I began as the middle schooler tucked into leggings and hoodies, and eventually, my style started to make people wonder, “Omg, what is she wearing?” Early on, I was still discovering my personal style and didn’t always feel confident in what I wore. My style didn’t feel like mine as it was safe, simple, and uninspired. Everything changed when I started noticing my sister’s wardrobe: high heels, boots, flare jeans, bold prints. She carried herself with a confidence and creativity that I couldn’t stop admiring. Once I was old enough to fit into those styles, I took matters into my own hands and never looked back. Soon enough, I discovered that I love the process of putting together outfits, and one of my favorite parts of my nightly routine is picking out what I’ll wear the next day. Fashion has become a true form of self-expression for me, and I live by the motto: “Look good, feel good.” Every piece I choose has a purpose, and I enjoy experimenting with combinations that make me feel confident and authentic.

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As I explored my style in high school, I became that girl who made people say, “Here comes Ava, I can hear her from a mile away,” or comment on my outfit choices. Growing up in Urbandale, Iowa, where fashion isn’t the focal point, made me especially aware of how clothing could be a form of self-expression. In an environment where not many people cared about fashion, my choices stood out even more. Even when those choices were questioned, I was learning the power of expressing myself through clothing. I’ve documented my unique approach to style through my styling account, Third One A Charm, where I share my outfit choices with a wider audience. I love discovering new brands to explore and draw inspiration from, but I also stick with the ones I know and trust, brands that consistently offer the pieces I love and align with my aesthetic. This balance allows me to experiment while remaining true to my personal style and building a wardrobe that is distinctive.

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My mom has shaped how I approach fashion, showing me that it’s fun to be different and express creativity. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to become a confident individual who is not afraid to take risks or stand out in a crowd. Confidence has become one of the most important parts of my style journey. Of course, I’m not perfect, as I still get insecure sometimes. But in those moments, I remind myself that I don’t need to care what others think and that I like what I like. Until then, I enjoy being the person whose outfit encourages others to see fashion in a new way.

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Alongside building confidence, I’ve developed my own approach to trends and fashion. In the world of fashion, trends often dominate the conversation, but I focus on making choices that feel authentic to me. I don’t set out to follow trends, although sometimes my style naturally aligns with them. I’ve always gravitated toward a style that stands apart, which means you won’t see me wearing a Parke sweatshirt, basic knee-high black boots, or Frye yellow boots (nothing wrong with them, they're just not my style). Instead, I focus on curating a wardrobe that reflects who I am, combining pieces with personal choices that make every outfit uniquely mine. Today, my style is personal and unique. It reflects my journey from blending in to standing out, from leggings and hoodies to bold self-expression. Every outfit I choose tells a story, and I hope my designs will do the same for others.