Hello loves! My name is Marena and I am super excited to be back with CollegeFashionista! It has actually been three years since my last internship (I know, it makes me feel old) and I am glad to say that my style has evolved since then. Always keep challenging and changing, right?
Since 2014, I have been able to define my style while learning how to make it better-rounded with the help of living and telling stories through fashion. Some of my story kernels that help create my personal style can be simplified to traveling, history, and Disney.
I have always been interested in culture and, like any good writer, a sense of place is important in telling a story. When I was offered a chance to study abroad at the University of Oxford in England the summer before my senior year I took the chance. Besides studying at the Bodleian Library, I loved to explore the city and the stores on High and Magdalen Streets. Oxford is such a bustling city of students and visitors alike and it was great to be able to see the different street styles. I fell in love with Oxford shoes, the many uses of cardigans, vintage floral prints with grungy feels, and shops such as Cath Kidston and Joules. Occasionally you can see these little hints slip into my daily wear when it is not being inspired by the bright colors of the American Southeast or the sea details of the Atlantic Coast.
I am constantly being inspired by great women of the past and the history of certain brands themselves as an item’s backstory can help me decide when and where to wear it. I also particularly enjoy the 1960s and Fashionistas such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn which can be found in my love of stripes, shift dresses, and Jack Rogers sandals.
Stories also need a spark of magic and, with living three hours away, Walt Disney World was my family’s vacation spot of choice and a place I have always considered—like many other people—a home. I have participated in two Disney College Programs and I have seen some really wonderful Disney fashion trends including Dapper Day from California and the bright, colorful, character-loving fashion that is Tokyo Disneyland merchandise. Disney Style is a great read as I enjoy keeping up with the latest Disney brand collaborations with Coach, Kate Spade, and Danielle Nicole. Instagram is also another great place to look for DisneyBounding inspiration or other Disney-loving Fashionistas.
Overall when I try to create an outfit I think of the story I’m telling when I wear it. Whether it is picking up a Slim Aaron’s book, looking at the next Lilly Pulitzer line, traveling to a seaside town, or reading about a Minnie Mouse-inspired outfit, I enjoy putting together these stories I love and wearing them for the world to see. It’s fun to find your personal story and live it in your outfit!
