Hi there! My name is Allison Pruden and I am a sophomore at the University of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!). Since I’m only a college sophomore, my fashion sense is ever-changing. I am a double major in Marketing and Advertising with a minor in Retail Merchandising, so I guess you could say I’m hitting all the bases. This is my first semester being a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista and I am beyond excited to see what is in store for the future!
Fashion has many different definitions and meanings, but to me it’s a way to express and individualize yourself. It’s about being unique, but also about being a part of something so much bigger than yourself.
I am from Huntington, New York but I moved to Ashburn, Virginia when I was very young. In the summer, I either live in Ashburn, Virginia or in Corolla, North Carolina, commonly known as the Outer Banks. I also go to school in South Carolina, so you can find me in several states on the east coast. Living in three different places up and down the coast has given me a wide variety of style, but I love each and every one of my influences. New York, Virginia, and South Carolina have three very different styles and cultures, but I try and pull my inspirations from certain aspects from each place; the daring street style from New York, the bright colors and patterns from Virginia and the preppy look from South Carolina. Despite my different influences, anywhere I go you can usually find me wearing something from Free People! Eventually I would like to work for Free People as a part of their Marketing or Public Relations team.
I don’t have a certain moment when I fell in love with fashion, but it has always been something that I have associated and felt connected with. Fashion has always been “my thing” and what better way is there to fall in more love with fashion than being a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista? With my love for fashion, there comes a love for makeup. Makeup was probably my first love in the fashion industry. I always believe winged eyeliner and a bright lip is always the right choice.
I believe combat boots are a good pair of shoes for any occasion or outfit, all four seasons of the year. Additionally, a girl can never go wrong with wearing a dress—bodycon, maxi dress or boho-inspired style.
Photography, fashion and writing have been my adored hobbies for a many years now, and I am extremely excited for them to continue to grow this upcoming semester with CollegeFashionista. I hope all of you Fashionistas/os are enjoying your summer, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
