What’s In: Alyssa Lenore
On uniform dressing, designer bags and her secret to packing for trips.
What’s in is a recurring series spotlighting the style and stories of Asian women with influence. Get to know who they are, what they’re wearing and what’s in.
If you’re ever looking for handbag or travel inspo, let it come from Alyssa Lenore. The 33-year-old Filipino-American shares her unique point-of-view through stylized imagery and videos across her YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and blog. Mixing her love of fashion, travel and family, Alyssa gives her followers a peek into her chic style, impressive bag collection, trips around the world as well as life with her husband and adorable dog, Wade.
Below, she shares with us her secret to packing for trips, her current favourite bags and what’s on her wish list.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m a 33-year-old Filipino-American. I grew up mostly in New York City and studied interior design, and am now a full-time digital content creator.
Where are you from? How has your family and culture shaped who you are today?
I was born in Manila, Philippines, and lived there until I was 8. When I was 8, I moved to New York City with my family and lived there until the end of 2019. I now live in New Jersey with my husband.
I've always been really close with my family, and my parents made sure that I never forgot my Tagalog and honored my Filipino values growing up. Those values show up in my work ethic and in connecting with others. My husband is also Filipino with a very close family and I think it helped us have a stronger connection in our relationship.
“I've always been really close with my family, and my parents made sure that I never forgot my Tagalog and honored my Filipino values growing up. Those values show up in my work ethic and in connecting with others.”
How would you describe your personal style and approach to getting dressed? What are some of your favourite pieces to wear?
I grew up going to Catholic school and wearing a uniform every single day. I think, even now, I like having a uniform and go-to outfit recipe. I'm at a point in my style where I want something easy, classic and comfortable. After years of testing different styles and trends and adapting to how my body changed compared to when I was in high school or college, I'm really happy with where my wardrobe is at.
I love this pair of Rag & Bone Miramar Jeans because they're so comfortable. I love a good cashmere sweater and a tailored coat or blazer. I also love accessorizing with a good bag and sunglasses.
“I grew up going to Catholic school and wearing a uniform every single day. I think, even now, I like having a uniform and go-to outfit recipe. I'm at a point in my style where I want something easy, classic and comfortable.”
You travel quite a bit and take the dreamiest trips. What’s your secret to planning and packing?
I try to pack things that can work well with other pieces, so I can have different outfits from the same few pieces. I plan my looks ahead to avoid overpacking. I do this on PowerPoint and have been doing it for years. It helps me pack efficiently and make sure I have a little extra room for shopping.
What are some of your favourite experiences or things you bought on recent trips?
I keep thinking about my trip to Japan—I just loved the trip so much. I keep re-watching our videos from it because I can't wait to go back. I brought back so many snacks and cute little gifts for our family and friends. I got a beautiful summer Kimono and personalized chopsticks for some of our best friends.
You have such great taste when it comes to bags. I’m in awe of your collection! Which one is your current favourite and why?
Current favorites are the Mini Kelly, Hermes Arcon, and The Row Margaux in Suede! The Mini Kelly was just a great piece to be able to add to my collection from my sales associate. I love that it's in box leather, and it also re-ignited my love for silver hardware.
The Arcon is a lesser-known style, but I love how edgy and roomy it is! I love a good shoulder bag. The Margaux is a bag by The Row that I've loved for years, but I just pulled the trigger on it last year. It's a great little top-handle bag, and I just love the suede—it’s a perfect way to add to my outfits which lean very simple.
How do you approach shopping and figuring out what pieces you want to add to your closet?
I try to make sure that pieces in my wardrobe work together easily. I don't want a closet full of things and never know what to wear. I love the pieces I've invested in over the years and want to make sure that even though I have simpler pieces, they can be styled well with the right accessories.
I try to keep an inventory of things so I know if there are gaps that I need to fill. I'm always browsing online because of my job, so I will make note of things that might catch my eye, and I'll check to make sure I don't have anything too similar in my closet already. I'm also not afraid to do a closet purge when certain things no longer serve me or work for me.
“I try to make sure that pieces in my wardrobe work together easily. I don't want a closet full of things and never know what to wear.”
What’s on your wish list?
Clothing-wise, I'm looking for a nice, light yellow cashmere sweater and a nice black and silver belt. I think I have more furniture and home projects on my list at the moment. My birthday just passed so I was able to pick up a few pieces I was eyeing!
What’s in right now for you? Whether it has to do with fashion, beauty, wellness, hobbies, books, podcasts, other media you’re consuming, etc.?
Traveling, whether it's with Marco, with friends, or even just solo. Dressing for yourself in what you're comfortable in and what you feel confident in. Lots of quality time with family and friends.
“Dressing for yourself in what you're comfortable in and what you feel confident in.”
For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram, TikTok, YouTube channel and blog.