STYLE GURU BIO: Victoria Messina

Hi there! My name is Victoria Messina and I’m a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Florida. The fact that I just typed “fourth-year” is absolutely terrifying and exciting at the same time, but for now, I’ll just remain in denial about graduation looming in the distance.

This past summer, I had the pleasure of interning in New York City, where I ate way too many bagels for my own good and unleashed my inner Carrie Bradshaw (well, besides the excessive amount of shoes, unfortunately). As with most people who visit the Big Apple, I absolutely fell in love with the city while living there. Everything from a quick grocery store run to a daylong adventure in Brooklyn would uncover hidden coffee shops, new nighttime hangouts and a plethora of chic Fashionistas/os to gawk at. It’s safe to say that I’ve been bit with the New York bug, and I can’t wait to explore opportunities to work there after graduation in the spring.

Now that I’ve adequately confessed my love for New York City, allow me to tell you a little bit more about myself and my personal style. For starters, I enjoy wearing flannel shirts despite the time of year, and I speak in a combination of Anchorman and White Chicks quotes. Anyone who peeks inside my closet will notice that I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with all things tribal printed. My patterned sock collection probably deserves a world record, and I may have more tacky Hawaiian shirts than your dad. I know you’re probably thinking that my style sounds like that of a tacky tourist, but the fun part about my wardrobe is figuring out ways to make all of these quirky elements work together.

Lately, I’ve been really into denim in all forms, from dresses and shorts to skirts and button-downs. With another football season approaching, I’m looking forward to the challenge of somehow making royal blue and bright orange look half decent in the same outfit. My go-to outfit for long days spent cheering on my school’s football team? Blue denim overalls, a white crop top, my hand-studded orange Vans and a Gators snapback hat.

After a magical summer in NYC, I’m back in Gainesville for another semester of scoping out the most fashionable guys and gals around my college campus. Here’s to a rad fifth semester!

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