Let’s start with a little background—tell us about yourself! How did your career in media begin?

My writing journey started in my childhood, when I would dream up song lyrics and poems in my notebooks during class. I knew I wanted to write for a living, and I followed the threads that I thought might lead me in that direction. People often ask how I got my role – unfortunately, it’s a boring answer: LinkedIn! When I saw the job listing from Bustle, I applied from the front desk at my old fitness studio job, and one thing led to another. Now, I write for Bustle, Elite Daily, The Zoe Report, and more. I can’t wait to see where this journey will lead next!

Caroline wears the Solenn Midi Dress in Powder Toile

As a commerce and lifestyle writer at Bustle, you have your finger on the pulse of fashion and trends. What drew you to this field, and what’s been the most rewarding part of writing for a women’s digital magazine? 

I’ve always been interested in fashion! When I was little, my mother taught me to sew. Since then, I’ve loved altering the pieces I find and turning old fabrics into something new. Fashion goes much deeper than the surface level — our clothes have the potential to make us feel brighter and more like ourselves each day. Plus, there is so much incredible creativity in the fashion industry. Previewing new lines, seeing fashion shows, and even scrolling through my social media can be so inspiring. Also, the most rewarding part of this work has definitely been the people I’ve met. Thesese writers, editors and publicists are smart, funny, kind, and so much more.

Your style exudes femininity, whimsy, and vintage charm. When curating your wardrobe, what key elements or details do you always look for? 

There are certain colors and design elements that always catch my eye; for instance, I love pink, floral patterns, and well-placed bows. Also, I do the “gasp test” with new pieces of clothing. If my jaw drops when I see them or try them on, I know they probably belong in my closet. I love shopping secondhand; if I see a piece I love that almost works, I’ll take it home to my sewing machine and hem, alter, or fix it in some way. My style icons include Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, and Catherine Deneuve in Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Above all else, I want the clothes I wear to bring me joy!

Fall and winter can sometimes dull our wardrobes, but you always find a way to keep things playful. How do you incorporate romantic, feminine pieces into your cold-weather looks? Are there any Mestiza styles you’re eyeing for the season? 

One word: outerwear! Choosing a coat you really love can make all the difference. This winter, I’ve been subscribed to Nuuly, which has helped me switch up my style and keep it fun all season. Heeled boots with a platform are also a winter essential for me – the platform is way gentler than a traditional heel, so I can take on the NYC streets with confidence. If you’re afraid to wear a colorful coat, don’t be! You might be surprised by how well the color goes with the rest of your wardrobe. For formal events, floor-length dresses like the Alemais Gown keep your legs warm. I’m also obsessed with the Brigitta Bow Cardigan – you could easily wear this from day to night.

The fashion world is constantly evolving—what trends are you currently loving, and which ones do you think should retire? 

My favorite trend right now is the Gen-Z push towards vintage and secondhand! There are tons of beautiful styles out there, and that scavenger hunt element can be so much fun. Especially in Brooklyn, where I live, there are lots of incredible shops, from curated vintage to buy/sell/trade. It’s exciting to find something that’s one-of-a-kind – and even more so to see someone in the same vintage piece as you (it’s happened to me)! On that note, I think we can retire the microtrend cycle. Instead of worrying about whether my clothes are coquette or mob wife or fisherman aesthetic, I want to find pieces I love and am truly excited to wear.

Brooklyn is home to some of the best hidden gems. What are your go-to neighborhood spots for shopping, dining, or finding creative inspiration? 

My favorite neighborhood restaurant is Planta, and my favorite bagel place is Have-A-Bagel on Havemeyer! Also, Gertie has a black-and-white cookie latte, which is absolutely delicious. When I’m shopping for clothes, I usually pop into Other People’s Clothes, which is palatial and has so many cool pieces. I also love Awoke Vintage for a more curated selection. For creative inspiration, Haricot Vert is so much fun. It’s a jewelry store that has art classes, and my girlfriend brought me there for my birthday this year.

Personal style goes beyond what we wear—it’s a way of living. What are your best tips for cultivating a stylish life, inside and out? 

I think personal style should serve the life that you live. Finding pieces that make you feel comfortable is so, so important. For instance, I need to get around the city, so I want shoes I can walk in! I also tend to prefer looser-fitting silhouettes, like flowy skirts and flared jeans, over tighter clothes, just because they give me room to breathe. If you can choose pieces that work with your lifestyle and you love the way they look, you’ll have a personal style that’s all your own!

What draws you to Mestiza? Are there any specific details, inspirations, or values that resonate with you? 

The prints and patterns of these pieces are so beautiful and one-of-a-kind! For instance, toile is one of my favorite patterns, and I love how you used it in the Solenn Midi Dress. The attention to detail makes each piece look and feel priceless. I also appreciate that these clothes are made in a limited capacity and designed to be worn for generations! That’s such a beautiful antidote to the fast fashion mill. I can totally imagine myself wearing these pieces again and again.

How does wearing Mestiza make you feel? Do you have a favorite way to style our pieces? 

Wearing Mestiza makes me feel like a princess! I wore the Aniston Convertible™ Bow Mini Dress to a show during NYFW – it was my favorite piece that I wore all season. The bow is removable, but (of course) I wanted to keep it in place! I styled it with a pair of strappy heels from the ALDO x Wicked collection. One of my best friends DMed me, “Ga-linda core.” She gets it.

Shop the Aniston Convertible™ Bow Mini Dress

And finally, we have to ask—what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or personal fashion obsessions you’re currently diving into? 

I have lots of creative writing projects in the works! You can subscribe to my Substack, Park Avenue Princess Diaries, for more updates. (Spoiler alert: it’s not really about the Upper East Side.) On that platform, I’m mostly sharing short-form writing, but I’ve been finishing up some long-form pieces that I cannot wait to share with you. I’m also on Instagram @caroelisee. Finally, I want to plug the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health – they provide lifesaving care to patients of all ages and backgrounds; consider donating if you’re able!