Styled By… is a new feature on BN Style this month, highlighting great individual style of bloggers and influencers in the diaspora and on the continent. Expect eclectic style, and learn more about your faves.
Scroll down to see our rapid fire Q&A and learn some styling tips and tricks from this week’s fashion influencer – Toronto Life’s Best Dressed 2018 alumni Mirian Njoh.
Image Courtesy Mirian Njoh
Describe your style in 3 words
Versatile, experimental, and vibrant
Your style icons? One living, one dead.
Living: Rihanna, Dead: Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes
Do you think your hometown has a style and do you share it?
While I live in Toronto now, I grew up in the US in Detroit, Michigan. I’m not sure that it has a distinct style but a lot of people there dress for comfort and function. I don’t share that outlook because for me fashion has always been more than just dressing for necessity.
Who’s the most stylish woman you’ve seen and why?
I really respect my Mom’s style because of how she has always stayed true to herself. Moving to the US from Liberia she could have fully assimilated but instead she always held onto our heritage and still wears a lot of clothes made from ankara fabric. When I was younger it made us stand out which I didn’t like but now I really appreciate that.
What do you buy in bulk?
Hair products! I’m always buying shea butter, natural oils, and deep conditioners.
If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
That’s hard because my style varies a lot but if I had to choose I think I’d pick Johanna Ortiz. Her designs are so magical and she makes women look effortlessly beautiful.
Favourite place to shop?
Online! Living in Toronto I often feel stifled in terms of shopping options so I order a lot of my clothes from retailers in the UK.
Favourite African designer
Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh, Andrea Iyamah, and Buki Ade of Bfyne
First fashion memory?
When I was very little I used to put plastic or wooden toy blocks into the heels of my socks and pretend I had high heels.
What would you never wear?
Slogan tees. Rarely do they ever look good to me.
Image Courtesy Mirian Njoh
What is your wardrobe MVP?
I have two pairs of perspex heel booties in black and nude. I wear them with everything and they always look chic.
When and why did you first decide to start blogging?
I blogged a lot on and off as a kid but my current blog, www.LoveMirian.com, has been running since 2015. It is a place where I can combine my love of modelling, styling, and writing and I never have to compromise my creative vision.
How often will you wear a favourite piece in one season?
Countless times. If I love it and it makes me feel good it will be in constant rotation and I will always be looking for new ways to style it.
Do you have rules for how often you can repeat an outfit?
I don’t really repeat full head to toe looks unless I’m bored or in a rush. Otherwise, I don’t mind repeating elements but will usually try to put a new spin on them.
Are you a wardrobe editor or builder?
I’m both simultaneously. I like to update my wardrobe with new pieces when I can but at the same time I will likely be looking to get rid of things I no longer wear.
What kind of aesthetic did you want to convey on your site?
Love Mirian‘s aesthetic has always been about having a clean, bright design that highlights images and lets the visuals be the star.
Trademark accessory?
I have a pair of large gold hoop earrings by Melody Ehsani which are always a go-to piece for me.
What made you feel like you were “making it” as a blogger?
When people started asking me my opinion on fashion and paying me to be myself. While these things are still new to me, it’s really nice to have my creativity and taste receive recognition.
Earliest style inspiration
The Spice Girls. They were each so different and I connected with each of their styles.
Image Courtesy Mirian Njoh
What are you buying this season to update your closet?
More prints and patterns! I’m also designing a lot of new pieces for my personal clothing and accessories brand Sororum so I’ll be wearing a lot of the samples.
What’s the most expensive thing you own to date?
A Marc Jacobs handbag I got from my mother.
If you could only wear one piece of jewelry what would it be?
A pair of crystal stud earrings. They’d enhance any look by adding some extra sparkle.
Beauty saviour?
A good highlighter is a beauty must have for me.
Weekday Outfit go-to
Comfy and casual but still put together. Stylish sneakers for running errands in. Boyfriend denim and a boxy white tee topped with a fun jacket.
Weekend Outfit go-to
Usually more dressed up, adventurous, and accessorized. Heels and jewelry. Standout statement pieces like an ankara suit.
Favourite colour combination?
I try to embrace as much colour as I can, no matter the hue. I try to stay away from head to toe black or all over neutrals unless they’re used in an interesting way.
Fashion faux pas?
Letting your clothes wear you. If you’re going to wear something, own it and make it your own.
How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings or in the evenings?
Not very long usually. I don’t like to toil over the process of getting ready. Hair and makeup are usually pretty quick and picking an outfit only takes a while if I am drawing a blank creatively.