STYLE GURU BIO: Renee Zagozdon

May 29th, 2015 at 2:00am

Hello Fashionistas/os! My name is Renee and I am preparing for my junior year at Loyola University Chicago! I am declared as a double major in English and Communication Studies and a minor in Psychology. My dream job after college would be in editing and/or publishing. I learned about CollegeFashionista through Jessica Ciesielski, who also happens to be my Alpha Chi Omega sorority sister and a Style Guru at Loyola. I am super excited to bring you my love of both fashion and writing throughout the summer season!

My introduction to all things fashion began with my mom. When I was little, she would always make sure to dress me in the most frilly dresses she could find, accessorizing my hair with flower headbands and bejeweled hair pins whenever she could. It was my daily dress-up sessions with her that really opened my eyes to fashion and the possibilities it holds.

My eye for fashion strengthened as I began my career in retail. I held my first ever job at 14 in a bridal boutique called House of Brides. Even though I only did stock, I watched the consultants I worked beside with eager attention. Although I left three years later, it only opened doors to working for numerous retailers including Forever 21, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and currently White House Black Market. My duties as an associate for White House Black Market are to style numerous outfits for customers. I absolutely love having the chance to show shoppers how they can create 20 different outfits with just 10 items of clothing. It’s truly amazing!

Life at Loyola and in Chicago has also helped grow my desire for fashion. While I grew up in the Chicago-land area, it amazes me how I always seem to find something new with each passing year I am here. The same goes for Loyola; as a rising junior I have learned the ropes of college, but I can never grasp the people; Loyola’s campus always seems to surprise me with their rich diversity and ethnic style.

As far as my personal style goes, I tend to wear plain prints that are typically navy, white, beige or gray. Since summer is right around the corner, I thought I would show off some of my favorites here, in which I am featuring navy shorts, a white top, navy sandals and a navy cardigan. I also like to have my Cole Haan purse in hand wherever I go. This style is largely from J.Crew, an ode to my new favorite place to shop. I also love a good statement necklace whenever I have the chance to wear one!

My number one goal for this summer is to inspire those who do not care about fashion to look at it with new eyes. Hopefully, I can even encourage more students at Loyola to make the decision I made and become a Style Guru. I cannot wait to show you a fun and fashionable summer through my weekly blogs!

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