Style Snapshot: Mai, Student & Super-Fan

When I met the lovely Mai at SXSW and asked her to do a Style Snapshot for this site, and she said "But I have no style!", I was shocked. She's incredibly adorable! Not to mention being one of the more cheery people I met in Austin; she was the most unapologetically enthusiastic about being there and about seeing bands and getting the most out of every second. She even had a massive folder with a chronological list of every party, show, showcase...she really put all the lazy industry wonks to shame. While she's not being the best fan ever, she goes to business school in Boston, is an accomplished photographer and--of course--writes a blog. I met her through a friend of mine who had been on tour with her (she sells merch for Ben Kweller), and she graciously let me interview her about her fashion statement.

Crochet vest: Ralph Lauren. Plaid empire-waist dress: Forever21. Why did she choose this clothing combo that day? "The weather. Is that too easy? I only packed 4 things, so it wasn't a hard choice." But what made her pick those 4 things (really? FOUR?! I am in awe.)? Well, "I wear this outfit every time it's hot out...it's cool, and dresses are good for spring. I wear this dress everywhere. It's strappy, but I hate showing my arms so I threw this on. I like to mix high-end things with more everyday." That's the secret of the super-chic, like Kate Moss with her TopShop/couture mashups. Who says you have no style, Mai? "I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard--it's just not who I am. I hate when you can tell people are trying too hard. So, this dress...I really love plaid. My dad wears plaid all the time. But this is the only plaid thing I've found that I like."

There's a lot there, hm? Her dad's influence and her practicality have resulted in a most on-trend look (plaid is still holding strong, and lace/crochet is huge for spring) without making her look like a carbon copy. Well played, darling. (Speaking of "well played," please, everyone, go follow Fug Madness over at Go Fug Yourself! So much more fun than basketball.)