Why Mixing Prints is Valuable

• Versatility: Endless outfit possibilities.
• Personal Expression: Showcases unique style.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Refresh wardrobe without new purchases.

Common Misconceptions

• “Only Experts Can”: Anyone can learn with guidance.
• “Too Complicated”: Simple rules make it easy.
• “Prints Don’t Go”: Many complement each other.

Key Trends Shaping Fashion in 2025

• • Sustainability: Ethical fashion & Transparency
• • Digital Fashion: Virtual shows & Clothing
• • Inclusivity: Diverse body types & Gender-neutral designs

Major Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid

• ✕ Mismatched styles that clash
• ✕ Neglecting essential wardrobe basics
• ✕ Choosing quantity over quality

Why It Matters

• Boosts confidence
• Saves time & money
• Enhances overall appearance

DRESS // SHOES // BAG

Every few months on Atlantic-Pacific I like to round up some new (and a few recurring) questions that I have received via comments, emails, and DMs. Today I am answering some of your most recently asked questions! You can also see older Q&A posts here, here, here, and here and visit many of my FAQ posts below. If I didn’t answer your question in this update, please reach out and I will try my best to get to it!

---

How do you achieve your low bun hair? See my tutorial here.

What is your everyday make-up routine? See it here.

How did you start Atlantic-Pacific? Read about it here.

How and when did you get into the fashion industry? You can read all about that here.

---

Q: When is your next collab? Are you starting your own clothing line?

A: This was by far my most asked question. I am so very excited to say there will be a very fun, and very colorful, ready to wear collab launching in 2026. I can’t spill the beans quite yet but I am thrilled and honored to partner with such an incredible brand. Starting my own line would be a dream, but having worked in the industry for years, I am very, very aware of just how difficult this is to do right. For now, partnering with well established brands that I trust and respect makes the most sense to bring these creations to life.

Q: You seem very private about your personal life. Is that intentional?

A: Yes, very. I have been outspoken that next to time, privacy is one of our most valuable assets. I would never trade my (or my loved ones) safety and/or security for money. I understand that establishing a parasocial relationship with readers by sharing intimate details of your daily life can amount to bigger brand deals and payouts. For me, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. I’d also like to think that I have more to offer through fashion and styling versus turning my channels into a feed of my everyday life. I love hearing from followers and exchanging messages and I am deeply grateful for the support of my community, however I believe boundaries are important and healthy. I want to treat my audience with the respect that they deserve. It would be disingenuous to try and convince my followers that we are ‘besties’ or that you ‘know me so well’ in order for me to market to you.

Q: What should a first designer bag be?

A: This is a deeply personal question! I believe the first thing you should decide is what role you want this bag to play in your life. Do you want to invest in a bag you will wear everyday and therefore needs to be somewhat functional and practical? Or do you want to buy a really special bag that you may only pull out for date nights or a fancy wedding? I would then make a list of a few bags I love and have my eye on, but would wait at least a year to purchase. After thinking about that bag for many months, does it now feel tired or trendy in your mind? You should be investing in a bag you will love for years to come, not just for right now. Personally, I would never invest in a shape or silhouette that I haven’t owned at a different price point or in a color I have never worn. As an example, I wouldn’t invest in an expensive crossbody if I have never worn a crossbody – what if I hate the functionality? If all your bags are brown and black, I wouldn’t drop big dollars on a navy bag, it may not get much wear. I would also make a list of why you love a certain bag that you already own and consider those same characteristics in your investment bag.

Q: I need two formal dresses for November and December. Where are the best place to shop for styles under $500?

A: Okay, I personally love ASOS for this. For occasion dresses I find that they are fun and unique – and I have never ended up in a situation where someone was wearing the same dress as me! I currently love this one and this one. Another favorite place to shop is TheRealReal. Many people are under the impression that styles are not returnable on TRR but MOST ARE (pay attention to the returns section under each item, unless they are on sale, they can usually be returned). You can shop event dresses under $500 here. This dress and this dress both caught my eye! Good luck!

Q: How was Prague? How did you decide to go there and where will you go next?

A: This year my husband and I made a decision to visit two international locations per year that neither of us have visited before! Since much of his family is European he has seen a lot more places than I have. Earlier this year, after comparing our lists, Stockholm and Prague were the two places we landed on for 2025. I loved them both! Each were very walkable cities and the people were lovely and kind. They both have beautiful architecture, big food scenes, and super easy public transit. Highly recommend! A few places that have been on my list for years include Scotland, Ireland, Marrakesh and the Mendoza region in Argentina. My husband has been to several of those so we may need to negotiate the rules! We will see what 2026 brings!

Q: Your favorite jeans?

A: Easy question! My favorite include these (15% off with BLAIR15), these, and these.

Q: What colors do you like to pair with gray for something fresh?

A: I love color questions – keep them coming! Okay, to lean into fall I would do a gray with burgundy or for a more edgy take I would pair gray and chartreuse or gray and burnt orange. Since gray is such a calming neutral it can look so cool and unexpected paired back to a neon, such as neon yellow. Another sophisticated combo? Gray and robin’s egg blue – and add a touch of leopard! Hope this helps!

Q: Recent trends you just can’t do?

A: I never want to yuck anyone’s yum. I also don’t like proclaiming I will ‘never’ wear XYZ because trust me, your mindset can shift! With that being said, I am currently staying away from super low rise denim, overt athlesuire, and while I am into the boho trend, I remain quite measured on how I wear it and how to make it my own!

Q: Great black knee boots under $300. No lug soles please!

A: Okay, so these are the closest boots to a pair I own and am asked about ALL the time. I am also loving these and these.

Q: Anything you are looking forward to in 2026?

A: I feel like I haven’t processed 2025 yet. In 2026 I am thrilled to be launching product. After such a needed break, I am ready. I am looking forward to more travel, finishing a house renovation (last little bit to be done) and possibly looking to find a new place to split our time. We love Florida but it is hot in the summer. We have been talking for years about where else we would like to be. Hopefully we can come to some exciting answers in 2026.

DRESS // SHOES // BAG

Every few months on Atlantic-Pacific I like to round up some new (and a few recurring) questions that I have received via comments, emails, and DMs. Today I am answering some of your most recently asked questions! You can also see older Q&A posts here, here, here, and here and visit many of my FAQ posts below. If I didn’t answer your question in this update, please reach out and I will try my best to get to it!

---

How do you achieve your low bun hair? See my tutorial here.

What is your everyday make-up routine? See it here.

How did you start Atlantic-Pacific? Read about it here.

How and when did you get into the fashion industry? You can read all about that here.

---

Q: When is your next collab? Are you starting your own clothing line?

A: This was by far my most asked question. I am so very excited to say there will be a very fun, and very colorful, ready to wear collab launching in 2026. I can’t spill the beans quite yet but I am thrilled and honored to partner with such an incredible brand. Starting my own line would be a dream, but having worked in the industry for years, I am very, very aware of just how difficult this is to do right. For now, partnering with well established brands that I trust and respect makes the most sense to bring these creations to life.

Q: You seem very private about your personal life. Is that intentional?

A: Yes, very. I have been outspoken that next to time, privacy is one of our most valuable assets. I would never trade my (or my loved ones) safety and/or security for money. I understand that establishing a parasocial relationship with readers by sharing intimate details of your daily life can amount to bigger brand deals and payouts. For me, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. I’d also like to think that I have more to offer through fashion and styling versus turning my channels into a feed of my everyday life. I love hearing from followers and exchanging messages and I am deeply grateful for the support of my community, however I believe boundaries are important and healthy. I want to treat my audience with the respect that they deserve. It would be disingenuous to try and convince my followers that we are ‘besties’ or that you ‘know me so well’ in order for me to market to you.

Q: What should a first designer bag be?

A: This is a deeply personal question! I believe the first thing you should decide is what role you want this bag to play in your life. Do you want to invest in a bag you will wear everyday and therefore needs to be somewhat functional and practical? Or do you want to buy a really special bag that you may only pull out for date nights or a fancy wedding? I would then make a list of a few bags I love and have my eye on, but would wait at least a year to purchase. After thinking about that bag for many months, does it now feel tired or trendy in your mind? You should be investing in a bag you will love for years to come, not just for right now. Personally, I would never invest in a shape or silhouette that I haven’t owned at a different price point or in a color I have never worn. As an example, I wouldn’t invest in an expensive crossbody if I have never worn a crossbody – what if I hate the functionality? If all your bags are brown and black, I wouldn’t drop big dollars on a navy bag, it may not get much wear. I would also make a list of why you love a certain bag that you already own and consider those same characteristics in your investment bag.

Q: I need two formal dresses for November and December. Where are the best place to shop for styles under $500?

A: Okay, I personally love ASOS for this. For occasion dresses I find that they are fun and unique – and I have never ended up in a situation where someone was wearing the same dress as me! I currently love this one and this one. Another favorite place to shop is TheRealReal. Many people are under the impression that styles are not returnable on TRR but MOST ARE (pay attention to the returns section under each item, unless they are on sale, they can usually be returned). You can shop event dresses under $500 here. This dress and this dress both caught my eye! Good luck!

Q: How was Prague? How did you decide to go there and where will you go next?

A: This year my husband and I made a decision to visit two international locations per year that neither of us have visited before! Since much of his family is European he has seen a lot more places than I have. Earlier this year, after comparing our lists, Stockholm and Prague were the two places we landed on for 2025. I loved them both! Each were very walkable cities and the people were lovely and kind. They both have beautiful architecture, big food scenes, and super easy public transit. Highly recommend! A few places that have been on my list for years include Scotland, Ireland, Marrakesh and the Mendoza region in Argentina. My husband has been to several of those so we may need to negotiate the rules! We will see what 2026 brings!

Q: Your favorite jeans?

A: Easy question! My favorite include these (15% off with BLAIR15), these, and these.

Q: What colors do you like to pair with gray for something fresh?

A: I love color questions – keep them coming! Okay, to lean into fall I would do a gray with burgundy or for a more edgy take I would pair gray and chartreuse or gray and burnt orange. Since gray is such a calming neutral it can look so cool and unexpected paired back to a neon, such as neon yellow. Another sophisticated combo? Gray and robin’s egg blue – and add a touch of leopard! Hope this helps!

Q: Recent trends you just can’t do?

A: I never want to yuck anyone’s yum. I also don’t like proclaiming I will ‘never’ wear XYZ because trust me, your mindset can shift! With that being said, I am currently staying away from super low rise denim, overt athlesuire, and while I am into the boho trend, I remain quite measured on how I wear it and how to make it my own!

Q: Great black knee boots under $300. No lug soles please!

A: Okay, so these are the closest boots to a pair I own and am asked about ALL the time. I am also loving these and these.

Q: Anything you are looking forward to in 2026?

A: I feel like I haven’t processed 2025 yet. In 2026 I am thrilled to be launching product. After such a needed break, I am ready. I am looking forward to more travel, finishing a house renovation (last little bit to be done) and possibly looking to find a new place to split our time. We love Florida but it is hot in the summer. We have been talking for years about where else we would like to be. Hopefully we can come to some exciting answers in 2026.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” ~Rachel Zoe

I didn’t set out to find myself.

I just looked in the mirror one day and thought, “Wait, when did I stop looking like me?”

It was after a breakup—the kind that leaves you foggy, emotionally threadbare, trying to make sense of where you lost yourself.

There I was, standing in my bedroom, wearing something functional, outdoorsy, and… completely not me.

Not that there’s anything wrong with cargo pants and fleece. If that’s your style, it’s beautiful.

But I’m a woman who grew up in Paris… who loves texture, shape, and color… who used to wear lipstick to the grocery store just because it made her feel fancy.

And I couldn’t remember the last time I’d dressed in a way that made me feel alive.

That moment wasn’t dramatic. But it stuck—like a pebble in my shoe, a quiet awareness I couldn’t unfeel.

I didn’t know what to do with it at first. So I just started noticing. What I wore. What I reached for. What I missed.

What felt like one tiny step closer to me—and what felt like someone (anyone) else.

And slowly, without meaning to, I started finding my way back.

Not through journaling. Not through therapy. Through style.

I didn’t realize it then, but I was starting to come home to myself—one outfit at a time.

I’ve always felt like a cultural mosaic—beautifully complex in theory, but hard to hold in one piece.

Indian by heritage. East African family roots. Raised across four countries. A mix of accents, traditions, languages, and ways of seeing the world.

And for a long time, I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to be in the middle of all that.

In some circles, I was too Western. In others, I felt too brown, too “other.” Even within my own community, I often sensed I was too different… not traditional enough.

I became skilled at shape-shifting—blending in where I could, toning down what felt inconvenient. Quietly collecting contradictions I didn’t know how to resolve.

I tried, of course. I read the books. Took the workshops. Hired the coaches. I journaled and meditated and therapized and “mantra-ed” myself half to death. I even became a coach.

Most of it helped, in its own way.

But the strangest, most honest kind of healing didn’t happen in a coaching session or on a yoga mat. It happened in my closet.

It started quietly. One night, I found myself picking out an outfit for the next day… Not to impress. Not to curate a look. Just to feel a little more like myself. And for some reason, that felt good. Gentle. Reassuring.

So I did it again the next night. And the next.

Eventually, it became a ritual. Just me, slowing down long enough to check in with myself.

I started to ask questions like:

• What parts of me want to show up tomorrow?
• What feeling do I want to carry into the day?
• Which pieces make me feel alive?

Then I would choose clothes that reflected whatever answers came through.

Sometimes that meant bold color and structured lines—something that said, I’m here, and I’m not hiding.

Sometimes it meant soft, draping fabrics—something that let me exhale.

Sometimes it meant a mix of things that didn’t “go” but somehow felt like the truest version of me.

Like I was letting the paradoxes live on my body instead of just in my head.

And in doing that—in actually wearing my contradictions, wrapping them in silk and denim and thread—I began to make peace with them. And I began to stop seeing them as flaws to explain away or hide and start seeing them as richness. Texture. Evidence of a life deeply lived.

Instead of trying to resolve the tension, I let it be beautiful. I let it belong. And strangely, that softened something in me.

The shame that once whispered, “Pick a side, be clearer, be less confusing” quieted.

I began to trust that I could hold multitudes—and still be whole.

In the morning, when I’d slip into those clothes, it wasn’t just about getting dressed. It was an act of allowing. Allowing myself to be seen. To take up space. To be complex, contradictory, and still worthy of beauty. A quiet yes to the fullness of who I am—who I’ve always been.

What surprised me most was how I started to feel.

How could something external—something as seemingly superficial as clothing—give me the elusive confidence I’d spent years chasing on the inside?

Maybe it wasn’t about the clothes at all. Maybe it was about permission.

To be seen. To feel beautiful on my own terms. To tell the truth of who I am—not with words, but with fabric and color and silhouette.

Maybe it was about giving my body a chance to speak… and learning how to listen.

Every evening, I still take a few quiet minutes to pick out what I’ll wear the next day. Not because I’m trying to project something. But because it helps me connect to something.

It’s one of the only parts of my day that feels completely mine—not rushed, not reactive. A soft pause. A moment to land.

Clothing has become a kind of mirror. And that moment of dressing has become a form of meditation. Not the sitting-still kind. The remembering kind. The reconnecting kind.

I thought I was just playing with fabrics and silhouettes. But I was actually coming home to myself—piece by piece.

Listening to what felt good. Letting go of what didn’t. Making space for multiple parts of me to coexist.

That’s the thing I never expected: something as ordinary as choosing an outfit—something we all have to do anyway—can become a love letter to yourself. If you let it.

About Nayla Mitha

Nayla Mitha helps women build careers that feel like home, not like someone else’s idea of success. Her  tools are designed to teach you how to excel while staying true to yourself (inside and out) making your professional journey more balanced, fulfilling, and successful. Download one of her FREE resources for heart-centered women HERE and connect with her on Instagram HERE.

See a typo or inaccuracy? Please contact us so we can fix it!

July 1, 2025

Does what you wear really matter? 

We are often urged not to judge a book by its cover or repeatedly told that beauty is only skin deep, so does what we choose to wear on a first date really matter?

The answer is yes! The way you present yourself is probably more powerful than what you say, your image is your personal branding. As you approach your date before you even speak, your outfit is giving out messages and you want to ensure they are receiving the right ones.

 

Let’s be clear, we are not talking about wearing specific labels or subscribing to the newest trends, that is a more personal choice. However, an outfit which is well put together and fits both your figure and the occasion, is likely to help you to feel good, which will, in turn, give you confidence and confidence is far sexier than a tight-fitting little black number. And this includes the guys, we know you have been squatting and squeezing…but too tight is too much! 

What colour should you wear on a first date?

If you have been crushing on this person for ages, you won’t want to leave anything to chance and ensuring you wear a flattering colour is key. One colour does not fit all, your hair, eyes and skin colour should help you determine what suits you most. So take your time and maybe ask the advice of others.

 

Do you know how powerful colour choices are? What is yours saying about you?

Blue – Baby blue and pastel shades are soothing and friendly. Electric blue gives off a dynamic vibe.

Red – Drama, assertiveness, passion and strength! Are you a force to be reckoned with?

Green – Practical, nurturing and a love of nature…

 

How does the fit and appearance of clothing make an impact on a date?

Do you know what body shape you have? Of course, you can always lose a few pounds here and there, but your actual shape remains the same. Having a good understanding of your shape will enable you to buy clothes which flatter you the most. You also need to remain true to your sense of style. If you are naturally a hipster or indulge in boho chic, stick with it. Going all Sloaney in a bid to impress will take you out of your comfort zone and you won’t present the real and best version of yourself. 

 

Anything else?

When feeling unsure opt for black, better to be overdressed than under dressed and never go too heavy with eyeliner…men included!

 

On July 4th, things get interesting. Venus enters Gemini at 11:31 a.m. EST, and suddenly, love speaks in memes, voice notes, and “omg I forgot to text back but I still love you” energy. Venus in Gemini brings a flirtier, more curious energy to romance, money, and aesthetics. You may feel more inspired to experiment with your style, send a risky DM, or finally get that haircut you’ve been romanticizing on Pinterest. But keep in mind, this vibe isn’t necessarily about settling down — it’s about exploring your desires through conversation, stimulation, and a touch of chaos.