Style: Anais in the DMV

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 Women’s Wear Daily.

What is your style philosophy?
A: My style philosophy is whatever pleases my eye; it’s 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. It’s fun to have the power to reinvent yourself every now and then; it’s 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, it’s weird I own one pair of jeans and you probably will never see me in them. I’m just stuck in the 80’s, spandex is my thing, it’s 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 “different” 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; it’s 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 didn’t need the media to validate my beauty I was living for myself. It’s 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 80’s 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 that’s about it. Oh and I couldn’t 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