Social media has made fashion more accessible than ever, but it’s also making us all look the same. Mood boards, Pinterest outfits, and influencer-approved formulas make it easy to copy a look, but somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our personal style. We’ve traded expression for likes, individuality for aesthetics that rack up engagement. Fashion is starting to feel like a performance rather than something fun, something that’s ours.
That’s why I love New York Fashion Week.
Why Fashion Week Feels Different
In the crisp early-fall air, the city feels alive in a way social media can’t replicate. The streets become runways, full of people taking risks and experimenting. Maximalists walk next to minimalists, vintage lovers side by side with avant-garde dreamers, and no two outfits look the same. It’s a reminder that fashion doesn’t have to be one way — it can be loud, soft, quirky, classic, or chaotic all at once. It’s personal, playful, and unapologetic.
A Playground for Individuality
Fashion Week is this rare moment when individuality dominates the feed and the streets. People are willing to play with layers, clash colors, mix textures, and express who they are through clothing, without worrying about whether it’s trending or how it will look online. There’s freedom in that — freedom to try something new, freedom to step outside your comfort zone, freedom to just be.
Inspiration Beyond the Runways
It’s also inspiring. Watching the mix of styles and personalities makes me hope that the algorithm doesn’t completely win. That even if we scroll through curated feeds all year, some of us are still willing to take a bold action with our wardrobe — whether it’s wearing a color we’ve never tried, pairing pieces that “don’t match,” or rocking a statement accessory we love but feel nervous about. Fashion Week reminds us that clothes are meant to be played with, not just copied.
Dressing for Yourself, Not the Algorithm
My hope is that this energy seeps into our everyday lives. That we stop dressing for the algorithm and start dressing for ourselves. That we let our style reflect who we are, not what someone else has curated for us. Fashion Week is more than shows and street style — it’s a reminder that individuality still matters. That personal style isn’t dead. And that, when it comes to expressing yourself through clothes, there are no rules.
A hot new bombshell has entered the NYFW streets, and Olandria has been serving look after look this season. Here are 4 of my favorite moments by the reality tv star-turned-model.
1. LaPointe Monochrome Glam
Styled by the Reisman team (@matthewreisman), Olandria stepped out in a leopard-print calf hair coat with matching high-waisted mini shorts, layered over a sheer black bodysuit. The unexpected showstopper? A bejewelled basketball purse (shop it here) that instantly turned the look from fierce to unforgettable. Grounded with Femme LA G63 Slingbacks in Patent Black, this was the perfect balance of playful and polished — plus, it nodded to the leopard print trend that dominated FW25 runways.
2. Power Moves at Alexander Wang
For the Alexander Wang show, Olandria leaned into downtown edge with an oversized blazer cinched by a studded belt. She finished the look with a spiked mini purse, proving she can make sharp tailoring feel bold and feminine at the same time.
3. Studio 54 Barbie with Valentino Beauty
Ahead of Fashion Week, at Valentino Beauty’s “Born in Roma” Studio 54 launch, Olandria gave us full Bama Barbie energy in a Harbison Studio ensemble. The mix of bold design and disco-inspired glamour captured the spirit of the night — and showed she can channel her playful side while still looking high-fashion.
4. Sparkle & Sleek at Off-White
Continuing her Fashion Week streak, Olandria went for sultry minimalism in Off-White: a deep-plunge, long-sleeved bodysuit paired with a rhinestone skirt. Simple in palette but dazzling in effect, the look was proof that understated can still own the spotlight.
Trusting the Timing of Your Life
I was recently laid off, but the funny thing about it is I knew in my spirit I had to leave. I just wasn’t sure how to go about it, so God did it for me. And when it happened, I felt so relieved — I couldn’t even hide my smile. Instead of fear or anxiety, I felt peace. Deep down, I knew this was God’s way of confirming what my spirit already knew: it was time to step into a new season.
Not long after that, something happened that made me realize even more how divine timing works. My mom and I almost had an accident when the steering wheel in her car suddenly stopped working. The good part is that it happened close to home, right after we had finished running errands I had been putting off because of work. If we hadn’t done those errands that day, the steering wheel probably would’ve stopped working the next time she drove — which would’ve been on the highway, and so much more dangerous.
That moment shook me, but it also gave me so much gratitude. It was a reminder that delays, disruptions, even layoffs — they’re not accidents. They’re protection. They’re alignment. They’re God stepping in when we don’t know how to move ourselves.
When I put both of these experiences side by side, I see the same message: trust the timing of your life. Trust when something ends. Trust when something unexpected happens. Trust when you feel that inner nudge but don’t know what to do with it. God’s timing is never late, never careless, never without purpose.
So if you’re in a season of change or uncertainty right now, I hope my story reminds you that you’re not alone. The timing of your life isn’t random — it’s ordered. And even when you can’t see the whole picture, you can rest knowing that every shift, every pause, every closed door is working for your good.
Reflection / Call-to-Action
Take a moment today to reflect on your own life. Ask yourself:
- Where have I been resisting change, even though my spirit knew it was time to move?
- What delays or disruptions in my life might actually be protection or guidance?
Write down one way you can trust God’s timing this week, even in the small things. Keep it somewhere visible as a reminder that every shift is part of a bigger plan.
“And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
The Sylvia Knee High Boots from Sam Edelman are the kind of timeless staple every fall wardrobe needs. Sleek and sophisticated, they’re designed with a classic knee-high silhouette that elongates the leg and pairs effortlessly with everything from dresses to denim. Crafted in suede with a refined almond toe and block heel, they strike the perfect balance between style and comfort — making them wearable for both everyday and elevated occasions.
What I love most is their versatility: dress them up with a blazer dress for a chic night out, or keep it cozy with an oversized sweater and straight leg jeans. Either way, these boots instantly pull your outfit together and give you that effortless, polished finish.
The YSL Lee Slingback Pumps are the definition of modern sophistication. Crafted in smooth calfskin leather, these heels feature a sharp square-pointed toe, a sleek square-cut vamp, and an elasticized slingback strap for a secure fit. The standout detail? A gold-plated geometric stiletto heel in polished brass that turns every step into a statement. Equal parts architectural and timeless, they’re the kind of shoe that instantly elevates any outfit.
The YSL Lee Slingback Pumps are a work of art but with a luxury price tag, they’re not in everyone’s budget.
That’s why I had to share this affordable alternative I found on Amazon. It gives you the same chic slingback silhouette and polished vibe for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe or just want the look for less, this dupe lets you channel Saint Laurent sophistication without breaking the bank
Fall fashion is all about cozy textures, rich tones, and effortlessly chic layers. One of my go-to looks this season is a tailored blazer dress paired with burgundy heels and accessories — a look that’s polished, feminine, and versatile enough to take you from day to night.
The Core Pieces
- Blazer Dress: Structured and tailored, a blazer dress is a fall staple that can easily be dressed up or down. Pair it with tights for cooler days or wear it on its own when the weather is milder.
- Shop similar blazer dresses [buy now]
- Burgundy Heels: Deep jewel tones are perfect for fall. I love how burgundy adds warmth and sophistication to a neutral outfit.
- Shop burgundy heels [buy now]
- Accessories: Keep it simple with minimal gold jewelry and a structured bag. A statement piece, like a clutch or crossbody, can instantly elevate your outfit.
Styling Tips for Fall
- Day Look: Add a midi skirt, sheer tights and pointed-toe flats or loafers, paired with an oversized tote. Perfect for brunch or work meetings.
- Evening Look: Swap flats for your burgundy heels, add bold lipstick, and layer on a few gold hoops. Effortlessly chic for dinner or drinks.
- Cooler Weather Look: Layer with black tights, knee-high boots, and a belted coat. Add a scarf in complementary colors for extra warmth and style.
Why This Outfit Works
- Combines classic tailoring with a pop of fall color.
- Effortless transition from day to night.
- Easy to restyle with seasonal accessories.
Shop the Look
Fall is all about making a statement with minimal effort, and this cream blazer dress + burgundy color combination hits every note. Chic, versatile, and perfect for the season — I promise this will become a go-to outfit in your rotation.
