Alicia Wagner Calzada | 210SA Contributor

Between cutting hair, recruiting up-and-coming artists for Arbor Art House (the gallery he helps run) and attending art, fashion and charity events, aspiring clothing designer Ryan Leighton Whittington's workdays can last 12 hours or more.

“Everything I do throughout the day requires a slightly different look,” he said. “But no matter where I'm going, my clothes have to be interesting and fun.”

So the 27-year-old totes in the trunk of his car a variety of “ands and ors” to modify his basic but eye-catching look: Trouser-style jeans, an edgy fitted tee, black belt and boots.

“In case a friend calls and wants to go have a beer, I've gotta be in jeans,” Whittington explained. “They transition so easily from business to play. And, this outfit is so easy to build on. Once I had to go from the salon to the gallery to a friend's party and finally to dinner, and (the outfit) worked for everything, with minor modifications, of course.”

“The blazer takes the outfit to a more serious level because it hides the fun part of my T-shirt.”  

“I don't want to look too serious. This buckle is just playful enough.”

WHITE NIGHT: 

“If I'm going somewhere where people will be more dressed up, I'll change into these. They're dressier than a dirty pair of boots.”  

FISHING FOR COMPLIMENTS:

 
  
“I really admire the works of architect Frank Gehry. His line of jewelry for Tiffany & Co. is also intriguing.”

PACK IT UP:

“I'm obsessed with backpacks. Like a women's purse, they hold all the necessities — my level, tape measure, hammer, screwdriver, nails, lip balm, moisturizer, hand sanitizer and deodorant.” 
 
Jeanie Tavitas-Williams | 210SA contributor