Deena Amont.

Deena Amont

Age: 46.     Sign: Gemini.

Hometown: West Caldwell, N.J.

Time in Lawrence: I’ve been in here since 1995.

Occupation: Art teacher at Lawrence High School.

What were you doing when scouted? I was in the hallway in-between classes at work.

How would you describe your style? My work style is “funky-practical.” I teach ceramics and metalsmith courses, so there is hardly a day that I come home with clean clothing. I wear pieces that wash easily along with closed-toed shoes and boots.

Favorite fashion trends: I don’t necessarily follow the current fashion trends, but I do have a few favorites of my own; lately, I’ve been making headbands and hairbands wrapped with fun fabric strips or ribbons. My mother was a fashion designer, and her practical, fun sense of style definitely influenced me in my youth.

Least favorite fashion trends: Low pants and showing too much skin in an inappropriate environment. I’m also sick of winter apparel in general – I’m just ready for spring!

What would you like to see more of in Lawrence? Lawrence is really good about establishing local, individually owned shops; however, I still want to see more of them. I like stores with unique items that you don’t see every day. And, I’d like to see more gardens.

Who are your fashion influences? I am drawn to interesting jewelry pieces and unusual accessories, like handmade scarves; from there, I build my outfit and pick out complementary clothing.

Tell us a secret: I read Dr. Seuss books out loud when nobody’s around, and I hate wearing pants!

Shoes: Dr. Martens, ATC, 2000.

Socks: hand-dyed, December 2009.

Tights: Hue, Weaver’s, September 2009.

Skirt: December 2009, gift.

Top: Natural Way, gift.

Wrap: Nomads, November 2009.

Glasses: Lawrence Family Vision Clinic, October 2008.

Clay jewelry: handmade, April 2009.