Surviving Styling Block

The POD Archives: The Power of Play

Hi my loves!

I’ve been experiencing a dry spell as of late. Creating content is starting to feel too cyclical, predictable, and lacking that particular novelty I’ve come to rely on. Coming up with new and fresh styling ideas is becoming a bit tiresome. I’m trying to tap into the wells of inspiration, but I can’t seem to stop binge watching bad (actually, very good) reality tv shows…Love Island USA anyone?

Outside the hustle and grind of freelance life, I tend to choose a good ol’ fashion couch rot as opposed to flexing my critical thinking skills by reading one of my many ~untouched~ books laying about. It’s preposterous! But alas, scraping my styling archives usually gives me a shot of inspiration a lá Pulp Fiction. So come along with me as we peruse some of my fav styling moments for POD!

*POD is a multi-media project including a curation of secondhand designer clothing FOR SALE. I drop collections on the first of every month ≽^-⩊-^≼⋆˚🐾˖° follow along here*

I’m making colored tights my entire personality this season. I love this look, featuring a wool asymmetrical midi skirt from Jil Sander (still available, might I add). Paired with my favorite Dior patent heels, a cashmere bralette, and a stunning wool Celine jacket that sold almost immediately (with good reason).

• Here are my FAV colored tights that haven’t lead me astray

• Knock knock…the 2010’s are coming back with these large Charming Charlie’esque statement necklaces

  • Or this one

  • Or this one!!

• THE Jil Sander Wool Midi Skirt

  

Sometimes I hit my head against the wall over pieces I’ve let go over the years…but it makes me happier knowing I sold them to people who are style savants in their own right. The blazer is an archival Comme Des Garçon piece from a woman who worked there in their earlier 20’s. Thank god all the pieces I’ve sourced don’t fit me because otherwise it’d be over for you hoes!!

As far as styling: layers, layers, layers. There is nothing sexier than a peep of a ruched hemline, or the sleek overlapping of various shades of black. Step up your wardrobe game by intentionally layering with your existing pieces. See inspo below:

On the topic of experimenting with your existing pieces, sometimes the key is to question the utility of an object and pervert it. You heard what I said! Here are some ideas:

• Double up on scrunchies and put them around your ankles!

• Wear a statement chain belt as a choker.

• Wear an A-line skirt as a tube top.

• Repurpose your silk scarves as belts, head wraps, or halter tops.

• Turn an oversized button-up into a mini skirt.

Okay texture! I purchased these Y-Project jeans for a shoot and decided to keep them in the blue colorway. Every time I wear them, people lose their minds, justifying my impulsive shopping habits. So yay for me, who doesn’t love external validation from time to time?

POD allows me to explore without committing. I get to source anything that excites me, knowing it’ll find a meaningful home after I’ve had my fun styling it. In my day-to-day life, I keep my style simple and functional—a necessity for all the bending, crouching, and walking that comes with a stylist’s career.

To wrap it up: three pieces coming to my July drop. A classic Issey Miyake Pleats Please top in this gorgeous sage green color, these insane low rise capri pants by Roberto Cavalli, and a sweet satin jacket from Costume National.

All of these outfits illuminate and reinvigorate my initial intentions behind building this brand: to explore new identities. Working with an array of silhouettes, designers, textures, colors, cuts, and aesthetics gives me the opportunity to imagine so many different versions of me. It’s an exercise in expression without dubious red tape, shining a light on my own intimate thoughts that would otherwise be stifled.

When I am alone in the studio facing a rack of achingly beautiful garments, I am at peace. I feel a stillness that gently calms my nervous system. I feel happy. I am twelve years old again, dressing up with my friends and teasing their hair and applying a glitter based smuckers lip balm that smells of coconut and vanilla. I am sixteen again, cutting up a pair of thrifted denim and sewing on patches of discarded lace on the back pockets. I am 23 years old again, bleaching the hell out of my hair, wearing random band tee’s with crazy flares, pastel night gowns with dirty converse, and waist cinching corsets that would earn me free drinks at the bars downtown. I get to relive my past, imagine my future, and relish the elation and gratitude that surmises in the present.

I feel so lucky. I feel inspired.