Before we get to the receipts: Babba C Rivera (formerly Babba Canales) is a Swedish-born brand builder who helped launch Uber in Sweden, worked on the early team at Away luggage, founded a creative agency—and later launched the award-winning haircare brand Ceremonia (which has since landed at Sephora and in Allure “Best of Beauty” lists). Translation: she understands both sides of the fashion/beauty equation—how trends spread and how to shop smart so you actually wear what you buy. I took her core tips (circa the late-2010s) and expanded them with 2025-smart strategies, price hacks, and sustainability notes so you can shop like an influencer—minus the buyer’s remorse.
1) Build a High/Low Formula (Her Staples Still Hit)
Fast-fashion (but considered): & Other Stories for design-forward staples and Uniqlo for perfect basics (cashmere turtlenecks, Supima tees, ultra-light puffers). Aim for natural fibers where possible and check fabric content before you fall for a lookbook shot.
Luxury & statement: Browse and buy via Net-a-Porter (best-in-class edits and size/fit notes) and mix in What Goes Around Comes Around for vetted vintage. Babba’s label crushes skew edgier-elevated: Gucci, Tibi, GANNI, plus indie accessories leaders like ATP Atelier, Manu Atelier and Brother Vellies. It’s the exact “one special thing + affordable uniform” math that photographs beautifully and wears even better IRL.
2) Buy Shoes & Jeans IRL; Everything Else Can Be Online
Influencers rarely gamble on the two trickiest categories: denim and shoes. Fit, rise, fabric recovery, toe box shape—these are tactile. Try on in person (walk the store for two minutes, sit, stand, repeat). For everything else, online is fair game—but keep a returns system (see Rule 6) so you don’t end up with a closet of almosts.
3) Make a “Non-Negotiable” Fit Checklist
Influencer closets look cohesive because they ruthlessly repeat silhouettes that flatter them. Write a 1-minute checklist in Notes (e.g., “Mid-rise 10”–11”, straight leg; blazers with 15″ shoulder, 29″ length; vee-neck depth < 8″”). If an item fails two boxes, it’s a pass—even on 60% off. I know that hurts; it saves money tho.
4) Treat Sales Like a Sport (Without Going Fer fer fer fer feral)
- Wishlists first, then deals: Save items on Net-a-Porter and Reformation year-round; buy only when they hit your target price. (Sign into accounts so you get price-drop pings.)
- Stack responsibly: Use price trackers/codes (Honey, Karma, or shop archives) but never let a coupon pick the item. Your 3-outfit rule should pick it.
- Know your calendar: Designer markdowns typically drop in waves—end of season, then further reductions 2–4 weeks later. Pull the trigger when your size starts thinning out.
5) Curate Indie Brands (The “Signature” Factor)
Influencers keep a micro-roster of indie labels that deliver a recognizable signature: a glove-fit pump, a sculptural baguette bag, a drapey trouser. Try one category from each indie you love (e.g., ATP for sandals, Brother Vellies for statement heels, Manu Atelier for minis). Two pieces from three labels can make your high-street uniform look bespoke.
6) Master Returns & Tailoring (The Un-Glamorous Magic)
- Returns: Open, try, decide within 72 hours. Keep a tote by the door for returns and a weekly “post run.” Print labels immediately (don’t wait—future you won’t).
- Tailoring: Hemming a wide-leg 1.5″, nipping a waist 1″, moving a button by 0.5″—these micro-tweaks make off-the-rack look custom. Influencers tailor more than they tell you.
7) Buy For the Outfit, Not the Item
Before you check out, write three outfits using pieces you own (top + bottom + shoe/jacket). If you can’t name three, it’s not your hero piece—yet. Yes, I repeat this in every shopping story because it works.
8) Vintage & Resale Are Your Secret Weapon
Influencer cred skyrockets when the look isn’t 1:1 from one shop page. Fold in The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and boutique vintage like WGACA. For bags, check hardware stamping, serial norms, and request unedited photos. When in doubt, pay for 3rd-party authentication.
9) Shopping While Traveling = Personal Style Accelerator
Babba famously shops most on trips—same. Try local designers, multi-brand boutiques, museum shops (seriously), and department-store edits. You’ll bring home silhouettes you won’t see on every For You Page, which makes styling ten times easier.
10) Keep It Sustainable(ish) Without Killing the Fun
- Cost-per-wear (CPW) math beats guilt: price ÷ (wears per month × months you’ll keep it). If it can’t get under your CPW target, skip.
- Fiber sanity: Favor cotton, wool, silk, linen, lyocell, recycled blends. Read the content label like it’s the menu.
- Care extends life: Hand-wash knits, use mesh bags, hang to dry. Boring, yes. Worth it, also yes.
Quick-Hit Shops & Links
- Basics & elevated staples: & Other Stories • Uniqlo
- Luxury & vintage: Net-a-Porter • What Goes Around Comes Around
- Indie labels to know: ATP Atelier • Brother Vellies • Manu Atelier • Tibi • GANNI • Ceremonia (beauty)
Final take: Shopping like an influencer isn’t about buying more—it’s about buying decisively: a few photogenic signatures, a reliable uniform, and a battle-tested system (wishlists, returns, tailoring). The rest is just good lighting and, okay, a little luck.
