Great grandmother's hat tops off Jasmine Graham-Napper's understated elegance

How would you describe yourself? What do you do?

Life quester.

What are you wearing today?

I’ll start from the top: This hat was my great-grandmother's. It is so special to me and today was special, so I wanted to wear something that reminded me of her.

How did you get it?

After my great-grandmother passed, my grandmother, who was her daughter, inherited everything she left behind. So sometimes she allowed me to rummage through her belongings, begrudgingly, but I was able to sneak this one away.

And then the shirt I picked up online a few years ago. I am one of those people who still have clothes from high school, with the tags on it. So, occasionally I pick back through some things and this kind of popped up for me. And I like the way it contrasts with the jumper I am wearing.

Most people who know me in daily life would say “Oh I know Jasmine, she usually wears a skullcap and jumper or the farmer jack outfit."

And the sandals because it is so warm out.
I love the lilac trench coat!

Absolutely, this I grabbed at a resale shop in Lawrenceville.

Oh, and I almost forgot the teakettle [being used as purse]!

This is a family heirloom it belonged to my great-great-grandmother’s sister. It has been nicked through the years, but it still holds up nice.

Is anything you're wearing a gift you bought yourself that has special meaning to you?

This anklet I bought about six years ago. The scarab is traditionally known as a protection, but for me it is moreso to remember me to keep my peace.

I read that the scarab is also connected to the chakras.

There is a connection to the chakras, and some people also see it as connection to the human brain; you can quest and search for more information.

Do you wear it every day or often?

I am a moody dresser. [Laughs] But I have worn it every day for the past three to four months.

You have beautiful accessories like the piercings and glasses.

The piercings are a creative expression of who I am and [an] extension, really. And intentional obviously, because it hurts. ... The piercings: I have three in the nose, two septum piercings, and a nostril.

Is there anything that you have that is a gift that someone bought for you that you wear often?

You’re probably expecting me to say something physical but the only thing that comes to mind is confidence, reassurance, believing in who I am and what I can do. That is a gift. ... My family, they believe in me sometimes more than I do myself, that is my best accessory and foundation of who I am.

Is there something that you’re looking forward to this spring, this season?

The sunlight! [Laughs]

Asked to pick a favorite place in Pittsburgh, Jasmine said the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. A big thank you to Julie LaBar and everyone at the Phipps for welcoming us and allowing us to photograph on a busy weekend.