I’ve just relocated from NYC to the Midwest, and I’m bummed (thankfully, it hasn’t gotten in the way of me interning for SYB!). New York gets me. I’m moody, I think every stranger who tries to speak to me is out to rob me. I huff at people standing the middle of anything — an aisle, the street, whatever. I’m always in a rush, even if I’m going nowhere. I give cab drivers instructions (even if they’re using GPS). Plus, I’m always insanely overdressed because in NYC, there’s always the threat of running into a celeb. Like, WHAT IF I SEE JAYONCE AND I’M WEARING GYM SHORTS AND OFF-BRAND UGGS?

Being in the Midwest is… different. For starters, it’s normal for strangers to engage you at  six am, before your first coffee of the day. Everyone’s incredibly slow — slow walkers, slow drivers, slow service. Midwesterners are nice, patient people and I stick out like a sore thumb. Except for one thing. I haven’t seen a pair of sweat pants or college gear anywhere. It’s a total myth that the women here are backwards, style-wise. No, they’re fabulous. Target customers look like they belong on the Upper West side. Cute shoes, great coats, creamy highlights (my girlfriend explained that, since Midwesterners are aware of their frumpy rep, everyone’s into proving that they aren’t).

Not only am I inspired — I’ve been taking notes. One thing I’ve picked up on is the women at my spinning class all rock blue polish. A chic, deep, shimmering aqua blue that works on all skin tones (very Elsa’s gown in Frozen). Last week I copped my own from OPI, called ‘Teal the Cows Come Home — could there be a more on point description of Midwestern style?

xo,

LaToya