Double Duty - Linda Rie

I consider myself one of those individuals who will not lessen the look of a clothing item or co-ordinate set, just to prove I can style it a multitude of ways. If it’s not a staple piece, one is just wearing the look and their investment down to keep up with trends. With my focus more so on emerging to established designers than fast fashion, I deem such a personal fashion faux pas relative to sustainability. Switching it up from time to time for another look, in order to not have clothing just sitting in my closet is perfectly fine. I’m all for getting my cost per wear within reason.

With that said, bodysuits are deemed staple pieces within a woman’s wardrobe. The bodysuit has evolved from undergarment to street style. It’s a versatile piece and I own many in different colors. It is what I call a double duty piece, so without hesitation I purchased my first Fe Noel signature puff sleeve bodysuit in neon pink. It’s a beautiful color and quality piece that looks great on brown skin. Must I say, “chocolate barbie”! It’s complimenting as a one-of-a-kind swimsuit or makes for a great piece to build upon an exotic street style look. The cut of the bodysuit and puff sleeves give massive character. I wouldn’t want to flaw the sleeves by submerging myself in water for extended time. My use in that regard would be for a yacht charter to bring next level vibes, a chill day poolside, or frolicking on the beach.

I pair clothing based on mood which, is derived from an innate feeling and surety in what works for me or the person(s) in mind without overthinking it. I never spend too much time compiling a look and am driven off photographic memory in where I have seen items I come across within fashion magazines, and online to retail perusing’s which brings me joy; it’s a gift that comes easy for me; my motto is that it should be effortless in thought and execution but gives I have arrived on the scene (effortless is not always defined as basic to everyday style-there’s levels to this). I had an aha moment when coming across Farm Rio’s fruit scarves sarong exclusively to Saks. It was definitely an “I will know it when I see it” moment. The array of vibrant colors pairs well with the bodysuit, so I opted for natural toned accessories from Andrea Iyamah and Cult Gaia to provide balance. In terms of styling the sarong, I positioned the tying of it towards the back to give the illusion of a skirt. I’m always looking for ways to make a look my own.

In the style guides below, I kept the accessories somewhat constant to show how one can make the look their own with similar concept.