SLUG Style: Braxtyn Birrell

With an eclectic flair and a blacklight passion for the arts, Editorial Coordinator Braxtyn Birrell has a style all of her own. Sensationally profound, beautifully original and a deep admirer for the “weird little guys” in our life — it’s no wonder why we’ve selected her as part of the SLUG team. 

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character — anything.

I think the decade I am the most inspired by is the ‘70s, because there was a time in there when both punks were coming to life and hippies were still in their heyday. Those are very different looks, one dark and edgy while the other is bright and flowery, but I feel like my style lives within their intersection. These are from the ‘80s, but some of my biggest fashion inspiration comes from Cyndi Lauper and Duckie Dale from Pretty in Pink.

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

I’ve always loved writing, and I read 45 books last year. I think reading and writing are obvious hobbies for someone who was an English major, though. Something one might not realize I love as much as I do is coloring. I have so many coloring books; my favorite artists are Autumnal Wood and Bobbie Goods. I’ve been playing a lot of Club Penguin recently. I finally figured out how to do the spy missions again, and my inner child is squealing. I’m also in a theatre group, Out of the Shadows, where we do shadowcasts of cult classics like Repo!, Hedwig and Rocky Horror. 

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?

I wouldn’t say I’m always on, but I have been asked what the occasion was and had to respond, “Oh, I just dress like this” multiple times. Some people feel more comfortable when they’re in a hoodie and sweatpants, and while I do relate to that sometimes, I think I usually feel more comfortable when I’m a bit uncomfortable. I have shit to do, and I can’t get shit done unless I’m dressed like a girlboss. 

How does it feel working full-time at SLUG? What is something you’re most excited to accomplish?

I’ve been trying to play it cool, but I’m over the moon. I’ve done so much volunteer work over the years to gain knowledge and experience, and it feels like all of that hard work has finally paid off. I couldn’t choose a better first job out of college. We’ve been working so hard to put together the Changemakers issue for March, and there have been some bumps in the road, but I’m so excited to see it in print. I’ll always remember it as my first issue! I’m hoping to revive some old types of stories we don’t do anymore, like book reviews.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Intelligent. Gentle. Conscientious.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

I used to be emo: swoopy bangs, raccoon eyes, band Ts, black skinny jeans, Converse. My taste in emo music hasn’t changed since I was 12, but my style definitely has. Although I still love to incorporate edgier elements into my outfits, that full-blown darkness doesn’t bring me joy anymore. I think leaning into color and pattern is far more rebellious than what I was doing when I thought I was a rebel (I was not). 

As an eclectic personality, what is your philosophy on “weird little guy” trinkets?

What can I say? I love weird little guys! I’ve been collecting these things called Furrybones for 10 years. They’re like little skeletons dressed up in different costumes. I think they’re a good example of that intersection of angst and whimsy that I enjoy. When I got the job at SLUG, I asked my friends and family to give me things to put on my desk. Of course I have SpongeBob and Patrick, as well as a LEGO Bert to match my little sister’s Ernie. But there are also some creepy things on there, like a man whose face is secretly the tip of a middle finger and headless monkey legs. 

Why do you consider the show SpongeBob SquarePants as comedy gold?

This is such a silly question, and yet I’m trying not to write a novel in response. SpongeBob is so nostalgic for me. My parents were never the kind not to let me watch SpongeBob; they enjoyed watching it with me. It’s so entertaining as a kid, and those first seasons are just as good as an adult, if not better. I rewatched them recently and was genuinely impressed by how much thought was put into the facial expressions, the music, the absurdity yet coherence of the plotlines. SpongeBob has a bad rap for being brain-dead slop, but it’s art. It’s also such a great way of connecting with people, because you can say, “This is just like that one episode of SpongeBob,” and the right people will know exactly what you mean. One of my best friends and I have matching SpongeBob tattoos. We got the flower-clouds so that it wasn’t in-your-face-SpongeBob, but if you know, you know.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Somehow, I developed a perspective in high school that I was incapable. I almost didn’t go to college because I didn’t think I was smart enough. I’m glad I took the chance on myself because turns out I just hadn’t found my passion yet, which I probably never would have if I hadn’t gone to college. If I could talk to my younger self, I would show her all of the things I have accomplished in these short years since then. My mantra has recently become “everything always works out for me.” And I think that’s all she would need to hear. 

Read more SLUG Style features here:
SLUG Style: Kate Johnson
SLUG Style: BuddyLove