Worn Well
With Piraffe
Introducing a recurring series: Tradlands Worn Well. Interviews with people we admire who are changing the way we get dressed. We talk about living well in clothing you love and how wardrobe choices are shaped by the day-to-day.
We chatted with Melanie, @Piraffe about day-to-day outfit moods, style evolution, and the best coffee drink to make at home. Melanie outlines the true love for vintage and Victorian style and how knowing what they know now changed their shopping habits for good.
How does your day to day inform what you wear?
Depending on my agenda for the day — i.e work (pre quarantine) potential errands that I might need to do afterward and most importantly weather.
I usually tend to plan my outfits around my shoes. At work, I’d usually be on my feet anywhere from 6+ hours and would want to make sure I’m comfortable. after work, I like to extrovert by going on a long walk and would want to be comfortable for that as well.
How does your day to day inform what you wear?
Depending on my agenda for the day — i.e work (pre quarantine) potential errands that I might need to do afterward and most importantly weather.
I usually tend to plan my outfits around my shoes. At work, I’d usually be on my feet anywhere from 6+ hours and would want to make sure I’m comfortable. after work, I like to extrovert by going on a long walk and would want to be comfortable for that as well.
How would you describe your personal style?
Fluid. Although I don’t feel that I have a super-specific style as I’m constantly evolving, it definitely fluctuates between a mix of feminine and masculine. These elements have always been present in my style as far back as I can remember. I do love textures, very oversized pieces, and incorporating more colors into my wardrobe these days.
How would you describe your personal style?
Fluid. Although I don’t feel that I have a super-specific style as I’m constantly evolving, it definitely fluctuates between a mix of feminine and masculine. These elements have always been present in my style as far back as I can remember. I do love textures, very oversized pieces, and incorporating more colors into my wardrobe these days.
Who or where do you look to for fashion inspiration?
The Victorian area, men’s (vintage) workwear from the 1920s-1950s & the ’80s/’90s.
Although my style continuously changes, I feel that all of these different eras are at the core of my fashion inspiration/style. When I first started my fashion journey which started as thrift/secondhand, I specifically shopped for vintage Victorian dresses/blouses, vintage collared button-ups, vintage overalls, good high waist pants, and funky cardigans/vests.
I still very much like searching for these things when I thrift as well although I haven’t had much luck finding anything truly special the last few times I hit up antique/vintage shops/thrift stores.
Who or where do you look to for fashion inspiration?
The Victorian area, men’s (vintage) workwear from the 1920s-1950s & the ’80s/’90s.
Although my style continuously changes, I feel that all of these different eras are at the core of my fashion inspiration/style. When I first started my fashion journey which started as thrift/secondhand, I specifically shopped for vintage Victorian dresses/blouses, vintage collared button-ups, vintage overalls, good high waist pants, and funky cardigans/vests.
I still very much like searching for these things when I thrift as well although I haven’t had much luck finding anything truly special the last few times I hit up antique/vintage shops/ thrift stores.
Why do you choose to shop ethically?
When I’m not shopping secondhand, I choose to shop ethically because it’s a sad reality & truth knowing that unnecessary human/animal exploitation still exists and is regularly funded.
Knowing what I know now, I couldn’t personally bear the thought of supporting that in any way, especially financially, because whether you can turn a blind eye to it or not, I, in fact, could not witness such conditions/actions that such exploitation is being allowed/exists in firsthand, think it’s acceptable and want to support that.
Shopping ethically helps my conscious/me feel better about what I’m investing in. I think it’s truly important to know who/what we’re investing into and to shop ethically in any way we can, whenever possible.
Why do you choose to shop ethically?
When I’m not shopping secondhand, I choose to shop ethically because it’s a sad reality & truth knowing that unnecessary human/animal exploitation still exists and is regularly funded.
Knowing what I know now, I couldn’t personally bear the thought of supporting that in any way, especially financially, because whether you can turn a blind eye to it or not, I, in fact, could not witness such conditions/actions that such exploitation is being allowed/exists in firsthand, think it’s acceptable and want to support that.
Shopping ethically helps my conscious/me feel better about what I’m investing in. I think it’s truly important to know who/what we’re investing into and to shop ethically in any way we can, whenever possible.
As a barista, what’s your favorite drink to make?
Over the nine years of working in coffee, of all the different drinks I’ve made from classics to very elaborate concoctions, I love making/pouring cortados & cappuccinos (oat milk for myself) the most. Proper milk steaming/temperature/texture really shines through on both drinks that consist of less milk.
In general, though, I love being able to serve drinks made with genuine love & care and I also appreciate when I receive the same quality whenever I get coffee at other cafes.
As a barista, what’s your favorite drink to make?
Over the nine years of working in coffee, of all the different drinks I’ve made from classics to very elaborate concoctions, I love making/pouring cortados & cappuccinos (oat milk for myself) the most. Proper milk steaming/temperature/texture really shines through on both drinks that consist of less milk.
In general, though, I love being able to serve drinks made with genuine love & care and I also appreciate when I receive the same quality whenever I get coffee at other cafes.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Melanie!
For more style, coffee inspo, and day-to-day life updates, follow Melanie on Instagram.
Stay tuned for our next interview coming up soon.
Shop Melanie's Favorites
Box Top Caroline Print
Shelter Cardigan - Birch
