Your chic votes made the stylish Haiku_Ambulance one of Chictopia’s style icons for May. Perhaps it is her chic, pixie cut that makes her look at home in every style from tomboyish to feminine, but whatever her trick to looking comfortable in her clothes she has an eclectic sense of fashion that is anything but boring. Read her interview to learn about her inspirations and how her style as progressed over time.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and was legitimately blessed to have done so. It’s beautiful, culturally rich, and literally riddled with thrift stores (not so much now, but growing up absolutely). It was nice to grow up in a town that believes in Hippies, Street Performers, and Farmer’s Markets.
What inspires you?
It sounds odd, but I think more than specific people or ideas I am most inspired by the sporadic nature of thrifting. Your mind has to constantly be open to new ideas, odd fits, ways to alter, different decades, and generally just the luck of the draw. Putting all of it together cohesively is probably what forces the majority of my inspiration as well as the individual pieces themselves. Although, I will say most of the overall tone of my taste is heavily vintage inspired.
When did you first become interested in fashion?
I definitely became interested in fashion much earlier than I actually realized I had an interest in fashion. My mom was heavily involved in the theatre and I think my biggest and earliest clothes-crushes were on costumes. As a child, wearing a costume for an outfit is pretty much totally acceptable and I think that trying to find ways to incorporate these awesome costume pieces into my outfits was the beginning of a long life ahead of me. And again, growing up most of my clothes came from thrift stores and that really forces you to be creative and embrace what you have. You know, what Tim Gunn said.
Has your fashion sense changed over the years?
I think that now I actually have some sense. When I was younger, a lot of my fashion sense was unfortunately based around the need to set myself apart. That typically ends poorly, and some of it was just absolutely awful. The bulk of the garbage happened in High School. In Junior High or Middle School or whatever I went to, I had some awesome steez going on.
What does “style” mean to you?
I think it pretty much boils down to how you want people to see you. You know, how much you can say about yourself without saying anything. Like, in a flash instant just by visual prejudice alone: who are you? That’s style.
Who are your style icons?
Probably all of the women whose old stuff I am buying at the Thrift Stores. They’re my Icons, and I’d bet we be absolute best friends if we were alive at the same time.
What do you feel best wearing?
I am always most comfortable in pants, I love knowing I can move whichever way I want to and won’t risk accidental nudity. Also, I pretty much love menswear more than anything.
What do you like about Chictopia?
I am so in love with Chictopia. I have actually only been a member for a little under two months, so some things are new to me. It is so vast, and I am constantly amazed by what an amazing, global, supportive, and inspiring community it is. I have literally never been a part of some thing anywhere close to what Chictopia is. It’s definitely changed me. And for the better for sure.
What is your favorite trend for spring?
In terms of what is actually trending right now (not just in my closet, or racing mind)- it has got to be animal prints. Hands down. I have been lusting over the Sam Edelman Katrice wedges with that killer Zebra print. And coincidentally, my thrift store is just bursting with obscene animal print blouses right now, so that is freaking awesome.
Any fashion you absolutely hate?
Um, I did do a blog post about a hatred for peplum, but that is more of just my personal taste than anything else. It was backed up with how well Karla (of Karla’s Closet) CAN pull it off. So, I don’t know. I don’t really hate any fashion, but there are many things that I would absolutely never wear. Doesn’t mean I’ll hate it on you, though.
Any fashion advice?
I think any time you ask for advice you will receive some sort of cliché, so that being said: I think that confidence absolutely makes any outfit work. If you know you look good, then everyone else will believe you. And the obvious, “keeping an open mind” never hurt.
Rapid Fire:
Heels or flats?
For me? Heels.
Vintage or designer?
I would automatically go with Vintage. But I will say that fewer things are more exciting than finding Designer Vintage!!! So, I will selfishly take both.
Winter or summer?
You know, I don’t have an answer. Again, my life truly depends on having all four seasons in constant rotation around me. I’ll take either just as long as there is a Fall and a Spring in there between them.
Big bag or mini bag?
Big bag! No clutch can hold a thermos, a book, a planner, 7 lipsticks, 4 tampons, hand lotion, numerous scarves, 2 pounds worth of keys, a George Costanza wallet, and some snacks.
Plaid or stripes?
I think it totally depends on the locale. France? Stripes. Montana? Plaid.
For more visit Haiku_Ambulance or her personal blog.
Thanks for reading! ~The Clothes Horse
