HooplaNow Extra: Watch a video of Megan talking about her favorite fashion finds.

Photo and video by Cliff Jette. For more photos and the inside scoop on the photo shoot go to reFocus, The Gazette’s photojournalism blog.

Megan Antonik, 22, Cedar Rapids
Teller @ U.S. Bank, Coralville

What are you wearing:

Top: A black blazer and a purple tiered ruffle dress, both from Express
Bottom: Black tights by Spanx
Accessories: Black patent leather t-strap heels by Franco Sarto

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

I love looking at pictures, any type of pictures. It can be anything, from a magazine like “Vogue” to pictures of my friends. They always give me new ideas for different outfits, or unusual ways to put pieces together. It’s always fun to get new trendy items and mix them with the staples that I already own. It’s essential to make getting dressed enjoyable. It always makes me feel good about myself.

Who are your style icons? Why?

I really like people that own their sense of style. If you love what you’re wearing and feel amazing, then more power to you. I think that Eva Mendes makes great fashion choices. She always looks comfortable in what she’s wearing, but really polished and put together. She’s a new icon for me, but lately I’ve been obsessed with Blake Lively’s style. She has a good balance between unique pieces and structured basics.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

I absolutely love Catherine’s in Iowa City. They always carry the brands that are hard to find around here. Plus, they only get in a few of each item so you know there won’t be a hundred other girls wearing the same outfit. They have absolutely beautiful stuff!

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

It’s always easy for me to find something at Express. They have all the basics you could ever need, but I can always pick up a new outfit for the upcoming weekend. Not to mention they have great options for work wear.

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

I love oversized bags. During the day I have to carry a purse that can fit any item I might need. My favorite ones are bright and colorful, with distinctive patterns and fabrics. They can transform any outfit and make it look special, just by throwing it over my shoulder.

What do you want to splurge on?

It’s a weakness of mine to splurge on handbags. If it’s well made it will last for years and years. That way I can have a bag that fits my mood or the day. It’s become like a collection.

What are you willing to skimp on?

I love to find shoes that are on sale. There’s no better feeling than to rummage through a bunch of shoes that are on sale and find the perfect one in your size. It takes a bit of patience, but I’ve found some amazing shoes and boots that are literally half their original price.

What kind of fashionista are you?

I think it’s really important to keep all fashion options open. You never know when you’re going to find an amazing piece, or the perfect shoe. It rarely happens that I’ll walk into a store and find exactly what I want right away. It becomes more of a treasurer hunt when I have to dig around, or try on a million different things. It makes it all the better when you the leave the store with something you never thought you would.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I would usually say that my style is pretty classic, but I tend to fall in love with pieces that are really unusual and stand out. So lately I’ve just mixed everything together. I don’t like to think that I need to stay in a box when I’m getting dressed. If it feels right I put it on. What I love about fashion is that everyone can put their own spin on it. It’s fun to see what’s going to come next.