“Style gives you the ability to be an individual on a regular basis,” Cardi Buetler says. “Everyone has their own identity, and style lets them present that every day in whatever they’re doing.” Raw edges and vintage patterns are some of the subtle textures and shapes that Buetler uses to express herself.
Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct and unique 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.
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“Do and wear what you like and don’t be so concerned about everything,” Buetler says when asked about discovering one’s own personal style. Here, she’s wearing an altered and freshly printed shirt for her clothing line, Hell Bent. This outfit shows an easygoing side of Buetler, because one should always be comfortable when working, and even more so when taking care of their family.
“I really like this whole kind of gothic/90s stuff that’s coming around, but I feel like some people really overdo it,” says Buetler. “A pair of shorts could be really cool, but with the hat, the shoes, the choker… they’re just killing it for me.” Buetler prefers to keep her version of ’90s goth simple and elegant. Paired with her go to Cons, an altered vintage dress and a baggy denim shirt, she could be compared to Lydia Deetz on her way to a Nirvana concert.
“You know what I think I really like about Salt Lake?” Buetler says. “The people that do get the style that I have and that I give—the people that get it, really get it and they like it.” Having spent a stint in LA a couple years ago, Buetler feels the new-grunge culture is a little washed out there and that people have lost an appreciation for it. Here, she’s wearing a drab green backpack that she “commandeered,” which tops off a grungy look and provides function for both family and personal errands.
“Style gives you the ability to be an individual on a regular basis,” Cardi Buetler says. “Everyone has their own identity, and style lets them present that every day in whatever they’re doing.” Raw edges and vintage patterns are some of the subtle textures and shapes that Buetler uses to express herself.
Buetler isn’t seen without her silver jewelry; the bracelets on her left wrist alone have been there for about seven years now, and she wears a pair of silver earrings that she refuses to take out. Other than that, though, Buetler prefers to stray away from flashy or gaudy accessories.
Beutler’s studio is full of self-altered clothes salvaged from DIs statewide, bins full of scrap fabric and material and pieces of sewing equipment. She even admitted to there still being more tucked away at home. It takes a certain eye to understand the creative/DIY message behind Buetler’s style, but thankfully, here in Salt Lake, she’s got a pretty diverse crowd to mingle with.
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