Street Style: Meet Christina Brannon
I had only ever met Christina Brannon via Zoom calls, discussing backend digital updates and editorial posts for Stylebook. That’s the reality of the modern world of remote work. As I walked into Misha’s on Prince Street, I saw a flurry of long blonde, wavy hair and a lot of pink hovering over a laptop. And I knew it was her right away. A few patrons took a second glance, and what I instantly loved about Christina is she didn’t seem to notice, or care. She’s comfortable in her own shoes, which happened to be very high platform heels on that early winter morning. I warned her about the cobbles of Old Town, but as she posed for our photographer Renée, she carried herself gracefully.
Where does her love of pink come from? “When I was in high school, I was all about being edgy, and wore muted colors. And then I felt this shift and wanted to express how I felt inside outwardly. My hair was pink all through college. I’ve never muted myself for anyone to try and fit in. I’ve never toned myself down. I will be the person at the party in full glittery boots. I firmly believe we have such a short time here – dress how you want to dress and be yourself.”
Christina Brannon
Self-styled
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Shoot location: Misha’s Coffee on Prince Street
Christina grew up in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, a small town, close to Scranton. “It’s very much like a hallmark town, it’s close-knit with many Italian families, and has been called the ‘pizza capital of the world.’” Supposedly, square pizza in the U.S. originated there. “A lot of people want to escape their hometowns. Not me, I love to return, and not having to worry about locking the front door.”
Alexandria wasn’t what she expected. “It was more charming…like taking a step back in time. It reminded me of Cape May, New Jersey, but more genuine. It’s overwhelmingly beautiful. If you told me we were living in the 1800s, and took away the cars, I might believe you.” She adds, “With all the shops adding a touch of modernity, it’s the perfect mix.”
For the holidays her big Italian family came together to celebrate and honor those no longer living. There was the Feast of the Seven Fish, Pizzelle cookies…and a camcorder. The vintage camcorder was a special tribute to her dad who passed. “He was always the guy behind the camera. It was nice to step into his shoes and recreate some of that holiday magic and tradition. Today everything is so fast, 4K, iPhones…sometimes we just need to slow it down.”
Another way she slows it down is by taking care of rescues. “It got serious when my dad passed and I was so sad, and needed to dig deep to find a reason to get going in the morning. It was my first Christmas without my dad, and I thought ‘I’m just going to go walk the dogs at the local shelter’…sometimes they let you do that. There was one little guy in a crate…August, he was 14. They had found him in the rubble of an abandoned house, and they weren’t putting him up for adoption, it was more hospice-like care. And I said, ‘You’re coming home with me.’”
August changed her life, and taking care of him helped her cope with the grief and hopelessness she was feeling. “I know that my dad orchestrated this. August was a gift from him…taking care of him made me see that real joy is outside of yourself. My dad would do anything for anyone.” After August, there have been more special rescue dogs that Christina has sheltered. “Any time they have a dog with special needs, they call me,” she said with a smile.
Christina also finds solace in writing poetry. “It helps me organize my thoughts. I’m very much a detailed person, so when it comes to my poetry, it’s all free verse, no rules.” She recalls a newspaper clipping her dad had handed to her when she first graduated, something along the lines of “How to Become a Freelance Writer.” At the time she laughed it away…but her dad knew, and along with her creative side, she writes for nonprofits.
For 2024, Christina is adamant about staying true to who she is, and “not letting anyone shake that. I want to make others’ lives easier, and be a better person in the little ways.” Check out Christina’s Street Style:
ABOUT CHRISTINA
Neighborhood: Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York City
What is your hometown? Old Forge, Pennsylvania (pizza capital of the world, might I add)
What would surprise people about you? I am a little free librarian who loves to write poetry.
Favorite book or movie: I read too many books to name a singular favorite, but the last book that made me take pause was Pure Colour by Sheila Heti. My Goodreads has other titles I would also deem to be a favorite, for your TBR list. As for movies, anything that has a happily ever after.
Guilty Pleasure: Karaoke – anytime, any place. I keep this microphone in my car, in case of a popstar emergency. And before you ask–of course, I can’t sing.
Latest binge-watch: I think I watched Love Actually 40 times between Thanksgiving and now. “To me…you are perfect.”
Bucket list travel destination: Here’s an answer and a story. A psychic once told me that my Dad would like me to see how beautifully blue Banff is. So, I guess Banff… destiny calls.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: All my own.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Anything pink.
Favorite trend: Foregoing trends for personal style.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Pink lipstick and my ever-essential body/hair glitter.
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Outrageously impractical heels.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Hanging out with my senior sweetheart dogs and writing poems in my Notes app.
Most fun way to stay active: Long runs with a fun playlist or taking ballet classes with my friends.
Wellness goal: Although this is a lifelong practice, I want to consistently grow my empathy and understanding, not just for friends and family, but for strangers, customer service reps, the woman who cut me off in the Starbucks line this morning… I really feel so much better physically when I focus on the emotional side of wellness.
Want to try: Something I’m afraid to do, like skydiving, an ultra marathon, or scaling a mountain so high I can brag about it at my imminent high school reunion.
Proudest wellness achievement: Being unapologetically myself. Genuinely deciding to not focus on or listen to others’ opinions lowers blood pressure and cortisol more than exercise and diet ever could.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My bedroom. It’s full of natural light, fresh flowers, my journals dating back to when I was 12, dogs, and mismatched artwork.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Antiques and handmade pieces. I don’t care what era it’s from, just that it’s charming (and pink.)
Last item bought for your home: I commissioned a stunning portrait of my sweet senior, August, who passed away in the summer. He looks quite handsome and it was worth every penny to immortalize him in that way.
Favorite way to entertain: I am not the hostess with the most-ess (yet), but I will book a fabulous night out at a concert or show where everyone can get dressed up and relive our glory days.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in with glitter on the floor almost always.
Next planned purchase: Knowing me, another four-legged bestie from the shelter.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Since becoming digital media manager, it has been such a privilege to learn so much about this vibrant and connected community. To see small businesses lift each other up and celebrate each other’s successes in such a loud way is inspiring to me. From beauty tips to business savvy, Alexandria Stylebook has it all.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: I love seeing the new exhibits in the Principle Gallery.
Your go-to shop: I recently popped into the Antique Guild to check out their jewelry. I felt like a member of the Royal Family while wearing some of their jewels, so I will definitely go back for more.
Best food spot: I tried, and subsequently fell in love with Lockma from Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee on King Street.
Favorite local organization: Adrien Cotton Wellness has truly transformed my life. I have learned so much about confidence, wellness, and honoring my body from Adrien, and I feel like if you follow her methods, you’ll live well into your 100s (and still be able to do a pull-up.)
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: It’s such a fun experience to visit Old Town each time I take a road trip, but I cannot wait to experience Art on the Avenue.
