Quad Style: Leah Yamini
Meet Leah Yamini, a rising third year Sociology major. Leah is currently involved with Leaders of Color and house council. Her hobbies include reading (especially fanfiction), listening to music "until her ears bleed," and going to the movies. She also writes poetry.
I’m wearing a sweater from Old Navy, jeans from Forever 21, boots from a brand I can’t remember and a Calvin Klein peacoat.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my personal style as simple and mindful of comfort. I enjoy the texture of clothes even more than the actual look at times. Soothing, warm and sturdy fabrics are my go to, but I also look for vibrant colors in some way, shape or form. If a piece of clothing is too constricting or uncomfortable, I bypass it.
Where do you find style inspiration?
I find style inspiration from the people I come across in everyday life. I’m really appreciative of people who look good, so I take note of whatever look they’re wearing. Sometimes it’s not my style, but other times I’m inspired to try something new. I also draw inspiration from the Internet, from advertisements, blogs or videos.
Where do you like to shop?
I honestly like to shop anywhere (that isn’t too expensive). Name brand stores, thrift shops, local vendors, if it catches my eye and doesn’t break my bank, then I’ll buy it. I don’t shop often, but when I do I’m picky. So many factors go into choosing an item of clothing. I keep in mind the potential longevity of a piece of clothing, again going back to the fundamental material aspect of fashion that I appreciate a lot.
Do you have any fashion regrets? What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?
I don’t really have many fashion regrets. I didn’t really care much about fashion until recently, and even now I’m still learning and cultivating my sense of style. Probably the biggest fashion faux pas to me is wearing something you’re not comfortable in. When you feel good, you look good.
What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?
Fashion for me is a way to express how I’m feeling, even if it doesn’t come across in my interactions during the day. If I’m wearing dark colors, I’m probably feeling moody. Bright colors, I’m feeling confident. It’s very cliche to be honest, but it's legitimate! I use to be pretty apathetic towards fashion, but through learning about others’ and their relationships to it, as well as enjoying the wonderful outfits creativity can put together, I’m appreciating it more and more in regards to myself now.
Why is fashion important to you?
The conscious effort to express myself through fashion gives me an opportunity for personal time in this busy world. The time spent on not only looking presentable for others, but pleasing your own eye with your style choices creates a sense of unity with one’s self. The outside and the inside of me can connect just a little bit more through fashion.
All images courtesy of Kaiwen Luan. Check out his photography portfolio here and here.
