Mill Valley Native Talks Jeans, Fashion Stereotypes in Southern Marin

Class of 2012  grad Claudia Shapiro is heading to the University of Wisconsin at Madison as a third generation Badger this fall. She plans to major in communication arts with a focus on radio, film and television and to complete a minor in criminal justice.

Shapiro was an active participant on  and contributed to its as a defense attorney. Outside of school, Shapiro stays busy singing, acting, and working. We caught up with her downtown to learn about her personal style.

Mill Valley Patch: What are some of your favorite things to do in Mill Valley?
Claudia Shapiro: Sometimes I sing at open mic at the . I like going to the pool at the with my girlfriends and hanging out downtown. Since Mill Valley is so small everyone seems to know everyone, so walking around or going to the market is a community activity all by itself.

MVP: How long have you worked at the Blues Jean Bar shop downtown?
CS: I've been there since September 2011. Jeans are a staple of my wardrobe, and since I work at the store I get a discount, which is dangerous for me since I wear jeans almost every day if the weather is right.

MVP: So you must know a lot about jeans?
CS: I have extreme product knowledge. I know way too much about jeans. The store has over 40 brands, but some of my favorites are Henry and Belle, James Jeans and Paige Denim.

MVP: How would you describe your personal style?
CS: It varies season by season, but I would say I like practical fashion or practical style. I'm short, so I wear heels a lot, but comfortable heels. I like to look put together but with things that I'm comfortable wearing. Jeans are a staple, and shoes or a jacket might create the vibe of an outfit.

MVP: Do you see any fashion trends in Mill Valley these days?
CS: Well, there's always the joke that the typical Mill Valley lady wears yoga pants, has an iPod and is toting either a small dog or a small child, and you do see a lot of that. But I also think you see a wide variety of style. I like seeing some of the hippie style from people who have been here a long time. There's definitely a Mill Valley vibe, but I don't know how to explain it. Of course you have all the bikers in their spandex, but that's a whole different thing.

MVP: Can you give me the run-down of what you're wearing now?
CS: Henry and Belle super skinny onyx wash jeans, Steve Madden lace-up boots, a black blouse from Italy, a military inspired jacket from H&M, and I'm carrying a red bag from Longchamp.