Introducing Lydia

Lydia ushers us into the apartment she has just moved into in Jersey City. It is still very much a blank canvas although she tells us she knows the vibe she’s aiming for: modern mid-century with a few eclectic pieces. We are lucky to find her at home – although the pandemic has slowed her down a little, she is normally ‘busy and booked’ as her friends put it, whether that’s with her job managing clinical operations at North American sites for clinical trials in Oncology, traveling around the world [3-4 times a year], volunteering or hanging out with friends and family.

Lydia mentions her friends and family often during our conversation, clearly a loyal and loving person to have around. We also talk about the importance of winding down when possible - something she cherishes when she has an occasional free weekend and can indulge in a massage, catching up on sleep, and reading. Lydia is currently re-reading The Alchemist as it is an inspiring book and she particularly wants to rediscover her purpose at this point in her life. And, of course, we chat extensively about her passion for fashion and trends.

Let’s start with having you explain your style to us, Lydia...

I would say that my style is a bit more trendy, effortless and classy. 

Would your friends describe your style any differently do you think?

They would say more polished, trendy, fashionista and cool.

Thinking about your friends, what’s your ‘style/fashion role’ in the group?

I can definitely say that I often take the lead in the group, I always tend to surprise my friends with my style. Yes, I inspire. I like to think that I make fashion statements instead of blending into the crowd. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, just adding the right accessories and attitude can go a long way. My friends have their own unique style and oftentimes it gives me ideas of things I can incorporate when styling.

In the public eye, whose style do you admire and are influenced by?

Rihanna – can do no wrong, her style is daring and bold. She’s always on point. 

Beyoncé – just curve-a-licious, I love that she flaunts her amazing body, and she has so many memorable moments in fashion. I honestly try to emulate Beyoncé when it comes to having stand-out moments. She runs the world with both style and fashion, and she continues to evolve.  

Kim Kardashian - she always knows the trends and is styled perfectly.

If you could ‘steal’ one person [in the public eye’s] closet, whose closet would you steal and why?

Beyonce’s closet because she is a FASHION ICON. She never disappoints and I am truly happy to witness her evolution throughout the years. She wears what flatters her figure, she has unquestionable flair, and she is always willing to experiment. She’s effortless and always classy.

Where are the other places you’re getting style/fashion influence from?

Traveling, social media, and friends.

Where are your three favorite stores to shop in for clothing/apparel?

H&M (online and in-store), The Outnet (online).

What is it about these stores that make them your favorite/preferred place to shop?

Finding great gems or other pieces to go with outfits that I already have at great prices.

Does the experience of those stores matter to you too?

The store experiences do matter to me because I still want to see, touch and feel products. Just having the opportunity to try on the product before purchasing it. Getting customer service to help me find what I am looking for.

What other stores/spaces are you shopping in and why?

Target, Marshalls. Getting the in-store deals versus online.

Going a little more specific, what are your top five favorite brands?

Nike

H&M

ZARA

The  price for the quality. Since they are lifestyle brands with various categories to choose from, the price points don’t break the bank. The brands are constantly reliable and have great customer services.

What are your top priorities when it comes to buying new items of clothing?

1. Cost – is it affordable, is it worth buying?

2. The label size – are the labels accurate when it comes to fitting for all items? Sometimes I don’t have time to try in-store.

3. Can I get the item right away – is the item available after being a new arrival?

4. The brand's reputation – the brand’s story, what are they known for. Will I come back and shop?

5. Quality – will it last for a lifetime?

How many pairs of shoes, any shoes, do you own?

Close to 45 pairs of shoes and that’s after getting rid of several.

If you had to split them up into categories and write a percentage next to them [what, math!] what would that look like?

Sneakers 25%

Heels 25%

Sandals 10%

Boots/booties 30%

Flats 10%

What type of shoe would we typically find you in, if you there is a ‘typical shoe’ for you?

Sneakers and sandals.

What are the most important things for you when it comes to buying your favorite kind of shoe?

Quality, durability, affordability, support, and comfort.

What about your favorite brands for shoes? Who do you always end up going to?

Adidas, Nike, Loeffler Randall, Converse, Doc Martens, Zara, J Crew, Steve Maddens.

Why are these your favorite brands do you think?

Style, trendy, quality, comfort and durability.

And what about your favorite shoe stores, again - on or offline? What makes them your favorite stores?

Macys, Lyst, Steve Madden, Nikes, Zara, ASOS. Quick service, quick delivery, style, trendy, quality, comfort and durability.