13. Taeste Buddies: Juliana Salazar
On tennis bracelets, her favorite Floridian Grocery store, and Virginia Woolf.
For our second installation of Taeste Buddies, meet Juliana Salazar. She’s a Miami-raised creative director, brand strategist, and sometimes stylist who has this intrinsic sense for what’s cool, whether it’s a fancy piece of furniture or the most basic white tee. She’s also a master mood boarder, so much so that she launched her own Substack devoted to her talents, so if you’re curating a viiiiiibe, she’s your gal. Over the years she’s worked with brands like Ganni, Nike, and Comme Si, and anytime her name pops up in my inbox about a new project or event, I know it will be one I’m into. I did a little scroll through our Instagram DM history and since 2017 we’ve kept up a running convo swapping thoughts on clothes, books, and interiors, so I knew she’d have lots of good recs to share here. xA
A: How do you define taste? What makes "good" taste?
J: I actually did a podcast with Phoebe Lovatt on this recently and feel like I zig zagged all over the place because it is not something I feel like is completely definable. What I keep coming back to is a certain level of discernment; a continuous refinement of your likes and curiosities and ultimately a seeking for a certain level of quality of whatever thing you are curious about.
The most tasteful version of that thing could be the one that is of the highest quality or maybe it’s the one that has a story that resonates with you or you find fascinating. I think if it’s authentic to you (this is key!!!) it is by default good.
What was the last great thing you purchased?
Honestly I've been on a roll— I got the sickest vintage mink beret from ebay with the most me details. I don't even know how I found it but it was 60 bucks and I am so so so obsessed I can't wait to be back in the cold!!
I also found the most amazing brooch at the Paris flea market and pulled the trigger on my dream couch!
Can you share an outfit that represents you?
My ego wants you to know that I've owned and frolicked around in this white pleated skirt and red socks before either became crazy trends.
White pleated skirt, crew neck tee with v-neck sweater (necklines are very important to me) with a great piece of outerwear, a good shoe and sock combo. I feel like some version of this that I can wear all day to night is my go-to.
Aemilia’s note: I’ve included some Juliana-inspired shopping for your convenience below:
Kassl Editions pleated skirt ($570)
Alo Yoga pleated skirt ($90)
Re/Done Hanes tee ($125)
Alex Mill Isa Sweater ($295)
What was the last great thing you made?
I just put together 20 pages of references for the branding of my best friend’s new grocer in Miami [Grove Grocer] and IT IS SO GOOD.
Also, my Kimai bracelet! It still feels so good to be able to share it and talk about it after having to keep it a secret for so long.
Where do you think your taste comes from?
Part of it is definitely from my mom. She is super creative and is very stubborn about the things she likes and how she likes those things.
What interests or inspires you about fashion?
I think I’ve always just thought it was super fun. As soon as I could dress myself I was soooo into what I was wearing. Mostly my shoes and my butterfly hair clips lol.
Recently it’s been funny to see that come through again for me. As someone who used to work mostly as a stylist, I found myself not enjoying it, and I would tell my friends I was so over styling, but then I’d catch myself getting lost having fun while getting dressed to go out wherever. I guess it’s the feeling of feeling good in what you’re wearing. Getting a good fit off as they say.
What do you use or wear the most?
Probably these Completed Works earrings + my laoli pearl earring. I think I’ve been wearing them everyday for the last year.
How would you describe your personal style?
I think it’s pretty tomboyish but elegant with random bursts of something either really girly or fun or random. I always need to have some sort of contrast in what I'm wearing. Right now I'm wearing a pair of really nice trousers with a grey gym sweatshirt with a blue fringe suede jacket and white ballet flats which I feel like sums up my personal style ethos pretty well— all over the place but cute.
Outside of fashion, what is something that inspires or excites you?
Music! Great marketing, passionate people, furniture.
The most recent inspo pic you took or saved?
Donald Judd's bathroom / coat rack at 101 Spring Street.
What’s something unexpected you have really good taste in?
Do I sound full of myself if I say I can’t think of anything unexpected?
What’s your most precious item?
Probably this vintage ring I stole from my mom about 15 years ago. It broke probably 10 years agoish and she sneakily took it and got it fix. I was so surprised when she officially gifted it back to me. It was the best surprise and haven't taken it off again since!
Can you share a few recommendations?
Podcast: Recho [Omondi] reminds me that real people still exist and I love her for that. [Note: You can subscribe to her podcast The Cutting Room Floor here.]
Shopping: Right now I am really excited about Grove Grocer. I’m really excited to see it develop and what it will do for our neighborhood. I'm also really excited for my friends. I've known them for most of my life at this point-- they are truly like my family, and I love to see them excited and killing it!!
Book: right now I’m reading A Room Of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf.
Fashion: As far as fashion brands go lately I am really loving SHUSHU TONG, Completed Works, Wales Bonner, High Sport, &Daughter, Raey, Super YAYA.
I actually also just discovered this brand Ranra in Paris that I think is super cool.
I am curious to see how Phoebe [Philo]'s brand develops and I love love love Tyler [The Creator]'s collaboration collection for LV. It is the perfect example of a good (authentic!) collaboration (and encompasses all my aforementioned interests).