Photography by Deux Boheme | Shot on location at the Art Museum of South Texas
Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, a canvas for creativity. We tapped five individuals from the Coastal Bend to showcase their distinct styles, each telling a story through their wardrobe. From elevated streetwear to formal ensembles, their looks offer inspiration for embracing originality and confidence. Let their unique approaches to fashion encourage you to explore and celebrate your own signature style.
Alexa Gignac is a seasoned luxury retail professional and store director at Julian Gold Corpus Christi, with a rich background in styling, visual merchandising and fashion show production. Known for her own killer personal style and her expertise in curating high-end looks, she has styled numerous photoshoots and fashion shows, including the annual Charity League of Corpus Christi Style Show & Luncheon and the Cattle Baron’s Style Show. Beyond retail, Gignac brings her passion for fashion and performance to the local theatre community, where she merges her love of costuming and production.
Style Q&A
Who or what inspires your style the most? Do you have any style icons?
I have quite a few. My top style icons would have to be Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Karen Walker from “Will & Grace.” Also, the iconic Princess Diana.
How does your style reflect your personality or life experiences?
My style reflects my personality because I tend to go for bold looks over subdued ones, which definitely reflects my outgoing nature. I am a fashion lover and a theatre girl at heart, so slipping into different characters with fashion is fun for me. I truly believe style is a form of self-expression, so typically however I’ve dressed for the day is how I’m feeling. I like to change my look and vibe depending on that day — some days I’m in a more tailored look, and other days I go for more unique statement ensembles.
THE LOOK:
Gown, Bronx & Banco (Julian Gold); Earrings, Necklace & Cuff, Alexis Bittar (Julian Gold); Rings, Kastel (Julian Gold); Shoes, Amina Muaddi
What’s your go-to outfit formula when you’re in a rush but want to look put together?
If I’m rushing out of the door — which is 99% of the time — I always make sure to have the perfect accessories on. Jewelry and sunglasses are an absolute must and can really help elevate an otherwise “simple” outfit. I also have a signature navy blue nail color that always helps to complete my look.
What is your best piece of style advice?
My best piece of style advice is to wear what you love! Wear what makes you feel confident and never second-guess yourself. If you feel good, you look good. People will often say to me, “Oh my gosh, I wish I could wear that!” and I always tell them, you literally can wear this, and you should! If you love it, wear it. Style is all about having confidence in yourself.
What are your go-to stores when shopping locally?
Julian Gold, of course. The store that has everything!
Dr. Christel Cuevas, a Corpus Christi native, is an interventional cardiologist who resides in her hometown with her husband and four children. After completing her medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, she returned to Corpus Christi to build her career and raise her family. Outside her work, Dr. Cuevas enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. A lifelong fashion enthusiast, she embraces personal style as a way to express her individuality when not in scrubs.
Who or what inspires your style the most?
Style can be inspired by many things — my style is most influenced by a blend of bold, creative music icons and the eclectic energy of street style. I draw inspiration from vintage fashion and historical trends, merging them with modern twists to reflect my love for both nostalgia and innovation. Ultimately, my personal experiences and how I want to express myself each day guide my fashion choices, allowing me to feel both confident and comfortable.
Do you have any style icons?
My fashion icon is Gwen Stefani. I love her style of glamorous femininity with a rock flair. She embodies old Hollywood glamour but with a modern, edgy twist.
How does your style reflect your personality or life experiences?
My style reflects my personality by blending boldness with individuality. I embrace a mix of edgy, statement pieces and classic elements, reflecting my confidence and willingness to stand out while staying grounded in timeless style. My experiences, whether navigating new challenges or embracing moments of self-expression, are reflected in my fashion choices, with each outfit allowing me to feel empowered and true to myself.
THE LOOK:
Skirt and Jacket, Alice and Olivia (Beatles Collection); Shoes, Jimmy Choo; Makeup, Krystal Pena
What’s your go-to outfit formula when you’re in a rush but want to look put together?
I like to combine bold elements with classic glamour and high-fashion elements. I enjoy wearing classic pieces but adding my own individual touch with unique accessories such as hats or mixing patterns in unexpected ways. I also love adding statement jewelry pieces to elevate the look.
What is your best piece of style advice?
The best style advice is to embrace what makes you feel confident and comfortable, experiment with different looks and invest in timeless, well-fitted pieces that can be mixed and matched.
What are your go-to stores when shopping locally?
Julian Gold! They offer a wide variety of designers with a personalized shopping experience to fit anyone’s style.
Natalie Flores is a business owner, logistic management specialist and social media influencer based in Corpus Christi. She and her husband, Marco Flores, owns EZ Screens and Shower Doors, while she also oversees industrial gas contracts at the Corpus Christi Army Depot. With her influencer marketing skills, Flores partners with brands such as the Green Bay Packers, La Palmera Mall, Concrete Street Amphitheatre, Brewster Street Icehouse and Hurricane Alley. Known as @the.hat.lady on social media, she shares her passion for fashion, travel and her fabulous hat collection, curating content that highlights game day style, daily outfits and adventures.
Who or what inspires your style the most?
Social media, specifically TikTok, has inspired my style for the last couple of years. I love seeing what the fashion girls are wearing in all parts of the world. I will see a look I like and pull together an outfit with what I have. Influencers inspiring me lately are Ines Silva, Caitlyn Warakomski, Folake Huntoon and Abby Silverman. I’m also inspired by the music I’m listening to at the time. You might see me out in my boots and cowboy hat one day then Doc Marten’s, torn jeans and a graphic tee the next.
Do you have any style icons?
My ultimate style icon will forever be my late grandmother Bea. She was always so well put together, and had impeccable taste in jewelry with timeless wardrobe pieces. She was even featured in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times column “Closet Snoop.” My appreciation of her classic style grew as I became more fashion-conscious.
THE LOOK:
Wide Brim Fedora, Gigi Pip; Faux Fur Coat, AFRM; Flannel, Produce Goods; Jeans, Citizens of Humanity; Boots, 20/20 Vintage; Sunglasses, Elisa Johnson; Jewelry, Kendra Scott; Belt, Gucci; Nails, Nails by La Maestra
How does your style reflect your personality or life experiences?
I’ve been on a fitness/weight-loss journey for the last two years. This has had a significant impact on my style evolution. Now, I dabble in different types of clothing I previously wasn’t comfortable wearing. I’m proud of my accomplishments so I’ve embraced showing a little more skin and wearing slim-fitting ensembles.
What is your best piece of style advice?
Invest in yourself! I live by the motto, “Look good. Feel good. Do good.” Taking the time to choose a great outfit, style your hair and apply makeup positively affects your mood. When I feel like I look good, my confidence is on 10 and I can tackle anything that day. As an added plus, you’re always ready for an impromptu happy hour.
What are your go-to stores when shopping locally?
Jewels, 20/20 Vintage and Jypsy’s Treasures and Consignments
Marcos Flores, known as Señor Cheesehead (@senorcheesehead), is a Corpus Christi native, devoted husband to Natalie Flores (@the.hat.lady) and proud father of three. A passionate Green Bay Packers superfan, he has attended 40 NFL games and four NFL Drafts, always standing out in his custom suits (trajes) and signature sombreros. Marcos is also an avid runner, concert enthusiast, jet setter and business owner, collaborating with local venues such as La Palmera, Concrete Street Amphitheater, Hurricane Alley Waterpark and Brewster Street Icehouse. Deeply connected to his city, especially its vibrant downtown, Marcos celebrates his roots and cherishes the memory of his father, which often translates to his fashion choices.
Who or what inspires your style the most?
Style is everywhere — movies, music, sports. I pay attention to the styles celebrities wear on stage and red carpets. Musicians have always been at the forefront of fashion, and music videos are a golden source of inspiration. The NFL and NBA have also embraced fashion and culture with dedicated Instagram pages featuring players’ game-day fits and travel ensembles. I also livestream seasonal fashion shows from various designers, where I draw a lot of inspiration from the models and the people in attendance. Celine, Rick Owens and Fendi are some of my favorite lines I wear and follow.
Do you have any style icons?
David Beckham, Wiz Khalifa, Cam Newton and Dennis Rodman are just a few icons that come to mind.
How does your style reflect your personality or life experiences?
We are always on the go, attending countless events at different venues locally, and we travel quite a bit for business and pleasure. It’s a rockstar life that requires a versatile style to match. If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready!
THE LOOK:
DrkShdw Denim Outer Shirt, Rick Owens; DrkShdw Denim Double Knee Jeans, Rick Owens; Knit Shirt, Fashion Nova; Soft Trunk Baguette, Fendi; Sunglasses, Fendi; Boots, Versace
What’s your go-to outfit formula when you’re in a rush but want to look put together?
I can always trust a fitted solid color short-sleeve cotton blend tee — preferably black — slim stacked flare jeans, my reversible Fendi belt, Fendi Flow Sneakers and a good pair of sunglasses. I also like to keep a good pair of all-white sneakers around since they are so universal.
What is your best piece of style advice?
Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair of designer sunglasses. Trust me, the right pair of sunnies will elevate any fit. Having a hat or two in your collection can also help refine your outfit. Plus, hats can also act as a heck of a conversation piece. My wife and I frequent hat stores during our adventures and like to take our time trying on different styles and colors. Try on new things, have fun and take lots of pictures for reference.
What are your go-to stores when shopping locally?
For me, it all starts at La Palmera. Dillard’s has something for everyone and every occasion, from everyday essentials to accessories and fragrances. I do most of my shopping when we travel; Houston, Chicago and Las Vegas are a couple of my favorite stops.
Maricela Sanchez Rodriguez is a locally-based multifaceted artist. With over 40 years of experience as a high-end industrial designer, painter, printmaker, sculptor and mixed media artist, her work ranges from vibrant, large-scale prints to functional designer dog crates. She was one of the original artists at K Space Studios and continues to shape the local arts scene as a Trustee and Collections Committee member at the Art Museum of South Texas. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Marcy pours her passion into advocating for heart health through the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red.
Who or what inspires your style the most?
I’m pragmatic, believe in up-cycling and love timeless pieces. I shop in my closet and incorporate vintage or decades-old [items] with current pieces and enhance the look with accessories and shoes to give them a modern touch. I love styles that fit most circumstances, and that easily go from work to play. I’m inspired by designs from my past and new trends that fit my taste. I love fabrics and have held pieces for years, which I enjoy redesigning and repurposing. An example is redesigning fabrics and incorporating them into a new collection of hippie jeans with a sophisticated flair. Or I add my designs onto textiles and incorporate them as needed, as well as redesign accessories I want to bring back to life.
Do you have any style icons?
I love Diane von Furstenberg for her iconic clothing that’s simple and comfortable. Sarah Jessica Parker and her “Sex and the City” character Carrie Bradshaw have a very fashion-forward mix of vintage with iconic pieces that inspires me.
THE LOOK:
Earrings, Kastel Designs (Julian Gold); Necklaces, Uno De 50 and Jen Jansen; Bracelets, Claudia Laboa (Julian Gold) and Neiman Marcus; Eyeglasses, Tiffany (Vision Boutique); Top, Ralph Lauren; Jeans, Marcy Jeans (Marcy’s collection line made of vintage Louis Vuitton and Custo Barcelona Fabric); Shoes, Prada; Purse, Chanel
How does your style reflect your personality or life experiences?
My energy reflects a metro city. I grew up in the ’60s through the early ’80s in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The ’70s style with clogs, platforms and bell bottoms will always be in my wardrobe. In my 30s I traveled quite a bit, visiting major cities in the U.S. and abroad. Visits to Paris, London, Vancouver, Switzerland, Italy and Hong Kong expanded my vision and taste. While traveling, I immersed myself, making stops at museums, galleries and art districts, which was always a visual treat and expanded my taste.
What’s your go-to outfit formula when you’re in a rush but want to look put together?
Anything from the brand Sympli is always an easy choice. They have endless ways to mix and match, plus they have comfortable, flowy and wrinkle-free designs you can wear all day or night, and for any occasion. I can dress them up with different brands and accessories or go casual. Plus, they are machine washable and great for traveling.
What is your best piece of style advice?
Invest in pieces you can style in new ways to create looks by mixing and matching and changing accessories.
What are your go-to stores when shopping locally?
Julian Gold is my favorite, if I can’t find it there, I shop at Dillard’s.
