Meegan Hofmeister, 25, Cedar Rapids
Sales @ Siebke Hoyt Jewelers

What she’s wearing
Dress: Black dress with a boat neck and three-quarter length sleeves. The dress, by French Connection, has slouchy top and fitted bottom.
Shoes: Silver metallic animal print gladiator stilettos by Icora.
Accessories: Pearls are a great staple for every jewelry wardrobe. Long strands are fun for layering, and give an instant glam look to a little black dress. The ring is a sterling silver black onyx and diamond ring by David Yurman. Big, chunky statement pieces are hot. I’m also wearing a wide diamond pave band. The look of many smaller diamonds set close together gives a glittering effect when caught by the light.

What she says
A basic piece of clothing can always be dressed up with a great piece of jewelry or a chunky watch. Yellow gold is making a huge comeback in fashion jewelry. Organic stones like turquoise and coral, or chocolate diamonds paired with the warm hues of the golden metal make for a chic look.

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Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I get a lot of my style inspiration from my surroundings. I may see a cute top on a friend and think about how I can change it just a little to make it more adapted to my tastes; what accessories I can pair it up with to give it a different look. Fashion magazines, and celebrity snapshots are always influential in what I shop for and the looks I try to pull off.

Who are your style icons? Why?
I find myself looking to reality TV for a lot of my style icons. I always pay attention to what the Kardashians are wearing; they have great style sense! And the girls from The Hills are always dressed to impress as well. Rachel Zoe has amazing taste, and has a killer eye for pulling together great fashion for an extraordinary look.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
Joy in Marion has great designer pieces. A local boutique providing designer labels and fun fashion finds, I love the Nicole Miller dresses they have right now! Iowa City has some great boutique shopping as well; In the Box and Catherine’s are always fun to check out for more unique and harder-to-find looks.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
My staple go-to store, locally, is Von Maur. Great lines and lots of selection…between the shoe department and the contemporary department, I very rarely can walk out of there NOT finding something that catches my eye! Banana Republic is an easy “go-to” for work wear, and Express is great for wardrobe staples as well. However, I always like to shop the racks at Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdales when I head out of town. French Connection is another line and store that I love the looks from.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
Diamond hoops! I wear them with everything. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend! They are great to throw on with a t-shirt and jeans, or when getting dressed up for a night out on the town. They are so versatile, and they instantly give a more “pulled-together” look.

What do you want to splurge on?
I have my eye on a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses. A knock-out pair of shades is a great accessory, since they can be worn year-round.

What are you willing to skimp on?
Basic v-neck tees and tanks to just throw on. Forever 21 has fun colors, with a decent fit to them, for really inexpensive.

What kind of fashionista are you?
I would describe myself as a bit of a hybrid. While I typically lean towards the department store for most of my purchases, I always find it fun to check out boutiques for new looks and new labels. I appreciate designer jeans, they are an easy splurge for me! True Religion and Rock & Republic being two of my favorite lines, because of the length that is so hard for me to find…so I guess when it comes to denim, I lean towards labels!

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
Mostly classic. I own lots of black and white and neutrals when it comes to clothing. You can never go wrong with clean lines and classic styles! A basic piece of clothing can always be dressed up with a great piece of jewelry or a chunky watch. I tend to be a little trendier when it comes to the shape of my clothes, versus the pattern itself; I like to stick with solid colors.

Cliff Jette photos

Emily Carlson, 26, Cedar Rapids
AEGON, Mahoney’s and apparel merchandising student @ Kirkwood Community College

What she’s wearing:
Black distressed jeans from Express paired with a white button tank top from Target; layered with pinstripe tuxedo vest (Mossimo brand for Target). The necklace is black and silver stones, which I bought on a whim from Kohls. The black beaded bracelets and black enamel bangle are from Von Maur and the nickel plated ring I got from a vintage T-shirt shop in Wrigleyville during a weekend getaway to Chicago. The gray cubic zirconia earrings are from the Silver Spider in Mount Vernon. The quilted black and rose clutch by Vera Bradley and gray patent leather peep toes by Steve Madden I got for a steal at TJ Maxx.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
 I get my style inspiration for new trends from browsing the pages of InStyle or W magazine.  I use those ideas to compliment my own ideas and already developed style; dependent upon where I’m going i.e. work, school, out with friends, I put my own twist on what I wear, typically with shoes, purses, or accessories.  I like to feel comfortable, although at times, I truly believe pain is a small sacrifice for a great outfit!

 Who are your style icons?Why?
 I prefer to use an era, rather than an individual as a style icon.  Some of my favorites would be the 1920’s, 40’s, or 60’s.

 What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces? 
Silver Spider in Mount Vernon is my go-to place for accessories because they have lots of great hand-crafted one-of-a-kind pieces; most are reasonably priced, as well.  I like to have unique pieces that nobody else would have; they have precisely that!  They even have a great little sale dresser in the back of the store, as well as, gobs of eclectic dresses.  Although there are stores on the main drag in Mount Vernon and also in the Old Capitol Mall in Iowa City, I prefer the store in Mt. Vernon because it has more of a boutique feel to it.

 What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds? 
Anyone who knows me could tell you that my staple store is without a doubt TJ Maxx.  Constantly changing inventory, great prices, and so much variety are the reasons I absolutely love the store!  I particularly like to frequent their shoe and bag sections.  So many times I will find the most random garment that looks like one thing on the hanger, but once I try it on, I immediately have an idea for how to use other pieces I already own to make a completed outfit.  The great prices make it that much easier on the pocketbook, although I have been known to splurge occasionally.

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 What is the one fashion item you can’t live without? 
The one fashion item I couldn’t live without would be high heel shoes, to me the higher the heel the better!  To me there’s no easier way to jazz up an outfit than with a pair of shoes that are a funky color, or the heel is an odd shape, or just extremely high.

 What do you want to splurge on? 
Since I haven’t earned millions… yet, if I were going to splurge on something it has to be something that is a little more timeless.  A nice watch or leather handbag/purse would be worth it to me.  These things I can wear everyday, have legitimate functionality,  and typically don’t go out of style so I can get my money’s worth.

 What are you willing to skimp on?
 I’m willing to skimp on pretty much anything.  If I like the look, the price or brand doesn’t matter to me.  Something about spending hundreds of dollars on a shirt or jeans just seems painful to me.

 What kind of fashionista are you?
 There isn’t one category of fashionista that fits me.  I like to mix it all up.  I prefer things that make me unique and break the mold so I usually stay away from large department stores.  I prefer handmade jewelry, vintage or at least vintage-inspired clothing, and the small one-of-a-kind boutiques over anything uniform.  Designer labels are nice if I can find them at the common-man’s price, otherwise I can go without.

 What fashion genre would you put yourself in? 
For simplicity sake it would be nice to say I fit into just one fashion genre, but I don’t.  One day I may look more bohemian, and the next more classic; to me that is the best, and what justifies it as my style!

Cliff Jette photos

Megan Besler, 21, Hopkinton
Model/Singer/Actress 

What she’s wearing
Top: Black halter sequin shirt from Wet Seal 

Bottom: Black ruffled skirt from H&M with zebra print leggings from Claire’s 

Shoes: Black flats from Walmart 

Accessories: Jean/zipper bracelet from Claire’s, studded bracelet from Claire’s, black and white beaded bracelets from Walmart, black jeweled bracelet from Claire’s and zebra print hair accessory from Hot Topic. 

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What she says
I buy everything, from Goodwill up to designer brands. If something looks good and feels right, I buy it, whether it has a “label” or not. If I like one thing, I’ll add it to my collection and rock it up a bit with some shoes or accessories. 

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
To be honest, I think I take and piece together a little bit of everything.  I don’t really consider myself a “follower” of any specific look, I think I just kind of go my own way with everything and let everyone try to keep up with me along the way.

Who are your style icons? Why?
Hayley Williams from Paramore. She rocks whatever she wears and pulls off basically anything. I admire the fact that she changes her hair color just as much as I do! I didn’t think that was possible! Plus shes extremely tiny and petite like me so I favor her. Also Lady Gaga, I don’t necessarily try to wear the stuff that she wears, but I most definitely look up to her for being extremely unique.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
Vanity, Rue 21, Hot Topics

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
Shoes and accessories!!

What do you want to splurge on?
Anything zebra print!!!!!!! Shoes, accessories, and fun makeup! I see something and I usually HAVE to have it! I have to force myself to not go into shoe stores or look at the makeup counters. I’m a freak for crazy fun makeup and love to rock up my style with crazy eyeshawdows.

What kind of fashionista are you?
I’m a mix of everything.  If something looks good and feels right, I buy it, whether it has a “label” or not.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
I’m not sure if my style even really has a category. I always just call it my own.

Saddah Hadish, 17, Cedar Rapids
Student @ Kirkwood Community College

What she’s wearing
An ornate, turquoise Middle Eastern outfit, which is from Saeger, a boutique in Artesia, Calif. It’s enhanced with a lot of sea green and blue beading and sequins. The shiny silver bangles are from Walmart. The earrings are made with a bright silver metal wrapped into a thick hoop, these are from Wet Seal. The copper strap heals are from Nordstrom.

What she says
I love colors and style to express part of who I am. I also believe expressing yourself through how you dress can help you be creative and stay confident with being an individual.

What inspires your style?
I’ve been inspired by a variety of cultural styles. With my love of traveling, I have gotten the opportunity to journey to various places, which I’ve come across many unique designs and fashion. For example, being of biracial decent (Czech, Irish, Pakistani), I like to use one of my own Middle Eastern looks. The message I like to express, is that people shouldn’t have to hold back with their race and culture. It’s ok to be different!

 Who are your style icons and why?
My style icons would be people like Jennifer Lopez, and the Kardashians. I would have to say my genetic make up is very unique, so I found those celebrities have had a comparable body and look to mine.  What I observe from them are their trends to help their features, similar to mine, to look best such as their curves, skin tone, and hair. Being able to wear what they do, I’ve learned they maintain a healthy life style to feel secure and comfortable in their clothes. Having a decent idea on the tips and tricks these celeb women have to share with others, it helps me create a custom fit for myself. 

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What are your favorite local places to find pieces?
I usually shop at places like Target, Younkers, or Von Maur. I even like going to Wal-Mart for the Miley Cyrus line. They sell designer looking styles and more bold colored apparel for a great deal! Even accessories are flashy and affordable and it’s great to show off the accessory bouncing off of the bold looks!  

 What is one fashion item you can’t live without?
Right now it’s the black belt! It goes with almost anything, but usually used on occasion to dress up an outfit. It’s one of those accessories that really pulls an outfit together and adds the perfect final touch to it!

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 What do you  splurge on?
 I would love to have an endless collection of earrings. My favorites are big or dangling earrings, but I do love them all!  

 What are you willing to skimp on?
My genetically shapely behind usually gives me a harder time looking for cute skirts! No matter how hard I look, or how many I try on, I never seem to find the right one. Otherwise, it’s a really lucky day to find a good fit! So you won’t see too many of those in my wardrobe.

 What kind of fashionista are you?
I would say I am a mix. It’s usually department store when I’m near home, but when I am out of town, I like to shop at little boutiques. Where ever I make my purchase, I go by the quote, “impress for less.” The quote definitely describes the rule I follow through when I am out shopping. I love finding the best bargains and sales! Knowing I paid a lower price and can still look fashionable totally makes my day!

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I like to take a classic look and then add my own twist to it. It’s fun to take a simple look and dress it up with a glamorous accessory. Sometimes trying hard to make an outfit stand out can be too distracting or heavy to wear. So at times ill find that going simple may be the easy trick to finding one of your best looks!

Juliet Pae-Corr, 28, Cedar Rapids
Owner @ Fix Salon

What she’s wearing
Tube top dress with bold horizontal stripes and flowers from Von Maur matched with Soda Brand brown flat strappy sandals from Lorenz Shoes in Iowa City. Accessorized with sterling silver ring from Hoopla (not to be confused with the magazine, but the store that is no longer in business in Iowa City) and earrings are silver hoops by Lia Sophia.

What she says
I (heart) Revival, TJ Maxx, and Goodwill. “The Real Housewives,” help me put it all into perspective, of how I don’t want to live. I definitely feel better about myself when I spend WAY less an get those high end names.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Depends on my mood, surroundings, how functional and little risk taking

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Who are your style icons? Why?
Sarah Jessica Parker, her daring, original ideas, Bette Page-classic pin-up, Female Rockstars-because of there “no regrets” perception and The Real Housewives, to help me put it all into perspective, of how I don’t want to live.   I definitely feel better about myself when I spend WAY less an get those high end names

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
Nordstrom Rack and Anthropology

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
Well it’s more like three: pressed powder, hair color and my common sense

What do you want to splurge on?
I don’t think I “splurge” but my husband thinks I have too many shoes an accessories

What are you willing to skimp on?
PAYING RETAIL!

What kind of fashionista are you?
Second-hand, clearance, high-end, junkie

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
Korean, American, Pin-up, rebellious/rock+roll, with a twist.

Darius Jackson, 21, Cedar Rapids
Student @ University
of Missouri-Kansas City

What he’s wearing
A simple black V-neck sweater with a red lion Express logo and a fitted back dress shirt paired with black pinstripe agent paints, both also from Express. To give the outfit a splash of color I am wearing a bright red tie to match the red lion logo. For shoes I have a pair of black Stacy Adams that I picked up last winter at Macy’s. This is an outfit I would wear to work or out with friends to dinner.

What he says
My style icons are Kanye West, Fonzworth Bentley, Ne-Yo, The New Boys and Tyson Beckford. I would say a mix of American with a pinch of Classics.

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John Allen, 19, Cedar Rapids
Old Navy, and freelance wedding/
portrait photographer

What he’s wearing
A basic black cardigan over a black and white striped T-shirt from Gap. The pants I’m wearing are vintage inspired black skinny jeans, secured nicely by a basic leather belt, which I prefer to slide to the side, which I think adds personality and keeps it out of my way. Lastly, I keep it simple with some blue Plimsolls I bought last summer at Urban Outfitters. This would be my classic boating attire, worn typically early or late spring, but definitely a good outfit for any time of the year.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Various different blogs (ACL, Secret Forts), clothing companies (J.CREW, H&M, UO). I also would say I am inpired mostly from different periods in history, such as the 1930s, 1960s, and even sometimes as far back as the 1840s.

Who are your style icons?/Why?
I can’t say that I have one particular style icon, because there are so many that I grab different looks from. If I were to narrow it down to two people though, I would have to say Bob Dylan and James Dean. They have such classic looks, I am always inspired by them.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
That would have to be a combination of stores. Locally I will find many of my clothing at various thrift stores and vintage shops in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

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What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
When I can afford it, my go to store is most definitely J.CREW. They always have a classic look, and yet they keep it always sort of new and fresh.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
I have to answer this with two things: my dark rinse levi’s and my flannel shirts. Definitely the outfit I go to when I’m on the run.

What do you want to splurge on?
For this fall I think it would be a wool toggle coat. One that is knee length, red flannel lining, and with a hood. It just gives a great seaside look, which I love.

What are you willing to skimp on?
I would say either socks or belts, just because those are harder to see than say jeans, shirts, or coats.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
I would have to say that I am the Vintage Seaside Artist.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

I tend to get style inspiration from several places including celebrities, magazines, and television/movies. I also look to certain fashion bloggers for inspiration such as Chloe from The Chloe Conspiracy, Amber from Amber’s Notebook, and Nicole from Nicole’s Guide To Style just to name a few. People watching is also a great source. I always spot people with great style while out shopping, at restaurants, or just walking around.

Who are your style icons? Why?

I love Jennifer Aniston’s red carpet style. She always looks classic and chic (and knows how to rock a little black dress!) Reese Witherspoon and Zoe Saldana almost always look amazing on the red carpet as well. For casual looks, I love a lot of the outfits Reese Witherspoon wears, as well as Rachel Bilson because of their seemingly effortless but put together style.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

I do most of my shopping online because of the variety and convenience, but I love checking out Target when they do designer collaborations. Also, Gap is always great for basics, and I like their jeans as well.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?

Honestly I don’t think I could pick just one! I love Nordstrom and Shopbop for the variety. Forever 21 is great for trendy items you don’t want to spend a ton of money on. J Crew for classic basics and gorgeous jewelry. And Anthropologie for unique pieces with a feminine twist. I also love Aritzia in Chicago and wish they had an online store!

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What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?

Jeans!! I wear jeans pretty much every day and absolutely could not get by without them.

What do you want to splurge on?

I’d love to purchase a new pair of Tory Burch Reva flats. I’ve had a pair for about 5 years now and have worn them to death (they’re the most comfortable flats I own), so I’d love to get a new pair in a different color.

What kind of fashionista are you?

I would say kind of a mix. I tend to shop at all different types of stores (except maybe vintage/thrift)—boutique, department, and specialty. My style tends to be a mixture of high and low end items, like pairing an inexpensive dress with a pair of designer shoes, or vice versa. One thing I would definitely say is that I am is a bargain fashionista—I love shopping for great deals and am always comparing prices online and looking for coupon codes (and using Ebates) to get the best deal. I really hate paying full price for items!

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I would say my style is a mix of girlie, classic, and casual chic. I tend to gravitate toward casual, layered looks with fun details like a great print or a ruffle. The classic part comes in with my accessories, as I prefer to keep my jewelry understated and minimal for the most part.

Natalie Nielsen, 24, Iowa City
Sales Coordinator,
Gazette Communications

What she’s wearing
A black cotton tank top from Ann Taylor LOFT paired with a navy, white and coral circle patterned skirt and black patent pumps from Target. The silver ball earrings are from Express, and the silver ball bracelet is from Hands Jewelers in downtown Iowa City. The long silver necklace was a gift on my birthday, and comes from the Italian jewelry line, Rebecca, which is carried by Hands Jewelers.

What she says
My inspiration comes from successful women in power. I love the classic timeless fashion of former First Lady Jackie O, and the more modern approach that First Lady Michelle Obama has taken with her fashion choices. As far as celebrities go, I love the classic old-Hollywood glamour and sex appeal of Eva Mendes, and the casual chic fashion of Reese Witherspoon.

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Where do you get your style inspiration from?

My style inspiration comes from many different outlets. I love reading fashion magazines and their accompanying websites, online fashion blogs, and seeing what people on the street are wearing.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

I love shopping in the numerous boutiques in downtown Iowa City for unique pieces. I have had a lot of luck finding everything from the perfect sundress at Textiles, basic Ts and skirts at Dulcinea, vintage clothing and accessories at Revival and great sale items or special occasion pieces at Catherines.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?

My staple go-to store for fashion finds lately has been Ann Taylor LOFT in the Coral Ridge Mall. I also tend to have pretty good luck at the Banana Republic Outlet store in Williamsburg at the Tanger Outlet.

What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?

The classic Little Black Dress. The LBD is so versatile, and can be dressed up with pearls and heels or made casual with gladiator sandals, a cardigan and trendy accessories.

What do you want to splurge on?

I tend to splurge on accessories such as jewelry or purses. These items last a long time, and can make or break an outfit.

What are you willing to skimp on?

I usually skimp on shoes. I might have a lot of different options in my closet, but half of them probably came from Target or a sale rack at a department store. Keeping up with the trends is so much easier and more financially feasible when you aren’t spending more than $25-$30 on a pair of shoes.

What kind of fashionista are you?

If I had to give my fashion a label, I would definitely be a mix of many different fashion outlets. In the words of Coco Chanel: ‘A Girl Should be two things: Classy and Fabulous’ – As long as the clothes I am wearing make me feel this way, then it doesn’t really matter to me where they came from – a consignment store or a high-end designer boutique.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I would say that my fashion genre ranges somewhere between classic and bombshell depending on the mood I’m in. I usually try to incorporate at least one classic item in an outfit and then dress it up with accessories.

Rachel Schmit, 25, Cedar Rapids

Account Executive @ KCRG-TV9

What she’s wearing
A sheer hot pink T-shirt over a zebra striped tank from Express paired with dark jean capri’s. Hot pink and black zebra print flip-flop heels. Hot pink hoop earrings, silver bangles that were her mother’s and a new wedding band.

What she’s says
“I really like bright colors and pieces that make me smile. I just start shopping and find things that are comfortable and make me happy. I love colorful flats. Also, sweat pants. They are the best invention ever.”

Who are your style icons? Why?
 I really don’t have one person that I follow for their style. Myself, I guess. I just start shopping and find things that are comfortable and make me happy.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I just moved to Cedar Rapids last September and have been busy planning a wedding so I haven’t had any time to find a local place I really like. That’ll be my challenge for this summer!

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What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I love Von Maur and the Limited. They both have timeless pieces as well as bold ones that make a statement.

What do you want to splurge on?
Food. Wait, is this a fashion interview?

What are you willing to skimp on?
Everything. I love finding great deals on sale and clearance racks. It’s like winning against the store in the game of shopping.

What kind of fashionista are you?
Independent – I don’t let one person or label dictate what I purchase…unless it’s a sale sign

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
The Rachel genre.