Clothes can be a way we express our individuality- often within the confines of societal norms. They can say ‘I’m proud of my culture’ or ‘my religion is important to me’; they can say ‘I am in charge’ or ‘I don’t care about being fashionable’. Here Linda Ogbenna, who owns the online vintage boutique ‘Bedroom Finds’ shares some of her favourite pieces and what her clothes say about her.
Tell us a little bit about you
I’m Linda, I run a vintage store online called BedroomFinds and work a regular 9-5 in Consumer Insight.
Why do you think what you wear is important?
I think it’s a blueprint of your identity. For me, I would factor it in when I remember someone or when I’m describing somebody.
How would you describe your style?
A matured Y2K vibe in tonal blocks that allows for a mix & match with classic pieces, if I felt like it.
What do you love about fashion from the 70’s through to the 90’s?
There’s a braggadocious vibe that’s unapologetic about that era. Bold features and the elegance modelled on simple pieces. Like a sharp bold collar on a leather long-lined jacket or a silk blouse with an exaggerated collar is something I love too.
Who/what would you say is your style inspiration?
My mum in the early 00s, there are pieces I have in my wardrobe now that resonate a lot with the items that she had when she was younger around that time.
Tell us a about your online store Bedroom Finds and what inspired you to Start it
Its been up since 2018 and draws from piece I’ve sourced and owned. I felt like there weren’t enough or any spaces for Black Girls/women to be fronted for wearing vintage clothing- let alone bigger branded businesses, without it being a token novelty.
I fell into a bit of a creative rut and saw a boom of vintage stores coming online to Instagram. I envisioned having something of my own store, so I thought why not and its existed ever since.
What do you want your clothes to say about you?
Simple, Unique and Classic.
Who takes your photos?
For my store, me-mainly.
What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe right now?
Ooooo… anything long and in silk. My silk-satin skirt I got from Totokaelo before they sadly closed down, my-long lined silk blazer from Mixed BusinessLA and my leopard print long-lined dress I sourced on eBay.
What’s your go-to outfit?
High waisted trousers, an Oversized Blazer and a blouse.. think off-duty Princess Diana.
Your Favourite colours to pair in an outfit?
Brown, Camel and Burgundy.
Your favourite accessory?
Gold Hoop Earrings.
Top 3 places to shop?
& Other Stories, Ebay and Etsy.
Your least favourite fashion trend?
I don’t think there is anything I don’t like, because I might try it one day. But then again, I’m not a fan of the Balenciaga Triple-S trainers, so I guess that’s something.
If you could only wear 1 hairstyle for the rest of your life what would this be?
A bob [because] You can play with it… and its enough hair to manipulate. It fits with my aesthetic now that I can wear [my hair] in a bob. I say that, and then probably wear my in braids or curly-fro or something else instead.
Finally, where can people find you on socials?
Find me on Instagram @Bedroomfinds or @Lindalookat (my personal handle)
Visit Bedroom Finds For some unique pieces to add to your wardrobe.
Twenty to a hundred 