By Carolyn Spalding ’12
Photos by Elyse Schunkewitz ’12
Carolyn Spalding: Where are you from?
Briana Howard: Massachusetts. Let’s call it Boston.
CS: What are you wearing?
BH: From the bottom up, sparkly blue Doc Martens boots, Urban Outfitters fishnet and flower tights, a J. Crew tweed skirt, white Free People long sleeved lace top, Free People jacket, a magenta scarf and ten-dollar sunglasses.
CS: Wow. Is this a typical outfit?
BH: Yeah. I really love Chanel but I can’t afford it, hence the tweed skirt from J. Crew. I try to mix it up with a ’70s-’80s post-punk look. I used to be into the ’90s grunge thing but I kind of grew out of it.
CS: What inspires your style?
BH: Just kind of doing whatever I want. My friends at home are into earthy stuff and everyone here is into North Face and Uggs… I don’t own any of that. My style’s a little more city than the people here.
CS: Do you do most of your shopping in Boston?
BH: Yeah, and on Zappos. I subscribe to a lot of designer websites so I know when the best sales are happening. And I love thrift stores!
CS: A fellow bargain hunter! What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?
BH: That’s a tough one. I would have to say I get the best stuff at a place in West Dennis, Cape Cod. I got a vintage pearl necklace there for $8, and a wicked suede vest for $10.
CS: So you like to accessorize.
BH: Yes!
CS: Tell us about all the silver you’re wearing.
BH: This necklace someone gave to me when I was in France three years ago, and my rings are from all over – the infinity knot is from a farmers market, the oar is from the Head of the Charles because I’m a rower, and this is a Tiffany teardrop.
CS: What about your bag?
BH: This bag is my child. It’s a Coach Slim Poppy tote. I use it for everything.
CS: Your hair is amazing. What’s going on there?
BH: Well, my natural color is red, but I’d been wanting to dye it forever so I put these streaks in a few years ago. Right now I would call the color hot salmon, but I’m doing electric blue next.
CS: Would you say you’re trying to say anything in particular with it?
BH: There’s no statement I’m trying to make, I just like to change it up. My parents hate it though.
CS: What would be your advice to people who are afraid to rock a style like yours?
BH: Just do it! I’m always worried that something doesn’t go, or doesn’t match, but don’t be afraid to wear something if you really like it.
CS: Describe your style in three words.
BH: Wacky, black, and jackets. I have a lot of jackets.
We raided Bri’s closet and found… 15 jackets, 4 pairs of legwarmers, 3 different types of combat boots, 2 maxi dresses, oxford shoes, and 317 pairs of socks.