How Atiya Walcott Found Her Personal Style Through Theater, Movement, And Movie Wardrobes

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Let's Get Dressed" Episode Featuring Atiya Walcott

Introduction

In the November 12, 2024 episode of "Let's Get Dressed," hosted by Liv Perez and produced by Dear Media, Liv welcomes Atiya Walcott, a Chicago-based fashion creator renowned for her wearable yet striking style. Atiya has garnered a significant following through her cinematic styling videos, which blend her passions for theater, movement, and fashion. The episode delves deep into Atiya's journey in fashion, her creative process, and the influences that shape her unique aesthetic.

Background and Journey into Fashion

Atiya shares her unconventional path into the fashion industry, highlighting her academic background in film and theater. Initially uncertain about her career direction, she began creating fashion content as a way to find purpose during grad school. "I was looking for something to do every day... I just was not bringing my best self to other endeavors in life" (13:26). This experimentation led her to post outfit-of-the-day (OOTD) videos, starting modestly with simple attire before evolving into more curated and artistic presentations.

Building Her Style and Brand

Atiya emphasizes the natural evolution of her content, which has grown into a fully functioning advertising business. Her husband, Tim, plays a crucial role as the primary videographer, bringing cinematic quality to her videos. "Our end goal is actually still to be filmmakers... it's okay if it just lives on Instagram," she reflects (21:49). This synergy between her and Tim has resulted in visually stunning "mini fashion movies," making her content both engaging and distinct in the crowded social media landscape.

Inspirations and Influences

Atiya credits her mother as a significant influence on her fashion sense. Her mother's maximalist aesthetic and penchant for vintage pieces inspired Atiya's appreciation for well-crafted garments. Additionally, Atiya draws inspiration from classic films and period pieces, such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Atonement," which inform her modern yet timeless style. "I dress like modern clothes styled in the way that a woman from a different era would wear them," Atiya explains (27:05).

Fashion Philosophy and Personal Style

Central to Atiya's style is the concept of "wearable art." She believes in the power of individual expression through fashion, advocating for strong, intentional choices that reflect one's personality. "There are no rules in fashion. And that is one of my favorite things about fashion," she states (26:50). Her approach involves selecting standout pieces that serve as "hero items" within an outfit, elevating otherwise basic ensembles into chic and sophisticated looks.

Daily Dressing Routine

Atiya discusses her morning dressing routine, balancing between selecting individual pieces and aligning with a desired vibe. She shares a pivotal realization: "I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time I get dressed" (07:45). This insight allowed her to streamline her wardrobe choices, focusing on a core set of versatile items that can be accessorized creatively. This method not only reduces decision fatigue but also ensures consistency in her personal brand.

Creative Process and Content Creation

Atiya's background in film and theater profoundly influences her content creation. Her videos are meticulously crafted, featuring precise set designs, lighting, and cinematography that resemble short films. "It's our vision... automatically not so intentional. It's something we can't avoid," she remarks (21:49). This artistic approach has resonated with both her audience and brands, solidifying her reputation as a creative influencer in the fashion space.

Challenges and Growth

Transitioning from simple OOTD posts to a sophisticated content creator wasn't without challenges. Initially, Atiya struggled with self-perception, often downplaying her fashion sense. However, audience feedback encouraged her to embrace and affirm her stylish presentations. "People were reacting negatively because they were like, this is clearly a curated outfit... I made the switch to 'I'm incredibly fashionable,'" Atiya recounts (14:48). This shift marked a significant milestone in her confidence and professional growth.

Fashion and Mental Well-being

Atiya emphasizes the connection between fashion and self-expression, noting how dressing thoughtfully can influence one's confidence and mood. She advocates for incorporating colors and personal touches into outfits as a form of "color therapy," especially during seasons that might feel more dreary. "See how you feel. Because you might not feel so out there in it, but it still is a strong choice," she advises (26:34).

Future Aspirations and Industry Insights

Looking ahead, Atiya expresses a desire to eventually launch her own fashion brand. She also voices concerns about the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry, advocating for a slower, more sustainable approach. "Slow it down... Why are we making so many clothes?" Atiya questions (35:00). Her insights reflect a growing awareness and responsibility towards sustainable fashion practices among new-generation creators.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Atiya reinforcing her commitment to helping others find their personal style through thoughtful and creative fashion choices. "We are trying... we get to help people and be in service of that way, because... your alpha can really impact your confidence and your mood," she shares (36:22). Liv Perez thanks Atiya for her inspiring contributions, highlighting the meaningful dialogue that underscores the episode.

Notable Quotes

• Atiya Walcott: "I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time I get dressed." (07:45)
• Atiya Walcott: "There are no rules in fashion. And that is one of my favorite things about fashion." (26:50)
• Atiya Walcott: "Slow it down... Why are we making so many clothes?" (35:00)
• Liv Perez: "Everybody needs to find a style that works for them and fits them and is in their price range." (36:07)

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Expression: Fashion serves as a powerful medium for personal expression and confidence building.
• Cinematic Presentation: Combining film techniques with fashion creates engaging and memorable content.
• Sustainable Practices: A call for the fashion industry to adopt slower, more mindful production processes.
• Influence of Media: Classic films and family influences play a significant role in shaping personal style.
• Confidence and Affirmation: Embracing and affirming one's style fosters personal and professional growth.

This episode of "Let's Get Dressed" offers valuable insights into the intersection of fashion, creativity, and personal growth, inspiring listeners to approach their wardrobe with intention and artistry.

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Timestamp Reference Guide

• 07:45: Discussion on not needing to reinvent the wheel when dressing.
• 26:50: Emphasis on there being no rules in fashion.
• 35:00: Advocacy for slowing down fashion production.
• 36:07: Importance of finding a personal and affordable style.

Transcript

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[Liv Perez]

The following podcast is a Dear Media.

[Atiya Walcott]

Production.

[Liv Perez]

Hi guys, welcome back to another episode of let's Get Dressed. It's your host Liv Perez. Today's guest is truly one of my fashion heroes. Her name is Atiya Walcott and she is a Chicago based fashion creator who has built a following around her wearable yet very eye catching style. But it's not just her style that will stop you in her tracks. All of her styling videos are shot and shared in a format that I promise will make you stop mid scroll and hit save instantly. Her styling videos are beautifully cinematic, they're filmed in her stunning home with 20 foot ceilings and each shot is crafted with the precision and creativity of honestly, a seasoned film director. Every time I see one of her posts I feel like I'm seeing a gorgeous mini movie about fashion. If you don't follow her before you start listening to this episode, I highly recommend it. She's one of my favorite follows. In this episode, Atiya and I dive into what goes into blending her love of theater, movement and fashion, the journey of finding her niche and building a brand that is instantly recognizable through a thousand scrolls and her style inspirations that range from her mom's closet to even Pride and Prejudice. I hope you guys love the episode. Let's Go Get Dressed with Tia Walcott welcome to let's Get Dressed.

[Atiya Walcott]

Thank you so so so much for having me.

[Liv Perez]

You are what I like to call one of my fashion heroes, so I am absolutely thrilled to have you on the show. Your content is content that I truly look forward to seeing every time you post. It's just so creative, and I really admire creators that, like, have a niche and, like, an aesthetic that's true to them. And you're one of those people. So equally as thrilled to have you on the show today.

[Atiya Walcott]

Thank you so much. I feel so honored. That was, like, so sweet. Keep casting me up.

[Liv Perez]

Like, we've got 50 minutes of me gassing you up. So that's what I'm good at. That's what the show's about, gassing up my girls.

[Atiya Walcott]

I love the show, and I'm so happy to be here.

[Liv Perez]

Thank you. I mean, this outfit I love. Walk me through it. What are you wearing?

[Atiya Walcott]

Okay. What I'm wearing today. So the top is this blouse that I love and wear all the time. It's from me and Em. And one of the best parts of this job is meeting new brands that I otherwise wouldn't have heard of unless they didn't reach out to me, honestly, which doesn't happen all the time. But with this brand, it did. So this is me and Em with a little cashmere Everlane scarf on top. This hat I'm obsessed with. It's like my current fixation. I just throw it on every outfit, and I'm like, now it's complete. It's called. The brand is called Russ, and they are out of Spain, and they do knitwear primarily, but I love this hat. And then what else? A pleated skirt from Aritzia. Tried and true classic. And then some V heels.

[Liv Perez]

So good. Me and M is very underrated in my opinion.

[Atiya Walcott]

So underrated and so chic, but so chic. But not. Not pieces you would find everywhere. You know what I mean? They seem unique and, like, just clearly designed there. And I just love everything they do.

[Liv Perez]

Very design heavy. Definitely, like, a little bit higher of a price point, but you're paying for that design aesthetic. It's not just, you know, a simple pair of trousers. It's like a pair of trousers with a gray, great piping on the side. Like, there's something different. I, too, have only heard about them because they reached out to me. But since then, I've been a tried and true fan.

[Atiya Walcott]

Tried and true fan. And then also, I agree the price point is pretty high, but I will say great quality. So if you like one of their pieces, anyone listening, definitely save it. And then I think it's a great investment. What do you. What do you think?

[Liv Perez]

Completely agree. Completely agree. Like, I saw just the other day, they had this, like, beautiful. Their Fall winter lookbook is really good. And I was just looking through it the other day. There's, like, a great, like, hunter green vest moment with, like, a matching pair of, like, green corduroys. And I was like, yeah, that's exactly what I want to be wearing. Like, that's it.

[Atiya Walcott]

They do a good job of curating the look completely. I'm like, I'll take it exactly how you styled it.

[Liv Perez]

And you know what? I find that really rare these days. There's not a lot of places that I'm looking, and I'm like, I want that whole thing. They do that very well.

[Atiya Walcott]

I agree. And I work with a lot of brands that do a lot of, like, great basics. And I do see, you know, some of them. Of course, it's like, the same piece on each website. So I do think me and them is doing a good job of differentiating themselves in that department.

[Liv Perez]

You are not someone who I would immediately peg as, like, a basics girl. I would love to know, like, where are you going for basics? Because I always come to you for, like, the look, the moment. Like, what am I wearing to, like, a fancy thing at night or, like, a place that I want to wear a standout outfit? So where are you actually looking for basics?

[Atiya Walcott]

Okay, so I want to be really candid. I don't even do much shopping right now just because of the nature of the job. But the basics that I love. Banana Republic. I love their basics. They sent a cotton tee. I'm like, this is the cotton. Like, this is thick. It's so nice. I put it in the wash, and it's still nice. And the stitching is the same. It has not fallen out. So, yeah, I would definitely say Banana Republic. Aritzia. So I counted this pleated skirt as a basic. So that's not necessarily a basic, but it is just a gray skirt. But it's really well made. It's thick, and it's nice. But yeah, like. And I'm like, this. Me and Dem. Another basic. Not a basic.

[Liv Perez]

No, the. The, like. What's the word of the trim on the end? Like a doily?

[Atiya Walcott]

Ruching.

[Liv Perez]

Like, not amazing, but I also. I'm curious your thoughts on this. Again, as someone who is like, you and I thrive on, like, the cereal overdressing, I've found as I've gotten older that everyone has their own definition of a basic. Like, that is so true to me. These, like, rich brown, like, almost chocolate brown corduroys. A basic. But to someone else, they might feel like that so far out of My realm. I think as you get older and you, like, figure out what your closet is and, like, what it's. How it speaks to you. It's like figuring out what that. What those basics are, definitely what your.

[Atiya Walcott]

Like, core wardrobe is. And then you build with accessories and stuff off of that.

[Liv Perez]

I want to get into how you get dressed every day because, again, as a viewer, I get to see these, like, incredible, almost like, cinematic moments that come to life on Instagram. But for you, what is it like going into your closet in the morning? How are you getting dressed? Are you picking a piece or is it, like, a vibe?

[Atiya Walcott]

I think it's both. I think it's much easier to pick a piece, and I hope I have a piece. If I have a new piece, I'm like, yes, it's gonna be so fun. Today I got dressed just with all clothes that I have, you know, no new pieces. So I knew I went with the vibe. I was like, I wanna be chic and elevated, but still comfortable. And so I started with this me and M top. So that was, like, the piece that I did choose. And then I tried on, like, 10 different outfits to, you know, like, style around this. And I'm sure at one point, I even took off this top, put on a different sweater, and it was like, go back to the first look. It's always the first outfit that looks the best. You know, it's like, completely agree.

[Liv Perez]

It's always that first thing you pull out that you can try on a million other things, but you're always going to be like, why? Why did I stray from that?

[Atiya Walcott]

Let's go back to that. Why did I stray from that? You know, your gut knows from the jump, but you're always like, maybe I can do something better. But you know what a big pivotal moment for me was not having to reinvent the wheel every time you get dressed. I think I saw that quote. Someone was like, I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time I get dressed. And I know I strive for that, for that every time. So I'm like, you know what? It's okay. Pick a skirt and a sweater and a scarf and go.

[Liv Perez]

We were talking about that two weeks ago on the pod. I can't. I've lost track of time. But we were saying that I was like, you know, sometimes in the morning, I feel like I really, like, feel that pressure to, like, put on a look or, like, look my best. And it's like, it's fine. Not every day is going to be your greatest hit. I Hate that feeling of going through 10 outfits in the morning. We all have those mornings. You had it this morning. I'll probably have it this week. But it's the worst feeling because then you leave the house feeling, like, stressed from that moment. And it's like, in those moments, I have to breathe and be like, it's okay. Everything's fine. Like, worse comes to worse, put the jeans and the tee on. No one's, like, judging you while you're walking out the door. It's okay.

[Atiya Walcott]

You know, Calvin Klein threw some jeans and a tee down the Runway. That's what we're doing today.

[Liv Perez]

You know, if they can do it, so can we.

[Atiya Walcott]

Yeah, exactly.

[Liv Perez]

They can do it, so can we. But something gives me the feeling that, like, what you're wearing now is your versions of a Jean and Tee.

[Atiya Walcott]

100%. You are so right. And, like, which circles back to what we were saying, that everyone has their different set of basics. This is, like, my basics. I love an elevated basic. And I actually have. We have a rack of clothes that are mine that lives in our living room because our studio is our condo. So I feel so bad. Tim's such a trooper. But we are about to film a condo tour, and we're gonna hide all the clothes and the shoes that actually live out in the space.

[Liv Perez]

You gotta give people the fantasy. I mean, come on. Can't just be in the living room. But I need to hear more about the space. Cause I think that space, for me, was one of the first things that I was drawn to in seeing your content. And something I really love is seeing creators on the Internet have this thing that feels like they're staple. It's like, okay, I'm swiping through, and all of a sudden I see this, like, beautiful sage lime wash wall. And I know it's you, and I'm, like, tapped in. So is that your home? Did it look like that before? I know that you on YouTube have done a lot of renovations. Like, talk to me about space that you're creating in.

[Atiya Walcott]

So we are creating in our home. It's a condo. And since it's our home, we can do whatever we want. We're out of apartments, which is awesome. And so we saw the condo online, and we were actually living in LA at the time. And then I was like, we need to live there. Like, if we created content out of that space, it would be iconic. And the wall was white. And it's just a normal condo in Chicago, which is sort of like an industrial style loft. So that's the space, the wall itself. I knew we were going to paint that green since 2022. I knew the paint. JH Wall paints Lime Wash color 128. If you want it, go get it. It's a great paint. And so we've had that picked out since 2022. I saw it on TikTok. I love you, TikTok. Thanks for all the inspiration. And then I knew we were going to paint it that. And then once we did, I was like, we should add molding. It would look better. And Tim was like, These walls are 20ft tall. We can't add molding. And I'm like, we will add the molding. And then we did it together and lived with a scaffold in our apartment that was 20ft tall for three months, which was chaos. It was awful. But it was worth it because I really think now it's an established sort of look and set and is recognizable, and more and more brands want to work with us because of it. So it's like the greatest investment we ever did was building that wall, which probably took us like, three to five months to complete between painting and putting up all the molding.

[Liv Perez]

I love that you have that eye for seeing that, because when I look at your content, you very much have an eye and a niche that you've fallen into. And of course, whenever I have guests on the show, I go all the way back. And you weren't always doing that. And that goes for everybody. Like, everybody has to kind of find their footing. I even think about Emily Maro, who was not posting what she's posting now. Two, three years ago, she was posting something totally different. And I get very excited when I see creators find their niche and excel in it. So I want to know what that experience has been like for you over the past few years of, you know, okay, getting dressed, sharing your life, but there's a very strong artistry to what you're doing now. Tell us a little bit about it.

[Atiya Walcott]

It definitely was a progression that evolved naturally over time. It evolved to what it is today, which I would say is a fully functioning advertising business almost. But initially, I was looking for something to do every day. I was actually in grad school trying to find my way in life. Trying to. I knew I was an artist. I studied film in undergrad and theater slash acting in grad school, and I started posting in my underwear and a T shirt. Okay, let's be fully candid. My oldest TikToks are the first OOTD actually is me saying, I Just saw a quote and the person said, don't take yourself too seriously. So I was taking content so seriously, but on YouTube doing a totally different thing. And I thought, what do I do every day? And I thought, I wear clothes every day. Like every day I'm in a T shirt or something. So I thought, okay, I'm gonna start posting my outfit. And the very first outfit, which is still out there today, which is kind of mortifying, is me in some Hanes, like boxer brief underwear, underwear from Target and like a T shirt. And that's what I. My first like 20 videos were me in those Hanes and underwear. I want to start smart and a T shirt.

[Liv Perez]

How does it wear?

[Atiya Walcott]

Right? I just was forgetting to put on the rest of the outfit. But slowly over time, maybe after like 30 videos, I was like, let me try on my outfit. I mean, I do have nice clothes. Like I don't have to wear pajamas. Like I, I could wear a sweater and some jeans. So I started doing that and then every day I would just say, my name's Atiya Walcott and I'm not, I want to be in fashion, but I'm not that fashionable. So I've decided to post an outfit every single day. And I think I probably created about like a hundred videos with that speech. And after a hundred, the outfits were such that people were actually commenting. You're baiting by saying you're not fashionable. Like I didn't make the change to I'm incredibly fashionable solely by choice. But people were reacting negatively because they were like, this is clearly a curated outfit. Like you're clearly trying. Why are you saying you're not fashionable? Is it just so people comment you actually are fashionable? So I made the switch to I'm incredibly fashionable. And it was so sweet. The reactions, you know, the people who had been watching were like, I love to hear you affirm yourself now. And now I work in Fashion adjacent. You know, I'm like an influencer. So I wouldn't say, you know, I work at a fashion company, but it's really, really, really nice to get up and work. Is sort of making ads, these wonderful artistic videos that Tim and I love to create for brands. It's truly a dream come true.

[Liv Perez]

A quick break from today's conversation to shout out the sponsor of today's episode, Birdie Gray. Winter wedding season is officially upon us. And if you are still looking for some of those last minute items like PJs for all the girls, maybe a little white dress for the after party, maybe something for your bachelorette. I highly recommend checking out Birdie Gray. They are the one stop shop for all things bridal and they have the cutest budget friendly dresses that are perfect for any wedding vibe. All of their bridesmaids dresses start at just $99 and each one is meticulously designed with the fabric, fit and color in mind. What I love most about them is they truly come in every color and shape from neutral champagnes to soft blues and even brighter gemstone colors. They've got it all, even high end chiffon one shoulder dresses, cross halter satin, floral prints, you name it. As I was mentioning, they're not just about bridesmaids dresses either. You can get a little white dress for your party, even something for engagement photos too. And best of all, they offer a free fabric color swatch to nail the perfect bridesmaids dresses look for the crew so you don't have to worry about mismatching colors. Truly, one stop shop the best for all things bridal. Visit www.birdiegray.com now to get your first six swatches for free available for a limited time until December 3rd. That's B I R D Y G-R-E-Y.com to go find the perfect bridesmaids dresses and so much more that are perfect for you for the big day. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode, Cotton. Cotton's the Fabric of Now campaign is challenging everyone to make the natural choice to give yourself enough room to breathe so that you can be more intentional in your everyday life and in what you wear. To me, Cotton as a fabric is it just feels like a giant hug. It's the thing that I go towards every single morning when I'm getting ready to tackle my day because it's the thing that makes me feel most like myself. It feels like a second skin. Plus it goes really well with everything in my closet and just makes dressing a breeze. It's breathable and soft and comfortable and honestly, it feels like doing that thing that you need to do for yourself to get grounded after maybe say a really hectic month. For me, that's going out in nature and whatever it is for you, it's that feeling of getting back to yourself. I love to go out in nature, put my phone away, leave my laptop at home, be with my loved ones and totally unwind. I feel completely recharged after I do those weekends and it feels so natural for me. It feels so good to leave those things behind and just get to the center of myself. Maybe read a good Book, play a couple board games. That's really when I feel like my most self. And it's the same way that I feel when I'm wearing cotton. So cotton is asking all of us to recharge in your own way. Maybe that means putting your phone down for a few hours a day or just going out with your friends for the night and being really present. Whatever it is you do, you find that thing that feels natural and makes you feel good. Cotton is the natural choice. Discover the fabric of now at the Fabric of Our lives. Com. Let's get back to the show. I liked in the beginning that you said that you're in advertising. I like that people ask me what I do. And every time if I'm like, with my husband and someone asks, I can see him look at me because he's like, how's she going to answer today?

[Atiya Walcott]

Yeah, it's like, and what do you say? What are your normal, like, spiels?

[Liv Perez]

It usually depends on who I'm in front of. If it's someone our age, I'll be like, I'm a fashion influencer. I create a lot of content, a lot of educational content. I have a podcast where I talk about styling and getting dressed every day and like, I'll go on and on and on until I feel good about myself. Yeah, if it's like someone that's a little bit older, that might not, that might, like, make a face. When I say influencer, sometimes I say I'm in fashion marketing. And then they're like, oh, for who? And I'm like, myself. And then they're like, I'm a freelance.

[Atiya Walcott]

You know, I run an agency. No, totally. That's exactly how I market it. You know, to my in laws who are older, like my grandma, who don't really understand the social media space. I definitely say we, we essentially make advertisements for or brands.

[Liv Perez]

That's a great way of thinking about it. I've seen so many incredible creators really run their social media accounts like a business. And those are the ones that I gravitate towards the most because you can see they're pouring their heart and soul into it. And they really take what they do seriously and make it fun and make it engaging. And I think that's important.

[Atiya Walcott]

I love that that resonates with you because that's definitely how I am as a creator. And I started this really with the intention of doing this as my job. And I stumbled into fashion is what clicked for me. I guess that's what I loved. I didn't know it right off the top, I feel like I found something for the first time that I thrive in. You know, I've, like, got. I went to film school. I was not good. Like, you know, some people make these movies and they could submit them to film festivals. Mine was crap. And then I went to acting school, and I thrived in some areas, like movement class A student, but, like, scene work B student. I just was not bringing my best self to other endeavors in life.

[Liv Perez]

Before this, it wasn't the puzzle piece that fit exactly. And I remember when I was younger, and I genuinely. I really believe. And you're such a testament to that, like, the power of manifestation. You were saying, okay, I might not be fashionable, but then all of a sudden, you got to be able to switch and say, I'm a TL cot and I'm incredibly fashionable. And I hear that every day on my TikTok and Instagram. And it's amazing. When I was younger, I had so many odd jobs. I worked at Teen Vogue in entertainment. I worked in the fashion closet. I worked for Ryan Seacrest for a while. I worked in pr. Like, I bounced around, and nothing really felt like my thing, 100%. And now, looking at my career and looking back at that, I took one little element from every single experience and put it in a blender. And all of it applies to what I do today. And it's interesting to hear you say theater and movement were things that you loved. And you said movement specifically was something you excelled at. If you watch your videos, your videos are cinema. There's something incredibly cinematic to them. Because I'd love to hear how going to school for cinema and theater and the arts has played a role in your fashion career.

[Atiya Walcott]

Now, what I studied, studying theater, studying film, has impacted what we do so much. And I think our end goal is actually still to be filmmakers. And every day we add a little. A little bit more filmmaking or a little bit more of a cinematic element to the video. But I will say my husband, who shoots all of my content, he is a movie lover. When we met, he had this wall of DVDs, and I just looked at him, and I was like, we're gonna work out. Like, I've seen all of these. We're just. We're both movie lovers. And then I studied film, so I think that's why that cinematic energy oozes through. I think it has to do with the set design, and I think it has to do with the lighting, and Tim brings the lighting. I feel like I brought sort of the set Design and more of the vision. But, yeah, before I met Tim, I was shooting on my iPhone, so I have to give props to my husband. Everyone always asks, we shoot on a Lumix S1. If anyone wants to know. I hope you guys are taking notes, which is. Yeah, everyone's like, what?

[Liv Perez]

Take notes, everyone.

[Atiya Walcott]

I think that is why it's so cinematic, but I think because Tim and I are movie lovers, I think it, like, oozes through. It's not so intentional. It's sort of something we can't avoid. More. More so. And then I think there was a time period where I was afraid to take myself seriously. So I would try and be like. I don't know, I was afraid to almost be elevated, to be chic, to be refined. I think I'm much more comfortable acting goofy. And so I think taking myself more seriously enabled the art to become more cinematic and to become more serious. I wasn't trying to be funny. I was trying to create art. And it's okay if you take it seriously. Even if it just lives on Instagram, quote, unquote, it's okay if it lives on Instagram. That's a fabulous place to live, but there just really is a new landscape. So we do really make little mini fashion movies. And so, yeah, the combination of Tim's camera, our vision, and then taking ourselves a little bit more seriously has created more of this cinematic feel that I think resonates with people and with brands.

[Liv Perez]

Something that keeps popping into my brain that you've said earlier in this episode that I want to, like, dive into a little bit, is that you said when you first started doing content, you didn't feel fashionable at all. And then as you got into it, you now are dressing the way that you are right now, which is, like, impeccable, like, truly refined, beautiful, elegant taste. Was there something in that time that was helpful to get you to narrow down to what your personal style is?

[Atiya Walcott]

That's a great question. I think what has transformed my personal style from when I started, sort of during the pandemic, to now is really stepping outside. So when I started, it was the pandemic. We were at home, so I was creating outfits and art only to live on the Internet. So I could wear a pair of red tights and, like, a top, and I could wear an outfit that you could never wear. Walking around in a store, going out to dinner with a friend, going to an event with your parents. So now that I'm in Chicago and it's 2024, I go to events with My parents, I go to the store, I go out to lunch. I have lunches with friends. So the outfits I wear that I actually feel comfortable being seen in outside of the house are now the outfits I put on the Internet. So it's the combination of sort of that avant garde style that sort of inspires me and speaks to me with wearable clothes. So I think it's more of like a wearable art is what I do now. And I think that's what is now resonating.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah, I feel like that first image that I shared in an AMA of you when you and I first connected, like, I can immediately go back to it. It was like a beautiful kind of like draped white top with you are wearing like a navy V neck sweater over it and this beautiful full, like black midi skirt. And I totally understand what you're saying here, where it's like, have those pieces that feel. Feel really wearable, but all you really need in an outfit to stand out or make a statement is one good piece.

[Atiya Walcott]

Like, it's one amazing piece.

[Liv Perez]

Amazing thing. It doesn't need to be like the most complex outfit where it's like you're putting on a crazy top and a crazy, crazy skirt. Like, I found that some of my favorite outfits are an amazing blazer or an amazing top, just a pair of jeans under it. Or like what you were, like what you were styled that day, which was like this beautiful, flowy, very romantic skirt with something that feels polar opposite, which was like a very traditional Enix sweater.

[Atiya Walcott]

It was like cashmere. I know, exactly. I was wearing this little tank top underneath. And the tank top is sort of like just a white tank top. Yeah. But it has this odd neck. It's from Meshki, has sort of this asymmetrical neck with Banana Republic cashmere sweater on top. Super soft. But that skirt, which is sort of the hero piece of that look, is my favorite garment of clothing. It's called. It's from a brand called Metopilady. They are from Turkey. But I love that skirt and I love that you only need one hero piece. It's sort of like this me and them blouse that I'm wearing. It had like just these green pointed kitten toe heels with that look.

[Liv Perez]

I love that.

[Atiya Walcott]

I just love that. It resonated. I love that.

[Liv Perez]

Well, I think, you know, for me, and I loved what you were saying earlier about, you know, fashion being the thing that you do every day. Like, what can I share every day that I do? And for me, that's really why I fell in Love with fashion and why even now, like, my greatest passion is sharing how to get dressed every day, because we all do it. I don't care if you're a fashion lover. You have to get dressed every day to represent yourself in the world, no matter who you are. And I think a look like that is so universally understood because it's things that everybody has in their closet, and it's just like one tiny level up to make you that much more fashionable. That doesn't feel like this crazy, avant garde trendy thing that I have to, like, sell you on or, like, share with you. But it's like, hey, instead of a black pair of slacks, try a skirt. Try a green pump. Like, try something that just feels a little bit more dynamic and interesting and see how you feel.

[Atiya Walcott]

See how you feel. Because you might not feel so out there in it, but it still is a strong choice. You know, like the pop of greener or something simple. But a strong choice like that. There are no rules in fashion. And that is one of my favorite things about fashion.

[Liv Perez]

Where are you getting fashion inspiration from? Even, like, thinking about, you know, that era where you were refining your personal style a little bit? Like, were people in your family fashionable? I always like to kind of go back through kind of someone's history and be like, where did that spark come from for you?

[Atiya Walcott]

Definitely, I would say my mom is fashionable. She has a more maximalist aesthetic than me, but she has a major aesthetic. She is very well dressed, and she really cares about fashion. And I remember growing up, she would buy all these vintage shoes, like vintage Manolo Blahniks, vintage everything from ebay. And it's because that's what she could afford. She was a lawyer. She was doing well. But I think she wanted to present at work. She worked in downtown Manhattan. She wanted to present really well. Like, she wanted to look very fashionable. So I definitely owe a lot of my fashion sense to her. And as I rewatch things like the Real Housewives, I'm thinking, oh, that's Stella McCartney back. Like, she saw that back in 2005 on this show, and that's why it was so popular. So I just love the way that film and television has also informed my style. And I see how it's informed my mother's style and just people's style in general. And for my style, I think that I used to watch a lot of period pieces. So now I'm realizing how that influence is in my aesthetic. Like, I pretty much dress like, modern clothes styled in the way that a woman from A different era would wear them.

[Liv Perez]

Okay, give me a movie. Like, off the top of your head. What's a movie that you're like, I dress like that.

[Atiya Walcott]

Like, I want to say Pride and Prejudice, but, like, this hairstyle, which you can't see right now, for example, but lately I'm addicted to plopping my hair on my head. It's like I want to wear my hair down or just in a ponytail, but I almost feel incomplete somehow. But I'm realizing, like, okay, if I watch Pride and Prejudice, I see that they all have their hair pinned up with sort of, like, the tendrils framing the face. So that's why I'm obsessed with that look. The scarf. I keep draping the scarf. I love Atonement. Different era. Love you, Keira. Nightly. Different era. But, like, the fashion in that green.

[Liv Perez]

Dress changed my life. The green dress changed my life. Never forget it. Never forget it.

[Atiya Walcott]

Goosebumps. I'm so glad you got it. And relate.

[Liv Perez]

And I actually think that to this day, every time a new season comes out, I feel like a designer is trying to iterate on that dress in a new way. They're always trying to get back to the essence of the green dress and atonement.

[Atiya Walcott]

I'm big on costumes, though.

[Liv Perez]

I can see that. And I can, like, feel that in your ethos. I do think that so much of what we wear is inspired by what we see in TV and film.

[Atiya Walcott]

It's that mixed with how we want to feel. I think I used to get inspiration, actually, from other influencers, and I used to feel, like, inferior, like, because they would dress more avant garde than me. I'm like, how could I do that? Like, then I realized, you know what? You grew up. How you grew up. I went to, like, boarding school outside of Boston. My mom's a lawyer. Like, I do. I am drawn to a corporate, like, a button up to a pleated skirt. I'm drawn to that sort of business attire. So I just sort of accepted, like, I am who I am. My influences are my influences. My aesthetic is my aesthetic. There's value there. It will resonate with people. You don't have to be. You don't have to dress like people whose aesthetics you love, you know, I can appreciate without replicating.

[Liv Perez]

I actually feel like after this conversation, I'd start telling people to watch old movies and look at the fashion and see what inspires you and see if there's something that you can pull from there that isn't just maybe a copy paste of what you're seeing in the world today, it's like everybody has something that resonates with them. And I remember seeing Audrey Hepburn in that Givenchy dress for the first time and being like, my God, my whole world has changed. And the way that I see myself in the mirror is forever changed. The grace that I want to show up in the world as, that's it. So I think everybody.

[Atiya Walcott]

Grace.

[Liv Perez]

I think everybody needs to have one word that they feel connected to as they're getting dressed and showing up in the world every day. It can be whatever it is. Everyone has their own minus grace. Whether it's in the way that I dress, the way that I greet people, the way that I make people feel like that's what I always want to embody.

[Atiya Walcott]

You definitely exude a graceful energy. I see that my word is chic, which is funny, because I'm not always Chicago. I just want to feel chic, whatever that is to me. And I like that word because you can. That can be something different to every person.

[Liv Perez]

I always feel like if I want to look chic, that I'm always trying to level up, that I always want to feel my best self, 100%.

[Atiya Walcott]

That's like me all the time. My husband and I are going to go work in our condo after this. Always, always renovating, and I'm going to put on, like, a sweatsuit. But I still want to feel chic.

[Liv Perez]

It's going to be a chic. I was going to say look cute. What's your chic sweatsuit? Tell us now.

[Atiya Walcott]

Oh, gosh. I1 I just got this, like, little Calvin Klein sweatsuit, which it just matches. Something's matching. I feel more elevated, you know, monochrome.

[Liv Perez]

Keep it matching. Keep it slim.

[Atiya Walcott]

Monochrome moment. It's going to be the same color as this. It's a monochrome little sweatshirt, which is, like, a dusty. And I'll put, like, a cute sports bra, and then I'll wear my PPE mask. And then when my husband comes around, I'm like, hey, I'm just painting. Like, I'm so extra. I. God bless him, because I really am so extra. Extra. I'm so, so much personally that.

[Liv Perez]

So much. I love people who embody their full personality. I love when it comes out in the clothes. And I. I appreciate that so much. I think we need more of that in the world.

[Atiya Walcott]

Heck, yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. I want to go back quickly to this, like, Pride and Prejudice way of dressing, because I love that you said that, because you know that I'm always obsessed with your, like, tights and sock selections. You always have, like, beautifully colored. That's your thing. Like, every time I'm on your channel, you've got. Yeah, you've got, like, an epic pair of socks on. You've got, like, a beautifully colored pair of tights. Where are you finding all of these? I'm sure people will want to know.

[Atiya Walcott]

You can get them from Mango. I. Gosh, I wish it was so much more exciting, because on Mango, you can get them in green, blue, every color you need right now. And then the other place that I've gotten them is Amazon. Gosh, I wish I had. I wish it was, like, Wilford. Like, I just have, like, not any anywhere interesting, but really Mango. And then lately, I've been. I want to wear my red and my blue ones, but I've been, like, just wearing these black ones. They just feel more refined to me. But I'm like, I'm going to find a way to incorporate the colorful tights. But, yeah, that's definitely, like, a brand identity. I just feel more put together when I feel those tights on. I can't explain it. And then maybe I'm less self conscious if I don't have a brush pedicure or something like that.

[Liv Perez]

Me every day.

[Atiya Walcott]

It's always function. I feel like function is involved in all of my looks. Like this hat. It really is raining today, but I still wear it when it's not raining.

[Liv Perez]

I want to ask you, because you do live in a colder area than I do. I'm in Los Angeles. But do you think that you're not styling the red and blue tights as much because it's harder to wear color in the winter? A lot of people have been asking me about this, like, how do I keep color in my wardrobe without having to invest in, like, a really expensive coat that, like, has great colors to it? How do I keep the colors going for the winter, colder weathers?

[Atiya Walcott]

Well, definitely the tights definitely keep the colors going in the tights. It's the perfect, like, pop of sunshine in the winter. But you know what I've realized? Since moving from Los Angeles to Chicago, my entire color palette of my wardrobe has changed. I wear only, like, grays, blues, blacks and whites, and, like, earth tones now. And it's so interesting. And I guess part of it is not wanting to stand out. I think that does play a role. Like, when I just moved here, I remember I had, like, a. A. A lime green, like, balaclava that I was wearing, and I'm like, no one is dressing like this. So I'm standing out like a sore thumb. So I think on a subconscious level you don't wann and then yeah, brands don't make a lot of non expensive colorful outer coats and stuff like that. So.

[Liv Perez]

Wow.

[Atiya Walcott]

I've never thought about why in the winter you just wear dreary colors. I don't know if it's like your mood is a little more dreary so you dress.

[Liv Perez]

You know, I also think like obviously weather, weather permitting, like wearing black, it's like if you get stuck in the rain or snow, like it's just the easiest color. But I'm very pro. Throw in a colorful scarf, throw in a colorful pair of tights, like do something to keep that color therapy going. Because I really think that, that if you are someone who gets like the seasonal depression and doesn't want to wear black all the time, it's like keep the colors going in your wardrobe will be really helpful.

[Atiya Walcott]

Definitely. I love to throw in colors with my glasses and I feel like my mom has so many colorful glasses and yeah, that's another good way to get a pop of color in there.

[Liv Perez]

I love that we always close out the show by asking if there was one thing in fashion that you could change right now, what would it be?

[Atiya Walcott]

I feel like everyone says this, but slow it down. I know eventually one day I want to start a brand. It is not conceivable to me for me to show two times a year or even more than that, any resort or anything like that with like 30 pieces or 30 outfits, that is insane. And on the one hand, I understand there's a market and a clientele that they're specifically marketing to and selling to who, who will buy a new outfit for every dinner. But on the other hand, I just, I. How do people have the creativity? And I think that that's why a lot of burnout is happening and why a lot of the big fashion houses, they have a creative director for two years and then they're leaving. Because like us millennials and then the Gen Z that's older, we grew up with a different energy, which is not just like hustle and work through the pain. It's sort of stop and self care. So that's, that's what I would say is just slow it all down. Why are we making so many clothes?

[Liv Perez]

So many. I could find 50 versions of one thing at any given point of time in the day.

[Atiya Walcott]

I sell them. I'm saying all that just to go home and sell like 50 versions of the same gray sweater. But you know, we're all trying.

[Liv Perez]

I'm gonna refute that by saying that there's something for everybody. Everybody needs to get dressed every day. Everybody needs to find a style that works for them and fits them and is in their price range. And I think if you're being of service to people and helping them get dressed, beautifully put.

[Atiya Walcott]

And I'm glad that you and I get to help people and be in service of that way, because, you know, your alpha can really impact your confidence and your mood. So I just love what we get to do. And thank you so much for having me again. It was the best time.

[Liv Perez]

So glad that we got to do this. Thank you so much for being in studio all the way in Chicago. I appreciate it so much.

[Atiya Walcott]

Oh, yeah. Thank you for having me. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.