Spring: a season of realization, overused floral, and a warm night out with your girlfriends. Some may hate it, some may dread it, and some may, well use it to their advantage. A time when you thought you had more time to get into your “perfect summer body”, only to come to terms that May is around the corner and you’re still in December. I mean let’s be honest people, weren’t we all just having Thanksgiving dinner but now we’re putting our turtlenecks away and exchanging them with shorts. Don’t even get me started with jean shorts, nothing screams Spring more than humidity, denim sticking to your thighs, and to top it off, frizz. Now although I am not the biggest fan of Spring weather, that doesn’t mean I hate the clothes that come with it. I’m just about ready to say goodbye to my knits and hello to a new wave of Spring fashion, starting with boxers, micro glasses, and vintage slip dresses! (I still hate jean shorts)

As a Fashion and Makeup enthusiast, and a YouTube fanatic, I tend to spend any free time I may have browsing hundreds of Vogue videos that reveal the hidden treasures of Beauty Secrets, styling tips, and even exploring what lies within the handbags of our favorite celebrities, models, and icons. However, I recently came across one of my Fashion and Beauty inspirations, Camille Charrière, on Vogue France sharing her most admired and prized vintage shops in the beloved Notting Hill, which she calls home. As she emphasizes the importance of secondhand shopping and the world of vintage thrifting, we dive into the archived looks by Tom Ford at Gucci, Coco Chanel, and John Galliano at Dior.

Camille Charrière, a well-known Fashion influence and contributing editor at Elle UK, finds her way through the corners of Notting Hill and lengths of Portobello Road, and the historic vintage shops that stand along the pavement that Charrière is most familiar with. Some may even say she is an acclaimed athlete in the sport of shopping. She first makes a stop at “One Of A Kind Archive”, where she dresses in the legendary John Galliano pink dress worn by no other Kate Moss on the runway in 1995. “The beautiful thing about buying something vintage in a place like this is if one day you were to decide to get rid of it, there will be someone who will want to wear it because these are unique pieces,” says Charrière.

The next hidden gem she visits along Portobello is “Karen Vintage”, where Charrière explores the beauty of chic silk, silver sparkle, and ethereal dresses. Not only is vintage shopping all about searching for pieces, but also you must overcome an obsession almost because if you have a feeling about a skirt or a blouse and you decide to sleep on it, the next day, most likely, it will be in the hands of another. This Spring I will be practicing the lessons that Karen Stott, founder of “Karen Vintage”, loves to preach when finding garments and accessories that best fit her store and image. “90’s, figure-hugging, must be silk. I love a long showing back because you don’t get enough of it these days. I love that and I love very sexy dresses,” says Stott. So, as the humidity begins to rise, take note that the back of your dress should lower, showing nothing but the spine, shine, and divine.

Lastly, Charrière’s final destination is “Found and Vision”, a jewel that thrives off of uncertainty and uniqueness. Co-founder Karen Clarkson says, “When people ask me what you specialize in, we specialize in not specializing.” What I loved most about Charrière’s ode to Notting Hill vintage shops was how she says, “how leopard is to Britain what stripes are to France”, my favorite line throughout the whole video because it frames the main message. What you find, what you wear, and what you make of the fabrics you wear, all come from a place of history and without the vintage stores, Fashion has no heartbeat.

As we take away from the brilliant advice of Camille Charrière and the owners of these collective shops, one thing that I urge you all to take away from this is the more risks you take in the dressing room, the more you get to know yourself. I never would have thought I would find the best pieces of clothing I own would come from secondhand stores, but now as I discover stories through garments and play a part in sustainability, I am in full blossom and I hope you bloom too.

Over the past couple of weeks, as we all settle into the first semester and we are now seeing the trees covered in orange and yellow blankets, it is finally time to start planning costumes for Halloween. You may be deciding between being a black cat for the fifth year in a row, or maybe your favorite Quentin Tarantino character. Whatever it may be, I have some costumes that I am eager to see on my Instagram feed. First, starting with Selina Kyle a.k.a Cat Woman, and yes I know I just said being a black cat is overdone but in my opinion what makes an outfit or a costume for that matter most memorable is how you wear it. In simpler words: accessories! If you’ve seen the recent Batman movie you would know exactly what I mean when I’m talking about being Cat Woman, especially when it is played by Zoe Kravitz.

My next most anticipated Halloween costume is a modern-day Marie Antoinette-inspired look that is not only a statement look but is also very much Sophia Coppola. You could either go the coquette route, with pink ribbons, pearls, feathers, and the dramatic hats, or you could turn it into a total horror moment that leaves everyone speechless. And lastly, what screams Halloween more than your very own Winona Ryder, or should I say Lydia Deetz from Beetlejuice. I swear if I don’t see someone towering over everyone, in a red gown,  tall, spiky, black hair and sort of a sickly look to them, I will not be satisfied. Most importantly, remember that Halloween is about having fun, being with your friends, and celebrating all of the different costumes you see. Have fun and stay safe!

“I think she looks delightful. She looks like a piece of cake”. – Marie Antoinette, 2006 Film

I’ve lived on the East Coast all of my life and living in a beach town as well plays a big role when it comes to my closet and the fashion influences around me. Yet, there are many corners of the East Coast when it comes to one’s closet. From beach towns to city streets, the East Coast has many different personalities which I love to look at. Although I don’t particularly put myself in the beach category, I’ve grown to love white linen pants and the sand between my toes. The simplicity of the flower-coated bushes and the late afternoon walk down to the harbor. From a chunky sandal to a white tee, we know how to make a basic look into an outfit. Some may say we fall to the preppy side, which I totally understand but, for most of us, we thrive amongst those who don’t follow the prints and initialized accessories. We thrive on the nostalgia the ocean brings and the stories told around the fire.

There’s something about waking up on a Sunday morning, throwing on your comfy sweats with a tank top and your sneakers, and blasting your music while you are on your way to get your usual iced coffee. I mean how can you not love the feeling of the crisp morning breeze running circles through your hair? East Coast girls love a messy look but love making it look cute. Some must-haves, if you want to achieve this look, is to have a go-to pair of jeans, many basic t-shirts, classic sunglasses, sundresses, bomber jackets, and sneakers. And how can I forget, gold jewelry with your signature rosy makeup look. But, the truth of the matter is, the East Coast girl is simply no different from the West or the South one because everyone and anyone can dress from any region no matter where they live. Cowboy boots in Boston, yes, please. Low-rise baggy jeans in Idaho, yes, please. Boho in Miami, very much yes. I know I’m a little bias but, but the East Coast closet can’t compare even if you have all the luxury, it’s all about how you wear it and we do it a little differently over here.

Daring, delicate, and determined. Three words don’t even come close to the impact Jane Birkin has left on millions. From her doe eyes, free spirit, and legendary performances on the big screen, the English-French actress and icon is still leaving her mark on all platforms around the world. Her name is not only heard in the cinematic world but also in the world of purses and accessorizing. The Jane Birkin effect is simple and you don’t need the infamous “Birkin Bag” to participate in this trend. Here’s how it works: grab any bag, which could be a purse, tote bag, satchel, or even a fanny pack. Then, you want to find any sort of arts and crafts supplies you may have, which could be ribbons, beads, old friendship bracelets, pins, key chains, or even the macaroni necklace you made in elementary school. As long as it’s a symbol of you or your identity, then that’s all there is to it. You then want to lather your handbag with all that you have by tying bows, knots, or pinning your favorite picture of your pet on the strap. Then, voila, what once was your boring, day-to-day bag, is now your very own physical piece of individuality. However, if you truly want to embrace your inner Jane, then you might want to consider tossing your traditional handbag and maybe use something with more of that basket feel, some may even say, “prairie girl realness”, either way, wear it with confidence and look chic doing it!

“When you start recognizing that you’re having fun, life can be delightful.” Jane Birkin

When it comes to the art of accessorizing, many have conflicting opinions on the matter. Less is more, more is better, blah blah blah, who cares. If there is one thing you must know about Jane Birkin, is that she was praised for her true self and she celebrated her mistakes, she was unapologetically herself. You don’t need the perfect teeth, the perfect hair, or the perfect frame. The details we express are what make us special and we must dream as if we’ll live forever and live as if we’ll die today. The nerves we feel or the moments in our lives where we are too scared to speak or to stand, are temporary feelings filling endless voids of potential. We all have the potential to be someone so why not try? The thing I have learned most from reading more about Jane is that she was never afraid to be bold and she never let anyone tell her otherwise. That is the spirit and mindset all of us must live through, because one day all that will be left of us is the ribbons, charms, and memories, so why not make it exciting for people to tell your legacy?

Sweaters, skirts, platforms, tights, and the fresh smell of pumpkin spice lattes. What’s not to love about Fall? The stained berry lip marks on coffee cups. The cold breeze running through your hair, while the colored leaves dance around the cobblestone sidewalks. And the beautiful sound of Bon Iver and Taylor Swift touching the many broken hearts we Fall lovers have. Yet, why is Fall, the Fashion Month? Let me tell you my thoughts.

There’s just something about the Fall that makes me feel like a kid again but, at the time makes me feel older. It may be because of the drastic color change amongst the leaves, or the temperature dropping. But, I feel so at ease with how much I am growing as a woman and in age. In January I am turning 18. 18 years old, the age where I’m an adult. It makes me cringe to think of it as that because when you’re 18, you’re still a teenager. Fall isn’t just about the knitwear and the maxi skirts, I mean don’t get me wrong, they add an amazing touch to our wardrobes but, it is also about a time of reminiscing. Remembering and reflecting on the year. The good, the bad, and even the hopelessness. Find hope among the leaves and through the breeze. Without hope, you will never see the good in life, and you have to hope there is good in this life. 

This Fall, spend time with your loved ones. Spend time with the ones you call family. Take pictures, dance in the rain, and drink cups and cups of coffee. Just live. The Fall brings the best out of me but, it is also very tempting to hide amongst its secure corners. Don’t bury yourself in the conformity of your loneliness. Embrace and express yourself through trousers, loafers, and blazers. Don’t be afraid to wear that bold lip or just your casual pair of Converse. It’s not weird or awkward unless you make it weird and awkward. And, please, whatever you do, don’t forget to hug your friends or your brother, or sister. Time is very limited, but connection is forever. 

“Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place”.

– Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”

Over the past year, it is safe to say that many of our lives, tastes, and styles have changed significantly. Whether that means bleaching your hair, wearing sheer blouses with a velvet pant, or vibrant, chunky rings that scream the latest. However, Fashion is all about bringing the old, into the new, and with inspiration from Cher, Blondie, and Diana Ross, girls and boys across the globe are enhancing and strengthening their looks day by day. Creative Designer and Director for Gucci , Alessandro Michele, is a prominent and remarkable figure in today’s society for those who are eager to wear the most exquisite and unique Fashion. In the 70s, it was all about bell-bottom jeans, polyester leisure suits, wide lapels, and halter tops. Now its 2021, and many of us are incorporating these trends into our everyday styles yet, with our own personal touch that portrays what we love and what we want to present to the public’s eye.

“The way you dress is an expression of your

personality” – Alessandro Michele

Not only did Cher, Blondie, and Diana Ross break the boundaries in Fashion during the 70s, but, they continue to inspire the bodies and minds of thousands of girls and boys today. For Alessandro Michele, collaborating with bold and distinctive models and brands, is very easy for him because expressing his vision through artistry and design is what Gucci represents through all their articles of clothing. From women’s to menswear, Gucci articulates the 70s-inspired flare that radiates in daring and eye-catching colors and textures. Scrolling through the pictures and pieces that Alessandro Michele and his team have put together over the past year for the Spring and Fall 2021 line, I have become more and more intrigued and fascinated with the many 70s-inspired designs and sketches that Gucci proclaims to the world. In my opinion, reading and writing about Gucci, has made me want to formulate eccentric looks and to take risks while I too break the boundaries in Fashion.

“I’ve always taken risks and never worried what the world might really think of me”. – Cher