The next stylish peep is someone who wears many hats: a jewelry designer, a blogger, and a fashionista. I interviewed/shot Monica in her home and got to know more about her style and what inspires her. I enjoy interviewing stylish peeps like Monica because I get to know more about who they are beyond the fashion.  To be able to connect with people who are driven and inspired to stay unique and creative is truly inspiring to me. I hope reading Monica’s interview below will show you a different side of fashion that many women believe are not meant for them – menswear.

What’s your name & how old are you?

My name is Monica and I’m 3 decades young. Oh gawd, I’m 30!

What are you wearing?

I’m wearing my usual menswear stuff. I have this button down from Marshalls, thrifted jeans with DIY cut-outs, white fishnets, and my white leather chucks. I accessorized with my hot pink Color Therapy glasses & loads of my handmade jewelry designs for MD.13 Jewelry.

Who/what inspires your style?

My style is mostly inspired by the comforts of menswear & I add sprinkles of feminine touches. How I determine what I wear for the day is based on my mood, if I can be bothered with wearing heels or not.

How long have you lived in Jersey City?

I moved here from the Philippines in 1999, then I tried living in NYC in 2008. I moved back to Jersey City because I wanted to feel at home, but still close enough to the craziness of NYC. Also, it’s a whole lot cheaper in Jersey City!

And your favorite Jersey City spot?

There’s quite a few, lately. We really like Left Bank because me and my man are burger people. We dig LITM because they have great drinks, great music, and walls full of art. Halal Fried Chicken on JFK Blvd has the best fried chicken and their fries are addictive. And of course, Torico because ice freaking cream! I can go on and on about food, I swear!

What is one piece of advice that you’d give to your younger self?

Relax and don’t grow up so fast! I did way too many things because of curiosity & didn’t let anyone stop me. Also, I’d tell my old me to be a little bit more picky with who I spend my time with. Time is precious and I learned that at 25.

Any social media links you’d like to give?

Yes! My jewelry brand’s Instagram is @MD13jewelry, where I post updates on my designs or my website. My blog Instagram is @letitbeworn, this is where I mostly post everyday stuff. You can check out the blog and my jewelry store here: www.letitbeworn.com.