JUST MY STYLE
Doing that Doris Day thing

"Just My Style" casts an occasional spotlight on fashion-forward folks.

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

For a school project, Heather Meulemans, above, designed and made this seersucker dress. Her vintage '40s shoes were a thrift-store find. She has learned to do her hair in the '40s roll style and her makeup in the manner of the '50s. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age: 23

Occupation: Fashion design student, University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

What I'm dying to buy right now: More fabric! Most of my designs are inspired by the 1950s and mid-century, so I am always looking for fun, playful prints reminiscent of the era.

I'm willing to pay more for top quality when it comes to: Sewing equipment and notions. They truly make a difference and make my work that much more enjoyable.

I can never get enough: Fabric! I'm a terrible fabricoholic and am unable to go into a fabric store without hyperventilating! Unfortunately, I am also on a student budget, so sometimes it's just plain torture. But I go anyway.

My favorite designer is: Norma Kamali. I'm inspired by her longevity, creativity and experimental nature. She created a program in New York to help underprivileged kids learn design and I admire the way she extended her talents into the world.

My must-have staples are: Yards of cotton — it works so well with our climate. I love Converse sneakers. And of course, my trusty seam ripper is always close by.

Three chic women who inspire my look are: I adore '50s vocalists Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Wanda Jackson — their music captured the optimism of the era, and I like to reflect that in my work.

My biggest fashion faux pas was: I once bought a gorgeous vintage coral taffeta dress that was a bit too small. One night at home, I was trying it on. I could get it on, but the darn thing wouldn't come off. I was totally stuck with it halfway over my head! I was jumping and screaming for my mom, my arms over my head, and I could barely breathe in there. It took the two of us to wrestle it off. I ended up selling it because I swear it was possessed.

Where she shops: Fabric Mart, Kaimuki Dry Goods, thrift stores, Long's Drugs.