- Who is Aliya Thomas?
I’ve gone from model, to mom, now Founder of Elevated Style By Aliya. I’m a personal stylist & wardrobe consultant based in NYC helping professional women show up as their best most confident self in terms of image and style. I’m also a mom of 2 amazing 7 and 9 year old boys!
- How do you define fashion and or style?
I believe everyone has their own authentic style that exists within them, whether they believe that or not. When they first come to me, many of my clients feel they just “don’t have style.” I don’t believe that’s true. Some just need help bringing it out. Style isn’t about “having it” or “not having it” ... it’s about creating it for yourself. Once a woman is intentional about defining it for herself, owning her authentic style in her own body and all that it entails, it’s a game changer! Style is a feeling of confidence.
- What influences your style? ie travel, movies, magazines, social media trends, celebrities, color, etc.
I’m always influenced by many visuals that I see/experience around me. I still love flipping through fashion magazines, but now I’m also partial to Instagram. However, over the years I know that I’m always drawn to certain colors and silhouettes that speak to me, that I always come back to no matter the trends. I’m also very much influenced by wearing what brings me JOY. And that can change daily also based on mood.
- How has your style evolved?
After leaving the fashion industry after almost 20 years, and modeling for half of that, what I used to wear in my early 20’s is nothing like what I wear today. As a business owner and busy city mom of 2 there are just certain things I used to wear that just don’t make sense for me now. In my 20’s, wearing the latest trend, brands, and a little shock factor, were important to me. Now at 45, my style needs are much different. Now it’s all about functional fashion, and being comfortably chic to accommodate my lifestyle.
- What does your dream wardrobe consist of?
Quality essentials, mixed with trendy seasonal finds. I’m all for shopping “high/low”. Buying the best you can afford when it comes to essentials you wear on repeat, and finding less expensive, or thrifted trendy finds for fun seasonal items. In my dream closet I’d honestly have a lot more shoes!
- If you were to give fashion advice to your younger self what would it be?
I’d tell her … “Stop shopping!” ha! You don’t need the latest and greatest to make an impression, or need to wear something new everytime you go out. No one cares. It’s all about having a wardrobe of pieces that you love and can reinvent. That’s true style. Young Aliya ... “Stop wasting money, use a damn budget, buy what you need, and work with what you have.”
- What do you love about jewelry? What is your absolute favorite, earrings, necklaces, etc.
I love how one can buy affordable quality jewelry to reinvent any basic look. I love that jewelry is that one thing you can wear forever even as your age, or size changes. Statement necklaces have always been a favorite of mine. However, in the warmer months, I prefer lighter layering necklaces with simple hoops or any easy to wear lightweight earring. Oh, and always GOLD!
- Our most recent box featured a 2 in 1 gold link bracelet - anklet and a pair of mini golden studs. How would you style these pieces and incorporate them into your wardrobe?
An anklet is one of those jewelry pieces most don’t think about buying, yet when you do, you realize what an impact! Anklets are feminine and statement making. I’d pair a delicate gold anklet with a pair of relaxed high waisted polished ankle length pants, a fitted V neck bodysuit, a neutral color oversized linen button down shirt worn open, sleeves cuffed and a pair of bright killer low heel slides. Of course the studs, and stacking bracelets makes it even better. It all screams effortlessly chic.
- What are your non-negotiables... What must you have / wear / do? and what are your, “I’m never ever doing or wearing that”?
I must have comfortable shoes, but cute. I also have to have the right undergarments. They start my foundation and just make me feel good. I also NEVER leave the house without wearing some kind of jewelry. It’s just who I am. I don’t even think about it. It’s just a part of getting dressed for me. Even with the most basic outfit, jewelry is a must for me. I’m likely never ever wearing clogs or too short mini skirts ever again :)
- What’s your favorite fashion/style quote or mantra?
Do you boo!
11. How and where can people connect with you?
Instagram: @elevatedstylebyaliya
Email: [email protected]
Thanks Aliyah for sharing your style story with us, we love your style. You are definitely doing you boo, ha!
XoXo
Golden Stories