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Style: Mercedes in California

Avatar • Aug 28, 2013

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Introduce yourself!
T:
My name is Mercedes Torrey. I live in San Francisco, California. I am doing some part-time nanny work while me and my collective, Malidoma (http://www.cโ€‘proof.org/malidoma/) figure out how to build our own enterprise. I run a personal style blog http://herconsciousstyle.com, and my friend Sasha and I have an online vintage store http://heryesterday.com.

What is your style philosophy?
T:
My style philosophy is to wear whatever makes you feel like you. I think too often people want to look, or be like someone else. I understand looking to others for inspiration, but I think it is equally important to know who you are and figure out how to communicate that through your style.

How would you describe your sense of style?
T:
My sense of style is based on my interest and desires. I take ideas from whatโ€™s trendy, but I never want to look like I was cut out of a magazine. I always throw in some kind of personal twists. For instance I love my people so I always wear at least one thing that I feel will showcase that. Also I am big on improvising when it comes to style. If I canโ€™t afford something, or canโ€™t find something I envision, then I will make it myself.

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What is the process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
T:
Sometimes I dream about what to wear which makes it really easy, otherwise it depends on how I feel or what Iโ€™m going to be doing. Iโ€™m not afraid to be bold and different or just simple and plain.

What are the three favorite things in your closet?
T:
Iโ€™ve never thought about that before. I buy and sell clothes so often depending on my mood, and I think each piece can be just as special if paired with the right things. The pieces I wear most often are my black leather jacket from H&M, my thrifted black high-waist skinny jeans and a white scoop neck tโ€‘shirt from Zara. Iโ€™d say those are the fundamentals to any wardrobe, though I add some of my personal twists that I spoke about to make them more me.

What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
T:
I mostly thrift and my favorite places here in San Francisco are Wasteland and Painted Bird. Also I love shopping at flea markets and festivals here in the bay area, but I will shop anywhere. I love finding hidden gems in places you wouldnโ€™t expect.

How long have you been natural?
T:
I shaved my hair off for the first time in fall of 2008 and I have been natural ever since.

How and why did you transition into natural hair?
T:
The day after I finished reading the autobiography of Assata Shakur I went to my friendโ€™s house and told her to shave all of my hair off. I was starting to come into my own, and learn about my people. When I finished the book I knew that I had to let go of the dependence I had on the mask that was my permed hair and embrace my natural self 100%.

What is your signature hairstyle?
T:
At the present time I only have one hairstyle, a buzz cut. Lol, though I do enjoy wearing heap wraps from time to time if that counts as a style.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
T:
Iโ€™ve gone through a few styles since being natural. I had an afro for over two years then I had locs for a little over a year and a half until cutting them off last year. I currently have a buzz cut, so not much styling goes into it. I co-wash my hair once a week with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and put coconut oil in it every few days.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
T:
Yes my Blog http://herconsciousstyle.com, Tumblr http://herconsciousstyle.tumblr.com and Instagram http://instagram.com/herconsciousstyle.

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About Meosha

Just another lover of natural hair and expression. - Style Icon Coordinator for BGLH

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[โ€ฆ] have been featured as a Style Icon by the natural hair website Blackgirllonghair.com. Click the link to check out my interview when you get the [โ€ฆ]

Kade
Kade
7 years ago

Oh my lord where did you get the queen SnapBack from?

mercedes
7 years ago
Reply to  Kade

from a small boutique in the bay area

Asana
7 years ago

Her style is giving me everything! Yasssssssss!

whatshetaughther.blogspot.com

mercedes
7 years ago
Reply to  Asana

thanks!

Love JAH
Love JAH
7 years ago

Supa dupa flyyyyy!!!!

mercedes
7 years ago
Reply to  Love JAH

thank you!

anna
7 years ago

these tatoos though ! You are wearing them girl !

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[โ€ฆ] my hair again (see above picture), and started working at my favorite store which I mentioned in my BGLH interview, my new discount will be great for my closet and blog but probably not so good for my wallet, lol. [โ€ฆ]

Youngin girl
Youngin girl
7 years ago

Your very bright by reading your interview. your confident by going to your friendโ€™s house and telling her to shave your hair off. Long hair is popular these days and I give you kudos from an 18 year old for showcasting that. I like your style and hopefully I will be able to wear my own.

arbitrariously
arbitrariously
7 years ago

Where did you get those oxblood leather pants? I need. ๐Ÿ™‚

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