Who To Watch

Miss Lauren Hailey: Ok, first things first: Describe your style.

M: Emotional. I dress for how I’m feeling that day. I enjoy mixing men’s and women’s styles together. So I’ll pair a crewneck sweatshirt (my absolute favorite item) with a feminine skirt and some sneakers for day, and then add a jacket and heels for night. I usually dress all my looks up with the makeup. A red lip, cat eye,fancy hair….. something like that. I am also big into textures and bright prints so any chance I have to add those elements in, I do it. I keep my jewelry simple. I like gold. So gold hoops, necklaces, watches, bracelets, I’m on it.

MLH: Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?

M:All over. Funny thing is I draw more inspiration from music, my friends and being out and about in Oakland than I do from fashion mags or blogs. I do enjoy Tumblr A LOT. My Tumblr is so randomly cohesive and fun. I’ll go there to get some ideas of looks I want to try out. Like I said, I’m an emotional dresser. Some days I want to get into my menswear mode and then other days I want to be really feminine. I also made a mood board that I look at that gives me inspiration.

MLH: Who are you style icons? Who are the people that influence what you wear on a daily?

M: I don’t have icons but I do have people who have influenced me to be comfortable with developing my own style. Pharrell, Solange, Donatella Versace, Kanye, [even] randoms on the street. My friends. Old pictures of my mom and Dad. Quentin Tarantino Films, and 90’s teen flicks.

MLH: When you shop, who are your go-to labels or designers?

M: I try to branch out and try a bit of everything. I’m not brand loyal until I start getting paid to be (haaaa!) But I do enjoy Asos, Barneys, Supreme, Nike, Thrift stores and local brands like Marshall Nash and Cre8tive Class.

MLH: What are some of your style secrets that are signature to you?

M: I don’t really have secrets. I do have rules. Every trend is not for me. You have to be honest with yourself and your body type so that you are not out in the streets looking foolish. I have to be very careful about rompers and jumpsuits because I’m short and have big legs, they just don’t work. On the flip side, one trend that I’ll never let go of is neon! Even when it’s not popping anymore I will still wear it, I LOVE it. I think it comes down to being honest with yourself and your body and also being adventurous with your style.

MLH: What do you love about Bay Area style?

M: Bay style is eclectic and distinct and super adventurous. People in the Bay know how to make the laid back and casual look work so well. Living here has influenced me so much in that department. I love seeing people out at an event and seeing the mix of styles even going to the grocery store or farmers market will give you an eye full.