Nichole Palumbo
The best-dressed restaurant hostess in the west by day, Professional Dancer and Choreographer by night
- What is L.A. street fashion to you?
Combining different elements of the city (music, grafitti, the rich & the famous, grunge) and creating a style all your own. Mixing genres, sharing ideas, making it by hand, and making it your own.
- How has this city changed your style?
I think it’s changed anyone who lives in Cali’s style. If you lived in Hicksville you wouldn’t really care about fashion. We live near L.A. We’re obligated to have some kind of style. This city has influenced my style by its sheer versatility. You like to people-watch? Go to L.A. You’ll see bums strung out on coke, millionaires in their Rolls Royces, entire families J-walking to catch the bus, starving artists and musicians, hole-in-the wall coffee shops, and mile high corporate buildings. What more inspiration do you want, right?
- What are you tired of seeing people wear?
Short jean skirts with Ugg-like boots. As a good friend of mine put it, “Girl, make up your mind. Are you hot or are you cold?”
- What’s something you see happening in the future of L.A. fashion?
Afros making a comback. Fashion always repeats itself so why not?
- What do you wear on a daily basis?
Scarves. I love them. Even when it’s hot outside I rock a light one. I think a scarf can complete almost any outfit.
- How has being a dancer and choreographer influenced your style?
Being a dancer makes you super aware of your body and how others view your body. Take muffin-tops for example. A dancer would never be the victim of a muffin top because we are constantly aware of how our body looks, in clothing and without it. Being a dancer has also influenced my versatility regarding fashion. I see hip-hop class as an opportunity to bust out my baggy pants, dope-ass hoody, big hoop earrings, and outrageously bright kangaroos. Other types of dance like lyrical or jazz calls for maybe some tiny shorts and an off-the-shoulder tee. When you’re a dancer you learn real quick that you gotta play your role, which includes a “costume.” People who aren’t dancers often don’t get to experience that versatility and chance to “play” with different types of clothing and styles.
- What made you decide to major in Apparel Merchandising & Management at Cal Poly?
What I hope to have as a career doesn’t really require a degree, even though it is a plus in the eyes of an employer. As of now, I want to be a Visual Merchandise Manager, which is the person responsible for the decor, layout, and organization of a store. I decided to major in AMM because I think what I’ll learn from this major will be highly valuable as well as the extra edge I’ll need to get a great job. I chose Cal Poly because it is a “learn by doing” school and their AMM program is highly regarded. There are tons of people who have made it big in the fashion industry with no schooling, but I feel like a genuinely smarter person after completing just one year of college. Those GE classes are a lot sweeter than they may seem.
- What advice do you have for people who feel like their style is restricted by lack of funds?
I spend a grip of cash on clothes once in a while, but I definitely feel the heat when the bill comes in the mail. My advice is to learn how to sew. You wouldn’t believe all the dope shit you can make if you just learn how to work a sewing machine. And the best thing is that no one will have what’s on your back because you made it. Also, another handy tip is to hit the expensive stores to just pick up ideas. See how they put clothes together, see what pieces they mix and match, and look at how they use colors and accessories to give an outfit that “expensive” look. Urban Outfitters is a perfect place to do this. A lot of their stuff is just T-shirts and old gold chains put together in a way you’d never think of. Drop by and pick up some good ideas and then go home and make those sought-after ensembles your self… with your own clothes that probably cost half the price. One last tip. Your parents and other relatives whose ugly outfits now make you cringe had some steez of their own at one point in time. Look through their old stuff and jack that shit… it’s the best! And it’s truly vintage. Some of my most prized pieces of jewelry are from my deceased great aunt. They were free and everywhere I go I get compliments on them. Yeayuhh.
- What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever gotten?
Be confident. Not cocky, but confident. An insecure person in a fabulous outfit might as well be wearing a paper bag. Don’t apologize for what you’re wearing. Make waves. People will notice you and they’ll either envy you and go buy the shirt you’re wearing when you’re not looking or they’ll give you a compliment. It’s a win win situation.
Thanks, Nichole!!!
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1 response so far ↓
1 Kendra // Jun 30, 2008 at 3:43 pm
totally with her on the mini skirt and uggs. so over it.
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