Wilmington dancer, style blogger favors 70s style
WHO: Rie Aoki, 26, of Wilmington, dancer at First State Ballet Theatre, and author of the fashion blog Fringe Roll.
WHY: She was nominated by Diane Clemens, who says: “Rie is a delightful, energetic and extremely fashionable young lady who also enjoys sharing her unique perspective through her blog.”
HER STYLE: Bohemian. “I like ‘70s style, with a lot of patterns and hats.”
WEARING, at Brew HaHa! in Greenville:
FIRST OUTFIT – Big, floppy hat, a vintage find; Skyline Fever T-shirt, discovered on Etsy; multi-print maxi skirt from Spell Designs of Byron Bay, Australia; boots by Urban Outfitters; boho statement jewelry by Free People; Pura Vida bracelets made in Costa Rica.
SECOND OUTFIT – T-shirt found in a vintage store; maxi dress by Urban Outfitters; Gola-style sneakers from Anthropologie (“I like wearing dresses with sneakers rather than with sandals. I think it's more urban and casual);” sunglasses by Free People.
STORY: Another dancer highlights fashion style
THIRD OUTFIT – Goa shirt from Japan (“Wearing scarf or bandana around your neck makes the look more trendy. I think this trick works for any type of style or generation);” print pants by Wanelo; heel-less mules by Public Desire (UK) “Flat mules are such a trend since last fall. They are my go-to shoes);” dangle earrings by Free People; Ray-Ban sunglasses.
WHERE SHE SHOPS: Free People. “I also like to shop vintage and thrift stores and the flea market in Old New Castle to find one-of-a-kind pieces. Great vintage shops in Philly, too.”
HOW SHE SHOPS: “I like to shop by myself so I can take my time.”
FASHION ICONS: The Olsen twins and Vanessa Hudgens, “the bohemian queen.”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A white blouse from Free People, “a peasant top with lots of movement. I love the flow.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: Turquoise earrings that “I have owned since I got my ears pierced in Japan.”
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: “I have dark roots with blonde ends that I can change to different colors. I’ve done purple, blue, grey and orange, all pastels. I do my own nails. I always put on my makeup before I leave the house. I am in love with Ginger matte liquid lipstick from Kylie Jenner. Also Ka-BROW! eyebrow gel that I bought at Sephora.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I am a huge shoe addict. Sandals, mules, clogs, boots, everything. I have an extra room in my house and half of it is filled with shoes. My husband is annoyed.”
FAVORITE COLOR: Mustard yellow. “Last year, I was into olive green.”
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Giorgio Armani Si. “It’s in a pen so I can just roll it on. It’s my go-to smell.”
ORGANIZATION TIPS: “Because I don’t have a lot of time, I organize by color. I can find stuff easier. And it looks pretty.”
WORTH THE SPLURGE: “A nice vegan leather jacket. I can wear it 20 years later. I also bought expensive Ray-Bans that I treat like my babies.”
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: “To me, everything I buy is worth it.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: “I am not a pink person, especially baby pink. So anything I have that is pink just sits in my closet.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “I would say ‘sometimes.’ I try everything.”
FASHION NO-NO: She doesn’t have a pet peeve. “For me, everybody can do what ever they want.”
BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: The actress Elle Fanning. “She was on the cover of Vogue and I thought her hair was really pretty.”
FASHION EVOLUTION: “When I was 8 years old, I dressed my little sister who was 5, took pictures of her and made my own little magazine. When I was still in Japan I started my blog. The only things I have loved my entire life are fashion and ballet. If I don’t post any pictures on Instagram for a few days my mom texts me and asks if I am OK.”
ACE ACCESSORY: Hats. “Big floppy hats, like beach hats.”
PANTS OR SKIRTS? “I like both, but both have to maxi. I don’t wear short stuff.”
HEELS OR FLATS? “That’s hard. I like both. But I like heels a little better.”
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Pearls.
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “It can be so hard to express yourself in words. But with fashion, there is no language barrier.”
Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature—your coworker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself—please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com.