Style File – Q&A with Christa Brown

Merrimack Valley Magazine interviewed fashion model Christa Brown, who appears in the May/June issue’s Style File, about her favorite styles, fashion mishaps and interests.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Methuen, raised in Haverhill and moved from there to Hartford, Conn., during middle school and some of high school, then to Virginia to finish high school and college. I graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Va.

What do you think makes the Merrimack Valley unique?
The richness of cultures and the willingness to collaborate. There is so much exploring to be done here, so much to learn, and there seems to be a wonderful sense of partnership that I haven’t seen in many other places.

Who are your favorite designers? What is it about their work that you love and admire?
Valentino. I applaud the detail, the attention to the female silhouette. Everything is so beautiful. And always Betsey Johnson; every single piece has personality and makes a statement. I love that.

Tell us about your most fabulous look. What is one outfit that makes you feel like a rock star when you wear it?
I have this beautiful Michael Kors dress that my godmother gave me. It drapes at the neckline and has all this ruching near the waist. Add some heels and some statement earrings, and I feel like a million bucks.

What is one fashion “uh oh” you made growing up?
I used to wear my hair in a genuine pompadour when I attended boarding school in Connecticut — teased on the top and pinned in the back with a bazillion hairpins. I would wear scarves around my head with oversize clip on earrings, long flowy skirts from the Salvation Army with flowers and buttons down the middle, and off-brand Keds-looking sneakers. So bad. But I felt so unique at the time, so in charge of my body.

Are there any current trends you’re really into?
I’m all about the embrace of natural hair. Women like myself donning our natural hair texture is a beautiful thing! I also appreciate dying hair funky colors. I love lavender and gray and light green. I think it’s gorgeous. It’s like human cotton candy, minus the sugar.

You’re stuck on an island. You can only have three books with you. Which three and why?
“Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book changed my life! I think it jumpstarted the beginning a self-awakening and realizing the motivation behind my actions and thinking. It helped me see that at literally anytime in life you can change your life and do what you want. Relationships, jobs, your look, everything is optional!

“Hard Times Require Furious Dancing” by Alice Walker – I received this after a show I had been in as a gift, and the poems are so relevant to my life–all about not wallowing in self-pity and appreciating yourself, honoring yourself. I’m all about the truth.

“One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” by Iyanla Vanzant – I’m realizing I’m on a self-help kick. This book was given to me by a dear sister-friend. Each chapter gives you a different part of yourself to focus on: honesty, forgiveness, complacency. I have read it and underlined and highlighted it so many times, it is literally falling apart, which I guess is a good thing.