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Meet Fashionista and Creative Taylor Perkins

Oct 2, 2024

7 min read

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Taylor in a red and black coat with head in hand

Today, we get to meet Taylor Perkins, a fashionista, creative, and super smart and talented human. I adore her.


Q: Taylor, tell us about you! Who is Taylor Perkins?

A: Hi friends! I’m Taylor Perkins, a 24-year-old Kentucky native with a passion for fashion, data analytics, and making new connections. You might not guess it right away, but I’m also a proud Army veteran!


These days, I channel my creativity and love for style through my fashion blog, where I share tips, outfit inspiration, and all things chic. When I’m not shopping or styling new looks, you’ll probably find me exploring data trends, planning my next travel adventure, or meeting new people. I love blending my love for fashion with everything else that inspires me in life!  


Q: You love fashion and I love your sense of style and seeing you pull a look together. what got you interested in fashion? Is this a part-time passion or something that you hope will grow and turn into a career? 

A: First off, thank you so much for the compliment! I really enjoy putting outfits together and just going with the flow. I think my interest in fashion has always been there. Growing up in the early 2000s, we were exposed to some incredible designers like McQueen, Westwood, Van Noten, Ralph Lauren, and Diesel—honestly, I could talk about them all day, but I'll save that for another time. For me, fashion is a lot like art; it's deeply personal. Every day, you get to wake up and create a story through what you wear, and fashion is just a tool to help us explore those chapters or brushstrokes. Right now, it's more of a part-time passion, but after I graduate with my finance degree, I'm hoping to move to a major city like NYC or Chicago and work my way into the fashion industry.  


Q: I am so here for you moving to NYC. What is your favorite accessory and why? 

A: Oooooo this is a tough one! I'd honestly say my favorite accessory I own, currently, is my Prada Saffiano Galleria Double Zip Tote Bag. I purchased this second hand from Fashionphile back in 2020 and I can promise you I don't think I've gone more than 30 days without using it. This was my first ever luxury purchase and I acquired it partly because of how many celebrities who I look up to own or have worn this bag (Dana Delany and Sigourney Weaver to name a few). It holds so much and I am obsessed with Prada as a fashion house. 


Q: You have a blog where you talk all things fashion. When did this start and which article is one of your favorites that you've written?

A: I started Thatstotallyfashion on Substack back in March of this year (2024) right after I went to Chicago and right before I went to NYC again. I have always been interested in fashion and just decided maybe someone out there wants to hear my opinion or, if they don't, then maybe they know someone who does. I like to think i'm somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to a solid outfit. My favorite article, so far, on my blog would have to be my most recent one about the fashion brand Dries Van Noten (https://thatstotallyfashion.substack.com/p/the-dries-van-noten-coat-of-my-dreams?r=3i0d6u).


Q:  This was a great read! Do recommend. Do you think that art and fashion are connected? If so, how? If not, why not? 

A: For those who don't know me, I am a HUGE art fanatic. Claude Monet has my whole heart and his home in Giverny was something i'll never forget and hope to tell my children and grandchildren about one day. But back to the question. Absolutely! I think art and fashion are deeply connected. Fashion is essentially a wearable form of art. Just like in traditional art forms such as painting, sculpture, or photography, fashion involves creativity, expression, and emotion. Art like fashion is so incredibly personal. Designers use clothing as their medium to convey ideas, tell stories, and challenge norms, much like artists do with their chosen mediums. The way colors, textiles, and patterns are used in fashion mirrors techniques found in visual arts as we have seen with Dries Van Noten and Issey Miyake. Both art and fashion allow for individual expression and identity. It’s all about using creativity to communicate something meaningful that people can interpret in multiple ways.


Q: Love your answer to that! I 100% agree. You recently started making press on nails for people. You've made several pairs for me, which I love! How did this interest come about? What's your favorite part of designing nails? I truly feel like this is a form of art in and of itself, as well. 

A: Honestly, I was so tired of going to salons and paying $65.00 for a set of press-on nails that I hated. We all work very hard for our money and when we get something we don't love, it can be frustrating. So, like any normal person, I went on pinterest, found a few sets I liked and said you know what I can paint on canvas like a mini Bob Ross. Maybe I can do it on nails, also. So, I tried it and it worked haha. I think my favorite part of designing the nails would be the challenge of the designs themselves. I recently made a tortoise shell inspired set and I love them. I'm actually putting them on this weekend. I'll drop a picture for reference haha.


Q: I am obsessed with the tortoise set and will be hitting you up for a pair. You love New York, which is the fashion state. Do you have a favorite fashion trend that originated in New York? Have you ever been to any fun fashion events there? 

A: Ahhh New York! I could talk about it for ages! I can't wait to live there one day or be an adopted part time resident haha. I wouldn't necessarily say I have a specific fashion trend that originated from there that I love, but I would say I love the classic New York "old money aesthetic". No flashy labels, all monochromatic with a few statement pieces thrown in. Classic New Yorkers always look put together; they look fresh, clean, and ready to talk business which, to me, screams elegance in its purest form. I have yet to attend a true fashion event there but I hope to very soon. Next year i'm planning to travel there during NYC Fashion Week, so I might get lucky.


Q: What's one of your favorite items you've thrifted? What are the pros of thrifting versus buying from different fast fashion brands? 


A: Great questions. Keep them coming haha. I love a good thrift trip. My favorite items I've thrifted would have to be costume jewelry or oversized mens dress shirts. I have this massive ring I purchased for probably about $5.00 and I wear it all the time (including a picture of me with all my jewelry that i've thrifted, minus the watch). For sure a costume item, but it works and I always get compliments on it. Thrifting has a lot of advantages over buying from fast fashion brands. First, it’s much more sustainable environmentally. When you thrift, you're giving clothes a second life and reducing the demand for new production, which helps cut down on waste. Plus, you often find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that you wouldn’t come across in typical stores, giving you the chance to create a more personalized style. Most stuff in the thrift stores are practically brand new and a fraction of their original cost. Vintage and well-made items are often more durable and last longer than fast fashion, which can fall apart quickly due to cheaper materials and construction. I won't say I never shop fast fashion because it would simply be a lie. However, I do try and limit my consumption of it. If that's all you can afford, heck yeah work your stuff and take pictures and live your life. I'm not one to judge because I have items that would fall into the fast fashion category.


Q: So fair. Love your response to this. I love talking slow fashion and thrifting. What's your favorite piece of wearable art? Why? 

A: One of my favorite pieces of wearable art has to be a statement jacket like the one I just purchased second hand designed by Dries Van Noten. It’s adorned with bold colors and a very unique pattern, making it a true showstopper. I love it because it tells a story and adds a unique flair to any outfit. Whenever I wear it, I feel like I'm making a statement without saying a word. It perfectly reflects my style, while also reminding me of the thrill of discovering something special and one-of-a-kind. Plus, it’s a conversation starter, which is always fun!


Q: Why is art history important today? I love asking people that I interview this question. 

A: Art history is incredibly important today for several reasons. First, it helps us understand cultural and historical events, both current and past. By studying art from different periods and regions, we gain insight into the values, beliefs, and experiences of those times and it can help us in our own experiences. This understanding fosters empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures. Secondly, many modern artists draw inspiration from historical movements, techniques, and themes, creating a dialogue between the past and present. Knowing this history can enrich our appreciation of current art and the situation. Art history encourages critical thinking and interpretation and it teaches us to analyze and critique visual information, skills that are valuable in our media-saturated world.


Putting it simply, art is a reflection of society, often addressing social, political, and environmental issues. By studying art history, we can better understand these challenges and the ways artists respond to them, helping us engage with and shape the world around us. It is a secret language and another form of communication.


Q: I couldn't have said it better! Is there anything else you want to share? 

A: I'd just love to share how empowering fashion and art can be for the consumer. Finding the right outfit for the perfect thing at the thrift store can completely change your mood and boost your confidence. It is truly magical how much fashion allows us to express our individuality and creativity much like painting or drawing. If you find joy in something, keep doing it regardless of how silly others see it. You're not living life for them, you're living life for you so keep doing it the best way you know how. 


Q: Where can everyone find you, follow you, keep up with you? 

A: Substack is my blog. I post at least once a month, sometimes more: 

https://thatstotallyfashion.substack.com/

I'm also on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/toomuchtitos_/

Tiktok too!: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@toomuchtitos?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc


I love to connect and talk about just about anything art/fashion related, so hope to hear from you all soon! 


Thanks again for this amazing interview and I'm so incredibly honored to have been asked to do this. 


Thank YOU, Taylor! This was a load of fun. For those reading, please follow Taylor and her fashion/art/creative journey.