Join WSPN’s Vanessa Taxiarchis and Jillian Mele as they interview March’s Fashionistas of the Month: seniors Leroyal Hairston and Joel Cabral.
What are your favorite stores to shop at and why?
Hairston: “I personally like thrifting better than hopping at name brand stores, but if I had to choose one I’d probably say Zara.”
Cabral: “Goodwill, it’s a really good place to find random things that bring the best out of your wardrobe, and you find some really good ties and accessories there for low [prices]. But if you want to get some really good quality pieces, and you want to use a little more money, brands like Uniqlo for tee shirts and long sleeves, Gotta Love Brand for sweat suits, who I modeled for, and Azva Studios, which has very good quality and make you get out your comfort zone with different pieces.”
Do you prefer online or in person shopping?
Hairston: “In person, especially nowadays you want something to fit a certain way. Just because something is your size doesn’t mean it fits you, trust.”
Cabral: “In person shopping because you can see how the clothes fit your proportions rather than just guessing it, but I advise everyone to know your waist and leg length.”
Do you have a favorite season to dress for?
Hairston: “Definitely spring because it’s not too hot to layer and it’s not too cold to throw on shorts or a nice T-shirt.”
Cabral: “My favorite season to dress for is probably fall because I can use everything in my closet, and it lets me be more versatile in what I wear.”
Do you have a favorite accessory?
Hairston: “Personally, I don’t go too crazy with accessories but at the same time I believe too little could ruin a fit. I think my favorite would be a tie though, it helps a small detail or color in the fit stand out more”
Cabral: “My Vivienne Westwood orietta pendant because it’s my first purchase from Vivienne Westwood but not my last.”
What’s your typical design time?
Hairston: “I honestly don’t take long to throw on a fit at all. I just wake up and always start with the shoes then go from there. I think it takes maybe 10 minutes, or 15 at most.”
Cabral: “My design time ranges. If it’s for a theme, probably around 30 minutes because I like to get into it, but on average, I spend around ten minutes picking out an outfit.”
If you could describe your style in one word what would it be?
Hairston: “My style is definitely unique, at least in Wayland. The amount of times people have questioned my fits is hilarious, but I think it’s just ‘strange’ in Wayland.”
Cabral: “My style in one word is versatile because I like wearing different things. I try to use all of my closet and put things together that you don’t see people wear often.”
What would be one piece of fashion advice for anyone who may be struggling?
Hairston: “My advice to anyone who is struggling with fashion is to start off with one statement piece and build a fit around that. It could be a unique pair of jeans or a nice top. Once you make one fit, the rest come easy. Also never be afraid to be yourself. Your fits are not for others enjoyment.”
Cabral: “One piece of fashion advice for anyone who wants to get into it is color theory. Or just to watch a bunch of Wisdom Kay videos, and you’re gonna figure it out. Don’t be a trend hopper. Find your own style; it makes you more unique”
What does fashion mean to you?
Hairston: “To me, fashion is a distraction. People always think we are just trying to stand out and for some that may be the case, but others have their reasons and mine is to distract me from other things.”
Cabral: “Fashion to me means to express yourself. If you are comfortable enough with who you are and don’t care how others view you, life just gets easier. Just apply that same mindset into fashion and how you dress. It helps you live more freely.”