Williamson has held various retail jobs at places like Nordstrom Rack and Free People, and even worked one summer for the now-closed Butter Toast Boutique in downtown Phoenix. "I got really involved with them and got experience in how they ran inventory, purchased vintage, and styled photo shoots. I think that's where my love for vintage and thrifting stemmed."
Williamson wants to use her accounting degree to begin her own business in the future. What kind of business is yet to be determined, but she knows it's going to be fashion related.
An avid thrifter, Williamson already has the makings of a fashion CEO. She loves the discovery of a good bargain and is thrilled by collaborating with people.
"I live with a good friend from high school, and it's been fun sharing our clothes. I can pick some great stuff out of her closet, and she does the same with mine, and we pair it with our own stuff.
"I honestly like putting something on and seeing everyone's reactions. It's fun to wear a costume and play a part, because you can always be a different person."
What are you wearing? I'm wearing a Free People French courtship slip, a vintage dress from Goodwill, some random jewelry from Urban Outfitters and a cool boutique in Tucson, a Marc Jacobs watch, and shoes from Target.
Where do you usually shop? I usually go to thrift stores and buy things in bulk. I shop at Goodwill, Free People, Buffalo Exchange, Urban Outfitters, and American Apparel. I'm open to shopping anywhere, but since I've had a lot of retail jobs, in the past I shopped wherever I worked.
What's the last item of clothing you bought? I just got a really cool floral jumpsuit.
Name five items every woman should have in his closet. 1) A good pair of western, black boots 2) Floral print dresses 3) Turquoise (If you're from here, you have to represent Arizona!) 4) Bolo ties 5) A great lip color
What's a trend you can't stand? I'm kind of sick of ripped, high-waisted denim shorts. For women our age, I think we could be wearing something a little more mature. I still wear them, but I think they're a little overdone, because everyone just goes for the same look with them.
Give us a childhood memory of you and clothes. I was given a lot of hand-me-downs as a child, from a cousin who was a couple of years older than me. I'm talking bags and bags of clothes. We didn't really have very much money growing up, so it was a fun treat to go through all of her stuff when I got it. I think that's why I love wearing other people's clothes and digging for things when I shop.
What is your one piece of fashion advice for Phoenix? Wear weird. I love putting on a costume every day. I like playing a part, so I encourage people to wear what they like. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb and wear something that's weird.