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Style Queue /stīl/ /kyo͞o/ noun 1. a sequence of people with a distinctive appearance 2. A style column for The Sound whereby sustainable style blogger, Jennifer Moore (a.k.a recovergirl), interviews locals with unique style
This week, we talk with Hannah Lee Pimpis, a 25-year-old Portsmouth resident, about powerful colors, sass, and the ’90s. This interview has been condensed and edited.
If you could have a different name, what would it be?
My penname is Brett Ivy. I like a mix of masculine and feminine names. Brett is the name of some dude from “Boy Meets World,” and Poison Ivy is my favorite Batman villain.
What’s your occupation?
Muffin grabber at Ceres Bakery.
What is your dream job?
I want to support myself with writing, acting, and directing. I studied film at Syracuse University. I also want to continue with my other passions: music, fashion, and printmaking. I want to use all my creative talents in my work. Essentially, I want to be self-employed.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to meld a lot of different decades and genres based on however I’m feeling on a particular day. The ’90s is my favorite decade right now. I do some grunge sometimes. I also like the chicness of the models in the ’90s. I like the direction that fashion is going because it feels like it is melding all the good parts of past decades together.
My personal style is just very much like — If I’m feeling sassy, I dress sassy. I like powerful colors. I wear a lot of black, but I also wear blue and red. I don’t like prints. My style is an amalgamation of a bunch of different things. It’s like — sass, class, and ass!
Who is your style icon?
It would be a mix of Rita Hayworth, Poison Ivy, and Axl Rose. They are all redheads, which is why I dye my hair red.
What are the staples of your wardrobe?
Black clothing, my bear ring, and sassy heels. Also, I have a jumpsuit for every occasion.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Me. I would like to play myself in a movie about my life, like Mariah Carey in “Glitter.” Classic.
What’s an article of clothing in your closet that you love?
I have this one dress that I have had for eight years. It is a V-neck, salmon-colored, cinch-waisted, knee-length dress. I get more compliments from wearing that than anything else I have.
Describe an outfit you wore for a special occasion that you really loved.
I made my dress for senior prom. I spent three days watching “The X-Files” and sewing on a sewing machine that I didn’t know how to use. The dress had a bustier top with really cool straps that had a lace flutter detail. It had a magenta chiffon skirt that I somehow was able to ruche a little bit. I got tons of compliments. It was really fun.
Who do you think has great style?
I like anybody who is confident in what they are wearing. People who know how to show themselves off to the world are very inspiring to me.
What is something you love about your body?
My face. My lips. I hated my beauty mark growing up, but I like it now.
How do you practice sustainable style?
I do buy new clothes, but I get a lot from thrift stores. My clothes are important to me and I care for them and keep them forever.
Top of page: The sassy and classy Hannah Pimpis. Photo by Jennifer Moore