Sandy Nintzel: listen to your mama, you’re a queen
In honor of Mother’s Day and the fabulous moms out there, our May Closet Portrait features Sandy Nintzel + a sneak peak of her daughter, Helena Nintzel! Sandy grew up in Southern California and never felt like she fully “fit in.” She looked to fashion and personal style as a way to remind herself that she is a queen. Today, she has inspired many with her bold style, including her daughter, Helena!
Special thank you to the incredible photographer, Amelia Hammond, who made this closet portrait come to life.
Download Arête in the App Store today, follow Sandy, and get inspired by her fashion/see her favorite looks!
“Developing my personal style has been a tumultuous time, throughout the 70s & 80s, with everything happening in the world. We used to move a lot because my dad was in the military. I was influenced by punk and R&B. I’ve always been into designers! Bob Mackie was my favorite. Personal style changes and evolves — it’s a fun way to stay current but also centered in who you are.”
“I’m wearing this outfit to the airport. This is my flying outfit, grocery store outfit, and errands outfit! I’ve had this sweater for a few years and love it — it feels very cozy, like a warm hug.”
“I’ve been a pink girl for as long as I can remember. I was inspired by Penelope Pitstop, that’s my earliest memory of watching TV. She had on a fabulous pink jumpsuit AND she drove racecars. This was my immediate hero. Since then, I've had pink rooms and even today, my house is pretty much all pink.”
“This necklace is important to me. Growing up on Southern California, there weren’t a lot of people who looked like me. As a grown up, it’s important to remember what has happened in the past and what has made me the person I am today. This necklace means to keep my head up and that no matter what, you can still be a queen. Don’t forget your crown!”
Sandy and her daughter, Helena Nintzel!
Helena: “I steal my mom’s clothing all the time, especially sweaters. Almost everything I have is my mom’s. People ask me where I got certain things, and I always say my mama.
Sandy: “I’m flattered that she steals my clothing! I know I’m doing something right, something she enjoys.”
“I’m wearing this to any club or party where there are drag queens and loud music. This fit is all very personal. I love Acne Studios because I think their clothes are very androgynous. I feel age appropriate and fashion forward when wearing their pieces.”
“This outfit is more conservative for me. I would wear this to a job interview or on a date. This outfit makes me feel good — I feel like I have some classic aspects but also pieces of myself. I like mixing different materials and genres. I makes me feel powerful, comfortable and pretty.”
“Since I’ve gotten older, I invested in more staple pieces. For example, the Lady Dior and pearls. This will always be part of my style, and I hope to pass it down to my kids.”
“Anytime I dress up for anything that makes me nervous, I always feel more confident. There’s a scene from the movie, Auntie Mame, where Agnes Gooch is coming down the stairs, very lumber, and Auntie Mame tells her that she is Queen of Romania tonight! I remind myself of that feeling a lot.”
“On my wedding day, I was very nervous — I even lost my voice. After putting on my dress and getting my hair and makeup done, I felt right, and it really relaxed me.”
“This is something I would wear to the beach in the fall in the morning. It makes me feel calm. I associate it with the beach, and it makes me feel rested. I found this necklace at the Vivian Westwood store in London! It was right before she died.”
“Whenever I’m getting dressed, I think about how I’m feeling. If I’m feeling more rebellious or have had a rough day, I will go for leather and try to shock people. I mostly think how I feel and what works well in that moment.”
“My inspiration comes from old movies, music, and the art community. There’s alittle bit of everything that I try to mix in.”
Sandy and her daughter, Helena!
Helena: “The best thing about my mom is her style, and she’s so sweet and smart. I admire her.”
Sandy: “The best thing about Helena is her heart — she is pure gold. She is always kind and thinking of others but not afraid to stand up for herself and what she needs.”
