With her own website and 144,000 subscriber YouTube channel, HaulerDeals' Evelina Barry is taking on the heavy-hitting world of fashion by storm. As an aspiring fashion designer and editor, Barry seems to have all the secrets to living beautifully and on-trend. So, Girls Gone Sporty wanted to know: How can even the sportiest of girls stay in style?
Check out what we discovered in our exclusive interview...
Developing and embracing personal style
Ruthie Sidell (RS): First and foremost, tell me about yourself! What is your personal style? Are you sporty, sassy, sexy, sophisticated or something else?
Evelina Barry (EB): I always like to reinvent and shift my style in different directions to avoid predictability; however, a touch of feminine elegance is always present in my outfits.
RS: How do you manage to stay true to your style despite the overbearing pressure from media, magazines and peers to be flawless and to fit in?
EB: I always strive for excellence, not perfection. Sometimes it’s hard to not measure yourself with media’s standard for perfection, but an important check point is to stay true to my own expectations and goals, not the ones set by the magazines and media.
RS: Just like anyone, girls who see themselves as "sporty" struggle with those pressures, too. Many get instantly labeled as a "tomboy" simply because they don’t conform to the norm or ideal fashion trends. What advice would you give to a sporty girl who struggles between Nike and Nordstrom? How can she make her personal style shine through her sporty garments?
EB- I think no matter what type of attire you decide to go with, whether it’s sporty, classic or trendy, it’s important to add your own personal touch of style. I always admired that girl in my yoga class that added studded cutouts to her workout tops and placed tiny flowers in her braided hair.
RS: Where’s the best place a sporty girl can shop that sells fashion-forward clothes that are comfortable, durable and reliable, even through a workout?
EB: I think Lululemon is a great outlet for that. A lot of their tops are so well tailored and fitted that they could be worn to both a work out and a night out paired with a blazer.
RS: How would one tweak today’s modern trends so they have a bit of that sporty flair to them?
EB: I think contrasting colors and layering tops are great ways to express your style and still look appropriate.
Check out a few of Lululemon's flexible pieces of workout apparel>>
Looking fashionable at the gym
RS: How would you suggest dressing up workout wear?
EB: I always say, the cuter you look, the better you’re going to feel working out. Now that doesn’t mean you have to rock a full set of makeup and a Brazilian blowout, but a pair of nicely fitted shorts and a couple layered tops will go a long way.
RS: What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your closet to wear when it’s time for a vigorous workout?
EB: I have these really comfortable black cotton shorts I got at TJMaxx a few years back. I always reach for them.
RS: Is it possible to dress sporty and still remain trendy and chic?
EB: Of course! Just remember to add small touches of your personal style.
RS: A majority of the time, girls don’t know what to do with their hair during a workout besides put it up. Yes, it keeps them cool, but let’s be honest, the messy bun can get a little old. What other hairstyles can sporty girls rock that are fun and fierce, but also out of the way?
EB: Braids braids braids. There are so many simple ways in which you can braid your hair to add a twist or put away those stubborn bangs. I also love hair accessories like headbands and pins to keep hair away and also add a touch of sleekness.
Check out one of Evelina's cute braid ideas >>
RS: What about makeup? Even girls who are into sports like to get a little dolled up! What would be your ideal makeup look that emanates personal style while staying low-profile and smear-free?
EB: I always wear makeup at the gym, but the key is to make it look very natural and almost non-existent. A good tinted moisturizer will keep the skin hydrated while concealing the redness from working out. Waterproof mascara is always great to prevent any smearing.
Try a natural makeup look like Quinn's from Glee>>
Wearing confidence on your sleeve
RS: Confidence is the best finishing touch to add to any look. How can one resonate confidence through what they’re wearing?
EB: Absolutely. Confidence is something that comes from the inside. You can be wearing the most incredibly put together designer outfit, but if you don’t have that confidence inside to rock it, it’s a waste.
RS: Do you have any specific confidence boosters that keep you going no matter what?
EB: Probably knowing who I am and accepting the fact that I am not perfect and will never be. That takes off a lot of pressure even on the days when I’m not feeling so great about myself.
Also, I think sports go hand-in-hand with confidence and self-esteem. I know that when I exercise regularly I feel so much more confident and beautiful. It’s also scientific; staying active releases hormones of happiness.
RS: What about during a workout, though? How can a sporty girl remain confident and proud even through all the mud and sweat?
EB- The goal of having a healthy and beautiful body is definitely worth the sweat and the mud. When I’m sweaty and yucky after I get out of the gym I feel great, because I know I worked hard!
RS: So all in all, what advice would you give to a sporty woman who is trying to be trendy and stylish while staying true to her sporty roots?
EB: Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal spin on the way you pair your pieces and most importantly, have fun with it!
RS: And tell us, do you have any sporty roots of your own?
EB: Dance has been a huge part of my life since a little girl. I also love working out and going to the gym with my girlfriends. It has kind of become a social thing for us to do.
RS: We appreciate and honor your input. From all of us at Girls Gone Sporty, thank you!
EB: Thank you so much!
We’d like to give a special thanks to Kara Sevilla, talent publicist centered in Hollywood, CA who represents and promotes Evelina Barry and many other fresh fashionistas.
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