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What’s the opposite of gatekeeping? Welcome to “Payment Processing,” in which we ask stylish, generally cool people who’ve tried it all about their favorite fashion and beauty buys.
In an era when there are too many reality TV shows to keep count, it’s impressive when someone not only emerges from one as a breakout star, but also maintains that relevance in the pop culture zeitgeist long after the final episode airs. In the “Summer House” universe, season 10 fan favorite Mia Calabrese is the latest such example.
During the show, she became the fandom’s darling thanks to her confident yet drama-free vibe and loyal friendship with fellow fan favorite Ciara Miller. Calabrese also won over the fashion crowd with her trend-forward looks.
“I wanted to show off my curves, but not [be] over the top,” she tells Fashionista of her on-screen style. “I also wanted to be comfy and have airy clothes, because it is hot in the Hamptons. I don’t think you really understand how muggy it can get out there.”
That approach is on par with her day-to-day personal style, which she describes as “sexy and comfy at the same time.” It even extends into her red carpet style, as seen in her fitted leopard print gown at the 2026 Las Culturistas Culture Awards or in her Jennifer Lopez-inspired Versace dress at this year’s American Music Awards.
“The J. Lo-inspired dress that I wore to the AMAs, if I could have slept in that I would have,” she says of the look. “If I could’ve shown up to the airport in that I would have. I loved it so much. That has been my favorite look I’ve worn probably since birth.”
Recently, Fashionista caught up with the reality star — who appeared as a special guest at a Fenty Beauty event — to find out about her beauty and fashion favorites, including the body butter her friends steal from her, the shoes that make her feel like a “bad bitch” and the athleisure set she buys multiples of.
What’s a luxury beauty item you’re into?
Serums, and I hate that for me because they are not cheap, but I love them.
How about a drugstore beauty item?
I have a long list: The La Roche-Posay Gentle Cleanser is incredible and works so well. I also love the Neutrogena Body Oil. I love the Dove beauty bars; I think those are very slept on. Sometimes we need to go back to what we know — get a bar of soap. Go back to the basics.
What’s a beauty staple you love so much you’ve bought multiples?
The Fenty Beauty Body Butter. The problem is, I talk about it so much that when my friends come over, they do a little pump. I’m like, ‘Where did all my lotion go?’ And then they are walking around and smelling like me, and I’m like, ‘Oh, they’ve been using my products.’ [Fenty] just released the Amber Bouquet one, and it smells like heaven and flowers. I feel like a princess when I wear it.
What’s an accessory you have your eye on?
I’m really into customization right now. I want a customized hair clip, a customized bonnet and a customized pillowcase. Put my initials everywhere.
What shoes are you loving?
Here’s the thing: I’ve never been a cool sneaker girl. That was never my vibe because, growing up, we couldn’t afford cool sneakers. So I’m starting now to get into sneakers. I also love a good heeled sandal. It’s so sexy and I feel like whenever I wear them my legs look so long. When I wear a heeled sandal, I feel like a bad bitch.
What are affordable fashion items on your shopping list?
I love the Alo sets. Not that those are particularly affordable, but [they are] when you compare them to luxury items. Those are super comfortable. I also just bought a few Monday swim sets. I’m a big fan of them, too.
What’s a summer beauty staple you swear by?
SPF. Let me shout it from the rooftops. I’m a big fan of the Fenty Beauty SPF. I’ve been wearing it for the past three weeks, and I’m someone who’s tried probably 80% of the sunscreens on the market right now.
What’s the last product a friend influenced you to buy?
This is going to sound really random, but nipple cream. My friend told me to buy nipple cream and put it on my lips because my lips are always dry, so I tried it, and now I’m like, ‘Oh, I get it.’ I’m into it.
