A little bit of all the things I love

Lately, I’ve really taken notice of the things I’ve been loving, and honestly, they’re things I never imagined myself gravitating towards. Short but bold powder nails, funky vintage bags, loafers over flats, blue light glasses (for my major headaches), trucker hats, and the color coral (I bought a cup months ago and only recently whipped it out). None of this was on my bingo card a few years ago, yet here we are.

I’ve been in the mood to maximize boldness. It feels like an attempt to re-find the things I already love while discovering new ones along the way. There are pieces and themes I know will always be part of me: boots all year round, fun jackets, denim, a bold raisin-colored lip, matching pajamas, fur, watches, and all things vintage. An overall maximalist approach where you can look at me and instantly see everything I love, because I always have them on. It’s rather I look fun, or I’m wearing baggy sweats and a huge hoodie (shoutout to my dad’s collection and Binghamton men's lacrosse) 

At the same time, I’ve been actively trying not to buy anything. Especially not new clothes or anything that feels like excessive shopping. Of course, that comes with its downsides. Trends are constantly changing around me, and I’m always getting all of these new ideas about what I want next. But ultimately, I know I already have a pretty cool wardrobe with standout pieces that new things will never beat. So I stick to the basics and remix what I already own.

A moment that really cemented my love for funky, unique pieces dates back to middle school. One of my dad’s close friends’ wives was selling her old jewelry and accessories, and my dad came home with the coolest Chanel sunglasses I’d ever seen. To this day, I wear them every chance I get. I’m constantly complimented on them, not because they were trendy, but because they’re incredibly chic. I even see people rocking the same pair today. The same goes for anything sterling silver. If it’s simple and sterling, it immediately has my attention.

Jewelry has always been my thing. Two standout pieces I invested in before my Miss New York State pageant were my Swarovski pieces: a bold statement ring that everyone associates with me, and a delicate stud necklace that goes with absolutely everything. I love stacking anything from rings to cuffs, mixing metals, and playing with fun colors. As much gold and silver as I can match, I will. If you know me, you know I love jewelry in all its forms.

Shoes come next. I don’t love going with the norm, but being in college, sometimes you do. I’ll choose heels over flats, and flats over sneakers any day. That said, in warm weather, you’ll almost always find me in flip flops and a sundress. And if I do wear sneakers, it’s the same pair of Hoka shoes I’ve had for years…I wouldn’t change a thing. I gravitate toward shoes with a small heel, boots (obviously), and interesting patterns. I got this love from my aunt Sobha, who had the coolest shoe collection I’ve ever seen. I’ll get more into that later, but it goes hand in hand with my love for vintage purses: old Coach, Longchamp bags my mom carried forever, and any purse in a fun color.

When it comes to nails, I’m usually a blue or pink nail girl, and that even carries over into how I dress. But my favorite clothing color, especially for loungewear, is heather grey. It’s effortless and timeless. I love a comfy matching set when I’m feeling low, or even when I just don’t want to put any real effort into my look. There’s something about it that feels so grounding.

Accessories are the finishing touch. In the winter, you’ll usually find me in earmuffs or a cool beanie I stole from my brothers, and going out in jeans paired with an interesting belt from my mom’s enormous collection, which she passed down to me. Are you getting the idea that my fashion sense came from everywhere but me?

Most of my inspiration comes from my mom, someone who understood cool fashion before it was ever labeled as such. My mom and my aunts are the people I take my inspiration from. Everything I own and wear now feels like a culmination of the things they loved simply because they were different. I try to buy with that same mindset: pieces that last, pieces that stand out, and pieces that are worth passing down someday.

And honestly? That’s the goal.

What’s the Catch?

Finding what works for you, and not just following the newest thing :)