It is a common occurrence that during these summer months we see an influx of young returning nationals in the Federation. Some are on break from school and work, and others are just in desperate need of the land of their birth, even if just for a short space of time. They come by the droves from places far and wide, but mainly from the United States or England, two of the top fashion capitals of the world. Though Nevis, in general, is not lacking in keeping up-to-date on international fashion, I find that with their school-drained minds and chilled-to-the-core bodies, these returners bring a boost to the local fashion scene. Most have the wonderful ability to take what people are wearing where they reside and converting or altering it into Caribbean summer chic. Just on the heels of Culturama, and coming to the end of summer, I felt that even though most of these individuals are all but gone -- returning to their homes away from home -- the next PSI should be chosen from this bunch.

Now let me tell you, there was no shortage of choices. So many young men and women (mainly focused on women, because I wanted to restart my style icons with a female feature) were dotted around Nevis, each with a distinctly fresh style -- a telltale sign of their current absentee status. What I was looking for is the one woman that most impressed me with her metropolitan-to-island blend, and a fashion wisdom that told her what pieces could make the switch and what could not; someone who managed to achieve an eye-catching look without blatantly overdressing. This is a mistake often committed by returners, when they find it necessary to overdress for the sake of attempting to outshine locals. After spending my summer taking in all the looks, the person I decided on was Lauren Busby.

Lauren, an ex-children’s dance student of mine, has grown into a fashion-forward young woman. Currently studying in England, and now back there after a fabulous summer on Nevis, she is focused on getting ready to start university. Despite busy preparations for this new stage of her life, she took time to do this feature with me by answering a few questions.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I never know how to answer that question. I’d like to think that my style is very fashion-forward, but I wouldn’t say that I blindly follow trends. To me, style is about dressing to suit your figure. What you wear should make you feel confident and sexy, from going out and work clothes, right down to your pajamas!

Do you have any fashion or style inspiration or idols?
I wouldn't say that I ever aim to embody the style of anyone in particular. My mom has always inspired me to dress creatively, as she always looked impeccable when I was growing up. I loved to play dress up in her wardrobe, and have even adopted some of her old pieces as the trends have rolled back around. One of my favourites is a mid-blue denim shirt, which I've already told her I'm taking with me when I move out!

What is you favourite thing to buy?
SHOES! Without a doubt they are the things I spend the most money on (I recently spent a whole month’s paycheck on a pair of five-inch heeled bright red suede courts with an oversized Minnie Mouse bow on the front), and I love every single pair I have. The right shoes can make a boring outfit spectacular.

Do you prefer dressing up or dressing down?
Dressing up! I don’t tend to put much thought into dressing down, whereas an opportunity to dress up is never overlooked! When I get the chance, I like to start building my outfit around an idea… for example, for the Queen Show I took the trend of underwear as outerwear and chose a body con dress, which featured layers of fabric over a see-through base, and a statement neckpiece.

Do you have any favourite designers?
I try not to look too hard at designers because their clothing is SO expensive, but I do really like the style of Karl Lagerfeld, of Chanel, and Alexander McQueen. Style is easy to imitate if you pick pieces carefully.

Is trend the most important factor in selecting the clothes you wear? Are other elements involved, i.e., comfort, cost, colour, fabric, quality, etc?
While I do trend-watch, I wouldn't say it’s the most important consideration when I choose clothes. I love a bargain, and living in England there are so many high street shops that do really decent watered-down versions of the latest trends that there's no need to spend a fortune to look great. Saying that, there are times when quality is most important and when a cheap copy just won't do! I like to invest in statement accessories, shoes and jackets, which can be dressed down with basics or dressed up with the right dress or accessories. Another important factor is the way an item of clothing makes you feel. If you don't feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing, it shows.

Is there any one thing in your closet that you think best shows your personal style?
No. Every outfit I put together has a different personality. I don't think my style has any continuity other than always being flattering to my figure and making me feel confident.

Aside from the obvious, is there something that you refuse to leave the house without, e.g., lip gloss, earrings, a bracelet, or chains?
Earrings and bangles! But mostly earrings, because they kind of finish off an outfit, and add some sparkle to your face.

Is there anything truly individual about the way you dress?
I think my style is individual because I never copy other people, rather choosing to be inspired by what looks good and then using those elements to find something that flatters my personal style.

Would you prefer to be known for your trendiness or for you style?
I'd rather be known for my style, because not every trend should be copied; one should know what suits them and only wear what they're comfortable in. I'd like to think I do this, and that I do it well!