Street Style: Ajay

Remember when I said I was going to try to feature people I didn't already know? Well, I sort of gave up this week. To say I have too much on my plate would be the understatement of the year, but let me just elaborate on my situation: I'm on campus two days a week where I'm in class from nine in the morning to six at night, albeit with a few breaks in between, often followed by meetings. When I'm not on campus I'm either in New York City for my internship, and when I'm not fulfilling either of the aforementioned obligations I'm doing homework and picking up the pieces for Style contributors who have not met the deadline. So how's that for self-justification?

Street style can get boring and predictable, not only in the format but also in the content of the article. Does anyone really care about a random student's style inspiration or favorite article of clothing? Probably not. Just like when I inquired with Sola about her sandwich of choice, I used my insider knowledge regarding Ajay's current musical obsession (based on our lengthy discussions of Beyonce's album over a cup of Starbucks) and made an effort to be timely and relevant. His answer was also phenomenally sassy, and it is because of moments like this that I have decided keep Ajay in my company.

Ajay Raghavan, senior, biomedical engineering

Jacket — Bar III, T-shirt — Target, pants — Urban Outfitters, scarf — American Apparel, boots — Kenneth Cole

Q: How would you describe your sense of personal style?
A: I’d like to think my sense of personal style changes from day to day depending on how I feel or what I’m doing with my day. You could call me a chameleon in that sense, I suppose.

Q: Are you more prone to invest in statement pieces or staples?
A: At this point, definitely statement pieces. However, I think a delicate balance of both is crucial. Too many staples make you look blase and basic, and too many statement pieces and you run the risk of looking like Professor Trelawney from “Harry Potter.” But, I suppose if that’s your prerogative, more power to you.

Q: What were your new year’s resolutions?
A: I guess be the best version of myself? I just try to make every year better than the last.

Q: How do you feel about Beyonce?
A: I’m sorry, if you don’t like Beyonce or find her to be “average at best,” you can sign yourself up for an investment banking class, buy a whole lot of stock in Raymour and Flanigan and proceed to take SEVERAL seats. Seriously, I don’t think you could find a more exemplary version of a musical icon in today’s day and age.

Street Style: Ayanna

Ayanna Harris, senior in Digital Media 

Wearing:Forever 21 jacket, Papaya Clothing pants, Wet Seal boots, DSW bag 

My goal for next week is to shoot people for street style who I don't already know. It's a bit of a cop-out, isn't it?
On this afternoon I had lunch with my good friend Ayanna, who I've known since early in my freshman year of school. She always dresses with a point of view, but today I was particularly drawn to her vintage-inspired purse, high-waisted pants and her Rosie the Riveter-esque scarf. She was giving me a bit too much of her serious model face and it took of bit of unsuccessful banter from behind the camera to make her crack a smile. I think she was mostly just confused by the random things I was shouting at her, but once I explained I was trying to get a genuine smile, she laughed at how much of a dork I was being about it. Why didn't you just tell me? Note to self: don't try to fool your subject, you'll just end up looking like a fool.

Who or what do you look to for style inspiration?

I find myself following the styles of dancers (things that are easy to move in). I also find inspiration from ‘90s hip-hop styles and pin-up fashion.

What trend, if any, are you looking forward to trying this fall?

I am really getting into long-sleeved dresses this fall (maxi and skater). I know the weather is getting colder, so usually I stray away from outfits that show my legs, but I am still on the hunt for a long-sleeved black skater dress.

Your jacket is such an awesome ‘80s print. What print or pattern would you never wear?

I usually avoid thick vertical black-and-white stripes and thin horizontal black-and-white stripes. Thick vertical stripes make your legs look longer (if you wear them on the bottom). I am already tall, so I don’t need the illusion of looking tall. Thin horizontal stripes look bad on camera (looks like things are moving on your shirt). If I am ever randomly caught on camera, I don’t want my shirt to look like bugs are crawling all over [it].

You’re part of a K-pop dance team. How do you translate your personal style into your costume choices?

After we all agree on a color or pattern, I usually look for a crop top or high-waist shorts (recently obsessed with both) that would fit that. And then I always bling it out with a big, chunky necklace or big, sparkly earrings just to set my outfit or style apart from the others.

Street Style: Sola

Adesola Onitiri, third year junior in communications

Wearing: Gap top, H&M skirt, thrifted belt, Born shoes, Michael Kors jacket 

Several weeks ago, I was prowling the sidewalks of campus for street style subjects, as I am
wont to do when I have a bit of free time. I ran into my friend Sola at a food truck outside of our library and insisted that she let me photograph her outfit. I was drawn in my her velvet bow-adorned loafers and her cool vintage belt. She also indulged me and answered my stupid questions about her sandwich. Thanks for tolerating me, Sola.

What piece in your wardrobe do you wear the most?
I probably wear my denim jacket the most. It was my dads before I tricked it out with all of my band and feminist pins. It also has amazing inside pockets.

What’s your favorite, but perhaps lesser known, place to shop?
Lately I've been doing some online shopping. I've found some really cool Etsy stores that I've been obsessed with.

What essential piece would you recommend for someone’s first fall in Philadelphia?
It's all about that amazing fall jacket. Find a cozy, statement jacket and wear the heck out of it as you eat pumpkin flavored things. Jackets are also a great conversation starter at fall festivals and music venues.

I ran into you in line for the food truck outside of Hagerty. What sandwich did you get?
Egg and cheese with salt pepper and a little bit if sriracha.