Ambassador Spotlight Series
with Michelle
Michelle is one of the Ambassadors in our program, the Worn Well Collective. We are so thrilled and honored to be working with her and so many other talented creators in the slow and ethical fashion niche. Shop Michelle's looks and enjoy her story!
Name: Michelle Horsey
Intro: Hi! I'm Michelle a 31 year old Maryland native living in Portland Oregon. I'm an allergy/asthma nurse specializing in pediatrics by trade and the ultimate foodie and leisure enthusiast off the clock.
On my days off you'll find me collecting seashells at the Oregon coast while my husband surfs, clinking glasses with friends at a local winery or hiking in search of the seasons PNW wildflowers.
City: Portland OR
IG Handle: HangryHorsey
How would you describe your personal style?
Overall I would describe it as playful and cutesy casual.
I love dresses meant for twirling in rose gardens, jackets meant for layering with Oregon's unknown weather and items durable for hiking but cozy enough for lounging at home with my cats and pomeranian Quint.
What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?
I'm currently focusing on my love for photography. I dusted off my DSLR camera and started using it a lot more during the early days of the pandemic. It's been a great way to retreat towards using the right side of my brain instead of letting my anxiety take over the structured left side used for my job as a nurse.
Lately I've been also learning more about sustainability outside of fashion. A topic of interest for me currently is oysters! I'm originally from the Chesapeake Bay Area so seafood and sea critters have always caught my interest. Oysters are one of the most sustainable seafoods available on the market today-providing nutrients to us, many ecological benefits to the environment. It's been fascinating to learn about and how I can support the coastal communities too.
How would you describe your personal style?
Overall I would describe it as playful and cutesy casual.
I love dresses meant for twirling in rose gardens, jackets meant for layering with Oregon's unknown weather and items durable for hiking but cozy enough for lounging at home with my cats and pomeranian Quint.
What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you’re learning?
I'm currently focusing on my love for photography. I dusted off my DSLR camera and started using it a lot more during the early days of the pandemic. It's been a great way to retreat towards using the right side of my brain instead of letting my anxiety take over the structured left side used for my job as a nurse.
Lately I've been also learning more about sustainability outside of fashion. A topic of interest for me currently is oysters! I'm originally from the Chesapeake Bay Area so seafood and sea critters have always caught my interest. Oysters are one of the most sustainable seafoods available on the market today-providing nutrients to us, many ecological benefits to the environment. It's been fascinating to learn about and how I can support the coastal communities too.
What got you started in the slow, sustainable, and ethical fashion niche?
It must have been when I realized "quality over quantity" is a true statement. The amount of tops and dresses I've owned that have got eaten by the dryer can now be seen as money spent for no reason. The pandemic has taught me even more about myself because the amount of "spring cleanings" led me to a more conscious closet and learning fast fashion also means more money in the long run.
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
I also love my birch Jude Pullover. It was definitely my most worn item of 2020 because it's so versatile and cozy. I foresee it being a most worn contender for the next upcoming years!
What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?
I also love my birch Jude Pullover. It was definitely my most worn item of 2020 because it's so versatile and cozy. I foresee it being a most worn contender for the next upcoming years!
What are your fashion/style/lifestyle influences or inspirations?
As far as inspiration on my style, I have a soft spot for colors that remind me of nature, deep blue ocean waves, peachy desert sunsets, seashell greys, soothing green moss and romantic pink petals.
The Pacific Northwest is absolutely its own world of fashion. The contagious nature of being in the region is influential itself. I love walking around Portland just admiring people wearing whatever they want.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join or learn more about the slow/ethical/responsible fashion niche as motivation or reassurance?
If you don't love it, don't buy it. Seriously, if you don't see yourself wearing this item for the next few years you don't need it.
It also seems strange, but budgeting CAN include purchasing higher-priced items. You're going to want to wear a chic white sweater fall through end of spring so getting an ethically made item will help the longevity of it.
What other projects or things are you looking forward to this year?
Lately, my husband and I have been talking about buying land for an oyster farm. We have a pipe dream for opening up a small store along the Oregon coast for oysters on the half shell, Maryland-style crab cakes and all the natural wines your wino heart desires. It won't happen this year but planning has to begin somewhere, right?
In general, I'm looking forward to all the uplifting moments this year has to offer and hugs from east coast family I haven't seen in the last 2 years. It's been a difficult year health-wise for me after experiencing a pulmonary embolism last fall. Going through a scare like that during the pandemic without family was hard but it gave me a different outlook on appreciating life. Life is short, so as a general thought, do more of what makes you happy!
Thank you so much, Michelle!
Check out more of her style and ethical fashion interviews on Instagram. Also feel free to support Michelle by using her link for 15% off your first purchase:
HANGRYHORSEY15
Stay tuned for our next interview coming up soon. In the meantime, shop Michelle's style!
Shop Michelle's Style
Jude Pullover
Birch
Monty Striped
Turtleneck
Glenn Short
Emerald