The TEll// By Thrift & Tell
Welcome to THE TELL//BY THRIFT & TELL: a celebration of fashionable women who dress as smart as they shop.
This week’s guest on THE TELL// is Monica Awe-Etuk: Atlanta based style and lifestyle expert. I recently had the chance to hear Monica speak at a virtual conference and loved her approach to style. She makes an H&M dress look like a million bucks simply by laying in her beautiful collection of bags, shoes, and accessories. Frankly, it’s hard to tell what is luxe and what is high street! As you will see below, she has a great eye and a beautiful aesthetic. If you’re looking for detailed break downs of her high street finds, be sure to follow her on YouTube as well! Thanks to Monica for being part of this series, and please stay tuned for more inspiring women to come. Enjoy!
//Your style in 3 words: Classic, trendy, chic
//Staple Outfit: Blazer with anything
//Style Icon(s): Kerry Washington
//Your First Big Purchase: I really can’t remember! I have been buying large ticket items for over 20years and I can’t remember lol. Maybe my first car lol.
//Do You Still Have It? No!
//Best Fashion Advice You Ever Received: Buy pieces you absolutely love.
//Types of clothing you invest in: Blazers, leather, gowns.
//Types of clothing you save on: Trendy pieces
//Your greatest extravagance: My bags
//Brands That Will Stand the Test of Time: Dior, Chanel
//Favorite High Street Brands: H&M and Zara
//Favorite Designer Brands: Dior
//Favorite Places to Shop Consignment: The RealReal
//Your Most Prized Possession: All my Dior pieces
//Best investment you ever made in your style: My first Chanel bag, I have had it for over 10years and it’s worth more now.
//Style Choice From Your Past That Haunts You: I kind love everything I buy. I don’t buy it if I don’t love it.
//Last Time You Splurged? Last week lol!
//Currently Saving Your Pennies For: The perfect winter boots (haven’t found a pair I love yet, but I know it’s coming!)
//Advice to someone looking to define their own style: Stick to what you love. Don’t buy what you think everyone else will love, but stick to what makes you feel comfortable.
//Trend you wish would go away? Extra narrow shoes
//You feel great. What are you wearing? A gorgeous gown.
//Occasions when you splurge: My birthday!
//Home Decor Style: Modern with a minimalist appeal
//Favorite place to hunt for home decor: CB2
//Go-to for unique items, whether it be clothing, accessories, home or art: Sezsean
//Your fashion motto: You only live once, you might as well have fun with your fashion.
//Your life motto: Live with a grateful heart.
FILL IN THE BLANK:
//A woman should invest in- great bags. //You’re never too old to—wear what you love. //A woman can never have too many- bags and shoes. // Bury Me In: Dior. //True or False: More is More- true. //Fashion is- my passion.//Style is: personal.
CURRENTLY LOVING:
//Music: The Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce
//Print: Floral
//Food: Nigerian food
//Drink: Rose
//Film: Black is King
//Instagram Handle: @awedbymoni
//Designer: Dior
ABOUT MONICA
As a child, Monica watched her mother construct garments, and developed an affinity for the clean lines and the fusion of fabrics. As the years passed, Monica would venture towards using her own talent to become a young seamstress. With an intensified passion, Monica spent days dressing up and coordinating ensembles, and eventually acquiring her first job in retail.
Today, Monica’s personal style embodies a timeless fearlessness that is not often duplicated. Her eye for classic pieces, mixed with trendy accessories create elegance and mass appeal.
As a force in the fashion industry, Monica has her sights set on the continued growth and development of her brand. Monica’s ultimate desire rests in her ability to help women to feel confident in knowing how to be stylish at all price points and confident in themselves.
Monica can often be heard saying: “It’s ok to love yourself.” Monica’s ideal client is the professional woman who wants to embody fashion and a sense of style but doesn’t always have time to create cohesive looks that work for her lifestyle.
FIND MONICA
Photos used courtesy of Monica Ewe-Etuk
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