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)

Shopping for Christmas has never been easy, and some of us might’ve found it harder this year, with the onslaught of sales, plethora of merchandise, and skyrocketing prices. Fortunately, throughout the season, I’ve since purchased a host of great Xmas gifts, that’ll inspire and motivate you regardless of your budget or time constraints and I’m happy to share my list with you. Lastly, I would love it if it helps make your Christmas more joyous and less stressful. Consider it my Christmas present to you. Below is my lift a great gift ideas, accompanying photos and retail online and onsite locations.

1. Sock sets (Christmas themed, Winter or Fall themed)
2. Compression or warming socks
3. Pajama sets or bottoms (The Grinch or other Christmas or Holiday themed)
4. Robes
5. Tote bags
6. Hello Kitty Merch (Everyone from Five Below, Amazon, Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Target has it)
7. Bluey Merch (The same as Hello Kitty, but also check The Dollar Tree)
8. “Wicked” Merch (Target, Amazon, and H & M)
9. Grinch Merch (TJ Maxx)
10. Makeup brush kits
11. Lip balm and lip color kits
12. Hair Accessories (Bows, clips, etc.,)
13. Knit scarf and hat sets
14. Knit designer scarves (I.e., Karl Lagerfeld, etc.,)
15. Christmas ornaments (I.e., Harry Potter or “A Christmas Story”)
16. Maxi silk-style skirts to wear with thick, cozy sweaters and coats
17. Puffy vests and coats
18. Christmas and holiday sweaters and sweatshirts
19. Christmas coffee cups and coffee, cocoa or tea sets
20. 2025 Calendars
21. Journal or Diary (Gratitude Journal)
22. Drawing kits
23. Traditional board games (Monopoly, Yahtzee, Scrabble)
24. Baking kits (Cookie cutters, etc.,)
25. Coffee syrups
26. Gift baskets
27. Books (Amazon, ThriftBooks, Goodwill, Target, Five Below-Wicked, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Wizard of Oz)
28. Coloring and Activity Books (The Dollar Tree, Albertson’s)
29. Collector’s Magazines (Albertson’s, Von’s, etc.,)
30. School Supplies
31. Christmas jewelry
32. Bath salts and gift sets (Bath and Body Works)
33. Men’s’ wallets
34. Women’s wallets
35. Perfume or cologne
36. Shackets for men and women
37. Coatigans
38. Cardigan sweaters
39. Special edition See’s Candy
40. Pet toys and snacks

I’ve often wondered whenever I’ve seen soft fleece lined tights at TJ Maxx, and Ross Dress For Less if they’re all they promise to be, and could keep me warm enough on cold days if I decided to wear a dress or a skirt to work or out on another occasion.

So on November 21, 2024 I gave the black Halston footless tights, lined in soft fleece a try underneath an expensive tweed skirt I purchased from ThredUp. Coordinated with a white pullover sweater and accessorized with a plaid coat from Target, black Fila sneakers from Ross, and a gold heart necklace, I headed out into the freezing, 46° weather to catch the bus to work.

Anticipating the cold, and a blast that should’ve sent me back inside for a pair of pants, I was pleasantly surprised when my legs felt not only warm, but downright cozy encased in the tights. it felt like I had on a pair of well fitting pants that adequately kept out the cold air.

At $7.99 for a package of three, I believe the investment was worth it, and the advertisement valid enough to recommend. Pleased with the results I didn’t even mind having to remove them later, when the temperature reached 75° in the afternoon.

Caucasian woman in a white top, black pants, chunky sneakers and a baseball cap

Style Up: To make some outfit or article of clothing more stylish, or fashionable .

For me, creating every day style includes building an outfit from a series of simple components with accessories, genres, style, tricks, and personal preferences. It can be a simple as cuffing your jeans and adding a pair of ballet flats, instead of sneakers, or as complex as combining a slogan tea with a blazer and a straight skirt for a witty take on the suit. The main purpose is confidence and a willingness to experiment.

Caucasian woman in oversize red tie-dye print, Nike sweatsuit and chunky sneakers reading a big book

African-American woman in a black pullover, ripped black jeans, a shawl, black shoes, and tortoiseshell oversized shades 

1) Reading a good book

2) Looking at a good movie

3) Looking at beautiful images

4) Photographing nature

5) Writing in my journal

6) Spending time with my cat Zombie

7) Eating a good meal

8) Iced Coffee

9) Coordinating fashion outfits

10) Organizing and straightening up my room

11) Shopping

12) Getting my hair done

13) Getting a manicure

14) Getting a good night’s sleep

www.goodreads.com/book/show/51197947

Lately, I’ve noticed, at the store I work at on the weekends, a slight shift away from skinny jeans to cargo, painter, corduroy, khaki-style pants, and wide- leg jeans. I’ve also seen a looser version of casual pants worn with either equally loose tops or midriff tops, sneakers, platforms, chunky-soled loafers and boots.

These styles are reminiscent of the 1980s when baggy was in and TLC topped the charts. Although I’ve never been into the totally baggy silhouette I’ve always been a fan of the work pant look.

Paired with a delicate, feminine blouse, pearls, a scarf, and other pretty accessories that contrast baggie or rough and sweet it’s as charming as masculine and feminine.

An alternative to to these looks but one that’s nonetheless as rugged and charming is a jumpsuit made out of corduroy or denim, a pair of slouchy, or slim fitting jeans and overalls. Topped with a swanky vintage hat and retro coat also helps to turn this look around from plain to cool.