Tina Estrella
EDUCATOR AND CONTENT CREATOR, @THEHAUNTINA
INLAND EMPIRE, CA
What is empowering about your look?
My philosophy is, “Live every day like it’s Halloween.” A lot of it is me sort of reclaiming the times in my youth when I felt like I had to dim myself down to fit into certain spaces where I didn’t want to stand out too much. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I finally started embracing the things that I like and that make me me, even if they were a little spooky or a little weird. A big inspiration and something that is important to how I style myself as a plus-size, alternative woman is to not focus on appealing to the male gaze, but rather to appeal to how the younger me would see me now, and hopefully think I look cool.
How does spooky style align with your personality?
I’ve always had an affinity toward darkness. I really like the gothic, witchy look, but I also like cute things. My style changes depending on my mood.
What is your favorite accessory?
I would say my Everyday Bruja Hat from The Beheaded. It makes the look more of a statement. I either like something on my head or I have a statement purse. When I put on the Bruja hat, I feel powerful.
Can you tell me about your cauldron purse?
That one was made by a small designer who I found on Instagram called Monster Creations. They do a lot of spooky-inspired purses. I saw a purse they made that was shaped like the old McDonald’s Halloween buckets from back in the day. Soon after, they started making more unique designs. That cauldron is one of my favorites—and it glows in the dark!
I’d love to know who some of your style icons are.
I would say Vampira is probably one of my biggest inspirations. People called her weird back then, but she just embraced the darkness and it let her be very fierce, you know what I mean? A lot of my icons are actually friends of mine. I have a very good circle of people who all embrace that spooky style, so we all get inspiration from each other.
Tina’s Top 5
Here are some of Tina’s Fave Picks:
1.Wild Ways Vintage Top in Glow in the Dark Ghosts,
Vixen by Micheline Pitt, $48
2. Black TUKskin Fringe Loafer Platforms,
T.U.K. Footwear $119.95
3. The Dahlia Dress,
Blackwood Castle, $170
4. The Cauldron Tote, The Beheaded, $60
5. Bat Collar in Black, Mantrap, $49
Photographed by Katherine Sheenan
This article originally appeared in BUST’s Fall 2022 print edition. Subscribe today!
