words and photos by Meg Baertl Brown
This month’s Style Files is on Kameron Acevedo or Kam! Born in Lufkin and raised in Beaumont, she loves adventure, is very optimistic, and super open to anything! She states, “I could pile a picnic up and go fly a kite, or go hike a random trail, to staying at home and painting in bed with my favorite tunes, to even picking a recipe to conquer and share with my favorite people.”
Her favorite piece of advice is to honestly live everyday like it’s your last, and to never ever go to sleep angry.
What is your style mantra?
One thing I have always admired is originality. At a young age, due to not having kids clothes in the sizes that I could fit in from being a heavy set child, I made my own wardrobe. Life wasn’t just about walking into a store and picking out a size in the kids section, and wearing the coolest new trend. As other children would have all the latest fashions, I was asking my completely supportive Mom for fabric paint and oversized t-shirts. I would cut smaller tees that were either from Garage sales or thrift stores and would staple or pin the new art to the t-shirts that could fit me comfortably. I always had to think outside of the box as to how I could still be me, and that has always stuck with me till this day. My wardrobe mostly consists of hand me downs, thrifted items, donated items, and gifted items that I pair artistically together out of fun. I like to create my own aesthetic of what I enjoy together, which can consist of mixing a variety of different patterns, solids, and designs to combine a new look of my own!
What are your wardrobe staples?
I have always loved a fun accent purse! Whether it be a heart shaped, a rocket ship, a dino bag, or a cute glittered clutch paired with some funky earrings, and a groovy lip color, or bangles! Accessories are fun!
What would you tell someone who isn’t confident to wear things they like?
To live for you and the ones that matter, is to be the happiest you’ll ever be. To live for others judgement, you will have not lived at all. YOU can be happy. YOU can do what makes you happy. YOU are beautiful and the confidence of the will, is the way. There’s no other voice than the one inside of you saying that you can’t, when you can! Wake up, put on something you have in your closet that you haven’t worn in months, and act like its new all over again! Pair it with your favorite accessories, even if its just to grocery shopping, and with a smile on your face walk with the confidence that you were born with!
How has your style evolved over the years?
As I become more aware to live for myself, and the family that I am raising, I have gained more confidence in the outfit choices I decide on. I’ll wear that crop top, and bathing suit. I’ll wear the shorts that show my cellulite. I won’t get overly hot in a sweatshirt anymore to hide my stomach or arms. I WILL wear summer clothes in the summer. I WILL try on that shorter dress because its in my size, and I WILL not listen to anyone else that doesn’t admire my authenticity, because life is too short to worry so much, and place your heart in the mind of others. LIVE!
Tell us one Beaumont hidden gem that you would recommend?
Beaumont has a ton of hidden thrift stores, and some in plain sight that we just forget about! I usually have to make a stop at the local Salvation Army off of College St every now and then to venture out for one of a kind gems! There’s always the favorite Treasure House in downtown Beaumont as well, and The Art Studio has a wonderful clothing swap event from time to time!
