Hey fellow Fashionistas/os! It’s been about four months since my last STYLE GURU BIO and so much has changed for me! I’m going to be an incoming Sophomore and just like grades in school, my fashion sense has grown a level.
When I last wrote my STYLE GURU BIO, I was sitting at home on my couch on Thanksgiving Break from school. This time, I’m sitting on a hotel bed in the middle of Paris taking a weekend trip from my study abroad city in Barcelona. Paired with my new job at Hollister Co., my style has been influenced by my new and different surroundings and I couldn’t be happier.
Between selling clothes a few days a week and now being completely immersed in a whole other style of clothing, what people wear is now something I notice everywhere I go. I expected Barcelona to be filled with bright colors and patterns, but it actually features many dark and solid colors such as black, navy, white and gray. Seeing the locals wearing these very basic items and still totally standing out taught me that simple is okay too. I’ve been encouraged by the locals (and the amazing shopping malls and boutiques) to add some dark colors to my wardrobe and I really like the way it looks. Barcelona also really likes low-back dresses, rompers and shirts, which made me go a little crazy in Zara and buy a ton of them.
The fashion in France took me by surprise in the best way possible. France is filled with solid colors, patterned tights and beautiful layers. I used to think it wasn’t possible to have so much color and texture going on in one outfit. Then after two weekend trips stretching from the South of France to the Northern end, I’m beginning to learn that the key to wearing outfits with bold statements is to just be confident in yourself.
My style is a mix of girly and edgy. I still wear my favorite leather jacket, of course, but now I’m not afraid to mix it up with new textures too. I think it’s safe to say my style has evolved into what can best be described as “an American in Europe.” I’ve added some crochet to my closet (from my new favorite store Pull & Bear), and flowy pants are probably my latest clothing obsession. Sure, we have all of that in America, but it took going to Europe to push me into wearing it.
I always tell my customers at work that if they like the item then it’s the perfect one for them. Who cares what anyone else thinks? I’m going to take my own advice and bring a bit of Spanish (and French) flair into the small town of Gainesville. The only thing I want people to remember is that my outfit makes me happy and of course, if anyone asks, I’ll be happy to tell them all about the shopping scene in Barcelona because it rivals even the best shopping in Miami.
