How do you define your personal style?
My personal style is very hip, stylish, sexy and at times a bit eclectic. I love to mix and match and stand out in a crowd.
Do you find that you follow fashion trends or do you play by your own rules?
I think a bit of both. I do follow fashion trends both internationally and regionally, adding my own personal flair. If animal prints or bohemian styles are current, I would follow the trend. If gladiator heels or over-sized sunglasses are fashionable, I’d definitely sport a pair. However, I try to add something distinctive to these styles by contrasting colours, textures and prints or enhancing the outfit with bold pieces of jewellery. I would pair stripes with dots or resist the urge to match my bag with my shoes as would be expected.
Has your fashion sense changed over the years or has it remained the same?
My fashion sense has changed tremendously over the years evolving from a “tomboyish” look of mostly T-shirts, oversized jeans and Converse sneakers to a more feminine style that embraces frilly dresses and heels.Are there any colours that you tend to shy away from, and if so, why?
I really love and incorporate all colours into my wardrobe. I don’t ever limit myself to one colour palette as I see colour as a reflection of my many moods. I am as comfortable in burgundy as I am in canary. However, my favourite hue is red as it encapsulates best the essence of my personality: fiery and flamboyant.
As a child were you always into clothes or did you grow into your own fashion sense?
As mentioned, I was a tomboy growing up with interests that included cricket, netball and cadets – fashion was not important to me at that time. Today, I take fashion very seriously as an artistic expression of individuality. The turning point in my attire came when I got involved in pageantry. I was Miss Holetown in 1998, Miss Banks Calendar Girl in 2002 and also Miss Barbados World in 2003. Pageants helped me to gain confidence and poise and exposed me to fashion’s feminine side, transforming this tomboy into a fashionista.
How does your day to day life factor into your wardrobe choice?
As a senior dental assistant at Aesthetic Dental, I wear scrubs during the week and on occasional Saturdays my lab coat over T-shirts and jeans – that is as glamorous as I can get for work. So when the opportunity presents itself for “dressing up”, I am eager to do so.
Are there any designers that you like or whose clothing stands out with you?
I admire such international designers as Zac Posen, who dresses Rihanna, or Roberto Cavalli, who outfits Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. Locally, I admire Wayne Smith, who made my formal dress when I won Miss Barbados World.
I have a weakness for stores carrying youthful, sexy and trendy clothes. At home, I shop at Celebrity Babes Boutique and purchase my sunglasses at Eye Focus Inc. When I travel, my favourite clothing stores are Bebe, Zara, Express and Forever 21; Steve Madden and Nine West are my first choice for shoes.
What are three to five things that every woman should have in her closet?
Unique pieces of jewellery
Sexy underwear
A tailored suit
A great-fitting pair of jeans
Comfortable sneakers
