Alexis Mccowan 11/19/24 Alexis Mccowan 11/19/24

Where Are Your Earrings?

Like many little girls, I had my ears pierced when I was a baby. I had no say in the matter, but everyone around me seemed to place so much value on a little girl having pierced ears. I’m not sure if it was meant to make me appear more feminine or simply to signify that I was a girl, even though anyone, regardless of gender, can get their ears pierced. Either way, getting my ears pierced opened the door to being asked a question I’d hear frequently: “Where are your earrings?” At every social gathering, every Sunday at St. Mark, every supper at grandma’ house.

It’s not that I didn’t think earrings were cute—I just found them uncomfortable. Too heavy, too clunky. In general, most earrings irritated my ears. So, when people started asking about them, it only made me want to wear them less.

My discomfort with earrings played a role in my general lack of interest in jewelry. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for accessories. I’ve learned that adding a few key items—whether it’s a charm bracelet, a classic black bag, or a pair of bold sunglasses—can really elevate your look, taking you from basic to bombshell.

What I’ve come to realize is that the right accessories don’t just complete an outfit—they elevate your confidence. When you wear something that feels like it was made just for you, it has the power to transform your entire demeanor. A bold necklace can change your posture; a delicate bracelet can remind you to stay grounded. Accessories are not just adornments—they're extensions of who you are.

I wanted to compile a list of some of my favorite accessory brands—ones that know how to elevate any look.

By Briannee – This brand is all about making a statement, and I promise you’ll feel like you’ve been dipped in gold. If you’re looking for floral pieces, a Jesus piece, or bangles to stack for days, this is the brand for you.

2. Lacey’s Custom Creations – Feel that breeze? Perfect—Lacey can make your crochet dreams come true. From handmade beanies to ruffle hats, she’s got cozy winter essentials you need in your closet!

3. Berna Peci – This brand has something for everyone. Whether you’re after 90s-inspired watches, tarnish-free rings, or gold-plated anklets, Berna Peci should be at the top of your list.

4. Fifty Shades NYC – Have you been searching for a pair of sunnies that make you stand out? Fifty Shades provides a wide variety of styles for everyone. You can elevate any look with a pair. These styles are guaranteed to activate your inner It Girl.

5. Idalia – Designed and made in London, Idalia creates intricate crochet bags in a variety of colors. But beware—you might find yourself adding more than one to your cart, as these designs are truly one of a kind.

6. Luxxd Jewelry – Looking for stylish, affordable pieces to add to your collection? Luxxd specializes in worry-free, water-resistant jewelry that’s also hypoallergenic. We love a conscious queen!

7. MyPearlitas – Who says pearls are outdated or overrated? MyPearlitas has shown just how versatile pearls can be. This brand puts creativity and style at the forefront, offering designs that feel both whimsical and modern. If you want to channel your inner fairy, MyPearlitas has you covered. My personal favorite? The ring collection.

8. By Lolita Jewelry – If you’ve been told your whole life that you’re "too much," but you're finally ready to embrace the fact that others were simply "never enough," then Lolita Jewelry is for you. This brand combines spunk and grace with stunning necklaces, bold earrings, and rings that are designed to be passed down from generation to generation.

One of the reasons I’m drawn to these brands is their inclusivity. They celebrate a variety of styles, body types, and identities, making sure that everyone can find something that speaks to them. Jewelry has always been about personal expression, and these brands make sure there’s something for everyone—whether you prefer something bold or understated, classic or avant-garde.

P.S. I’m still working on wearing more earrings... don’t tell my aunties.

Alexis Mccowan 10/22/24 Alexis Mccowan 10/22/24

Why Are All My Clothes Made Out of Polyester?

I’ve been telling myself that I’ve been shopping more ethically these past few years—whether it’s consuming less or buying from conscious brands that care about how their clothes are made. While buying fewer clothes is a plus, brands like Fashion Nova and Shein are no better than Urban Outfitters or Free People. These companies produce clothes at lightning speed. Have you ever checked the fabric details on an item? Recently, while online shopping, I found a few “higher-end” brands selling items for over $100, and the main fabric was polyester—just like those more affordable brands.

So, let’s learn a little more about this fabric. Polyester is one of the most widely used materials in clothing. This synthetic fabric became popular because it’s durable, lightweight, and water- and fire-resistant. Plus, it’s incredibly cheap. Blending polyester with natural fibers like cotton has become the norm, but there are plenty of environmental reasons to reconsider this synthetic fiber. Polyester requires high energy, consumes a lot of water, contributes to pollution, and doesn’t biodegrade.

Think about the clothes that have ever made you itchy—it was probably mostly polyester. It’s not breathable, even though it’s moisture-resistant, which can lead to uncomfortable wet spots—definitely a no-go for those of us with sensitive skin. Unfortunately, most brands care more about profit than what’s best for consumers.

Now, let’s talk about how we can find more eco-friendly options and consider the groups that face more challenges when it comes to shopping ethically. Here are a few tips and tricks for shopping with sustainability in mind:

· Shop secondhand first. I love a good thrift store. In Texas, there are so many cool options like Value Village, Uptown Cheapskate, and good ol GoodWill. Vintage and resale shops are also worth looking into.

· Buy fewer clothes. For real, take some of those clothes out of your Shein cart! Value what you buy. Buy clothes you know you will wear until the wheels fall off and prioritize quality.

· Read labels. Buy clothing with natural fibers instead of synthetic fabrics. Natural alternatives include cotton, linen, bamboo, flax, jute, wool, and alpaca. Avoid polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic.

· Shop sustainable brands. Choose ethical brands that care about the environment, pay customers appropriately, and transparent with their practices.

Note, sustainable fashion is great, it does present accessibility challenges for certain groups. The reality is that sustainable options can be more expensive, and eco-friendly clothing is often seen as a luxury. However, we can combat this by hosting a clothing swap! It’s a chance for us to come together as a community and trade in that sweater you haven’t worn in four years for something new.

As consumers, we have the power to create change in the fashion industry and push brands to be more sustainable. I’m learning that our voices are stronger together and the best way to stick it to fast fashion is through our wallets.

Alexis Mccowan 9/24/24 Alexis Mccowan 9/24/24

A Girl’s Girls Dream

Earlier this year, I was leaving a charming little pottery shop where you work on the wheel and paint your pieces. I had just bought a new pair of espresso-colored mules and I was so excited to wear them, pairing them with a maroon dress that felt a bit like a smoke -- I was trying to give artist. As I headed to the door, a little girl walked past and looked up at me and said, “You look really pretty.” I smiled and expressed my gratitude, feeling joy radiate from that moment throughout the day. Her words affirmed me in a way that reminded me I was doing something right. I glanced over at her mom, who wore a proud smile. These moments highlight the beauty of girlhood and womanhood.

I’m a girl’s girl at heart, blessed with an abundance of sisters and friends who feel more like family as the years go on. Sometimes, I feel an instant connection with women I have just met. Growing up surrounded by kind, talented, and patient women has shaped who I am today. I think of the women that influenced my style: my paternal grandma that only wore one-of-a-kind pieces; my maternal grandma who believed there is always room for a new outfit; my Auntie Iris, who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and to always look put together.

Currently I’m on my third rewatch of Sex and the City. I was reminded that I have a disdain for Mr. Big and his antics, but also the impeccable styling that influenced many women. Patricia Fields crafted the outstanding outfits worn by Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. Carrie made statements with her newspaper dress and tulle skirts, while Charlotte embodied preppy elegance, Miranda brought seriousness to a light-hearted world, and Samantha embraced flirtation with bold reds and pinks. Each woman’s distinct style resonates with so many, reminding us that even in a world that often pushes conformity, we can still celebrate our differences.

Building connections with other women has allowed me to explore new things, gain confidence, and step into my power. It’s like a pay-it-forward system: the women who raised me poured so much into my life and I feel joy pouring into others. Whether it’s giving a random compliment or encouraging someone to try something new, these gestures embody a bit of girlhood and make my inner child smile. I’m always looking for ways to make little Lex happy.

I am so grateful for the influences of family members, friends, fictional characters, and the incredible women I encounter daily – each exuding confidence in their stride. Together we are stronger when we build community, break bread, embrace our individuality, and uplift each other.

Alexis Mccowan 9/10/24 Alexis Mccowan 9/10/24

Unveiling Emotionally Dressed: Where Style and Passion Collide

Imagine your house is on fire. Not an ordinary fire but a grease fire-- one that can’t be controlled or contained. These fires spread rapidly, consuming everything in their path. They start in your kitchen that you spent years perfecting, traveling to your living room obliterating every beautiful memory from the walls. The flames storm up the stairs leaving only ashes and dust. But you have made it safely out of the rubble.

I’m no stranger to such fires. My mom was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. She died in 2021. The following year I found myself completely lost. See where I’m going with this? I’ve faced multiple fires in my life, each one leaving its mark. But through it all, I crawled from the rubble—beaten, tattered, and worn out. Moving to Texas was meant to be my fresh start, a chance to build a new home where I wouldn’t be judged or constrained. It was an act of rebellion, freedom, and hope for a brighter future.

Initially, I was thrilled to be on my own, experiencing life without the scrutiny of others and without anyone trying to guide me. It was liberating—until I realized that I had fallen into a routine of just working and caring for my loyal dog, Lennox. I found myself disappointed, feeling as though I had lost touch with everything I once loved.

“I stopped writing, stopped dreaming, stopped putting together fun outfits, and most importantly, I stopped believing in myself.”

For months, I was in deep denial about my depression. Alone in an unfamiliar city, struggling to keep it all together, I had to face a hard truth: I didn’t have to be stuck forever. The power of change was always in my hands. Over the past few months, I’ve been on a journey to rediscover who I am and what I want out of life.

First, I am a writer at my core. No matter how far I try to run away from it or fixate on other things in my life, writing always draws me back. My mom wanted me to be a nurse because she saw I had a knack for helping people. I also had to quickly burst her bubble because that was never something that I envisioned for myself. Before she passed, she got to read my writing and see the passion behind my words. She understood that writing could be a tool for healing.

Second, I have always had a deep love for all things fashion, style, and beauty. From a young age, I was strutting in my mother’s 90s wedges and smearing my lips with her Queen Latifah lipstick. Helping friends find their perfect outfits, recreating makeup trends, and spending hours on Pinterest and Polyvore (the real ones remember) were some of my favorite activities.

As I continue to grow, I become more adventurous and playful with my style. The clothes we wear tell stories—about where we’ve been and where we’re going. I am thrilled to present my blog, Emotionally Dressed. I’m giving you a front row seat to my life and how I’m using style and beauty to build confidence, share experiences, and cultivate a community.