#wardrobe visit

[thehousevintage-blog-blog]

I may not know Cari Cat's real last name, but false name or not, Cari is a genuine badass with a versatile style. She hops from one end of the style spectrum to the other without a hitch; she has this incredible knack for fusing her "5 year old tomboy self" with her most feminine looks, yet it keeps a crucial balance. The pieces she brought were all tried and true favorites that you could remix together with ease and get the perfect, simple ensemble for any occasion. And you really can't help but love a girl who brings her best friend in tow AND a bag of Cheetos for a little photoshoot fuel! Sounds like the perfect balance. — Geena 

THV: What's your major? 

CC: Fibers (it's a studio art)

THV: Who/what influences your style most?

CC: I draw inspiration from music mostly male and female artists. I love Alison Mosshart's style but I wouldn't say mine is anything like that. I try to stay true to what goes with my petite frame... first thing that calls my attention when shopping is color. From there it's just a matter of what looks good. I keep it simple for the most part.

THV: Is there a particular decade or era that you feel inspires you more than others? Why?

CC: 50's and 20's. I like the drop waist in dresses but I also love the feminine high waist of the 50's. I can still be a little spazzstic when it comes to dressing up. I'm willing to try anything but I also can't help dressing like a grown up version of my 5 year old tomboy self.

THV: What initially draws you to a particular piece of clothing or accessory?

CC: Black, black, and more black.

THV: Is there anything new that you’ve been experimenting with lately, as far as your usual style goes?

CC: Platforms and peter pan collars... trying to do the girly thang more often.

THV: Name the perfect get-up that you'd wear to a concert of one of your favorite bands.

CC: My friends' bands are some of my favorite bands! I mostly go for comfort. A lot of shows I go to are my friends' bands.. so usually don't go dressed to impress buuut. High waisted jeans, crop top, and flats. Or a simple dress and cardigan. 

[thehousevintage-blog-blog]

Wardrobe Visit: Kasey Fowler

We met Kasey Fowler at the same time we met Monica (ciao, bella!). It was last winter, and Kasey was wearing this incredible folk-patterned coat (see last photo). Since then, we've seen Kasey in a variety of garments inspired by cultures near and far, ancient and modern. She's a fan of lace (especially in the Texas heat), patterns, and cultural references. We arrived in the late afternoon, and as the evening grew darker, her room became this warm, glowing habitat filled with intrigue. As she sifted through her wardrobe to pick her next outfits, we marveled at all the little details that make her environment so special. Her dog Oliver was there for much-needed moral support. Thank you for sharing your style and space with us, Kasey!

Last photo by Sally Ann Shelton

THV: What's your major? KF: Currently: Undeclared. I started UNT preparing to become an Interior Design Major. But, over the course of the last two years in Denton, I’ve changed my mind several times. I have a difficult time settling on one particular interest. However, creation is the only trade that drives me. Doing anything less than imaginative and liberating would be settling. THV: Who/What influences your style the most? KF: It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what influences my style most. I suppose I just mix my own concepts with ideas from my friends and artists I find influential. Mostly, I just wear pieces that are comfy and ensure my confidence. THV: Is there a particular decade or era that you feel inspires you more than others? Why? KF: I wouldn’t say I’m more drawn to one decade over another. My closet is a melting pot of decades. I love elements from every era. THV: What initially draws you to a particular piece of clothing or accessory? KF: Rarity. If I stumble upon something radiating with character, I have a hard time leaving it behind. THV: Is there anything new that you’ve been experimenting with lately, as far as your usual style goes? KF: I’m in the process of polishing my sense of style. I have a weak spot for oddities and a conflicting desire to simplify. Right now I’m playing with ways of melding minimalism with my inborn adoration of contrast. THV: You've recently moved away from this little city (and we miss you!). Since your move from Denton, have you noticed any changes in your style? If so, what are they? KF: I am trying to develop a more refined style. I’ve sold and donated more than half of my closet since I moved. I discarded most of the cheap and less thoughtful garments and kept only the timeless and well-crafted pieces. I’m at a pivotal point in my life and on a quest for durability in all aspects. Thoughtfulness is a large component of this transformation and I want my style to reflect that.

[thehousevintage-blog-blog]

Wardrobe Visit: Jena Pyle

Our Wardrobe Visit this week features Jena Pyle, who happens to be the first local THV customer (she bought the blue polka dot number seen right above). She's 1/2 of the duo that blogs at Inappropriately Hip, a fantastically curated look at the design world, and 1/3 of the cover band Double Uke. Jena's also no stranger to fractions; I imagine her staggering love of pizza made that unit in elementary math a cheese and pineapple-covered breeze. On this visit, Jena demonstrates her thrifting/vintage finding prowess (the first three outfits are evidence), her love for her ukelele, and the advantages of being extremely tall. We love you, Jena! 

THV: What is your major? JP: Communication Design with a focus in Art Direction

THV: Who/what influences your style the most?

JP: The people I hang around and Denton, but mostly pizza. 99% pizza. Maybe even 100% pizza, honestly.

THV: Is there a particular decade/era that you feel inspires you more than others? Why?

JP:I really have always liked the style of the 50s and 60s. English mod style in the 60s is really nice to look at. As far as places go, England inspires me the most.

THV: What initially draws you to a particular piece of clothing or accessory?

JP: Probably color or nice patterns. "Ohh, that's a nice color!" is what I find myself saying a lot when I look at clothes.

THV: Is there anything you've been experimenting with lately, as far as your usual style goes?

JP: Lately I really have been liking sheer shirts and Tobias Funke never nude shorts, but high waisted.

ABOUT BEING A COMM DESIGN STUDENT

THV: You're the first female Comm Design student we've interviewed. In what ways do you think your design aesthetic and personal style intertwine, if they do at all?

JP: My design aesthetic definitely influences my personal style. I think after being in Comm Design, I've been more particular in the clothes I wear and how I present myself when similarly I get more particular about design. (Except when dealing with stress of a design project, my personal style goes on vacation then.)

THV: If you could pick a Pantone color to bring to life in a piece of clothing, what color would it be?

JP: This was really hard to pick - but I'm going with Pantone 331! 

[thehousevintage-blog-blog]

Wardrobe Visit: Kelley Smith

This week's Wardrobe Visit highlights the timeless-with-a-twist elements of local Dentonite Kelley Smith's style. An admirer of Elvis Presley, Jingle Cats and vintage film cameras, she's surely a girl who helps make Denton a more beautiful and unique place. A peek at her photography gives a little insight into her aesthetic: subdued use of color, elements of nature like flowers, landscapes and animals, and a quiet cheekiness and love for adventure. It's no surprise then that she has a clothing rack chockfull of  warm, natural colors and patterns that reflect her photos and sometimes refer to some of the art she loves (just wait til you see her last dress!). We wrapped up our session with a spellbinding viewing of her Jingle Cats DVD and 90s dance music.  We thank her for sharing a pretty entertaining and feline-filled evening with us and hope the following Q&A gives you some insight into this truly multi-faceted lady. -Geena and Molly

Last photo by Kelley Smith

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THV: What's your major? KS: I'm getting a bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies and minoring in Communication Studies. THV: Who/What influences your style the most? KS: Art, local street style, the weather, geography, tactile and tangible things. I've always been observant and my environment/surroundings influence me a lot.  THV: Is there a particular decade or era that you feel inspires you more than others? Why? KS: I like synthesizing them all, but I think french films made me love the 60s the most.  THV: What initially draws you to a particular piece of clothing or accessory? KS: Color and form. THV: Is there anything new that you’ve been experimenting with lately, as far as your usual style goes? KS: Glittery tulle hair accessories.  THV: How has living in other cities impacted your style? KS: The biggest thing I've noticed is that different climates require more functionality when dressing, especially because other places I've lived have a lot more outdoor activities that go beyond walking or biking. THV: What would be your ideal photography assignment? KS: Cat glamour shots.  THV: Do you factor in what you're going to wear when taking photos? KS: Sometimes yes and sometimes no. But you can communicate a lot through dress so I'm always thoughtful or aware of it.