SLUG Style: Mariel Croft

Mariel Croft (she/they) is a local musician with an affinity for all things crafty. Their personal aesthetic would place them nicely within the cast of Freaks and Geeks. Her music, art and fashion are amalgamations of many past and present interests, of which she embraces the ever-evolving nature. Follow them on Instagram at @mariel.k.croft for outfits, art and more, and stream their debut album Trying My Very Best on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character — anything.

Honestly, a lot of my style influence is the ‘90s in general, but specifically Kurt Cobain and grunge style. Can’t beat baggy jeans, a band tee and a flannel. I take inspiration from everywhere, though I love the earth tones and florals that my cottagecore lesbian friends wear and also the RealTree Camo and chunky silver jewelry like my punk friends wear. I get inspiration from social media, as disheartening as that is to admit, but the opportunity to see art I would have never otherwise seen is a privilege. Growing up in the 2000s influenced my style, too; I often still long for the pair of Ed Hardy twinkle toes Skechers I had in 3rd grade. 

My biggest style influence has always been my big sister. I saw her wear what she wanted and how she didn’t care about how others wanted her to look or expected her to dress. I saw that she wore what she wanted and didn’t let it define her. Emma taught me that you can dress however the fuck you want and still be smart, funny, kind and open-minded. Plus, the Beetlejuice tank top she gave me when I was 11 might have been the first item of clothing I had that I was excited to wear and felt confident in.

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

I have had enough hobbies for three lifetimes. I love to write and play music; I sing and play guitar, bass and drums. I spend a lot of time (and money) on collecting and listening to records. I also crochet; most of the time I make amigurumi animals but I’ll make clothes and other things on occasion. A hobby that I have that surprises a lot of people is that I play Magic: The Gathering. I also delve into lots of other various interests from time to time such as reading, writing, roller skating, sewing and embroidery. I have also played Nintendo games since I was a kid and recently have been playing some other games, like Baulder’s Gate 3.

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

I definitely have different levels of effort that I put in. If I’m going to the grocery store and doing chores, I’ll probably just be in jeans, Docs or Vans, a T-shirt and a sweater if it’s colder — something baggy and comfy. But I always have earrings in and at least one necklace on. I like to implement more elements, like some makeup or additional jewelry, when I am doing something like going out with friends or my partner. I’ll also venture into wearing more fitted clothes like baby tees and mini skirts. 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Whimsical, crafty, compassionate.

How has your personal style evolved over time?

A lot of how my style has evolved [through] becoming comfortable in my own skin and learning to present however I want and not be concerned with how people are going to perceive my gender. I’ve learned that I can put on my Juicy Couture push-up bra and red pumps but also dress like Freddy in the early seasons of iCarly the next day.

I have also recently learned to feel much more comfortable wearing eccentric items. Specifically, with doing my makeup recently, I have felt like my style and makeup can be more of an art and a hobby and not something I have to do to please other people and adhere to beauty standards.

Additionally, I gave up the idea that there are things that are “off limits” or that I am not “allowed” to wear. A big part of this came along with learning to love myself and feel comfortable in my body. The more I learn about myself, the more my aesthetic evolves and grows more true to who I am. 

How does your music influence your day to day aesthetic or vice versa?

I feel that the aesthetic of my album is more influenced by my style than my style being influenced by the project.

You can only pick one artist from the ‘90s to go back in time and see live: Who is it?

Nirvana, 110%.

When did you find your aesthetic? How did that come to you?

I don’t know if I’ve ever “found my aesthetic.” My style progresses and changes as I grow and learn more about myself. I also don’t like the idea of adhering to an aesthetic. I wear things that I like and feel good in. But finding out more of what I like to wear came a lot from accepting myself, my gender and my sexuality.

What trends from the ‘90s do you wish would come back, and which ones do you think should stay in the past?

In: big boots, Doc Martens, plaid dresses, bandanas, rock music, Roe v. Wade.

Out: gay marriage being illegal, low fat diets, low rise jeans.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Treat yourself now with the compassion you would treat five-year-old Mariel if she was experiencing what you are.

Do you have an “alter ego” as a musician that differs from your everyday self or are the two completely connected?

At least with how my project has been, I don’t see it as an alter ego. This album and the shows I played with those songs felt very true and honest to myself, at least who I was when I was writing those songs.

Can you give us more insight to the artist behind your album cover? In what way does that art style inspire you?

The album art was done by a long time friend of mine and my sister’s. We kind of created the concept together. I sent her a long and not very cohesive list of things I wanted to incorporate and some doodles from my sketchbook. A little while later, she sent me a sketch of a cartoon cat wearing big combat boots and I immediately loved and connected to it. She incorporated some doodles inspired by the things I sent in the background. Sometimes I really feel like I am the shy little cat in the big combat boots, having the eyes of the world on her. You can find her art on Instagram at @tasmanicus. 

Read more SLUG Style features:
SLUG Style: Aura Martinez Sandoval
SLUG Style: Kelly Green