“You know when something is for you, your character. And you can’t stop checking yourself out in the mirror or twirling or snapping selfies.”
Name: Leah Vernon
Age: 29
Hometown and Current Location: Detroit, Michigan
Profession: Freelance Writer/Lifestyle Blogger at Beauty and The Muse
Social Media: Snapchat Leah through @LeahVDaily. You can also find Leah on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOyJLsBgS7g/?taken-by=lvernon2000
Wear Your Voice: How do you describe your personal style?
Leah Vernon: My personal style has seemingly changed from year to year. I enjoy the reinvention that comes with switching my style up. My most recent style has been minimalist with some vintage mixed in and a touch of high-fashion glam. I don’t follow trends. I wear what I want. Whatever inspires me. For next year, I want to delve into androgynous wear and metallic.
WYV: How long have you been writing? What inspired you to start?
LV: Been writing since I could form words and pretend to read an upside-down book, haha! Words and I have got along ever since I can remember. Stories have saved me from the worst kinds of mental situations. Especially as a child, I needed an escape and the stories were sitting right there. After a certain point, I wanted to help kids also mentally get away from whatever they were going through. I wrote my first novel at 17 and never stopped writing stories since.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOvpfFWgXS8/?taken-by=lvernon2000
WYV: Who are some of the people close to you that have shaped your style?
LV: My grandmother used to dress super snazzy. She’d have the red lipstick, the feather boa and the satin gloves that went up to her elbow. She wasn’t afraid of showing out and wearing bright colors. My mother was more of a simple dresser with no makeup or frills. I used to love going to grandma’s house and sneak her lipsticks. I love high-fashion and red carpet looks. A lot of my ensembles kind of emulate the essence of her style. Fearless.
WYV: What makes you feel most powerful?
LV: I have a few things, but for the sake of not writing an entire book, I’d say clothing and fitness. The reason I choose clothing is because I’m able to get into a role with what I choose to wear. If it’s sexy, I can be a vixen. If it’s business, I’m a girlboss. If it’s cute, then I can be flirty. And at that moment, you know when something is for you, your character. And you can’t stop checking yourself out in the mirror or twirling or snapping selfies.
I also feel empowered by fitness because it’s the only time I can clear my head and focus on one task. I just started going to the gym regularly last year and haven’t stopped. I’m not trying to be thin, I’m trying to be strong. And in strength is empowerment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOi6eZUAXj-/?taken-by=lvernon2000
WYV: Who are your top 3 celebrity StyleCrushes?
LV: I’m going to be cliché and say Rihanna. I also love Cher and Solange. Riri is style-bae because she clearly gives no fucks when she dresses. And that’s exactly how I feel (or wanna feel most of the time) when I throw something on. She wears whatever and unapologetically. That’s so rare, nowadays. Everyone cares too much about what they have on and how others will like it and falling into trends just because. No! Wear it cuz you like it. The end. Cher always took fashion risks and was way ahead of her time. Solange also takes risks but is comfortable turning her ensembles into art. And she is the queen of rocking those bold and bright colors.
Related: Fat. Black. And Muslim.
WYV: Which designers or brands are some of your fashion faves? What do you like about them?
LV: I don’t wear designer brands and I don’t really follow any mainstream designers. It’s not that I don’t want to, but I can’t afford any of them. I’m the clearance rack queen, the coupon diva, the BOGO babe. But if I were to have some extra cash laying around, I’d buy a Fendi bag. Maybe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOTTuBRgJpm/?taken-by=lvernon2000
WYV: What would you say to designers who are questioning whether or not to offer plus sizes?
LV: If they are questioning it, then shame on them. Secondly, I’d ask them why the hell not? Not everyone is a size 10 or below. It’s just not OK to cut out an entire segment of the population. If they want to truly be inclusive and make money doing it, I’d suggest they start expanding sizes and making that shit as fabulous as they can.
WYV: What would you tell a young woman or femme who is struggling with loving themselves?
LV: I’d tell them that if they don’t love themselves that nobody else will. And if they happen to find someone who will love someone who doesn’t love themselves then it’ll be love that doesn’t have substance and lack the quality that they really deserve. Loving yourself is the easiest and hardest thing to do. But man, once you really do it, really understand your worth, and put YOU first by embracing and loving and caring for you, then you’ve truly mastered self-love.
WYV: How do you wear your voice?
LV: I wear my voice by writing. By loving. By twirling when everyone’s looking. By eating good food and visibly enjoying it.
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