Inspire Me Friday - Featured Fashionista!

I decided to start a new feature this year that I'm calling "Inspire Me Friday"...there's going to be several different alternating facets to this feature, but I decided to start it off with a little something I call "Featured Fashionista"!

Fashionistas come in all shapes and sizes, so I thought it would be fun to ask the same few questions to several different fashionistas and showcase their personal style. The first Featured Fashionista is a college friend of mine, Kristel of Glowing Light. She and her super creative hubby Alex just(!) moved to Denver to plant a church, and they recently announced that they are expecting, so CONGRATS to them!!! Without further ado, here is Kristel's Fashion Feature...

1) Your name, age and current city

*Kristel

*25

*Denver, CO

2) Describe your personal style

*My style is constantly evolving, I think. But one thing always remains: simplicity. I'm not big on jewelry or other accessories, though these can certainly be used to pull an outfit together. I guess I just go with the whole "less is more" mindset. 

I love using colors. I'm not afraid of pairing lots of different bright colors together. I get bored with monochromatic outfits. Also, comfort is key. I don't do heels or scratchy fabrics because I want to be comfortable in my clothes. 

 3) Describe the style in your city (obviously this is a generalization) and how you feel about it. Do you dress in a way that says "my city"? Do you like or dislike how people in your city dress? explain.

We have JUST moved to Denver so I'm still trying to get a grasp of this city's style. One thing is for sure, Denver is an active place and it seems that comfort and versatility or high up on the priority list. 

My husband and I are originally from Miami and well, I'm not a huge fan of Miami style. It seems like style in Miami is all about being as revealing and sexy and flashy as possible, and that's just not me. Of course, I don't want to generalize. Miami is a beautiful place full of beautiful people, but generally, that's how Miami fashion goes.

4) What are your tips for shopping on a budget? Or what do you do to maintain your style while on a budget?

Shopping on a budget is something I'm very familiar with! When my husband and I got married I started grad school and we were living solely on his income. I think the main thing is to not fall victim to impulse shopping! I stay away from malls and stores because I don't have a very strong will when it comes to saying no to shopping. When I go shopping I have a plan and a purpose and I try not to stray from that. Also, do your research! Look for coupons, coupon codes, sales, etc. 

5) Do you have any tips for developing ones personal style?
 When it came to developing my personal style I just thought about why I like and what looks good on me. Just because something is fashionable at the moment doesn't mean it suits my taste or my body. I had to stop caring about what other people liked and wore. I also threw away the notion of, "I can't pull that off." For a long time I stayed away from skinny jeans because I thought I wasn't cool enough but then I realized that they're the perfect jeans for me! They suit my body really well. Now when trends come along if I like it, I wear it. If I don't like it, I don't wear it. It's that simple.

6) What is your favorite fashion tip for women of any size, shape and budget?

Fashion tip for all the ladies out there: Be confident! Women are always made to feel ashamed, embarrassed, not good enough, etc etc. Women need to know their value. We are all beautiful and should take pride in whatever body shape, budget, size, etc that we've been blessed with. As a Christian I believe that God took his time to create us all individually and he loves us. Let's love ourselves as well. 

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If you would like to be featured, please email me at frugalistafatshionista(at)yahoo(dot)com...and make sure you check out Kristel's lifestyle blog, Glowing Light!