While working on my first book, my three blogs, day jobs at a retail store on the weekends, and an elementary school as a special education instructional assistant for LAUSD in Los Angeles, California during the week, I contemplated what I would need while shopping for clothes in 2025 that would make me feel attractive and comfortable on a daily basis when I’m out and about.

Most of the designers and companies I’ve listed fit my existing aesthetic and the every day philosophy of upstyling mainstream and secondhand clothes and accessories for an eclectic and unique signature.

My style inspirational icons were Jenna Lyons, Carine Roitfeld, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tracee Ellis Ross, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel.

The books I’m reading now that have inspired me are The Paradise, Pat In The City, Selected Poems and Letters of Emily Dickinson, The Collected Short Stories of Dorothy Parker, Holy Bible, How to Raise a Reader, Aphrochic, The Wizard of Oz.

The stores, websites, designers, and fashion companies who’ve inspired me and influenced my buys are TJ Maxx (Anne Klein, Max Studio, DKNY, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, La Bagatelle, Vince Camuto, Hunter, Rachel Zoe, Cynthia Rowley, Levi’s, Zara, Ann Taylor, Penguin, Tommy Hilfiger), Target (Wild Fable, A New Day, Universal Thread, Who What Wear), Uniqlo (J.W. Anderson, Marimekko, Ines de la Fressange, Marni, Carine Roitfeld, Anna Sui), Thred Up (Uniqlo, H & M, Zara, Macy’s, J.Crew, Target collabs), H & M, Amazon, Marshall’s. Don’t think I’ve overlooked one of my favorites, Goodwill Industries Thrift Stores, either because the last time I visited the one on Crenshaw I found some great stuff, including a black and white short-sleeved Michael Kors sweater and a print Anne Klein dress.

Shoes:

a) loafer platforms (TJ Maxx) online

b) two-toned Chanel pumps (ThredUP)

Toppers (Shirts, Sweaters, etc.,):

a) purple/white l/s shirt (TJ Maxx)

b) brown/white floral sweater (TJ Maxx)

c) white/brown floral sweater (T J Maxx)

d) gray Hello Kitty tee (Amazon)

e) black/white top (TJ Maxx)

f) white/black Wicked tee (H & M)

g) brown/black striped top (Target)

h) purple velvet top (Target)

Skirts:

a) gray satin maxi skirt (H & M)

b) brown midi skirt (Target)

c) black midi skirt (Target)

d) green tiered boho skirt (Uniqlo)

Dresses:

a) floral print boho dress (TJ Maxx)

b) green print dress (ThredUP)

c) green combination dress (Uniqlo)

d) denim maxi dress (Amazon)

Other Clothes and Accessories:

a) black fleece-lined leggings (TJ Maxx)

b) brown plaid shacket (Marshall’s)

c) light blue Hello Kitty bag (ThredUP)

d) black/white teacher tote (TJ Maxx)

e) brown faux suede jacket (TJ Maxx)

f) black/white pant set (TJ Maxx)