INTERVIEWS Archives - Wear is She Now

vrx941 02/12/2020 Florida

Wear is… Jessica Valdes?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Jess Valdés?

WEAR IS... JESS VALDÉS?

Florida native, Jess Valdés, is an inspiration all around. Between the way she chooses to explore her personal style and her risk-taking personality, this enigmatic woman is one you simply can't ignore.

Her dreamy online vintage shop, Avec Desire, has been featured by the likes of Vogue and i-D Magazine and is chock-full of effortless, elegant pieces. Also, she rocks the hell out of her Doc Martens, just sayin'. Without further ado, keep reading for her thoughts on dressing for your mood, ugly sweaters and one of a kind thrift finds.

Hi, ! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hi there! My name is Jessica Valdés, or just Jess, as everyone calls me. I’m 26. I am based in Central Florida in a small town just outside of Orlando. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations, and I’m currently the owner of an online vintage shop called Avec Desire.

1. What does personal style mean to you?

To me, personal style means wearing whatever you want depending on your mood that day and not caring what other people think of your outfit choices. As long as you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, that’s all that matters. I also think personal style is just that…it’s personal. And we shouldn’t judge other people for what they choose to wear, because everyone’s style is so different and that’s what makes the world so unique and amazing!

2. Is there anything in your wardrobe that has special memories?

There are quite a few things in my wardrobe that have special memories. But the one that stands out the most is this yellow, brown and purple, striped long cardigan that I bought in the sale section in Forever 21 my freshman year of high school. It’s literally the ugliest thing and I’m pretty sure it has holes in it, but I wore it all throughout high school. I still have it, I don’t have the strength to let it go because it just has so many memories from my teenage years.

3. How did you discover your style?

I think I would have to say I discovered my initial style in my freshman year of high school because that’s when Gossip Girl first premiered and honestly I based all of my outfits off of every character, but mostly Blair Waldorf (lol). But that’s when I started really getting into fashion and just dressing for myself. My style now is definitely a lot different than it was when I was in high school. I’d say I discovered the style I have now probably within the last two years.

4. What’s one tip you could share for finding your personal style?

One tip I would suggest for finding your personal style is to go thrifting! If you think about it, there is just a bunch of stuff strewn everywhere in thrift shops and nothing is set up perfectly like it is in Zara or Urban Outfitters (where they are basically putting together tables and mannequins with outfits, suggesting items you should buy together).
In a thrift or second hand shop, you are pretty much forced to go treasure hunting and you end up finding pieces that really speak to you and that no one else will have. Over time you will find that you have collected these special pieces that are unique to you and your style!

5. Is there anything on your thrift list right now?

Yes! Shoes! I find it so hard to find cute shoes that are in really good condition and that are my size. So finding good quality shoes is definitely number one on my thrift list right now!

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: What’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Something I’m really proud of is basically dropping everything I was doing at the time and taking a risk starting my own vintage shop about a year and a half ago. I didn’t know if it was actually going to turn out to even be something. But I did it and put all of my time and effort into it, and now I am able to do it full-time! My shop has been featured on Vogue.com and just recently on i-D magazine’s Instagram in a special series they have, so I’m pretty proud of those accomplishments!

Where else can we find you, Jess?

You can find me on Instagram, @jessmvaldes, where I share personal style and lifestyle content. I also have an account for my vintage shop, @avecdesire, where you will find all things vintage shop related like new arrivals, sales, etc. My shop website is https://www.avecdesire.com

vrx941 02/05/2020 Orange County

Wear is… Beth Jones?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Beth Jones?

WEAR IS... BETH JONES?

4 years ago now, the YouTube gods were kind enough to leave a video from Beth Jones in my suggestion box and I was instantly hooked. She's a fearless stylist and avid thrifter who believes in always playing dress up and wearing whatever makes you feel incredible, despite what others might think.

Her YouTube channel, instagram and now book, Outfit Magic, are packed with so much thrifty goodness and the joy she feels when getting dressed transcends the screen so palpably, you'll want to play dress up too.

Between her bright personality and her endless creativity when it comes to personal style, she's someone you simply can't help but adore! Don't be surprised if you soon find yourself binging her glorious fashion content or thinking "maybe I should make this better with a blazer..."

It's an honor to feature Beth today, so keep reading for her thoughts on confidence, starting her channel and Carrie Bradshaw.

Hi, Beth! Please introduce your wonderful self!

I am Beth Jones. I work as a fashion stylist and I have a Youtube Channel. I am located in Orange County. I am all about ALWAYS PLAYING DRESS UP, hunting for treasures in thrift stores, and mixing old with new.

1. Who or what inspired you to start your YouTube channel?

I started a Youtube Channel in 2010 to share hair tutorials on my fashion blog, but didn’t invest too much time into building my channel. In 2015, I was pregnant with my 2nd son and found myself watching a lot of Youtube videos and got inspired to bring new life to my fashion blog by bringing people into the world of thrifting for vintage treasures.

2. Clearly, Carrie Bradshaw is one of your biggest style icons. What is it about Carrie that inspires you so much and who or what else is inspiring you currently?

Carrie Bradshaw was the original queen of playing dress up. To me, everyday she was a new character. She let everything around her inspire her outfits, often mixing in vintage. I am currently really inspired by the 80s and 90s.

3. You're fearlessly experimental when it comes to your personal style. Have you always been so confident or did you learn to be?

I honestly always have been. I am more of a theatrical person so I have always loved to play dress up. I’ve never minded if I stood out in a crowd.

4. What do you love most about thrifting and vintage and is there anything on your thrift list right now?

I love never knowing when I am going to find a surprise. I love how a find inspires all kinds of outfit ideas. I love the inspiration that comes with it. I am currently looking for winter skirts (pleated or plaid), 90s Mary Jane shoes, and wide-leg high waisted trousers.

5. What exciting things can we expect from you and B. Jones Style this year?

Even more video content (IGTV, Youtube, etc). I love sharing through video, so definitely more of that. Some new B. Jones Style products. And hopefully, some exciting travel adventures!

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: what's something you're really proud of right now?

I am proud of the ALWAYS PLAY DRESS UP community that has been formed through B. Jones Style. It is really exciting that B. Jones Style is less about me and more about all of us.
__

You can find Beth on her YouTube channel, B. Jones Style, her instagram, @bjonesstyle, and on bjonesstyle.com! And be sure to pick up a copy of Outfit Magic for some serious style inspiration and thrifty tips that'll have you creating your own sartorial magic in no time!

vrx941 01/22/2020 Brooklyn, New york

Wear is… Thea?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Thea?

WEAR IS... THEA?

I dare you to find a truer free spirit than Thea. From living in the woods for a month, to endlessly experimenting with her style, Thea is fearless. Not only is her heart wild though, it's huge and filled with love for the planet. Since first meeting her in Mary Bordelon's Brooklyn apartment, she fast became an amazing thrift buddy and a dear friend. So keep reading for her thoughts on the best thrift finds, 80lb canoes and her grandfather's button downs.

Hi, Thea! Please introduce your wonderful self!

I'm Thea, an NYC based singer/actor and content creator focused on leading a low impact life.

1. What does personal style mean to you?

For me, personal style is the freedom to be as authentic as possible. Experimentation and getting weird is all part of the process of honing in on my own style, and I view every outfit as an opportunity to try something new to feel the most like myself. It's all about playing around and finding what makes me feel the most like me.

2. Is there anything in your wardrobe that has special memories?

Oh so many things! But my most recent special additions are a bunch of old button down shirts that my grandfather passed down to me. Every time I put them on I can smell him and it makes me so nostalgic and happy. He's still around but I don't get to see him very often, so having his old shirts makes me feel like I can always carry a part of him with me.

3. How did you discover your style?

Discovering my style is a never-ending process that I'm still exploring, but I've gotten to a place where I feel super authentic and comfortable in all of the clothes I own. I think the biggest thing that helped me find my style was shopping second-hand. Thrift stores generally aren't bombarded by trends and you never know what you're going to find, so it's really easy to get creative when you're not constantly reminded of what is "in".

4. Is there anything on your thrift list right now?

You bet there is. I've been on the hunt for a pair of white wide leg canvas pants for over a year now. There are a bunch of things I'm looking out for but in my experience, my best finds are the ones that I wasn't looking for at all. So we'll see what dreamy piece surprises me next!

5. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: What’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Over the summer I lived in the wilderness in Minnesota for a month, which if you know me, you know that's not something I would normally gravitate towards - I'm a city person through and through. But I proved to myself that I'm tougher than I thought. I can carry an 80lb canoe all day long, shit into a hole in the ground, and hike until I can't feel my legs. I know the best type of wood to start a fire, and I can keep that fire lit for hours. I'm super proud of myself for giving myself this chance to grow and change.

Where else can we find you, Thea?

You can find me on Instagram @thnicko, on YouTube, and on my website: theanickolas.com

vrx941 01/15/2020

Wear is… Danielle Sarikissian?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Danielle Sarkissian?

WEAR IS... DANIELLE SARKISSIAN?

Back in the Summer of 2019, my favorite indie "it" brand hosted a pop up in New York and I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a lovely member of their team, Danielle Sarkissian. She's the kind of girl whose genuine soul can be felt instantly upon speaking with her. Not to mention, between her effortless style, bob haircut & chill disposition, she's just downright cool!

Her Instagram is a gorgeous mix of her semi thrifted, semi designer style and a behind the scenes take on what it's like to work for LSG. Today however, we get the chance, not only to speak with her about the brand, but to get to know her personally! So keep reading for Danielle's thoughts on flea market treasures, kittens, Rihanna and so much more.

Hi, Danielle! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hello, my name is Danielle Sarkissian. I'm from Orange County, California but I am currently located in San Francisco, CA working as Design and Production Coordinator at SF based womens apparel brand Lisa Says Gah.
At Lisa Says Gah I work alongside Lisa to dream up all of the pieces that attribute to our in house collection (The Lisa Says Gah Label). Together we draw inspiration from vintage pieces to merge new and old designs, we then work with local fabric vendors to source the appropriate fabrications for each season. I follow each and every silhouette through the production process where I work closely with a woman named Lili who owns and runs the factory we work with so that everything is produced efficiently and in a timely manner.
When I'm not working you can find me at a flea market looking for inspiration, or cuddling up on the couch watching Sex And The City with my two kittens Monty and Kiki.

1. What is the best part about working for Lisa Says Gah?

The best part about working for Lisa Says Gah is being able to bring my creative vision to life alongside Lisa, an incredibly intelligent and humble human being who instills so much trust in her team.
Lisa has built such an incredible brand that inspires ladies everywhere to be mindful of their apparel purchases and to really get to know the designers and creators behind brands and I think that is so special.
We also have such a small team at LSG and I'm proud to work in unison with such passionate individuals. We all wear many hats and I think that is what makes us such a fluid team!

2. How did you get involved with LSG?

I moved to San Francisco back in 2016 and prior to my move from Southern California to the bay area, I began following bloggers in San Francisco to truly discover the hidden gems of the city. It was then that I stumbled upon Lisa Says Gah who was a baby at the time and I fell in love with the brand and its mission.
While finishing school in San Francisco I kept a close eye on the brand, watching it grow and towards the end of my studies I reached out with my resume and cover letter. Lisa took interest in me and brought me in. With the small nature of the team, there wasn't an available position at the time but with determination I kept reaching out over the period of about 6 months and boom here we are! I've been with Lisa Says Gah for nearly 9 months now and it has been such an incredible journey!

3. I’m sure you get asked about LSG all the time, but tell us more about YOU! What are your interests or hobbies outside of work?

When I'm not working you can find me jogging in Golden Gate Park, having coffee near Ocean Beach, or rummaging through racks at a flea market in search of treasures. Working in the creative sphere ensures that work never stops because the greatest ideas usually come together when you're not sitting behind a desk! I'm always working on a better work life balance, but I love what I do so it usually doesn't feel like work!

4. Do you have any current favorites you could recommend to us? (podcasts, books, etc.)

I'm not much of a podcast person but I do love listening to music while working. I typically listen to one artist at a time because any playlists I've ever tried to make usually ends up being a weird mix of every genre so it doesn't really flow well. Currently I'm listening to Mac Millers Swimming album but when I need something upbeat I blast Rihanna.

5. Your style is fabulous! Who or what inspires your style most?

This is a tough one! I mainly invest in designer shoes/ handbags I'm in love with and then thrift everything else! I take a lot of inspiration from the blogger Courtney Trop of @AlwaysJudging. She has such a fun and edgy look, her outfits keep you on your toes!

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go:
What’s something you’re really proud of?

I’m really proud of completing my first season with Lisa Says Gah Spring 2020! The custom Lisa Says Gah print was so much fun to create! It’s going to be a very exciting one coming February!
___

Where else can we find you, Danielle?

You can find me @danielle.psd and my website is www.daniellesarkissian.com but it's a bit out of date.

vrx941 01/08/2020

Wear is… Milagros Bobier?

Hi! Welcome back to Wear is She Wednesdays, a series that highlights one special girl each week to let her shine! Every Wednesday, we feature a different “she,” and get the scoop on her style, what makes her tick, and how the heck we can learn to be as awesome as she is. Today we’re asking the question everyone wants to know… Wear is Milagros Bobier?

WEAR IS... MILAGROS BOBIER?

Brooklyn native, Milagros Bobier, isn't afraid to experiment with style. Not only has she overcome her struggles with confidence in the past, she positively radiates it now! Keep reading for her thoughts on Euphoria, baggy pants and pulling anything off.

Hi, Milagros! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hello! My name is Milagros Bobier. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. You can find me dabbling in every creative outlet there is! I’m an Actor/model for now, and I love films and fashion.

1. How would you describe your style in 3 words?

I have a hard time describing my style because I like mixing styles and adding my own spin on things, so I asked a couple of friends to help and three words I got were “unapologetic," "edgy" and "cool.”

2. Who or what inspires your style most currently?

A lot of things inspire my style most currently. I get most of my inspiration from Instagram, it’s a great place to look for style inspiration. I often look on there when I’m stumped on what to wear.

3. What is your current favorite outfit and why?

My current favorite outfit is a button up shirt with [an interesting] design and baggy pants. I think it looks effortless and cool.

4. What are your favorite places to shop and why?

I love shopping in thrift stores! Some of my favorite and most unique items are from thrift stores. Two of my favorites are L Train Vintage and Buffalo Exchange.

5. Do you have any current favorites to share with us? (podcasts, books, shows, etc.)

One of my favorite shows right now is Euphoria. The storytelling is great from the writing, cinematography and makeup! I love how they use fashion and makeup to show changes in the characters. I also love how they don’t revolve Jules' entire storyline about her being trans, and she’s able to just be!

6. And the bonus question I like to ask everyone before they go: What’s something you’re really proud of right now?

Something I’m really proud of right now is my growth of confidence and self love. I would always put myself down and think I couldn’t pull of certain clothes cause I wasn’t “cool enough" or "skinny enough.” I stopped caring about what other people think of me and asked what do I think of myself? I realized you can pull off anything if you have confidence because no one can tell you shit if you believe in yourself. I think this growth reflects the way I dress now. I’ve never felt so free and unapologetically comfortable in my body.

Where else can we find you, Milagros?

You can find me on Instagram @mila_bobier!

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