The MNY Spotlight
Meet Paige, Founder of The Prep Edit
Paige is the founder of The Prep Edit, a colorful style destination rooted in classic design with a playful point of view. A former educator turned content creator, Paige shares polished looks for women drawn to preppy details, joyful color, and thoughtfully chosen brands. Through daily curated edits, she approaches fashion with intention, led by her own personal style rather than trends.
Follow @theprepedit on Instagram
How would you describe your personal style, and how does it influence the voice and aesthetic of The Prep Edit?
My personal style doesn’t fit neatly into one category, and that’s very intentional. At its core, it’s preppy, but always with a bold, colorful twist. I wear what I genuinely love and what feels like me, not what’s trending or expected.
My style isn’t subtle. I’m drawn to pieces with personality, vivid hues, and thoughtful touches, and I’ve always been comfortable dressing in a way that stands apart. That confidence in dressing for myself has shaped the voice of The Prep Edit and reflects that same philosophy.
The Prep Edit is a space for women who appreciate classic pieces but aren’t afraid of color, personality, or doing things a little differently. I want the aesthetic to feel expressive and confident, approachable but distinctive, and above all, authentic.
What inspired you to start this page?
I’m a former educator who had to step away from my career due to illness, and like so many others living with chronic disease, I suddenly found myself navigating a very different version of life. Leaving the classroom in my early thirties wasn’t something I ever expected, and I missed having a creative outlet and something that felt purposeful beyond just getting through the day.
For years, friends encouraged me to start a page to share my looks, but I never felt particularly qualified to give fashion advice. I still don’t. I assumed my style was too specific to resonate with anyone outside my own circle.
I was wrong. I started The Prep Edit at the end of April 2025 simply as a fun hobby, and to my complete surprise, thousands of women have since found their way to my preppy corner of the internet.
What began as something light and creative quickly became a meaningful distraction during seasons when even getting out of bed felt like an accomplishment. Having bright, beautiful things to create and people genuinely excited to see them gave my days structure, joy, and connection.
I don’t share any of this for sympathy, but because I know there are others in similar positions, rebuilding pieces of their lives in quieter, unexpected ways. If sharing my story helps someone feel less alone, I consider that a success.
Today, The Prep Edit is where I curate colorful, timeless pieces for women who want to feel polished without taking themselves too seriously. More than anything, it’s become a small corner of the internet rooted in creativity and connection.
Your followers look to you for style inspiration—who are some of your fashion muses, from influencers to celebrities to timeless style icons?
My inspiration is wide-ranging, much like my style. I’ve always gravitated toward enduring icons such as Lilly Pulitzer, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly, all of whom approached style with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of identity. I’m equally drawn to more modern, preppy influences, including the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Kate Spade, who embraced classic foundations while making their look entirely their own.
I’m continually inspired by a community of creators and founders who bring depth, creativity, and substance to what they share. There are far too many to name, and they all deserve recognition, but I’ll start with the two talented women behind Mestiza New York, Louisa Takacs and Alessandra Perez-Rubio Loverde.
Other designers, founders, and entrepreneurs whose work I admire include Elizabeth Wilson, Elyce Arons, Julia Amory, Valerie Dittner, Jan Haedrich, Michelle Bradley Robertson, Katie Kime, Blair Eadie, Tyler Böe, Patricia Mae Olson, Morgan Hutchinson, Sue Sartor, Beth Ladd, Natalie Steen, Jennifer Lake, Jen Sohr, and Christina Coniglio.
I’m also grateful for the influence of my dear friend Emma, who shares my love for fashion and recently launched her page, Pennies for the Ritz.
This time of year, many people escape to warm-weather destinations for a little sunshine, a reset, and a festive start to the new year. With Mestiza’s new arrivals in mind, what would you pack for a Palm Beach getaway?
New Year’s Eve at The Breakers
For a formal night, I’d choose either the Lillian Convertible™ Cape Dress or the Nereida Dropwaist Gown. Both feel elegant and festive without being overly stiff, perfect for ringing in the new year somewhere iconic.
Ladies-who-lunch at The Colony Hotel
The Valencia Mini Dress is my pick. It’s polished enough for a cocktail, playful enough for lunch, and exactly the kind of piece that turns a midday outing into an event.
Shopping along Worth Avenue
The Fiona Convertible™ Shift Mini Dress is ideal for a full day out. It’s comfortable, flattering, and the reversible design makes it easy to switch things up for a spontaneous drink after shopping.
Lounging poolside
This may be controversial, but I’d pack the Bijou Halter Gown. It’s airy, flowy, and surprisingly comfortable, and it makes even a casual pool day feel elevated.
Pickleball to cocktails
The Mallory Mini Skirt is perfect for a day that doesn’t stay casual. I’d wear it with a simple tank for pickleball, then keep the skirt on and add the Enya metallic sweater for cocktails later.
Did you know Mestiza has pieces in our Convertible Collection™ that transform through clever zippers, reversible fabrics, and more? Please share some of your favorite pieces from the Collection that you would pack for vacation, to make the most of your looks + the space in your carry-on suitcase!
Choosing just a few pieces from Mestiza’s Resort Collection feels a little unrealistic. If I’m being honest, I’d happily pack the entire lineup, even if that meant bringing a second suitcase and pretending it was “essential.” But if I have to show restraint and narrow it down, these are the three I’d never leave behind.
First, the Lillian Convertible™ Cape. It’s a total showstopper and one of those pieces that instantly sets the tone for a trip. If I’m packing for vacation, this one is non-negotiable.
Next, the Fiona Convertible™ Shift Mini Dress, which I love because it genuinely counts as two outfits. The reversible design makes it perfect for travel, especially when suitcase space is precious and outfit changes are inevitable.
And finally, the Valencia Mini Dress. It’s one of those pieces that works for almost anything. Easy enough for daytime, but polished enough to dress up when plans shift. Exactly the kind of versatility I look for when packing light, or at least pretending to.
Shop the Fiona Convertible™ Mini Dress
What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?
What I love most about Mestiza New York is how seamlessly the brand blends tradition with creativity. The pieces feel rooted in classic design, yet there’s always an element that feels special and considered. Whether it’s a print, a proportion, or a convertible detail, the clothing is clearly designed with real intention. Nothing feels disposable or trend-driven, and that thoughtfulness is what sets the brand apart.
How do you feel when you wear Mestiza?
When I wear Mestiza New York, I feel confident and beautifully put together. The pieces have an effortless ease that lets you move through the day ready for whatever unfolds. The brand checks all my boxes: gorgeous prints, flattering silhouettes, and the small details that make each piece feel special. Most importantly, the clothes are genuinely fun to wear. They have personality and presence, which makes getting dressed enjoyable rather than routine.



