April Lockhart's Must Haves: From Instant Coffee to a Designer Handbag
:upscale()/2023/08/28/799/n/1922564/7c75964964ece34dc5a285.30885607_.jpg)
April Lockhart is breaking into the fashion sphere. A self-appointed "disabled fashion girlie," Lockhart, who was born with amniotic band syndrome, has spent the last year and a half using her platform to share her experiences as a disabled person and form an online community where fashion feels accessible. Beyond forming meaningful connections with her followers — now more than 60,000 strong — Lockhart often experiments with new ways to wear her latest fashion finds and put a personal spin on some of our favorite style trends.
While Lockhart is an expert at tracking down a quality sweater or a breezy cutout dress in a thrift store, her sartorial talents are versatile. In addition to creating content for her Instagram feed, Lockhart is a brand ambassador for Anthropologie, an advocate for adaptive fashion, and a budding runway model. On Sept. 13, she will make her high-fashion debut during New York Fashion Week at the Runway of Dreams show. Lockhart is tight-lipped about the brands she'll be wearing, but she tells POPSUGAR, "Basically big brands that I've loved my whole life will debut adaptive capsule collections."
Lockhart's personal style combines a vast array of influences: vintage, secondhand finds, commercial retail collections, and contemporary releases by top-tier designers. As a seasoned shopper, she shared some of her must-have purchases — including a few of her favorite fashion finds — with POPSUGAR. From items that support a good night's rest to accessories that pair with almost everything in your closet, see Lockhart's must-have recommendations ahead — and shop some of our favorite fall fashion trends here.
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/a0f3f0db64ece3750a68e0.92957949_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Morning-Routine Must Have
Blue Bottle Craft Instant Espresso Multiserve ($25)
Before greeting her social media followers, Lockhart starts the day with a cup of coffee. "Right now, I'm addicted to making my own iced lattes with Blue Bottle instant espresso," she says. "I literally think about it when I go to sleep. I'm not a super early riser — I like to ease into my mornings, try getting some sunshine or go for a walk."
Pro Tip: This aromatic coffee is perfect for brewing hot or cold lattes, and each jar includes 12 servings.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/a0f3f0db64ece3750a68e0.92957949_Product_PS23.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/05afb89b64ece3759e3eb3.48358238_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Investment Must Have
Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Shoulder Bag ($2,400)
As a fashion content creator, Lockhart's closet is stocked with countless accessories, but none more beloved than this Gucci shoulder bag. "My red Gucci Jackie bag was my first designer purchase, and still the one I love most," she says. "It's classic, and I adore the color. It's as versatile as a neutral but still feels special."
Pro Tip: The leather bag is available in seven additional colors: black, white, ivory, two shades of pink, green, and teal.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/05afb89b64ece3759e3eb3.48358238_Product_PS23.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/7923862664ece376186e51.04373355_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Affordable Must Have
Bombas Women's Tri-Block Ankle Socks ($13)
Though not as extravagant as her investment purchase, Lockhart's favorite affordable fashion purchase is one that we can see ourselves using every day. "Bombas socks. I have every person in my life drinking the Kool-Aid," Lockhart says. "They're just so cushiony and don't have the annoying seam. I didn't know how passionate I could be about socks, but as soon as you try them, you get it."
Pro Tip: The seamless socks feature honeycomb arch support around the mid-foot. Also, Bombas donates one product to communities in need for every product purchased.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/23/942/n/44344577/shopbgK25o.png)
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/1134517f64ece37667a2e4.63003521_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Sleep Must Have
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm ($200)
"My Hatch Restore Alarm has completely changed my sleep experience for the better," Lockhart says. "It has this epic sunset/sunrise effect, and the sounds are so relaxing. Not waking up to the screeching iPhone alarm is a joy I never knew."
Pro Tip: The high-tech alarm clock also acts as a calming sound machine and bedside lamp complete with dreamy mood lighting.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/23/942/n/44344577/shoppQBDPK.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/ec248b6d64ece376a50960.02403745_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Nighttime-Routine Must Have
Nodpod Sleep Mask ($34)
In addition to the alarm clock, Lockhart recommends curling up in bed with this weighted sleep mask, which rests gently across your face as you sleep. "Also love the Nodpod weighted sleep mask. The combo is chef's kiss," she says.
Pro Tip: The sleep mask targets deep-touch pressure points on the face to "calm overactive minds, soothe headaches, and help you sink into a deep restful sleep," according to the Nodpod website.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/23/942/n/44344577/shopr5pTie.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/08/28/800/n/1922564/0d69505a64ece376f0afd4.91949419_Product_PS23.jpg)
April Lockhart's Travel Must Have
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack ($195)
"I never travel without my Dagne Dover Neoprene Backpack," Lockhart says. "I've had it for years and it somehow never looks dirty. But they're also washable, they fit everything, they're comfortable, and they slide over your suitcase handle. My husband steals mine from me; it's so good."
Pro Tip: The water-resistant backpack also features a laptop sleeve, dust bag, and shoe bag made out of recycled bottles.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/08/23/942/n/44344577/shopvB9UjR.png)