We couldn't help but take special notice of Alyssa's cute face, perfect ombre, and sneaker lovin' Instagram feed. Alyssa is a recent grad at LIM college and is currently a fashion market writer at every girl's go-to site, Refinery29. We got to spend a Saturday getting to know her and her bestie Lauren who works at Allure mag and captured some cute moments at some of their favorite spots, Spreadhouse Coffee in the Lower East Side and Chalait in the West Village.
Visuals by Mikaela Keen / www.mikaelakeen.com
Where were you born and raised? Tell us a significant memory from your childhood.
I was born in St. Augustine, Florida, but I moved around quite a lot growing up. I hated it at the time. Having to pick up and start over at such a young age was tough — being the "new girl" and having to make new friends in new places was scary. I remember being so upset, especially when I moved to Atlanta right before 8th grade. But, looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about my childhood. Now, I have friends in all places and can adapt so much more easily to change than some other people can. I'm actually thankful for those experiences now, because they made me smarter and stronger and more open-minded and adaptable.
Were you always in to fashion/style as a little girl?
Yes, and I think it's partly because my mom has always been stylish and loves to shop. From a young age I remember loving going to the mall with her. And when I was little, I used to change outfits a million times per day as soon as I knew how. My room would always be covered in piles of clothes because I was always switching outfits and putting on little shows for my family.
What got you to move to the Big Apple and how did you start working at Refinery29?
I came to NYC after high school to attend LIM College, a private college for the business of fashion. I wasn't totally sure what I wanted to do, but I had always dreamed of working at Refinery29, and one day, a friend of mine made a post on Facebook saying that her friend who worked there needed an intern. Before I knew it, I went in for an interview and was hired as the intern for the R29 Contributor Network, helping manage a growing network of contributing bloggers, writers, and tastemakers in the digital space. I was hired full-time as soon as I graduated, and after a few months, I made my transition over to the shopping team, where I'm currently a Fashion Market Writer.
What is your favorite aspect of your current position at your job?
My favorite aspect of my current position is just keeping a constant pulse on trends and what's available in the market. Also, I love to let my creative juices flow in brainstorming story ideas, formulating outfit suggestions, and overall living and breathing fashion every single day!
It's not common that your co-worker becomes one of your best friends. How was this friendship different than the others?
This friendship is kind of a funny story since Lauren was originally my boss at R29. We always clicked and got along well, but there was a certain boundary of professionalism that had to be maintained while she was my supervisor. But as soon as we were no longer co-workers, we were able to just be friends! When she left R29 and moved on to Allure Magazine, I was so sad to lose her, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise because we just got that much closer.
What have you learned from her through your friendship?
Everything. And I'm only kind of kidding. Not only is Lauren one of my best friends, but she's also a valuable mentor since she is a bit older than me and has so much experience in my field. I'm constantly going to her for advice, and she's taught me a lot of what I know today about the digital space in general.
What are some of your favorite things to do together?
Anyone who follows us on Instagram will tell you that we're always brunching. We made kind of a tradition of meeting every week for early-morning breakfasts before work, and we're always trying new brunch spots on the weekends. Oh, and shopping, too! Lots of shopping.
What are some of your go-to brands/stores?
One of our favorite stores is Frankie Shop at 100 Stanton in the Lower East Side. I also love Reformation, Aritzia, Topshop, Barney's, ASOS, Catbird, &Other Stories, and vintage/thrift stores.
Name some of your faves in your sneaker stash.
When I visited Paris at the end of last year, EVERYONE was wearing Adidas Stan Smiths and I just had to have a pair, so I bought some while there. They're such a good go-to sneaker with a cool-girl vibe, and mine feel extra special to me since I bought them in France. I also love my Comme Des Garcons "PLAY" sneakers. Those little hearts with the eyes are so cute, and people are always complimenting them and asking about them. I saved up for those for a while and now I wear the heck out of them.
What are your goals and hopes for in the next five years?
I hope to continue to grow creatively and professionally, and to travel to new places whenever possible. I like to keep my long-term goals general and open-ended, because I don't want to limit myself, and I've found that only so much of life can really be planned. You never know what's going to happen -- five years is a long time!
If there is one piece of advice you can tell to a large group of women, what would it be?
Support each other. Look out for each other. Let's lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. Some of womens' biggest obstacles are ourselves, and only we can change how we act toward one another, face-to-face and behind each other's backs. Also, you never know if you don't ask. Ask for what you deserve!
Follow along Alyssa and Lauren's journey on Instagram at @alyssainthecity and @laurencaruso_ . Much love!
Alyssa's wearing: First outfit - Jean dress by The Frankie Shop / Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers w leather add-ons from Aurelie Chaudaine / Bag by Mansur Gavriel / Second outfit - Dress by Cameo the label from The Frankie Shop / Adidas Gazelle Sneakers / Bag by Marie Turnor
Lauren's wearing: First outfit - Dress by Forever21 / Bomber by Tibi / Custom Nike iD Airmax Sneakers / Second outfit - Dress by Madewell / Assorted jewelry by Need Supply, Tarin Thomas, In God we Trust, Consider the Wildflowers, Erica Weiner / Common Projects Sneakers