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Candace Reels — the founder of Female Collective, an online blog that shares women’s interest stories — keeps her feed and her home colorful. Why? “I want to feel happy,” she tells us over Zoom. Reels’s look includes gold jewelry, an oversize blazer, and big hats. “Hats are a big thing for me,” Reels says. “I love berets; I wear them through all seasons.” She’s built her wardrobe with pieces from Ganni, & Other Stories, Lisa Says Gah, and even Urban Outfitters. Like any true ’90s kid, she loves the mall and hates fast fashion.
The L.A. native’s favorite finds come from the Rose Bowl flea market and the Long Beach flea market, which she notes has some of the best home décor. For the best pieces online, she gets super specific with her search terms on Etsy. “I’ve typed in ‘vintage 1980 Lakers starter jacket,’” she says. “You have to be more detailed in your search and that will eliminate all the nonsense.”
Below, see where Reels got the pieces that made their way into her curated wardrobe and home.
Where did you get your most recent purchase?
My blazer from the Frankie Shop. I had an ’80s-themed party for my 35th birthday in October; I said, “Let’s party like it’s 1989.” I love power suits; it makes me feel amazing when I wear a suit. The Frankie Shop had these incredible ’80s blazers and pants in blue pinstripes. It was exactly what I was looking for, and I got a tie from the 1980s on Etsy and suspenders.
Where did you get your skin care?
I love Youth to the People cleanser. I’m a double-cleanser now. I don’t know why it took me so long to learn about that, but it’s been one of the best things for my skin. Sometimes I’ll use Rhode or Glossier for my lips at night.
Where did you get your favorite piece of clothing?
My green hat is from Kangol. I saw it at Urban Outfitters, and I bought it. I’m such an accessories person. You can put on a regular outfit, but accessorizing is what makes it individual. It’s an amazing color and fit that goes with so many outfits.
Where did you get the item you wear the most?
My sunglasses from Akila. The brand opened a store in Sunset. I bought one pair and I was wearing them nonstop, and the brand reached out to send me some, too. Crap Eyewear has been a classic in my sunglasses era. They have incredible frames and colors too.
And my Dodgers baseball hat. I got into baseball hats recently. I’m a big sports fan, so I’ll wear merch from the Lakers or Dodgers.
Where did you get your signature scent?
Byredo Tobacco Mandarin. Byredo is so expensive, but that bottle of tobacco Mandarin has lasted me two years, and it’s worth the price because you don’t have to spray a lot. I’m always leaning toward a woodsy, sandalwood type of smell.
Where did you get the inanimate object that brings you the most joy?
My glass head I found at a yard sale. My boyfriend and I were walking around the neighborhood and someone was having yard sale, and I saw it and thought, What is this? I don’t know what I’m going to do with it, but I know I need to have it. We got it for $10 and I have it as a home-décor piece, and sometimes I’ll put hats on it.
Where did you get the item you splurged on the most?
My blazer from Kwaidan Editions. One of my good friends is a costume designer, and whenever we had days when we weren’t working or not feeling great, we’d go shopping. We’d always go to an expensive store in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Century City. Whenever I go shopping with her, I’m always splurging on an item that I don’t need. Splurging usually takes a bit of peer pressure. So this came from that day. I loved it so much; it was so expensive, but I would wear it a lot. I have worn it a lot, so it was worth it. I also don’t buy as much as I used to. I’m trying to stay away from fast fashion; I do a lot of thrifting. So when I do splurge, I know I’m going to wear it and I’m not going to regret the purchase.
Where did you get your plates, forks, and cups from?
Ikea and Hawkins. I also love anything vintage. For wineglasses and cocktail glasses, Etsy has so many incredible pieces. For dinnerware, Hawkins has really colorful pieces. I want the dinnerware to be fun, and I want it to make me happy.
Where did you get the item you’ve had for the longest time?
My loafers from Doc Martens. I’ve been a huge fan since I was a teenager; they were a staple shoe. They’re a classic you can wear with almost anything, if you want to dress up or dress down. They’re a nice burgundy color that you don’t see very often. I love that it’s not black and it’s not blue. They’re super comfortable.
Where did you get the item that gets complimented the most?
My sweaters from Knitwrth. I discovered them online. They produce some of the best knitwear I’ve seen; they’re so detailed. They only come out now and then. I bought a Tupac sweater and one of The Craft, and I get compliments on them on the time.
Where did you get your artwork from?
Etsy. I’ve bought some small art pieces here and there. I have tons of friends who are artists, so I’ll buy stuff from their website too. I just like stuff that’s different and original. Something that I’ll look at and think, I needed to see that message today.
