Lawrence.com

Photo Gallery

Style Scout: Karen Scholle

Karen Scholle

Age: 28

Hometown: Lawrence

Time in Lawrence: 25 years

Occupation and/or major: Sales at Nordstrom's

Where was/what doing when scouted?

On my way to Yarn Barn

Favorite clothing store?

Barney's Co-op, NYC-it's a very urban, downtown look. They carry unique stuff from exciting new designers. Obviously, Nordstroms. In Lawrence, Urban Outfitters.

Other stores you frequent?

I like Epic Apparel-I like the idea of a high end boutique. It's very L.A. , very young Hollywood. Wheatfield's-just good bread, great croissants. I shop at the Merc, but I think Checkers is the best grocery store ever though. I love the Dusty Bookshelf, and Yarn Barn gets me through the winter.

How would you describe your style?

Kind of modern classic. Definitely with an East Coast slant. To my way of thinking the East Coast style is very streamlined, utilitarian. It's more serious, and it's cleaner-to me it's more elegant. I buy pieces and throw them together. Shopping is easy, because I know what works for me: solid colors, well-made basics.

Favorite trend for this season?

Alexander McQueen's take on tartan plaids--less stodgy schoolmarm, more deconstruction. I like that flat shoes are still in. I like skinny jeans and the new proportions-the architectural quality of clothes right now. Big balloon coats. On men, I just like clothes that fit. I think fit and quality are more important than trend. I like a beat-up leather jacket on a man.

Least favorite trend right now?

Muffin tops: when you see a girl walking down the street and her pants are too low and her belly is spilling over the top like a muffin. Put it away. Actually, I'm equal opportunity on muffin tops-men do it, too. And legwarmers-I think they're universally unflattering and silly, unless you're in a ballet studio.

Where do you get your haircut?

I'm embarrassed-I cut it myself two nights ago. It was out of desperation-but, otherwise, Wes at Headmasters is the best.

Favorite coffee shop in Lawrence?

The Pig. It's like nothing else in town-I always run into somebody interesting. Good place to do a crossword, and consistently good music. I think Z's has really good coffee, too.

Favorite bar in Lawrence?

I don't go out anymore, so I don't know. I used to like the Tap Room-it's so dirty and dark. It was like going to a little cave. Great people-watching and the bartenders were so cranky. It seemed cool at the time.

Is there anything you'd like to see more of in Lawrence?

Women in hats. And I would like to see more Korean food-that's purely selfish, for me and my mom. More movie theaters. Actually, I'm pretty satisfied with Lawrence. It has just about everything I need. The schools are good, the streets are safe, and for being in Kansas, it's a pretty liberal place.

Less of in Lawrence?

Drunken frat boys. Fewer enormous cars. Roundabouts. I'd like to see fewer cookie-cutter houses-there are parts of Lawrence that are starting to look like strip malls.

Are you a happy American?

I'm a happy person, but: I'm really interested to see what a Democrat-dominated government will do, about Iraq, North Korea. The issues I hold dear-environmental issues, health care, alternative fuels-I hope to see the Democrats address these things. Our foreign policy is George W. Bush single-mindedly pursuing his agenda-just pure hubris. I think he wants to go down in history, but I don't know what he's getting at. Obviously I can appreciate we're not popular in the world today-I'm not ashamed of America or Americans-but I think our government has led us astray.

Tell us a secret

My favorite thing in the world is to watch my younger sister sing and dance to "Pour Some Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard.

Who's got style?

Kate Winslet always looks fantastic-always tasteful. Her skin is beautiful, her hair is great, she always wears clothes that fit her figure. Paul Mooney-I love him. He's always wearing a knit skull cap. And Selma Blair--quirky and very elegant, like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. George Clooney always looks great.

Style = ?

Wel,l it's about creating an image but: When it's done right--when you're in control and know what works for you-it can communicate a lot about you. Confidence and quality are always stylish. What's more stylish than confidence?