Expressions: Mary-Madison Baldo

Expressions: showcasing women and men who express their inner self through their style.

Can you tell us your name and what you do, and something you love about what you do?

Hello! My name is Mary-Madison Baldo, and I am a true workaholicー when I’m not teaching preschool during the weekdays and working at a vintage hat shop during the weekends, I’m getting my Master’s degree in Film Studies from Sonoma State University. Luckily for me, I’m very passionate about all that I do, so there is never an unpleasant moment!

At my core, I am a storyteller, and I have found that writing, drawing, and filmmaking are my preferred mediums when it comes to capturing my vision. When I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Early Childhood Development this May, I decided to go back to school to focus on cinema and learn the theory and history behind something I hold dear to my heart. So far, it has been a great opportunity to expand my knowledge so that I can become a better director and a better writer.

What do you love about your style?

I love how I feel in my wardrobe. When I don my lipstick, sharpen my cateye, and slip into some sky-high heels, I am unstoppably confident and comfortable in my skin. I do not believe in overdressing; I just dress to express myself and what I find beautiful.

I’ve long admired style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jean Seberg, David Bowie, and Elizabeth Taylor, strong individuals that I have pulled inspiration from when it comes to my varying hairdos, my mix of aesthetics, and my bold eyebrows. While I do own a pair of jeans and some tees, they do not quite equate to my collection of suits, Bakelite jewelry, and Herman Munster-esque platform creepers, personally speaking.

In short, my style is a reflection of my adoration of old school glamour that clashes with a bit of punkー I dress as if Elvira got a makeover from Miss Frizzle.

Why did you pick the outfit you are wearing in this photo shoot?

This dress is one of my absolute favorites from strap to seam. The lime green of the fabric! The red and black pattern of Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride, the Wolfman, and zombies all over! The waistline! The red silk bustle! It’s a dream to wear something that feels so much like myselfー horror, science fiction, and fantasy are my favorite genres when it comes to film and literature, so I’m really wearing my personality with pride! Pairing the dress with a big old leather jacket, some spindly black heels, my coffin purse, and my red fascinator seemed like a no-brainerー they all compliment each other and my aesthetic so well.

How does this outfit represent you?

I’m bold, dauntless, creative, passionate, and abnormal. I think those aspects translate fabulously!

What is your favorite part of getting dressed in the morning?

Clicking on my closet light and staring at my gorgeous pieces. It makes me happy to see that I have a wardrobe that reflects who I am and that boosts my confidence on the daily. Also, I have a moment of glee when I select a lipstick for the dayー the only shade I do not have is orange, so I have quite the rainbow to choose from!

What advice could you give to someone who wants to express themselves more through their fashion?

There is a lot of apprehension and doubt that comes with venturing outside one’s comfort zone, and I say to be fearless and explore. Think about styles, colors, and patterns that you admire and tackle them yourself. Get inspiration from your heroes and heroines, living, dead, or imaginary. Find websites online and go out into your own community for shops, stores, and salons. Research makeup tips and put them to the test. It’s fun to experiment, and it’s even more fun to get to know yourself and craft your own personal style from head to toe. I’ve found that when I took the time to figure out what I loved and what I wanted to express to myself and the world, the more beautiful and confident I became. All I can do is hope it does the same for whoever is reading this.