Annie Leonhart, 30, Cedar Rapids

Sales/Marketing @ Eco Lips

What she’s wearing

The hat is vintage fur. I believe it was my grandmother’s. The coat is from the Von Maur sale rack. The gloves I got at a resale shop, and the dress is from Salvation Army. The tights are from Target (they have great quality tights), and the shoes are Nine West. The whole look cost less than $100.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

I remember looking at my sister’s Glamour and Vogue magazines when I was about 12 years old, and being mesmerized by the catwalk styles of the first supermodels. I particularly like Calvin Klein in the early 90s – the stuff that looked like underwear.  His use of nude colors, clean lines, and spare designs still inspire me.

Who are your style icons?/Why?

Probably Kate Moss. As controversial as she is, she still is gorgeous with great style. She can perfectly balance classic lines with punk edge.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?

Vintage and thrifts stores, all the way. It’s fun to shop there, because you never know what you’ll find, and when you do find something, it’s both unique and ridiculously cheap!

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

TJ Maxx is one of my favorites – because their clothes are irregular or from last season, you can get great deals on really good designers. For the price, the quality of clothing is much better there than a department store. But you have to be ready to dig through the racks.

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

A clean black shell (tank top) – rayon, silk, or even polyester. It’s a flattering piece that I can literally wear with anything. I layer it, or use accessories or interesting skirts to give it some character.

What do you want to splurge on?

Good-quality shoes and boots, because I want them to last.

What are you willing to skimp on?

Accessories – jewelry, hosiery, purses—because the trends shift every year.

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What kind of fashionista are you?

I have a very classic style, because it works with my body type, but I like to mix in pieces to give it some edge. I think balance is key—I don’t ever wear just one style at a time. I mix classic with punk, vampy with preppy, girly with masculine. I usually pair basics – jeans, tanks, jackets – with scarves, jewelry and hosiery to make the look interesting. Color balance is very important to me. I try to balance warm and cool tones, like you would if you were decorating your house. Mixing colors can be intimidating, so I recommend the book “What You Wear Can Change Your Life,” by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, to learn about color relationships. They refute the belief that black goes with everything, and provide swatches of colors that balance, complement, and slim the body.

I NEVER want to have the same clothes that someone else has. I end up making some of my clothes (this usually involves my cutting something to shreds, stitching something together, or making jewelry and belts) just to set myself apart. I usually reject the trends that are too widespread – I’m really turned off by people who all look the same.

What fashion genre would you put yourself in?

I suppose I’d be classic/bombshell, because it works for my body, but I try to bring in some “smart” or “edge” into the equation to retain my individuality. I think any outfit should include multiple styles/genres, or you’ll fall into a category, and people will see YOU as that category. You’ll also look boring or predictable. I like people to notice me, but I also want them to see that I’m multi-dimensional. People first form an idea of who you are based on appearance – that may be unfortunate, but more and more we’re living in a visual culture. Though it’s pegged as shallow by some, fashion is the oldest and most basic way to express who you are. It also happens to be really fun.