Rita is a full-time nutrition and English literature student at Drexel. She really likes to write, read, and paint. Ultimately, she’d love to write, but she’s also interested in potentially being a dietician. She’s originally from New Jersey, but has been in Philly for about a year and a half. She called Philly “diet New York,” but she said that she likes Philly a lot.

Rita likes shopping at Buffalo Exchange, Forever 21, American Apparel, and thrift stores. She also sews and occasionally makes dresses and skirts for herself. Her dress is from Forever 21 and her scarf is from Zara.

It’s been hard for me to start scouting and interviewing again. I’m definitely out of practice and not as bold as I had been when I decided to take a little break. Rita made it really easy for me though. When I first stopped her, she was super flattered and sweet and said that getting stopped by a street style blogger was one of her dreams. You can visit Rita and say hi at either of her Tumblrs: Something About a Fish and Bill Cosby Nudes.

Gabby found her hat at a thrift store, which is where she finds most of her clothes. Her earrings are from Francesca’s.

Gabby is studying fashion merchandising at Philadelphia University. She’s originally from the Boston area and has been in Philly for about three years. She loves coming downtown to walk around, and she enjoys the different dynamics throughout the city. Her dream job would be something related to sustainable fashion — “trying to come up with new ways for making it a more environmentally conscious area . . . more artistry, and making it more beneficial for everyone involved.”

I spotted Victoria while she was in line to get into the Tattoo Convention. I thought it’d be a good spot to find people. It was, but I found the prospect a bit overwhelming. She was like an understated and natural diamond in the rough of pink hair and weather-inappropriate clothing. Ladies, I know you want to show off the tattoos on your thighs, but when it’s twenty degrees at least wear some sheer tights. It made me cold to see so many people with bare legs and no coats.

I met Desiree outside of Clover Market. I thought it seemed like the perfect place to encounter some interestingly dressed vintage lovers. I was right about that.

Desiree is from Philadelphia and now lives in Mount Airy. She loves going to craft fairs and enjoys music, film, and “being a mommy to a wonderful three year old!” Her other city love is Chicago, where she got her BFA in Arts Administration and Photography.

Desiree also loves thrifting and vintage shopping. She loves getting designer denim from resale shops, and describes her style and aesthetic as “grandma chic,” old fashioned, but new. She likes getting one of a kind pieces that you wouldn’t see in chain stores.

She would love to someday run a member-supported nonprofit gallery and studio space. Right now, she works for The Picasso Project, a nonprofit that does advocacy and gives grants to Philadelphia public school teachers who need funding for art projects in their schools.

I really enjoy the pattern of her coat and her bright denim. It’s hard to find an interesting winter coat, and bright jeans give color to an otherwise grey and frigid city. Also, those earrings and that topknot! So good!

Lydia works at a restaurant and small market, which is appropriate because she enjoys cooking. Her dream job is to recreate an Anthony Bourdain-type situation — traveling around, talking to people, and writing about food and travel.

She tries to find her clothes secondhand. Her sweater is from an exboyfriend, who got it secondhand as well. It looks delightfully warm and cozy, especially on a frigid day like this.

She’s been in Philly for about three and half years, and her favorite part of the city is the people she’s met here: “I’ve met some really amazing people in Philadelphia.”