"The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

[gender.female]

[location.united states]

Favorite color combinations?

"I adore black with anything. All black everything preferably. As far as colors, I typically go with looks that are mismatched. I feel as though matching limits creativity in many ways. Blue is also one of my favorite colors."

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be more fashionable?

"Never put yourself in a box! More often than not, people are afraid to be themselves –for fear of being judged. Those who are afraid of being judged just go along with the trends, which is such a horrible idea. You can never be an individual if you worry about what others think of your style all of the time. Most importantly, do your own thing! Nothing is worse than copying another individual's style. Style comes from within. Never attempt to live another person's life on the exterior. That really pains my soul. The real you is far better than the fake somebody else."

What stores do you wish were in your town?

"H&M, American Apparel (just for quality, plain t-shirts, hoodies, and tights/leggings), and more VINTAGE STORES. I love vintage shopping with a bunch of my heart and my current town only has a few to offer. I honestly don't do too much shopping in stores, unless I’m grabbing a pair of jeans; and there is a Nordstrom’s nearby to handle that for me."

Describe your personal style philosophy?

"I don't necessarily have a philosophy for my personal style. I'm human. I change. As I change and transition, so does my style. Although my style changes and transitions there will never be a point in time where someone would look at me and say ‘That's unlike Rosco.’ People that know me, understand me."

Anything else?

"What should readers know about me? Follow me and Lia Day's blog, Ill Advised Nonconformist. Also, if anyone needs an image consultant/personal stylist or an artist to create a wonderful piece of work, hit me up at spearsro@gmail.com OR twitter.com/RoscoSpears."

Our lovely nista is an explosion of color in her first ensemble. Kicking it off with a basic carrot tank top, she keeps it comfortable and casual for the season. Contrasting her unadorned shirt with a sleek hot pink and sable hounds tooth patterned scarf adds attitude and texture to her upper half. Below the waist, this nista’s delicious lemon tulle skirt is catwalk-inspired but surprisingly wearable; while her violet fishnet tights add a gutsy and spirited touch to her vivid look. Completing this multihued outfit with indigo and ivory low top sneakers provide an androgynous touch to this uniquely feminine ensemble.

The rainbow of style continues with this beautiful nista’s second wardrobe selection. A charming crimson varsity jacket with contrasting black sleeves is a perfect nod to the enduring school girl look. Teaming this collegiate inspired garment up with a form fitting ebony shirt makes for the ideal foundation when going for a chic layered ensemble. Not to be missed are the checkered pattern on her mustard and black tights, which take this everyday style choice into more adventurous terrain. Rounding out this colorful get up are sneakers inspired by the classic board game, Monopoly –adding a playful and unconventional twist to her footwear.

Not sold on a multihued ensemble? Our gorgeous nista’s final look might convince you otherwise. Her cute oat jacket is perfect for wearing to work; whereas those cut off denim shorts are a great relaxed counterpart to that professional top. She keeps it chic during worrisome weather with her delightful kelly green scarf and can’t miss salmon tights. Finishing her look with a ruby cross body bag lets us know she’s ready for business!

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"I have close to four hundred blogs on my Google Reader."

[gender.female]

[location.canada]

Any current fashion cravings?

"For fall, I've fallen in love with rich, 70's jewel tones. I really like amber and rust paired with nubby knits. I am also loving the ‘return’ of neutrals. I'm usually more of a brights kind of girl, but I like the refined direction a lot of stores and design houses are going in.”

What are your wardrobe staples?

"You will always find me in either a dress (most likely patterned and thrifted) or a skirt/shirt combination. A couple of staples in my wardrobe right now are a Urban Renewal (from Urban Outfitters) trench coat that I got on sale the end of last spring. Since moving to the city (and giving up my car...aka walking everywhere) I have been in love with wedges and flat shoes. I've got orange suede wedges from H&M in heavy rotation, and a pair of lace-less black and white oxfords that I am wearing with everything! Oh, and I have a thing for old leather belts; I've got several.”

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

"My biggest source of inspiration is other bloggers! I have close to four hundred blogs on my Google Reader and I'm always looking for more amazing dressers. The internet is an infinite source of well executed (and well documented) outfits, and I usually come away feeling really inspired after reading all my favourites. Magazines have also been a source of inspiration, my favourite (and I've read a lot) is hands down Lula Magazine. It is the perfect amount of sweet whimsy and coy sassiness. I love it and cherish each issue I own.”

Best compliment ever received on your style?

"Any time someone comments on my blog or an outfit in real life, it is a huge compliment. My favourite compliment so far would probably be Hannah from Hannah and Landon telling me she ‘really liked my dress’ when I was in NYC during the spring for Chictopia's Fashion Week event! I adore her blog and her style (she's in my top five), so it was quite surprising to hear that she liked something I was wearing!”

Worst thing you've ever worn?

"It's a tossup between tight, stretch beige flare trousers and a pair of unfortunate pink capris. Both were extremely unflattering and to this day I am puzzled as to why my fourteen year old self thought they were a good idea. They weren't.”

Anything Else?

"My website is Style is Style."

For the style conscious lady, skirts are perfect for experimenting with different looks above the waist. Opting for a timeless oxford shirt in ivory like our beautiful nista’s opening outfit is a great choice. The pleating adds a peppery, unconventional edge to this classic work wear blouse; whereas tucking it in exudes a trim and dapper vibe. Covering her crown is a charming wide brim straw hat, which provides an extra edge to her ensemble. Beneath the belt, the enchanting floral print skirt in indigo, lilac, and bone is ever versatile and always in season. Naturally, where would any outfit be without some killer footwear and a fab purse? This lovely nista does not disappoint. Her scarlet peep toe cutout wedges reveal just enough skin, making these sexy shoes daytime appropriate. Plus, a chic cognac bag is sure to store all her must have career basics and is effortlessly translatable to evening.

Wearing pants is sure to be an afterthought upon viewing our gorgeous nista’s next ensemble. Her sapphire A-line skirt gives way to a vintage vibe via a polka dot design throughout the garment, plus the mustard rope belt is ideal for a minimalist aesthetic. Pairing this leg exposing garment with a black and white horizontal stripped shirt toughens up this whimsical look as the cream lace cardigan works great as a top layer. To complete this garb, her feet get a treat with those ebony strappy pumps –always a style staple in any fashionista’s wardrobe. Plus, those adorable ruffle socks prove they can be as cool as their over the knee counterparts.

The classic appeal of a skirt comes to life in our nista’s final look. This plaid A line number is the embodiment of effortless sophistication while her hunter green cardigan offers a chic understated look. Layering with a white chunky scarf keep her stylish yet warm on chilly mornings. Slipping on one of fashion’s favorite garments –sable tights, along with black lace up ankle boots, ideal for stomping around the streets or hustling off to work, not only keeps our nista cool, but the monochromatic vibe adds mucho length to her legs.

Thanks to Wangari from ----->Queen of my Playground for recommending this fab stylista!

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"the clothes you wear are more than something to hide a nude body..."

[gender.male]

[location. united states]

How did you develop an interest in fashion?

"Over the years, I have learned that the clothes you wear are more than something to hide a nude body; they express emotions and can bring joy to an individual. Once I discovered Jean Paul Gaultier was the designer of the magnificent costumes in the film, "The Fifth Element" I was sold. I realized fashion is what I want to pursue in life. The colors and lines bring art to another level."

What are your favorite color combinations?

"Black, brown, and navy blue."

How do you organize your closet?

"My main goal is to keep the pants and shirts separated –while they each are divided by category. Ex: sweaters with sweaters, vests with vests, crew necks with crew necks. Sadly the clothes always end up mixed together!"

What is your most recent fashion related purchase?

"Brown wingtips from Neiman Marcus."

This wonderful nisto is the perfect example of the countless ways neckwear can enhance an outfit. Guys, not totally committed to wearing jewelry around the neck? A scarf is the perfect alternative. It’s quick, carefree, and offers unlimited creative expression.

His first wardrobe selection, featuring a scarf with accents of kelly green, ivory, and chocolate tied freely around the neck, serves as the ultimate compliment to his mustard hued hooded jacket. The light and wispy nature of the piece is great to don on breezy summer days; while the scarf’s depth and dimension properly set off the ensemble’s overall fitted silhouette. However, don’t run and grab a scarf just to save a bad outfit! Though in this photo, the denim jeans and top naturally harmonize (yellow sun/blue sky).

Need a more polished look? Scarf not cutting it? Try a tie. Our nisto’s second sartorial choice proves that it can add a professional touch to even the most casual attire.

For his final look, he dons an oatmeal scarf made of heavy fabric –for two reasons. Fashion and function. It’s keeping him chic while the temperature’s bleak. Also, the bulky nature of the scarf especially compliments his hefty charcoal overcoat. In this instance, a flimsy scarf is not only impractical but useless. Topping the ensemble off with his retro style glasses, pencil thin jeans, coffee colored wingtips, and lovely red socks –he’s sure to brighten even the dreariest of days.

What is your favorite neckwear accessory?

Scarf? Tie? Necklace?

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