K N O X L O O K S

Knoxville fashion history

2011-12-04T19:21:00.001-05:00

This video shows Knoxville's legendary curmudgeonly grocery store kingpin, Cas Walker, discussing what his stores did and did not carry. The man did not have time to dress no wimmin.

Crista

2011-11-12T20:39:00.001-05:00

Crista always looks good. She's got a great eye, pairs pieces well, and is what my grandmother might call a stemwinder. In addition to encouraging her contemporaries to get out and vote in the recent Knoxville mayoral elections Crista was also so courteous as to text me her style influences: Lucy Laucht and Scandinavia.

Ann

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ann tears it up all the time. And she loves shiny things. As do I, which drew me especially to her collection of jewelry last Thursday at Sassy Ann's. There is almost always good people watching early on a Thursday evening at Sassy Ann's.

Erica and Selena

2011-10-24T22:28:00.001-04:00

Erica: I try to be a slutty Audrey Hepburn...Tawdry Audrey!

Selena: Whatever's on sale.

Gen

2011-08-31T23:40:00.000-04:00

Gen is an artist, and a printmaker at that. I'd seen this earlier in a fancy curated fashion boutique in Portland (where I also found Gen). Seeing the dress on Gen makes me want to buy it. I probably won't, but if you're looking for a nice end-of-summer-transition-to-fall dress you can purchase it here.

Her shoes are red canvas globally oriented philanthropic TOMS. Looking good, woman.

Where to buy a nice dress in Knoxville?

2011-07-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

Knoxville, I am in search of a stylish and affordable (under $100) summery dress that I can wear to a fancy wedding in New Orleans (and again later). The wedding will be indoors (thank you, Lord), but I plan to be outside in said fancy-and-yet-affordable-dress. Where should I start looking?

Here's my current list of places to try: ReRuns on Union, Crush on Jackson Ave. (because I haven't been there yet), and Hot Horse on Jackson Ave. (which houses the carefully selected remnants of Janet's beloved vintage shop Legacy). I'm prepared to go to TJ Maxx and Marshalls, but I'd like to support Knoxville's burgeoning fashion scene and avoid cheap-but-stylish things made in China. If I were feeling flush (and the wedding not quite so formal) I would buy trunk loads of Wildcrafted Fashion from Konane.

Shoes, OMG, SHOES

2011-06-09T08:00:00.004-04:00

Albert and Natalie

2011-06-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

I was stalking Albert to take a photo of his snappy red kicks when I saw Natalie's hair parting the crowd. Lo and behold the two are friends and extroverts happy to jump up on a pool table to vamp for a stranger. Albert escaped without a word as to his style, but the man has it down. This photo does not do his hair justice. If someone (or you, Albert) could snap a candid and send it to me to post, that would be great.

For someone with such dramatic hair and stunning presence, Natalie had very little to say about her look.

Three Bridesmaids

2011-06-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

Firstly, Bridesmaids, I'd like to apologize. I wasn't prepared when I photographed you all and I took down all your information on a napkin which I hastily crammed in my purse. I carefully saved it for over a week and have now lost it. So you will be anonymous (but still very lovely) Bridesmaids.

That said, here they are: three lovely friends from Texas and DC (if memory serves) in town to celebrate the union of their good friend. The dresses are all from Anthropologie, an expensive shop known for femmy-boho-chic, poetic copy, and exotic photo shoots. (Note to self: If traveling in Morocco, be sure to look lithe and fabulous.)

The Bride in charge scores points in my book for letting her Maids choose their own dresses (from within a limited range) and for providing something that they might truly "wear again."

Lastly, I want a pair of Bridesmaid #1's snappy yellow peep-toe heels. Well played, sister.

Zach and Michael

2011-06-05T11:48:00.000-04:00

Friends told me to check out "The Golden Doodle" at the Fireproof Storage Building on the cusp of the Old City. (You may know it as the building visible from Hall of Fame Blvd. with the brightly colored mural spanning the side.) The show is immense, literally covering the walls and floor, and features the work of eight artists.

Below are two of the artists, Zach and Michael, posing in a corner of the show and their brief take on fashion influences.

Zach: My work is very colorful and busy so I tend to wear pretty neutral stuff. My house is the same way: very minimal.

Michael: Of course you want to take my picture when I'm wearing something conservative. Thanks.

Progressive Student Alliance

2011-05-01T12:54:00.001-04:00

I'm glad to see UT's Progressive Student Alliance is so active. Contrast is good for the city and we need someone to show the world that not everyone from East Tennessee is an ignorant homophobe. Below are some standout Knox Looks from a recent fundraising event. The performers were in drag and I think the audience (with the stylish exception of Stacy below) missed an opportunity to transgress some cultural norms.

I knew already knew Joseph as a talented musician, but last night he revealed he has lovely legs too.

Stacy's style is inspired by Dr. Who and her ever-present moustache tattoo. I think suspenders and a bowtie are a winning combination for any gender.

Astrid listed "new wave love" as her style influence. I think that's maybe what could help the aforementioned ignorant state representatives: more new wave love.

Claire and Helen

2011-04-27T08:40:00.002-04:00

These girls get it. Both welcomed spring in printed cotton dresses. Claire cited Keira Knightley as a style influence and said she was looking for something light and springy for Easter.

I'm not normally a flip flop fan, but Helen makes me want to go get a pair of simple gold ones. I recommend the Marshall's on Clinton Highway and/or AmVets on Magnolia Ave. Where do you think is the best place in Knoxville for shoes?

Bonus points if you can name the location framing these two women.

Carlos

2011-04-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

It was really warm today. Hot, really. A reminder that when summer comes to East Tennessee, there will be lots and lots of sweating. It's hard to keep it together sartorially when the humidity and heat creep up. Carlos has it down.

The man is prepared for heat and remains suave. Dapper hat. Crisp blue shirt. All American jean shorts. Brazilian flip flops. Shucking oysters like he does it all the time. Let's all take note and aspire to such casually bespoke weekend looks.

Dale

2011-03-30T21:44:00.000-04:00

Put a bird in it!

I ran into two women last week who had feather extensions in their hair. The latter of the two, Dale Mackey, got hers installed at the Chop Shop Hair Studio on North Central. When asked about the appeal of permanent plumage, Ms. Mackey said, "I can curl it. I can wash it. I can style it. And I got it because I succumb to peer pressure easily. It's a fact."

One Bling to Rule Them All

2011-03-16T21:35:00.001-04:00

Remember the multi-jointed semi-goth silver ring thing Angelina Jolie's character wore in the movie Hackers? No, well it was thrilling, but a little too Ren Fair for most Knoxvillians. This ring from the Black Market on Market Square is a nice compromise. Aggressive, but dressier.

2011 and Tara

2011-01-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Good-bye months-long blog hiatus. Hello new year. Hello Tara and her sculptural skirt. Her look was inspired by rummaging through her closet to see what she had available. She got the dress from Ross about six months ago for $19. Shoes she's had for years and are from K-Mart. The vest was a gift from a couple of Christmases ago. Here's to 2011!

State of Fashion Blogging

2010-09-12T21:40:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking lately that it might be time for KNOXLOOKS to bite the dust. Better to cut it off than have it continue to limp along, right? Or better to pass it on to someone who goes out more often than I do. Could it be you? No really, think about it.

In contrast to the thin trickle at this site, Kate Furst's column, The Casual Observer, in the Metropulse is a great example of the quality and quantity of Knoxville-fashion-blogging that I aspire to match (although no one, in my opinion, can measure up to prolific posting and creative fashion documented by Hel-looks, the blog which this one imitates). I especially like that Ms. Furst finds stylish people who are over 30 years old. Forget Forever21.

The Sartorialist is another fine blog documenting street fashion in sexy cities like Paris, Milan, and New York. One might think that finding fashionable people in cities like this would be like shooting fish in a barrel, but you still have to get the shot and Scott Schuman does. It helps also if you work in fashion.

Our bigger sister city, Nashville, has the aptly named Nashville Fashion Blog, although it is more concerned with fashion and retail culture than it is documenting random folks on the street. Nashville also seems to have a more active (or at least more visible) scene of local designers. Enough to stock an entire store of locally designed clothing, Local Honey. Knoxville briefly had the ill-fated Indigo (in what is now Räla -- hooray for Räla) on Union Ave., but most of its product lacked the wit and charm of the stuff you'll find at Local Honey (when you travel to Nashville for your next shopping trip, of course).

I hope for Knoxville's fashion design culture to grow...or to emerge, maybe I'm just not aware of what already exists. While I'm wishing for things, I would also like a team of sassy young interns who scour the city looking for distinctive style, photographing those folks, and posting the results here. I would also like a pony and quality health care.

Kennith

2010-09-05T17:29:00.003-04:00

Kennith made his necklace out of napkin rings found at a craft store. "I'd originally wanted to make a necklace with a bunch of crosses, but I found these. I'd still like to do one with crosses."

Lauren and Tomi

2010-09-05T17:20:00.003-04:00

Both women described their fashion this evening as inspired by a last chance to dress summery.

Philamine

2010-06-24T08:53:00.003-04:00

Mother of the Bride at an outdoor wedding and Philamine looks crisp and calm. I also love her yellow shoes. Not only is Philamine stylish, she is also exceptionally talented. This MOB helped sew her daughter's wedding dress and petticoat in addition to making by hand the lace that edged the petticoat. Congratulations to mother, bride, groom, and all.

Stepping Out

2010-03-28T19:47:00.002-04:00

It's spring, y'all. Get your heels on and get out there. Tyler dressed for the weather at the Stiletto Stampede this Sunday. Effortless and classy in honor of spring rain and the wonderful Brigid Osterling.

Men Working in White

2010-02-17T23:46:00.002-05:00

Art school beefcakes, Jarred and Jacob, model the pleasures of letterpress and white t-shirts.

Thea and Britton

2010-02-06T11:55:00.003-05:00

These two stunning acid wash dresses come from the Antique Mart in Colorado Springs. Both women admitted to trying on the dresses for years before the upcoming closing of the store prompted the purchase. Here they pose on the runway for the CC fashion show. Additionally, they cited identical twins, Tia and Tamara, as a fashion inspiration. Were this not my last day in Colorado Springs, I would be making a trip to the Antique Mart to search for such acid wash treasures.

James and Jake

2010-01-10T11:36:00.003-05:00

James and Jake sport matching outfits and, it turns out, both were voted Best Dressed in their respective high school classes (Maryville High School '04 for James and Clinton High School '04 for Jake). I would love to post their yearbook photos too. (Send them in, gentlemen.)

James is just back from London and no doubt inspired by the bespoke gentlemen there. His tie is from H&M. In summing up his style Jake said, "I just try to look cute."

Hillary and Molly

2010-01-10T11:27:00.002-05:00

Hillary's style is inspired by Zooey Deschanel and Edie Sedgwick. Molly looks to Agyness Deyn and local fashion icon Brynn Gonzales (of LOX) for her inspiration.

Krutch Park Cutie

2010-01-04T10:44:00.004-05:00

Look at those sweet socks and her lovely sleeves. This woman stands on the corner of Market and Union in Knoxville, across the street from modern-day Reruns and Coffee and Chocolate. The building in front of which she stands is now the site of an arch leading to Krutch park. (By the way, Krutch is pronounced Kroo-tch. Rhymes with hootch. Now you can sound like a real local.) I invite anyone to recreate this photo there, please. We can photoshop the buildings back in and celebrate the rebirth of our small urban center.

{Photo generously supplied by Bran Rogers, who purchased it at the now defunct Sanctuary Vintage.}

Tyler

2009-12-30T09:33:00.002-05:00

Tyler's love of fashion and his abiding interest in architecture come together nicely in this grotesquely large acrylic sweater. Skinny on skinny is last year. 2010 is will be all about ridiculous on skinny...as Tyler beautifully models high above Gay St.

Tony and Erica

2009-12-11T17:59:00.003-05:00

Tony's "bohomeian chic" style is inspired by Marc Jacobs. Erica describes her style as "sexy chic". Her shoes are from TJ Max, dress from Marshalls, jacket and jewelry from Target.

Mystery Man

2009-12-11T11:44:00.002-05:00

Mystery Man wears a patterned hoodie, pristine kicks, and his sunglasses at night. All the better to preserve the mystery.

Wig Sale

2009-12-06T23:00:00.004-05:00

No, really. 45% off full length wigs at Jay's Mega Mart on Gay St. Forget stylish fashion boots or natty scarves, wigs are this year's down jacket.

Monika

2009-11-22T11:27:00.002-05:00

Monika is a fine example of Knoxville citizenry. She's hilarious, smart, civically engaged, and dresses to the nines for events were lesser folks are rocking tights and Uggs (again). Here she's dressed for the exciting urban bike ride "Tour de Plants" and reveling in the fall.

Holiday Challenge

2009-11-18T09:07:00.003-05:00

For the months of November and December, we at KnoxLooks are accepting fashion submissions. In order to be posted your photo must be:

0. Must be taken by you in and around Knoxville, TN.
1. Taken with the permission of the subject and include the subject's first name.
2. Include some text about the subject's fashion. (We like the model of hel-looks.com, but you can write whatever you like.)

Send your knox looks photos to knoxlooks@gmail.com.

Ericka

2009-11-13T14:48:00.002-05:00

I took a couple of Halloween costume photos at Sassy Ann's but no one matches Ericka's make-up. No one even came close. I wish she would do her self up this way more often.

Wes

2009-10-08T10:02:00.002-04:00

Style influences? I suppose I pattern my dress after my grandfather.

Stephen and Wokie

2009-09-18T10:24:00.002-04:00

Stephen and Wokie worked the crowd at the Knoxville Museum of Art's opening of "Contemporary Focus 2009". Stephen did not discuss his style, but Wokie cited Africa, her homeland, as an obvious influence.

The exhibit is worth a visit and up until November 8th. It features the work of three regional contemporary artists: David Wolff, Patricia Tinajero, and Hunt Clark.

Agata

2009-09-09T23:11:00.002-04:00

These fine pants are from Agata's friend in Poland.
The lady herself is also from Poland.

Crista

2009-08-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

Crista's style is inspired by Korea and Slow Food.

Katie and Linday

2009-08-06T23:37:00.005-04:00

What influenced your style tonight?

Katie: Goddamn Forever 21. Sonofabitch. West Town mall.
Lindsay: She made me.
Katie: I said she had to look like a girl.

Pet Milk Boys

2009-07-31T17:28:00.002-04:00

You know what's in right now? Brothers in white pants and tropical jackets. You know what will always be in? Gorgeous youth, cheekbones, and cut abs. These two said they grew up on a dairy farm. I like to imagine them dressed like this and frolicking with tin pails of milk.

Take a minute and imagine that.

Sailor Moon

2009-07-28T15:46:00.002-04:00

Oh youth! Now is the time to wear vinyl sail suits. Do not wait until you are old, fat, and further inhibited by the thought of running into your straight-laced coworkers or boss. Do it now!

Sister Friend here bought this outfit off the internet and did not realize how short it was at the time. I salute the prudence of cropped tights: they do not interfere with the overall look and prevent the world from seeing her hoo-ha.

I suspect this outfit would be a hit with this guy, although it might be too much coverage. And too much reality.

Max

2009-07-05T15:35:00.002-04:00

The designer of Max's shoes, Carri Munden, had this to say about them, “The Blazer’s adoption within the skate community made this the perfect shoe for the project. The colors reference the faded neon’s of 80's skate culture. For the materials imagine the shoes came from a toxically mutated lizard = sci-fi pimp. We’ve left only a circle and triangle for the wearer to decode.”

She goes on to describe the shoes as inspired by the idea of "urban shamanism." She imagines “Ancient Amazonian hunting rituals adapted by a gang of skaters in a post apocalyptic city”. If Knoxville were to go post apocalyptic, I'd want Max on my team.

Hear the young designer talk about her shoe inspirations in the promo video below.

Cassette Playa X Nike Blazer from Amazing Grace on Vimeo.

Adam and Matthew

2009-06-30T15:33:00.003-04:00

Adam's fashion is inspired by, "Mr. Lovecraft, woods, attics, cellars, Ichabod Crane, the Barn, the Deep Deep Sea, and Danny Zuko."

His brother Matthew is inspired by, "The Drink, my grandmother's garage and my pap's cigar, bunnies, Andre Ridgeway, and Stuart Wilde."

Bonnaroo Edition: Byrd the Starfish and Nightshade

2009-06-28T22:34:00.003-04:00

Style Influences

Byrd: Angry anarcha-feminist chic. My clothes were free from dumpsters, friends, or the communal clothing collection.

Nightshade: Crusty, grungy, hippie, squatter punk is what I go for. Clothes obtained from dumpsters.

Bonnaroo Edition: Laura

2009-06-16T18:14:00.003-04:00

Laura's fashion is clearly inspired by the forklift drivers and The Boys of Summer.

Bonnaroo Edition: Chris and Stephanie

2009-06-16T17:38:00.003-04:00

Chris's style is influenced by psychedelics. Stephanie cites Radiohead as an inspiration.

Clothes at Eleven

2009-06-05T13:21:00.008-04:00

Eleven is at 122 S. Gay St. (across the street from Nama). I passed by the other day and stopped inside. Co-owner, Peter Chang, tells me they're currently having a "soft opening" while they get their stock in and work out details. Peter mentioned that a lot of the designers are LA-based. All of the dresses I saw looked LAish fabulous: short, shiny, and stylish. Most I saw were under $100. They also have some jewelry and purses with more items arriving soon.

They also carry men's clohting and designer sneakers on consignment. Stylish sneakers: yes! There are shelves full of shrink wrapped kicks just waiting for the hip throngs of Knoxville. I'm not a sneaker fetish person and did not check their prices, but I'd assume they're reasonable and competitive.

That block of Gay St. is ripped up right now for construction--be a good civic fashionista and patronize this young store so it can have a steady start. Send me photos of anything you purchase there and I'll post it here.

Shelagh

2009-06-03T09:36:00.001-04:00

Shelagh approached me and said, "Look what I've got in my shirt." It was a sure-enough-real-live-baby-duck. Wow. Apparently abandoned by its biological mother, Duckling was traveling well between Shelagh's boobs. We wish them both the best.

Jeremiah

2009-05-29T21:52:00.004-04:00

Jeremiah is wearing Christian Dior shoes and shirt, with overalls by Diesel. He cited his "redneck grandfather" as a fashion influence. I am always impressed by men in Knoxville wearing clothing other than polo shirts and cargo shorts. Jeremiah's accessories score him major points. Are those glasses prescription?

Is it time for the Knoxville Youth Fashion Show? Maybe a pagent? Let's take our cue from the fabulous Misha Calvert who organized The Mr. and Mrs. Williamsburg Pagent. More about the event here.

Ah ha.

Liz

2009-05-26T22:26:00.004-04:00

Liz got her dress at TJ MaXXX and wore it to a very formal rehearsal dinner. Yes! She said it reminded her of Rami Kashou, of Project Runway fame. It reminds me of the days when everyone was awesome and glamorous all the time

Taylor

2009-05-09T21:57:00.002-04:00

The Market Square Farmers' Market has returned to Downtown. Hallelujah. And just look at this dress. Summer is coming.

Ren

2009-04-29T13:06:00.003-04:00

Ren is a chameleon. Today she is fresh young thing with Eurotrash sunglasses and a doughnut. Ah, warm weather. You do wonderful things for ladies' fashion.

Veronica

2009-04-29T13:02:00.003-04:00

Style influences include Eastern Europe and the creative class.

Matt + Kristina

2009-04-07T22:22:00.005-04:00

Style Influences
Matt: Whatever's clean and comfortable
Kristina: Trees, my mom, the color brown, patterns...

Carry

2009-03-08T16:39:00.001-04:00

Style influences include Lily Pulitzer, Salad Fingers, Edward Scissorhands, and Patsy Cline.

Women

2009-02-18T18:14:00.002-05:00

Warm weather, blond hair, green coats, long legs in tights! Yes.

Robert and Lake

2009-02-18T18:12:00.002-05:00

Robert: I got this sweater three years ago when Brian Sherry left Tomato Head.
Lake: Robert got me this sweater at a thrift store. It's from Harrods.

Scott

2009-02-09T10:03:00.002-05:00

Scott hails from North Carolina and wears many pieces by Mona (also NC based). As to influences, the man "does his own thing." Indeed.

The Big Ears festival brought many fashionable and hip folks to Knoxville, and I regret not photographing more of them. Notably absent is the super-fan who sat (and sang) behind us at the Antony and the Johnsons concert. Only at the end of the show could I appreciate his fishnet body stocking, tutu, and emo-glam hair. Sigh.

Gaby

2009-01-27T10:12:00.002-05:00

Gaby always looks good in an effortless and interesting way. You can't know this just by looking at her, but she has a weirdly sexy voice. It's sort of high pitched and husky at the same time. My heart flutters.

Tyler

2009-01-19T11:08:00.003-05:00

Tyler gives me hope about the state of men's fashion in America. Please note how the delicacy of his big dangly earrings contrasts with his macho man-stubble. Thank you, Tyler, showing young aspiring men a way to be.

Rhiannon

2009-01-03T12:20:00.003-05:00

Riannon works the Dillard's clearance and a 4.0 gpa. Smart cookie, that one.

Aaron

2008-12-29T17:43:00.003-05:00

Aaron left without mentioning his style influences, but he did recommend the Cookeville, TN. Goodwill, "It hasn't been picked over by hipsters...'cause there aren't any in Cookeville." These clothes, however, did not come from that particular store.

Colleen and Anita

2008-12-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

Style influences?

Colleen: I'm pretty theatrical in my dress.
Anita: I don't know.
Colleen: No, you do know. You're very gypsy bohemian.
Anita: You say this.

Will

2008-12-19T15:33:00.000-05:00

Will: I like to wear a sports coat when it gets cold.

JImmy and Carrie

2008-12-19T15:26:00.002-05:00

Style Influences
Carrie: I hate influences.
Jimmy: I try to look professional.

Wilma and Betty

2008-11-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

Handmade costumes. Nice details. Poor shoes. These were the first of two sets of Flinstone/Rubble women.

Faith

2008-11-08T21:38:00.002-05:00

Style Influences: Graphic Design and the wit's end. {She's a banana.}

Shelagh

2008-10-19T20:22:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: AmVets, Makers Mark, and the Grand Canyon

Rory

2008-10-07T09:56:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: British monarchy

Valerie

2008-10-07T09:49:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: Thrift stores and Dolly Parton

Gary

2008-09-14T19:15:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: the Sex Pistols

Bojana

2008-09-14T19:12:00.003-04:00

Style Influences: MGMT, Radiohead, the Impressionists, and Eddie Sedgwick

Elise

2008-09-13T21:35:00.005-04:00

Style influences: School girls from the 1960s, skaters from the 80s, and japanese youth from...now. I want to be the love child these three never had.

{I'd like to add a shout out for Elise's bike shop in Nashville. Check it out here: halcyonbike.com }

Veronica

2008-08-25T11:30:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: Target, H+M, thrift stores, and post-modern librarians.

Charlotte

2008-08-22T00:05:00.003-04:00

Style Influences: Gran Cleo Osceola

Monika and Joanna

2008-08-17T21:58:00.001-04:00

Style Influences
Monika: Country western, Spanish senoritas, and Tex-Mex
Joanna: Tex-Sex, USA! USA!

Ethan and Leslie

2008-08-17T21:53:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: H+M, Urban Outfitters, and whatever's on the floor. And our tiny dogs.

Lilian, Amy, Clark, and Chris

2008-08-17T21:40:00.002-04:00

Style Influences
Lilian: Whatever I want to wear, whatever I think is pretty, and I like Crocs
Amy: Teenage style. My t-shirt was designed by teenage designers at See-Saw Studio. (Lilian added that Amy is "a winter.")
Clark: I would have to say hip hop. And Nickelodeon.
Chris: Whatever's in the closet, indy rock.

Taylor

2008-08-17T21:33:00.002-04:00

Style influences: Louise Brooks, vintage everything, and flappers

Phoebe

2008-08-09T14:32:00.003-04:00

Style influences: Flora, Maine and Beauty

Walter

2008-07-19T00:53:00.002-04:00

Style Influences: Boating and yachting

Mini Tiger

2008-07-19T00:42:00.003-04:00

Style Influences: Kat Nascar, dirty hippies, thrift store sale racks, and my butthole. Shoes from Marshalls.

Katherine

2008-07-09T10:41:00.001-04:00

Dress from Obligato, necklace from Santa Fe.
Style Influences: LA!

Breanna

2008-06-21T23:46:00.002-04:00

Style influences: Bright colors, painting, the Victorian era, Mary Denman, and Kendahl Phillips.

Gatty-Gatt-Gatlinburg

2008-06-14T17:02:00.009-04:00

Gatlinburg is a dense cultural experience. If you live in Knoxville and haven't been, DROP EVERYTHING, clear your calendar, rub up in sunscreen and drive west on I-40. You'll pass through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, both of which prepare you for the snug strip of Gatlinburg commerce. Here will your airbrush, funnel cake, and martial-arts-equipment needs be met. All within a couple blocks. There are many pancake houses, crying children, wedding chapels, restaurants, and large white people in denim shorts. There's a lot of denim shorts. To that end, I salute the following fashion plates:

Dan

Dan didn't offer any style influences, but clearly being the chillest and best dressed guy on the block is a core principle. His wife mentioned the '62 Chevy Impala which he restored and then used to drive the family to Gatlinburg. Not only is Dan a stylish man parting the sea of denim shorts, but he's got a sweet ride and takes his family on vacation.

The Kidz

Names forthcoming. This group scores points for variations on a theme and being-nice-to-strangers. Style inspirations include punk and goth.

Laurie, Amy + Barack

2008-05-23T11:48:00.002-04:00

Style Influences?
Laurie: Sailors
Amy: Pirates and Trash
Barack: Oh hey! Are y'all taking a picture? My b! Scuse me, coming through.

Rachel

2008-05-23T11:30:00.001-04:00

Style Influences: Whatever is visually pleasing to me.

Jimmy, Deano + Dave

2008-05-23T11:20:00.002-04:00

Style influences?
"We've all either been in a band together or are in a band now. Also, American Apparel and Urban Outfitters."
They also dig chest tattoos.

Aaron

2008-05-23T10:29:00.002-04:00

Style influences include post-peak neo-appalachian culture and contemporary fiber art

Erin M.

2008-05-21T12:16:00.003-04:00

"My tattoo is of my favorite late Gothic stained glass window. This dress? It's fabulous isn't it? I don't know how I look so good all the time...Hey! Don't touch me!"

Lauren + Sara

2008-05-08T11:27:00.002-04:00

Style Influences...?
Sara: Play dough and Jesus
Lauren: I'd have to say Lyrical Gangstas

Bryn

2008-05-08T11:19:00.002-04:00

Groucho

Shebs

2008-05-08T11:18:00.003-04:00

Style influences: Kat Nascar

Baby Cheerleaders

2008-05-08T11:13:00.002-04:00

At the rescheduled Dogwood Arts Parade these little moppets were marching down the street chanting "We're hot. To trot." Perhaps someone should have googled the phrase before they encourage minors to yell it in public. Here's what I found: hot-to-trot

Sean, Jacob and Kyle

2008-05-02T14:34:00.006-04:00

Style influences: Our girlfriends.

Michelle and Riza

2008-05-02T14:34:00.005-04:00

Michell's style influences: I've been really into mixing in indigenous handmade pieces with sweatshop store bought stuff. You know, developing nation meets capitalism. I'm using prom as a platform to raise the issues of Fair Labor with my peers.

Riza's style influences: Jesus Michelle! Will you please come off it for, like, one night, and just be a normal person!

Debbie and Daphne

2008-05-02T14:32:00.002-04:00

Debbie's style influences: postmodern feminism
Daphne's style influences: TED talks and venture capitalism

Carrie and Tami

2008-05-02T14:11:00.002-04:00

Carrie: Mary-Kate Olsen is a style influence. I don't like to wear anything that someone else might have.

Tami: My boss calls me a treehugger.

Jessica

2008-05-02T14:10:00.004-04:00

"I got these pants from the last swap meet. I think layering is very important."

Erin

2008-05-02T14:07:00.009-04:00

"My style inspiration? Twiggy, Robin Sparkles and Athena, of course."

Veronica

2008-04-25T13:58:00.001-04:00

"My style inspirations? Ponce de Leon, colonialism in general"