May 2

May 2 #GIRLBOSS: The 2017 Woman and Everything She Represents

“I still remember what I was wearing when it happened.”

These were the words glowing in blue neon lights sprawled across the ceiling of Nasty Gal’s flagship store on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.

Sophia Amoruso Image from @pinterest — Sophia Amoruso Image from @pinterest

The first time I entered the store I felt as though a Rock ‘n Roll vintage goddess had made love to the preppy CEO of a fortune 500 company and the result was this somehow simultaneously sophisticated and hopelessly wild creation.

The store itself embodied the word trendy; the music was on point and the display made you feel as though each piece was hand picked just for you – the loyal fashion savvy Nasty Gal or #GIRLBOSS, whichever you choose.

Netflix's new series based on Sophia Amoruso's story. Image from @pinterest

The best part about it was not actually even the clothes, but in true brick & mortar retail style, their double-sided mirror changing rooms were the highlight of my in-store experience. The outside wall of the series of around 12 changing rooms in a row was one huge all encompassing mirror, while the person on the inside had a clear view of the store.

Cue: Dancing in your undies.

Although, both the Santa Monica and Melrose Place stores to my dismay have been closed as of February 2017. Sophia Amoruso never fails to impress, with her second book Nasty Galaxy out and a Netflix original series based on her story having just aired last week, I thought I'd write an article in honor of my all-time favorite - now online only - store.

The Third Street Promenade Store before its closure in Feb 2017. Image from @pinterest

I am currently reading the final chapter of #GIRLBOSS, Sophia's first book and one of the most fluidly written, truly Radical, inspirational in the least conventional sense and genuine to the core pieces of writing I've read in a while. It's one of those books I don't actually want to finish too quickly, but once I do a review is coming, because this book deserves an article of its own.

#GIRLBOSS - Sophia's first book on how she started, built and maintained her Nasty Galaxy.

Nasty Gal is in fact on the pricier side, but the clothing never disappoints. If you’re looking to stand out at a party, wedding, brunch or whatever and like me have an irrational fear of wearing the exact same thing as someone else – then this is an ideal go-to shopping option.

I have searched long and hard for well-curated clothing at a fast-fashion rate, with vintage appeal. Nasty Gal is exactly that and much much more. It's a lifestyle that comes with a philosophy, a literal handbook, and what feels like an entire brigade of women in the #GIRLBOSS community who are rooting for you.

Thank you Sophia Amoruso, for making this complicated fashion desire possible.

Nasty Galaxy - Sophia's second book, I purchased it online last week, cannot wait for its arrival. Image from @pinterest

This is the first article in a series that will be dedicated to this brand and movement. The #GIRLBOSS ideology is simple. Work hard. Kick ass. Enjoy every minute of it. Do what you love and love what you do, and never ever let anyone tell you you can't.

Off to finish my last chapter. Stay rad!