“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta, 1932-2014 (Vanity Fair)
Tiffany Choi
JW: Could you tell me what you’re wearing today?
TC: Well my hat and shorts are from Forever 21, the sweater is from Talbots. I got this top from my mom’s closet. I’m also wearing tights with knee high socks and my clear heeled boots are from Urban Outfitters.
JW: What is your inspiration behind your fashion?
TC: I get my inspiration from almost everywhere. I follow a lot of fashion bloggers on Instagram and sometimes I’ll just look at what other people wear and get inspiration from that.
JW: What’s your favorite brand and why?
TC: I’m not really sure, because I try not to be too obsessed with name brands, but I kind of just go everywhere and if I come across something I like then I’ll get it. I really like H&M and ASOS though because they have a lot of clothes that are edgy and simple which is more my style.
JW: What’s unique about the way you approach your style?
TC : I like to be “out there” with my style. I like to stand out, even though I usually just end up wearing all black. Sometimes I’ll put on an outfit and I’m just like, “What am I wearing?!” but it’s okay because I’m just having fun and I try not to worry about what other people think.
Tiffany choi, third-year, design and communications double major
Bella Ly
JW: Could you tell me what you’re wearing today?
BL: I recently got this leather jacket from Forever 21 and haven’t stopped wearing it since. I’ve been wanting one for a long time and I’m so glad I finally bought one! My sweater is from H&M and my boyfriend jeans are from Gap. The jeans are definitely the star of the outfit in my opinion. They’re so comfortable but easily dressed up or down. I love pairing them with heels.
JW: What is your inspiration behind your fashion?
BL: Halfway through last year I realized I was constantly revamping my wardrobe and easily grew bored of my clothes. It was a vicious cycle of buying clothes and then donating/selling to consignment stores. I got tired of being so inconsistent with my style and had to strip my closet back to the bare basics. I found out I’m so much more comfortable with classic, closet staple items and have been going for minimalism ever since. I also really enjoy menswear, so I always look for structured, boxier pieces and balance them with feminine details.
JW: What’s your favorite brand and why?
BL: I’d have to say Zara. Although their clothing is trendy, it’s not outlandish enough to not be worn ten years from now. As for my favorite designers, I’m a huge fan of Oscar de la Renta, Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Elie Saab.
JW: What’s unique about the way you approach your style?
BL: I wouldn’t call it unique, but I just try to focus on my personality and my comfort. In the past, I’ve always bought things I thought I liked but wouldn’t actually wear because it just wasn’t practical or comfortable. I’m focusing on what I feel most empowered and confident in. I don’t want to worry about how I look all day because I’m unsure of what I’m wearing. Now, I try to buy items I know will contribute to my wardrobe and style – not just something pretty to look at.
Bella Ly, 4th year, Communication & Sociology – Org. Studies; Minor in Textiles and Clothing
Interviewed and photographed by Jennifer Wu
Jennifer Wu is the Art Director for The California Aggie and The Centennial Magazine. You can reach her at magazine@theaggie.org.
