{"id":1765,"date":"2025-07-23T14:17:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T14:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/?p=1765"},"modified":"2025-07-24T14:57:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T14:57:12","slug":"im-in-my-90s-grunge-era-heres-how-i-achieve-the-look-lifestyle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/23\/im-in-my-90s-grunge-era-heres-how-i-achieve-the-look-lifestyle\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019m in My \u201990s Grunge Era. Here\u2019s How I Achieve the Look &amp; Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Growing up, my parents used to play these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-us\/90s-female-singers\">1990s pop rock<\/a> and synth pop records in both English and Spanish. My mom had big curly hair and wore<a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-us\/2021\/06\/10515674\/low-rise-jeans-comeback-reactions\"> low-rise jeans<\/a>, and my dad was always in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-us\/band-tees\">band tees<\/a>. They didn\u2019t think much of it. They were just living their interests out loud. But I watched and soaked it all in. I didn\u2019t know it then, but I was starting to build my own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-us\/grunge-fashion\">\u201890s grunge<\/a> aesthetic\u00a0 \u2014 one layered with lace, chunky shoes, denim skirts, and that gritty, dreamy feeling I chase now in both <a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/gb\/artist\/joaquina\/1536868688\">my music<\/a> and fashion. Looking back, I see how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-us\/2016\/07\/114562\/90s-kid-nostaligia\">\u201890s nostalgia<\/a> has quietly guided my style. It\u2019s a language I use to grow and express myself.<\/p>\n<p>Now, whenever I pull out my digital camera or wear lace-up Pumas, my mom laughs and says, \u201cWhy are you acting like us? We wanted to move on from that!\u201d She\u2019ll tell me how badly they wanted sleek phones and sharp cameras, and here I am, obsessed with blurry flash and low-res aesthetics. But for me, there\u2019s something really magnetic about that era: the colors, the textures, the sounds, the visual and sonic landscape of it all.<\/p>\n<p>I didn\u2019t set out to build a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jcpenney.com\/g\/brand?id=cat11100023850\">\u201890s-inspired collection with JCPenney,<\/a> but it manifested itself that way because it lives within me. Not just the look, but the feeling. That\u2019s what my collection is about.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"has-text-color has-black-color\">\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t set out to build a \u201890s-inspired collection with JCPenney, but it manifested itself that way because it lives within me. Not just the look, but the feeling. That\u2019s what my collection is about.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite>joaquina<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Creating my first-ever clothing collaboration with JCPenney has been an over-the-moon experience. From the start, I knew what it had to feel like. It had to reflect how I actually live. I spend hours writing in the studio, so everything had to be wearable and real: <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X879131&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcpenney.com%2Fp%2Fjoaquina-for-jcpenney-womens-juniors-crew-neck-long-sleeve-t-shirt%2Fppr5008506655%3FpTmplType%3Dregular&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fen-us%2Flatine-somos\">long jorts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X879131&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcpenney.com%2Fp%2Fjoaquina-for-jcpenney-womens-juniors-crew-neck-long-sleeve-t-shirt%2Fppr5008506661%3FpTmplType%3Dregular%26geoZip%3D20166&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fen-us%2Flatine-somos\">denim skirts with chains<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X879131&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcpenney.com%2Fp%2Fjoaquina-for-jcpenney-womens-juniors-plus-crew-neck-long-sleeve-t-shirt%2Fppr5008506872%3FpTmplType%3Dregular%26geoZip%3D20166&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fen-us%2Flatine-somos\">graphic tees<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X879131&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcpenney.com%2Fp%2Fjoaquina-for-jcpenney-womens-long-sleeve-juniors-plus-hoodie%2Fppr5008506871%3FpTmplType%3Dregular%26geoZip%3D20166&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fen-us%2Flatine-somos\">zip-up hoodies <\/a>that say \u201cingenua realista.\u201d Pieces that make you pause and think, \u201cHey, there\u2019s a photo of my mom wearing something like this back in \u201895,\u201d but that still feel practical in 2025. That balance means everything to me. Nostalgia in my style is like carrying little pieces of my past that still speak to me today. My style has become a way to hold onto those moments and memories that shape who I am now.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I always describe my style as soft \u201890s grunge. It\u2019s sharp, but delicate, a little ballet, and a little edgy. I love layering: mesh under shirts, socks over tights, leg warmers with flats. I\u2019ll wear a jean skirt over pants, a long lace skirt with boots, or a tee over a long sleeve. You\u2019ll see lightning bolts everywhere, my subtle but powerful icon. I want to feel like the main character, but also be comfy sitting cross-legged on a studio couch for six hours \u2014 still fully myself.<\/p>\n<figure>\n<blockquote class=\"has-text-color has-black-color\">\n<p>\u201cThis collection feels like a collage of everything that made me: music, movement, memory, softness, edge. It\u2019s full of nostalgia, but it doesn\u2019t live in the past. It brings those moments forward, rewears them, and rewrites them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite>joaquina<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n<p>And beneath that all, there\u2019s my culture, my roots. I moved from Venezuela to the U.S. when I was a kid, and even if it\u2019s not always obvious in the clothes, it\u2019s there. It\u2019s in the Spanish words printed on the shirts, in the warmth and ease I try to bring to my style. It\u2019s who I am. When you own the vibe, es pura energia.<\/p>\n<p>This collection feels like a collage of everything that made me: music, movement, memory, softness, edge. It\u2019s full of nostalgia, but it doesn\u2019t live in the past. It brings those moments forward, rewears them, and rewrites them.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to channel the look and lifestyle, here are five ways you can step into your own nostalgic \u201890s grunge era.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>You\u2019re your best reference.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Your style has to be a conversation with yourself. Don\u2019t be afraid to reference yourself. The best outfits nod to past versions of you that have stuck with you and use pieces that have always felt like they tell your story. That\u2019s why nostalgiacore feels so accessible, because we all have a story to tell. Anyone embracing this aesthetic also has to be bold and unapologetic. Don\u2019t shy away from standing out and appearing eccentric, and make sure to always have fun with what you wear. But at the same time, keep things uncomplicated. Focus on feeling comfortable and authentic in your clothes, not just about looking a certain way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Layer your nostalgia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I always end up mixing things: textures, moods, layers. It\u2019s how I build my looks. Mesh is one of my favorite layering materials, especially under skirts, dresses, and tees. If you\u2019re stepping into this era with me, I\u2019d start with the lace sets \u2014 they\u2019re my personal go-to. The <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X879131&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcpenney.com%2Fp%2Fjoaquina-for-jcpenney-womens-juniors-low-rise-long-flared-skirt%2Fppr5008506667%3FpTmplType%3Dregular%26geoZip%3D20166&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refinery29.com%2Fen-us%2Flatine-somos\">long blue lace skirt with the matching top<\/a> from my collection is one of my favorites because it\u2019s so easy to layer but still feels really special. I wear the dress version with boots when I want to feel a little tougher, or flats when I want to keep it sweet. Some of the pieces in the collection already have built-in layers, because that\u2019s how I\u2019d normally wear them, but if you\u2019re digging through your own closet, try imagining what would work as a layer to add some texture or nostalgia. It\u2019s that hidden narrative that brings any look together.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Mix your metals.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The \u201890s never shied away from accessories, and I\u2019ve definitely taken that to heart. I love stacking chunky rings; it\u2019s such an easy way to bring that throwback energy into a look. Silver or gold hoops are always a go-to, and statement earrings add that little extra something. Lightning bolts have kind of become my signature, but I love the idea of people finding their own symbol to wear on repeat. You might even feel inspired to visit your piercer and add a few more ear piercings so you can stack and play. Metal details, whether it\u2019s jewelry or chains, give any outfit an edge. I\u2019ve been wearing the pleated denim skirt from the collection consistently and clipping a metal chain to it, which honestly feels like the most \u201890s thing ever.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Red liner, polish, dye \u2014 everything.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DLVqhaNy2B5\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\"background:#FFF;border:0;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DLVqhaNy2B5\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 14px;width: 60px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px\">\n<div style=\"color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 14px\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 20px;width: 20px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12px;width: 16px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom: 24px\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 14px;width: 144px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DLVqhaNy2B5\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\"color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A post shared by joaquina (@joaquina)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Everyone knows I can\u2019t go anywhere without my red eyeliner. It\u2019s another one of my signature details and it adds this intensity that instantly makes my eyes pop. I wear it everywhere, always. When it comes to hair, I like to switch it up but always with a nod to the \u201890s. That era was so fun because people really leaned into their natural texture while still experimenting with playful, easy styles: space buns, tiny braids, wispy bangs. Personally, I keep my hair long and natural most days. It feels true to the laid-back side of nostalgiacore. But if you\u2019re feeling adventurous, go for layers, soft colors like pink or silver, or even chop it into a shaggy cut. There\u2019s something really freeing about embracing your natural texture and still finding ways to make it feel expressive. You can also add little touches like a lace headband or clip silver hoops into your braids. And of course \u2026 red nails, always.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Live like it\u2019s 1995 (in 2025).<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s really valuable right now to live a little more like we did in the \u201990s, a little less connected in the best way. Get your friends together for a movie night or a picnic, pull out books, journals, paint, or old magazines. Make collages, write poems, paint something just for fun. Bring your digital cameras or Polaroids and start collecting the memories you\u2019ll be nostalgic for 20 years from now. One thing we can definitely take from the past is how present people used to be with each other. In your personal space, surround yourself with the things that keep you creatively grounded \u2014 your journals, your favorite books, old photos, manifestation boards. Let your style and your space reflect the life you\u2019re living, the memories you\u2019ve made, and the ones you\u2019re excited to create.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing up, my parents used to play these 1990s pop rock and synth pop records in both English and Spanish. My mom had big curly hair and wore low-rise jeans, and my dad was always in band tees. They didn\u2019t think much of it. They were just living their interests out loud. But I watched&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1765"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1766,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765\/revisions\/1766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}