Kasmira loves color
Many of you may already know Kasmira of What I Wore 2Day – but if you don’t you’re in for a real treat as Kasmira shows that money doesn’t buy you style. Kasmira is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and writes the fabulous blog What I Wore 2Day
What is the secret to great style?
Fearlessness! Great style means following your own inspiration, even if it means deviating from the status quo.
What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
Boots. I almost exclusively thrift shop so I can buy expensive, leather boots.
Jacket, shirt, bag, and shoes all thrifted
What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?
Pretty much everything else! If I can’t find it in a thrift store, then it’s probably available at a discount retailer.
Union Terminal is a Cincinnati landmark
What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?
Planning. I plan ahead to maximize the usage of each garment, set a color palette (so everything goes together), and anticipate different settings/climates. I’ve even gone as far as mapping out what I’ll wear each day, including accessories.
Include a great bag, jacket, and pair of shoes. These will elevate any outfit.
Keep hair simple. I prefer ponytails and braids so that my hair is neat and fuss free. It also eliminates the need to blowdry, straighten, or curl. A very short cut is even simpler!
Strong lips and strong brows add polish
What’s the secret to looking polished?
Strong brow and lips. Filling in my brows and coloring on a bright lip always makes me look more polished.
How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?
I wouldn’t characterize my look as timeless, so I guess I pretty much fail at this one! I don’t mind looking back at photos a year or 10 years or 25 years later and laughing a little at myself. Dressing with the times and trends is a way of participating in history.
Two of Kasmira's fave southwestern rings
What is your current obsession?
Southwestern silver rings. I love the feather and flower motif, with inset turquoise or coral. I am looking for one for each finger! (I’ve still got seven naked digits.)
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by other bloggers. I read hardly any magazines, I’m only in regular retail stores once or twice a month (if that!), and the people I see during my days are dressed pretty ordinarily. I look for my inspiration on real people worn in their real life, but shared via the internet.
What’s not worth the money?
Faux-leather shoes. I won’t spend more than $25 on a pair of faux-leather shoes. They don’t last as long or wear as well as leather and are not worth repairs and upkeep.
Kasmira's current fave boots
What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
Bright colors and bold patterns make me stand out, but attention isn’t my goal. I dress the way I do to express myself.
The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?
Check out your rear view in a mirror. Bend over. Reach to the side. Squat. How do your clothes shift? Do your pants reveal too much? Does your bra ride up to create bulges? Is there a gap between your top and bottom?
What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
Be conscious of pants length. The interaction of your pants hem, your shoe type, and your heel height can make you look fab or a drab. Generally, you want a bootcut or straight leg pant to end ½” from the floor with your shoes on. There are exceptions, but they only usually look good on the very tall or thin. I mostly avoid this issue by wearing skirts.
What is your favorite current trend?
Southwestern prints
Kasmira's very bold pattern mix
What’s your favorite short cut to style?
Mixing patterns!
What’s the worst current trend?
Socks and sandals
What are your favorite websites
I can’t pick a favorite website! I subscribe to 136 blogs.
However, these are the style bloggers I’d most like to dress me:
http://bjonesstyle.wordpress.com
http://www.theconcretecatwalk.com
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
http://thestylesample.com
How would you describe your personal style?
Color. Pattern. Remix.
I love playing with color and mixing patterns. And I enjoy finding endless ways to style (remix) favorite garments.
Who are your style icons?
The closest thing I have to a fashion icon is my favorite bloggers. I get so much inspiration from the four blogs listed above…I guess you could say that Beth, Jessie , Lyddie, and Tamia are my icons.
