Hey y’all! My name is Rachel and I am a senior at the beautiful University of South Carolina — go Gamecocks! I am studying fashion merchandising at USC and upon graduation hope to land a job with either a prominent lifestyle/fashion magazine or a public relations/social media company. I have a passion for writing; I eat, sleep and breathe social media; and I have had a love for fashion since the day I was able to hobble around the house in my mother’s (much too big for me) high heels. Nothing would make me happier than being able to make a living doing what I love.
I have always considered myself to be spontaneous and a risk taker, especially when it comes to my fashion choices. Whether it meant being the first in my class to chop my bangs (meaning on my own and not very pretty), accessorizing my middle school outfits (read: Abercrombie V-necks) with scarves and other fun accessories or embracing colorful skinny jeans when Hollister bell-bottoms were the only “cool thing” to be wearing in high school, I have always been known to take risks with my style. I—like many other Fashionistas alike—have always liked to use my style as a way to showcase my personality. There is no better way to express yourself than through your fashion choices and personal style.
Today, while I have learned to get my bangs trimmed at the salon and donate those Hollister bell-bottoms, I still enjoy experimenting with my style. I will never cease to appreciate a timeless Louis Vuitton Speedy, a closet of J.Crew staples and a classic LBD. I like mixing in trendy accessories and statement pieces to add some flare to these classic staples. I have a shopaholic’s weakness for scarves and pashminas, and my collection of handbags and shoes could easily fill a closet on its own.
Much of my style is inspired by location. I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts—your typical New England town about 20 miles north of historic Boston, and 20 miles west of the beautiful New England beaches. During the summer months, my style is strictly summer-by-the-sea inspired: I don colorful J.Crew chinos (the brighter, the better), my favorite Jack Rogers navajos and flowy tanks with chambray tops. In the cooler months, however, I tend to incorporate more of an on-trend, city vibe into my style. As if these opposite inspirations were not enough, I have adopted the laid back, classic and feminine style of the south into my wardrobe as well. I am never afraid to dress up any outfit with my cowboy boots, now a staple in my wardrobe.
My current fashion must-haves include leather (leggings, dresses, jackets—you name it!), oversized knits, riding boots, peplum, sheer tops, burgundy denim and outerwear, military jackets, embellished collars and a classic crossbody bag. You will never spot me without my pearl earrings and my nails are always painted a fun, vibrant color.
This will be my second semester as a CollegeFashionista Style Guru (I previously wrote for LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS), and I couldn’t be more excited to share with you the southern, chic and on-trend looks of Gamecock Nation as your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK writer!
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