I don’t know about you, but when the newly re-elected President Obama and his perfect family walked out on stage following a decisive victory, the only thing I could focus on was their sartorial decisions for the brief appearance. Awa, campus style selectee for this week couldn’t explain it more clearly when she told me that “Life is a fashion show for real.” Fashion surrounds us, from politics to right here on campus at Carleton. This week I pondered on how personal style would change once affected by a red carpet or presidential appearance. Take a look!
Natasha, fourth-year political science
Tell us what you’re wearing today!
I’m wearing a jacket from Club Monaco, a skirt from Dynamite, a sweater from Banana Republic, scarf and top from Jacob. My shoes are from Marshalls, and my purse was a total impulse purchase in an airport in Amsterdam.
Where do you like to shop the most?
Club Monaco — even if it’s so expensive. Zara, H&M — even if Ottawa doesn’t have it because we suck.
If you were elected president tomorrow, what would you and your family be wearing?
Probably a really cute formal dress with textured tights, and a colourful pump — maybe even blue for the fall. I would want my husband to be dressed equally as formal, but maybe hipster-ish by having the scarf tied differently. I would totally want my kids to match, even if it would probably look ridiculous.
Awa, second-year human rights and law
What are you working with today?
I’m wearing these rad semi high wasted red spandex-y pants, which I got in Montreal – same as my boots actually! They’re Timberlands, they take forever to lace up but it’s worth it. My coat is from Casa Blanca, my fur stole is from H&M, and my jewelry is mostly from Le Chateau, and my earrings from Aldo. For makeup, I’m wearing MAC., and some CoverGirl — everyone wants to be a CoverGirl — and some mascara from Shoppers Drug Mart.
Favourite shopping locations?
Forever 21! I also like Value Village A LOT — I can’t stress that enough. Out of city shopping, I love going to Montreal, I find it so cheap and you have a wide variety. The chances that you’ll match with someone else are very unlikely.
If you were a celebrity on the red carpet, what do you visualize your dress to be?
Nothing! [laughs] I really like neutral colours, I’m not really one to wear a bunch of bright colours. Like my red pants, I always wear one bright thing and call it a day. But I would probably wear something rather sleek and fitted, a bit just above the knee if it was red carpet but not too high up.
Aisling, fourth-year international business
Tell us about your look.
I’m wearing a mix of Urban Outfitters and vintage. Mostly vintage — pretty much everything actually is from Value Village. Only the dress is from Urban Outfitters!
If you were on the red carpet right now as a celebrity, what would you be wearing?
I work for a store downtown called The Allegro and there are some dresses I really want to buy. Particularly one from Kensie and one from Mink Pink — so one of those two brands!
If you had kids, how would you dress them?
Ralph Lauren, all the way!
You can follow him on twitter, @wtfmichel.