The Fashion Records Lookbook: Rolake

Fashion, Featured, Street Style | Jane |

Name: Rolake Balogun

Age: 22

Location: Chicago IL!

If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be?

One pair of sickening black pumps (no platform).

A belted trench coat

LWD (Little White Dress)

What’s in your pockets right now?

Nothing darling, I always carry a purse/clutch. Pockets are nothing but part of my outfit’s aesthetic.

What is the one biggest pet-peeve?

Unoriginality. UGH I can’t take it. When people simply copy EXACTLY what they see? Whether it’s from a celebrity or purchasing the outfit straight off a mannequin intending to wear it like that!

What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with The Fashion Records readers?

The 70-30 rule: Your closet should be 70% classics, 30 percent trends. Don’t make the mistake of filing it with only the latest fashions. Fashion is cyclical, and most trends that are out now, will eventually no longer be “in style”. If you stock up on classics though, you can never go wrong.

What’s the most important lesson that life has taught you?

As cliché as this sounds, it’s to embrace who you are wholly. Take pride in your abilities, and make your flaws into something positive. Never let the opinion of another determine your own self worth. It took me YEARS to accept myself as who I truly am, and to develop my own mind. I let others tell me who I was, and I gained nothing from that. Once I was able to accept myself, I was not only happier, it made people accept and love me for who I was as well. It’s only natural that you do my loves.

What’s the one place you should NEVER go on a date?

Other than a dark dingy alley or anything slightly suspicious… nowhere! I’m all about exploration and finding out about new things, places and people. I don’t like to limit myself according to my personal tastes. How do I grow that way? What do I learn? You learn about your date that way as well. I’m usually up for anything. (That makes sense…don’t suggest anything that will get you kicked in the throat.)

What would you say is your signature style?

I’d like to call my style “Uniquely Understated” (you like that assonance don’t you ). I like to keep things classic and feminine but add a twist to. I pay attention to things like shape, and cut, versus patterns and material.

Is there anyone who you admire or draw your style influences from?

I don’t really draw my influences from anyone to be honest. I dress for myself. I know what is flattering, and what makes me look good. I’ve studied fashion, color palettes, styles and patterns. I just go with whatever I feel makes me look the best. However I am a HUGE Balmain fan, so I do keep up with their collections. Their 2013 resort collection is a recent favorite of mine.

What is your most prized fashion item?

My mother’s sapphire and diamond statement necklace She has it for safe keeping. That thing MAKES a STATEMENT honey let me tell you. I only wear it on VERY special occasions. I took everything to convince my mom to give it to me. It’s such a unique piece!

Favorite designers:

I absolutely adore Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Christopher Bailey, Posen, Vivienne Westwood, Yves St. Laurent, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Yohji Yamamoto, Oliver Rousteing, but I also love the original designs by Peter Balmain……[haha] honey I can go ON.

Where do you like to shop?

Everywhere. Seriously. From H&M to Barneys, to Zara. It’s never about where I shop, it’s just about what I find. I’m willing to go into anywhere, if my mood allows it. I’ll travel into TJMAXX, then swing over to Nordstrom’s and then maybe end my day at a thrift shop. It’s all about what you wear, not who. However, one of my favorite places is ASOS.Com. There are 3 reasons:

1.They never carry a lot of stock when it comes to their clothes. So there won’t be a plethora of people with the same item, and each item tends to sell out quickly

2. It’s a UK based site, meaning by time you get your item, it’s likely sold out and gone online.

3. High-end British boutiques. They have a lot of items that cater to my uniquely understated style.