Fashion Feature Friday Vol.1

I am super excited to bring you my very first fashion feature! Most people save the best for last, but I was just so excited to share I'm sharing my very best friend (since the 5th grade!!), Amanda Vaughn-Redmon, with you guys for my first ever Fahion Friday Feature! She's a graduate from SCAD in Savannah, worked for several years as a designer for Urban Outfitters and Urban Renewal, before opening her own boutique, Formation, in Kernersville, NC. You can find her own designs and remade vintage items there or at Formation on etsy. She has also recently joined the iPhone and Instagram world! You can find her and her cute pups at amandavaughredmon on IG. Amanda has always had a unique way of styling herself and I recently moved away from Winston-Salem where she resides, so I was dying to see how she's been styling herself since she is an expectant mama. Of course she makes me wish I was pregnant again JUST so I can try out these styles. :)

1. How would you describe your style?

My style is heavily influenced by shape and color, or lack of color (in most cases). I have always dressed in what I feel naturally expresses the creative and defiant part of me, if that makes sense. In other words, I wear what I want, and I do not worry so much about what is currently trending. Styling myself has always been the most favorite part of my day. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I believe in dressing for an occasion...even if there isn't one to attend necessarily. And I don't mean that I go out looking like I am dressed for the ball, but just that I took time to put something together.

2. Who/What is your biggest style influence?

Wow, there are so many style/fashion icons to me out there, and I am not referring to the most recent...like Lady Gaga (although I appreciate that her style is art). One of my all time favorite designers is Vivienne Westwood. I love her spunk and confidence...and she is so punk rock. At the ripe old age of 70, she still has it going on.

3. Tell us 3 pieces from your wardrobe you can't live without.

Although I LOVE all the pieces in my wardrobe (and maybe that is why I layer so much), I could never go without my accessories...particularly my most recent remade leather necklace collection. I mix and match those with my other baubles daily. My boots are the other piece of the ever changing puzzle. Most currently, I cannot dress without my new Ksubi "Dusty boots", which you will most likely see in my pictures. Lastly my harem pant collection has been growing for at least 6 years now. I definitely could not go on without the quick comfort of my harem pants!

4. What is your favorite type of shoe?

All of my shoes must have some sort of piecing or dimension. I never go for anything flat or uninteresting.

5. How do you piece your outfits together?

Well, it all starts with me staring into my wardrobe, until that one key piece pops out to me. It is a feeling I guess. And then the layering begins!

6. Where are your favorite places to shop?

I love shopping in Europe, of course, but my favorite shopping is either in Stockholm or Copenhagen. You find the coolest little shops tucked away on all the little by-streets. The market in London has always been a favorite as well. I found a mini treasure chest full of old keys a few years ago...and some really fantastic handmade metal rings.

      

7. If you could give one bit of style advice, what would it be?

My advice, in the most simplest of words, is to just find a style that feels like you, and do not follow or mimic what people are wearing around you, because that will change from day to day.

8. What are your favorite beauty products?

Funny thing is, I am totally low maintenance when it comes to make-up. I am very plain Jane with that...basic foundation, a bit of blush and mascara. Nothing crazy. As far as brands I swear on, well...I'm not addicted to anything really.

9. Do you have a favorite fashionable movie/television character?

Although she was as eccentric as they come, I was strangely inspired by Edith Bouvier Beale "Little Edie", most famously known from the movie "Grey Gardens". She was a mess, but a very intriguing mess! Who else would mix swimwear with fur? Well other than the runway...which too have been influenced by "Little Edie", I'm guessing.

10. Tell us 3 random facts about yourself.

I am all over the place...starting projects on top of projects. That is to keep up with my ever-spinning craft-centered mind. A new idea will surface at any moment now! My favorite show growing up...wait for it...The Monkees! The third random fact about me, which sort of contradicts the first one is that I am somewhat OCD (self diagnosed of course) when it comes to my work space. I cannot begin to work when my studio or materials are scattered.

Thank you, Amanda, for sharing with us! Hopefully we can find you in the blogosphere sometime soon!