Street Style: Tayo Adeyiga
Sometimes it’s just best to acquiesce, especially when it comes to Elizabeth Todd. You see, we “friendly fought” for a month about writing this Street Style introduction about Tayo, but their Mind the Mat relationship tells a better story, especially since it stems from hardships of the past year and a half. One of the greatest successes in this Mind the Mat journey has been watching strangers connect and develop friendships during class. Tayo and Elizabeth have done just that while suffering in HAWT Pilates - forever bonded by sweat and Saweetie. So Tayo and Fancy Pants... thank you for this gift.
From Elizabeth Todd, The Shoe Hive, The Hive, and Yellow Jacket: I have to fight Megan Brown for this introduction, so not sure who is going to get the top billing on this one. The reason we are fighting over who gets to write the introduction is because the woman we are featuring is so amazing. Here is the thing about Tayo: she has an inner peace and strength about her that pours out onto others. Let me explain - and I don’t think she even knows this story. Tayo and I had designated pre-covid spots in Friday’s HAWT Pilates class at Mind the Mat. This is how we got to know each other. I admired her abs and we counted songs to get us through class.
Covid hits, and so I don’t see Tayo for about six months. It was late last September between Brad’s diagnosis and surgery. Tayo did not know what was going on with my family, and one day Megan let me take class in person at a distance since she knew I needed it. To my pleasant surprise, Tayo was there with her sister. I was on one side, and they were far away on the other side. We were the only people there in the studio after so many months. I had been barely keeping it together for a week or so. I was trying to be strong, but something about Tayo’s presence made me just lose it - like an ugly cry. But in a good way, because I needed it, and she brought it out of me. Something about the familiarity of Friday class with Megan and Tayo was like a hug that I needed in a horrible time.
Now don’t get me wrong, as much of a comforting and calming presence that Tayo has, she is just as strong and independent. Here is the other great thing about her - she loves fashion. Like, loves it, especially designer bags. Her collection is insane. And yes, it is a collection.
Tayo has graced the pages of Stylebook before, but it has been too long, and really it could never be enough.
Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Potomac Yard
How long have you lived in Alexandria: Almost six years
What is your hometown? Yorktown, Virginia
What brought you to Alexandria? Family and career change
What would surprise people about you? I can be very introverted
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Predicting the future
Favorite cocktail: Margarita on the rocks, no salt
Last book read or movie seen: Coming 2 America
Guilty Pleasure: Bachelor in Paradise
Phrase you overuse: Literally…
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: MAID
Bucket list travel destination: Maldives
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Edgy, sharp, classic
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: White tee
Favorite trend ever: Skinny jeans
Favorite current trend: Golden Goose sneakers
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lip gloss
Favorite fragrance: CLEAN Citron Fig
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern
Last item bought for your home: Louis Vuitton coffee table book
Next planned purchase: Restoration Hardware Cloud Sectional
Favorite way to entertain: Friends over for drinks on the deck with music and munchies
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: No, so dated
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: TIE! Orangetheory and Mind the Mat Pilates
Most fun way to exercise: With friends
Group exercise or solo: Group
Fitness goal: Just maintain and abs, ALWAYS abs!
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Boxing
Proudest fitness achievement: Just always being consistent with a routine for so many years now
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Hive
Last purchase in Alexandria: A new home!
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Swing’s/People’s Drug/Brabo
Favorite charity: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Fireworks for 4th of July
