MY STYLE: Lindsey Faber is a DIY diva

Lindsey Faber, 24, of Cedar Rapids, showed a penchant and a talent for sewing from a very young age.

“When I first showed interest in designing clothing (my mom) helped me turn my ideas into reality with her advanced sewing abilities,” says Faber, who majored in apparel design at Iowa State and now designs her own clothing under the moniker Skimpily Clawd.

Find her creations on Etsy and  Facebook

[gallery]

Q: What inspires your look?

A: My mom inspired me to start sewing when I was younger. My favorite designer is Betsey Johnson. I love to look at her runway collections every year. A big part of my style that makes me stand out is my hair, which you can see is currently bright, multicolored and full of feathers. My amazing hairstylist, Kelsey Smart, always has new fun ideas for me. Kelsey also is a very talented makeup artist and has taught me some tricks that help me to complete my look.

Q: Who are your style icons?

A: Bettie Page has such an iconic, timeless style that I really like. I wore bangs like hers earlier this year. I will admit I quite enjoy Katy Perry's crazy and unique outfits (check out what she wore to the Smurfs premiere. Adorable!). I also love the glam retro style of Dita Von Teese, a modern pinup. I look at her and wonder why anyone would spend time baking their skin in a tanning bed. Pale skin is beautiful!

Q: When you shop instead of sew, wh ere is your favorite local place to shop?

A: I started making clothing in high school because I never wanted to be seen wearing the same outfit as anyone else. I try to stick to buying things I don't make, like shoes and accessories. When I shop, I enjoy finding ideas by looking at the clothing and figuring out how I can make something different or better.I like going to Forever 21 for its inexpensive jewelry and shoes. I go to Von Maur to scope out sales and find Betsey Johnson jewelry, shoes and occasionally clothing. My friend Jensina Endresen makes custom feather earrings that I love wearing (check her out on Facebook: Girlparty). Etsy is a great site for finding interesting accessories and clothing. LuxeDebris and I'mYourPresent are some of my favorite shops.

Q: What is the one fashion item you can't live without?

A: That would be my handbag. It is essential for holding my wallet, lipstick/gloss, camera and of course a measuring tape. I keep the same handbag for a long time, usually only switching it out once or twice a year. My current bag is a very light lilac color with a giant bow on it. I like it so much that I have the same one in black that I wore last winter.

Q: What kind of fashionista are you?

A: I would say my style is a mix of girly-girl and modern pinup. I am obsessed with bows and I love lots of color in my wardrobe.

 MyStyle highlights Eastern Iowa fashionistas each month in The Gazette. Know someone who we should feature? Send an email to features@sourcemedia.net