This summer, I have my dream internship with a company I adore in Boston. Of course, I was excited for the responsibility, work experience and opportunity to make connections.  However, I was equally excited to finally live on my own and for the first time, actually feel like an adult.  In college, we are constantly immersed with people our own age and indefinitely defined by our surroundings.  We are students on a designated schedule and enclosed in a highly patrolled campus.  While I am so grateful for the college experience, this is almost an excuse to behave like we’re still kids.  Living on campus is beautifully simple and safe, but especially this summer, I was ready to create my own identity outside of the Northwestern community.
In the real world, we are no longer restrained by what is inappropriate for class and too fancy for a tailgate. Fashion is a reflection on our character and allows us to express ourselves in the most instinctual way possible.  While I hope people look deeper, we determine a lot from an individual’s appearance, and so much of this is based upon how we are dressed.  So, I thought about how I wanted to be perceived this summer at my new internship and three words came to mind: classic, innovative and lively.  I began to stalk the runways for some inspiration to achieve this and I came across a collection that caught my eye: the Bouchra Jarrar Couture for spring/summer of 2015.
The Jarrar collection is characterized by its asymmetrical cuts and sharp and distinctive collars that look professional yet so cutting edge.  This is exactly what I wanted to do this summer, but I still needed to add my own flair.  One of my favorite pieces in Jarrar’s collection was the asymmetrical zip-up leather skirt.  While shopping in Evanston, I happened to find a very similar, clean-cut leather skirt in a small boutique.  I bought it having no idea when or how I would wear it, but I knew I needed it.  When I saw this fashion show, I knew exactly what to do. It is in my own personal style to add a casual flare to my outfits, which is why I decided to pair this leather skirt with a graphic T-shirt from Topshop. In the Jarrar collection, she pairs the skirt with a classic white button-up, but I still don’t think I’m grown up enough for that.  To accessorize, of course, I never go anywhere without my Dolce Vita cutout booties, and the suede provides a contrast to the leather (though not a great mix with the weather).
Get My Look:  1. Look out for business-like skirts. 2. If you want to make it a little more casual, add a basic graphic T-shirt. 3. Don’t forget to accessorize by adding heeled booties or a statement necklace!
