Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Anais Navarro-Laurent; from the DMV and I am half Venezuelan and Haitian. I am a fashion merchandising student at Howard University, a buyer at Buffalo Exchange and a freelancer for this upcoming New York Fashion week for Womenโs Wear Daily.
What is your style philosophy?
A: My style philosophy is whatever pleases my eye; itโs this attraction to how pieces are placed together. I wear what I feel like wearing and I am constantly inspired; from the color of a bug flying around me to a woman walking her dog in the morning.
How would you describe your sense of style?
A: I go through different phases in my style. Itโs fun to have the power to reinvent yourself every now and then; itโs all about evolving as an artistic being.
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
A: I just wear what feels and looks right to me based off of instinct, regardless of the crazy stares I might get.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
A: The number one thing would be my collection of rings. I literally feel naked without them. I have collected them over the years of traveling around the world, so they all represent a journey I once had. Secondly are my leggings; I know, itโs weird I own one pair of jeans and you probably will never see me in them. Iโm just stuck in the 80โs, spandex is my thing, itโs super comfortable and I like to have a variety of prints. Lastly, my vintage Dr. Martens I scored at a thrift. They are just the most comfy shoes a gal can wear.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
A: Buffalo Exchange, Opening Ceremony and Nasty Gal. Most of my wardrobe is from consignment and thrift stores.
How long have you been natural?
A: I got a relaxer from one of those boxes with the cute girls in pigtails when I was in elementary school because I begged my mom for one and was embarrassed of having โdifferentโ hair. My curl pattern became damaged since then. The summer before my freshman year in college I was bored and just cut all of my damaged hair off. It felt great to start off fresh and now I am completely natural; itโs been four years.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
A: I did the big chop and rocked a fro hawk for a while. It was very emotional. I never realized how important my hair was to me until I barely had any to style. Growing up I was always seen as the oddball, being biracial, and in a majority white environment. I never really felt like I fit in. Embracing my natural hair was a huge thing for me. I didnโt need the media to validate my beauty I was living for myself. Itโs funny how you get made fun of for the very things that people will appreciate and admire about you years later.
What is your signature hairstyle?
A: Wearing my hair to the side has been my comfort zone for a while now. I just absolutely love big and wild 80โs inspired hair.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I could not live without Biosilk, bobby pins, Mane and Tail Conditioner and Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner. I blow out my hair with a blow dryer and pin curl it over night. I always try to sleep with a satin or silk pillow to avoid frizz. I also avoid shampoos with sulfate. Besides deep conditioning thatโs about it. Oh and I couldnโt live without hair spray!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: To follow my adventures and work check out the links below <3
Instagram: anais_laurent
Website: anaislaurent.com
Well, I liked your interview and how you stand out from the rest. That is something worth reading and besides, Your a fashion merchandising student, You can dress nicely. I like your fro puff.
You had me at Venezuelan and Haitian ๐ Love the bold, yet subdued way your pieces come together!
1) This bears repeating: โItโs funny how you get made fun of for the very things that people will appreciate and admire about you years later.โ TRUTH. Too bad itโs something you only realize in hindsight after youโve lived through the bullyingโฆ
2) The 80s was my decade and I defend everything about itโฆexcept leggings. What can I say, itโs a personal thingโฆother than that, I love your style. ๐
ok so besides the fab outfits, i love ALL THINGS 80S. i was born at the end of it but i swear my soul is old as molasses (yes i said that). i am not a fan of the 80s leggings tho lol iโm in love with the jeans and bold prints
You are a true beauty with original style. I love thrift shopping too, and mixing new with vintage pieces. Thanks for sharing:)