Fast fashion fades—but real style lingers. -8 min read
In a world obsessed with “what’s new,” we’re here to celebrate what’s worth keeping. Whether it’s a thrifted gem with soul or a made-to-order piece stitched with intention, lasting style is the new luxury. And no one embodies that quite like @StylingByChi.
From the early days of Checkmate, Chi blended our signature pieces with secondhand finds—breathing new life into fashion that others overlooked. Her style proves that grace, edge, and consciousness can exist in one look. That fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be fierce.
This blog is your beginner-friendly guide to shopping smarter, dressing with depth, and investing in clothes that don’t just wear well—they age well.
Because the real flex?
Is wearing something that still turns heads years later.
Before we dive in, let’s spotlight the guest who lives and breathes the heart of this message:
Naomi C. Ilochi — The Grace of Intention✨
“Do nothing without intention.” Solange said it. Naomi C. Ilochi lives it.
Known to many as Chi Ilochi, this stylist, writer, and cultural visionary reminds us that style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about what you carry, reflect, and release.
“If it feels forced or unaligned, it’s not for me.
Similarly with personal style—if it doesn’t calmly communicate who I am, it’s not for me.”
Naomi C. Ilochi in all black attire
Chi’s early collaborations with Checkmate Anywear brought that energy to life—pairing thrifted gems with made-to-order staples. And in a fashion world that often races toward excess, Chi’s styling is proof that the real flex is dressing with meaning.
“Fashion is an extension of who you are,” she shares, “but it's also an extension of who you're not. The best way to remain ‘stylish’ is to honor the intentionality that was assigned to you when you were born.”
-Chi Ilochi
Celebrating Creators With Intention
Chi also uplifts brands that embody this deeper connection between style and self. She highlights:
Her Mind’s Eye: Artchive Collections
Created by Kendraya Davis, this brand explores identity through art and design, honoring craftsmanship through imaginative, hand-crafted pieces.
💭 Check out "Her Mind's Eye": Artchive Collections
🌐 Follow Kendraya Davis on Instagram
Chi Ilochi on Kendraya Davis' Her Mind's Eye: Artchive Collections |
Nia’s Creative Space – The Bloom Girl Tee
In a relaxed, layered look, Chi pairs a blooming pink skirt with the Bloom Girl Tee by multidisciplinary artist Nia Lewis—a beautiful nod to blooming from within. The website is filled with affirming messages for girls of all shades, paired with playful visuals and uplifting scripts that feel like poetry in motion.
🌸Shop the Bloom Girl Tee
🌐 Follow Nia Lewis on Instagram
Above, Naomi C. Ilochi in Nia Lewis's Bloom Girl Tee paired with a pink layered ruffle maxi skirt
Chi’s Voice in Print: UNSTABLE x Griffin Wilson
Chi’s recent article in the New Pittsburgh Courier profiles Griffin Wilson, founder of UNSTABLE—an experimental fashion brand grounded in artistry and storytelling.
🧵 Smart Style: A Beginner’s Checklist for Thrifting & Lasting Fashion
Whether you’re thrifting your first gem or investing in a future vintage piece, these steps will help you buy better and wear longer:
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Check the Threads
Tight, even stitching is a sign of craftsmanship. Loose threads? Leave it behind. -
Feel the Weight
Heavier fabrics often mean greater durability. If it feels too light or flimsy, it may not last. -
Pattern Alignment
Printed patterns should align at the seams. Misalignment can indicate poor construction. -
Learn the Wash Codes
Inside every garment is a care tag. Understanding these symbols helps extend the life of your clothes. -
Trust Your Eye and Intuition
If it feels good, fits your vibe, and you can style it three different ways—it’s worth the grab.
Final Note
Buy better. Wear longer. Honor your style like the legacy it is.
Support like this begins within—and radiates outward. Each of us, as artists, carries a message of resilience. We hold space for a better tomorrow—whether through creation or conversation.
Because every piece you choose holds memory, movement, and meaning.
And that—more than anything—is the real flex.
xo,
DJae ✨