Hello fellow Fashionistas/os! My name is Allison Burke and I am a senior at the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!), studying Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles. I am so excited to begin my first semester as a Style Guru with CollegeFashionista!
At the start of college I felt that fashion in Lexington, Kentucky was “too basic”. I was frustrated by the endless array of Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers and the unthinkable bubble-necklaces. I found it difficult to find others with inspirational style in a city that hasn’t changed fashion trends since 1965. However, after my third year at the University of Kentucky, I have realized how very wrong I was to judge Kentucky style so quickly.
When I changed my major to Merchandising my sophomore year, I began to find the people that would change my perspective on Kentucky fashion. Not everyone dressed the same in Kentucky and once I began to open my mind to all Lexington has to offer, I found my inspiration to keep creating my own style every morning.
The University of Kentucky has given me the opportunity to network with fashion houses in Paris, France and to spend a summer studying fashion design in Florence, Italy. I also traveled to Los Angeles to complete an internship with a fashion house. Traveling to around the world has contributed to my creativity and my style.I have had time to observe fashion in cities very different from the one I grew up in.
The style I have created for myself is inspired by the iconic Blair Waldorf (yes, I said it) and Carrie Bradshaw. I realize these are fictional characters, but their stylists were brilliant. I feel my best in a feminine dress, a pair of comfy heels and an effortless bag. I feel naked without a watch and I love pairing rings and bracelets. Right now, I am really into mixing metals (silver watch and a gold bracelet). I don’t believe in rules, so wear white after Labor Day, mix medals, wear shorts in the winter and be your own canvas.
