Style: Clarissa in New York

Introduce yourself!
C: My name is Clarissa Forde and I am an 18 year old stylist and blogger from New York!

What is your style philosophy?
C: I know this is pretty cheesy, but it would be just be yourself! It’s easier to be yourself than it is to be anyone else.

How would you describe your sense of style?
C: This is always a hard question for me. I just dress based on how I feel while still keeping a mix between “girly” and “boyish”. Honestly I don’t like using those two terms because I feel like when it comes to fashion, there are no boundaries for girls and boys. But that’s just an easier way to explain my style.

What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
C: Honestly, I can’t say that I’m not inspired by street style. Sometimes I like trying out new trends that I see with my own little twist! So every morning I try to include some new element that I was inspired by.

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
C: My favorite three items would have to be my leather jacket, my fire red 3s (Jordan’s), and my new black satchel that I bought from Forever 21. Those three things can go with any outfit I wear.

What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
C: Some of the sites I love to shop on are Forever 21, Karmaloop, Nasty Gal, and Zara! As far as in‐store, I love the small boutiques in Soho!

How long have you been natural?
C: I’ve been natural all my life. My hair texture wasn’t always this way though. It used to be SUPER long and wavy. After dying my bangs and ends when I was a Freshman (ahhhhh!) and chopping many times, it changed. It became thicker and curlier and now it requires so much attention. It’s been this way for probably 5 years now and I really do love it!

What is your signature hairstyle?
C: My signature hairstyle used to be my infamous big and curly wash & go. Now I would say it’s my curly up‐do!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: I wear my curly up‐do almost everyday. I wash with Organix shampoos and conditioners and I co‐wash once a week or whenever I want to renew my curls. I use Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Anti‐Breakage Spray when I detangle, and then apply Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey and a little bit of organic virgin coconut oil from Trader Joes. I let my hair air dry for a few minutes, then put my hair up. I wrap the longest pieces of my hair around the rubber band, which is why it looks small. I use the same products when I do braid outs. I used to straighten my hair once or twice a month, but now I don’t do it as often.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: My blog is TheMixedMannequin.com and I’m also on Instagram: @TheMixedMannequin!