Weekly Standard editorial assistant Katherine Eastland may describe her sartorial choices as inspired by old people—“I really like granny and grandpa style,” she says—but we don’t remember seeing pictures of our grandma looking so put together, and Eastland looks stunningly sophisticated, not dated. Perhaps it’s the pillbox hat, which adds a touch of whimsy to the look, or the fact that she, like Katharine Hepburn, knows the value of a good tailor. Either way, Eastland has one of the more inspired looks we’ve come across. Check out the video below to see her look—and to find out how books can be used as fashion accessories.
Today we stop a student who favors cut-off shorts and bright colors.
Justin Lanford, 19 Student
What he’s wearing: A-1 combat boots from a thrift store, Hanes socks, Urban Outfitters jeans that he cut, American Apparel cardigan vest, D&G zebra-print glasses, and a heart-shaped necklace that was a gift from a friend.
What do you do? “Hang out, look pretty, hang out with my best friend. We go shopping, we eat Chipotle. In the fall, I’m going to Ann Arundel Community College. They have a good dance program there. I’m into contemporary hip-hop. I like hip-hop but I’ll do anything.”
Where do you shop? “Urban outfitters, American Apparel. I’ll go anywhere. I like thrift stores like Village Thrift in Maryland. I take stuff and cut it up and sew it up and make something else. I made a hooded scarf from a hoodie that’s really cool. I’m no Martha Stewart, but I try.” Tell me about your look. “It’s just Justin. Unpredictable. I wear it with confidence, and that’s all that matters. I’m wearing a little mascara right now.”
Sporting a quirky, colorful boombox bag and matching hair, American University Student Hannah Ford stuck out like a sore thumb amidst Cleveland Park’s usual barrage of pearl necklaces and power suits. Ford’s proclivity for bright colors when it comes to clothes goes along with her radiant personality—watch our video and try not to fall in love with her.
We were out and about at the Capital Pride parade when we spotted Ongina, the petite fan favorite from RuPaul’s Drag Race show.
Name: Ongina, performer Age: “Timeless.”
What she’s wearing: H&M dress, Stella McCartney shoes, David Mason headpiece, vintage jewelry.
You obviously love dressing up. How did your love for clothes begin? “I’ve always loved fashion. It’s something that I’ve always appreciated. The craftsmanship that goes into the clothes and translating it how I see it fit my persona is rewarding. I lived in New York City from 2001 to 2007, which is when I started my love for dressing up. Especially after meeting such creative and inspirational people, I was able to create my own look and go with it. It’s really exciting to translate an image in my head into reality.”
Tell me about your iconic bald head and hairpieces. “As an artist, I separate myself from the norm of what you might know about drag queens by wearing my head bald and headpieces instead of wigs. Sometimes I wear wigs, but I’m most comfortable when I’m bald or rocking a sick headpiece. I befriended a master hat designer—a milliner—in New York named David Mason, and he was kind enough to lend me pieces to wear when I dress up and go out. But since I’ve moved to Los Angeles, I’ve had to create pieces for myself. I love making them—I get to be as creative as I want to be!”
This week, we admire Unique Pinckney's taste in florals, nail polish, and tattoos.
Unique Pinckney, 19 Student, Montgomery College
What she’s wearing: A floral Urban Outfitters dress, Saks Fifth Avenue starfish sandals, a Louis Vuitton purse, neon-green nail polish on fingers and toes.
Tell me about your style. “It just depends on how I feel during the day, but I like to dress comfortably. It’s bright, I guess. Kids like it—children always stare at me! I like the attention. But it’s a positive image, so it’s not like I have body parts hanging out or anything like that.”
For this week’s Sidewalk Style, we took our camera poolside at Brightest Young Thing’s weekend “summer camp” pool party at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.
Catherine Badger, 28 Store merchandiser, Urban Outfitters
What she’s wearing: Hurley bathing suit, shoes from Italy, Stussy sunglasses, and a Givenchy scarf, which is her grandmother’s. The bathing suit’s cut is pretty sexy by Washington standards. “I was looking for an opportunity to dress up a little bit,” Badger says, “and this party was a great opportunity. I thought, ‘A poolside party? Heels and a bathing suit. We need to do that in Washington.’ ”
What are you wearing when you’re not poolside? “I grew up riding horses, so I wear a lot of jeans, cowboy boots, and equestrian, knee-high boots. Now that it’s summertime, I have to give that up. For summer, I’m loving the cut-off Levi’s, a vintage look.”
What style are you into trying out this summer? “I’ve been doing crunches to try to pull off midriff tops. As a merchandiser, it’s hard to dress a mannequin with a shirt cut off, but I think it’s really sexy. I keep thinking about it.”
Tons of Fourth of July parties, fireworks, pool parties galore, a pig roast, the closing of the Folklife Festival and Artomatic, and lots more in this jam-packed weekend guide.
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