Style Interview: Sonya in the City
This fashion innovator curates epic outfit combinations that you wouldn't expect, leaving others wanting to be more creative and expressive. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn from Sonya.
7 minutes
This fashion innovator curates epic outfit combinations that you wouldn't expect, leaving others wanting to be more creative and expressive. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn from Sonya.
Here at OuiShopp, we are all about finding fashion innovators, and Sonya is exactly that. This fashion innovator curates epic outfit combinations that you wouldn't expect, leaving others wanting to be more creative and expressive. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn from Sonya.
From Chicago Suburbs to NYC Streets: Sonya's Journey
Sonya’s story starts in the suburbs of Chicago, but her fashion career truly blossomed after moving to NYC.
"I moved to the city to begin my career in fashion; I started in the luxury market, had an experience in mass market, and am now moving to work full time as a wardrobe stylist!" Sonya says. Now, she’s living her dream in the fashion capital, exploring the city's endless options for shopping, dining, and artistry.
"There is an endless list of things to do in this city… never bored around here!" Whether it’s thrifting in Brooklyn or soaking up creativity in galleries, NYC is her playground.
Fashion as a Language: How Sonya Expresses Herself Through Style
Fashion has always been Sonya’s primary form of self-expression.
"The very first picture I have a memory of taking as a child was of me wearing embroidered bell bottom jeans, a blue elastic headband, and a blue printed blouse," she recalls fondly. Even at a young age, she knew that what she wore was an extension of her personality.
"Using clothes to express your personality quickly became the easiest way for me to communicate with people without ever having to open my mouth to speak," she adds. As a naturally soft-spoken person growing up, Sonya used fashion as her voice. Today, her confidence radiates through her bold, eclectic style, especially since moving to NYC:
"My aesthetic doesn’t have to be so serious. I’ve grown more confident in myself over the past two years, and I strongly believe that my style is representative of that."
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Sonya’s Top Three Brands
When asked about her favorite brands, Sonya didn’t hesitate to name a few staples.
"The Frankie Shop, Topshop, and Zara," she tells us.
Her style is a mix of high-low fashion, blending the structured minimalism of The Frankie Shop with playful, accessible pieces from Zara.
"I know Zara is naughty, but I have so much luck there with very random pieces!" she admits. We get it, Zara delivers! We love that Sonya acknowledges trying to shop more sustainable and ethical brands.
Sonya’s recent favorite look features a Frankie Shop vest, layered effortlessly over a tiered dress, with her go-to accessories to complete the ensemble.
The Power of Shopping with Friends: Sonya’s Secret Weapon
When it comes to shopping, Sonya knows exactly who to turn to:
"My best friend/roommate Morgan—she never says no unless it’s a terrible financial decision or just outright ugly!" Sonya jokes. Morgan’s blunt honesty is what makes her Sonya’s shopping confidant.
But it’s not just Sonya getting advice—she’s also the go-to person for her friends.
"I actually just texted one of my friends back about a purchase she was planning on making, and I’m also preparing a style session for another friend! I love shopping with/for my friends, especially since I know their personalities best and therefore feel pretty educated when it comes to knowing what works for their personality and lifestyle." As a wardrobe stylist, Sonya loves curating looks for the people she knows best, perfectly blending their personalities and lifestyles with her unique fashion sense. We love that Sonya and her crew can shop all together now from wherever they are on OuiShopp app.
Finding Your Personal Style: Sonya’s Expert Tips
Discovering personal style can be tricky in a world overflowing with trends. Sonya’s advice is refreshingly simple.
"With so much brand noise in the industry, it’s incredibly easy for people to feel like their personal style isn’t a representation of them, but rather a representation of stores. I’ve found that asking my friends for words, colors, foods, experiences that remind them of me has truly helped in maintaining my personality through my style. A lot of people refer to me as the “black cat” in the friendship, and I believe that’s represented through my style." she says. This introspective approach keeps her style authentic, rather than dictated by trends.
Her biggest takeaway? Fashion should be fun, based on YOU and not something to overthink.
Styling with OuiShopp: Sonya Takes on the Challenge
Now, let’s talk about how Sonya applied her skills using OuiShopp app—a revolutionary shopping platform that lets you shop with friends, one-on-one, in real time. Yes, you read that right: OuiShopp is the only app in the world that lets you share your shopping experience in real-time sprees. We asked Sonya to style our founder, Carolyn, for a chic yet functional travel day outfit, and of course, she delivered strong!
Through the app, Sonya was able to send outfit suggestions directly to Carolyn, making shopping together fun, easy, and interactive—even from miles away. With OuiShopp, shopping no longer has to be a solo mission; now you can bring your most stylish friends along for the ride!
We know you'll want more of Sonya, so go follow her on IG & TikTok @sonya.inthecity or friend her on OuiShopp sonya.inthecity and book a styling session with her!
Sonya’s personalized styling spree for Carolyn is just one example of how the OuiShopp app makes shopping fun, fashionable, and incredibly social. If you haven’t already, head to the App Store, download OuiShopp, and start curating your next spree with your favorite style mavens.