Photo By: Lily Kiti

“STL is really small. Everyone loves to support local. Once you’re in the know and people start saying your name, it’s really easy to get momentum and growth. I think it’s an awesome place to start a business, run a store, and get your name going because I feel like people’s names spread so fast in the city.”

Lily Kiti

In the ever-growing creative scene of St. Louis, vintage fashion reseller Lily Kiti is carving her lane with confidence, individuality, and a clear sense of purpose. What started as a passion project during the pandemic has since grown into a recognizable brand and community staple.

From New York to St. Louis: A Reset Turned Opportunity

Lily’s journey into fashion hasn’t been linear. After studying fashion at LIM College in New York, life threw her a curveball, sending her back home to St. Louis. At the time, she was working at Taste restaurant when COVID-19 forced the world to shut down.

Like so many creatives, Lily leaned into what she knew best—style. “During COVID-19 everyone was stuck inside and we were all just down bad. The grocery store, the park—that’s all you could do. Getting dressed is such an essential part of the day. It helps me feel like I’m ready to start my day and that feeling was stripped of us during COVID,” she shared.

Out of that realization came the Quarantini Collection. A line of lace bodysuits, robes, and versatile pieces that could transition seamlessly from working at home to stepping out post-quarantine. The collection wasn’t just about clothes. It was about reclaiming confidence, finding joy, and proving that fashion could lift spirits in even the darkest times.

Style as Self-Expression

For Lily, fashion has always been more than fabric—it’s about freedom.

“I love being me. I am truly myself. I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I have one life why not own it and try out different stuff? Clothes are meant to play around in and people can be so scared to do something different.”

Her philosophy is simple: wear what feels right for you. Whether it’s experimenting with proportions, accentuating her waist, or mixing minimalism with statement pieces, Lily is all about dressing authentically.

“My style now is more refined,” she explained. “I try to keep it very simple. I like to accentuate my waist and have my pieces tight on top and loose on the bottom. Figuring out proportions is very important and key to doing an outfit the right way. I highlight what looks good and work on mastering that.”

On Organic Growth and Staying True

When it comes to building her business, Lily emphasizes patience and authenticity.

1. Take inspiration from others, but only if it flows with what you’re doing.
2. Be consistent and patient because growth doesn’t happen overnight.
3. That first thousand dollars of sales will take some time.
4. Just be honest and don’t try to put on a facade.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stop chasing trends and instead build a brand that feels true to who you are. “Everyone is so different in this world and has so much to offer. Be funny, be yourself. You will thrive if you just do you and don’t try to be like someone else.”

Must-Have Piece: The Silky Button-Down

When asked about her go-to wardrobe essential, Lily didn’t hesitate:

“A silky button-down top. We can French tuck it, wear it loose, leave one button done for a little cleavage, or tie it over the shoulder. If you’re pregnant, you can rock it with your bump. You can run errands in it, wear it on a date—it’s just such a versatile top. It’s flowy, silky, and it moves with the body. It’s a vibe.”

Redefining Beauty

For Lily, beauty isn’t about trends, perfection, or appearances. It’s about energy.

“Beauty to me is confidence. If I could think of a beautiful woman, it’s someone who just owns themselves and is completely transparent about who they are. They are one hundred percent themselves. Beauty is how you carry yourself, how you show up in a room. There’s power in being yourself. Beauty is also about being vulnerable, open, and soft. I think that is beauty.”

Lily Kiti

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