MY STYLE EVOLUTION | minimalist fashion journey + finding personal style

welcome into my life in looks ~ i hope seeing my personal style evolution gives you even the tiiiiiniest extra info on how to find, or embrace, your own unique evolution. this is certainly not my last phase, but i hope you enjoy the journey with me
i tried not to give tmi about my life in a minimalist fashion video, so i'm planning to do a separate q&a! if you have any questions for that video, leave them in the comments :)
i also love talking with you guys about minimalism, styling tips, capsule wardrobe outfits and everything in between, so any video requests, leave them too! xx
other videos (with clothing pieces linked):
my entire 20-piece spring capsule wardrobe: • my ENTIRE spring capsu...
transitional spring outfit ideas: • transitional spring ou...
how to plan a capsule wardrobe: • how to plan a capsule ...
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
00:46 - childhood
01:19 - preteen
02:10 - high school
02:32 - college
03:22 - graduating college
06:02 - finding a career
07:24 - starting my career
09:43 - starting a family
11:09 - finding my style
12:01 - being a mom
14:05 - living in new york
18:04 - refining my style
19:23 - my style today
pinterest inspo:
/ hiannieem
poshmark:
poshmark.com/closet/hiannieem

[@sweetifer]

This is refreshing compared to some similar channels where money is no object. I'm always trying to find that intersection between sustainability, experimentation, frugality, and the belief that I deserve quality things. I would love to have a similar wardrobe and maybe I can.

[@hiannieem]

Omg yes..most content I can’t even digest bc what am I gonna do with it? I’m really happy this was helpful 💕

[@Criticallyqueer]

I really relate to this. My parents always had low paying jobs, I would say we were low middle class. We weren't poor but all my clothes were hand me downs from friends and cousins and that made finding my style so hard in my pre-teens and teens. Just like you I tried to "compensate for lost time" and buy a lot of things that were trendy but not for me when I eventually had a little bit of money. Then comes the luxury phase where you think more money means better. Now I'm more into a minimalist capsule wardrobe and I'm still realising what I like by trial and error but I'm less likely to jump on trends. Love this video!

[@hiannieem]

I completely to relate to your experience too. Glad we’re here now ☀️

[@janelleespinosa6247]

I think your style is young and fresh but also on trend and classic. I think you've nailed it!

[@hiannieem]

Aw thank you janelle! 💛

[@emilyencapsulated9540]

I LOVED this so much. Absolutely my fav video from you...ever. I loved seeing your evolution as a human, even more so than your style evolution. Thanks for sharing this, Annie ✨ I think a lot of young women in their twenties will be able to relate to your journey--I know I do!

[@hiannieem]

Wow thank you so much!!! Yes 20s struggles and mistakes like these are I think so important to be honest about. Glad you could relate to my story 🌸

[@zoe4706]

I really appreciate how much you’ve reflected on the hardships you faced in parallel to your personal style - I feel like it’s a huge part that gets missed in personal style videos 💚

[@hiannieem]

Totally agree. It’s crazy to realize how much your life at a time influences you from the inside out. 💕

[@PEACELOVEMUSICA]

I love this! And agree, so much of style is iterative and dependent on access. The journey is fun to see! I wish more people would share.

[@hellokitty0806]

Thank you for this incredibly relatable look into your style (and your life)! Your story is so relatable. For one, I also felt like I had "catching up to do" when I first had an income to spend. Would love to hear yours and Morgan's story from the beginning and how you two keep the spark alive after getting married at such a young age.

[@hiannieem]

Aww thanks Lizzie! I’m glad you relate, some of these money mistakes I’m like what was wrong with me haha. And thanks for the suggestions! 💓

[@lcervinkova]

This video is so refreshing compared to what you see on YT these days! Absolutely love!! I especially agreed with your statement that yes clothing is important but it doesn’t (shouldn’t) trump other things. ❤ Keep doing what you are doing. 🫶🏼

[@romanyimesgen6136]

You’re not boring. I think you’re very classy. I love your style😊

[@oliveturner5307]

I loved this content where you gave us a breakdown of your life mixed with fashion! Brilliant!

[@hiannieem]

Aww I’m glad! ✨

[@kat_thefruitbat]

It’s difficult, in many ways, to reflect on- and open up about certain parts of our pasts; thank you for sharing some of your life with the intention of helping others feel understood and see more clearly into their own lives. You rock, and I always look forward to your videos! ❤️🤗

[@hiannieem]

Thank you so much - so kindly said. I’ve read that being yourself gives others permission to be themselves around you. And that means a lot to me

[@thaisa2439]

your story is the definition of why we shouldn’t judge people on youtube. thank you for this

[@heatherboyle217]

You are a gift to us all! Thank you for your honesty, sharing your struggles and finding your confidence and happy place within yourself. Cheers to you as you move forward each day! Your horizon is beautiful ahead!!🌟🌟🌟

[@hiannieem]

Aww heather thank you so much 🥺

[@estefaniazila]

money is definitely a huge barrier when it comes to find our style; it's 10x harder when we don't have it even for thrifting. It's was so good to see your evolution. Your honesty made it so much more relatable. Thank you for this

[@hiannieem]

1000% - ppl thrifting now is more than I spend for brand new! Thriftiness imo was $1 goodwill

[@roryroopa]

The storytelling in this 👏🏽 loved the early hustle and going with the curveballs that life threw you. So inspiring

[@hiannieem]

Thank you thank you ✨💛

[@petravazanska5707]

To me you dress the best out of all the people I know, but i think its also about your personality and natural elegance. I think whatever you put on you will always look great!🤩😍

[@hiannieem]

Aww thank you so so much 💓

[@amym9834]

I am new to your channel and I loved hearing about your personal journey. I really enjoyed hearing about your life and how you got to where you are today. Thank you for sharing your really inspiring story.

[@gdajklhenw]

They say personal style is how you express yourself or, barring that, is at least a reflection of oneself. Not sure I've ever seen a video that demonstrates this better. Such a creative way to help your viewers get to know you -- how your life dreams and circumstances have evolved and how that was reflected in your style. I was excited for this video and then completely blown away by what we got. Annie is on fire with her content rn.

[@hiannieem]

Wow this was so beautifully put!! You’re an amazing writer! Thank you so much for this 💕

[@MichelleMom2My3bl3ssings]

Great video! This was an amazing idea to reflect on our own style evolution. Money has always dictated how I shopped. Looking back I wish I had shopped less and saved even more.

[@hiannieem]

ALWAYS I wish that too lol but mistakes have to be made right? Grateful for it✨

[@littlerain]

I love the stories you told to illustrate the growth of your fashion sense. It makes me feel so hopeful about the future and gives me some assurance that I’m doing just fine in life at the same time. Often times I feel this pressure to wear authentic and expensive clothing even when I don’t have the financial abilities for it. Thank you for this video. It definitely inspired me to do something similar 💗

[@hiannieem]

You are 1000% doing fine 💛 your self awareness already tells me so much!

[@walnasorrentino1312]

This was so refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing. You have a beautiful family. I am in the process of updating my wardrobe and your videos have been very helpful. Again, thank you.

[@Les.is.more_]

Yet another completely relatable video. Our journeys were so similar growing up wearing hand me downs and harry potter glasses. I also remember thinking i made so much money at my first big girl job, and purchasing my first designer bag -- Prada was my pick (and I still have it) 😅 With so many expenses that come with adulthood, I now understand how hard it is to make money living in a country/city where taxes and living expenses are so high.

[@hiannieem]

Exactly the same!! So nice to hear similar experiences 💓 I look back and like…what did I think 🤣

[@angelachaotoo]

Thank you for sharing this!! This is so relatable and inspiring at the same time!💗 I'm 23 y/o right now, just got out of uni, started working full-time for a few months, and found my fashion journey very similar to yours in the same period. Currently, I'm trying to save more /shop wisely to invest more in good quality outfits and accessories to elevate my style. Although budgeting is a challenging major problem for me, just like what you shared, gradually mixing and matching to develop my dream style has been helpful. Watching your fashion journey along with career transformation has given me hope and inspiration for my own, thanks for sharing~!

[@hiannieem]

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 you are doing it exactly right!!

[@jaquettedelivre367]

Thank you for your honesty about your style evolution !

[@mmclennon]

Thank you for making this. So refreshing, so true. Fun to see how you got to now!

[@stelaidrizi]

This was wonderful! Thanks for sharing all of that. I could see myself in your story.

[@hiannieem]

that really means so much to me! thanks for sharing 💓

[@Amina-cw1em]

THANK YOU for sharing your story with us. I love your style. This conversation was so deep and beautiful. I felt so inspired - I'm definitely at the stage where I'm struggling (job-hunting) but to see how you overcame it all with such grace. Thank you.

[@gurihelgadottirlarsen3404]

I've been a subscriber for some time now and wanted to say that I love your content! Thank you for sharing your style evolution and bits from your past :)

[@hiannieem]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@joiy]

This video was great! I just found your channel while searching for videos of decluttering and wow, subscribed right away + on a slighttt video binge 😂 Love your style, how you communicate, and just how thoughtful you are in your vids.

[@emmy-b]

This might be your best video yet! Loved it.

[@hayleyphillimore8069]

Such a lovely video 💕 can't wait for the Q&A x

[@AnnasStyleDictionary]

Loved everything! Your style is amazing. Keep up the good work! Sending lots of love 💕

[@ThatZeeZee]

Q&A questions: 1.When did you meet eachothers families and what was that like?. 2. How did morgan feel when you found out about pregnancy.? I loved this video. It makes me want to look back at my evolution, I know I have a few "wtf was I wearing?"pictures 🤣

[@hiannieem]

Love these questions! Thank you so much ☺️

[@milissamartin7226]

This video showed up on my “suggested” feed after looking for minimal wardrobes. I loved this video and immediately subscribed. I’m over a decade older than you, I might be a bit older than your normal demographic. But I related to this so much…and also, this quest for style never ends. Preferences change, styles change, bodies change…it’s a never-ending evolution…and when I realized that, I finally had more grace for myself. I’ve never totally gotten it right, which is maddening to me because I’ve always admired women with beautiful style. And I do try. As your video demonstrates, It’s not ALWAYS about price. However, better quality clothes typically DO cost more and that IS cost prohibitive for many. One tip that finally helped me level up was “wear your good clothes all the time. Even just to hang with loved ones. Even to run mundane errands. If not, they will wear out on the hangers/in drawers, lose shape, or you will outgrow them in size or style without ever enjoying them…and that’s a waste.” This was so hard for me because as a child, I wasn’t allowed to wear my favorites or good clothes because what if I ruined them playing? My parents didn’t have money either. I carried that limiting belief well into my 30s. I look forward to binging your content. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@hiannieem]

Yes, oh my goodness related to this so much. Thanks so much for sharing your insights. And love the evolution!

[@rebeccaalves4796]

Can I just shout out how captivating this vid was to me? My motto: It is not about the status of the shop, is about the quality of the label. I still adore The linen, cotton buttom downs, straight jeans from HM, premium selection cashmeres are divine. &Stories and COS are very premium to me, I adore most of the pieces they release when polyester is out of the label and 100% love everything Made of wool/cotton cardigans I own!

[@hiannieem]

ABSOLUTELY. The more I understood about fabric the better off I was in my closet. Thanks for sharing 💕

[@doloreschu7077]

Really loved the content of this video! Love that you are sharing your style AND life evolution :)

[@hiannieem]

Thanks Dolores ✨

[@gabrielleaquino5060]

Just recently subscribed and so happy to have come across your channel! You have a beautiful family, and I appreciate your authenticity and truth. This was so refreshing to watch, especially because I often find that the discussion of money and its direct impacts on accessibility - even in minimalist and sustainable fashion - and what that looks like and means for Black, Indigenous and racialized folks gets overlooked, thank you and wishing you continued growth and prosperity :)

[@hiannieem]

Aw thank you! Yes a millionnnn. Honestly I don’t even know how to talk about my journey to anything without discussing money…it’s too big a factor in our lives! Thanks for sharing 💓

[@linlee5162]

Good morning Girl!! 💕Such a nice and vulnerable vid. I enjoy your style & aesthetic! Mix &matching, I do the same!👍😍You are so amazing and humble. Yes would like to know more about you, who you are, from, how you both met. You have a beautiful family😁🥰Happy I found your channel 😁

[@hiannieem]

Aw thanks Lin!! And thanks for the suggestions ☀️💕

[@madelinecadieux7636]

I really enjoyed watching this, it was so interesting! I am a recent subscriber and you have really inspired me. I was sort of already transitioning into more neutrals but I felt a bit stuck. Your channel has helped me so much. I am the same age as you so it is really interesting to see the style evolution from that perspective. We didn't have much help with fashion back then.. Honestly KZbin has helped me way more than any fashion magazine!

[@hiannieem]

I completely agree! Growing up having only magazines and movies were so toxic and unrealistic. I’m glad spaces like this exist 🌸

[@carmenalabat8425]

Really enjoyed this as we got to see and understand your evolvement and more understanding f your personal journey. 💯👍

[@hiannieem]

Thank you Carmen! 💕

[@rsnj4501]

I just found your channel last week. This video was fun and I was able to get to know you a little better. Thanks for sharing 💕

[@hiannieem]

Aww thank you !!

[@lucciacazares]

Wow i truly enjoyed watching your style evolution. As you mentioned the years, i was trying to think back where/what i was doing and what i was wearing/buying. Thank you for the insight

[@hiannieem]

Haha good ole memories. Sometimes I was a bit hard on myself and like wait what were others wearing…it was fine haha

[@anitachewter7619]

That was great, I can relate to the journey from no choice in my clothes to splurging when I was able to, to a much more pared back happy place now. I never thought of it in that way before. Thank you

[@hiannieem]

Ah glad you were able to relate! The retrospect for me too was like 🤯

[@mercedes4328]

Thank you, Annie for this excellent, well thought out video! I really appreciated learning about your style evolution. All of your videos are incredibly well done. Your wardrobe videos are so helpful in my goal toward creating a functional capsule wardrobe. Some questions for the Q&A: Where did you and Morgan meet? What was your major in the university? What materials for clothing do you consider good quality and long lasting? Besides Aritzia, what is your favorite store? What's your favorite thing about NYC? What are your favorite things to do in the city when you aren't working? What books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author? Have a beautiful Sunday!🤎

[@rebeccaalves4796]

Annie I also would love to know what is your wishlist look like right now? Which “designer bag” would you pick as first ever nowadays? What are your favorite brands?

[@hiannieem]

Thank you Mercedes! Amazing questions I’ll write them all down 💛

[@hiannieem]

Rebecca that’s a great question wow I hope I don’t get back into lux designer just thinking about it 🙈

[@EllaCharlotteJones]

this is such a fun video idea!! i might try it

[@vasilisa4723]

Sharing the story behind the style evolution is what gives really unique imprint to the video 💫 😊 Q&A questions: This one is for you: do you have Instagram or do you plan opening one for channel-related topics etc.? And this one for both: what have you studied at college/uni and do you work in the same or related area today? 😊

[@hiannieem]

Thank you so much! Writing them down✨

[@MissLilyDancer]

Thank you for sharing your story with us! I love your style and personality! I would love to learn more about how you balance a (new) job and family.

[@hiannieem]

Aw thank you so much! Definitely

[@giuliapuppini6286]

@@hiannieem me too! Sending love from Italy :)

[@myname7303]

Hi, just discovered your channel and saying 👋 from CT 😊 I like the story behind your style evolution.

[@goldfishyum]

thank you for sharing your journey on your style evolution! As a poor college student, I feel pretty insecure about the clothes that I wear. I look at my closet and wish I had quality basics and pieces that I love. This is a great reminder that it takes time to curate a wardrobe, esp with a budget!

[@hiannieem]

Yes absolutely! Completely relate, it’s hard to be patient but shifting focus to something you can do and are working towards made all the difference 💕

[@aidasa3791]

What a journey! I def imagined a different one thinking you dressed effortlessly since your teens (just gave that vibe). thanks for sharing!

[@hiannieem]

Aw I only wished 😉 thank you!

[@gdajklhenw]

Also, I LOVE that photograph of you and Mila in DUMBO. You such a happy energy -- young mom chasing her dreams.

[@hiannieem]

Aww this makes me so happy thank you!

[@JournalingWithNadia]

Wow this video gives me so much hope! Growing up in an immigrant family, I totally relate with having clothes that are hand me downs and the only way I was able to choose my own clothing was to get my own job. I feel like I'm in that stage where I just started my career and I'm trying to elevate my closet and refine my style. Q&A questions: - Fashion related: any tips on how you can tell whether a piece of clothing is good quality even when shopping at stores like Forever 21? - Relationship related: how was it like to elope? How did your family react when they found out?

[@hiannieem]

Aww!! So glad you related. That stage for me was so full of mistakes but I think MOStly so many possibilities - so excited for you 💓 thanks for the questions my love!

[@isadorasmiles9339]

This was a really interesting video thanks for sharing your journey!

[@laurenjersey8279]

Loved this!

[@Nomzie55]

Loving this content 😍💕

[@hiannieem]

Thanks my love 💓

[@laurbell]

Hi Annie! Question for you and Morgan. You mentioning secrelty eloping months before getting engaged. What made you guys decide to elope and how was it telling your family and friends that + that you were pregnant? Thanks for being open to sharing a bit more about yourself!:)

[@hiannieem]

Thanks Lauren! Amazing questions :)

[@hotdot10]

Great video, really love seeing your style journey 👏💖 I think that money is definitely a big part of keeping up with 'fashion' however I do believe that 'style' comes with creativity & confidence regardless of your income bracket - for example thrift shopping has opened up so many opportunities to curate my personal style in a way that feels natural to me as opposed to spending and wasting money on trends that come & go and don't necessarily suit me 👍

[@hiannieem]

Very well said. Completely agree!

[@mansoor3159]

Hey! Annie your vlogs are too wonderful and I really really enjoyed watching your vlogs a lot you’re Looking too gorgeous and I wish you reach 9K Subscribers very very soon!💖🌸💕🤗🥺🙈

[@hiannieem]

Thanks mansoor 💗💗

[@emmy8526]

This was amazing! Yep, money and style (especially in snobby environs like many urban workplaces) are inextricable. Kind of infuriating, actually: the pressure on young women who are underpaid and employed below their education/skill level to spend way more money than men on their looks to be deemed respectable at work. Aside from the temporary purse madness, I think you handled it very well!

[@hiannieem]

So well said!! Completely didn’t even realize all that until I moved past it

[@tatjanadavis8672]

You are such a sweet and worm but at the same time strong and cool woman.

[@hiannieem]

Thank you so much Tatjana 💓 I’ll def answer that but would also love to hear what you think! Being a similar style do you blend in fast fashion? All love

[@tatjanadavis8672]

@@hiannieem Oh thanx for asking! I do not buy fast fashion anymore since many years, I think about 7 years actually. Except a few second hand pieces and super old clothes, that I still like (but they are by far not my most worn pieces!) I recently counted them and I actually own 5 pieces in total that are fast fashion. Instead I look for fair fashion second hand or new or real vintage pieces and just love the good quality and don´t want to go back ;-) I´m a freelancer musician, so my budget is not super high, but since fashion is my passion I like to spend some money and time in it and it really makes me feel a lot better to not purchase fast fashion and beside the ethical reasons I just feel so much more chic and well dressed in my high quality items

[@pomminnie]

I'm sorry...but you are just so pretty I think you will look good in anything. Sorry for the shallowness. I love your content to bits.

[@hiannieem]

Thank you!💓

[@tequila6141]

I enjoyed soooo much! Such a unique video. Cant wait for the Q&A with your husband. Would love to know how you met each other?

[@hiannieem]

Yes definitely will have a bit of a chat about that! Thanks so much 💕

[@CorinnaOnTheRun]

Love how you worked the purse game to have them and make money off them at the same time.

[@hiannieem]

I’m always so grateful for that mini hustle! Helped a ton with a new baby, but also I don’t find myself wanting that stuff anymore somehow

[@CorinnaOnTheRun]

@@hiannieem double win

[@buffer1954]

Lovely❣️👌

[@alicetrieu7733]

Cute fashion journey

[@alisonshanahan9529]

New subscriber. Pregnancy makes your feet swell and in my case, broaden. I went from a c fitting to an e. Most ladies shoes don't go over a c. I love the way you mix up the lux and regular clothes. You are fortunate that your husband is interested in fashion, mine thinks anything over $20 is too much. 😅

[@hiannieem]

My feet swole as well!! I prefer mens sneakers for example.. same styles as I would buy for women. Lolol is a double edged sword to have a husband who’s into fashion. Believe me 😂

[@simransian9770]

I have some Q & A questions if that's okay. I was wondering how you handle being a working mom and having a baby at a young age? Also how did you meet your husband and how did your family react to him?

[@isabelleongg]

Fashion Question: I'm currently cleaning out my closet and sizing down. Do you have any recommendations on best ways to sell clothing? Or should I donate them?

[@hiannieem]

I think if you have the time to take all the pics, reselling yourself on Poshmark eBay etc makes the most money back. Worst case they don’t all sell, you can always donate then, and in my experience usually have made a decent amount. Good luck💓

[@verastevers5618]

Hi! Can you maybe tell me where the striped wrap top from 2019 is from? (: Maybe it is still sold on depop :p

[@hiannieem]

Of course! It was a Zara top - I think I bought it in…2018 if that helps!

[@skalzangdolma2689]

You are so beautiful 🥰

[@cutsclothing]

Annie! Absolutely loving your channel, would love work together! Let us know the best way to get in contact!

[@hiannieem]

You can email me at annieemyt@gmail

[@amber0290]

The thumbnail caught me off guard considering you were a child in the first picture. It’s normal and natural to not have a defined style at that time, or at any point in life honestly.

[@hellen3098]

Ah...and i was thinking you grew up super duper rich