The Ethical "That Girl"

That Girl. A term we’re all familiar with and strive to be. It’s a girl who has her life together and eats healthy, but also goes out and has fun. Her every moment is a main character montage. “That Girl” is a growing phenomenon, but still the main question everyone asks is how do I become her?

Sometimes the answer is to just fake-it-till-you-make-it and the easiest way to do so is by dressing the part. But, don’t think you have to buy designer clothes to do so. The confidence in what you’re wearing is what gives you “That Girl” energy and I suggest finding the style that most suits you through second-hand shopping.

Secondhand stores can be found in most shopping centers in today’s society and are packed with potential. If going through the racks of clothing gives you anxiety, then perhaps start by going to a vintage market. Vintage markets consist of shops set up by small business owners all with their own assortment of items for you to shop through.

One of these small business owners is Sara Melton, owner of Nirvana Thrift (@nirvanathrift on Instagram). She has created a business through her talent of thrifting and finding stylish items that others might pass by. These pieces are all collected and then sold in her shop at markets in hopes that they will find their perfect match.

“I feel that thrifting is the best way for people to discover what their true style is,” says Melton. “Finding sustainable pieces that you personally love, building confidence, and learning how to embrace a piece with a story.”

That is what's great about shopping at thrift stores, no two pieces are alike. You just keep looking through the racks until you find a piece that speaks to you. This challenges you to discover what you like to wear rather than just what the latest microtrend is.

Once you find clothing that is unique to you, you feel confident knowing that you look good while still standing out in a crowd. This confidence is key to becoming “That Girl” and once you have it, you begin to carry yourself differently and not care what others think. This allows you to shed any worries you have about others’ thoughts and continue your path on the way to “That Girl” enlightenment.

*pictured above is Sara Melton, at popular roaming thrift store: @nirvanathrift, they set up at vintage markets across the DFW area. Check them out!

Spring Fever All 2022

Let’s make 2022 all about switching it up!

Right now, neutral and basic-colored clothing is the trend. I LOVE neutrals, and I

consider neutrals my safe route, and it is always easy to play it safe. However, it is

always fun to switch it up and be bold.

I’ve noticed that there is a lot of fear surrounding bold colors and mix-matching

patterns, but there is no need to. If you are hesitant about bringing bold colors into

your life, let me help you! Here are my 2022 picks to make you the moment, the IT

girl, and the star of the show!

@cvazzana

Colors are your best friend.

Bring out those glowing-greens, poppin’ pinks, playful purples, and bold blues. These

colors will surely make a statement and bring everyone’s attention towards your fit.

To even the colors out, don’t be afraid to add an accessory that stands out from your

outfit. As shown in the first picture of the collage, you can see the pink heels standing

out from the rest of the outfit to add an extra pizazz to the outfit.

Don’t feel the need to only have one bold color in your outfit, you can mix different

ones. You can also do this with my favorite thing in the whole wide world, patterns!

@indiiasade

Patterns, Pretty Please.

Mixing patterns is usually looked down upon, but I don’t think that mixing patterns is

always a bad thing.

Mixing patterns is my favorite thing to do, because it brings a shock-factor to your

outfit, and it is something that can be pretty hard to pull off. Pictured above is my outfit for Fort Worth Fashion Week.

I wanted my outfit to give a western glam vibe, so I clashed two different patterns

together to give a “wild wild west” look. The easiest way to pull off different patterns

is to make sure that they are in the same color scheme. As you can see, my outfit had

different patterns, but still had the same types of browns and a basic brown corset top

that evened it out and brought it all together.

(bottom right and bottom left - @ravenelyse)

(top left corner - @aliblakey)

(middle left and top right corner - @whitefoxboutique)

Electric Envy!

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, electric and poppy colors.

This trend is definitely going to return sooner or later, but I want to jump on it early.

This is a bit similar to the bold colors listed earlier, but this one might be more subtle

and easier to jump onto. These colors are perfect for the spring, and it will definitely

brighten and freshen up your wardrobe.

Go into the rest of this year with a BANG, and do not be afraid to try something new!

My Top 5 Style Icons and Inspirations

Fashion is subjective; with that being said, I want to share the subjects of my inspiration. I credit the following people as my style icons as well as current trendsetters. Their styles are a wide variety which I feel can cater to all personalities. I selected these public figures because they are very versatile with their personal style and always bring a new inspiration with every outfit they post. If you were looking for style inspo well look no further. Here are my absolute top 5 style icons.

#1 Devon Lee Carlson (@devonleecarlson)

She's a model, social media influencer, and most notably she's the co-owner/founder of Wildflower Cases, which is a trendy phone case company that has been taking the internet by storm! She is a big inspiration as a businesswoman and style icon. I have been following her since 2016 and her unique style has changed and grown in so many ways, which is why she is number one on my list. She excels in piecing together an outfit you would never think to put together. If you follow her Instagram you will probably see that she has been taking inspiration from a lot of early 2000s trends. Some of her style icons being Dennis Rodman and Devon Aoki - rightfully so. So, if you have been into that whole “Y2K” look you will love her outfits!

#2 Jesse Rutherford (@chipchrome)

Although he’s adopted a new chrome look, he's still putting together outfits that’ll have you wanting to mix n’ match (mostly mix) all the clothing in your wardrobe. Jesse Rutherford, lead singer of The Neighbourhood, is first when it comes to expressing yourself and your feelings through style. His main Instagram has been overtaken by “Chip Chrome,” the persona he created for his band's last album release, so his feed is mainly filled with silver ensembles. Even though he stuck to this persona, you can still see how he incorporated his individual style into his character. If you want a better gauge into his personal style, pre-Chip Chrome era, I recommend you check his tagged posts and scroll through, because fan accounts are always posting pictures of him.

#3 Alexa Chung (@alexachung)

Alexa Chung is a fashion designer and if you follow her Instagram you also probably want every piece in her collection too! I would label her style as sophisticated and polished, but still playful and fun. She does so well with styling trench coats and pulling off a good maxi dress. Her style is so clean and fitting for every occasion, which is something I admire about her. Honestly, I could say that I would wear any and all of the outfits she has posted. Her personality really shines through what she wears and she wears it very well.

#4 Enya Umanzor (@enyaumanzor)

Enya Umanzor, formally known as “Enjajaja,” is a YouTuber now turned Podcaster. If you recognize the name, you probably know that she was known for having the brightest hair colors and styles, which she changed frequently. Her style is so appealing to me, because she adds the perfect amount of femininity to an outfit that is neither miniscule nor overbearing. She is a pro at styling a skirt or dress with a chunky platform shoe, and styling bold patterns like camouflage or multi-colored patchwork. She is one of the reasons why I enjoy outfits with feminine silhouettes, but also feature a boy-ish style. Her start on YouTube, in 2015, is one of the reasons I credit her as an early trendsetter.

#5 Ashley (@best.dressed)

I would describe Ashley’s style as sophisticated, vintage, chic, feminine, and in the words she’s used to describe multiple of her own outfits: “picnic bitch-esque.” She loves a good skirt or dress and isn’t afraid to go extra-mini when it comes to these articles of clothing. Her layering and mixing is unique and top-tier. She makes the most out of her wardrobe by finding new ways to wear an item differently every time. She originated on YouTube and frequently posted thrift vlogs and styling videos every week. If you see one of her styling videos you will notice how much use she gets out of her clothes by layering it over or under different things and making a seemingly new outfit every time. I recommend her video where she gives 10 ways to wear a dress. I guarantee that the inspiration for an outfit will hit you!