Style Profile: Stylish Thought

This month's style profile is from Fajr of Stylish Thought who is a writer and social media guru that possesses an awesome sense of style.  Fajr's blog is a great mix of fashion, inspirational information, personal style, and how-to advice for the young professional woman.  Now on to the interview!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title? 

Fajr: I was inspired to start Stylish Thought because I have a lot of opinions about fashion and life.  It started in 2006 as my fashion writing portfolio and has evolved into a fashion/lifestyle site.

Shen Dove:  How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career/job? 

Fajr: My personal style is definitely retro and very vintage inspired. I love shopping at thrift stores and wearing styles that evoke the olden days. My style is really influenced is by my silliness and youthful nature. I love things that are bit kitschy and silly. I definitely don't take my style too seriously, opting to have a good time with my style.

Shen Dove: What adjectives would you use to describe your personal style? Has it evolved over time or remained consistent?

Fajr:  Fun, Kitschy and Tongue in Cheek. My style has evolved over time and I've gone through several style phases, while always maintaining my love of vintage fashion. We won't even talk about my hipster phase. My style right now feels most like me; classic, fun and a bit off kilter.

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style? 

Fajr: Being from Philadelphia has influenced my style in that I feel I rebel a bit from the traditional style here. Philly is a very laid back town, style wise and I'm a bit the opposite.  Philly does have a rich community of indie designers and artisans, so in the last two years I've gotten more involved in shopping local boutiques and finding those one-of-a-kind pieces.

Shen Dove: What are some of your favorite places to eat and shop in your city? 

Fajr: I love to shop at the local boutiques in the city. Smak Parlour, Franklin Square and Buffalo Exchange are my favorites. Working downtown, you're surrounded by lots of great restaurants and a few of my favorites are Freshii, Serefina and the Reading Terminal.

Shen Dove: What is the top destination currently on your to-travel to list? Please name one (or more if you wish!) clothing item(s) you would pack for this trip and explain why? 

Fajr: Ah travel. What place isn't on my must see list.  Right now I would love to go to San Francisco and the Napa Valley.  I would keep my style very "1950's California" with straw fedoras, two piece lounge wear and cat eye sunglasses.

Shen Dove: What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of fashion/lifestyle blogging? Do you have any hidden talents? 

Fajr: I love to read! I've loved books since I was 5.  I don't have any hidden talents per se, but I used to draw and sketch on occasion.

Shen Dove: Do you have any words of inspiration you live by when it comes to your perspective on style and self-confidence? 

Fajr: One of my favorite quotes is a Judy Garland quote; "Be a first rate version of yourself, rather than a second-rate version of someone else." For me style is personal and not about following trends or trying to look like someone else. It's difficult to be your own person in a world that wants to make us all the same. We've got to fight for our right to be ourselves.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Fajr!  Be sure to bookmark Stylish Thought for Fajr's latest updates.

Add a (Red) Blazer

Blazer: thrifted; Dress: Mod Cloth; Bag: H&M; Necklace: Target

It's been hot and humid for the last few days in DC, but arctic air conditioning allows for my lighter blazers to be worn even in high temperatures.

Hope your week is going well!

Shorts and Wedges

1. Aztec Printed Shorts; Ninewest Blyzes Wedges
2. Highwaist Digital Print Shorts; Nine West MilesBtwn
3. Top Shop Tuck Front Shorts by Boutique; Aldo Stremlow Printed Espadrille Wedges
4. Mossimo Palla Wedges

Color Jolt

Blazer: H&M (old, similar); Dress: F21; Sandals: Loft (similar); Necklace: ?; Earrings: swapped

For the past two weeks I've given up caffeine (for a 30 day personal challenge), so I rely on my clothes to give me a colorful jolt instead of reaching for a Starbucks brew for a caffeine jolt.  I miss coffee though I could live without it indefinitely, but I would never take a hiatus from wearing colorful clothes.

 

Hope your week is going well!

Coral and White

Dress: Buffalo Exchange (similar); Belt: UO; Blazer: H&M; Shoes: Target; Bracelets/Ring: H&M

 When I set my eyes on this coral polka dot dress the other day I had to wear it, though its maxi length makes it more suitable for weekends.  I made this weekend-ish dress work-appropriate with a blazer and belt to bring up the length.  I find that blazer and belt can make most dresses mid-length or maxi length dresses work appropriate.

Hope your week is going well!

Currently listening to: Master of My Make Believe by Santigold 
Currently Reading: Passing Love by Jacqueline E. Luckett

Guest Post: Book Review at Stylish Thought

I did a review over at Stylish Thought of A Piece of Cake, one of the books from my seasonal book lists.  Stop by and read about my thoughts about the book!

Feeling Pink

Blazer: Swapped; Skirt: F21; Shoes: Zappos; Clutch/Watch: Francesca's; 
Necklace: Target; Top: F21 (old)
 

I guess I'm feeling the color pink these days.  I found this pink blazer at a clothing swap recently and spray painted some well worn heels pink to give them a different look.

What color are you feeling these days?

Hope your week is going well!

Printed and Tropical

Blazer: H&M (old); Floral Jeans: thrifted (similar); Tank: F21 (old); Clutch: Loft (old); 

Necklace: thrifted; Bracelets/Ring: H&M
Though I wear jeans regularly, I don't really consider myself to be a "denim person." I'd much rather  wear a skirt or dress than jeans.  I had my fill of wearing jeans daily in college.  For this reason, it took me a while to embrace colored jeans and I'm just starting to come around to liking printed jeans.  But I couldn't resist these Ralph Lauren floral jeans I found in a thrift store during the winter. These jeans were probably meant to be cropped jeans on a taller lady, but they fit me perfectly as regular length jeans.  The jeans have a higher waist-line and are more generously cut than I prefer my jeans to be, but it's fun to indulge in a trend without busting the budget.  These jeans have a tropical feel to them which is appropriate because I'd love to be in a tropical locale on vacation right now. But until I make that a reality, it's fun to look down at my colorful pants. 

Who else excited that the weekend is almost here?

Striped

Blazer: F21; Skirt: F21; Clutch: purchased in San Francisco; 

Earrings: ?; Necklace: Claire's

I read in the paper recently that according to Bundle DC is the ninth most fashionable city.  According to this list, higher spending on clothing translates into being more fashionable...I was surprised that Irvine, CA, not New York, NY was number #1 on the list.  As a DC resident, I certainly see fashionable ladies and gents in DC on a regular basis.  But this list doesn't take into account the countless eco-conscious fashionable folks that refashion, swap, and buy items second-hand. There are also a number of style-conscious people that shop regularly, but just don't spend exorbitant amounts on items.

What I love most about personal style is that style is not limited to a particular price-point. So after reading about how fashionable DC is in comparison to other cities, I noted the list then promptly put the paper that contained the list and accompanying article in the recycle bin...

Here's to a productive, fashionable (and budget-friendly) week!