Wear is She Now

Wear is… Poiema Lee?

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 Poiema Lee?

WEAR IS... POIEMA LEE?

Take one scroll through Poiema Lee's instagram and you'll instantly fall in love with not only her style, but her eye for beauty. Dessert-scapes, sun drenched florals and scarves worn as shirts are just some of things you'll find swirling together on Poiema's page. From New Mexico to France, she's been all over the place and weaves each thread of her life together to form a tapestry that is uniquely hers. Read on for her take on Buddy Holly, sunscreen and so much more.

Hi, Poiema! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hi! My name is Poiema Lee. I’m from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but currently attending college in Oregon. 

1. How would you describe your style? 

I would describe my style as “versatile”. It changes on a daily basis, depending on my mood, the weather, and the day’s agenda. Some days, my style is a bit more feminine and soft. *think: lacy, slip tanks and wrap skirts. Other days, it’s all about comfort. *think: bike shorts and big tee shirts. My style definitely has a strong vintage foundation which gives me a lot of freedom to play around and tap into many different style categories. 

2. Where are your favorite places to shop and why?

Thrift stores or vintage resale sites. I am frequently perusing the racks at Savers or scrolling on Depop. It’s important to me that I do as much as I can to reduce my carbon footprint and the amount of waste that I generate. So, I try to hold myself to a pretty strict secondhand/sustainability policy. I only purchase clothing that is secondhand or from sustainable brands. Since it often costs more to purchase “new” from a sustainable brand, it has to be something that I’m committed to wearing for a very long time. Paloma Wool is my favorite sustainable brand and each PW item I own is special to me. Even so, I always search on Depop or The Real Real for my favorite brands first, because it can be pricy. A few other sustainable brands that I love are Girlfriend Collective and Everlane. 

3. How did you discover your personal style or are you still discovering it? 

My personal style is still evolving and always will be. That said, my mom and aunt are huge influences since they’ve been avid thrifters and vintage lovers since I was in the womb. I get my eye for vintage and my confidence to experiment from them. 

I also lived in France for a semester abroad and that taught me a lot about accessorizing and dressing for my body type.

4. Do you have any current favorites? (podcasts, books, songs, etc?) 

My current favorites are:

1. The podcast “Getting Curious” with Jonathan Van Ness

2. The book “Pleasure Activism” by adrienne marie brown (she purposefully spells her name in all lower case:)

3. Arden Rose and Wear I Live on Youtube

4. Pretty much anything from Buddy Holly

5. Aside from style, what other hobbies or interests do you have? 

Aside from style, I’m really into:

calligraphy

collaging

cooking

saving the planet 🙁

speaking french

social justice advocacy

travel

yelling at everyone about how important sunscreen is

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

I’m proud of how much I’ve learned in the past year, it feels like I’m really growing into myself. Also, I was lucky enough to be able to move out on my own for a little bit this summer. It was pretty cool to be self-sustaining and create a space that was 100% mine. 

Totally in love with Poiema yet? You can also find her on her Depop!

Wear is… Emily Dodson?

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 Emily Dodson?

WEAR IS... EMILY DODSON?

Emily Dodson is one of the grooviest girls you could ever hope to meet. She boldly lets her old soul shine through her personal style and her wardrobe is an impeccable mix of 70s bell bottoms and dreamy peasant dresses. Keep reading for Emily's take on starting a business, vintage Vogue and her favorite thrift shops. Fair warning, symptoms of her interview include the sudden urge to buy a killer denim jumpsuit.

Hi, Emily! Please introduce your wonderful self!

I'm Emily Dodson. I’m a Fashion Photography student based out of West Virginia, planning on relocating to NYC after graduation. I am a collector of all things vintage: clothes, home wares, vinyl, etc. And I am a women’s health advocate. 

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

I would describe my style as retro, dreamy, blue.

2. Who or what inspires your style most currently? 

I am heavily Inspired by many different things. When it comes to what inspires me with my photography I would say Richard Avedon and his work in the 60s with fashion photography is where I take most of my every day style inspiration from. I also love looking at old vogue, playboy, and seventeen magazines from the late 60s and early 70s. 

3. What is your current favorite outfit and why? 

My current favorite outfit is such a hard question for me to answer. I’ve curated so many items over the past few years that are all my favorite. But currently I would have to say, my Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers t-shirt, paired with some patterned flares, platform sandals, and of course I can’t go anywhere without @thegroovyunderground earrings. 

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

I would say my favorite place to shop at the moment, is 2 reclaimed vintage shops in the Pittsburgh area. Three Rivers Vintage, and Three pigs vintage are to die for. I also enjoy enjoy scrolling through the vintage section on depop, and also hitting up my local goodwills/thrift shops. I am really focused on sustainability and also I love giving vintage a new home, all of these pieces have memories and I love to think I’m carrying them on with me. 

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

My newest purchase was an old reclaimed Polaroid camera that I have been having so much fun playing around with, of course Norman Fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey, and I just started Mad Men for the 2nd time, and it’s still one of my favorite TV series out there. 

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

I would say I am thankful and proud of a lot of things I’ve accomplished through my college career so far. I started my own business 6 months ago despite dealing with 3 chronic debilitating illnesses, and it’s given me so much to look forward to. I’ve been having so much fun hosting pop ups and meeting other talented, creative artists out there. I’ve had such a passion for making earrings for so long but I’m so happy I can finally make it a reality. 

Where else can we find you, Emily?

You can find me on Instagram @filmingemily 

You can also follow my business based around retro designed handmade earrings @thegroovyunderground on Etsy and Instagram 🙂

Wear is… Elin Torr?

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 who she is, 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 Elin Torr?

WEAR IS... ELIN TORR?

Elin Torr, a British artist as stylish and stunning as the work she creates. I couldn't wait to interview her. I happened upon her instagram account by chance and fell head over (Gucci) heels for her unique fashion illustration style: a perfect blend of abstraction and realism. Read on for her thoughts on artistic inspiration, creativity blocks and London's hotspots.

Hi, Elin! Please introduce your wonderful self!

Hi! My name is Elin Torr and I’m a fashion illustrator that loves clothes and cocktails a bit too much! 

1. When did you discover your passion for art?

I discovered my passion for art from a very early age, I’ve always loved drawing and doodling every chance I get! 

2. What role do you believe creativity plays in your life?

Creativity plays a big role in my life. I love being creative and as well as illustrating I also love photography and I’m currently getting into styling! I’m always thinking about what I can do next.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork? 

I find inspiration for my work everywhere. Sometimes I’ll pass something random on the street and think, woah that’ll be a nice colour or shape for an illustration! I also get loads of inspiration from magazines and other artists on Instagram.

4. Do you have any resource recommendations for other artists? (books, podcasts, etc.)

My favorite magazines are Pusspuss and Purple Magazine. I would really recommend having a nosey in Rococo News & Magazines in Nottinghill, if you love your magazines, it’s a dream! Would also recommend listening to The High Low podcast.

5. What’s one tip you could share for aspiring artists?

The one tip I would share for aspiring artists it to keep on going. Being an artist isn’t always easy especially when you go through art blocks which are the worst! Remember that someone somewhere is appreciating your work.

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

Looking back at this year I’m really proud of myself for getting into my dream uni (UAL)! I haven’t had a chance to fully take it in yet as this year has been so hectic for me but I’m proud of myself for achieving that! 

Where else can we find you, Elin?

You can find my personal account over at @eliiint where you can find lots of clothes and cocktails!

Wear is… Alexandra Gordon?

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 Alexandra Gordon?

WEAR IS... ALEXANDRA GORDON?

Whilst scrolling through the fashionable depths of Instagram one day, Alexandra's account was suggested to me. One scroll through her page revealed so much gold; experimental makeup looks, a bracelet made of lucky charms, a pair of glittery pink Mary Janes. She was playful, charming and instantly I knew I needed to feature her. Read on to get her take on vintage street style photos, ethical fashion and Smeg blenders.

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

Whimsical, timeless, functional.

2. Who or what inspires your style most currently? 

Instagram icon @double3xposure has definitely turned me into a sustainable fashion fanatic, and I’m always inspired by old street photos from the 50’s to the 70’s. I like seeing pictures of people’s parents or grandparents wearing everyday clothes or getting dressed up. 

3. What is your current favorite outfit? 

Levi orange tab black jeans that I altered myself, @clanclanclanclanclan Lamu top, @coreymoranis orange lucite bracelet, vintage @gucci cheetah print skinny scarf worn as a hair tie, and vintage @gucci platform men’s loafers.

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

Local thrift stores and small brand suppliers are my go to in person, but I also love supporting small shops such as @roomshopvintage and @shopberriez. I only purchase vintage, handmade, sustainable, secondhand, or small-business clothing brands, as I am adamantly against fast fashion. 

5. Do you have any current favorites to share with us?

A few of my current favorite things are HipCityVeg vegan lox and bagel sandwiches, my Smeg blender, and Alie Ward’s podcast “Ologies” where she interviews different specialists in unique fields. 

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

This year I made it my ultimate goal to make my entire closet fast-fashion free, which I did and I’m really proud of that! I’ve also begun to sell my art (I’m a painter and graphite artist) through Instagram and am in the process of setting up a website for viewing it/commissions. 

Where else can we find you, Alexandra?

I’m @alexandra___gordon on Instagram (three underscores) and I curate a moodboard under the handle @p_a_m_p_l_e_m_o_u_s_s_e

Wear is… Sam Tennant?

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 Sam Tennant?

WEAR IS... SAM TENNANT?

From the windy city of Chicago to the Big Apple, comes actress and vegan activist Sam Tennant. I was initially drawn to her instagram which offers a refreshingly honest look into her life; a mix of her style, the way she sees the world and what she stands for. Perhaps most refreshing however, was that her interview revealed how comfortable she is with her eclectic style. In a world that loves to box everyone in, it's inspiring to see girls like Sam fearlessly experimenting. Keep reading for her thoughts on antique night gowns, sustainability and being an empath.

1. How would you describe your style? 

I would describe my style as a French prairie girl meets Rachel Greene meets your grandpa's closet. With an added dose of  70s/80s fabrics and colors. I love my style because it is all over the place. 

2. Where are your favorite places to shop and why?

My favorite places to shop are any local thrift store! I am from Chicago and the best thrift stores I have ever been to are the Village Discount Outlets we have there. You can get a whole new vintage and unique wardrobe for literally $20. Most of my clothes are from there. In New York, where I live now, I love Beacon's Closet and Goodwill, even though they're both a little pricey. The gems I find there are worth the saving up! I also love Outdoor Voices and Paloma Wool although I'm still saving to score on some pieces from Paloma Wool 🙂

3. How did you discover your personal style or are you still discovering it? 

I think we all discover our personal style throughout our lives, it is never solidified. In terms of my style currently and what I'm drawn to, I think I really found it through thrifting and eliminating fast fashion out of my life. By thrifting most of my clothes, I am able to put together outrageously eclectic outfits in whatever style I feel like wearing that morning. One day I'll wear an antique night gown with vintage new balances, and another day I'm wearing disco pants from American Apparel with heels and a tube top. I love that I am able to incorporate so many sides of myself into how I present myself to the world through my style.

4. Do you have any current favorites? (podcasts, books, songs, etc?) 

My current favorites right now would have to be The Cut on Tuesdays Podcast, and the Daily podcast by the New York Times. Also I have been listening to a lot of Talking Heads and Joni Mitchell. I am about to start on the book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and I am super excited about that. My favorite book I have read recently though would have to be The Empath's Survival Guide by Judith Orloff. It helped me develop so many coping strategies for overstimulation and how to separate your own individual emotional life from the overwhelming world's ever conflicting energies in a healthy way. 

5. Aside from style, what other hobbies or interests do you have? 

I am an acting major at NYU, and theatre is my greatest love and passion. I also love history and anthropology. In addition I am vegan and I also am very passionate about ocean conservation and general environmental sustainability and am working towards living a better low-waste lifestyle. I work for a company called The Wally Shop based here in NYC, and we provide zero-waste grocery delivery services to Brooklyn and Manhattan, and working here has opened my eyes to how much waste even grocery shopping takes up alone in our lives. So I'm very passionate about creating a more sustainable lifestyle. 

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 my ability to empathize. Although I identify as an empath which can be really hard and detrimental to the self sometimes, I love it. I love feeling connected to my emotional body and being able to have that capacity to understand people. 

You can find Sam on her Instagram @sammitennant or on her YouTube channel!