“Probably a small fortune.”

That’s how much designer Carla Rockmore (she / her) has invested in her dream closet (which is 2 floors, BTW). Dubbed “the real Carrie Bradshaw,” Carla has raked in millions of TikTok views for her eclectic styling and seemingly unlimited well of baubles. And now, she’s releasing a collection with Amazon’s The Drop. (The official launch date is a bit hush-hush, but follow Carla for updates.)

Here, we asked the fashion phenom about her fav designers, must-have pieces, and how she achieves Ms. Frizzle realness.

What’s your favorite thing about style in your 50s?
It doesn’t matter if I’m in my 20s or 50s—whatever turns my crank at the time is the way I’m going to dress. And I will not box myself in! If I feel like wearing Jil Sander and something austere on Tuesday, why should I not put on a feather boa and a La DoubleJ print on Wednesday?

How do you curate your closet?
Fashion is something to update constantly, so I’m forever moving stuff in and out of my closet. I’ve had many pieces for 30 years, and I don’t get rid of them because I love them. I don’t care if it’s a Zara shirt—if it speaks to me, it stays, and the stuff that doesn’t, goes.

What’s the hero item in your wardrobe?
Accessories, accessories, and accessories. My go-to pieces are a large dome ring, a large chain, and a cuff or bangle. I won’t bat an eye spending $500 on a costume ring, but for me to spend $500 on a blouse, I’m thinking about that for a while.

Who is your favorite designer?
It’s constantly changing. Right now, Valentino is doing some unbelievable work. Peter Do’s fall show was beyond. Then there’s Johanna Ortiz. There are some exceptional pieces coming out of The Row, and I love AZ… I can’t choose.

What can you not stop buying?
A person does not need more than 1 emerald green, high-end bag. I’ve got 4. I also buy cargo pants over and over again. Same with drop-crotch pants.

Who is your style role model?
For sure Iris Apfel. Diane von Fürstenberg, hands down, is one of them. Cate Blanchett… I like women who, when you see them, you know their style—and their consistency. Even though Catherine Deneuve’s look doesn’t speak to me, I consider her an icon because of her consistency and honesty with herself.

We love your style, but also your curls. What’s your hair routine?
The shampoo I use depends on what’s in the bathroom, but I’ve been very happy with the Curl Keeper styling cream. One thing I have adopted over Covid was the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair mask once a week—game changer.

Who’s more stylish: You or Carrie Bradshaw?
Costume designer Patricia Field built Carrie Bradshaw, and if there’s one thing Carla Rockmore and Carrie Bradshaw have in common, it’s that we both recognize how you can communicate through clothing. When I saw that tulle skirt with the shrunken football T-shirt in the middle of the Moroccan market, I felt completely validated because I’ve been dressing like that forever.

How did you approach your upcoming Amazon collection?
Rather than following the trends coming down the runway, I was true to myself and the pieces I’ve always built my wardrobe around. The crisp oversized shirt, the palazzo pant… I think people are going to immediately recognize Carla.