Not long ago, one might conjure stereotypical images of the poorly put together lesbian but those days are long gone, at least in this case it is. Meet the debonairly polished, Allison Graham who has joined the list of style conscious women who are effortlessly gender bending their way through conventional norms. Allison certainly has style– her wears have been showcased all over the blogosphere. There’s her Tumblr, she’s done a spread for queer-centric blog dapperQ, as well as appearing over at urban sleek clothing line, Novabrown, a fashion line devoted to the wears of both men and women. Allison and I chatted about, among other things, her Jamaican roots to the perfect accessories to elevate an outfit from ordinary to superb.

Andrea: Can you introduce yourself to the folks out there?

I’m Allison Graham. Teacher by day, stylist by night.

Andrea: That’s interesting teacher and stylist. Can you tell me more about both?

It’s totally two different worlds. By day I’m teaching kids science and the difference between evaporation and dissolving and by night I’m studying the latest trend, or different pattern mixes. But in both worlds I get to be creative, I really enjoy what I do. There’s so much joy in being able to do things I love.

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I think everyone follows the trend where they feel they have to go out and buy exactly what they see others have. Be creative as possible.

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I was in a relationship that I felt I couldn’t always be myself so once I got out of that relationship, I just decided I wanted to be who I felt I was…That’s when everything evolved.

Andrea: I know you sport some ink. How many tattoos do you have?

I gotta count them, I forgot. Seven!

Andrea: Do any of them have any significant meaning?

They all do, actually. My dad use to call me Allicat back in the day so there’s one with the name Allicat…The heart on my chest signifies my strength throughout life’s struggles; I’ve been strong, living and maintaining. I have a baby tiger, that one represents me…then I have the heart on my finger, that one basically means that I’ll always be dedicated to me…and then there’s my initials on my back.

Andrea: When did your style evolve into what it is today?

I would say my style started to change about three years ago. I’ve always followed fashion; been infatuated with it. I was in a relationship that I felt I couldn’t always be myself so once I got out of that relationship, I just decided I wanted to be who I felt I was…That’s when everything evolved. I was like I have to do this fashion thing, this is me. I need fashion in my life!

Andrea: Your style is very eclectic: you color block, mix prints and patterns, you jazz up your outfits with pocket squares, hats, scarves; then there’s the very distinct tailored look. Where do you get your inspiration, your sense of style from?

That’s a good question. I research a lot on men’s wear to see how certain things are being worn and then I try to put personal touches of my style to an outfit. While researching, I get ideas of what I want and then I take a picture of it. From there I’ll come up with my own concept based on what’s in my closet… Everyone just seems to be doing the usual and I hate being the usual, so I make an effort to stand out….

Andrea: What’s your favorite statement piece?

A pocket square…sometimes all you have to do is just get a scarf and stick it in the pockets of your jacket [all around laughter]. And I usually have one piece of my shirt hanging out, sort of my signature look.

Andrea: What are some summer and winter must haves?

Fedoras are a definite must.

Andrea: For both seasons?

Yes. There’s nothing like a wool fedora and straw fedora. Fedoras pull the entire outfit together nicely.

Andrea: It’s winter right now. Cold as hell! What’s the trick to layering?

I’m still learning. I’ve yet to buy a thermal but I’m very fond of layering denim and sweater. Layering is fun but try not to look too bundled up. When people are too bundled up, things just look chaotic. It’s not a good look.

Andrea: What advice do you have for someone looking to keep their wardrobe fresh but simply don’t have the funds to shop for higher end brands and pieces?

I think everyone follows the trend where they feel they have to go out and buy exactly what they see others have. Be creative as possible. If you own a pair of jeans that you don’t really want anymore try putting some bleach on it… I was just in Cali and everyone just dresses however they want out there—it’s very unique and individual.

Andrea: I very much believe in self-expression and freedom from labeling oneself but visibility in our community is so important. With that said, how do you identify yourself?

Just as a woman really. When it comes to identifying who I am I don’t like to put labels on myself but I might occasionally use terms like boi, stuff like that. I might have my masculine traits but at the end of the day I’m still a woman.

Andrea: I love your Tumblr. It’s not only about your style; you seem to really care about people. From time to time you’ll write a word of wisdom or encouragement for the folks out there. Do you have anything on your heart that you’d like to share?

Man [laughs]. I’ve been dealing with a situation between choosing if I want comfort or true happiness. I feel a lot of people tend to settle for comfort instead of evolving as humans. So many people are so afraid of the discomfort change brings. We judge others for going for happiness, while most of us settle for comfort and accepting life as is. Always go for what makes you happy!

Thank you, Allison!

wardrobe credits: 1st and 2nd image – blazer & Pants, Paul Smith. Shirt, Tie & Pocket Square, Express. Shoes, Cole Haan. 3rd image – Shirt, Paul Smith. Tie, H&M. Pants, TopMan. 4th image – Sweater, Target. Pants, Zara. Shoes, Wall + Water.

For more work from photographer Brianna Roye, visit her online.

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