All images created by Nakia Reine For a while, the fashion industry has felt... stale. As someone who majored in fashion, graduated with a degree, and worked for some of the most well-known houses, I never thought I’d say that. But here we are. With the rise of fast fashion, social media mimicry, and micro-trends that vanish overnight, everything and everyone has started to look the same. The sparkle? Gone.The storytelling? Fizzled.The uniqueness that once made fashion feel magical? Now buried under algorithm, approved sameness. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what I was missing, until recently. It started slowly. I began stumbling across niche pockets of influencers celebrating traditional and era-specific styles. Quiet luxury, “old money” aesthetics... and suddenly I was hooked. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was something deeper. Something familiar. Something soulful. Then Ralph Lauren dropped his Oak Bluff  collection. And that’s when it all clicked. All images created by Nakia Reine I was immediately captivated by the visuals—the rich tones, the timeless silhouettes—but what moved me most was the story behind it. The campaign drew from the legacy of Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard, a place where Black excellence and style have always thrived. And in true algorithmic magic, a video soon popped up on my YouTube feed—a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for the line. I sat, fully mesmerized, for all 20-something minutes. What struck me wasn’t just the fashion, it was the reminder : Black people have always had style. But more importantly, our style has always been shaped by our ingenuity and the environments in which we’ve thrived, despite the odds. Seeing stories told through the eyes of grandchildren who grew up hearing about and living in Oak Bluffs, I was transported. I was reminded of what fashion used  to be. Of what it could be again. All images created by Nakia Reine Back in the day, even vacation was an occasion. Suits. Linen. Knit sets. Perfectly packed wardrobes that made you ask, “Are you going somewhere special?” And the answer was often, “No, it’s just another day.” That kind of care, that kind of pride, that’s what I grew up seeing. My mother never missed a moment to dress us up. I remember her taking me to Macy’s, Hecht’s, and Woodies to find matching outfits for vacations. Even backyard cookouts had a dress code: frilly dresses, lace socks, Mary Janes, and bows. We showed up not to impress, but to express. That’s what fashion is supposed to be. Not a trend. A story. And Ralph Lauren’s Oak Bluff collection reminded me of that. It brought the roots of fashion back to the forefront. Roots built by people who understood that clothes were more than fabric—they were culture, pride, and identity woven into every thread. This wasn’t just about fashion. It was about us. Our legacy. Our elegance. Our storytelling. Our style. If you haven’t seen the collection, I’ve linked it below, along with the beautifully produced short film that shares the stories behind Oak Bluffs, told by those who lived it, loved it, and learned from it. For the first time, I want to visit Martha’s Vineyard, not for the vacation photos or coastal chic vibes, but to walk where our stories were born. To show my children a place where Black elegance wasn’t just admired, it was expected . Fashion may have felt flat to me for years, but this collection reminded me that it hasn’t lost its soul. It just needed to return home. Ralph Lauren- Oak Bluff

AI image created by Nakia Queen at Past FRWD Four years ago, my life looked completely different. I went into an office daily, and every Sunday, I carefully curated my outfits for the week ahead. Hours were spent in front of the mirror, crafting looks that spoke to my mood and aesthetic. I even planned two outfits per day—just in case the weather or my feelings shifted overnight. Mornings were a routine of precision. I’d get up early, get the little one ready, and we’d all walk out the door looking what I considered "put together." Then, COVID happened. Like many, my work dynamic shifted. Semi-hybrid turned into fully remote, which turned into a complete career pivot—one that led me to become a freelance designer. It was an incredible moment of growth, but I didn’t realize how much my sense of fashion had also shifted until the world started opening back up. For two years, I was dressing like I still had a 9-to-5 office job… even though that version of my life no longer existed. My Pinterest board was still full of “workwear chic” and structured outfits that no longer reflected my daily routine. And despite writing an entire piece about not wearing my inside clothes outside ( link to previous article ), I still felt disconnected from my wardrobe. So, I decided to run a little experiment on myself. The Style Identity Experiment Back in high school, I took photos of my outfits every day. Why? Because it was the late '90s, and I thought I was hot sh*t! But also, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t repeating outfits too often. That teenage mentality actually served a purpose. So, I decided to bring it back—only this time, with a little more intention. For one week (I initially planned for two, but I got what I needed in seven days), I documented my outfits and analyzed the. You can see my top 3 favorite looks below. The rules were simple: Wear what you normally wear.  No overthinking or deviating from my usual choices. (Full transparency: The first two days, I put in effort. By day three, my real self took over.) Take a photo of yourself right after getting dressed.  No fancy setup needed—just a mirror and good lighting. Ask yourself a few key questions at the end of the day.  ( I’ll be sharing these questions in a free guide—stay tuned! ) At the end of the experiment, reflect on what you learned. Sounds easy, right? It was. But what I discovered? That was the real surprise. What I Learned About My Style I’m not as stylish as I used to be—and that’s okay. My lifestyle no longer calls for high heels, blazers, and structured outfits. While I still love dressing up, it’s just not a necessity anymore. Simplicity is key, but layers are my thing. Even before adding a coat, I naturally gravitated toward layering pieces to create interest. I’ve always loved playing with silhouettes, and this experiment made me realize how much I lean into that. Comfort and ease come first. My go-to pieces are elevated sweats and well-fitting denim. Instead of starting with statement shoes or a tailored jacket, my foundation is whatever feels good to wear. I need to stop saving clothes for “special moments.” This was a big one. I wore pieces I had been “saving” for the right occasion—like a simple t-shirt that, for some reason, felt too precious to wear casually. Ridiculous, right? But we all do it. This experiment forced me to put those items into rotation. Breaking Free from Fashion “Rules” Social media bombards us with messages about what to wear, how to wear it, when to wear it, and what’s deemed “in” or “out.” It’s exhausting. But what if we simply said, "Stop telling me what to wear!" Instead of chasing trends, I’ve started embracing what makes me feel good, what aligns with my actual lifestyle, and what I genuinely love.  And the best part? By dressing for myself, I’m naturally creating a style that’s authentic and effortless. So, would you try this experiment? If so, I’ve made it easy for you! I created a free guide  to help you through the process—including the key questions I used for reflection. If you decide to do it, I’d love to hear what you discover! Email me your results—I might even feature your journey in a future post.

Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine I never thought I’d be one of those  people writing about a “social media detox.” Yet, here I am. But let’s be clear—I don’t see it as a detox. It’s more like a reintroduction to who I really am. Over the past few months, something felt… off. I found myself doom-scrolling—whether I was bored, anxious, avoiding something, or just being nosey. You know how it goes: open Instagram, scroll, laugh, share, and look up to realize an hour (or more) has vanished into the abyss. All I had to show for it were forwarded reels, a few likes, and a lingering sense of meh . So, one day, I decided to take a week off Instagram. That week turned into 30 days. Thirty days became 60. Now? It’s been over two months, and honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll go back fully. If you’re rolling your eyes right now (like I used to when reading posts like this), hear me out. This isn’t just another “I quit social media and became enlightened”  spiel. This is about reclaiming time, creativity, and peace of mind—and yes, it’s possible without deleting your accounts forever. Why Instagram Had to Go Let’s be real: Instagram used to be fun. It was selfies, memes, and the occasional avocado toast. Now? It’s a marketing juggernaut where algorithms decide what’s “important” to you. A quick scroll can take you from a cute puppy reel to full-on rage mode thanks to some clickbait nonsense. This emotional rollercoaster was exhausting. Worse, I realized Instagram was my crutch. Feeling stressed? Open the app. Avoiding a tough conversation? Scroll away. It was a digital security blanket, but it was suffocating me. So, I deleted the app. It felt like breaking up with a toxic ex—hard but necessary. The Tingles of Creativity Here’s the thing nobody tells you: when you step back from the noise, your mind gets louder in the best  way. I started noticing little sparks of creativity—what I call “the tingles.” Suddenly, I wanted to try embroidery, take a pottery class, and bake a lemon blueberry cake just because. And then, one Saturday, I found myself typing away at my iPad. That writing turned into a blog post. And that blog post turned into this blog—Past Fwrd. Funny how stepping away from one platform helped me rediscover another. Midjourney Art created by: Nakia Reine How to Navigate Your Own Break Thinking of trying a social media hiatus? Here’s what worked for me: Set Boundaries I deleted the Instagram app from my phone. Now, if I want to use it, I have to log in on my desktop. Trust me, scrolling while sitting upright at a desk is nowhere near as appealing as lounging on the couch. Identify Problem Platforms For me, Instagram was the main culprit. Figure out which platform drains you most and start there. Replace the Habit I swapped Instagram for Pinterest, which feels like a creative playground without the emotional baggage. Give Yourself Grace It’s not easy to quit cold turkey. Let your friends know you’re taking a break and ask them not to send you links or reels. Prepare for the Mental Shift I didn’t expect much from this experiment, but I gained clarity, creativity, and more meaningful time with my family. Ready to Try It? As 2025 approaches, why not add “Take two weeks off social media” to your goals? Delete the app, reclaim your time, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself!

Past Frwd is a space were sustainable fashion, antiquing decor and design collide! Welcome 👋 🥐 Hey there! Welcome to Past Frwd, where we bridge the gap between timeless treasures and modern living. This space is all about sustainable fashion, antiquing adventures, and uncovering the beauty of design with a nod to the past. Join our community to explore exclusive tips, insights, and inspiration. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and dive into conversations with like-minded enthusiasts. Let’s celebrate the art of preserving the past while shaping a sustainable future—together! Popular Tags Fashion & Beauty (6) 6 posts Health & Wellness (1) 1 post Blogging how to's (1) 1 post Fashion Scandal (1) 1 post Home Decorating (1) 1 post Mom Life Hacks (1) 1 post Your guide to antiquing, sustainable fashion, & timeless design. Read It All Read It All Blogging How to's Read It All Home Decorating Read It All Fashion & Beauty Read It All Health & Wellness Read It All Mom Life Hacks

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