I love fashion. And I think most people express their personalities, moods and aura through what they wear better than they could ever articulate in words.

But I may as well admit this from the start: I'm new to Los Angeles, and the local style is a whole different world, too. So I've decided to take to the streets, roaming the neighborhoods of Los Angeles over the next few months to ask people simple questions about their personal style preferences.

I'm from the East Coast, and so had a very romanticized idea of what to expect of L.A. Back home, we think California is all celebrities and sunshine. So naturally, the first place I went to scout out everyday Los Angeles fashion was Beverly Hills. It's the first neighborhood that comes to mind to "foreigners" like myself.

Amazingly, some of the first people I ran into were, indeed, celebrities! I met Ronnie, Vinny and Pauly D, cast of the "Jersey Shore" at the Beverly Center. I had heard that Ronnie and the rest of the cast were visiting L.A. to promote their show, but I never really expected to see them in person. Not surprisingly, I found them in their natural habitat - inside a True Religion store.

I spent some time talking to Ronnie, talking about his style. Ronnie was wearing True Religion Jeans and a plain black Calvin Klein shirt. His said his favorite places to shop are Armani Exchange, True Religion, and Ed Hardy—not much of a surprise for those of us who watch "Jersey Shore". He claims he takes only 15 minutes to get ready in the morning, but after taking one look at his over-gelled hair, I mentally added on another 10 minutes. And when I asked him who his fashion role model is, he was at a loss for words. I’m guessing he doesn’t take advice from anybody.

This next girl’s spunky cowboy boots are what caught my attention. Usually, I am skeptical about those who choose to wear them, but I thought she pulled these Steve Madden boots off well. She also had on a floral-print dress from Forever 21 and a Jessica Simpson bag. Apparently, she doesn’t take advice either, because she said that she never copies anyone’s style and that she is her own person. Sure sweetie, that's what they all say!

 I've noticed lately that men’s shorts are becoming shorter and tighter. Some people really don’t like them, but I for one love this new fad. The next guy I talked to was wearing Levi cutoff jeans that he cut himself. He had on a Thom Browne jacket and a classic American Apparel shirt. He was definitely more knowledgable about fashion than I was, as he looked over my shoulder and corrected my spelling of “Tom Brown.” Then he told me he enjoys shopping at Maxfield, Barney’s, and Dolce—all pretty high end. But it only takes him 10 minutes to get ready, he said. Highly doubtful, unless he lays out his clothes the night before. 

 This final fashionista was quite elegant. I spotted her from a mile away as she carried herself with soft elegance. And what do you know? It turns out she is actually a fashion major in London. With her Top Shop dress, Aldo shoes, and a vintage bag she snatched up at the Rose Bowl flea market, I did not doubt her. She said her fashion role models are Alexander McQueen and Sonia Rykiel. I think she was the first one to answer honestly about how long it takes her, as she embarrassingly admitted to “one full hour.”

 

Reach reporter Jess Cho here