I vividly remember reading Lauren Conrad’s words: “If you want to work in fashion, you HAVE to intern.” My heart sank. Living in Montana gave me a scarce amount of opportunities in fashion and my bank account simply wouldn’t support the summer internship in NYC I had always fantasized about. How was pursuing a career in the fashion industry ever going to be a reality for me? How was I ever going to be able to follow my dreams? How was I ever going to be the next less-evil version of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada? That’s when CollegeFashionista came in.
And the rest is history.
It has officially been two years since I began interning for CollegeFashionista and I am amazed with how much I have evolved as a writer, photographer, Fashionista and person. CollegeFashionista has given me incredibly valuable experiences and skills, as well as helped me learn more about myself and what I want out of both my life and a career.
I am currently a junior at the University of Montana pursuing a degree in marketing with a minor in media arts and a certificate in digital marketing. I am following my dreams full-time by throwing myself into every creative, fashion/journalism-related, social outlet that I can. As an Editorial Contributor for the Lala, president of my university’s fashion blog, a Style Haul partner alongside my sister on our YouTube channel, Michelle and Aline, and, of course, a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista; you could say my Lilly Pulitzer planner is pretty full of color-coordinated reminders to get posts, videos and photos up on time.
Since I oftentimes have a jam packed schedule, I like to spend my down time taking it easy. And by taking it easy I mean working from bed, decked out in a matching flannel pj set, with a caramel latte in hand and my cat by my side. Simultaneously perusing Pinterest and brainstorming aesthetically pleasing Instagram ideas of course.
I feel happy to say that I’ve gotten to a point with my style where I am just having fun. I’m not forcing anything, giving myself strict rules or trying to be something I’m not. I usually stick with classic, feminine pieces, however, I like to hop around with fashion and try out edgier or even boho elements as well.
We don’t get many opportunities in life to just play anymore. I like to take the time getting ready in the morning to play. It’s my little portion of the day to be creative, to experiment, to play dress up, to have fun. I think it’s important to have fun with what you wear because there are too many things in life that are un-fun. Don’t let fashion be one of those things.
I am so excited to be starting my sixth semester with CollegeFashionista. Let’s make this the best one yet!
