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Gina Rockenwagner is a walking rainbow. “I just wear what feels good,” says the designer, whose colorful wardrobe explodes with pink, purple and gold. Here, the founder of ethical brand Poppy and Pima shares five outfits she put together in a week…
Cardigan: Poppy and Pima. Scarf: Poppy and Pima. Skirt: J. Crew, similar. Boots: Brother Vellies, similar.
“When I was a kid, my mom let us pick the colors for our bedrooms, and I chose pink. That was the first color I really responded to. After that, I went hog wild! Now even my hair is pink. Whenever I go to the airport, kids get excited and want to talk to me. They’ll say, ‘Mommy, is she a princess?’ I use Colorista for touch-ups and get bleach highlights once a year. I also love wearing gold and purple. I took one of those complexion quizzes, which tells you what ‘season’ you are and what colors are best suited for you. I was a ‘spring,’ and my celebrity example was Drew Barrymore.”
Printed dress: Gina’s design. Coat: Roberto Rodriguez, similar. Strawberry clutch: Welcome Companions. Shoes: Martiniano, similar.
“I’ve been making clothes since I was 14. It’s hard to find formal dresses I like, so I made this turquoise one to wear to my cousin’s wedding. I’ve worn it to four weddings now. My boyfriend and I go crazy — we’re always the ones dancing in the middle of a circle. At a recent reception, he was tearing it up with my German grandma ’til 2 a.m. My moves consist of a lot of arm movements. My dancing is very arm-centric.”
Jacket: Poppy and Pima. Collared shirt: Uniqlo. Sweater: Poppy and Pima. Skirt: Uniqlo. Booties: Acne Studios.
“I have four pleated skirts, since they feel so good on my body. I don’t wear jeans. When I went to college at The Art Institute of Chicago, we learned that pants are the hardest garments to fit. The teacher had everyone with a size 29 waist stand in front of the class. There were nine girls, and even with the same hip measurement, every person was shaped very differently and required different cuts. We expect things to fit off the rack, but they often don’t. If you’ve had this experience, there isn’t anything wrong with you!”
Cardigan: Poppy and Pima. Collared shirt: Uniqlo. Skirt: Uniqlo, similar. Leggings: Aritzia Activewear, similar. Cowboy boots: Ariat.
“Going outside without lipstick feels like going outside without a shirt on. I love MAC Feels So Grand, which I’m wearing here. And Ruby Woo is the classic red. If they ever discontinue it, there will be riots. Revlon Matte Balm wears well, too. You know how color fades when you eat or drink, and then it looks like you’re just wearing lipliner? This one doesn’t do that.”
Sweater: Poppy and Pima. Skirt: Aritzia, similar. Purse: Rachel Comey. Boots: Brother Vellies, similar.
“The other day, I was listening to the Rolling Stones’ song She’s A Rainbow. ‘She comes in colors everywhere…’ I love being the colors girl. It makes me feel good.”
Thank you so much, Gina!
P.S. More women share their favorite outfits, including a speaker and a law firm employee.
(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo.)
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