Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
Content creator and influencer Skylar Marshai is a fashion chameleon. She typically fuses bold colors with sleek separates like mini skirts or statement denim. Sometimes she leans into dramatic silhouettes, and she often is seen wearing intentional, artistic pieces. When describing her personal style Marshai shares that she believes her style ranges across a few personality archetypes–she creates style themes as a way to shop, get dressed, and allow room for storytelling. “I like for my looks to be experienced rather than just seen, so I opt for a lot of wearable art, bold, sculptural jewelry, and a lot of layering,” she adds. She counts Tyler McGillivary as one of her favorite brands of the moment, further speaking to Marshai’s fascination with vibrant creations.
Originally from Atlanta, Marshai feels that her true style journey stems from relocating to New York years back. However, she describes that some elements of Atlanta are present in her style. “I’d say New York has inspired more of what’s in my closet. I honestly don’t think I found my style until I moved here,” she shares. Marshai mentions that New York City is a breeding ground for a diverse spectrum of personal expressions.
“I don’t think I’m married to any specific era, but if I have to choose it would be the ‘90s, early ‘00s, and now,” Marshai writes in an email. The ‘90s speak to the creator largely due to how vintage pieces from the ‘90s can be meshed into one’s closet. The ‘00s are an era that led to fun, layered style moments. “What I love most about this era of fashion is how experimental it is. There’s such a fusion of different eras in our current trends.”
Skylar is equally inspired by Janelle Monáe, Teyana Taylor, and Aureta Thomollari. She aspires to have pieces in her closet that speak to a bevy of lived experiences. “They’re brilliant about their use of mixing textures and patterns,” she notes. “Everything about their looks exudes their complexities.” Janelle is who Marshai channels when she’s breaking out her voluminous, androgynous pieces–Teyana is channeled when she wears oversized, tomboy-inspired pieces. “I channel Aureta when I’m adorning myself in more ethereal pieces,” she adds.
At the moment Marshai meshes all of her inspirations and is being led to be a risk-taker. She often gets compliments when she wears items that could be described as “editorial-ready.” Instead of waiting for special moments to unleash them from her closet, she integrates them into her everyday wardrobe. That consists of pieces that have sharp shoulders and exaggerated flare detailing. Items with movement also are a way that Marshai expresses herself. “I think the duality of my style is [memorable].”
Ahead of the upcoming Christmas holiday, when tasked with describing her approach to holiday shopping, she shares: “I’m the fashion plug in my family, so they usually trust me to gift them brands that they love.” She adds, “When it comes to my friends, they have similar tastes as I do so I usually feel confident shopping for them.”
Marshai shares that she shops based on what her loved ones want too. She feels it’s important to gift things that people will use. “I’m so big on gifting intentional, well-researched gifts,” she adds.
“In case you’re looking for some bling to gift your mom, sister or close friend, Humans Before Handles has the sweetest pieces for exactly that.”
Available at Humans Before Handles
“For the print lover in your life, this Kai Collective top is a must-have. I plan to gift both the top and bottom but you really can’t go wrong with either.”
Available at Kai Collective
“Ashley Alexis, the founder of Omi Woods, has a brilliant collection of these coin necklaces that I think are so thoughtful to gift anyone in your life who is deeply attached to their roots or who would just love a reminder of them. I’ve gifted this to myself, my partner, my best friend–the list goes on.”
Available at Omi Woods
“If we’re talking about showing love with your gifts, then the Nayr Studio Heart Bag is an easy contender. Alaïa Ryan makes such fun, gorgeous bags that I think any bestie would love.”
Available at Nayr Studio
“For that special someone in your life, Bernard James creates such intricately designed, timeless pieces. They also have a holiday collection that you can shop to make decision-making easier.”
Available at Bernard James