Mariela’s lucky match: pinstripe co-ord from Forever 21 and mom

It’s not often that I go out in Tijuana, but it was my best friend’s birthday last month, so the occasion definitely called for it. Ten of us headed to Reyes Cantina on the city’s Boulevard Agua Caliente. When we arrived, it was hard not to obsess over Mariela’s pinstripe co-ord. The Tijuana resident wore a matching navy blue striped blazer and trousers. The shocking part was that she actually purchased each piece at a different store. She lucked out and found matching patterns, and is now able to wear the two items as a co-ord.

The pants are from Forever 21, but Mariela found them at a thrift shop for only $4. Her ribbed white tank top is from Target and was a gift from a friend. Her chunky black boots were an Urban Outfitters find ($80). The blazer, she explained, “was actually my mother’s. It is a Merona blazer from the ‘90s. My gold chain was a gift from my grandmother. She bought it in Mexico City. My earrings belong to my mother. I steal them from her from time to time.”

Mariela mentioned that when it comes to style, she does not have a specific one. “It usually depends on the mood I am in or the inspiration surrounding me at the time. At the moment, I would say I am very inspired by vintage styles with a modern twist. I’d say my go-to everyday look is black overalls with a sweater, cute top, or t-shirt underneath. I usually style my overalls with gold jewelry and black boots.”

Mariela’s go-to places to shop are mostly thrift shops. “I enjoy going thrift shopping a lot. My favorite thrift shop (where I find the most gems) is the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Shop in Chula Vista. I also like to shop at secondhand stores in Tijuana. Other than that, I enjoy shopping at Nordstrom Rack or Marshalls.”