Popsugar: What is one word you would use to describe your personal style today?
Deepti Vempati: Growing up
PS: How does your Indian heritage influence your personal style? How has this influence changed over the years?
DV: As a child, I used to run away from wearing or being seen in Indian clothes because I was afraid of drawing attention to myself. I hid too much behind comfort and wanted to join. Over the years, as my confidence has grown, I now want to wear bold pieces that help me stand out, which in turn boosts my self-esteem. I love mixing western wear with Indian accents and accessories.
PS: When did your personal style begin to form?
DV: My personal style began when my habits and experiences aligned with my thoughts and feelings. When I finally felt good about myself after taking years to work on loving myself, that’s when I had the confidence to make bold choices and put myself out there with my clothes. There was a time in my life when I looked in the mirror and hated myself. When I finally put in the work to change the way I see myself, I found a lot of freedom with my phone.
PS: Your book talks a lot about confronting societal standards. How have societal standards influenced your style and the way you express yourself?
DV: Growing up, I always thought I had to dress the way my peers dressed and was afraid to make specific choices when it came to personal style, but now I understand that pushing the boundaries and every body shape and style should be adjusted. For each individual.
PS: What trends, colors or pieces will you be leaving behind in 2022?
DV: I let go of the idea that fashion should have some sort of structure. I’ve always thought that outfits should match, but I want to push the boundaries of adding color to my style, whether it’s with blazers, accessories, or bags and shoes.
I’m learning to add more color and pattern to a monochrome outfit by adding a blazer that pops using pieces like the DKNY Two Tone Single Button Blazer or the Calvin Klein Ruched Sleeve One Button Blazer in Port.
PS: What clothes are you looking to add to your closet this year? How do they match your personal style?
DV: I love wearing power clothes because they make me feel confident. This Le Suit dress shirt is perfect for interview days. I still like to go with a neutral color that pops and can reach to add a touch of femininity.
I do appear and speak at meetings, so my attire for those occasions is always corporate and professional, but I like to change my style depending on the occasion. For example, this Tahari ASL dress in a bright color, like red or wild berry, mixes femininity and makes a powerful statement all in one dress. I paired this with my cobalt blue Madden Girl True Rhinestone bow evening dress sandals. This will add a pop of color and some style to a simple dress shirt.
PS: How does your personal style influence your home decor?
DV: My personal style is very simple with a “more is more” mentality, which is why I like to keep my home airy, light and uncluttered. My apartment is full of white and gray furniture and I love adding cozy throws that add brightness to the space, like using the UGG Euphoria Plush Reversible Faux Fur Throw as an accent piece on the couch or bed. I always have a candle burning in the apartment and my favorite is the Jill and Allie set. The Peace and Tranquility Crystal Candle is calming and has an amethyst crystal in the wax.
PS: Is your personal style the now famous “Do I choose myself?” How does that reflect the verse?
DV: We wake up every day and we have a choice [you] Are you living for society and the people around you, or are you living your life for yourself? I choose everyday to try to be real, unique and different, and that is our superpower. We achieve these things through fashion, self-expression and personal style. Our clothes, accessories, shoes and homes are expressions of our inner self, who we are and how we care for ourselves. These important aspects shape the quality of our lives, and for this reason, I and my personal preferences are above all.