The Dressing Room Series, NYC Edition: Alyssa Coscarelli
Alyssa, it really has become a full-circle moment with you and Na Nin! It’s still so dear to us that you were the one to write an article about Na Nin on Refinery29. What are your thoughts on current vintage versus vintage back in the day? (And by that, we mean circa 2016!)?
Time flies! One of the things I loved most about my editor days at Refinery29 was supporting small woman-owned businesses and celebrating vintage and secondhand fashion long before it was as "trendy" as it is today (which, of course I'm thrilled that vintage has hit the mainstream!). Na Nin and I have both been in this crazy fashion world a while now, so I think we all know how much things continue to change and evolve and all we can do is hope to keep adapting and evolving along with it.
We are so happy to be back in New York, and we’ve been loving interacting with customers and chatting about Na Nin’s story! When shopping in physical stores, what qualities do you look for that you feel Na Nin does particularly well? Do you look for certain styles, fabrics, or a particular feel?
I love to have a lot of options when I'm shopping IRL, but I can also appreciate a strong curation, and I think Na Nin is so wonderful at making sure there's something for everyone while also ensuring the curation is thoughtful and edited. These days I'm really drawn to natural, non-plastic fabrics and pieces I know will stand the test of time not only in the washing machine but that transcend the trend cycle a bit, if you will.
We know it stays hot for a while on the East Coast before Fall is in its truest form. If you were shopping Na Nin’s in-house line, what fall pieces are you looking to incorporate this year?
This summer I've just been craving pieces that you can throw on and go -- of course, I still want to look put-together, but that's what Na Nin really nails with the in-house line: it's chic without feeling fussy, and that's what I'm after lately.
What is one vintage piece you think every vintage lover should have in their wardrobe? Whether it’s a special piece of jewelry, a silk blouse, or a vintage designer bag!
Vintage handbags are just so special, and often times truly one-of-a-kind. I hate having the same bag(s) as anyone else, so I love vintage handbags because they feel truly special and unique.
It’s so exciting to see your side projects as an interior designer take off! How did you find yourself discovering this new entrepreneurship?
I appreciate that! I find such joy in curating and styling my own spaces, and eventually, folks started asking me to help them with theirs, too. I said yes and haven't looked back! It's been such a fun journey and pivot to lean into this year, and I'm just seeing where it takes me.
