We chat with fashion stylist Thalia Castro-Vega, @polychrom3 about her lewks.
Tell us about your outfits.
I love mixing patterns, and I do this by piecing together outfits through a color story. This eye skirt is by Leeann Huang. For the other outfit, ruffles are something I’ve always enjoyed, so I frequently incorporate them into my styling choices, like I did with these pink Imad Eduso pants and the Akira blazer and Afrm top. For the last picture, nothing beats a good blazer, especially secondhand vintage ones!
I always adorn my blazers with brooches and pins. I like tulle, ruffles, bright colors, and fun prints, and I try to incorporate that into my style every day. It brings me joy. But I also like sustainable and secondhand fashion along with supporting small brands, so often my style will feature items that come from different sources. Upcycling and mending my clothing is something else I do to make it even more visually interesting.
What’s the Sacramento fashion scene like?
The fashion scene is very small. I typically shop online for new pieces, but I enjoy getting secondhand pieces from FreeStyle Clothing Exchange or Vintage YSJ.
Would you describe your look as maximalism? How do you define that?
I love maximalism. It means freedom from fashion rules and restrictions—typically bright, colorful, and patterned, but it can also be dark and texturized. Maximalism doesn’t mean overconsumption, as people tend to conflate minimalism with consuming less and maximalism with consuming more. It’s simply a style that allows that wearer to explore clothing without feeling the need to adhere to any restrictions.
What tips would you give someone wanting to experiment with maximalism?
My tip is to let go of the rules and dive in. The more you wear the items you have wanted to wear, the more the rules that previously occupied your mind will slip away, and it will only become about what makes you happy for your own style. Have fun with it; put on clothing for every aspect of your life! I am a firm believer that if we wait for the special occasion to come to wear our special clothes, we won’t get a chance. My style is for everywhere–the grocery store, running errands, getting an oil change….
Who is someone whose style you really admire?
My style icon is Prince. I love it when people are so free in the way they dress, and Prince definitely embodied that. There were no gender restrictions or clothing rule restrictions. He wore what he liked, period.
Make it maximalist with Thalia’s bold picks
The Kit Cado Jacket in Midnight Collage, $118. thekit.com.
Kat Maconie Rhea Boots, $372, katmaconie.com.
Marland Backus Gold Bow Necklace, $185, ssense.com.
Samantha Pleet Persephone Pants, $248, samanthapleet.com.
Min & Mon Anastasio Micro Crossbody Handbag in Bubblegum Pink Leather—Eyes Embroidery, $198, minandmon.com.
Meghan Fabulous Garden of Eden Snake Rhinestone Earrings, $29, meghanfabulous.com.
