HerCampus: How would you describe your style?
Tamar Chukrun: I think this question is always hard to answer because whenever I am picking out an outfit or choosing which clothes to buy at a store I never really ask myself, “is this my style?” I tend to just go with my gut: If I like it then it is my style. Most people say my style is very bohemian, but I think it also has an occasional edgy/punky vibe, depending on the season or the weather. Some days I’ll wear my favorite flowy hippy pants or a lace dress, and other days I’ll be more in the mood for black leather boots and ripped jeans. And a random sidenote: yes, leggings are pants.
HC: Has your style changed since you came to college?
TC: My style has definitely toned down more since I came to college. Back home more people make an effort to dress well; here since everything is more laid back, I try to tone things down. For example in the fall at home I love wearing dark plum matte lipstick with some outfits, but here I feel like if I’m just going to class that’s overkill. I also accessorize more at home: I will wear bigger necklaces or more jewelry in general because I have more time to figure out good combinations. Here I usually get ready pretty quickly and I wear a small basic necklace and my two rings that I never take off. I never leave the room without a necklace! HC: You’re stuck on an island with one item of clothing. What is your item?
TC: My flowy pants! They are so comfortable and they make me happy! I love clothing that has movement! If a clothing item just makes you happy, you should always just buy it and figure out what to wear it with later. Happy clothes make for happy people.
HC: Are there any people/places/things that inspire your style?
TC: I would say my summer style is very much influenced by Israeli trends. I spend a good chunk of my summers in Israel every year, so most of my summer wardrobe usually comes from there. It’s very retro/hippy-ish so I think a lot of those elements are reflected in what I wear. I try not to focus too much on style blogs or lookbooks from expensive stores because they usually make me like my own clothing less. I just focus on picking out what I like when I’m shopping, not searching for something that is super expensive or just plain unattainable! I also get a lot of inspiration from my grandmother: she has wonderful taste and I love hearing her fashion advice!
HC: Do you believe in splurging or saving when shopping?
TC: Most of my wardrobe is either Free People or thrifted, so I like to say that I do spend a lot of money on certain elements but that the cheapness of the thrifted things balances everything out. My Free People stuff rarely comes from their actual boutiques though, because I usually try to shop at bigger stores where I can get things on clearance. For example Lord and Taylor has some great Free People and there’s almost always a sale or a coupon I can use! I also love thrifting, especially in big thrift stores like Goodwill that don’t select their clothes. I think a lot of times fancy “vintage” overlook really cool items. Thrifting forces you to try new things and it also allows you to take risks with your fashion choices for pretty cheap. It allows your style to grow because items you think you may never use you yet end up buying might later become staples. One of my favorite dresses I got at Goodwill for $4, and I get complimented on it all of the time! Moral of the story: sometimes splurge, and sometimes save!
Photos taken by the author or, with permission, from Facebook.