Fashion Talk with Cynthia

American outside hitter, Cynthia Barboza, exclusively reveals to Volleywood her fashion style which she describes as “Classy/chic, Comfortable, Unique/Original, Earthy Tones, Lululemon & Blacks and Browns”. The former star from Stanford University is currently playing in the Italian League with Liu Jo Volley Modena.

My style…

I’ve never really taken the time to sit back and think about it, so I had to call Lauren Paolini who I trust to give me an honest breakdown. She’s making me blush with the classy/chic, but I would say the rest pretty much nails it. Honestly, I spend about 95% of my life in Lululemon and if anyone from Lululemon is reading this and you guys are looking for a spokeswoman, I’m your girl!

Comfort is key for me. I love wide leg pants and tops that hang off of you. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll wear fitted clothes, but baggy is my happy place. If I’m wearing something tight on bottom, I’m normally looser on top or vice versa. I’d rather be in sandals than shoes, or barefoot if that’s an option.

The way I’m built gives me some issues in the jeans department. Thanks to my parents and all those hours spent holding a defensive position, I’m packing some heat on the backside and jeans that fit over the hump are normally too big at the waist. I know some of you out there know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve actually had a lot of luck with J Brand and Joe’s Jeans, which come long enough for me at 6’0’’ but don’t always work for some of my taller teammates.

Being unique is also important to me, so I don’t end up going brand name too often – or if I do, I keep the logo small. For the most part I like to think I’m pretty thrifty. In the mainstream, my favorite places to shop are probably Lulu, Urban Outfitters, Saks off of 5th, and Loehmann’s, but I like finding little treasures by stumbling into boutiques and vintage shops. I don’t actually spend a ton of money on clothes – most of the time I tell myself that I redeem $1 of what I spent every time I wear something, so I spend the most on the things I use the most. I won’t drop a ton of cash on a dress I’ll wear once or twice, but a “Still Pant 6Tall” is hard for me to turn down.

My color palate is mostly blacks, browns, creams, and earthy tones, but I’m also a big fan of cobalt blue and kelly green. I’m also a huge sucker for warm brown leather.

My staple piece of jewelry – gold pendant necklace with a “C” engraved.

Other things I love are splashes of leopard print, long sleeve dresses, turquoise paired with coral, circle scarves, sequins paired with neutrals, low backs, over the shoulder bags… Pintrest is my inspiration!

Gadgets: I always have my blackberry on me but I think I’m going to jump ship soon and switch over to the iPhone. When I travel I always take my iPad.

Favorite phone apps: Pintrest, Flipboard, Urbanspoon, and Fooducate,

Favorite Dress: Navy & White maxi dress by 548 which I wear everywhere in the summer or my black sequin accent mini which I’ve worn to birthday bashes and weddings

Shoes:

Favorite Casual Shoes – Havaianas & Tom’s

Favorite Fancy Shoes – Michael Kors nude pumps or any of my Steve Madden flats/sandals

Volley Shoes – Mizuno Wave Lightning

Workout Shoes – Nike cross trainers

Favorite Memorabilia: Spencer gave me the BEST birthday/valentine’s day present of all time 2 years ago… He wrote “You Are Right,” signed it, and framed it. Now, whenever we disagree about anything I have written proof that I am always right. Best present ever.

Favorite Bag: My trusty Longchamp I got in college and still use almost every day

Going Out Bags – Normally I end up using an oversized clutch when I go out, and my favorites are Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Tory Burch

Books: I like Dan Brown’s books, but I’m mostly a non-fiction reader – Randy Pausch, Eckhart Tolle, Steven Covey, are some of the author’s I’ve been reading in the past year or so & I’m working on getting through Neale Donald Walsch’s books right now. I’m taking business classes online, so most of my current books are for school. I think everyone should read The Last Lecture, The Power of Now, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Favorite Scent: I wore Chloe for a long time, now I use Rosewood from Banana Republic. On men, I’m a big fan of Aqua di Gio.

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Thank you C-Barb for sharing your style to us! We totally agree with you on Lululemon!