We Aim To Slay

There’s a misconception that true fashion exists solely in major cities like New York, Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai & Dubai. That those of us who exist outside of a metropolitan area wouldn’t pursue a life filled with the exceedingly eccentric and artistic.

But nothing, not even fashion, exists in a vacuum. There are incredibly talented artists around every corner and down every block – and equally as many people willing to support their artistry.

My Love of Fashion & Beauty

Growing up on a horse farm in Connecticut, I idolized the idea of moving to New York City to become a model and live out my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy. Throughout my teenage years I fell in love with pageantry as an outlet for my sartorial desires, and the creation of We Aim To Slay gave me a space to share my love of all things fashion and beauty.

And though I’ve modeled since I was 13 years old, held three national pageant titles, been on billboards across my state, and even appeared in an episode of a pageant-related television show, it wasn’t until recently that I realized how vast my local art and fashion communities were – and that I’ve been a member for more than half my life!

A New Journey Begins

In the past few years I’ve explored the rich and varied facets of my local fashion community: Vintage Market Days of Connecticut, Fashion Week Connecticut, worked with local photographers, shopped local businesses, even modeled on NBC CT for designer Karlene Lindsay!

During Hartford Fashion Week 2025 I sat down with Travis Bivans, the creative force behind Fashion Week Connecticut, who said that one of his goals was to create a direct pipeline from Connecticut to the European fashion markets.

“It’s asinine to believe that Connecticut has nothing,” said Bivans. “There’s amazing talent homegrown in CT, shown internationally.”

From his perspective, the state has always supported national and international artists; by being the birthplace of numerous artists and through Connecticut’s extensive history in the textile industry. And I can speak to the truth of that statement, having spent more than a decade working with and promoting my local art scene!

Dose of Mi Launch Event

As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, I’m a big fan of fashion! And through that soul-deep love, I learned about an event celebrating the launch of the newest swimwear collection by Dose of Mi!

Like any true fashionista I put on a fabulous dress (a vintage Betsey Johnson sample piece!), created standout glam – photos in the June Round-Up & a tutorial coming Friday! – and called my bestie to join me for a girls night!

We truly had such a good time – the location and food (Mint Kitchen & Bar in Ansonia, CT) were delightful, the music was lively, and you could feel the excitement of the crowd! We were so impressed by the designer & her products that Stacey ended up buying one of her pieces while we were still at the event! I had my eye on a dress also, but I’ve been dealing with negative wardrobe karma lately…

A Closet Full of Clothes & Nothing to Wear

Last year I shared that a portion of my closet collapsing led to a mild purge-and-donate to best utilize the remaining space. But not long after this event, I forgot about the lack of space and once again added pieces to my collection. Until a second section of my closet also collapsed about a month ago…

I strongly believe that you attract the energy you put out into the universe, so it was almost kismet that the Dose of Mi event coincided with learning about the Circular Society Vintage Market taking place in Middletown, CT on July 12th! I was telling Stacey that we should attend and shop when she informed me that she had booked a booth – we are going to be vendors!

Shop My Actual Closet!

Founded by Laís Bartolomeu – also the founder of Lahvinte – the Circular Society Vintage Market is a community and event that celebrates lovers of vintage fashion, giving collectors and shoppers a chance to network and share their sartorial treasures!

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate one of my looks or see exactly what’s in my closet, fear not, now you can buy these exact pieces – directly from me! Stacey and I have been hard at work curating a collection of vintage & pre-loved pieces and shoes, ranging most sizes, and spanning many aesthetics! And that includes our prom & pageant formal wear!

As an added bonus, screenshot and present this flyer at our booth & we’ll take 10% off the total of your purchase!

What Do You Think?

What’s going on in your local fashion community? Share your stories & photos via the email on our Contact page!

For now, I’m ringing in this new month by patiently awaiting the launch of Dose of Mi’s new swimwear line, preparing for the Circular Society Vintage Market in Middletown on July 12th, and packing for my first vacation of the year!

I’ll be back next week to recap my annual roadtrip with Dante, Stacey, and her dog Mylee – this year we’re camping in Acadia, Maine!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!