Typically Her

What if you could travel back in time and tell yourself what you know now? What would you say to your younger self?  As the year comes to an end, I started thinking about what I’ve learned and experienced in this decade. Ten years ago, I was only 16 and in high school!

I never thought much about the mistakes I made and the chances I was afraid to pursue as lessons. Especially as lessons that would stick with me years later. These are the four major lessons I wish I knew ten years ago.

This is a letter to my former self:  

(Jessica circa 2010, Age 16)

You are stronger than you think you are

I’m not saying physically because honestly, we never wanted to become a body builder, but we are a mentally and emotionally strong person.  There will be times when life brings you down and breaks you to your very core. There will be times when you can’t think beyond your darkest thoughts and just want to end it all. But I promise you that whatever you’re going through will pass. You are resilient and life becomes better. You will get through this.

You’ll regret the risks you don’t take

Jessica, you may never be 100% ready to go out of your comfort zone it is necessary. Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from trying and to excel in life because that’s what makes you stuck.  If you are not happy where you work, quit. There are other opportunities elsewhere. If you are not sure how he feels about you then directly ask him because one-sided expectations can linger longer than a painful truth.  If you’re scared of getting a rejection letter to the fashion school of your dreams because you think you’re not talented enough. Apply anyway because they might find a potential in you that you may not see. What I’m trying to say is don’t waste your time wondering but instead just act on it.

Follow to your intuition (inner voice)

Deep down you know what you want and life circumstances always come in patterns. If things don’t feel right to you then let them go. Don’t let a moment or one quality keep you in a bad situation. You think you can fix the problem and things may change but sometimes you need to accept that some things aren’t always fit for us no matter how much we try. You are stubborn and want to show people wrong but is it worth it in the end if you’re not happy?

Don’t lower your standards

I don’t know if it’s because we are at the end of a decade and change is inevitable but this fall season is full of new and fun trends that even a college student can wear. In need of some inspiration on what to wear to class?  Want to look cool but comfortable? Here are my favorite Fall 2019 trends that you should try out.

1. Jewel Tones

Say Hello to brighter and deeper hues of purple, orange, Green, and Yellow. These colors are perfect to pair off with natural and darker tones to balance out the color’s intensity.

My favorite color to wear this season has to be a rusty red/ orange because it surprisingly pairs so well with many things that I already have in my closet. If the color trend is too experimental for you consider trying it out with a small accessory like a belt or handbag!

2. Hair accessories (headbands, hair clips, hairpins)  

Make a statement this season with your hair. I gravitated towards this trend because headbands and hair clips feel so nostalgic for me. I used colorful and fun hair accessories as a way to stand out in a sea of dull uniforms and nuns while growing up. I’m excited to try this trend again, as a more polished and mature version of what I used to wear.

Keep your hair out of your face while rushing to class with a cute thick headband. Decorate your parted hair with oversized hair clips and pins to make a statement to an otherwise boring outfit.

3. SnakeSkin

Cheetah/Leopard Print has been an oversaturated trend for the past few years. SnakeSkin is an edgy addition to the animal print trend that always resurfaces. 

An easy way to wear this trend is with accessories like snakeskin ankle boots paired with your favorite dark-washed denim or a mini handbag!

4. Sweatshirts 

Athleisure wear has become increasingly trendy in the past few years. From biker shorts to chunky sneakers but the sweatshirt has to be the most conventional and comfortable. You can find a sweatshirt practically anywhere and with many different sayings and logos. I bought a few basic Fruit of the Loom sweatshirts in Walmart for $7.99. They’re easy to layer with anything for cold mornings when you can’t be bothered.

I’ve been so busy these past few months that I haven’t had the time to rid my closet of the floral printed, bright neon, muted pastel, and the strappy summer items that are too cold to wear. So today, I decided to use my free time to organize my wardrobe and I was surprised by the amounts of outdated trendy pieces that I don’t reach anymore. Undeniably, the fashion industry is always finding ways for us to shop for the latest now then tacky the next so figuring out what to keep and choose can be by preference. You must identify your own style and the classics that never go out of fashion.

Here are some outdated trendy pieces that could still be found in your closet and should be donated to your local Goodwill.

1. The Peplum 

The peplum trend became popular in 2012 where it appeared on tops, dresses, and skirts. It stuck into a lot of women’s wardrobes years later because it creates a slimming effect on the waistline and hourglass shape. However, in my opinion, the extra flap of fabric in the hip area is not flattering to my body type and creates the illusion of a bigger midsection. I can live without wearing this type of silhouette.

2. Fur-lined loafers

Originally designed by the luxury brand Gucci, these slip-on shoes became popular after celebrities, influencers and fashion bloggers were all seen wearing it in 2015. This shoe embodied two qualities that a modern woman looks for in an everyday shoe comfort and efficiency. It’s popularity increased years later after cheaper dupes were introduced to market fashionistas who can’t afford Gucci. I definitely identify as one of those people! Loafers and mules are an amazing stable to have in your wardrobe but you don’t want a shoe that looks like you’ve stepped on roadkill. Additionally, The fur can easily get damaged and dirty by the elements which don’t make it a practical shoe to go out in after all.

3. Sock Sneakers 

Luxury brands have changed their marketing towards Athleisure wear to reach millennials and their fascination with sneakers. Before the ugly dad shoe trend, Balenciaga’s Speed Trainers seemed to be on everyone’s feet in 2017. This shoe became popular for its minimal and modern silhouette as well as pop culture references in songs. Realistically this shoe is just a thick sole with stretchy knit material attached to it. For a whopping $700, this sneaker is way too expensive to invest in. If you want to add a new sneaker to your collection, I would suggest sticking to classic silhouettes like Converse or Adidas.

4. High low blouses/ skirts 

This trend became relevant around 2011 and 2012 when celebrities were seen in red carpets in gowns with a higher front hemline. This unique silhouette had all eyes towards the legs and gave a cape-like sensation towards the back. Any way to show off your legs and make yourself look taller is an amazing thing to have your closet with subtlety. As the trend became more saturated in the masses, the hemlines became too extreme to look elegant. Toss anything in your closet that makes you look like a superhero, Halloween is over! 

5. Transparent/ clear shoes 

For the most part, my blog is composed of one consistent theme which is being an advocate for thrifting. But I have never clarified reasons why you should step into a thrift store near you and try it out if you haven’t. I’ve heard all the excuses for why people lean away from the idea of going thrifting. “They sell heavily used clothes” “Clothes are outdated,” “It’s dirty” “Most clothes found in Thrift stores are ugly,” “It’s too messy to find anything there”  

But here’s my response, to these concerns that I hope will eliminate the negative connotations of thrifting.

1.“They sell heavily used clothes”

Yes, thrift stores sell used clothes. Many people also donate clothes that no longer fit them, never wear, or couldn’t return. Thrift stores do carry lightly-used or never wore clothes with tags. One of my favorite finds at the thrift store is a pair of used Prada leather black boots with a few scuffs that were easy to fix! Don’t let the word “used” keep you away from the potential you may find.

 2.“Clothes are outdated”

Yes, many clothes there are out of style. There are many things I pick up from the racks and simply laugh at the idea that someone actually wore them before. But like everything, fashion and the latest trends are always changing and style is subjective. Choose what you like. What I love about thrifting is that you find items that aren’t sold in stores because it’s not trending in the market. Be different. P.S. Retro right now is so in!

 3.“It’s dirty”

Everything that I have purchased from the thrift store is washed soon after. I don’t know where it been and who worn it so it’s better to stay safe and wash it with warm to hot water to rid of whatever it been through. All clothes should be washed before being worn no matter where you bought them. Fast Fashion goes through several processes and steps that you may not even think about before it makes it to stores. Even in traditional retail stores, customers try on, drop, and step on clothes before we purchase them. (Speaking from my experience in working in retail) Always wash your clothes before you wear them!

 4.“Most clothes in thrift stores are ugly”

Yes and no. Don’t blame the retailer for selling clothes that you may find ugly. Instead, blame the taste of consumers who buy the clothes. Style, like I said before, is subjective. I think we’ve all bought clothes from regular retailers that people have found distasteful. Buy what you like, thrift stores are full of unique silhouettes and patterns that regular retailers may not hold and yes others may find ugly.

 5.“It’s too messy to find anything there”

That’s the exciting part of thrifting. Finding pieces that grasp your attention without planning it. You must go open-mindedly of what you can find there and the many ways you can modify. Do it yourself (DIY) projects are so much fun! Can’t find denim shorts in the middle of winter for a tropical vacation coming up? Check out the denim section at your local thrift store and find a great pair that you can simply cut and make as shorts. All my favorite high-waisted shorts are from the thrift store!

It’s crazy to think that the 00s were almost 20 years ago and how much has changed since then but fashion proves to us that it was a completely different era in time. I remember a time when low-rise jeans were the only style available to buy in stores and flipping fashion magazines of celebrities in red carpets with exposed pierced midriffs and a peek of their most bedazzled thong. I remember a time when the most luxurious thing you can wear is a velour tracksuit with Juicy Couture printed on your backside. And how about those statement plastic bracelets that you would collect and share with friends that came in every color? Back in the day when colorful butterfly clips and scrunchies were worn by every girl in school no matter their age. But now you don’t have to live through your memories of these fashion pieces because guess what? Most of these hideous fashion trends are now coming back in fashion, Gasp!

 What’s everyone’s fascination with nostalgia and reliving our ugly outfits of the past? I was born in the 90s but I don’t really consider myself to be a “90s kid” because I don’t remember much of it besides the blurry memories behind toddler photos of me in corduroy overalls posed in my living room and my love for the Spice Girls. I do remember the early 00s and it was a very experimental era filled with questionable textiles, textures, and concepts. It wasn’t very pretty.

My idea of writing this blog post stemmed from the rise of the scrunchie. A trend that died and has been resurrected by Gen Z influencers and fashionistas who idolize retro aspects of the 90s and 00s. Remember scrunchies, comfortable fabric-like hair-tie that added a quirky and comfortable statement to your hair?  It felt like the thought of wearing a scrunchie in public was social suicide and it was engraved in every modern woman’s mind through movies, shows, and magazines. So, I’m not a fan of this trend. I see it on celebrities, my young co-workers and teens on Netflix shows who wear them as bracelets to represent their relationship status. Yeah, that’s a thing.

Imagine an immense warehouse dedicated to vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. Picture hundreds of labeled cardboard boxes filled to the brim with wool sweaters, colorful printed blouses, and piles of denim in every kind of style and shade. Does it sound like a dream? A fantasy of yours? Then head Udelco Warehouse for some extreme thrifting located in Hawthorne, New Jersey.

I only learned about Udelco a few weeks ago from a Youtuber who vlogged about her experience shopping there. As a person who naturally enjoys the hunt for unique and discounted, I thought this place looked very promising for some vintage pieces to add to my wardrobe. I was ready to put my thrifting skills to the test so I invited a friend and went for the first time.

The warehouse is on a dead-end street inside of a quiet suburban neighborhood in Hawthorne. But don’t let the isolated horizontal building fool stop you from exploring its wonders that awaits inside. At first glance, Udelco doesn’t seem so daunting. We were welcomed by a boutique-like space with few clothing racks filled with denim, jackets, dresses, and tops. The walls are decorated with flags, vinyl and shelves of combat boots along with other antique pieces all possibly found there. Stepping further to the back is where the real mission begins.

There are walls covered with massive cardboard boxes filled to the brim with different shades and textures of textiles.  The boxes were labeled with everything from 80s long cotton dresses to ugly Christmas sweaters. But don’t let the amounts of boxes filled with clothes overwhelm you because that’s the fun part. Make sure to really dig into the bottom of these boxes because you might never know what you can find.  

We left the warehouse with our arms hugging a pile of clothes to our chest to make sure that we don’t drop them. My first trip to thrift paradise was a success!

I really didn’t know what to expect walking into Udelco. After my experience there, I think I can provide some tips that I wish someone told me beforehand.

Tip 1- Bring a Tote bag!

Udelco doesn’t provide bags to put all your vintage goodies in. I left the warehouse with my arms filled with my purchases and I don’t know what I would have done if I had found more.

Tip 2- Take your time!

Shopping in Udelco shouldn’t be rushed. There’s so much to discover in both the women and men section. Make sure you have more than an hour to dig into boxes filled with potential gems. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays they are closed. So, plan ahead accordingly to indulge in some vintage hunting.

Tip 3-Bring hand sanitizer!

Stay clean after digging into piles and piles of clothes

Tip 4- Stop by an ATM beforehand!

I can’t believe the month of October is almost over! There are only two months left of the fall semester! This is the time of the year when the temperature decreases as workload steadily increase. Midterms are on their way and the holidays are but a jingle away. Are you mentally prepared to handle it all? The fall/winter semester has to be the most stressful for students which is why I have four tips of ways to manage your time and be more organized.

1. Buy a planner

I think the best thing you can do if you’re having trouble balancing too many classes, a work schedule and assignments is to get a planner to organize and set reminders. Writing down a routine can help you build a pattern and cutting down on late assignments and all-nighters. The key to managing your planner is to write down as soon as you hear/receive information. Make this a habit and your planner will improve your mindset.

2. Make to-do lists

It can be very overwhelming when there are so many things due and you have a limited time to finish it all. But there’s something about making a list and crossing things down that feels so satisfying. Make a list of all the things you have to do in a day according to the closest to the due date or difficulty. Personally, I don’t like doing things at the last minute so making a list of what’s relevant based on its due date can really help ease the stress.

3. Turn off your television/ phone  

If you only have until midnight to complete assignments or projects then all your focus should be on finishing them. I’m guilty of having my tv on or my phone nearby and being distracted by it. Time passes by quickly while you’re strolling your social media feed or watching Netflix so shut it off until you’re finished studying or doing homework. I found that playing relaxing music in the background can help lighten your mood and increase your focus. There’s a large selection of live stream videos on YouTube specifically to use for background music for studying. (For example: lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to)

4.Prioritize your time

The concept of shopping at a thrift store is different for everyone. There are people who go for a bargain to add unique pieces to their wardrobe like a fringe suede vest or vintage band tee. There are others who are interested in finding brand names at a bargain. But the elite are in the hunt for vintage. So, what’s the difference between vintage and thrift? It’s simple, it depends on how old the clothing is. If the clothing was made more than 25 years ago than it’s considered vintage. Anything before the 90s is considered as vintage pieces. If you find an 80’s Levi’s acid wash denim jacket in good condition then congratulations, you’re a pro at this! Finding anything vintage at an affordable price now has become near to impossible because anyone who discovers it and knows it’s worth sells it for double the price. I love the thrill of the hunt but those who are interested in finding vintage can do so online. Sites and apps like eBay, Poshmark, Depop and Thread up make it easy for a vintage fan to search for a particular item rather than just shop with an open mind.

 In contrast, thrift items are used/ pre-worn garments that are up to resale in either consignment or thrift stores. Consignment shops like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet are given clothes to sell and in return exchange for money to resell. Thrifted items are usually peoples’ donations from either the Salvation Army or Goodwill as they are the top organizations for collecting the no longer unwanted.

 It’s upsetting to see an increase in prices at the thrift store for secondhand pieces. Pre-worn/ used clothes shouldn’t cost the same as if you were to buy them in the mall. The point of going to the thrift store, at least for me is to experiment with silhouettes, patterns, colors, or trends at a more affordable price. Macklemore said in Thrift Shop, “Only have twenty dollars in my pocket”  

I have these spurts of ideas and creative urges to do something outside of my usual routine but making the time isn’t always easy. Let me explain. For a while, I felt like I needed an outlet to express myself and what I love to do. This summer, I decided to create my own YouTube channel based on my thrifting finds and styling. Thanks to the encouragement of my friends and family.

I posted two videos that gained me more than 200 views in two weeks because of all the extra time I had during the Summer. I felt excited to have made such an impression for my first video but I think I developed nerves to post anything else. I don’t know what I’m doing what if people notice? I expect more from myself because I know others will too. YouTube is filled with experienced and inspiring content creators that it’s impossible not to compare. 

I told myself that I’ll post a video every week and make the time for it but it seems like all my time is occupied by school, work, and sleeping. But that’s just excuses I’ve given myself.

We make the time for what we enjoy. I enjoy filming and editing although it’s time consuming and tedious work. I truly think it can help women like me who love fashion but can’t afford to buy the most current and designer pieces. I want to share tips and tricks to stay fashionably current in an affordable way.