Guest Feature: Tariro Makoni
Digging into all of Tariro's favorite things, so much inspiration here!!
Happy 2024! A huge thank you to all who continue reading and supporting this newsletter!
I am sooooooo thrilled to introduce today’s guest feature, Tariro Makoni. I love following her on TikTok, her astute and detailed views on fashion and trends offer a unique perspective and I always learn something new, she offers so much inspiration below and I am so excited for you to learn more about her!
Tell us a bit about your career path, what you are currently up to and where you call home. How has this affected and inspired your style?
I’ve always cared a lot about startups, and the anatomy of what makes a good one become great. I went to Johns Hopkins for undergrad to fulfill the sole purpose of becoming a doctor, but that dream lasted for the first two weeks of Intro Chem. I realized what I really was passionate about was the intersection of sociology and economics and analyzing how poles of power have shifted (economically and politically) across the world. It was a lot of math, a lot of reading, and a lot of theorizing, which is basically the foundation of work in Strategy. My current role at AWS focused on Strategy for Startups is the perfect blend of the two.
As for content creation, the role that aesthetics (fashion, beauty, interiors, even food) play in our lives has always been fascinating to me. I’d say that fashion was my earliest passion (I tried to start my own label in the 6th grade LOL). I’ve never seen clothes as just clothes, but have always tried to understand how they interlink with culture, trends, history, the economy, our psychology, and more. I think it’s the most interesting thing to analyze because so little can express so much, and it’s up to you to find those links/patterns (and pattern construction happens to be my mental state of joy). I currently live in NYC (Chelsea), but my parents live in Palm Beach, FL. However, I was born in Zimbabwe and spent most of my childhood traveling within Africa/Europe. I think my personal style reflects all of that - I’d say my sun is classic, my moon is global/eclectic modern, and my rising is relaxed chic.
I love following you on TikTok, the inspiration is ever flowing! You have amazing taste and the most unique finds. Anything specific you are adding to your wishlist?
Ah, you are so kind!! Thank you! I think another Carolina Bucci lucky bracelet, I had one in high school, lost it in college, and never replaced. But I think those early aughts are coming back, so it’s time. Also, the Bottega intrecciato silver passport case, some knits from The Row and Lisa Yang (her brushed cashmere is INSANE), the Bienaime lip balm, Anna + Nina’s I love you mug (dreaming to go to their store in Amsterdam), Sidia’s pyro candle, Suzie Kondi’s red knit hat, and Sandy Liang’s long red hair bow.
Let's talk basics. What is your go-to favorite white tee, black belt and jeans?
Ooof this is hard!! I actually wear more black long sleeves than I do white tees (still haven’t found “the one”) - my outfit staple is typically a black long sleeve/black jeans/cashmere or mohair sweater over the shoulder (colors vary by season - reds/navys/browns in fall & winter).
If it’s before noon, I’ll sub jeans for my favorite Wear One’s At leggings and go with a frilly sock + my leopard wales bonner sambas. My favorite black long sleeves are the Pima cotton ones from Vince (almost like a tissue paper thin), and The Row has a jersey knit tee that’s thicker (and more opaque) and fits so beautifully. My black jean staple is Good American, and I get them tailored. And this is a faux pas, but I never wear a belt (I NEED ONE) so if you have recs, please let me know! I tend to stay offline for inspo when it comes to my outfits, I feel like it allows me to translate more authentically. But it also means I don’t purchase similarly to everyone else because my needs are different, so I always say take all with a grain of salt!!
Any other favorite pieces (or brands) right now?
Everything by Kallmeyer speaks to my soul, especially their Beau button down in white (SICKENING). I love Suzie Kondi’s cashmere knits, they’re woven so beautifully, almost like a story is being told (and they are so soft and plush). Modern Citizen makes my favorite button down, and I’ll always ride for Nili Lotan. College made me fluent in Mango, and I was raised on J. Crew, so I still find a couple pieces each season that I adore from each!
Skincare! Your skin is absolutely stunning! What are your current top shelf products that you are loving? I.e., your repeat purchases, keep coming back to items etc. Included in that, any facials, devices or treatments that have been the most impactful.
Omg so many compliments, I love it here!! Thank you :). To preface, I have super dry skin. I’ve used Biologique Recherche for over 7 years now, and I adore Lotion P50 PIGM 400, Lait E.V., Masque VIP 02, serums placenta & amniotique & marine, and my FAVORITE facial spray - L’eauxygenante.
I just started using the Environ Vitamin A + C serum, and I am disgusted by how incredible it is. I wish I could drink it with a straw. I love La Prairie’s 3 minute peel for at home facials, and the La Prairie hand cream is my absolute favorite & an instant repurchase. Shiseido facial cotton is my favorite to remove makeup (I use bioderma micellar water for that) and cleanse (BR), and I love the Shiseido sunscreen.
My holy grail product is the Youth to the People Glow Oil, face oils are the key to glowing skin IMO. My favorite moisturizers are Dieux Skin Instant Angel and Air Angel. Dieux also makes my favorite eye serum - Auracle. For body, Mutha’s body balm and body oil are SPECTACULAR. Absolute faves. My go-to facials are Biologique Recherche’s Ice Facial in NYC by Rachel Bryant at Paul Labrecque, and the La Prairie Custom Facial at the Ritz Nomad (NYC). Most impactful, though, has to be sleep and drinking lots of water. Can’t say I actually take that advice, but I know it works lol.
Continuing on with the subject of beauty & skincare, what are your top 3 favorite makeup products right now?
This is very challenging, I cannot believe you’re making me choose only three!!!! Has to be Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Stick in Brulee, the Sania’s Brow Bar eyebrow pencil, and Bobbi Brown’s Bronzer in Dark.
In this newsletter, I share my current screenshots and ask people to share some of theirs. What are a few things you have recently screenshotted on your phone that you have been wanting to try or have been eyeing as of recent?
The Row Pre Fall 2024 is my mental state right now.
Charvet Slippers (looking for red suede).
Our favorite chips to have with caviar, sent to my mom so she remembers to buy for xmas eve & NYE!!
Love everything Farah Homidi Beauty right now and this leather puffy pouchette for makeup is so chic, I want it so badly!!
Art! Who is your favorite artist right now? Or a piece of art hanging in your home, a piece that is on your wishlist etc.
Bryce Batts is high on the wishlist right now - his photography evokes Dawoud Bey (another favorite artist of mine). Love Jamila Richmond-Edwards, Kehinde Wiley, Noah Davis, Ruth Asawa, and Atong Atem.
What are you currently reading? Or a book you always recommend to your friends.
I’m currently reading Klara and The Sun and The Sociology of Taste!
Current favorite snacks + supplements in the fridge or pantry?
In a huge apples (sugarbee) + Fromager d’Affinois phase right now, and drinking a creepy amount of Ghia. Also discovered these fitjoy dijon pretzels on a delta flight and immediately bought them, I live for a good delta find. I also drink unsweetened Calm every night, and an unsweetened Biok+ every morning!
A huge thank you to Tariro for taking the time to answer some questions and giving us some new endless inspiration! I am currently deep diving on her artist recommendations, adding Youth to the People glow serum to my cart and actually drooling over Suzie Kondi’s cashmere!!! You can follow Tariro here and here. You can also take a look at her Into The Gloss article for even more inspo here.
This reminded me to get back on Youth to the People! She’s such a cool girl ❤️❤️❤️