Hi, I’m Kristen, and I’ll be a senior this year at the University of Michigan! As a Columbus, Ohio native, I endure a lot nonsense for willingly choosing to become a Wolverine, but I personally could not be happier to represent the maize and blue.
Although I am currently studying communications, I originally made the trek to Ann Arbor to study engineering. I think I realized I had a greater passion for fashion when I noticed I was more excited to get dressed everyday than go to class and code the entire game of “Battleship” online.
While yes, I do know now that I want to pursue a career in the fashion industry, my style has had its many twists and turns, its ups and downs. I will admit to wearing yoga pants and UGGs to class on more than one occasion, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get out of bed and bike straight to lectures in exactly what I fell asleep wearing.
In an ideal world, I would have my pick of the latest Yves Saint Laurent handbags and an incredible array of Louis Vuittons, but usually I just end up filtering the price from low to high at Forever 21. A girl can dream.
That is exactly where I believe my personal style comes from: an idealization of the rich and the famous. I follow the celebrities with the trendiest wardrobes. I stalk the Instagrams of countless fashion magazines and bloggers, and I recreate a Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner inspired outfit within a modest college student budget. It’s a “Regina George bought army pants and flip flops, so I bought army pants and flip flops” type of situation, while still adding my own flair by sticking with simplistic patterns and colors, accenting them with minimalistic jewelry and sky high heels.
I know my limits when it comes to fashion. I cannot afford to drop $300 on Givenchy flip flops when I still debate whether its worth it to spend the extra dollar for guacamole at Chipotle. However, I continue to remain optimistic and confident in the way I approach my fashion endeavors. I have small victories. I snag a sweater that just went on sale or successfully take a chance on an Australian e-boutique.
I love fashion, but I am also a regular college student. Even if I can’t bring my best outfit to the table every day, I appreciate those who do and I love to show off my own take on the latest trends when I can. Whether I am strutting in my newest dress or rocking my oldest sweats, my attitude towards fashion remains the same—bold and curious. As Micheal Scott of The Office would say, “I am Beyonce always,” and that is how I aim to feel when I get dressed.
Follow me on my journey to discover the most stylish students at the University of Michigan and beyond!
