“All the other kids with the pumped up kicks” clearly needs to be changed to “all the other girls with the pumped up kicks” after witnessing fashion's current obsession with the sneaker. We’ve always admired the women who could rock a sneaker in the past: Rihanna, Missy Elliot and even Mischa Barton, when she landed that deal with Keds, but for those of us who aren’t cool enough to be able to wear sneakers on the reg, our time has come.
Name: Corinne Bowden
Major: Retail Merchandising and Product Development
Year: Junior
CollegeFashionista: Where do you get most of your inspiration?
Corinne Bowden: Most of my inspiration comes from the media. Magazines like Elle, Glamour and my favorite, Harper’s Bazaar. Also, blogs, Fashion Police and Pinterest of course! I also love Celebrity Style Guide because it shows approachable day-to-day looks that I can mimic with a twist of my own.
Today I was feeling more edgy than usual — which my outfit reflects — but my signature style stays fairly simple. I gravitate towards the styles and fashions of celebrities and designers who stay true to that. Simple silhouettes, simple and more neutral color palettes, and unassuming prints catch my eye the most. I find that I can become overwhelmed easily, so the simpler the better!
CF:Has anyone ever told you that you inspire them?
CB: There hasn’t been one particular person, but in high school my classmates were always so surprised with and admired the fact that I put such an effort into my appearance everyday. I was definitely the only one wearing heels around the halls on the regular! Feeling put together and proud of what you’re wearing is such an empowering thing. When it comes down to it, I think it’s really the boost in confidence that people notice when you’re comfortable with how you look. You tend to carry yourself differently and stand a little taller.
CF:How has going to school for Retail Merchandising and Product Development affected the way you look at the fashion industry?
CB: Being in the major has made me realize what a lucrative and premeditated business fashion really is. You’re not just selling clothes; you’re selling a message and an image. If it’s not one that people will buy into, you have nothing.
CF: Who has influenced your style the most throughout your life?
CB: Victoria Beckham! From trying out some of her hairstyles to piecing together looks inspired by those of hers, I have been a follower for years! Just recently she truly made her entrance into the fashion world, debuting her latest spring collection in fall fashion week. Seeing the evolution of her style, and now her designs is so inspiring and makes me so proud! After admiring her for so long, I’m thrilled that others are now recognizing her as a player in the industry as well. I’m intrigued by the fact that she designs garments catered to what she would design for herself. It’s the same approach I know I would take.
How To: Replicating this look does not take much effort; you can literally just add a pair of sneakers to any outfit you would normally wear. This Fashionista’s sneakers are from ALDO, a similar pair can be found here. For the girls who like to wear dresses and are skeptical about how this trend would look, my all time favorite fashion blogger Sincerely, Jules loves to wear her Isabel Marant's to edge up her girly outfits. If you don’t want to give up your heels to achieve this look, don’t worry, the wedge sneaker is the perfect medium.
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