Alex:  I’m not in Wisco anymore! Holy cheese is everyone here super stylish and skinny and tan. I’m still adapting to the way of life out here and more so to the way people dress. My stepmom advised me to only bring my 10 best outfits, as I’d want a whole new wardrobe. But instead of bringing my quesadilla maker, candy dispenser, and a few other cool gadgets, I cram packed my car with clothes. Boy do I wish I would have listened to her warning. Not only do I miss my perfect quesadillas, but I need a total closet makeover. People look at me and can instantly tell I’m from the Midwest. This actually happened! More than once! “Aww, you’re so cute! You’re such a Midwestern girl!” However, there is an upside to living in such a well-dressed city. Unless you’re at a specific event, you can pretty much wear whatever you want. This past weekend I was at a party in Studio City when I looked around and saw girls rockin’ high heels with tight dresses, jean shorts and vans, others wearing leather pants and crop tops, a few wearing leggings with loose tanks… You can rock any style as long as you stay true to yourself and own it. The downside, I don’t know my style yet. But I know I feel better with a cute outfit on. Superficial? Maybe. At least I know the best accessory is a smile.
Nik:  And hair. You can wear ill-fitting sweats and if you’ve got good hair, nobody gives a shit. When I first moved to LA I got a job at Fred Segal on Melrose. I was hired as THE ASSISTANT TO THE BUYER AT RON HERMAN! Crazy job for a girl from the midwest with ZERO fashion sense. Luckily, I lived in Milan for a summer during college, so I was schooled in the world of high-fashion and knew the designers and the lingo, but at 23 it wasn’t like I could afford anything more than the sale rack at Old Navy. I worked at least a month before I met the buyer and when I did, I remember stopping in the doorway like a deer in headlights. He glanced at me and then dropped everything he was working on and squawked, “OH MY GOD AREN’T YOU CUTE IN YOUR LITTLE BLACK CAPRIS, PINK ¾ SLEEVE TOP AND PLATFORM RED THONG SANDALS!” My face got chili pepper red (not unlike the color of my shoes) and sheepishly responded, “Thanks, it’s Gap.” He laughed a theatrical laugh. “SOOOOO CUUUUUTE. OHMAGAWD.” Then he went back to work and I spent the rest of my year assisting him, trying to parrot everyone’s style. Anyway, I loved that experience. I experimented with fashion and found my style. I spent everyday working with aspiring designers and employees that simply loved fashion. They were arrogant because every Hollywood starlet sought their opinion and don’t think I didn’t soak up every bit of advice they ever gave me (I never wore pink, red and black together again.) Oh and did I mention that when I worked there, the trend included knit ponchos that this girl in my office made (and made a fortune on) and BIRKENSTOCKS?! Not kidding. I’m so bummed I don’t have before and after photos of my fashion transformation.
Alex:  Will you help me go through my closet?
Nik:  Def.