Hey there, Fashionistas/os! My name is Samantha Ockerlund, although everyone calls me Sammie, and I am going into my junior year at the University of Missouri-Columbia! I am majoring in Textile & Apparel Management with a focus on Apparel Merchandising/Marketing and minoring in Art.
It’s hard to say exactly how I knew that going into this field was the way to go for me, but I can say this; I have always been the epitome of a girly girl. Since I was about five years old, playing dress up was my favorite game, and I am happy to say that I have never grown out of it. Having a mother who was a model and who has always been interested in fashion was a huge influence on me, and she has inspired my style throughout my entire life. I was born and raised near Chicago, IL, which, luckily for me, as it is quite the fashion hub. Here, the fashion changes as quickly as the weather (which says something) so, I have always been influenced by the street style.
I have been blessed enough to grow up with a group of best friends, and they have always been a huge inspiration to me style-wise, as well. Each of my friends has their own unique style, not one like the other, and they have inspired me to take risks with fashion and have taught me through their own personal style choices. I have always been drawn towards very traditionally girly and feminine pieces: skirts, dresses, lace, etc. But, as I have aged, my style has acquired an edgier feel and I like to add different aspects to my very girly wear. I love adding hints of edge, mixing textures/fabrics and layering clothes/jewelry to otherwise simple looks in order to give my style its own unique look. I am always changing and learning more about my style, while also staying true to myself. Here, I am wearing a denim-inspired light blue skater skirt, a collared, partial-lace, white button up tank that I dressed down with some distressed combat boots and lots of layered bracelets in mixed metals. This ensemble is a perfect example of my love for traditionally girly silhouettes, styled with a little bit of an edge.
Along with being passionate about fashion, I have always had an interest in photography. Hence, why I have an art minor focused in photography! For this reason, being a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista was an opportunity I have always dreamed of. I cannot wait to show you all a little of my personal style and some inspiration from the fabulous people around me.
