GET TO KNOW: JOSIE RAE

Meet Josie, a vintage-loving stylist and the brains behind Amorae, a curated vintage and second-hand clothing brand. We caught up with Josie to learn about her passion for timeless style, her approach to vintage shopping, and her journey of building her own business.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I am originally from Kansas City but I have been constantly moving around for college, my job and my fiance's job (he plays in the NBA)...LA, Chicago, Cleveland, and now Philly!

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?
I have an online vintage clothing brand and do social media (TikTok and Instagram). I have also recently signed with an LA and New York-based agency.

WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA TO START YOUR BRAND?
I have ALWAYS loved fashion, especially secondhand and thrifting. It truly allows you to express your personal style - nothing feels more exciting than finding a unique piece. When I was going to fashion school in LA, I started posting my thrift finds, and people were trying to buy them. At the time, I was figuring out what I wanted to do once I graduated, and it just fell into place perfectly.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT HAVING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Hands down, being my own boss. My work ethic determines everything, and I'm in charge of my life and schedule. The flexibility is worth everything to me - I feel like my quality of life is 10/10 due to being my own boss.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE?
I always like to start my day with a workout - it helps my mental health and productivity levels. I'm really into Pilates and walking at the moment. After my workout, I NEED some form of caffeine to start the day...it's truly an addiction (matcha has been my recent go-to).

I then get ready and style my look for the day. My TikTok and Instagram revolve around my "daily" outfit content. I film that and then usually head out. It changes depending on what I have going on, but I will shoot content for brands I'm working with, go thrifting to get inventory for Amorae, and go to the studio to shoot product photos for Amorae or package orders.

I normally go to a coffee shop in the afternoon - I get most of my work done when I'm not in my personal space. I’ll edit the content that needs to be submitted, respond to emails, make selections for collabs and catch up on DMs and comments. It's always changing but that's pretty typical.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AT THE MOMENT?
Being 100% authentic... Pinterest...showing my personality...taking pictures of everything...being shamelessly yourself...reading...journaling and manifesting...vlogging...dressing to feel good...chunky jewellery…

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

It ranges, but oversized silhouettes - I normally go towards the men section. I love baggy jeans and big jackets with a pointed heel. I can also go girly with fun prints and colours. I like to play around and just wear whatever speaks to me. I notice I feel my sexiest/best in something cool and baggy.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE VINTAGE PIECE IN YOUR WARDROBE AND WHY IS IT SPECIAL TO YOU?
My small vintage Balenciaga city bag...she is my favourite find of all time. I got her from an auction in Japan for $150. This was before city bags became trendy. She goes with everything, she's slouchy, cool and timeless. I am determined to hand down an insane vintage bag collection to my daughter one day.

WHAT IS ONE WARDROBE ITEM YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Okay, I have to say two...I simply CAN'T live without an oversized pair of denim jeans and an oversized blazer. Those are both 100% my most worn pieces.

 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR AMORAE?
Truthfully...Amorae has become more of a passion project. I genuinely enjoy sourcing and I love the thought of sourcing pieces for people that they will keep in their wardrobe forever. I'm moving towards doing more vintage design, specifically handbags.

SHOP JOSIE RAE’S NAKEDVICE EDIT