Nicole Koo

Inspired by Korean streetwear, Nicole Koo (10), is always on the hunt for secondhand pieces with stories.

Koo puts a spin on her looks with vintage pieces she finds from swap meets and secondhand stores, her favorites being Kobey’s Swap Meet by Pechanga Arena and CSU Thrift in Mira Mesa. To Koo, the key to shopping secondhand lies in looking for unique clothing pieces with personality.

“My interest definitely blossomed post COVID when I started going out again and traveling,” Koo said. “I would notice other people’s outfits when I was visiting cities and would get so inspired by them and want to figure out what their inspiration was.”

While observing others’ outfits, Koo looks for pieces that speak to her and then, “runs with that.”

“Fashion is a way I love to express myself and give people a glimpse of my personality with the clothes I present myself in everyday,” Koo said.

Koo explained that you can never go wrong with a couple of investment basics when it comes to building your unique wardrobe. She recommends investing in a good pair of Levi’s jeans, “that compliment your body type.”

When looking for basic staples to add to her closet Koo said Artizia is one of her go-to stores.

She also suggests personalizing an outfit is through jewelry. Koo wears lots of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets to add dimension to her outfits.

“My favorite piece of jewelry is this silver handmended twisted ring with a gap in the middle, that I got in Korea at a pop-up shop,” Koo