Today’s guest poster is from the hot badlands of Texas otherwise known as Houston. Just kidding about the “badlands part”. If you’ve never been there, and if you’re a reader of Tramanh’s blog, Phi-Style.com, you will know that Houston is a wonderful oasis of fashionable metropolitan life, with Tramanh’s blog and daily outfit details as prime examples of how up-market life in Houston can be and is!

Tramanh is an essential downtown, metropolitan femme fatale with big hair, bombshell makeup and killer shoes.

Here, she breaks down her daily style inspirations Q&A style:

Who are you?
I’m Tramanh Phi and I’m a 28-year-old attorney from Houston, TX.

What elements of things in your life help you define your style?
Elements in my life that define my style? It’s hard to even define what my style is because honestly, I don’t even know what it is! I think that’s one of the hardest things for someone to do – define their style and essentially, define themselves.

As far as elements that have helped to form my style? My personality. My profession. The weather in Texas. Having a mortgage and school loans. My height. Where I go out. All these things have, in some way or another, affected how I developed my personal style. If I had to narrow my style down to a couple key terms – big hair, statement accessories, and a penchant for looking high maintenance.

What is your style code?
Dress with a purpose. I don’t think there’s any excuse for dressing sloppily. That doesn’t mean that you can’t wear jeans and a tshirt – just wear it like you put it together on purpose.

What inspires your style?
Minimalism, the color black, typography, strong women, 80’s synth pop, fashion bloggers, pretty hair, models off duty.

Where do you shop and why?
Mall stores like Forever21 and Urban Outfitters are great b/c they’re a cheap way to experiment with different styles to see what works for you. They are also great for filler items like tanks and tees. For investment pieces like shoes and purses, Saks and Neimans. For everything in between, I love online shopping! Shopbop, Revolve, Tobi, and Gilt have great sales.

What sort of foods do you like?
I love and appreciate all good food. I’ll be happy with chicken and dirty rice from Popeyes, or the degustation at Robuchon. I prefer traditional French preparation over molecular gastronomy. If I HAD to pick a particular type of cuisine, I’d have to say real, traditional Italian food – and I’m not talking about Olive Garden! Although indulging in endless pasta has a special place in my heart as well!

What are your biggest intellectual inspirations that translate to how you live?
I had to think about this one for a while. I love intelligent, passionate, and self-aware people who bring something to the table – and that’s who I try to surround myself with. Also, at the risk of dragging politics into this Q&A, I’d have to say that great liberal minds “inspire” the way I live the most. I have a great respect for equal rights, separation of church/state, welfare, toleration, and simply being open to all things without judgment. Everyone is free to form their own opinions, but no one should impose their beliefs upon anyone else.

What is the one item in your closet could you not live without?
My AA cross-back bra. I’ve lived in this thing for the past 2 years. And only $14!

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To find more style inspiration, outfit shots and just downright awesome hotness, visit Tramanh’s blog, Phi-Style.com!

Thanks, Tramanh!

Photo Credit: Tramanh Phi, Phi-Style.com