College Fashionista

STYLE GURU BIO: Kelsey McCormack

Kelsey McCormack — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:00:26 +0000

Happy summer, Fashionistas and Fashionistos! I am more than thrilled to be a returning Style Guru for CollegeFashionista. I recently finished off my last semester at the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies (although, I still have a few summer classes to sit through before I can actually receive my diploma). In the meantime, I am heading out to Los Angeles, California for an internship with West Bank Clothing Showroom. I will be on the hunt for Fashionistas and Fashionistos at UCLA, where I will be residing.

I cannot wait to head out to the West Coast for what is hopefully the beginning of my career in fashion. It will be different and exciting to have the opportunity to write about the LA style, and I have a feeling it will be nearly effortless to spot tons of stylish students on campus. Transitioning from Iowa to California may be a bit of a culture shock, but I think it will also be a pleasant change of pace. It will be fun to interview a wide array of new people for the FASHIONISTA/O SPOTLIGHT column.

I would describe my own style as mostly urban chic, but sometimes hippie, with a splash of edgy. Overall, I think my style is versatile, and I never really stick to just one look. I am not afraid to try new trends (my excuse to keep shopping) and love experimenting with clothing. My favorite designer is Alexander McQueen and I idolize Kate Moss and Rachel Zoe. I try to mimic their style into my daily outfits as often as possible. However, the uniqueness of fashion is what I love most. I believe every one should incorporate their own personality into their style. Like Alexander McQueen once said, “It’s a new era in fashion– there are no rules.”

My dream job for years has been to become a buyer for a major department store such as Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, but recently, I have found myself more and more interested in writing. It would be a dream come true to someday work for Vogue, InStyle or W magazine. CollegeFashionista has been, and will continue to be, a great learning experience for me. I am more than ready for an awesome summer on board as a Style Guru and can’t wait to share all the fashion I encounter!

Class of 2013: Flavia

Flavia Stana — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:10:13 +0000

Attending college is an incredible opportunity to embark on an educational endeavour. It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to embrace these years for the priceless learning opportunity which they offer. From an academic standpoint, four years at McGill University has taught me vast amounts about human physiology and has truly allowed me to gain an appreciation for how intricate and intertwined every aspect of our physical being is. The human body is unarguably beautiful and perhaps the most awe-inducing aspect is the way in which its complex components work together to create the invaluable gift of life. In this way, studying physiology contributed to my scientific understanding of the human body, while cultivating an admiration for the body that spans far past the mere molecular level.

Although attaining knowledge is one of the pillars upon which a college education stands, the term “learning” should never be taken so narrowly as to only describe the academic learning that occurs within classrooms. I personally learned more from simply living in Montreal than I could’ve ever learned from any textbook or lecture hall. Perhaps one of Montreal’s greatest assets is its multicultural mosaic, which allows you to meet people from every corner of the globe. Interacting daily with such a wide diversity of people teaches you one of the greatest lessons that can be taught to any human being — the lesson of tolerance and acceptance. While some people approach those who look or act differently with a sense of uneasiness or judgement, Montreal encourages an attitude of acceptance and a genuine curiosity toward learning about the many differences that make each of us unique. Consequently, this city challenged my notion of normality, while instilling within me a profound admiration for the beauty that lies within the unique and the unconventional.

My love for the unconventional, particularly pertaining to fashion, merges seamlessly into my experience with CollegeFashionista. Although my interest in clothing and style was always present, CollegeFashionista provided me with an amazing opportunity to capture my point of view within photographs, while eloquently expressing my sartorial passion through words. While runway shows are the realm of the rich and regal, street style is influenced by the sartorial rebels and style provocateurs — the true Fashionistas who practice innovation over imitation. My three semesters as a Style Guru completely transformed my perspective on fashion and opened my eyes to the overflowing amounts of creativity and raw inspiration that can be found within street style.

This coming fall I hope to start a Master’s program, with my ultimate aspiration being to one day go to medical school and become a doctor. However, despite that, I’ll always carry within me a sartorial passion and an eye for the incredible beauty of the world, whether it be the beauty found in full-body tattoos, graffiti-clad buildings or an unexpected smile from a stranger. After all as the poet Khalil Gibran once said, “We live only to discover beauty, all else is a form of waiting.”

Class of 2013: Jing

Jing Chen — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:09:17 +0000

In comparison to others, my college experience is diversified. I transferred from Beijing to Purdue University in 2011. Thereby I went through two different college lives, one in China and the other in U.S. For me, freshman and sophomore years were the most insouciant years in college. So I had enough free time for hobbies. I subscribed fashion magazines, like Vogue, for the entire sophomore year. Every time I received the latest issue, I would quick glance throughout all contents. I always found eye-catching pieces. As a college student with tight budget, I cannot afford most of the pieces. These fabulous garments became my bedtime fantasy during the rest of the month. Both my writing and photography skills matured through a two-year-working experience in college press—I participated because refined articles and photos are a hinted key to the fashion realm.

Since I studied in Purdue, I began a brand new experience as both a college student and a fashion lover. Even though Purdue is nowhere close to fashion centers like New York or L.A., studying abroad opened a new door to fashion for me. I saw broader part of the fashion realm by exploring the fashion blogs and magazines in the States. The greatest excitement was that I purchased a pair of long-wanted Tory Burch ballet flats for affordable price. The feeling of dream coming true is fantastic!

Doubtlessly, when the opportunity of applying to CollegeFashionista appeared a year ago, I resolved to get the best out of it. Before starting with CollegeFashionista, I conducted the “Street Style” section of the first Chinese magazine VOICE I AM and took several English writing classes. Last semester, I felt eligible for a qualified Style Guru. Fortunately, I achieved the position this semester, after dreaming about for over a year. I only served as a Style Guru for one semester, notwithstanding this definitely is an amazing experience. My understanding of fashion is not limited to browsing unique items and concerning my wardrobe; but rather stepping into another stage of offering advisable outfit tips to others. Furthermore, I really enjoy the process of composing every weekly post, even though it would take me great efforts working on the syntax and vocabulary. I would like to thanks the CollegeFashionista editorial team, especially Melissa who offered me productive advice every time. The Style Guru experience helped me build a solid foundation for a future fashion public relation professional.

My short journey with CollegeFashionista will not stop. I will write for the Style Advise section in the summer. As I am going to New York University for graduate school, hopefully I can continue my work for CollegeFashionista in future!

Class of 2013: Rebecca

Rebecca Collins — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:08:57 +0000

As the countdown to graduation nears single digits I am trying to appreciate all of my last moments at Moore. While I look forward to a normal sleeping schedule, I know I will miss all-nighters in the studio with the twenty other women graduating from Moore’s fashion design program. When describing my college experience to others I often joke that it has been more “Girl Interrupted” than “Girls Gone Wild.” While I did not get to experience the thrill of collegiate athletics or the luxury of professors who don’t take attendance, I am nothing but grateful for the hours spent bent over sewing machines and the conversations in the smoking courtyard. I never experienced Greek Life, but I would argue that in many ways Moore is a sorority; even if the average Moore student would protest this label. I was lucky to find myself in a second community shortly into my college career.

I began writing for CollegeFashionista my sophomore year, when I only wore sky high heels. Since my first article my hatred of flats has diminished and my understanding of photography has drastically improved. I am grateful for the endless opportunities CollegeFashionista has given me, and I am perhaps the most grateful for the introduction of explorer view which is the ultimate solution to the “I have nothing to wear” problem.

After graduation I hope to dress every day like I’m trying out for CollegeFashionista’s homepage, and I hope to experience a full night’s sleep. In the fall I’ll be moving to Los Angeles to design clothes made to make you as nostalgic as I am.

Class of 2013: Jamey

Jamey Hastings — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:08:23 +0000

To this day, I still get asked the question, “How could you ever come here from Los Angeles?” The truth of the matter is, ever since I stepped foot on the UW-Madison campus my senior year of high school, I knew there was no better place in the world for me to spend my four years of college. While the weather might have been rough at times, it didn’t hinder my love for this city and this university.

While sometimes studying or papers can be extremely stressful, I genuinely have loved the classes I have taken here. However, what stands out the most to me when looking back at college is the great people I’ve had the benefit of meeting and the adventures we’ve gone on. Whether it was game days, nights at the Kollege Klub, Mifflin or late hours studying at College Library, it was the people that made it those times wonderful. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy last year was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done and something I will definitely think of when I look back at college. Throughout the four years I’ve definitely had some crazy times with my friends, but it will be the lazy Sundays hanging out with my friends doing nothing but chilling that I will miss the most.

When I look back at college, CollegeFashionista will be the first thing that comes to mind. Not only because it taught me so much but also because people at UW-Madison associate me with it. People you wouldn’t expect to read my articles would come up to me on the street and say, “Hey, CollegeFashionista!!” It truly is amazing how much social media spreads the word. I feel very lucky to be part of a growing, amazing company!

After graduation I have varies interviews in Los Angeles and New York, which makes me very excited for the next chapter in my life! Fashion will always be a passion of mine and no matter where life takes me – I’ll make sure I do it in style.

Class of 2013: Chelsea

Chelsea Vaccaro — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:06:48 +0000

How can you wrap up four of the most exciting and influential years of your life into one mere blog post you may ask? Well the answer is, you can’t. I couldn’t have chosen a better university or asked for a more fulfilling experience, and I cannot believe that so much time has already come and gone. I have been constantly surrounded by creative, driven and intelligent peers, friends and sisters, many whom have proven to me first hand that hard work really does pay off.

During my time with CollegeFashionista I first (and most importantly) have learned that sometimes I may come off as a bit of a stalker. Yes, I am staring at you and may be following you on campus at a very close distance, but I swear it’s because I’m obsessed with your maxi skirt and I’d like to take your picture. Not creepy at all, right? Even when my time as a Style Guru ended and Editorial Interning took over, I continue to have an eye for style and good taste on campus and, well, pretty much anywhere I go. It is hard not to think, “They would be great for a CollegeFashionista post,” every time I see something I admire.

CollegeFashionista has taught me the importance of expressing yourself through fashion and gaining inspiration through others. I have seen countless amounts of pictures and edited posts on a day-to-day basis; yet I am still in awe with people’s ability to stand out amongst a sea of fellow, eager college students. The possibility of styles, accessories, trends and colors are endless (now if only we all had the closet and bank account big enough to fit it all).

You may not know what you want to do, where you want to go or who you want to be (trust me, I’m graduating in three weeks and still ask myself these questions), but there is one thing you can always control — your sense of style and confidence. When I wake up in the morning dreading going to my morning class and fighting off my senioritis, putting on my best is what gets me through the day. CollegeFashionista has not only confirmed my belief that looking good means feeling good, but has also given me the opportunity to break the boundaries of my own comfort zone.

As a Magazine Journalism major with a capstone in Magazine Design and minor in Fashion, I plan on searching for a magazine design job in my hometown, Chicago. I hope to stay in the Chicagoland area for few years in order to gain more design experience, and save up enough money to move to New York. I have always dreamed of working at a fashion magazine in NYC, and will continue to expand my portfolio in order to do so.

I am so thankful for the experience and knowledge I gained from CollegeFashionista, and want to congratulate the rest of the graduating members within the ColllegeFashionista family. Here’s to the Class of 2013!

Class of 2013: Rachel

Rachel Bergan — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:06:32 +0000

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

When I packed my car beyond capacity the summer before my sophomore year of college and made the first — of what would turn out to be many — 18-hour car rides down to South Carolina, I had little idea the significant impact that transferring to the University of South Carolina would have on my life. It didn’t take long for me to know with certainty that it was the best decision I ever made.

I quickly learned that there are four seasons in the south: winter, spring, summer and football and that football season would undoubtedly be the highlight of my college experience. While some people might prefer anything over waking up at 6:00 AM to curl their hair, apply a full face of makeup and dress in their most fashion-forward garnet and black dress – only to be at a tailgate by 8:00 AM with a mimosa in hand – these mornings were the highlight of every Saturday each fall. Tailgates at the State Fairgrounds are unlike anything you could ever imagine, and there is nothing more fun than cheering the Gamecocks to victory with “80,000 of your closest friends.”

While football games, bar crawls, fall break excursions to New Orleans and a semester abroad are among the events and memories that made my college experience so special, it is the friendships and relationships that I built over the past three years that I will cherish forever. Packing up my car one last time in July for a final 18-hour car ride to Massachusetts, and saying goodbye to a place that I now call home and friends that I now call family, is going to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

“What do you want to do when you graduate?” This is every college student’s dreaded question. I have been asked this question every Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4^th of July — you name it — for the past few years. Sometimes my response is a blunt “I don’t know,” but in reality, I change my mind every five minutes. A few career paths that I am actively pursuing include PR and community relations with the Boston Bruins (yes, this little blonde Fashionista is a die-hard hockey fan!), writing for Cosmopolitan Magazine and doing PR for a major fashion brand. I am anxious to take the next step and excited to see where my dreams will lead.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to write for CollegeFashionista for two semesters. I was a weekly Let’s Hear it for the Boys contributor fall semester of my junior year, and rejoined the team this past semester to bring you all the weekly Style Advice of the Week from the beautiful South Carolina campus. CollegeFashionista has provided me an invaluable opportunity to grow as a writer and to build my portfolio; I am excited to apply the skills I have learned to whatever career path I choose.

So, from the beautiful state of South Carolina, I’d like to say to all of my fellow Fashionistas and Fashionistos: Congratulations Class of 2013…we did it!!!

Class of 2013: Sara

Sara Alderman — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:06:24 +0000

It is unbelievable to me that four years have already come and gone. I still remember what I wore my first day of classes at Tulane: a white bohemian tank top, light wash denim cut-offs and gold studded brown gladiator sandals. I can still say I have all three of these items in my closet. However, I can’t say I am still the same girl who wore that outfit. Each year has brought about change, uncertainty, awareness and excitement. From spending freshman year adjusting and embracing college lifestyle, feeling at ease in a familiar place sophomore year, studying abroad first semester junior year and coming back second semester with an anticipated sense of seniority and finally culminating with a memorable senior year. I could not imagine spending my formative college years any place other then Tulane University.

Even though it has only been one year since I started writing for CollegeFashionista, it has been amazing to see how much this site has grown in such a short amount of time, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. Not only has being a Style Guru fine tuned my writing skills and sharpened my eye for fashion, it has also evolved my personal style. I have a greater understanding of what does and doesn’t work for me and how to put an outfit together. I have also developed a new found appreciation for street style. It has been so inspiring to see that college students just like me can have an influence in the fashion world.

After graduation, I plan to go back home to New York; there is nowhere else I would rather be. I am excited to see what the future holds, but right now I need to focus on finding a dress for graduation (although by the time this post goes live, after my graduation, I better have found something).

Class of 2013: Matthew

MatthewTaylor — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:06:07 +0000

I began a little over six years ago at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and I have pretty much loved every moment since I sat down in my first class Fashion History to my last class Store Planning and Lease Management. I am studying Fashion and Retail Management This isn’t my first time in college, I graduated in 2000 with a B.S. in Economics/Finance from St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. My experiences at the Art Institute have been a complete 180. I have developed such a love for the fashion world as the years have passed. When I first started, I was busy working full time as a landscaper. The last few years since I moved on to freelance work have really helped me gain a greater appreciation for what I am doing. Especially when I attended New York Fashion Week for a brief 26 hours back in February.

CollegeFashionista was something I had never heard before until December when one of our career advisors mentioned she saw this and wanted to know who was doing CollegeFashionista from our school. I noticed there wasn’t a rep from my school so I thought how fun it would be to show off Pittsburgh fashion. I have loved being a CollegeFashionista intern, I find myself constantly scouting my surroundings to see how stylish people are. My blogs have benefited tremendously from what I have learned during the brief few months on the job. Meeting so many of you fellow Style Gurus on twitter and following your posts is a blast. I can’t believe how fast time has gone by.

What the future holds for me is anyone’s guess. I have been a blogger for a little over a year and a half and a stylist for almost a year now. I would like to work with a fashion magazine whether writing, styling or hopefully both. I wouldn’t mind working for a local boutique and having my own side business of styling and wedding planning. As for now my main concern is finishing up my last quarter at school. I want to wish everyone graduating the best of luck. Thank you to the staff for all their amazing work and help!

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Raising Hell

Thelma Annan — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:05:38 +0000

Ever have a spontaneous, “I deserve to treat myself” moment? Ever have one too many? When it comes to a good shoe, in my opinion, there is no such thing. Unlike anything you have ever laid eyes on before, behold— the UNIF Hellraisers. The sassy twin of the conventional loafer, here’s another item to add to your wish list, if it’s not already there.

Incredibly high in demand since its debut a year ago, this footwear became almost as impossible to find as a four leaf clover in a green field, or a needle in a haystack! I was all too familiar with those heartbreaking words a woman should never have to hear: out of stock. (Hashtag First World Problems). So, imagine my jealousy as soon as I spotted this Fashionista rocking these bad boys on campus all nonchalantly. The nerve, am I right? The glimmer of the spikes caught my full attention, as they continued to taunt me with her every step. I just had to be near her and those shoes!

As intimadating as these shoes may seem, they are actually versatile for any outfit or situation. Day or night, school or work, in an array of color choices, you can select as girly of a pair as you would like. Pair them with a flare skirt and sheer tights, your best jeans with a rolled up bottom or shorts like this Fashionista, and you’re ready to hit the road. Definitely worth the bang for your buck, a gal’s got to treat herself!

Spotted: Barbara Bui added some edge to her spring collection with a hints of spiked details.