Fashion Preview: Street Sense Style

StreetSense.org

September 16 - September 29, 2009 

By Vanessa Voigt

The following profiles four homeless men and women, who despite odds, maintained great personal style: 

Reginald Black defines the essence of style as, “a person’s swagger, or how they carry themselves.” His swagger combines easy confidence, proper decorum and warm approach- ability, with each element reflected in his attire. His personal fashion is not limited to the air of assurance he exudes, but it also extends to his signature Nike high-tops, khaki slacks, and array of graphic tees that are always smartly covered with a tailored-cut jacket. Topped with a black baseball cap and black sophisticated specs, Black knows how to rock the color black, reminding everyone why it is a classic color.

What is a good economical place to shop for clothing?

Foot Locker is a good place for a male shopper because you can get like five shirts for $20. Another place is Martha’s Table. They have a lot of clothes there for like $1 and there are some good bargains.

What advice would you give to someone who wants more style?

I don’t think that anybody has no style at all; they just have to define what kind of style they like. If you don’t feel good in the clothes you are wearing, then you shouldn’t be wearing them. If you like how they look and if they fit nicely, then go ahead and get them. (If you are homeless), you want that comfort (in your clothes) because they might not be able to change for days.

What is your favorite clothing item?

My favorite clothing item right now would be my Nike shoes, and I just discovered this morning that they are made of snake skin. They were actually given to me by a friend.

What are some tips for a functional wardrobe on a budget?

You have to have common sense. It may look good, but look at the price. Look at material and what it is made of and where you are buying it. A lot of things look good, but just aren’t. I just bought some pants that the zipper broke in two days. It cost me a lot of money, but it didn’t last. If it looks like it will break easily, don’t buy it because you want your clothes to last.

Why is style important?

Style is important because a picture paints a thousand words. It all has to do with first impressions and you got to make the best one.

Carlton Johnson‘s effortless look is classic American, with staple pieces that create a wardrobe of casual refinement. Known for his well-proportioned denim, sharp-collared shirts and practical baseball caps, Johnson’s sublimely coordinates colors and fabrics with little calculation. Rather, he bases his clothing decisions on what is comfortable and functional. Style, apparently, is second nature for some.

How would you define style?

I would define style as individuality. Always wear what makes you feel good and not what somebody else thinks you should have.

What do you look for when you are shopping for clothes?

I’m not caught up into fashion. I trust in what not only looks good but what feels good and what’s presentable. (I also look for) something that doesn’t get lost in a time of style, something that will last me for a while.

What is your favorite item of clothing?

I’m a denim person. I like jeans. I like to dress down a lot because I like to be comfortable.

What advice do you have for someone who wants better personal style?

I would say just dress comfortably because style and swagger are individuality. Don’t get caught up in the fads. I mean, you can’t get caught up in the Donna Karan and everything. When you become homeless you can’t call Donna Karan. You will get hung up on.

What are the basics everyone needs?

Whether you’re homeless or not, the basics are food, shelter and clothing. The fourth thing is a way of having an income because you can’t sit around and wait for somebody else to do it for you or give it to you. You have to get out there on your own and get it for yourself. Fashion is not a priority.

What are some tips for taking care of your clothes when you are homeless?

Try to get you a small storage space if you can, so that you do not have to lug all of your stuff around. It’s about 50 bucks a month. Travel light. Maybe keep your stuff with somebody you can trust.

Sybil Taylor lets her street-smart style run far beyond clothing, with an undeniable finesse for coordination and color. From her chic, ever-changing hair and always complimentary makeup, to her perfectly placed accessories and most important, shining smile, Taylor creates a purely savvy look from head to toe. 

Taylor possesses the gift of making any item of clothing her own. The way Taylor carries herself is the defining element in how she makes her favorite T-shirts and denim notable works of mode, without sacrificing comfort for vanity. Always perfectly adorned with a clever touch, Taylor is the prime example of the impeccably wrapped, complete package.

Where do you get your clothes?

I get clothes at Rainbow, Fashion Bug and sometimes J Roberts. Also the Dollar Store, they have nice, little outfits, like T-shirts, jeans and skirts. Especially Family Dollar, they have really nice clothes. I would advise someone to either go to Virginia or Maryland because they have very nice stuff at their thrift stores for cheap.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as different; I try not to be like anybody else. I think that my style is gorgeous. I get so many compliments from people, like, “Sybil, how did you put that together.” I change up my hair, my makeup, clothes and a lot of people like that.

What is your favorite clothing item?

That’s a tough question. I like t-shirts, leggings or off-the-shoulder shirts. I also like nice stylish jeans.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to have more style?

I would advise someone to look at magazines. I look at Right On and Black Beat, They would have different things in there, like how you can coordinate your dresses. You are never too old for Teen or Vogue. They give me an idea on how to dress.

What are some of your secrets to style?

You can always change up, like different hairstyles, different clothing. Sometimes people tell me, “Wow, you change so much, your hair.” I’ve had blue hair, red hair and blonde hair. I change my makeup to match my outfit. I like everything to match. It’s a hobby of mine. I like wearing different colored lipstick and eyeliner, sometimes with big earrings, sometimes with small earrings, depending on the outfit I am wearing. You can mix and match your clothes depending on your mood.

James Fetherson adorns himself with hooded, low-cut shirts that expose his chest muscles, high-top boots worn with even higher socks, reflective bicycling gloves and sharp sun shades. They give Fetherson the look of a superhero. His military history, interest in law enforcement, and body building regiment are self-evident in his explicit style. Fetherson hopes, however, that his body bearing, street- smart attire will soon be traded in for a slick business suit, especially one with a double- breasted jacket, which he considers to be the epitome of style and the ultimate symbol of personal success.

How do you define style?

Style is fitting in with today’s look.

Any look of the day you like especially?

I’m glad that the double-breasted suit is back in style. It reminds me of the 20s, back when there was a real designed style for men. I think if someone asked me to define style that would be my definition.

How do you define your style?

I’m in an adapting style right now. I’m at a level in life where there is a lot of danger. It’s the homeless thing I am dealing with. One of the things I do is look intimidating. I work out a lot so I dress to reveal my body, my build. I try to dress where it looks like I can handle myself well, so people don’t mess with me. That’s all I want, because I try to live drama free.

Why do you think clothing is important?

Clothes help you move from point A to B, so that you don’t have to stay at point A. Walking down the street, badly dressed, worn out shoes; these are the little things, but it’s the little things that get you to where you need to go.

When I see police they don’t have to worry about me, and they don’t. I’m on their side, I’m one of them. When they look at me, they think and say, ‘There is something about him; prior military. My clothes and how I carry myself show that I’m just one of them.

Anything else you want your clothes to say?

I’m determined now to put out an effort. I like a proper image. I want my clothes to affect the way people see me, (to show) that I’m al- ways on schedule, I’m always moving, always trying to do some things.