Signature Looks & Style Twins

Making note of what styles work best for you, how to shop your style twin's closet, and interview with artist Marquin Campbell

Style uniforms vs Signature Looks

Last week I chatted in my Instagram stories about an “aha moment” I had about the idea of style uniforms. Every time I’ve heard the term used, it typically came from people who were looking to streamline their time spent on choosing clothes and ways to simplify their style. While I’m all for saving time, I genuinely delight in thinking about style. The idea of a set thing to wear (think Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck or a striped shirt and jeans daily combo) felt way too restricting. Recently, however, I’ve started reframing this idea as more of a signature look. Understanding and knowing what silhouettes and styles speak to me, and gravitating towards those on days when I am in a hurry or feel stuck has been helpful and does not feel like I’m settling. The concept of a uniform felt stifling to me, but a signature look? That feels special. Of course, this also shifts with the literal and figurative seasons of your life. Heading into spring, I’m looking forward to a signature style of midi and maxi dresses in fun prints, paired with a ballet flat, vintage bag, and statement earring. This combination not only feels like my style but allows me to easily move about as a mom to a very busy four year old! Do you feel like you have a signature look? Let me know in the comments.

---

Finding your style twin (and how to purchase from their closet)

The term “Poshmark closet” was an intentional choice by the company to conjure an image of being able to literally shop from someone’s closet that fits your style and size. Though many Poshmark shops are a mix of sizing due to reselling or consignment, you can still find plenty of sellers who *do* match up to your exact sizing and style, and it’s not just limited to Poshmark.

Throughout the years, I’ve found many sellers who I return back to time and again because I know we align in size and style. It sometimes feels like a “unicorn,” but it’s possible on eBay, ThredUp, and of course Poshmark, to easily find whether you may like the additional items a seller has available. Here’s how to find a seller’s other items easily on each platform.

Ebay:
When you click on any item, scroll down until you see “About this seller”, and click on “seller’s other items.” From there, you can browse and see if they have more items in your size range and style. Tap the heart next to their username to save the seller and easily return back to their listings.

Poshmark:
When you click on an item, look above the first image at their username. Simply tap their username and it will take you to their closet (listings). If you’d like to easily be able to get back to their closet, you can “like” any of their items or hit the blue follow button at the top of their closet page.

ThredUp:
When you click on an item, scroll to the bottom of the page, where you’ll see a few pictures under “More from this seller.” If this looks like more of your style and size, tap the “see all from seller” button to see everything they’ve seen into ThredUp.

---

Savvy Friends: A chat with Marquin Campbell

I have met so many incredible women thanks to Instagram over the years. I hope to share a chat with some of them each month for them to share a bit more about some of the things we love and ways in which they are savvy. Marquin is my first “Savvy Friend” who I know IRL, as the founder of the art collective I work for. Whether you are familiar with her from her artwork or needlepoint line, I know yall will enjoy hearing her perspective!

Marquin is a South Carolina based artist whose works span from her own signature pieces, a needlepoint canvas line, illustrations for the children’s brand PRODOH, and more. She is the founder of the Campbell Collective, an online art gallery that features female artists from around the country. Her home and wardrobe are a reflection of her southern roots and appreciation for travel and the arts.

In our Campbell Collective series, The Artful Home, you showcased many pieces handed down from family and how you've balanced that with fresh newer textiles and art to freshen up the look. How do you suggest someone begin to combine old and new in a way that feels cohesive and not cluttered?

I absolutely think that a balance of old and new is key. Too many items can definitely feel cluttered. The juxtaposition of contemporary art and textiles with classic brown furniture creates a fresh and transitional feel – it's something I strive for in my own home. I believe in purchasing thoughtfully and only when I truly love a piece. When you love what you live with, you rarely regret those purchases.

Marquin’s living room, with her original large scale colorful botanicals paired with vintage lamps, couch, and side tables.

You host a creative retreat in Spain bi-anually after living there with your family in 2021. For those looking to shop for their home or closet while traveling, do you have any tips for shopping savvy while abroad?

When I see something I like and it's within my budget, I purchase it. It's hard for me to plan specific purchases for a trip – I prefer to connect with items in-the-moment.

What is your favorite type of secondhand shopping?

I'm an avid browser, so I enjoy shopping in-person anywhere. I've found amazing things at both higher-end stores like The Rock House and Cottage Grove here in Greenville, as well as flea markets, Goodwill stores, and yard sales.

Do you have a prized secondhand item in your home and closet?

My prized finds include a Gucci bag from a Goodwill store in Athens, Georgia 20 years ago and a Picasso lithograph (seen below) from Second Heaven Antiques in Savannah, Georgia.

What is the most unexpected item you've ever framed or hung as art?

Nine odd little matchbook covers from my grandmother, which I framed and put in my daughters' room. Each lady has a hat made from a pretty button. When you group small things together, it really can be so impactful.

You wear many hats as an artist and have a full schedule, yet find time for hobbies like needlepoint, Mahjong, and reading. How do you suggest someone who feels overwhelmed in their schedule find time to explore hobbies or ways to express themselves creatively?

For inspiration and fun, I turn to my creative outlets: cooking, reading, tennis, needlepoint, and Mah Jong. These hobbies serve as social outlets and are simply enjoyable. If you're looking to cultivate hobbies, start with one for the year and add to it as you like. Hobbies should be fun and stress-free. It's important for everyone, especially women, to have interesting interior lives, and my hobbies provide that for me.

For someone looking to add more original art to their home, do you have any advice on where to start?

I find that people tend to shy away from larger pieces of art, likely due to the price and commitment. However, one or two amazing large pieces can make a real statement in a home. It's also important to buy what you love and never on impulse. And remember, don't purchase art to 'match' a space – matchy-matchy doesn't create the necessary tension to ground a room.

Could you share a savvy shopping tip?
When I first moved to Greenville, I worked in a high-end ladies' store and learned valuable lessons from chic clients. One taught me to only shop for items on sale, and I still adhere to that. I purchase quality pieces that will last for years – but always on sale.

Thank you so much, Marquin! I definitely needed the reminder to not to be so matchy-matchy in my home. My favorite spaces always have unique decor and art that might stand out in a good way!

Lately:

Watching:

We’re all just continually shuffling our streaming subscriptions, right? Since we’re back to using Apple TV+, I’m watching season 2 of Loot. Maya Rudolph can do no wrong in my book. This TV show hits a sweet spot for me, clever, funny, a sprinkling of heartfelt moments, and well acted.

Reading:

I’ve long been a fan of Erin Moon, senior creative with the Popcast, fellow Ennegram 3, and generally accepted as a certain section of the Internet’s best friend. I’ve just started her book I’ve Got Questions, the Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God. As someone who also grew up Southern Baptist but whose current faith looks a little different, I am grateful for Erin’s honesty and perspective.

Listening:

I joked a bit on Instagram that Spotify recently suggested a Medieval version of Pink Pony Club as an oddly brilliant mix of what I like and my son’s pirate/ sea shanty-centric taste. Now a week later, I’m not quite joking any more. I am genuinely liking this artist’s music! As someone who took classical voice lessons for 10 years, I appreciate her tone and I find her covers so soothing.