Polina's DreamDay
NYC based it-girl Polina Didun talks personal style, AI, and advice for aspiring content creators
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d describe my style as eclectic, vintage-driven, colorful, and a little nostalgic, with a strong influence from the ’90s. I love pieces that feel lived-in and carry history, pieces that can stay in my closet for years instead of just one season. I’m especially drawn to Paloma Wool because their pieces feel transformative to me. I love adding pops of color into my everyday looks, and their simplicity blends seamlessly with that.
I also see hair as a huge part of personal style. To me, it’s an extension of the outfit and another way to accessorize and express yourself. Whether it’s through texture, clips, or the way it frames the overall look, I never treat it as an afterthought. It’s always part of the styling process for me.
A lot of my inspiration comes from outside of fashion itself, like magazines, films, interior spaces, and simply observing the world around me. Living in New York City has shaped my style a lot too. There’s a certain chaos and spontaneity here that naturally influences the way I dress.
Favorite book and/or movie?
My favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You. It’s one of those films I never get tired of. Beyond the nostalgia, I love how timeless the styling feels, it’s such a perfect snapshot of late ’90s fashion.
The title “content creator” has evolved in the past few years due to algorithm changes, and an increasing difficulty to stop the scroll. It’s not just posting outfit pics anymore. What has your experience been like, and how have you been able to stay creative?
I definitely agree that being a content creator has changed a lot. Attention spans are shorter than ever, and there’s more pressure to “stop the scroll” immediately. At the same time, I think we’re entering a new era where audiences want more than just aesthetically pleasing content. People want to feel connected to the person behind it.
I think that’s why personal opinion matters more now than ever. It’s not enough to just participate in trends. People value your perspective, even if it doesn’t appeal to everyone, because that’s what makes your content feel honest and worth coming back to.
For me, staying creative often means stepping away from the internet. With trends constantly coming from every direction, it can get hard to tell if you actually like something or if you’ve just seen it enough times to think you do. One thing that always helps me reset is people-watching, especially in New York City. I love observing older people and the way they put themselves together. There’s something so effortless and honest about the way they mix pieces. It reminds me that style is supposed to feel lived in, not forced.
I also lean a lot on magazines for inspiration. I have a Vogue subscription, so every month I get a new issue, and I’ve also collected older ones from the early 2000s that I always come back to.
What’s something you wish someone had told you before you started posting seriously?
I wish someone had told me not to be afraid to reach out to other creators for advice. This industry can be difficult to navigate, especially at the beginning when so much of it feels unfamiliar and there’s no clear roadmap.
At first, it’s easy to assume everyone is competing with each other, but I’ve learned that a lot of creators are actually very open and willing to share their experiences. Building those relationships makes the industry feel a lot less intimidating, and reminds you that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Any advice for aspiring content creators?
Don’t chase numbers, build community.
I think we’re moving away from an era where follower count is the main measure of influence. What matters more now is the relationship you build with your audience. People are tired of seeing the same recycled trends and content that feels repeated over and over again.
Have an opinion. Be specific. Even if your point of view isn’t for everyone, it will resonate more deeply with the right people. Authenticity builds community, and community will always outlast virality.
One underrated brand everyone should know?
One underrated brand I love is Le-febour. It’s a Canadian slow-fashion label founded by Hannah Lefebour, and every piece feels incredibly intentional. Everything is made in small batches, which makes the brand feel especially thoughtful in today’s fast-fashion landscape.
I have their Everything Bag in butter yellow, and it’s become my go-to everyday bag. They’ve got some attention online, but I still think they deserve way more recognition.
Walk us through your most recent Daydream search. What were you looking for?
I love a good oversized statement bag, so that’s what I’ve been searching for on Daydream. I think a great bag can completely shape an outfit and become the piece that pulls everything together.
Right now I’m drawn to bags that feel practical but still carry a bit of edge. My most recent find was the Double A Ophelia Oversized Leather Bag. I love its oversized silhouette and how it feels bold without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of bag that can elevate even the simplest outfit, which is always what I’m looking for.
What’s your honest take on AI right now?
Honestly, I think AI is both exciting and overwhelming right now. It’s becoming so integrated into our everyday lives that sometimes we don’t even realize how much we rely on it, and the speed at which it’s evolving can feel hard to keep up with.
I think the most important thing to remember is that AI should be a tool rather than a replacement for your own thinking. It should make life easier and help optimize tasks, but it should not be making every decision for you.
To me, AI is most valuable when it helps simplify things that can feel time-consuming, whether that’s narrowing down endless shopping options or helping you find exactly what you’re looking for faster. That kind of efficiency is where it makes the most sense. I think the key is learning how to use it in a way that supports your life without replacing your judgement.
Want to try your own Daydream search? Ask for any item you’re looking for (seriously… with over 2 million products, we’ll find it). Hint: you’ll get the best options if you sign up and start saving your favorite pieces.
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Until next time, we’ll be daydreaming.