Hey there my fellow Fashionista/os! I’m Catherine Monaghan and I’m a sophomore Fashion Merchandising major at the University of Rhode Island. However, I was born and raised in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. I am extremely excited to be a new Style Guru for the CollegeFashionista team and show all of you my personal style as well as the trends floating around my campus located in Kingston, Rhode Island.
I have always known I wanted to peruse a career in fashion. Since I was three years old I would make my mom let me pick out my own outfits no matter how ridiculous the combinations were. My mother still talks about how impressed she was when I created my own clothing line in the fourth grade called, “Shamrock Designs,” a name inspired by my pet hamster. Most nine-year-olds asked for Polly Pockets or a video game, but I asked for sketchbook and color pencils on my birthday. I would spend hours cutting out outfits in magazines and revamping them to fit my style for “Shamrock Designs.” I still have the file folder of all the magazine cut outs and drawings I created when I was a child.
Although my style has changed a lot since I was a little second grader, I’ve always admired things that were unique. I never liked to just mimic what everyone else was wearing. Although, I will admit to owning a Juicy Couture tracksuit with the matching bracelet in middle school. Coming from a really preppy town I don’t think I truly defined my style until I left Basking Ridge and started school at URI.
I would describe my current style as bohemian with some edgy and chic elements. When I’m going to class or just hanging out with friends I’m more relaxed always wearing a chunky sweater or long kimono but when I go out at night I like to be a little more edgy. When choosing an outfit, I like to take a few simple elements and then add a few more bold statements to show off my personality and personal style. As you can see in my photos, I took a simple white crop top and threw on a cool fringe kimono from TOBI, paired with my Alex and Ani bangles and some rings. I wanted to feature my necklaces and rings because these are pieces that I typically wear everyday. I’m obsessed with rings and every time I go shopping have to force myself not to buy a new one. My black lace-up boots are the perfect edgy addition that can basically go with any outfit. Although I like different things I’m also very practical, and only buy things I know I can get a lot of use out of.
I couldn’t be more honored and thrilled to be writing for the CollegeFashionista team and I am forward to showing you even more of my sense of style as well as the trends of the student body at the University of Rhode Island.
