Personal Style and Authenticity Abroad

In this episode, Mickelle speaks with Jeanina Zgirie, a personal stylist who merges fashion and history to help people express their individuality through style—especially during times of transition. Originally from Romania, Jeanina shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in a small town post-communism to establishing herself in Amsterdam. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and creativity. Here, she reveals how she redefined her personal style and identity when she moved to Amsterdam, a change she now helps her clients embrace.

Together, Mickelle and Jeanina explore the idea of style as a language—a way to reflect our inner selves, values, and life stories. Jeanina explains her approach to styling, which starts with a thoughtful wardrobe audit. She encourages her clients to curate a “closet as an art gallery,” keeping pieces that truly resonate and letting go of the rest. This focus on intentionality and sustainability not only helps clients clarify their style but also fosters a deeper connection to each item they wear.

They talk about the vibrant and eclectic fashion culture of Amsterdam, a city where Jeanina believes anyone can embrace their unique style. As she describes, Amsterdam offers the freedom to experiment and integrate influences from different cultures, making it an ideal place for people to reinvent their wardrobe and, in many ways, themselves. Jeanina’s approach helps clients feel confident and empowered, blending their heritage with the spirit of their new home.

Key Moments

  1. Jeanina’s journey from Romania to Amsterdam and how moving abroad offered her the freedom to reinvent herself.
  2. Style as a personal language—how Jeanina helps clients discover and express their individuality through what they wear.
  3. Her approach to curating a closet intentionally, focusing on meaningful pieces rather than following fleeting trends.
  4. Amsterdam’s diverse fashion culture and how it inspires freedom and personal expression for newcomers.(including the white trainer as a Dutch style mainstay)
  5. The styling process as a journey of self-discovery, helping people step into their new roles and chapters with confidence

 

Ready to make your wardrobe a reflection of your story? Connect with Jeanina Zgirie for a personal styling journey that goes beyond fashion and discover the art of intentional living abroad. Find her on Instagram @jeaninazgirie and on her website to learn more about her services.

Jeanina is offering HOP Members a style “snack”. A free consultation for one styling need including one body type consultation, or best colors recommendation, or 1 item shopping. Members can login to their account to claim. HOP dedicated service, a styling snack.

View the transcript here.