I first came across Maria through Dear Society, a modern-meets-vintage boutique in Kansas City that is still one of my favorites. Even then, her instinct for curation was undeniable. Today, she’s the founder of SoftHeartShop, an online vintage destination for those who love soft, feminine, romantic pieces.

Each piece she sources feels intentional and personal. Both designer and vintage in equal measure, styled with an effortless sophistication that’s entirely her own. Her taste is impeccable, her vision singular. I’m honored she opened the door for us to step inside her world. 

You always seem to find the dreamiest pieces - I am still thinking about the floral bustier...what has been your best find to date?

It’s difficult to choose just one, but I would have to say my favorite is a black wool Thierry Mugler blazer with incredible metal details from his 1989 Buick collection. Seeing a designer piece in person on my model really impressed upon me the excellence of the craftsmanship and tailoring in a way that I couldn’t tell from seeing his work in photographs. 

(the 50s bustier i still think about)

Has your personal style evolved over the years? If so, how?

Yes! I am constantly evolving as a human and so my style is evolving with me. 

In my 20s, you were likely to find me in a 1950s dress, or a 1970s outfit. I loved frills, embroidery, ruffles, all the details.  As I grow older (I’m 41), I find myself leaning into more simple and comfortable everyday pieces like a perfectly worn in button up, classic denim, or a tailored trench coat.

What are your go-to wardrobe staples that always make you feel your best?

A high waisted wide leg jean, a chic mule, a baseball cap, a blazer, a slip dress, and a great black tee. 

If you could raid anyone’s closet—past or present—who would it be and why?

This is such a good question! Many people come to mind, but I have to go with Pamela Anderson. I love her style now and I also know she also has a lot of vintage designer pieces from various eras that were gifted to her because several designers adored her.  I also hope she would be there when I raid it because I would absolutely love to meet her. 

pamela anderson photographed by @xxpaigepowell

What’s one fashion rule you love to break?

All of them. In my opinion, fashion shouldn’t have any rules. 

Are there any emerging designers or brands that you’re excited about right now?

 Linda Sackin is a designer in Kansas City who uses found and second hand items to create the most beautiful pieces. She has a line of dresses, skirts and pants made from antique parachutes. Her imagination is beyond flourishing and I adore her work. As someone who has studied clothing for the past 15 years, I don’t often see something that feels completely “new.” Linda makes things that I’ve never seen before.

From @lindasackin on ig

What first sparked your interest in fashion? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?

I grew up with a very frugal mama who shopped thrift stores and rummage sales before it was cool. We would go to “fill a bag for a dollar” day at the local church rummage sale filled with farmer’s worn out Wranglers and church ladies old 60s nightgowns and anything and everything in between. This gave me the opportunity to see and feel all different eras and qualities of clothing. I fell in love with vintage as a child and my creativity exploded as I experimented with my piles of treasures. I feel so fortunate to have taken sewing lessons around age 12. This skill opened up a new world to me. It felt like a new language! Now I could make my rummage sale treasures into exactly what I wanted them to be. I devoured fashion magazines as a child. W was my favorite. It represented this mysterious world that I knew nothing about but felt drawn to. 

How did your early experiences shape the way you approach fashion and creativity today?

I feel lucky that I was encouraged very early to play and experiment. When I photograph or style clothing, there is still a huge element of play involved. If my model or I wonder “What it would look like to…” I just say, “Let’s try it!” Trying things is where the magic happens. I’ve learned to be able to shift away from an idea that doesn’t work if something else presented itself in the moment. It doesn’t matter if an outfit “should” work because sometimes it just doesn’t. I have to let it go and move on to the next idea. 

Growing up with little forced me to be resourceful and work with what I had. This taught my young brain to be open to new combinations and to juxtapose items until they felt exciting to me.  

My childhood experiences taught me that resourcefulness and creativity could open worlds that money alone couldn’t. 

Falling in love with creativity as a child, has made it an anchor and compass for me. It’s the medium I use to return to myself, and also to figure out which way I want to go next.

What are you currently excited about? hobbies, projects?

I still love sewing, especially by hand. There’s something almost holy about making those tiny stitches by hand which makes me feel connected to all the humans who have done it before me. I love reconstructing or changing vintage items slightly to make them more wearable. Now that school has started I am also very excited to plan some photo shoots for Soft Heart. I've been sitting on some pretty epic vintage all summer with no time to photograph it. But my biggest project right now is my home. When I owned Dear Society, It took up so much of my energy and creative capacity that my home suffered. It felt like that old anecdote, “the cobbler’s children have no shoes.” I had a beautiful shop but my home was neglected. Now, I am renewing it. I want to make my home into a beautiful, welcoming, nourishing and peaceful place.

I also really love writing poetry. 

my very in-transition home.

What are you listening to or reading?

Music: My husband introduced me to the pianist Ludovico Einaudi and I am loving his album Summer Portraits. Bright Future by Adrienne Lenker is a favorite and I never seem to tire of The Midnight Organ Flight by Frightened Rabbit. 

Podcasts: Oprah Super Soul has felt so helpful when I am tempted to despair over the state of the world. I also love On Being with Krista Tippet 

Reading: You better be lightning by one of my favorite poets Andrea Gibson, Tom Lake by Anne Patchett (read on audible by Meryl Streep, drool), The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, & The Service Berry by Robin Wall Kimmerer 

If you arent already - give SoftHeartShop a follow on instagram - and check out Marias online website here.