HOT Style: Meet Lela

Spotted on Hastings Pier.

Lela describes her style as ‘practical rather than designer,” HOT Style-Seeker, Claudine Eccleston, reports.

What brings you to Hastings?

I am on a day-trip with my two beautiful little girls, my friend and her daughter.

I am originally from London but now live in Essex. I have visited Hastings a couple of times for business and fell in love with it on my first visit.

Hastings has such a calming ambience but is full of life and character at the same time; the people here are so polite and free-spirited, yet chilled. I also love the fact that it is quite diverse.

What do you do ?

I am a science teacher in a secondary back in Essex, so currently on a well-deserved six weeks’ break.

Teaching is way more than a normal 9 to 5 job, it can be very draining yet rewarding at the same time.

It’s quite difficult to get a true work life balance, especially with children of your own, so I try to take every opportunity that I can to spend quality time with my two girls.

Where do you usually buy your clothes? 

I buy my clothes from wherever there is a bargain; I am very practical rather than designer-brand led. If I see something and it looks nice and the price is under a tenner then I will consider it. It’s not just about being cheap, it’s more about being smart and practical.

I don’t really like going into shops as it can be too overwhelming, and my size is often not available, so I shop online… More options, no pressure, all within the convenience of your own home.

How would you describe your style? 

I don’t really have a particular style…I guess it depends on my mood, the main thing for me is that I am comfortable.

What are your favourite clothes? 

I don’t have favourite clothes as such, however I do have a soft spot for high-top trainers, it spurs from my previous obsession with basketball in my mid-teens to early 20s.

Where do you get your inspiration for your look? 

I’m definitely not a trend follower as I prefer to be my own person. I tend to dress to my personality – comfortable with a bit of quirk.

I do love the retro look, as well as the Japanese street fashion… on other people that is, not me.

What is your favourite piece of clothing and why?

I have an authentic Chicago Bulls basketball kit my mum bought me when she went to the USA, back when I was a teen. I have only ever worn it twice as it is so big and quite heavy. It was in its plastic for about 10 years before I decided to wear it.

If you were to give style advice, what would it be?

Be yourself; dress to your personality.

People spend so much time bothering about other people. This social media culture (especially Instagram) is full of people trying to chase this ‘perfect’ look. We have young people who are becoming more and more obsessed with aesthetics and appearance because they want to be socially accepted often by people they have never even met.

I say wear whatever makes YOU feel comfortable and happy, forget what others think of you, just be yourself.

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