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What's in your bag? Modern-day Cinderellas reveal style secrets

Fall is coming, slowly but surely. And while leaves aren't yet turning in Denver, you can see the season shift in the clothes people are wearing. This week we present a double dose of women's wear. One woman is dressed for a ball, the other for business. Keep reading to...
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Fall is coming, slowly but surely. And while leaves aren't yet turning in Denver, you can see the season shift in the clothes people are wearing. This week we present a double dose of women's wear. One woman is dressed for a ball, the other for business. Keep reading to see how Casie Ryan and Mary Shwader create looks that echo the iconic past, but still create a style all their own.

See also: -What's in your bag? Back to school with hairspray, mints and more! -What's in your bag? Dead animals, shades and more at the Westword Music Showcase -What's in your bag? Marc Jacobs, a master's thesis and more!

Name: Casie Ryan.

Spotted at: 15th and Larimer.

Profession: Server at Dazzle.

Summer anthem: Anything by the Pixies, the Jackson 5, Bassnectar or Led Zeppelin.

Favorite film: Shogun Assassin and Kung Fu Hustle.

Style inspirations/icons: Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance. I love old movie stars and classic American styles from the '50s and early '60s.

Favorite color: Green.

Favorite accessory: Things I can put in my hair like feathers, flowers and headbands. Bobby pins rule my life.

Style mantra: Try to look fierce and be the fury!

Shops at: Goodwill and Regal Vintage on Broadway.

What does she carry in her bag? "You know, the usual boring stuff," she said -- and then dashed off. Modern women are always on the go!

Check out Mary Shwader's street style on page 2!

Name: Mary Shwader.

Spotted at: 14th and Curtis.

Profession: Student and writer at University of Colorado Denver.

Summer anthem: Anything by Rihanna or Jay-Z.

Favorite film: Gattaca.

Style inspirations/icons: Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of American Vogue.

Favorite colors: Black and gray.

Favorite accessory: Shoes.

Style mantra: Hopefully I'm not having another bad-hair day!

Shops at: Bebe, BCBG, Forever 21 and Nordstrom.

The black leather wedge shoes were a Nordstrom find. Looks are completed by the details -- and inside her bag are a mirror, a wallet, hairspray, keys, make-up and a hair brush. Style analysis: Ryan and Shwader both demonstrate how specific inspirations influence wonderful wardrobes. Ryan admires the glamorous women of the '50s and '60s, and it shows in the baby-blue blouse and skirt she is wearing. She appears like a modern-day Cinderella, complete with black shades and headband. Shwader prefers the modern look of businesswomen Wintour, and that's reflected in her all-black ensemble that can go effortlessly from the classroom or office to a night on the town. Each woman dresses according to her personal style rules and lifestyle -- and ther results are stand-out.

When dressing, Denver, take inspiration from icons -- but be prepared to create some legendary looks of your own.


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