“I WAS REALLY EXCITED when fashion blogs became popular,” Xavier explains. “But to be honest, it was disappointing. Most of the stuff was incredibly designer — nothing I could afford to wear on an everyday basis.”

Because social media — the revolution to give every creator a voice — has, in a way, failed fashion. It has continued to focus on the same high end lifestyle found in Vogue or Harper’s, ignoring that most people can’t afford ‘em. Especially young women on platforms like Instagram or SnapChat. 

“Fashion is supposed to make you feel good,” Xavier continues. “Like the best version of yourself. But when you’re constantly shown images of beautiful things you can never afford, well, it’s hard not to let that bring you down.”

She’s right: for decades, fashion has fed on a “aspirational” combination of photoshop, models and unattainability. Social media was our chance to disrupt this cycle — to buck glossy eye porn for real women with genuine style. But in an effort to mimic the look and feel of print publishing, fashion missed out.

HIT FOLLOW.

“I think there’s room for all sorts of fashion blogs to exist, and I would never want to attack someone creative life source. But I do think it’s important that we as women make room for affordable fashion. That’s why my blog is inspirational, not aspirational.”

Because, honestly, who wants to see a perfectly airbrushed version of someone’s unattainable life? That’s why we have Beyoncé.

Visit Thrifts and Threads to experience the disruption.