I’m Crystal Reed, a Memphis native whose love for style, fashion, and accessories was sparked early on by watching the effortless fashion sense of my mom and sisters, and by admiring my grandmothers’ immaculate jewelry collections. Accessories were never just add-ons to me; they were storytelling pieces, statements of personality, mood, and power.

That passion deepened during my years working in large retail environments, where I learned firsthand the impact of visual merchandising. There was nothing more rewarding than watching a client’s eyes light up from a thoughtfully styled window display or a perfectly dressed mannequin. That moment of connection, where fashion communicates without words, has always stayed with me.

After hanging up my retail hat, I pursued a career in aviation, which brought me to Chicago in 2013. The Windy City quickly became home and a major influence on my personal style. Often regarded as a fashion mecca in its own right, Chicago introduced me to bolder silhouettes, layered textures, fearless color stories, and the freedom to experiment beyond the familiar. It was here that my style truly expanded.

During my “MAC Girl” days, black and white were the only colors that mattered, timeless, safe, and always chic. But exposure to diverse trends, prints, and cultural influences transformed how I approached fashion. Over time, my style has evolved into something more expressive, intentional, and confident, still polished, but with more edge, softness, and individuality.


“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude."

—Iris Apfel