Fashion & Flat Whites: Nita McMillan
Nita rocking a layered look, with a sweater vest, a button down shirt, black tailored paints, an animal print jacket, and boots! Can’t forget the jewelry, either - it’s all in the details!
How would you define your style?
My style is varied and eclectic. One day I will be in jeans and a jumper, the next in boots, dress and biker jacket. I do love mixing color and patterns and love pieces that are unique. I also love thrifting/op shopping and try to source items that are sustainable, second hand or recycled.
How has your style defined you?
My style has always been a little quirky and has always been a reflection of my creative side. I'm not a typical body shape so I look for items that make me feel good, put together or unique.
Who would you say your style icon is?
Iris Apfel. She is daring and creative, courageous and incomparable. And has been throughout her entire life. She mixes patterns, prints and bold colors with chunky statement jewelry and her iconic black frames. I also love the colors and drama portrayed by Frida Kahlo.
How long have you been interested in fashion, and what inspired your interest?
I've always been quite creative and had an interest in fashion, I mean who hasn't wanted to be a fashion designer at one point or another? I remember lots of different phases growing up: my corduroy and fluffy shirts phase, my androgynous phase, my clogs phase!
As I grew into adulthood, and motherhood, I lost who I was. I became stuck in self loathing, and embarrassment, and of not wanting to be the shape, and person I was. But my self-concept around my body changed in my late 30's and I started making more creative, bold choices again. I wish I had embraced this boldness sooner! I realized that fashion can be a fun way to embrace and express who I am. Everyday it's like a blank canvas and I get to decide who I feel like being today. I'm not for everyone, and that is completely ok. Dita Von Teese is credited with saying, "You can be the most ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there will still be people who don't like peaches."
Can you tell us about your journey to body confidence?
I was always very self conscious as a teen and well into adulthood. And after becoming a mother, I tried to hide my body with oversized shirts and jeans. I tried fad diets and had periods of self loathing, always trying to "fix" myself through others' opinions of me. I had some mental health and relationship challenges at age 37, but as I recovered; I discovered some pretty cool things about me; I became more authentic; I found my joy again, I had more courage, and I realized that people don't care about my body, or what I wear, as much as I thought they did. Now my philosophy is "If you don't like what you see then it's your fault for looking.." lol. Nowadays even though I'm still quite curvy, I'm healthier and happier than I have ever been and I wear what I feel good in.
“Clothing is a great way to impact your own mental health and wellbeing.”
What's your profession, and how does what you wear impact your professional life?
I'm a school counselor so I need to wear things that are comfortable and not distracting for either the students or myself. I want to be able to give them my full attention, not feel irritated by tags, materials or something digging in. I also think that wearing things that are quirky or unique can subconsciously express that I am creative and therefore can come up with creative ways to help someone through their concerns. But I'm also confident in being me and what I wear reflects that. And that confidence is something that I may be able to help them with too.
How did you find out about Mys Tyler?
I actually saw a friend showcasing her fabulous outfits on social media using the hashtag and decided to find out more. I loved the concept behind Mys Tyler, how it gives women a platform to share and receive positive feedback, that we see ourselves represented by other fabulous women, that it is a source of inspiration for trying new and different things. Like a "Choose your own adventure" book for fashion lovers!
How has using Mys Tyler impacted you?
I like that it is a safe and encouraging space for women to try new things, to express themselves, and to feel united in the sisterhood. It encourages me to explore my style more, to try options inspired by what others have worn, and the prompts help me create new outfits and plan my looks for the week, taking a bit of stress out of my busy mornings.
Have you enjoyed being a Contributor of Mys Tyler inspiring women?
I love contributing to Mys Tyler because I want to encourage women to dress for who they are. Find their own style and embrace it, no matter whether its minimal capsule wardrobe styles or the maximal of Iris Apfel. Don't be programmed by "what's in fashion" but create your own, allowing yourself to feel good, vibrant, creative, dramatic and authentically you.
Nita looking absolutely stunning in this OOTD - the star of this look is her embroidered scarf, which she’s owned for 25 years! Talk about a statement piece!
What's one fashion hack you love?
I'm a mad keen Op-Shopper. I find that when we buy new clothes, we limit our focus to stores whose styles we feel we should wear. But Op-shopping allows you to find unique pieces, and you choose things not based on their label, but based on their colors and design. It's also sustainable and if you're clever, you can alter pieces to make something completely one-of-a-kind.
What's the perfect formula for a feel-good outfit?
It MUST be comfortable. I like to incorporate color, and it should highlight the things I like about myself (my coloring, broad shoulders, fun, etc.) and bonus points if it is sustainably sourced or recycled. If it's a dress: It's gotta have pockets!
What do you hope the future of fashion will look like?
I hope great pieces with wearable longevity will be cheaper for people to buy so that we don't feel pushed to buy fast fashion, or throw out so much. I'd like items to be made of more sustainable materials, and with creative features that allow them to be worn by a greater variety of body shapes, for example, adjustable sizing, wrap options, and innovative designs.
What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance?
I'd high five my teenage self and tell her not to lose the spark of who she was, and to embrace her creative side more, knowing that people are more concerned about what's going on for them, than what she's wearing or looking like. I'd speak kind words to my post-mummy self, encouraging her to love what she had created, but also what she had become. That her worth was innate, and that a time was coming where she would again feel empowered, and resilient, and energized. And that a wrap dress and 3B (anti chafing cream) are her friends.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Mys Tyler Community?
Clothing is a great way to impact your own mental health and wellbeing. If you're feeling shy or uncertain, slap on some confidence boosting red lipstick. If you're tired or emotionally fatigued, wear some soft comforting textures to help you feel safe all day. If you're feeling sad, embrace color theory and use brights to boost your mood. If you are feeling stagnant and uninspired, wear your most fabulous piece. If you feel like you need a fresh start, pop down to your local op shop and buy a new outfit, guilt free, wash your hair and put on some face cream, tomorrow is a new day. These things may not solve all your concerns, but it's an easy place to start.
Pops of color can really brighten up a day! Pictured here, Nita styled an orange turtleneck with a white long sleeve top, skinny jeans, joggers, and some beautiful jewelry!
Nita is one of Mys Tyler’s Contributors, inspiring women across the world with her eclectic style. You can follow Nita on Mys Tyler to be inspired below!