Introduce yourself!
A: Hello! My name is Alexandra Jane, and I am currently a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, and personal shopper. I am in the process of launching my e-boutique, where new and vintage apparel and accessories will be available beginning in April.
What is your style philosophy?
A: My style philosophy is rather simple: learn to be your own brand, and dis-concern yourself with what trends designers and celebrity endorsements push upon you. Labels are just small pieces of fabric sewn into larger pieces of fabric, and are at most times, highly unnecessary. Trust that the Louis Vuittons and the Rihannas of the world aren’t hurting without our contributions to their wealth.
How would you describe your sense of style?
A: If I had to describe my sense of style I would relate it to music; Funk with a touch of jazz I would call it. It can at times be loud and flamboyant with underlying notes of the classics. It’s a little edgy, a little feminine, a little trendy, and a whole lot of me.
What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
A: In the morning when deciding what to wear, I must first determine what is clean. I don’t do laundry very often, so I’m left with pieces that don’t necessarily match other pieces. I just put a few together and somehow I always like how it turns out. I never go into a store and have an entire outfit pulled off of a mannequin and thrown into a bag for purchase. I’m more of a “what’s left on the sale rack?” kind of girl.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
A: One of my favorite items in my closet is a men’s flannel shirt with blue and green plaid stitching that my girlfriend bought me for $5 at H&M. If I could, I’d wear it every day. Another would have to be a huge, cream colored, chunk knit sweater given to me by an old roommate in Marina Del Rey, California. It’s a good coffee drinking sweater. My absolute favorite though would have to be a pair of purple suede boots that have violet leather laces on the sides. My aunt brought them back from Paris once and I never wore them. The best hand me downs I’ve ever received!
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
A: Other than the vendors I’ve linked with to carry product for my own boutique, the shops I frequent would have to be just about any local thrift store. Father and Sons of Raleigh, North Carolina is among my favorites. I shop PacSun for menswear I often revamp to wear myself, and Forever 21 of course carries enough merchandise where I can scoop a few pieces up and still retain the confidence that I won’t look like everyone else. That part is important to me.
How long have you been natural?
A: I have been natural exactly 4 years in June.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
A: The main reason I went natural is that I had scheduled an appointment for a perm, and the day of, I was pretty much flat broke. I had enough money to cover my phone bill for the month with a few dollars left over. I hopped the bus downtown to my stylist and told her there had been a change in plans. I got her to wash it, condition it, and cut off all my relaxed hair for $15 including tip. I haven’t looked back since.
What is your signature hairstyle?
A: My signature hairstyle just depends on the season and my mood. Versatility is something I crave.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: I’ve gone through several styles since I rebirthed my crown. I had of course my twa, which I kept conditioned with Giovanni Direct Leave-In (still a favorite). When I grew it out to a big afro, styling it was an adventure just as much as it was a challenge. I turned to YouTube for tutorials on bantu knots and two strand twists; with Eco Styler and Shea Moisture products as my trusty aides. This past July, I actually cut it all off and dyed it blonde. I wanted something new! Now that my mohawk has grown out, I’m back to two strand twisting once a week. I also do an occasional honey and banana masque straight from the kitchen, and have fun blowing my hair out every now and then. Straight hair brings out a whole other side to my personality; I call her Bambi.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: The best place to find me currently is Instagram @AJ_Stylehouse.
