Artists don't simply confine their sense of the aesthetic to their art. For many, how they dress is just another form of self-expression. Case in point -- the Baltimore School for the Arts. Many of the students there are artworks in themselves. Theater student Shakera Tuggle is a perfect example. She creatively combines colors and patterns for a kicky look that totally works -- and that tells her audience she is someone to watch.
Age: 17
Residence: East Baltimore
Job: BSA senior, theater student
Self-described style: High fashion. Mod. Classy. Sassy. A little bit of vintage.
The look: Brown long-john shirt. Orange plaid tunic. Orange, mauve, red and green scarf. Brown-and-black leopard-print leggings. Brown suede, pointy-toe, flat boots. Large wood-disc earrings. Brown knit beret. Acrylic bracelet. Gold-tone large link necklace.
Where it came from: Long-john shirt, tunic and bracelet from H&M.; Scarf from Shingar. Boots from Bare Feet Shores. Necklace and beret from The Zone. Earrings from Forever 21.
This isn't the usual look: "This is my kill-the-cute day. I wanted to be comfortable today. ... I love heels, pumps ... I never wear tennis [shoes]. Maybe once in a blue moon. ... The movie that inspires me is The Devil Wears Prada.
Personal style rules: "Try to wear clothes that really fit you. ... You may see a petite girl [in something you like], but a full-figured girl can't wear it. I think it's all about how well you know your body; what you can wear and what you can't wear. ... I'm also not a person who will throw a whole lot of colors on ... but, I love wearing leopard. ... I'm a magazine-aholic and I always see leopard. It's so sexy."
Shopping favorites: "H&M; is my first pick. Urban Outfitters. Occasionally Wet Seal. I love Aldo's Shoes and Nine West. I love Bebe. Also, vintage stores like The Zone."
Importance of fashion: "It's very, very important. Image is very important to me. Like, going to a job interview, you want to look nice. If people have never met you, you want to make a good impression."
What my style says about me: "I'm a well-dressed young lady with confidence and a good head on her shoulders. I accept the trends. I don't follow them."
Favorite article of clothing: "My handbag, even though I don't have it with me right now. ... I love sunglasses. ... I'm more an accessories girl; handbag, shoes, scarf, earrings. ... I'm a girly-girl."
WONDERING IF YOU WERE GLIMPSED? Check out baltimoresun.com / glimpsed for additional photos.