BY CAMILA RYDER

In print | Published October 22, 2009

Name: Rebecca Contreras
Class Year: 2013
From: Los Angeles
Current Residence: Mertz

What she’s wearing:
“A Steven Alan shirt, a Converse skirt and flea market boots,” Contreras described her winter-ready outfit. Though she is sticking to mostly neutrals, like many do in the colder weather, the jewel tone satin top is especially striking. While the runways and streets are filled with dark jackets, camel coats and black or brown boots, it’s the addition of warm, bright colors that reappear each fall season. The contrast between the dark grays or black with rich purple or fuchsia, or even the jewel tone clothing alone, brightens up an otherwise monochromatic outfit. Contreras’ green blouse is a standout piece that livens up the black skirt, boot and tights.

Her fashion influences and inspirations:
Contreras cited “people watching” as one of her influences. “I’m always inspired by people I see in Los Angeles. I love seeing the young, slightly grungy look at music shows, the put-together women of Beverly Hills, the freedom of Venice Beach and the fresh style of Los Feliz and Silver Lake,” Contreras said. She also reveres Audrey Hepburn and gypsies. “What inspires me are the people who break from the mold a bit, highlighting something unexpected in a look,” she said.

Her most-loved designers:
“Chloé, Anna Sui or Marc Jacobs,” Contreras said are some of her favorite designers. “The Chloé aesthetic is beautifully soft and feminine, Anna Sui is fun and whimsical without being over-the-top, and Marc Jacobs’ clothes are quirky, comfortable and adorable.” Her designer choices reflect her self-described “sassy and classy” style. Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs both mix high fashion with a quirky sense of humor in many of their clothes. This fusion can be seen in many of Contreras’ everyday outfits.

Where she likes to shop:
She listed Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, which are owned by the same company and whose focus on eclectic and beautiful clothing is similar to Contreras’ taste in clothes. She enjoys shopping at “flea markets and vintage/secondhand stores.”

Fashion blogs she follows:
“I read Nylon [Magazine], ‘The Sartorialist’ and ‘Go Fug Yourself’ religiously,” she said.

Favorite item in her closet:
“Probably my Frye boots or a 50s inspired black Calvin Klein dress,” Contreras said. Frye boots are the quintessential vintage-inspired boot that fashionistas, bloggers and magazines rave about. Contreras also mentioned that she loves “to play with make-up.” While many tend to think fashion is just about the clothes, make-up adds character to any outfit. The kaleidoscope of eye shadow colors on the runways and the jewel-encrusted eyelashes on Chanel’s Fall 2009 collection show how much make-up is an essential part of the fashion world. “It’s such an easy way to change your look,” Contreras said.

Do you think you’ve got great style? Want everyone to know about it? Then submit a photo of you in your best outfit to cryder1@swarthmore.edu. Please include your name and contact information.

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