With Spring Training right around the corner and warm weather on the way, the people of Phoenix are trading in their winter layers for some serious skin-exposing ensembles.
Rachel Barbos, the promotions coordinator for the Oakland Athletics during Spring Training is inspired by fashion and dishes her ideas on her articulate wardrobe coordination.
The 21 year old ASU senior reveals that she has finally pinned a style that makes her unique and dedicates her in-vogue closet to lifetime of research and dedication to fashion. Selecting quality over quantity pieces, Rachel tailors her fashion inspirations and creates a chic, youthful look that is both inexpensive and accesible.
See also: - Courtney Larsen Brings Her Green Thumb and Stylish Wardrobe to Hearts.com - PALMS Lead Singer Melody Michelle's Rock 'n Roll Style
What are you wearing right now? I love the basics; a great pair of jeans, simple blouse and a colorful scarf or chunky statement necklaces are always my reliable go-to for outfits. I'm also in love with short booties that this winter season brought us.
What is the last item of clothing you purchased? My sister who lives in New York found a pair of amazing wax black jeans from H&M the other day. They were such a steal, I went immediately to get a pair for myself. The jeans are so amazing, and have a shine to them that gives them the edgy, leather look. They also can be worn as an every day jean that pairs well with anything.
What sort of fashion do you create? I create things that make sense; fashion should never be forced or taken too seriously. I think the ability to play up different colors and styles makes a stylist diverse and makes your wardrobe ready for any event.
What's the last thing you designed? I played up a button down blouse, and layered a baggy sweater over it with the collar of the blouse out. I paired the look with boyfriend jeans. I got so many compliments for just thinking outside of the box!
What's your favorite thing you've ever designed? I was the apparel chair for my sorority and one of the favorite things I designed was a vintage looking off-the-shoulder raglan tee. It had an old school collegiate feel, and I just loved it!
Can you tell us a little bit about your own style? I've had a passion for fashion and clothes ever since I was a little girl. Lately, I go to get inspired from a blog called "The Sorority Secrets". They have the best fashion tips and advice for beauty--plus, they also show you how to wear the look, which is really important. I also am a very active pinner on Pinterest, and I get a lot of my outfit ideas from playing up different looks. Describing my look would be feminine chic with an edge. I really love wearing black. Half of my closet is black, but I also love pairing girly items with black to soften up the look. I also will always pair a statement necklace with any outfit to give it that finishing touch. I think that investing in a few quality pieces such as, jeans, leather jacket, and boots is important.
What's your favorite item of clothing in your closet? My Steven Madden low black motorcycle booties--I feel like I can conquer the world in them.
What's a fashion trend you can't stand? With living in Arizona for four years, I really can't stand when you don't dress for the season/weather. So many girls on campus are wearing shorts and tanks when its 65 degrees out in January. Don't get me wrong, we are so fortunate with great sunshine year round, but it doesn't mean its summer yet. Let us enjoy some winter fashion before we get carried away with high-waisted shorts.
Give us a childhood memory of you and your clothes? I was the little girl begging my mom for a pair of snake, pleather pants so I could wear them on Thanksgiving. I've always had a specific eye for fashion and loved pushing the envelope since I was eight years old. I also had a ridiculous pair of black knee-high boots when I was 10 and I wouldn't ever take them off, which I paired with a long black maxi skirt.
What do you like to accessorize with? I love using statement necklaces and scarves to play up any outfit. Sometimes I think less is more with accessorizing, so I play up different accessorizes when the outfit needs it!
Name five items every woman should have in her closet:
1. Leather Jacket
2. LBD- Little Black Dress
3. Dark denim jeans
4. White button down blouse
5. The perfect graphic tee
What's your piece of fashion advice for Phoenix? Wear what flatters you; just because a trend or style is "in" it doesn't always mean that's a good look for your own personal style. Get inspired from blogs and other sites that will give you a sense of direction for your specific style. I use The Sorority Secrets for fashion tips and it really gives me great ideas on how I can play up different items that I have in my closet. Anyone can be stylish; it just takes some effort and creativity to get started!
Learn more about Rachel and her blog at: thesororitysecrets.blogspot.com twicemarie.blogspot.com
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