In this third episode of the "What's in your closet?," we explore the closet of Trendful's co-founder & CTO, Mailys!
We hope you enjoy her interview!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Mailys and I am the co-founder of Trendful. I challenge conventional wisdom; with a Master’s degree in engineering from Georgia Tech; I define myself as a trendy nerd!
I have been a shopaholic for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I would wait for months to go bargain hunting with my mom in my favorite store; Alain Manoukian x BCBGMaxazria Outlet. Today, I have become an ‘e-fashion hunter’.
I strongly believe that fashion is a way for self-expression; where you can match your outfit with your personality, your mood, or the person you want to be for the day. It has helped me to gain confidence.
Describe your style
Feminine and Parisian-inspired. During winter, I usually wear a simple dress that I fashion with a pair of boots. During summer, I prefer light and colorful dresses, skirts, and rompers. But definitely a lot of dresses!
What’s the oldest thing that you have in your collection?
Before moving to the United States, I thoroughly cleaned my wardrobe; unfortunately, Air France has restrictions on the weight of your suitcase. Therefore, I don’t have anything very old; I think the oldest item I have is an evening gown I bought when I was 14 (10 years ago)
However, in France, my mom has kept a lot of my clothing from my early years; I was already wearing a lot of dresses!
What’s the newest addition(s) to your closet
Given the recent stay-at-home orders, my response is totally biased; I bought a lot of sportswear. In any case, I often add items to my wardrobe; as fashion is a way of self-expression and I am a person constantly evolving; my closet follows to some extent.
Do you have something that you keep, but never wear and/or use?
I have kept a lot of my cocktail and evening dresses but obviously I don’t have many opportunities to wear them.
Do you have a favorite and/or special item in your closet?
As I said previously, my closet changes continuously depending on how I evolve as a person. So I don’t really have a favorite item, however, I usually have a few favorite outfits according to the season; in which I feel very confident and pretty.
Any vintage items that you LOVE?
I have a vintage fur... That I stole (I mean bought) from the Trendful store! It was a crush I couldn’t resist!
How do you keep your closet organized?
I am a very picky person; my closet is always logically organized; by categories and sub-categories. For example, I hang dresses together but I order them according to the type of event and the season I wear them. Likewise for shoes or jackets. Also, for hanging items, the front of each item always faces the same direction. For the others, I try to fold them in a way that they all have the same width. Do you think it’s too much?! I told you, I am a picky person!
Sometimes it was a bit challenging to fit everything into the typical ‘student closet’ I got. But I always find ways to keep it organized.
Do you have any favorite brands that you like to wear?
Lulus, Zara, Sezane. As I shop mainly online, it also depends on if I can find the item I want for a reasonable price and a good quality. It varies a lot then.
What is your go-to outfit?
It depends on the season. In fall or winter, a simple dress, a pair of tights and boots, a hat, and a jacket/coat. In spring or summer, a light dress with white sneakers or sandals.
Do you have any high-end contemporary designer items in your closet? And/or do you have any dream items you would aspire to have?
I actually had a Louis Vuitton Handbag, but I sold it on Trendful. Actually, Louis Vuitton is not a designer brand I’m fond of, it’s just a question of style and personal preference. However, I would love to have a Chanel or Hermes purse (or both!). I also like the style of Yves Saint Laurent. Obviously, it would be second-hand!
What would your dream closet look like?
My dream closet would definitely be a large walk-in closet, with a lot of mirrors, lights, and music automatically playing as soon as you enter the room; with soothing music in the morning, energizing in the evening, and inspiring at night.
Wouldn’t it be nice?
Then, of course, it would be filled up with a lot of dresses, jackets, some high-waisted pants, and plenty of accessories.
Do you have anyone who inspires your clothing aesthetic?
I love following Laury Thilleman (@laurythilleman) who was Miss France 2011 because she knows how to mix fun, boldness, and femininity into her look. I also love Gabrielle Caunesil (@gabriellecaunesil) who was a Chanel model and has now created her own brand “La Semaine Paris”. She is so feminine and classy!
Do you wear fast fashion items?
I have some, but I have been trying to focus more and more on brands that last!
Would you buy secondhand items?
Without a doubt! I already have some; it looks as if it was new and I’m wearing them for years now!
Would you consign your gently used items you no longer wear?
In a way, yes; I don’t see the point in keeping items you don’t want to wear anymore!
Actually, I want to sell some of my wardrobe. However, I’m not a huge fan of consignment, neither having to sell them by myself and then having to price the items, and manage people's questions and shipments. It would be a dream if we could sell our wardrobe instantly, and both save time and money!