THE STYLE PROFILE
THE BROOKLYN-BORN CONTENT CREATOR GIFT OKEZIE SHARES ALL THINGS FASHION, FROM STYLING ADVICE TO BROOKLYN CITY GUIDE.
INTERVIEWED BY ERIKA @ STYLE BOUNDARY
"In 2018, I followed that gentle voice in my head that told me to start a blog. I started it in the hopes of others being able to connect with me and my passion." says Gift Okezie. "Now, a few years later, I am immensely grateful for this small community that I have."
The digital work that Gift creates is immaculate and engaging, always looking effortless. Thanks to Gift's mother as her fashion influence at a young age, Gift develops an elegant and timeless style. This time on The Style Profile, Gift goes into detail about fashion, styling hacks and local city guides in Brooklyn, New York.
SB: Hello Gift, please introduce yourself.
Gift: Hey! My name is Gift. I'm a content creator born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where I still live today. My family is from Nigeria (Ibo tribe). I grew up in a multicultural community that shaped me to have the dynamic personality I possess today. My day-to-day work is focused on finance and content creation. When I am not creating — I am a lover of books, word search, long walks, good conversation, R&B music, and anything that keeps my mind stimulated.
Being into fashion was frowned upon growing up in a Nigerian household. The only options were to be in the medical field or to practice law. I studied forensic science in college, but I’ve always wanted to follow God’s plan for my life. So in 2018, I followed that gentle voice in my head that told me to start a blog. I started it in the hopes of others being able to connect with me and my passion. I’m also inspired by the vision God has for my life. I didn’t come from a fashion background, other than being a lover of it.
Now, a few years later, I am immensely grateful for this small community that I have. Even if it meant putting my blog on pause for some time to build with my audience through many different outlets.
" I FOLLOWED THAT GENTLE VOICE IN MY HEAD THAT TOLD ME TO START A BLOG. I STARTED IT IN THE HOPES OF OTHERS BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH ME AND MY PASSION."
SB: Please use three words to describe your style.
Gift: My personal style is elegant, formal, and timeless. Every piece I wear is adjustable, in the sense that it can be easily matched with many different styling options.
SB: Who had the biggest fashion influence on you growing up and why?
Gift: Growing up my mom had the most influence on me as a child. She always knew she was beautiful. Not because she would say it but by the way she carried herself. Her style, makeup, and jewelry is always cohesive, formal, and luxurious. She taught me how to be gentle from the way she treated others. She is a children's psychologist, so she had this incredible soft aura and cadence about her that I still admire. It made me have an eye for detail from inside out.
"GROWING UP MY MOM HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON ME AS A CHILD. SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE GENTLE FROM THE WAY SHE TREATED OTHERS. "
SB: What are your wardrobe staples?
Gift: My wardrobe staples right now would be a pair of trousers cinched in at the waist with a belt, a basic white t-shirt or collared shirt, with a blazer and a pair of new balance. I love having essentials that will hold up for years. I feel most comfortable in masculine shapes and oversized silhouettes.
SB: What one piece of fashion advice would you give to our readers when it comes to developing their fashion style?
Gift: Identify inspiring individuals whose style you enjoy and then start off from the basics. Then as you build, invest in essential pieces that would last for years, taking material and texture into play.
"I FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE IN MASCULINE SHAPES AND OVERSIZED SILHOUETTES."
SB: Please share one great styling hack that changed your life.
Gift: Less is more
SB: What's on your wishlist for the Fall?
Gift: Never can have too many knit wears. Perhaps a cardigan from James Street Co, and a pair of Vagabond Mary Jane flats.
SB: We know you love reading. What are you reading right now?
Gift: I am currently re-reading a book called “The Vanishing Half “By Brit Bennett”.
SB: What’s the best thing about living in Brooklyn?
Gift: What’s not to love? The architecture is like no other. It’s filled with life and culture. Transportation is good but can be a pain on the weekends. (If you've taken public transit, you understand). Otherwise, the possibilities in this borough are endless.
SB: Can you give us a little Brooklyn guide?
Gift: Food - Brooklyn Suya (African restaurant)
Shop - L train Brooklyn Vintage
Cafe - Cups and Books (Black-Owned Bookstore)
Hidden Gems - Bonafini (Best
Lasagna)