Conversation with Fellow Fashion Lover Angela Malone

If you read my intro to this blog, you would know that I currently work as a sales associate at Anthropologie and it has played a major role in my fashion journey. I have made so many amazing friends from my time there and today I will be sharing an interview I had with one of my closest Anthro friends, Angela Malone. Angela is currently a Service and Selling Supervisor at Anthro and previously acted as a stylist, she is an expert in fashion and through this conversation she shares her journey.

When did you first find your love for fashion?

Growing up I always went shopping with my mom. I feel like I have always been influenced not only by our shopping trips but by my mother’s style as well. Once I hit middle school, I was sketching and creating outfits that soon accumulated into a book of my fashion sketches. One of my statement pieces as a middle schooler was of course huge hoop earrings. Didn’t matter if I was wearing a sweatshirt with leggings or a spring dress, the hoop earrings followed. Overall, I think I began designing and eyeing fashion trends in middle school.

How has your style transitioned through the years and has working at Anthropologie affected this? 

Before working at Anthropologie, I had worked in another retail boutique. The style of this store was the complete opposite of Anthro. Once I made the transition to an ‘Anthro Lifestyle’ as I like to look at it, I found myself gravitating towards how our models were styled as well as browsing through the companies’ sites (Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters). Throughout my time at Anthro, I believe that I have gained experience in outfitting completely instead of simply just choosing a top and bottom to wear. I think that I appreciate fashion more and the creative thinking behind how a designer or stylist puts pieces together versus when I was younger I didn’t really notice the smaller details. 

Do you have any major inspirations for your style currently? Celebrities or fashion icons? 

YES!! A lot of my fashion inspirations stem from the women of Anthropologie. There is one blogger named ‘myfavoritethings25’ who styles and blogs about Anthro products. She is on Instagram if anyone is interested in browsing her page; she has amazing and beautifully put together content for any fashion lover! What I love about her posts is that she puts together pieces that I would have never thought to try together. Through this, I am able to add to my own style and switch things up a bit when I’m feeling that urge to buy something new, which is often (lol). 

One other woman of Anthro is stylist Kesslie Williams or ‘dressedbykess’ on Instagram. She is a Senior Brand Stylist at Anthro and she often posts content that once again, drives that innovative idea of versatility in pairing uncommon pieces together to make one beautiful outfit. Some examples could be pairing a fabric belt as a headband instead of tying around your waist or even wearing the fabric belt as a necklace. Little changes like this can dress up or add some funky flare to any outfit.  

Lastly, shout out to my original day-one fashion icon, Carole Malone, aka Mama Malone. She truly influenced me with her amazing taste in fashion. I shop her closet often!  

What is your current favorite item of clothing or trend? 

Oh this is a tough one…hmm…well, throughout the year I am always obsessing over statement necklaces, studded earrings, as well as bracelets and rings but as of late I have been loving motto jackets. I think motto jackets are great for women who are planning to grab dinner or drinks with friends after work, who are looking for a transitional piece between seasons, or who simply want to add some edge to their fit. I know for me, I found a black snakeskin-patterned lightweight motto jacket not too long ago and have been pairing it with a flowy short-sleeve / sleeveless top, black skinny jeans, and booties. It has become one of my favorite outfits of the season.

What is your favorite thing about fashion and styling clothes? 

My favorite part about fashion and styling clothes is that you have the opportunity of making something your own. Whether that be adding a pop of color to an outfit or accessorizing it, you have the chance to influence someone else in what you envision. It’s a whole community of sharing and inspiring when it comes to fashion and styling. I know for me, as an artist, I really appreciate the feedback of other artists as well as those who I am styling. It helps me process and move forward in my next styling steps. Inspiring and impacting others is what I really love when I put on an outfit that I want to share with my community.

Do you have any styling tips for those just getting into fashion?

For those who are just getting into styling or the fashion world in general, I would say don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or creative bubble. Try on styles that you wouldn’t normally wear, you would be surprised as to what you may fall in love with. I would also try layering, I know this was a big concept for me throughout my fashion journey. I was always hesitant to add layers whether that be a sweater, jacket, under piece, or even jewelry. These additions can truly separate you from the next fashionista!

How has fashion impacted your life? 

I think fashion has helped me in my own creative path as someone who has grown up painting, drawing, and building creations since I was a little girl. Fashion is a form of art that I think some people don’t always appreciate. It is a form of self. The clothes that you put on everyday have some sort of meaning to you whether they are gym clothes, work clothes, or simply a fun outfit that you have been dying to rock; you chose these pieces of clothing for a reason. They spoke to you. They should make you feel beautiful in some sort of way. Fashion has taught me that we all come in different shapes and sizes and you should wear whatever YOU feel good in. Follow the trend that you set for yourself, not the trend that others expect you to follow. Fashion has allowed me to appreciate myself and create my own trends through all the inspiration around me.

Final thoughts:

I believe fashion has connected me to some pretty incredible people. Whether that be through my team at Anthropologie or through the women I have personally styled one-on-one, fashion has allowed me to connect on an emotional level with people and for that I will always be grateful. You hear about the life stories of others and share small moments with others who you may have never met if it wasn’t for fashion. This is a beautiful thing all in all and something that I will always cherish. 

Angela’s responses resonate with me in the way that fashion can connect and inspire people. While everyone has their independent journeys with fashion, it still manages to bring people together from all walks of life to share a mutual love for fashion and the artistry involved with it. Angela herself has inspired me greatly during my time at Anthropologie, through not only her incredible eye for fashion but her amazing work ethic and love for helping others.

Fashion brings people together and I think that’s one of the most beautiful aspects of it. Fashion has brought me all of my amazing friends at Anthro, including Angela, and I am forever thankful for that!