Introducing Octavia

27-year-old Octavia, who works in product innovation for the beauty industry, lives in Jersey City with her roommate and little terrier Rocky, who has been keeping her company since she started working from home. While she still loves exploring her city, shopping and trying out new restaurants, she’s equally likely to be found at home either binge-watching TV or reading books, which - she admits - tend to be self-help books right now; “Although I wanted to switch over to fiction, so I’m reading A little Bit of Karma by Reshonda Billingsley instead.” Described as caring, loyal and funny by her friends, Octavia prides herself on being the friend that listens. Sitting in her bedroom (which she admits "is slightly girly’" she adjusts herself on the pink and grey bedspread, pops Rocky down on the pink accent rug and settles in for a good chat.

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

I would explain my personal style as fashionable, flirty and feminine. 

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

I feel like my friends would agree, and they may add sexy and various, as I like different styles.

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

I feel like my role in the fashion group is a bit of inspiration and joining in on what my friends are wearing. We always call each other to tell each other what the fashion sites have or if they have some cute things up, I'll tell the group when there is a sale on too! I also feel that we all have our own personal style but when we are out as a group, we all are on trend and cohesive. I feel I inspired because sometimes I will pair something different or wear a piece that my friends would not have thought of, and they will compliment me.

Who inspires you style-wise?

Style-wise, I get my inspiration not from one individual person, I gather it from everywhere. I would be categorized as plus size, so most of the time it's either recreating a look or just pairing things to my personal liking. When I see influencers or maybe a plus size haul on YouTube, I will be inspired to shop. 

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

Marlo Hampton – She takes fashion risk so effortlessly. Even if it's with all designer pieces, I love her styling. 

Tammy Rivera – I love how she plays with accessories. I am an accessory girl, purses, jewelry, belts, etc. I also love how she styles looks with a chic sneaker.

Ciara – So sophisticated and Chic

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

I would steal Jackie Aina's closet, she has so many accessories but also a variety of styles and things that you could pair to make your own personal style.

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

Instagram, In Store (Window shopping) , Friends.

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

• Asos (Online)

• Old Navy (In-store)

• Shein (Online)

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

For Old Navy, I can always count on the fit and I like to get my t-shirts and work attire from there. Shein is quick, easy and always has what’s hot and trending. Asos, I go to when I’m looking for a LOOK .

Does the experience of those stores matter to you too?

Old Navy has average in-store environment. And for Shein and ASOS, both sites are easy to navigate, and I pretty much always find something on the site I want to buy.

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

I have definitely become a shopper that shops at a variety of stores: Fashion Nova, Express, Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo , Missguided, Target, H&M, Zara.

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

1. Express

2. American Eagle 

3. Asos

4. Telfar 

5. Shein

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

1. Style 

2. Quality 

3. Comfort 

4. Fit 

5. Price

And why do those things matter to you in the order they do? 

These things matter in the order they do because I am shopping for a fashionable look that I have in mind first, then the quality will let me know how it's going to fit on me and if the price is worth it. But I am willing pay more if the quality and fit are on point. 

Is there anything else you want to add?

I realized I shop at a variety of stores, and I am not really loyal to a store, I am loyal to my look, the fit and how I feel in the clothing. 

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

I own 42 pairs of shoes.

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

Heels – 40%

Sneakers – 20%

Sandals – 20%

Slippers – 5%

Boots- 15%

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

A mule heel.

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

Comfort, especially with the heels. With sneakers it's more about style.

Okay, now what about your favorite brands for shoes? Who do you always end up going to?

• Nike 

• Schutz

• Steve Madden 

• Zara Shoes

Why are these your favorite brands do you think? 

They always have the style I’m looking for along with the shoes being cute and comfortable.

And what about your favorite shoe stores?

My favorite stores always have the styles I'm looking for, the fits are always good and quality is always good.