Hey, Fashionistas/os! My name is Ashley Phillips and I extremely excited to be the newest addition to the Style Guru team! I’m a senior at Penn State University graduating in the spring with a degree in journalism and a double minor in global studies and psychology. Come spring I will be fully submerging myself into the world of public relations and all that it offers.
Growing up in New York, my interest in fashion was first sparked when I began acting and modeling at the age of eight. My earliest fashion-based memory was my family vacation to Jamaica as a kid. The resort we stayed at held a multiple-outfit fashion show including a bathing suit, dressed-up attire and an outfit of choice. After meticulously choosing and laying out the outfits, I strutted the runway competing against about 20 other kids for the title of first place. I did, indeed, place in first winning the fashion title, a glittering sash and a plastic crown.
As I got older, my travels around the world (and my not so secret obsession with Gossip Girl) began to influence my personal style. I began to embrace items that can be mixed and matched to be both beautiful and practical. Living in London for six months revolutionized my look and what I find fashionable. Knee-high leather boots, high hems and long jackets have now become staples in my closet.
While I have now traded in my plastic fashion crown, I continue to absorb every fashion-based opportunity available to me. I have been fortunate enough to assist with London Fashion Week, personally meet an Italian designer in Florence and escorted Diane von Furstenberg at a recent gala in New York City. I am so thrilled to see the connections and opportunities I will be able to make working as a Style Guru!
In this look, I am wearing a black H&M DIVIDED top with a simple black bralette underneath. Over the top, I am wearing a Casini Firenze reversible leather jacket that I purchased in Florence during my trip backpacking through Europe. This jacket is a perfect travel accessory, as it can be dressed both up and down. The jacket, while lightweight, can be worn in both cold and warm climates and can be rolled up to fit inside a small purse. Maintaining consistency with a black base for my outfit, my featured pants are a black GAP skinny jean. For shoes, pairing the outfit with a suede knee-high boot adds length and texture to the look. Lastly, I accessorized with an amethyst ring and earrings to add a pop of color, personality and to finish off the look.
Stay tuned for my posts this semester and don’t forget to give each article a #RAD!
