Carissa Taute has a style all her own, that is for sure. She can put together an outfit like no other! Check out this great interview she gave on style, fashion, and personal confidence. Thank you, Carissa, for the GREAT advice.
1. Please describe your personal style in a few sentences.
Bohemian vintage chic with a side of flirty. I like pairing basic pieces with something a little off the cuff like a funky scarf, an armful of colorful bangles or a bright handbag.
2. Are there any trends that you are currently obsessed with?
I love the new military inspired style...I am obsessed with the skinny cargos by J Brand, they are so easy to wear and can be dressed up with a cute top and high shoes or down with a comfy tee and gladiators. I also recently just bought a pair of cargo denim jeans by Vince that I am in looooove with.
3. What designer, whether you can afford them or not, mirrors your everyday style the best?
Hmmm...I think Phillip Lim lands the perfect marriage of edgy, yet totally wearable.
4. What is your most favorite article of clothing in your closet?
It is so hard to choose just one! I probably get the most use out of Joie's solid colored silk racerback tanks since you can pair them with just about anything. I am also loving this draped cotton skirt by Alexander Wang right now. It is the perfect balance of dressy, yet comfortable.
5. On days that you’re not feeling like “getting ready”, what short cuts or tricks do you do to at least make it LOOK like you got ready?
I tend to find it easiest to look somewhat pulled together by keeping it simple. I love just throwing on a great pair of straight leg jeans (I love my Genetic denim stretchy ones), a white tank, and sandals in the summer or boots in the winter. Adding a blazer can add an instant "pulled together" vibe. A sleek ponytail also seems to help LOOK like I spent some time on it.
6. What is your favorite occasion to dress for and why?
Girl's Night! I think that as a girl, we are usually dressing for our friends because we know that they notice clothes and shoes way more than guys do. I love dressing up for a fun night out on the town with friends...it is fun to see what styles and trends my girlfriends are rocking.
7. Can you think of any momentous occasion in your life that made you interested in fashion?
When I was around 7 years old, I went through this phase when I wanted to choose what I was going to wear everyday, which for a parent has to be a little scary, but my Mom totally went with it. I was showing up to school in tutu's and cowboy boots. I think it was the start to wearing what I wanted despite what was the norm.
8. Is there a celebrity, living or dead, whose style you have always admired?
I love Ashley Olsen's, Rachel Bilson's, and Sienna Miller's personal style.
9. What are some of your biggest fashion DONT'S for women and men?
My pet peeve for woman is undergarments peeking out anywhere. No one wants to see your bright red thong coming out of the back of your jeans, seriously. For both guys and girls, I'm not a fan of brand names, crosses, skulls, tigers, etc. etc. on clothes. It actually makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.
10. Are there any under- the- radar designers that you MUST inform Wardrobe Wire about?
I am constantly looking for new designers and have recently become infatuated with a few designers out of Australia. My favorite is Dion Lee. He is a force to be reckoned with. He creates some of the most interesting shapes and his construction is flawless. His creations are not for the faint of heart...you need to be pretty comfy in your own skin to step out in his collection. I heart every single thing about it.
11. What products must be in your purse at all times?
My friends call me Mary Poppins because I literally carry around my life in my purse. As far as my "musts" go, I have to have mascara (love the new Full Blown Volume Mascara by Laura Mercier), my mini Mason Pearson, Dr. Pepper Chapstick, and a Moisture Stick by Deep Steep...my girlfriend recently introduced this product to me, and now I refuse to go without. I just ordered ten more to give to my friends and family!
12. Any closing thoughts on fashion or style that you’d like to leave for our readers?
What you wear is not nearly as important as how you wear it. Being comfortable with who you are shows through in your personal style. I recently had a friend post a video on Facebook of a little girl standing in front of the mirror and telling herself, "I can do anything good, better than anyone..." ( see video below). While I joked that I was going to start adding that to my daily mantra, I do believe it's important to be confident in who you are. One of my most favorite quotes by Mark Twain goes, "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.” Isn't that the truth...
