Style Icon of the Week: Kiana Barnes from Young, Wilde & Free

Style Icon of the Week: Kiana Barnes from Young, Wilde & Free

I have a confession.  I am an obsessive, creepy stalker.  I have been blog stalking Kiana from Young, Wilde & Free for a while now.  A long while.  Seriously, Kiana if you are reading this, go ahead and take out that order of protection.

Where did she get that awesome blazer?

In my defense, if you are going to blog stalk anyone, Kiana is an awesome target.  Her blog, Young, Wilde & Free is entertaining, super fashionable, and (dare I say it?) authentic.  In the fashion blogging world, every corner of the cyber 'hood is filled with aspiring fashionistas, whom are shallow with no substance.  Yet, here comes Kiana, a genuine breath of fresh air in the already crowded world of superficial and boring fashion bloggers.  And needless to say, her style is phenomenal. (PHENOMENAL) You can catch Kiana in anything from Led Zeppelin tees with flame Adidas to "chiffon maxi skirts and pastels".  Besides, she has one of the illest, dopest, flyest, coolest and utterly awesome-est faux hawks I have ever seen.  

After all this stalking, I recently decided to jump out of the proverbial bushes, and ask her some questions.  She wasn't mortified by me stalking her from her cyber bushes and graciously agreed to my interview request.  How awesome is that? How many stalkers can say their object agreed to talk to them?!

1) Tell the readers a little more about yourself (where are you from, what do you do, who you are, and what your blog is about)

One of the looks chosen for Fashion Bomb Daily

Supp folks? My name is Kiana Barnes and I'm a 20 year old (broke) college student and Miami native currently pursuing a degree in Journalism. At times I feel as if I am so many different people fighting to be one. My attitude affects my style greatly, I believe everyday is a chance to try something new. I named my blog Young, Wilde & Free because I wanted to create a space where the style is ever changing. I think in order to have a true, great style one has to be willing to change. Be curious.

2) What inspired your passion for fashion? (a person, a place, an event?)

Something that has always inspired my style are everyday people. I love seeing someone who is confident in their style and someone who pays great attention to detail, no matter their gender. I love men's fashion probably just as much as women's so I love mixing pieces and making them my own.

Yeah, I copied this look last week.  Don't judge me.

3) Who inspires you?

Everyone. I love seeing people style everyday pieces like tee shirts or a pair of jeans differently. I remember those things when it comes time to get dressed or go shopping. I like to recreate those looks that inspired me.

4) How would you describe your style?

My style is just...all over the place. I swear I could have different personalities because one day I'll be in sneakers and a tee and the next i'm in chiffon maxi skirts and pastels. I love that about me though, I like being unexpected. Whenever people see me I never look the same, I guess you could say I have "commitment issues" when it comes to style ;)

Kiana wondering, "why am I this freaking awesome?"

5) What is your favorite item?  (clothing, jewelry, etc)

My favorite item(s) are my Jeremy Scott Flame Adidas and my Vintage Crystal earrings. Both pieces make me feel all types of amazing whenever I wear them. I also love the reactions I get when wearing them, little kids love my sneakers, I've had a few grandma's comment on them. I like that something I may be wearing can make someone's day a little better. 

Source

6) What is your favorite place?

My favorite place is Wynwood here in Miami. I love that everywhere you go in Wynwood there will be a cool new piece of art. The whole vibe of Wynwood is electric, its unlike any other hood' in Miami :)

7) What are your future plans for Young, Wilde and Free?

I've lately been thinking about starting an online store, kinda like nasty gal meets etsy. I want it to be filled with a few of my pre-loved pieces along with vintage pieces I've found. I'd love to get my blog out there as much as possible, I want people to see that not all bloggers are made equal. My life isn't perfect, I can't afford the newest Chanel (although I'd love to) and most of my meals consist of publix sushi, ramen noodles and cereal. I'm just doing something I love :)

Led Zeppelin tee and a foulard...yeah...good times.

8) According to you, you have frequent run ins with law enforcement.  Do you think it's because 5.0 is jealous of your swag?

Lol damn right! Nah but really, I don't know what it is. I've noticed people like to "try" me maybe because I don't look threatening. I've been thinking about getting some golds and maybe a tear drop tattoo, you know so they'll stop. Le sigh.

9) Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years I'll probably be a single, cat lady type, ehh. Seriously, I wanna get out of Miami, make it in NY or LA, land the writing job of my dreams, own a pug who'll be named Harley or something cool like that. I honestly just want to be happy.

10)Where can my readers follow you (Facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc)

You guys can catch me on Facebook at Young, Wilde &Free, Follow me on twitter @YoungWildeFree, & Instagram @_youngwildefree feel free to say whats up!

Bonus question

11) When you become the next Black Ana Wintour can I get 1) a free subscription and 2) a job?

Haha, I got you. Corner office good?

Why is she so awesome?! (Seriously, why is she so awesome?)

Jeremy Scott Flame Adidas

Coral pants!

Blowing fashion dust on the rest of us.

Seriously, Kiana and her style are on another level.  On top of being stylish, Kiana has substance!  Yes, substance and authenticity which is so viciously lacking in our current fashion blogger world.  To immerse yourself in style, fashion and substance check out Young, Wilde & Free here!  I'll make a space for you in the bushes (wink).