Whenever I share with someone that Columbus, OH is the #3 fashion city in the US, they look at me in shock.
“It is?? I had no idea!”
It’s the common phrase that follows the usual astonished look, to which I just smile and nod my head, confirming that this fact is indeed the truth.
Ten years ago, when I moved from the Caribbean to Columbus, I had no idea that gems like the Short North Arts District, Alternative Fashion Week and Fashion Week Columbus existed. The tiny town of Canal Winchester was my comfort zone and New York City, New York was my only fashion reference.
But little did I know.
My eyes were opened when I volunteered for Fashion Week Columbus. The talent I witnessed from each designer and the style I saw worn by the attendees was chic and creative. Each person emulated who they were without fear. From that experience, I started my own style journey and with this creative energy around me, it was not difficult to do.
As a self-admitted shopaholic, I frequent malls like Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place. As a color advocate and proud Caribbean gal, I have participated in local fashion shows like Fashion Week Columbus, while having the opportunity to work with brilliant companies like Il Moda PR, Cbus Chic and Hola! TV as a fashion entrepreneur. Not to mention the local fashion community that has become like a second family to me.
My Style
Needless to say, the diversity of my city is a reflection of who I am as a young woman. In a nutshell, I love coffee, I am obsessed with fashion, I value education and I am unapologetic about my Barbadian heritage. These are all reflected in my style, which has been labeled in different ways but I prefer to call it the Iris Apfel version of the urban Caribbean American. It’s down to earth yet full of my quirky and sassy personality.
Dress Like A Columbus Native
Whether you reside in the city or not, you can channel Columbus’ big-city-with-a-small-town vibe with the five tips below:
- Think fashion-forward.
- Draw inspiration from your family heritage.
- Purchase local designer pieces for your wardrobe. I mean why not support the local economy?
- Check the weather BEFORE you get dressed or plan an outfit because it can be unpredictable.
- Snap a photo of your outfit and share on social media with our city’s popular hashtags #AsSeenInColumbus and #ColumbusFashion
Resolutions
With all that being said, what are my New Year’s Resolutions in this beautiful city? There’s a lot but they can all be condensed into one word – THRIVE. I want to bloom as a recently-engaged, millennial creative in the beautiful city of Columbus, OH.
My Style + My City is a collaboration to meet fashion bloggers and share styles from different cities. Below are the fashionistas who participated. Don’t forget to show them some love!
- Dagny | dagnyzenovia.com | Houston, TX
- Devoreaux | thepreppursuit.com | Dallas, TX
- Amy | mylifefromhome.com | Cincinnati, OH
- Dannie | stilefotocibo.com | Chicago, IL
- Thays | sillycrazyme.com | Orlando, FL
- Emily | therosettoblog.com | Oxford, UK
As a token of our appreciation and an effort to encourage you to achieve your best in 2016, we are giving one lucky reader a 2016 Erin Condren Life Planner. We will announce the winner on January 19th. ENTER BELOW. Good luck!