“Aren’t you cold?!” Hiya! My name is Alana Dillon, and yes, I’m cold. I’m also a brand new CollegeFashionista Style Guru for the spring 2017 semester! Yay! I might be wearing a mini skirt, but I’m still killing it.
A little about me, I currently attend Wagner College in the forgotten borough of New York City, Staten Island, pursuing a B.A. in theatre: design, technology & management, focusing on costume, hair and makeup design, in addition to a minor in dance. I am also the President of an LGBTQIA+ organization that I founded on campus, the Social Chair for my co-ed fraternity Kappa Sigma Alpha, and part of the Fashion Show Committee, amongst other things. To put it simply, I have a passion for spreading myself so thin that I don’t know which way is up. Get the picture?
Something else I have a passion for is fashion. I vividly remember peeling through tabloid magazines as a kid, studying the red carpet couture, “Who Wore It Best?” sections, and translating what I saw into my own doodles. Basically, I’ve always kept a watchful eye on glamorous women, fabulous clothes, and killer style.
That is why I am beyond ecstatic to be reporting live from NYC for CollegeFashionista this semester! I cannot wait to showcase what catches my eye and I hope you’re just as excited to come along for the ride.
In terms of my personal style, I have struggled to find a specific name for it, as I have a few different vibes going on. I love to combine mismatched elements, such as a baby pink dress and a leather jacket, an ’80s sweater skirt-suit jacket and a silk camisole with jeans, or a mini skirt and winter. My biggest fashion inspirations are Madonna, NYC nightlife, The Nanny, the ’90s as a whole, and of course, my personal god, Cher from Clueless. My favorite designers are Patricia Field, The Blonds, Moschino, and Chanel. As a transgender Style Guru, I also feel it is important to note my transgender style inspirations, which are Gigi Gorgeous, Siobhan Atwell, Kyle Farmery, Amanda Lepore and the queen, Laverne Cox.
When I am not running around between class, work, meetings, naps and the like, I can often be found entrenched in one fondest pastimes, sifting through thrift stores. I’ve never met a thrift store I haven’t liked. Where else can you find studded, peep-toe, platform Steve Maddens for $20.00? Nowhere, that’s where. My personal style trick is to pair one or two of your thrifted buried treasures with on-trend basics. Sprinkle your most individual accessories (sunglasses, jewelry, bags, you name it) on top, and you are in style heaven. Some cool accessories may be bangles and a statement necklace
Stick with me and hone your best style; whether it’s ’60s mod, current-day chic or ’90s punk rock, I’ll be noting only this spring’s finest in fashion. Now, keep calm, apply lip balm, and most importantly, style on.
