Out-Fashioned and Outnumbered: The Women that Run My Life

My sense of style is loosely upheld. When it’s on, I’m a neon Catholic, cargo-smuggler-on-vacay crossbreed of Tyler Durden, Hunter S. Thompson and Winston Churchill. When it’s off, I’m your daddy at a chili cook-off. I try to be as presentable as possible, equipped with sights, sounds and smells, because I dare you to catch me without at least one squirt of cologne out in the wild. However, sometimes the skidmark Crocs are a more convenient choice than the mint varsity P.F. Flyers. It’s not a fashion relapse — it’s only human nature. One like myself, though, sometimes craves the glitz and glam of a fashionista, where being “on point” never takes the weekend off. Style, especially what’s uniquely yours, should be a bare necessity to the everyday routine — clothes should be pressed and fresh, shoes should be ready to strut and all the little rings, blings and aesthetics should be considered part of your everyday carry.

So, how do I keep up with the evolution of oneself in the most swaggish of ways? I’m going to have to consult with the professionals. In terms of interviews, I’ve chatted with rockstars, artists, high-profile personalities and that one time I tried a six-degrees-of-separation experiment to contact Quentin Tarantino. Yet nothing could prepare me for this! Sitting in a late-night sushi joint, gas-masking through the fumes of Sabrina Carpenter perfume and Sex Wax air fresheners, I “attempted” to interview my three lovely sisters: Paydon, Tabby and Rayly Barnhart.

Treading lightly with this piece, all three come with their own style that’s both versatile and essential to their sense of identity. Take the oldest, for example: Although her profession in social work necessitates a more modest appearance, Paydon effortlessly stands out. The tattoo sleeves mismatched with kooky outfits of leopard prints and patterns make her the “modernized eclectic clown” she claims to be. “[Fashion] documents you at the time because style always changes,” Paydon says. “People could make assumptions, but if you’re able to express your own style, you [can] have confidence in yourself.” Her personal brand is inspired by the zany adults from kids books like Ms. Frizzle, spliced with Brittany Broski humor and a bitter jot of Tim Burton darkness to dial it back. “I’m nice and fun and I like pranks,” Paydon says, as I nearly spit-take my Dr. Pepper.

Though different in threads and trends, both Tabby and Rayly’s fashion takes are cut from the same cloth. Tabby’s punk academia look is a cosmetic handshake with Paris Hilton and Tyler, the Creator, with Emma Chamberlain sneaking in a fist bump. Her approach is like a sculptor to a marble mound. “You can have a basic outfit, but once you add all the accessories — bag, charms, bracelets, rings — it makes it art,” Tabby says. What once was a growing emo phase has now morphed into fairy pixie riot grace by ditching the safety pins while keeping the chrome. As for Rayly, her style is a clean indie model, off-duty Bella Hadid look. The clothes are bright and vibrant, with simple notes of a smiley face here and a cartoonish flower there. “My hot take is that there shouldn’t be hot takes. Wear what you feel. Feel what you wear,” Rayly says. “[Fashion] sets your day out for success, doesn’t it?”

My sisters have always been pinnacle figures in my life, from our mutual bond of holding each other up though depression and divorce. That feeling of growing up quickly through dark times is like whiplash, but the silver lining is becoming comfortable with yourself sooner. I joke and tease that these three women truly control every aspect of my life, but the truth is, we’re all in one big mess considering the state of the modern world. The only thing we have to defend is each other’s backs… so we might as well look good while doing so. “Here’s the gag: Fashion is art. Art is subjective,” Tabby says. “When one outfit looks great to someone, it’s bad to someone else. What matters is if you like it!”

Read more from Associate Editor Alton Barnhart:
Ramblin’ Rods Race Towards Tomorrow
Off to Tango with The Crimson Bull at The Soapbox Race