Written By Mna Eldaas
When I think of a girl who pretty much does it all, the first person that pops in my head is Sophia. Sophia or @themonocolemuse is both a full-time optometrist and a blogger. It’s hard to imagine how she is able to do it all and she’s here to tell us exactly how she manages. Sophia’s classic, timeless beauty is simply hard to miss and she does not shy away from sharing all of her beauty tips.
I asked her to take me to her favorite place in the city: Bryant Park. I showed up in my favorite Sunday attire, vintage worn out Levi’s and a tucked in tee. And since I cannot physically function without my morning cup(s) of coffee, we had to make a pitstop at Starbucks (I know, I know, we’re basic - let us live). We sat down on a gloomy, slightly chilly day and had major girl talk. I know it is not rare to find amazing women do amazing things, we are literally everywhere, but every time I am connected with one I just feel so much more empowered and ready to do it all. I asked her about fashion, beauty, her career and everything in between.
M: So, before we begin, I need to ask you a question for my selfish needs. What do you use on your hair?!
S: I swear by OUAI the wave spray. I have wavy hair and I usually don’t blow dry it, but I’ll just spray some on and I’m all set.
M: What’s the most expensive item in your closet that was 100 percent worth it?
S: Definitely my Celine bag! I can have sweatpants on and throw my Celine bag on and ill still feel great about myself- haha. It’s all beaten up right now because I take it on the subway every day and its thrown around, but it holds everything! I have no remorse!
M: So funny you say that because my Celine bag is my most expensive and worth it purchase. Now, what’s the craziest piece you own? Something you love but everyone else is like “WHY SOPHIA?”
S: I feel like that’s everything I own! Haha - people are like “what are you wearing?” I feel like in NY I can get by with it though, so I push the limit as much as I can. I mean, this could be one piece right here!
She pointed at our Green and Yellow faux fur jacket. Yep, definitely bold!
M: So, how would you describe your style?
S: I think I’m more conservative but still love to add fun pieces. I like to mix modern with classic and a little bit of an edge. I’ll wear staple pieces and then add a septum ring or a big fur coat to edge up my look.
M: What’s something a lot of us may not know about you?
S: So, a lot of people don’t know that I’m a twin- fraternal! And we could not be more different.
M: What’s one book you always recommend?
S: Err I have a few. But I’ll go with “How to Win Friends and Influence People” it’s just such a good social skill book. It has important information that’s common sense but when you read it you’re like “Oh wow yeah!” And it’s so fluidly written so everyone can read it.
M: Oh, I haven’t read that one - I will definitely pick it up. One skin product you can’t live without?
S: So, I just started using a couple of new ones and the one that has made the most impact on my skin - and I literally started using it just last week - is the Ole Hendrickson Banana Eye Cream. I’m shocked at how good it is!
M: Do you have any nicknames?
S: Everyone calls me Soph!
M: Guilty pleasures?
S: So many! Ugh, okay so, I don’t watch a lot of TV but when I do it’s like heavy drama! Empire, How to Get Away with Murder. And also, Ben and Jerry’s half-baked ice cream and Cinnabons, I have such a sweet tooth its crazy.
M: What’s one trend you think people should retire?
S: Crocs! They need to be gone for good. And I’m not a fan of Uggs, I never got into them.
M: I’m glad I don’t have either of those!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever given?
S: I think it’s always just - if it’s something you want to do, then do it! Send an email, reach out to that friend and just do it. Because if you get step one done than step two, three and four are so much easier.
M: And best advice anyone has ever given you?
S: To always be myself and be authentic; blocking out any outside noises. Especially now, with all the current news, it’s so easy to get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing and forget about improving yourself.
M: Yeah, I like that. Favorite quote?
S: Currently, I don’t have a favorite but for a long time it was Muhammad Ali’s quote “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in a world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing”
M: Everything Muhammad Ali says is so poetic! Staying on the theme of empowerment - what is success to you?
S: Happiness. Being content is the most successful you can ever be. I know people who have very little and have such simple lives and are so happy, that to me is ultimate success.
M: When was your most recent girl boss moment?
S: I have moments where my days are so full, between my full-time job and also my passion projects. The days where I see patients all day and then go out and take pictures and edit I’m just like “yeah girl - I did that!”
M: What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
S: I feel like I’ve taken so many risks but I would tell her to not be so fearful. I’d tell her to just always go for it and not be scared to be vulnerable and open up.
M: Favorite city?
S: Well besides NY, because that’s obviously my favorite, I’d say London. I love London.
M: What’s currently on the top of your bucket list.
S: There’s a resort in Utah called Amangiri, it’s so beautiful and zen - I’d love to go and just turn off for a few days.
M: So, you mentioned earlier that you would tell your younger self not to be so fearful. What is a fear you still have?
S: I am really one of those people who enjoys control and things that I can’t control just scare me like losing people close to me.
M: One mistake thats shaped your future for the better?
S: I’ve made so many mistakes, haha! They’ve all shaped my life. Every mistake I’ve made has helped me grow somehow.
M: What is beauty to you?
S: Being unapologetically yourself, always. Saying what you believe and doing what you want is so beautiful.
M: Before we get into the rapid-fire questions - why Bryant Park?
S: So, Bryant Park isn’t too far away from my home and it’s the one park in the city that is actually quiet and serine. I love reading and the NY public library is so close by. I love seeing families enjoy the park and the carousel is always packed in the summer - I just love it.
City OR Country
New OR Vintage
Flats OR Heels
Audrey OR Marilyn
You can find Sophia on Instagram @themonoclemuse and read her blog on www.themonoclemuse.com
xx
Mna Eldaas