Meet Cassidy Avalo! Capsule wardrobe expert, musician and founder of Wakened Apparel, Cassidy has embraced simple living and shows off it’s beauty through everything she creates. She has a wealth of simple living tips and is up next in our Buy Better Not More Series!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE FROM OUR FALL COLLECTION & WHY?
I love the oversized bole clutch! I think it’s such a versatile accessory to have in your wardrobe, that you can pull out for multiple occasions! What I really like about this one in particular, is that it’s oversized. It’s a simple statement pieces, all on its own. It’s sturdy, beauty + I adore the A-symmetrical cut on it. I easily see this being perfect for packing up my essentials go to work at a coffee shop, taking it for a night on the town, or just bringing it along with me for daily activities!
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Simplicity definitely makes me feel comfortable but sometimes a little too plain. I like to mix up my outfits + add a boho twist to everything. Not overdone though. It’s really the icing on the cake that makes me look in the mirror + feel like myself. I describe my personal style as “Simple Bohemian”.
HOW DO YOU LIVE SIMPLY?
It’s all about your mindset. I used to think that I’d be able to call myself a “minimalist” once I reached a certain level of simple in my home, life, aesthetic, etc. But really it’s all about my outlook more than anything. Simple living + intentional living go hand in hand. If you’re striving to live intentionally, you’ll automatically be cutting out the excess + the noise that’s not needed. Realizing that, has really been my ‘Aha!’ through this process. It’s a journey not a destination.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUY BETTER, NOT MORE?
I feel it directly correlates with the impact we choose to leave. It is vital to buy better, not more because it effects so much more than just us personally. Fast fashion + disposable products are literally ruining the world. Both the environment + people’s lives. We have to stop viewing things, people + animals as disposable. As exploitable. When you really start to educate yourself on these things, the cloak is lifted + you’re left with a choice. The power is in our hands as consumers to show what we think is acceptable by what we choose to support + not support. We vote with our dollar + it’s up to use to make that dollar count!
WHAT PIECE OF THE BRAVE MANIFESTO RESONATES MOST WITH YOU & WHY?
“Stand up for yourself & for those who can’t”
This message resonated with me because I’ve always been one to root for the underdog. People didn’t always put a whole lot of stalk in me growing up, so I feel like I’m constantly trying to prove myself. I have the luxury of being able to learn how to stand up for myself + then using my voice how I want to. This is a luxury that isn’t shared with many many others in the world. It’s so sad that the ones who need it the most, are often the ones stripped of the opprotunity. The brand I started with my husband (Wakened Apparel), was founded on wanting to be a voice for those who didn’t have one. Whether that be women, children, men, animals – they all deserve to have their voice heard + story told. If they can’t do it for themselves, it’s our duty to do it for them.
WE’RE ALL FOR KEEPING OUR SHELVES STOCKED WITH CLASSIC READS, AND OUR MUSIC LIBRARIES TIMELESS. WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO OUR LIBRARIES?
Honestly, I’m not that much of a reader. (Though that’s something I’m wanting to work on!) I grew up with severe dyslexia + reading (even just keeping focused long enough to do so) has always been really challenging for me.
As for music though – that’s where my heart is! Being a musician + song writer myself, I feel music speaks volumes + cuts down so deep! Some of my favorites right now are Ray LaMontagne, Lord Huron, City & Colour, James Vincent McMorrow + Gregory Alan Isakov.