New York City Blogger

If You’re Grinchy Like Me…

If I’m REALLY honest, December is a tough one for me…

As always, I’ll be real with you and admit that apart from my birthday (bless Sagittarius season), I practically dread December. I know that sounds SO Grinchy (I love the Grinch, so I’m really okay if you call me that), but I simply do not resonate with the holiday hype. For years I’ve attributed this to the past circumstances of my life; whether it be family stresses, living situations, working long retail hours, finances…the list goes on. And with this Grinchy perspective it’s clear I take even greater notice to the societal obsession of unrealistic expectations that truly have nothing to do with Christmas at all.

Oh and for the record, I know my perspective on the holiday’s is not for everyone, but I also know it is for someone.

And if that is you, I’m really excited you’re here…

December 16, 2021December 15, 2021 by Ditch the Clique the blog

What Happens When You Lose Your Purpose With Claire Shay

by April Hooper

In life, we have the power to choose A LOT of things – our friends, our outfits, our goals – but Claire Shay, she got to choose something most of us had no say in: her name.

Claire Shay is a blogger, author, content creator, and influencer with a focus on living sustainably and dressing fashionably. Born in Taiwan, raised in Los Angeles, and now living in New York City, Claire has TRULY seen it all!

Growing up, Claire Shay always felt her Mandarin name just didn’t fit. She wanted something that represented HER, so she chose a new one: Claire. Even MORE powerful? As an adult, she has decided to change the spelling of her last name to “Shay”, marking a new beginning of exploring what she is truly passionate about.

December 3, 2020 by Ditch the Clique the blog

NYFW has changed, and that’s okay…

Just as I suspected in my How I Plan for NYFW blog post, fashion week looked A LOT different this season here in New York (and around the WORLD)! But GIRL I don’t necessarily know that that’s a bad thing. In fact, I can confidently say this is the most inclusive, diverse, and creative New York Fashion Week I’ve been blessed to be a part of!

October 1, 2020 by Ditch the Clique the blog

Why I Attend New York Fashion Week (& how I prepare)

If you’ve been here for sometime (thank you!), you know I’m a REAL fashionista. In fact, my love for fashion was the original inspiration behind this blog! For as long as I can remember, I wanted to inspire and empower REAL women (of all ages, races, sizes, and careers) to accept themselves, be themselves, and express themselves. And though this personal mission has since expanded from an exclusive focus on fashion into my brand, event series, and online community Ditch the Clique, I still accept any good reason to talk style! And with New York Fashion Week (NYFW) just around the corner, I can’t think of a better time to dive back in!

September 18, 2020September 8, 2021 by Ditch the Clique the blog