Style File: Lara Ashley Harrison
NAME: Lara Ashley Harrison,
Baton Rouge
AGE: 21
OCCUPATION: Student and server at Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
Tell us about what you’re wearing.
“I am wearing a long-sleeve burgundy shirt with a black leather jacket, jeans and black heels.”
Who or what most influences your style and why?
“I look at what some icons like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Lena Horne wore, the kind of look that they were going for, and then I mix it up with some things that I see in magazines and/or at the mall. The funny thing is, a lot of what they wore is coming back into style.”
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever gotten?
“‘Just because it is in style, doesn’t mean it is your style!’ It is so true!”
What item do you find yourself buying over and over again?
“Purses. I feel as if there is always one cuter than the one I just bought two days ago.”
What’s your favorite trend right now?
“Blazers. You can match them up with heels and skinny jeans, or wear them with slacks and dressed up flats.”
What trend do you wish was already over?
“Girls only wearing a shirt and tights and/or pantyhose. If the shirt does not cover everything and is not flattering to the body, you shouldn’t wear it.”
Finish this sentence. I splurge on…
“Jewelry! I cannot have enough of it, especially earrings.”
Are you a shoe or handbag kind of woman?
“I am definitely a handbag kind of woman, even though I am now buying more and more high heels.”
How many do you own?
“I think I own over 40 purses.”
Name a celebrity whose closet you’d like to raid.
“Blake Lively.”
What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
“Mascara. My eyelashes are already really long, but I want them to pop, too.”
Your house is on fire and you can grab only one thing out of your closet. What would it be?
“Probably my Banana Republic white dress. It is my favorite, and I can wear it with anything.”
Make us laugh. What was your biggest fashion mistake?
“For some reason, wearing boots, a T-shirt and a pair of shorts is kind of a big thing, and a lot of girls that I see wearing it look very comfy, and I thought I could pull it off. Well, one day I decided, ‘Hey, why not?’ But I forgot that I live in Baton Rouge where the weather is hot one day and cold on the next, so I wore the outfit and my feet were freezing. Plus I woke up late and was almost late for class, so I pulled on the first pair of socks that I could find ... so my outfit consisted of a white T-shirt, jean shorts and purple, pink and white socks with brown boots. Plus, I was having a bad hair day, so I decided to put a straw hat on as well. Let’s just say, everyone gave me the weirdest look all day.”
Karen Martin
Assistant People editor