By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It's tricky to pin down Chris Dawes of Mount Adams on his style of dress.

The personal trainer, 28, describes a typical casual outfit as "vintage on the upper half and up-to-date jeans on the lower half," because the legs in vintage styles are too tight for his buff limbs.

By day, putting his 18 clients through their push-ups and stretches, he prefers a collared shirt with his logo and cargo or warm-up pants. By night, he's likely to layer a $2 patterned vintage shirt with a leather leisure suit jacket - "the kind with the wide lapels," he says - from the '70s.

"Chris even makes the '80s look good," says Lisa Molyneaux in her nominating letter. Quite a feat.

You can be found shopping at: Vintage stores, Talk of the Town in Reading and Blue Ash Blues in Rossmoyne.

Style history: About three years ago, I moved to Mount Adams and started wanting to not look like everyone else ... but I wanted to be simple about it. I wanted to be a little different and not put so much pressure on buying expensive stuff.

Best bargain: A 1970 tuxedo for $25. I got the pants at Talk of the Town and, unbelievably, the same make and style jacket at Blue Ash Blues.

You are never without: My cowboy boots - except with the tux.

Sentimental clothing: I wear a crucifix. I have a huge faith in God and want to keep him close to me.

You signature look: Jeans and cowboy boots.

You'd never be caught dead in: Khakis or dress pants.

If you had big bucks you'd buy: Vintage clothes, but I'd probably go to Chicago or L.A. to shop.

Fashion philosophy: It is all about not spending money and keeping it simple ... and getting ready in 10 minutes.

Send nominations to Joy Kraft by mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com. Include their name, age, daytime phone and why they should be featured.