Deeandra’s style ethos embodies three key factors; simplicity, comfort and functionality.  That said, she finds it difficult to pinpoint what her ‘signature style’ would be. “My style has always been synonymous with my attitude and has always represented which phase of life I am in” she says. “My style ethos now is something that’s a clear representation of who I am and I’ve never been more comfortable with my sense of style than I am now.” 

This week on Street Style, Deeandra takes us through a few favourites and speaks more about her style ethos. 

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LOOK 1 

This is a dress by Tarja De Silva. I had my eyes set on it since she sketched it out. It’s a snug, comfy cotton-elastin, dress that sweeps the floor. You can glam it up or dress it down and I love that the batik process has been done on a comfortable fabric. 

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LOOK 2 

This knee-length chiffon tunic sort of top was made by my mother and myself. It's lined on the inside only up to the waist and then sits transparent. It's very comfy and can be worn with an assortment of bottoms. I've paired it with faded powder blue jeans. 

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LOOK 3 

This top is from a really great high-street brand called 'pull&bear'. They've got a range of very chic, casual clothes for women, and the fabrics are breathable and perfect for our weather. I've teamed this top with a pair of palazzo pants that belonged to an aunt of mine who passed it on to my mom, who then passed it down to me, it must be many years old, but is still in impeccable condition. 

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LOOK 4 

I love the contrast colours and the vertical stripe print on this dress. The hemline is a little above the ankles and it’s got a loose fit - although this is actually about 2 sizes bigger than my own size. I like that it's loose and baggy and just falls down comfortably on the body. 

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Style Role Model: Yves Saint Laurent said that after all his years of experience he learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it. I have a long list of amazing women who've lived admirable lives, and they influence and inspire not only my style but my everyday life too... different timelines influence my style as well. Right now, I would really like to look like Beyonce and have those thunder thighs and wear those body suits from 'Ivy Park' but I can't and I won't... mainly because I'm yet to be a global superstar. It's important to know that even though you may want to look like something that's appealing to you, sometimes you just can't...realizing what suits you and your lifestyle and what doesn't is key to birthing your own style. 

Favourite Colours to Pair: Right now I really like sober colours and nothing that's too vibrant etc. I love anything that's in black, white, grey or deep blues and purples.I like a well-designed print or a good old fashioned colour blocking theme. 

Go To Outfit: An A-line, full flared, midi length skirt with comfortable crop tops or tank tops and sandals. I'm a huge hoarder of all things strange and seemingly unworthy to others, so even when it comes to these skirts and a few other pieces, I've saved up quite a few oddballs along the way... some are over 6 years old and some are things that my aunts and mom wore when they were very young. 

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Style Must Have’s? 

- Pottus and chunky earrings 

- Plain coloured palazzo pants 

- A 'goes-with-everything' pair of sandals 

- A pair of jeans in any style that suits you best - distressed jeans are my personal favourites 

- Lots of basic camis and t-shirts 

- Feel-good underwear 

Make up tip: Right now, I love a bold lip, a clean stroke of eyeliner and a swift brush of compact powder - all matte of course, nothing that glitters. All this being said, I am guilty of taking care of my brows more than anything else, because I have very light brows and it messes with my facial expressions when they can't be seen (true story) - eyebrows can really shape how you look. 

Fashion No’s: 

- Too much make-up and hairspray 

- Shiny buckles and rhinestones on clothes and accessories. 

- Fingernails, toenails, and or fake nails that are too long and too fake 

Clothes that are too tight 

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Style Tip: 

- Comfort first. I hate ironing my clothes but it really needs to be done. 

- Even if it's just a tee, iron it...steam iron it if you will - it gives you a clean and sleek look no matter what you're wearing. 

- Keep it real, keep it simple - Purchasing a product that belongs to a popular label doesn't necessarily make you or your 'outfit of the day' stylish. Try to be authentic, the value of a product is not in its price or its brand, sometimes it's about how it was made and whether or not it looks good...and mainly whether it suits you and your persona. So don't always opt for brands, explore all forms of fashion from various sources until you feel 100% like yourself when you wear it. 

- Good hair do's and good lipstick can really make the simplest outfit look so much better. 

Photographs by Kithsiri de Mel