Welcome Fashionistas and Fashionistos to another semester on the most fashion-forward campus of Northeast Ohio. My name is Julie, and am honored to highlight Kent State’s finest as I return as a Style Guru. I am about to begin my fourth year at Kent as an ASL major and Spanish minor. I’m all about releasing one’s self using the human body as living, breathing pieces of art. This applies to my passion for all forms of movement, and using the body as a canvas for endless forms of expression through the discovery of personal style.
The majority of my closet comes from three places: my travels, hand-me-downs from my mom’s killer closet straight out of 1985 and my (sometimes haphazard) DIY escapades.
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel often, and in my wardrobe are items ranging from a Vietnamese silk scarf to a notoriously warm Irish Aran sweater, a cat skirt bought in London and, of course, countless items from Colombia (where my parents both immigrated from). I collect clothing from other countries the way that some people collect snowglobes or shot glasses.
As a frequent thrifter/receiver of used clothing, I’ve learned that sometimes clothing requires a bit of a “DIY touch.” This is where my novice sewing skills come in handy, as I’ve fixed (or intentionally ripped) countless holes, hemmed bottoms, sewn patches and completely redesigned pieces to a better fit and style more to my liking. It never goes exactly as planned, which is totally fine because I love the suspense of it and don’t mind the surprise.
In high school I was voted “Most Unique,” and I think it definitely shows in many of the ensembles I wear. It’s impossible to label myself as having any specific style, because I’m terribly inconsistent! I’ve been a loyal customer of Vans and Volcom for that very reason, because they meet my need to embrace my inner mermaid while keeping true to my teenage pop-punk roots. I’m very passionate about adventure sports and dance, as well as my almost-daily yoga practice. For apparel that withstands my need for handstands and hikes, sprints and splits, I’ve found brands such as Prana and Patagonia, Poler and Burton to be a perfect fit!
I’m glad to remain somewhat true to my identity as a New Yorker by birth. I was born in Maspeth, Queens, and seek motivation based on who and what I see in this fashion mecca. I’ve been collecting the Thursday Styles section of the New York Times from fall 2008 onward, and seek inspiration from there as well as any magazine I can get my hands on.
Keep an eye out as I profile the students (among many) that embody Kent’s quirky spirit and help uphold KSU’s reputation as one of the best fashion schools in the world! I love writing for CollegeFashionista, and I am ecstatic to begin seeking out inspiration on campus and passing it onto you, as well as feature some sick shoppable links. I hope you stick around!
