If you remember back in July, we featured this queen of print mixing and bright colors on our Instagram. Chinny is a content creator/influencer/blogger who expresses her love for bold colors, vintage fashion, timeless silhouettes and gorgeous prints on her blog Chiniluv. Not to mention she’s a self-proclaimed sci-fi/urban fantasy geek.
Chinny’s also a toddler mom and a plant mom (I may be stalking her #plantmom story highlights on IG). And if you’re looking for style inspo, her TikTok has quick ideas on how to mix prints! Definitely give her a follow on Instagram and check out her blog for pops of color every day and some fab New York City living.
An Interview With Chinny of Chiniluv On Mixing Prints, Her Personal Style & More
1. Describe yourself in one sentence.
“A color loving, print wearing, vintage dabbling, African brit living in NYC, who talks way too much, adores her little family and loves making others smile.”
2. Can you give our readers a little rundown on what you do?
“I’m a tech marketer by day and a content creator/influencer/blogger by night, weekends and in-between. My brand ‘Chiniluv‘ is my lil’ corner of the internet dedicated to uplifting, delighting and encouraging millennial women through my love of prints, colors and vintage silhouettes. My goal is to help that overwrought mama, unsure thirty-something, under-represented woman-of-color see how special they are…as they are.”
3. What’s life at home like these days?
“Basically doing everything from home — working, parenting and creating content. Which has led to a deeper appreciation for my home and taking life at a slower, more intentional pace.”
4. What are the 4 most-worn pieces in your closet?
This Hoodie: from Dressed in Joy
This Lounge Set (top | bottoms): “Sooooo comfy!”
This Skirt: “I have them in like 4 colors!”
This Sweater: from Other Stories (so many good colors)
5. Describe your personal style. Who are your style icons?
“I would say bright and fun, yet quite feminine with a contemporary vintage feel. My style icons range from Joan (of Mad Men), and Miriam from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to Blair Eadie, Shiona Turini, and Brianna in Grace and Frankie.”
6. What’s your go-to outfit? How has your style changed since becoming a mother? (If at all)
“My go-to outfit is a comfy sweater paired with a pencil skirt or mid-length pleated skirt. In bright hues or fun prints 😉
After some thought, I realized my style has changed a bit since becoming a mother. I stopped following trends and leaned into timeless silhouettes that I love. I still love bright colors and prints, but I find I shop less and I’m able to create endless timeless combos with pieces that are already in my wardrobe.”
7. Where are your favorite places to shop?
“Boden, & Other Stories, Unique Vintage, Modcloth, Anthropologie. I’ve also been using rental services like Nuuly and I love thrifting.”
8. What 4 pieces are you coveting right now?
Midi Dress | Banana Sweater | Buru Dress | Ugg Slides
9. How do you tackle mixing patterns in outfits? Is there a secret to nailing it every time?
“I would say the first key to mixing patterns is to buy lots of different prints and patterns as separates. This gives you endless possible mixed pattern combos to work with. Black and white stripes and polka dots go with most things, and pairing prints with at least one color in common is another easy way of mixing prints. Practice makes perfect. The more combos you come up with, the more compliments come your way, the more confident you get, and the more adventurous you become. It’s addictive ;)”
10. Top three beauty products. Go…
“Right now, Marc Jacobs Beauty Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer works wonders on my skin during the winter, LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask and BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter.”
11. What does your daily (or dream) schedule look like? As a parent, what’s your greatest challenge in executing your schedule?
“My alarm goes off at 6:30am, myself or my husband go pick up our little one at 7am. Get her fed, ready, and dropped off at daycare by 8:40am. Then I’m back at my workspace at home by 9am to get work started. I’ve been making a concerted effort to take a lunch break these days to work on blog stuff, run errands, eat, or even prep for dinner. By 5pm, my husband and I pick up the little one and have dinner by 6:30pm. She gets mommy, daddy time and some screentime till 7:30pm, after which we get her ready for bed. At 8:30pm she’s in bed, and we spend the rest of the evening lounging on the couch watching our shows, chatting and using our screens. This is obviously our dream schedule, like everything else in life, hiccups occur from time to time!
As a parent, the biggest challenge executing my schedule is the fact there are no days off in parenting. Tired, sick or stressed, you have to pull your act together and keep your little human alive and well! 🙂 My daughter is 2.8yrs and in that adorable yet patience-straining stage of having opinions about everything and wanting to do everything herself. I can say the past year has taught me patience like never before!”
12. How do you stay anchored to your vision/passion?
“I try to remember why I do what I do. I think of myself 10/15 years ago and think of what she struggled with and what she needed to get her to love herself and get the most out of life. I believe there’s nothing more powerful than lifting someone else up — it could be through a stunning visual, a funny anecdote, or by simply helping them see how special they are…as they are. Lord knows, we all have personal crosses to bear, so if I can make someone else smile, feel encouraged or inspired to push through whatever they’re going through, then my job is done.”
And that’s that on that! Thank you Chinny for doing this style interview with us! You can check her out Chinny on Instagram @chiniluv, follow her on Facebook, and take a peek at her blog here! We will be looking to feature more readers, influencers and problem solvers, so keep an eye out on the Facebook Insiders’ Group and the Newsletter for updates.
xoxo,
Team TME
Oh hey, Pinners…
Ah! I love everything here! Thank you for introducing us to fascinating new people to follow! I absolutely love the yellow outfit Chinny is wearing, and I, too, am coveting that pink and green Buru dress. Can’t wait to see who you guys interview next!
Ooh YES to AF1s. There is a peachy tan pair I’ve been eyeing up for a year. They always seem to sell out so quickly. Agree, KT! If you love a sporty look they’re AMAZING! Haha now off to search for that pair.