Ashley Barnes

>> Occupation: Student and nanny

>> Age: 21

>> Residence: Mililani

While her peers are socializing or spending nights at parties, Ashley Barnes is home studying business management or researching child development. Barnes, who is in her last semester at the University of Hawaii, plans to move to Arizona at the end of the summer, where she hopes to start her next chapter in life as a child care provider. When she’s not dedicating time to her studies, she is a part-time nanny of two boys, ages 8 months and 4 years.

When it comes to the choices she’s made in her young life, she explains, “I feel like I was meant to care for children. There’s something about being a part of a baby’s learning experience … that grounds me.”

Caring for young children, she has learned what not to wear and how to keep clean (as best as possible), assembling outfits appropriate for both school and work.

>> Comfort: When jetting from school to work, I find myself most comfortable in shorts and a loose-fitting top. My intention for my style is to be as versatile as possible with a casual or street-chic vibe. For example, I wear American Eagle Super Stretch black shorts with a maroon tank top and flats to school but add an Anne Klein watch, layered necklace and a Brixton fedora or wide-brim hat before heading to lunch with friends.

>> Can’t live without: Cardigans! I get cold easily, so a cardigan is perfect for fitting in my bag and a great accessory to any outfit.

>> Summer essential: A Jolyn swimsuit. The material never seems to wear out. The tops are mostly cross-back, which provides great support, and there are a lot of solid colors and also a wide variety of prints to choose from.

>> Essential beauty product: Something that I recently can’t go without is Milani Perfect + Conceal Foundation because it’s a one-step solution to full coverage. I pair it with Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, The Beauty Box Sculpt & Glow pallet for a slight contour, and Whirl Lip Pencil for an everyday no-makeup makeup look.

>> Closet must-have: A tank top dress is one of my closet must-haves. I keep one that is form-fitting and one that is flowy. I am really comfortable in black and gray, but I choose dresses in subtle colors, such as earthy tones, which can be paired with a casual or flashy cover-up/cardigan.

>> College style: I have seen a lot more bohemian around campus. More people are pairing comfort with style.

>> Fashion tips when caring for kids: Be OK with getting dirty. There will be drool, flying food, chalk and, of course, dirty diapers. Don’t wear anything that you’ll regret getting ruined, and try to stay away from white.

Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.