Originality feels like a myth. Every campaign is a reference, every runway a revival, every trend a déjà vu. Versace puts Claudia Schiffer back on the catwalk. Balmain restages its 90s archives. TikTok edits pine for 2016 as if it were a lost golden era, though it sits less than a decade behind us. Even the aesthetics of our scrolling — grainy camcorder filters, Y2K fonts, Tumblr collages — are recycled languages of eras past.

Why can’t we sit in the present without dressing it up as something else?

Nostalgia as a Crutch

Nostalgia has become our cultural safety blanket. Brands summon the 90s supermodels — Linda, Naomi, Cindy, Christy — like talismans, as though their presence will conjure glamour by osmosis. Miu Miu is still leaning on schoolgirl skirts from the early 2000s. Meanwhile, TikTok is full of edits that claim “2014 Tumblr was the last good era,” complete with The 1975 soundtracks and low-saturation filters. We don’t even wait for decades to pass anymore; we’re already sentimental for the recent past.

Copies of Copies

When everything is a reference, nothing stands alone. A celebrity red carpet look becomes instantly side-by-side compared to a predecessor. Zendaya in archival Mugler armor wasn’t seen as new but as the reference. Sofia Richie Grainge’s “quiet luxury” moment was simply rebranded Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy minimalism. Even the cult of the Chanel jacket is really just Coco’s original 1950s idea endlessly repackaged for new decades. Innovation is risky; recognition feels safe. Maybe that’s why the present looks like a copy-paste mood board — layered, fragmented, but never whole.

The Algorithm Rewards What We Already Know

Social platforms don’t reward originality; they reward déjà vu. A new sound rarely goes viral — a recycled snippet does. The “Tom Ford era” TikToks rack up millions of views because they point back to a time we already mythologized. Fashion trends succeed if they feel familiar: ballet flats, capris, denim maxi skirts, all framed as “comebacks.” The present, by itself, rarely gets a chance.

The Fear of Now

The present is unstable — politically, socially, environmentally. To create something new is to stake a claim in a future we can’t trust will exist. So instead, we look backward. The familiar reassures us that things were good, even if they weren’t. Campaigns dressed in nostalgia don’t just sell clothes; they sell comfort. Maybe we’re not referencing the past to honor it, but to avoid admitting we don’t know what to do with where we are.

Looking Back to Move Forward?

So the question lingers: are we mining the past because it holds the keys to moving forward, or because we can’t bear to face the fragility of the present? Do we reference because it’s easier, or because originality has truly become impossible?

Maybe the problem isn’t that everything is a copy. Maybe the problem is that the present doesn’t feel strong enough to inspire anything new.

Scroll long enough on TikTok and you’ll see it: a pair of Zara trousers labeled a “dupe” for Acne Studios jeans. Same vibe, they’ll say. Except the cut isn’t the same, the fabric isn’t the same, and really, the only thing the two share is the fact that they’re pants.

So what even makes something a dupe? Is it about similarity? Price point? The faintest visual adjacency? Or is it simply the internet’s latest lazy shortcut for signaling taste?

The New Language of Fashion

Once upon a time, a dupe meant a copy — a stand-in for the original. A cheaper perfume that smelled almost identical, a fast-fashion coat cut to look like Céline. Today, the word has been stretched until it means almost nothing at all. “Dupe” is now slapped on anything that vaguely recalls something else, even if the resemblance is more about mood than material.

TikTok, of course, supercharged this shift. Every product is now explained in relation to another, more expensive reference. Instead of naming what something is, we call it what it isn’t. The language flattens nuance, erasing fabrications, cuts, and craftsmanship in favor of clout by association.

Historical Amnesia

Take the Tabi shoe. Scroll through #dupe and you’ll find endless “Margiela Tabi dupes.” Except… Maison Margiela didn’t invent the Tabi. The split-toe shoe traces back centuries in Japan, long before it became a fashion-girl litmus test in the West.

So what’s a dupe here? A brand borrowing a cultural form? A non-Margiela split-toe being dismissed as derivative? The label of “dupe” assumes ownership of an idea, when fashion has always been about circulation, reinterpretation, and evolution.

The Aesthetic Shortcut

Declaring something a dupe is less about accuracy and more about performance. It’s shorthand for: this item will let me sit at that table, visually speaking. The cut might be off, the history might be ignored, but what matters is the quick association.

A Zara coat is called a Max Mara dupe, not because it’s made with the same cashmere blend (it isn’t), but because it signals the same silhouette in a selfie. “Dupe” has become the language of aspiration — a way to frame consumption as cleverness, to imply knowledge of the original without ever engaging with its context.

Beyond Dupes

Here’s the thing: fashion is always referential. Designers lift, remix, and reinterpret constantly. That’s not new. What feels new is our obsession with calling everything a dupe, as if the only way to validate a purchase is by tethering it to something “higher.”

But sometimes a pair of trousers is just a pair of trousers. Sometimes a shoe is an homage, or a revival, or simply an iteration in a longer story. Not every resemblance needs to be collapsed into “dupe.”

Maybe the chicest move is to resist the language entirely — to stop looking for the shadow of something else and instead call things what they are.

Because if everything is a dupe, then nothing is.

There’s a particular kind of photo that floods your feed around mid-July. A girl, sun-kissed and lithe, standing barefoot on the teak deck of a boat somewhere off the coast of St. Tropez. She’s wearing a pastel Pucci or a zigzag Missoni, holding a white Hermès Kelly like it’s a baguette, and captioning it with a single sparkle emoji. She looks gorgeous. Of course she does. But she looks exactly like everyone else.

This is St. Tropez Syndrome. A style affliction where everyone has money, everyone has taste, and no one has any original ideas.

What used to feel like aspirational voyeurism now feels like a very chic group project. You can predict the entire outfit formula before the slide loads: a gauzy patterned mini, slicked-back bun, gold hoops, Oran sandals, and either a vintage Cartier watch or something that whispers “quiet luxury” louder than it should. Throw in an oversized pair of Celine sunglasses and a strategically arranged plate of peaches, and you’ve got the summer aesthetic down to a science.

But when did dressing well become so predictable?

St. Tropez, once the playground of Bardot-era undone glamour, has become more of a seasonal runway for the same five outfits recycled on different yachts. The individuality is gone. Everything feels optimized for Instagram, filtered through a moodboard that was already overdone in 2022. It’s less la dolce vita, more “what’s still in stock at Matches?”

It’s not that any of the pieces themselves are wrong; a white Kelly is forever, and no one’s questioning Hermès. But the styling, the sameness, the sense that everyone is dressing for the same imagined audience… that’s where it loses its magic. Luxury isn’t about fitting in. It’s about the offbeat choices, the things that don’t make sense until you wear them.

There’s nothing wrong with loving a uniform, but the current Euro summer aesthetic feels less like a point of view and more like a dress code. And when the goal is to look expensive, not interesting, we lose what makes fashion fun: the friction, the personality, the unexpected.

So if you’re heading to St. Tropez, by all means, pack the Missoni. But maybe mix it with something that doesn’t match. Throw in a sandal that isn’t Oran. Wear the bag no one recognizes. Be the one they screenshot — not the one they scroll past.

Here's how I would do St. Tropez instead:

• A silk scarf (bonus points if it's vintage), perfect for around your bag or in your hair while you are driving with the top down.

• Keep the Birkin vibe, just ditch Hermes and go à la Jane with it, and use a wicker basket bag.

• Chunky gold earrings from a flea market in Nice, and a single spritz of Eau d’Italie (but if you are in a tight bind, you can start your trip with these).

• A navy men’s button-down worn open over a swimsuit at Club 55, paired with tortoiseshell glasses and undone hair.

• Vintage silk dresses

There’s something happening in the world of hair — a quiet shift away from perfection. The slick, over-styled blowout has started to feel try-hard, and the overly tonged wave is giving early YouTube tutorial. What’s taking its place? Hair that looks like you didn’t touch it… but somehow still looks expensive.

It’s the kind of style that whispers instead of shouts. A soft part. A frayed end. A slept-in texture that feels both unbothered and carefully considered. Think post-swim hair at Hotel du Cap, or the kind of bend you get from tying your hair with a silk ribbon and forgetting about it. It’s a beauty moment that’s less about performance, more about mood.

The Aesthetic of Almost-Nothing

“Undone” doesn’t mean messy. It means softened. Think of hair as part of the outfit, not a finishing touch. Instead of trying to control every strand, allow for a bit of movement, asymmetry, even imperfection. The modern It Girl isn’t striving — she’s floating.

French girls have always known this. So has every model at their 7 a.m. call time. The trick is to look like you didn’t even try, even if you spent five minutes perfecting that one misplaced strand.

How to Get the Look (Without Looking Like You Tried)

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase for natural, frizz-free texture — no styling required.
• Start with your scalp. Healthy hair starts at the root, literally. Act+Acre’s Scalp Detox is a weekly ritual I swear by — it balances oil production and gives your hair that naturally lifted, undone texture. (Use code theitgirlguideofficial to soften the price.)
• Use a dry texture spray just at the crown or ends, not all over. Try Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.
• Skip heat tools some days. Twist hair into two loose buns after a shower and let it air dry for that subtle S-curve.
• Tuck one side behind your ear. Leave the other undone. The asymmetry does all the work.

Hair as Aura, Not Armor

This is hair that suggests a life — a spontaneous coffee run, a kiss in the backseat, a day spent somewhere coastal. It’s cinematic, not contrived. You don’t need it to hold. You want it to move.

Because the modern It Girl isn’t curated — she’s composed. Effortlessly.

The Scout Mocha Suede Jacket from The Jacket Maker just landed, and it’s proof that this season’s suede moment is more than a fleeting fling. Cut with that perfectly boxy, borrowed-from-him drape and rendered in buttery-soft goatskin suede, it feels vintage without the thrift-store dig—and yes, the silky lining and bonus garment bag make the unboxing feel downright couture.

Style it tomboy-cool over a Cou Cou Intimates pointelle mini or shrug it on with faded 501s and a baby tee—the jacket’s earthy mocha tone warms up lace and denim alike. If you’re hunting for the ultimate suede jackets for women, this one ticks every box: supple yet structured, fully lined, and delivered with thoughtful extras (hello, garment bag and car freshener). Sleeves push, collar pops, and the buttery goatskin suede softens with every wear—proof that minimal effort can still read maximal chic.

Add this boxy suede hero to cart, and your spring-to-fall layering game is officially sorted.

Picture tender green shoots underfoot, a cotton–linen dress catching the first warm breeze, and a wicker basket filling with market blooms—that’s the energy DÔEN’s Spring 2025 edit delivers. Curated by Sky, these five field-ready pieces glide from coastal wanders to farmers market mornings without missing a beat.

After months wrapped in heavy knits, we're craving fabrics that breathe. Linen’s airy weave keeps you cool; cotton’s softness makes every piece picnic-friendly. DÔEN’s neutral “Salt” palette slips effortlessly beside raffia accessories, vintage denim, or a just-picked bouquet—no outfit overthinking required.

1. & 2. Truitt Top + Albina Skirt — The Easy Matching Set

This is the set of the season. The thin strappy bralette-inspired top paired with a long and oh so flattering skirt is the prettiest outfit to be in. Crafted in a breathable ramie-linen blend, it’s sheer enough for salt-air days yet polished for brunch. Pair it with sandals from The Row (or their Amazon dupes) or, in true DÔEN style, just go barefoot and feel the grass or sand in your toes.

3. Frederica Top — As Seen on Sky

Soft organic-cotton voile, scalloped lace trim, and pintuck clusters give Frederica its romantic swing. The slightly cropped silhouette tucks perfectly into high-rise denim, which is what I'm reaching for as an everyday look. Or you can take my boho chic route and style it as I did with a drapey long cream skirt and knee-high black boots. Bonus points if they are rain boots and you can run through the mud in the English countryside. But like I said: bonus points.

4. Sofia Dress — Romantic Puff-Sleeve Midi for Sun-Soaked Wanders

Cut in airy organic-cotton voile, Sofia marries a collar-bone-skimming scoop neckline (finished with a sweet tie) to short puff sleeves and a fitted bodice that releases into an ankle-grazing, bias-cut skirt. The result feels vintage-ladylike yet low-maintenance. It's versatile and can be worn to brunch or errands in the city; regularly $248, it lands squarely in the “it's good quality” zone without tipping into guilty purchasing.

5. Ashlynn Dress — Everyday Fairytale Maxi

Whisper-thin organic-cotton voile, a smocked bodice, flutter sleeves, and an ankle-grazing skirt that floats like a sea breeze. A functional tie at the waist customizes the fit from barefoot beach walks to gallery openings. Very wellness-loving, moon juice buying, off-duty Victoria's Secret angel approved.

DÔEN’s spring edit is more than pretty—it’s a ready-made capsule for warm-weather wandering. Each linen-cotton piece softens with every wear, carrying you from first lilacs to high-summer golden hour—no dry-cleaning drama required.

Pro tip: grab your picks while the Mother's Day sale pricing still sings; sizes are disappearing faster than the last bouquet at the flower stall.

Dark circles. Stinging eyes from exhaustion. Feeling so nasty, it rivals your worst hangovers. Whether you’ve only been overseas once or are a frequent flyer, plane travel is an effort that often leaves us depleted. As a TIGG investigator and writer, I have since discovered that there IS a way to bypass this gross feeling and land refreshed, ready to start your holiday in style. Take note, girls, this is a good one.

1. Avoid Rich Foods

Yes, that Mac and Three Cheese is unreal, but I vote to avoid this, especially when flying in the evening. Rich food on planes can cause stomach upset, difficulty sleeping, and, worst of all, unhappy skin (now we know why plane breakouts hit so differently). Stick to healthy, simple foods and snacks, such as apples with peanut butter, muesli bars, or yoghurt.

2. Wear Blue Light Glasses

Whilst watching movie after movie fills in time, it can derail your body’s sleep plans up in the air. The brain’s exposure to blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm and prevents the hormone melatonin from being released to initiate sleep. Blue light glasses are super effective at maintaining healthy sleep patterns and are a great long-term investment.

Also, make sure you switch to non-digital entertainment (like reading or listening to music) at least an hour before you plan to take your beauty sleep whilst en route.

3. Take the Makeup Off

Before you plan on sleeping, have a clean face. Remove the makeup with makeup wipes to feel fresh and ready to sleep. Irritation from sleeping in makeup can cause acne and general face puffiness, all barriers to that fresh-faced arrival.

4. Keep Skin Hydrated

Air on planes is sooo dry, so don’t forget to replenish your skin. I personally love using my favorite toner and moisturizer combined with a facial oil, followed by under-eye gels, to prevent puffiness.

Keeping skin in mind, we cannot neglect the lips! Investing in a really good lip balm or mask with proper ingredients is my saving grace. For flights, I can’t go past the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

5. Consider a Different Pair of Clothes

The worst thing when flying is feeling uncomfortable. When traveling with a larger carry-on, I love to bring a spare pair of socks (I’m obsessed with Alo’s) and pants to change into. This removes the feeling that the days are melting into one another!

6. Hygiene Queen

I cannot stress enough how much a bathroom freshen-up can change the game. Bring along the following essentials for a fresh flight:

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Mint Chewing Gum
• A good deodorant
• Travel perfume (lately, I’m loving the solid Glossier ‘You’ perfume)
• Hand-cream (I use the mini Byredo ‘Blanche’)

7. Final Touches

The power of even a little bit of makeup before landing is so real. TIGG recommends a glowy base with a touch of natural contour and blush alongside some concealer. Brow gel is also life-saving to appear polished, with products such as Glossier’s Boybrow staying through all turbulence.

So now you’re all set, girls, for an enjoyable flight that will set you up in style when you land!

Until next time, lovelies xx
Zoe

Crafted in Australia with organic oils, Aiya is a hair oil brand founded by Claire (@claire___claire__ on Instagram) with an aim to promote hair growth and rejuvenation. Having admired Claire's incredible style for some time, I was honoured to have the opportunity to interview her and her story behind her brand and the inspiration driving the journey.

Connecting from across the globe, I spoke with Claire about her path to the creation of Aiya, and her experiences as a young business owner.

So tell me a little about yourself and your brand, what made you want to start Aiya?

Hi! I’m Claire, a small business owner and content creator in my early 20s, based on the lovely east coast of Australia, where I grew up. I recently transitioned from studying nursing full-time and working a part-time job at a fashion label to running my own business and growing my social media presence, especially on TikTok. While I enjoyed parts of nursing, I realized during my studies that I wasn’t fulfilling my creative potential. I had been drawn to nursing for years, partly because it felt like the "safe" financial choice, but when I finished studying, deep down, I knew I craved something different. The idea for Aiya actually came from my own needs. I couldn’t find hair products I loved, so I decided to make my own! My partner also owns his own business, and I just saw how good
that lifestyle is- it really motivated me to create that for myself. Starting Aiya has been incredibly rewarding, bringing me closer to the lifestyle I’ve always wanted—one that aligns with my values and gives me the freedom to create and do things at my own pace!

What do you feel is the best aspect of your brand? What about Aiya feels special to you?

To be honest, the most special thing about Aiya is that it’s entirely me. Every single aspect of the brand- design, social media, and the website—has been created by me. Although it’s still early days, and there are definitely areas in the business to improve, I’m happy to take my time and make sure I’m putting my time and money into the right places. I wanted to make sure I was truly happy with how everything looked and felt rather than rushing the process. Having an all natural product and simplicity were my goals, and I’m so proud of how it turned out—especially the packaging, I love it so much! I feel very connected to the brand, especially in the fact that it’s not mass-produced or
impersonal; it’s small-batch, thoughtfully made, mixed, and bottled all by me, and rooted in a genuine desire to make something nice for others to have. Honestly, everytime someone makes a purchase I want to cry!

Did you encounter any challenges when starting up your business? What was the hardest part?

The hardest part of starting my business was realizing who my true supporters were among my friends and family. When you step into something a bit different or outside the norm (like starting a business or sharing yourself online), it becomes clear who’s genuinely in your corner. It was a bit of a shock to see that some people I thought would support me didn’t. That said, this experience has been a blessing in disguise. I’ve formed so many new connections with wonderful, supportive people who are genuinely happy for me and want to see me succeed. It’s shown me where to focus my energy and who truly deserves it. Some people are so beautifully kind and encouraging, and I’m endlessly grateful for them- they know who they are!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned when starting up your brand?

To trust myself and my vision!! It’s easy to feel pressured by others’ opinions or trends, but
staying true to what feels authentic has made Aiya special.

I’ve also learned the importance of patience. Building something meaningful takes time, and rushing rarely leads to something you’re 100% happy with. I’ve realized how powerful community and connection are. The love and support from people who truly believe in me and my brand have been such a gift. It’s a reminder to surround yourself with people who uplift you and let go of those who don’t. This has been the most liberating thing! I’ve honestly never felt more at peace.

If someone’s out there dreaming of starting their own business, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them to focus on building a brand that’s wholeheartedly YOU. My personal goal is to keep Aiya small and manageable, a brand I can cherish forever without letting it become something overwhelming. I want to create products I genuinely love, and if that resonates with others, that’s amazing!

So, my advice would be to find something you’re passionate about, trust your own vision, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. I didn’t tell anyone about my brand (except my partner) until the product was finished. It might sound a bit extreme (and some people definitely didn't like that I did that), but it allowed me to create something I was proud of, free from outside opinions.

At the end of the day, this is your life, and you deserve to live it the way you want. I find it so much easier to put everything I have into a brand that I’m truly passionate about. Trusting myself throughout the entire process has been incredibly empowering, and I think others would benefit from doing the same. My advice is to go for it! Don’t rush and trust yourself xx

From her favorite Malibu spots to her go-to matcha order, Sky Haarsma brings her effortlessly cool vibe to every choice she makes. Today, she dials in with Gianna Ferace to chat about her must-have pieces, hummus, and why staying authentic is her secret to success.

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Gianna: Perfect. We’re on. Okay, hello. So, I think we’ll just start with the first question I wrote for you and then let it flow. The questions aren’t in order, so I’ll just jump in. So here’s the first question.

Sky: Perfect!

Gianna: When I think of you, I feel like you balance trendiness, creativity, and originality. You draw a lot of inspiration, but you stay true to who you are. How have these principles influenced the creation of TIGG?

Sky: I feel like, with TIGG, especially in this digital age, there’s so much trendiness, and now you can see what everyone’s doing, and you share what everyone’s doing. There’s this constant sharing of what’s out there and what you "should" be doing. I wanted to create a space where we could talk about these trends. There’s a community of girls who have idols—like, everyone loves Bella Hadid and wants to know what she’s wearing. I wanted to make a place where girls can come together to talk about what’s in style and what pieces they like but also keep it authentic. It’s not just about following trends; it’s about figuring out who you are. Reading, whether it’s Vogue or a textbook, can be so educational, and it’s a way to experiment. You learn what you like and don’t like by trying everything. So, I wanted to create a community where girls can come together, be themselves, and still be part of a group. Fashion is about following trends, sure, but it’s also about knowing yourself.

Gianna: My next question: How do you choose which articles to write about? Now you have writer contributors and give them a lot of freedom, but when you were starting, what guided your choices?

Sky: Honestly, as TIGG has grown, it’s gotten harder to choose topics. You reach a point where you can only talk about T-shirts so many times. But I’m always in my head, having conversations with myself. I’ll be thinking about something I like or don’t like, and then I’ll stop and say, "Okay, write it down!" Sometimes, when I’m shopping, I see a top and think about what I’d wear it with. That’s how the stylist part of TIGG came about—the style boards, lookbooks, and articles are all ideas I wish I had in my closet or things I actually own.

Gianna: So the articles, the stylist pieces, the recipes—are they all personal?

Sky: Yeah, it's like a diary in a way. Half of it is a wishlist of what I want or am currently doing. As TIGG has grown and we have more writers, I want to keep things broad. I tell new writers to bring their ideas because when people write about what they love, it creates better articles.

Gianna: It’s like giving readers a glimpse into everyone’s brain—this is us on paper!

Sky: Exactly!

Gianna: What’s your biggest source of inspiration? 

Sky: I get a lot of inspiration from Vogue. Social media can be inspiring, too, if you approach it from a place of inspiration rather than comparison. Also, clothing websites! I was on Free People before this, looking at campaigns. The models have this very, like, carefree and effortlessly cool energy. I want to have that, 100%.

Gianna: Okay, this is, like, totally random, but I know you're kind of a matcha girl because I saw your recipe on TIGG. What's your go-to matcha order?

Sky: My matcha order every single time is an iced matcha latte with almond milk, unsweetened. I do not like sweet drinks. When people sweeten my matcha, I get so upset. I also can’t bring my drink back—like, you will never catch me doing that. Sometimes, I'll get it with oat milk, especially if it's strong matcha, but sometimes, the oat milk is overpowering. Or if you want to go crazy, you can ask them to do half oat, half almond.

Gianna: Oh, I might try that. I don't love super sweet either, but almond milk is too bitter for me, so I get it with oat milk. I got a matcha today at Whole Foods, and there was so much sweetener I was like, "Oh no."

Sky: Right? There's such a balance you have to find. Some places taste better sweet, some unsweetened. Not everyone uses quality matcha; you can tell when it's a cheaper powder.

Gianna: Okay, so you're from California—do you have any recommendations for favorite spots or activities?

Sky: If you're in Malibu, my favorite restaurant is Taverna Tony's. It's a Greek place, the vibes are great, the food is amazing. I'm a dip girl, and they have the best dips with fresh bread. For activities…horseback riding! There are pretty trails around California. Obviously, the beach—Laguna Beach is popular. I love Carmel and Monterey; it's Big Little Lies vibes. Wait, have you seen Big Little Lies?

Gianna: I have! It’s one of my favorite shows ever, actually.

Sky: Same! It’s so good. I love California, obviously, it’s my home. But I don’t know what there is to do around here. All I do is go to restaurants or go shopping.

Gianna: That’s like when people ask me what to do around the Boston area. I'm like, "I don’t know. Go to a Red Sox game or something." There’s really nothing going on here sometimes.

Sky: Right? Like, let’s just go to Brandy Melville.

Gianna: Honestly. Next question. What are three things you can't live without?

Sky: First, hummus. I eat it daily. I just bought a giant tub from Whole Foods.

Gianna: Second item?

Sky: A white baby tee—a comfy, casual tee. You can dress it up or down.

Gianna: I want one of those Free People oversized tees. It’s a staple.

Sky: Basics are everything.

Gianna: What’s the third thing?

Sky: Rose water! I spray it on my face constantly. It's hydrating and helps with redness. And gives such a good glow.

Gianna: Those are good essentials. What are your current fall/winter obsessions?

Sky: Bootcut jeans, black long sleeves, sweaters. I want to go for more form-fitting looks this season. I’m usually all about oversized, but I’m feeling like mixing it up.

Gianna: I’ve been feeling that way too. I’ve been super into matching yoga sets lately. 

Sky Exactly. Comfy but chic.

Gianna: Last question—what were your childhood inspirations, and do you think they still influence you?

Sky: Disney Princesses. I was a die-hard Disney princess fan. I lived in princess dresses. I was a huge girly girl, and still am today. What was your inspiration?

Gianna: Audrey Hepburn. My grandmother was a huge fan and started showing me her films when I was like, four years old. I'd lock myself in the guest room and watch Sabrina on repeat. That film shaped me into who I am today, without a doubt. All of Audrey’s work, honestly. My parents watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s and said, "Now we know why you’re the way you are." I was like, “This isn’t really a compliment. Holly’s got some issues. I love her but she’s awful.” 

Sky: You were like, “Guys no, I wasn’t going for that!” That’s crazy. They really called you out. 

Gianna: Last question: Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and what does the future of TIGG look like?

Sky: I’m hoping TIGG continues to grow, maybe almost like Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. I would take that. How old would I be in 10 years? 29. Oh my god, married, maybe? That’s crazy to think about. Like, you’re just at a stage of life where things are really happening.

Gianna: Yeah, like we’re 18 now. It’s surreal. 

Sky: This is scary.

Gianna: Okay, scrap this question. It’s getting too serious. What’s your makeup routine?

Sky: I try not to wear makeup every day, purely because I hate washing my face. The tiniest bit of concealer right under the inner parts of the eyes. And then I like brown eyeliner, typically. But for fall and winter, I’ve been using black. Mascara is the last step. And that’s literally it. What’s yours?

Gianna: I’ve been using a lot of Glossier lately. I start off with their stretch concealer.

Sky: Do you like that one?

Gianna: It’s fine. It’s not full coverage but tones down the redness. It was an impulsive Sephora buy. I wouldn’t repurchase. 

Sky: I almost did that the other day with it, that’s why I asked. Okay sorry, continue.

Gianna: No you’re totally good. So concealer and then this bronzer I don’t even know what brand it is. It’s from this local pharmacy near me. I stopped using mascara and I’ve just been curling them for a while. I would rub my eyes in school and make a mess so I had to make the executive decision to ditch the mascara until my sleep schedule is back on track. And then just chapstick. I will always be a fan of barely-there makeup. 

Sky: Simple, glowy, and easy. I’m so jealous of people who can replicate advanced makeup looks from photos. My attempts always look terrible.

Gianna: Same! I can’t even do hair. My hair has gone curly recently, and I’m still figuring it out. I use the Kevin Murphy shine spray on dry and wet hair, but some days, it’s just a mess.
Did you know that our hair changes every seven years?

Sky: Like taste buds!

Gianna: Bonus question—what’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with everyone?

Sky: Create a vision of who you want to be, like a mood board or in your mind. It doesn’t have to be something you share with others. Just make a conscious effort every day to be that person. It’s not just believing you can do it but knowing it’s already you. It's about discovering who you want to be and evolving. If you want to wear dresses, just wear one and see how it feels. You might love it or hate it, and it’s all okay. You’re upgrading yourself, not changing into someone else.

Gianna: Exactly! You bring yourself everywhere, so finding happiness within yourself is key. We wake up with the same brain, body, and face every day—we have to make peace with that.

Sky: Yes, you get it! This was so much fun. Thank you so much for doing it. 

Gianna: Thank you for doing it with me! Okay, yay. We’ll talk soon. Have a great rest of your day!

Sky: You too! Bye!

As someone who struggles with acne prone skin, finding the right products can be a major pain. Finding a brand that actually helps you requires a serious search. So when Sky, our incredible founder and the coolest girl in the world, asked if I wanted to try out 302 Professional’s line, I was a little nervous. Anyone who struggles with sensitive and prone to breakout skin knows how much anxiety there is with picking out a new product to put on their skin. But I’m willing to try anything for TIGG! And luckily for us, 302 Professional is a brand that hits the mark when it comes to their line. Over the course of about a month, I incorporated seven of their products into my daily routine and was so surprised by the difference in my skin. Will definitely be repurchasing, 302 Professional I’m officially your biggest fan.

Calming Mist

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A soothing spray that I like to use before adding any other product, it’s a great base and gets the skin refreshed and hydrated. The key ingredients are green tea, cucumber, and lavender. When I’m not at school I prefer to go bare faced, so I’ll spray this a few times a day and it adds a bit of glow.

Spot Treatment

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For a while, I was using La Roche Posay’s spot treatment and while it did get rid of my pimples, it just was not a great product to be using consistently. It burned and peeled my skin and would leave red marks from where I applied it. Don’t ask me why I kept using it. So when I began using this spot treatment that removed my imperfections but didn’t cause any pain or redness, you can imagine how excited I was. After a few days of using it and seeing overnight results(yes, overnight. How insane is that?) I threw my La Roche Posay into the trash. We shouldn’t have to compromise with bad side effects just to get rid of a pimple. 

Pro Hya +

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The perfect skin smoothing and moisturizing product, used on a damp face after cleansing. Typically, I spray the calming mist, let that dry and then go in with these drops but you can do it vice versa as well. Made with chamomile, green tea, rice peptides and jojoba oil, this is one of their most simple product choices if you’re looking for a serum. It’s great under moisturizer or on it’s own.