My constant source of style inspiration:
"Iris Apfel, she dresses like a party; I love it! Tilda Swinton, she’s so bold. I think she can rock any style, and make it look cool and edgy. And, lastly, there’s a lady in Chelsea that I look up to — I spotted her about four years ago. She’s probably around 60 or 70 years old; 4-foot-9; huge, white, loose-Afro-like hair. I see her in the area at least a couple times a week. I don’t know her, but I love her style! Last week, I saw her in a cobalt, button-down basic shirt and cobalt, straight tailor pants with a white tote and Converse sneakers...She’s seriously awesome!"
My first major, big-ticket style purchase:
"Years ago, I walked by this vintage shop in Nolita and spotted this stunning, ISSEY MIYAKE piece. It’s a black, pleated dress and jacket, a clever two-in-one garment from the spring '90 collection. It’s a midscoop neck, sleeveless dress, and it continues into a jacket at the hem — the jacket has skinny sleeves and a huge collar. I knew I had to have it."
My favorite up-and-coming designers:
"JACQUEMUS by Simon Porte Jacquemus. A young designer who’s never had any training in fashion. He’s self-taught, has the passion for fashion, and just went for it. He's like his designs: pure and bold. I like his work, and I admire his tenacity. COI, Conflict of Interest: A New York-based, hilarious T-shirt brand. I love their parody against the designer labels. NIiu Niu York, Bodega Vendetta, and Balenciaga. I LOVE IT! I’m not easily impressed by graphic tees, but I really enjoy these. Lastly, Yasmine Eslami. I love good lingerie, and their lingerie is hot! Lingerie is a girl’s closest friend. It protects and empowers wherever you go."
My most surprising, out-of-left-field fashion find:
"Would it be crazy if I say it’s something from my own closet?! Last year, I got home from a date, stepped into the living room, and I was surrounded by a glow of light. Not a love-story glow, an actual glow! I looked down and realized that my banana-printed dress glows in the dark! I had the dress for at least three years and never realized that it glowed. It was homemade with printed, cotton fabric that was given to me by a fiber artist. It was delightfully surprising!"
My three favorite places to shop:
"This is a tricky one…I don’t shop much. I mostly get things made for me in the Garment District or just wear my own samples. I love making fashion the old-fashioned way. I enjoy vintage shopping and finding one-of-a-kind items. When I'm boutique shopping, I like some of the merchandise from Assembly and Creatures of Comfort in NYC."
I could never, ever part with:
"If there had to be one, it would be my grandma’s handmade basic cardigan. She made it for me a few years ago. She's 97 now, and we're looking forward to celebrating her centennial in a few years. I rarely wear this cardigan at home, and sometimes I wear it when I go to see her."
If I were 80 years old today:
"If I were 80 today, I would wear pretty hats, colorful jewelry, silk scarves, and garments with simple silhouettes. I would like to be like that cute lady in Chelsea or Iris Apfel! I think styling only gets better as you grow."
Styled by Laura Pritchard, Hair by Bethany Brill, Makeup by Tiffany Patton
Look 1: Jiao Fashion face blazer; Jiao Fashion face pant; Jil Sander black, ankle-strap wedge; Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons Hahnoma Hexagonal Silver Rings, $200, available at OCCULTER.
Look 2:
Polka-dot jumpsuit; wooden sandals; Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons Hahnoma Hexagonal Silver Rings, $200, available at OCCULTER
Look 3: Shrimp + Lobster red, lace-up top; Shrimp + Lobster white, high-waisted pant; Bing Bang Gold Sword Studs, $42, available at Bing Bang; Nike Free 5.0 Women's Running Shoe, $100, available at Nike.