Hello everyone! My name is Jaclyn O’Connor and I’m very excited to call myself your newest CollegeFashionista Style Guru. I’m looking forward to a summer full of fashion inspiration, but before we begin on that carefully trimmed and embroidered path, let me introduce myself.
Born and raised in a small town in Florida, I am the youngest of three daughters. In a house filled with estrogen, shoes and leopard print accents, one could say that it was a breeding ground for creativity. I grew up a gymnast, giving way to innumerable dance classes, and more recently, I’ve dabbled in painting. But nothing has struck me as a better creative outlet than the art of dressing.
I’m a junior studying at the University of Tampa, majoring in Communications. Like many others my age, I’m not totally sure of what I’ll do when I graduate, but I know I’ll find something! Although it can be stressful at times, I recognize the fact that I’m lucky to have this sense of uncertainty, given that so many aren’t born into a place where opportunities are so readily, even overwhelmingly, available. I feel blessed to be placed on this journey!
But back to the one certain passion in my life…when the glamorized culture is stripped away (no pun intended), fashion is what has resulted from years of people struggling to make the simple task of putting on clothes an experience, rather than something done to merely maintain decency. I am a strong believer in making the mundane an adventure, and fashion allows me to do exactly that.
I love to experiment with different looks and styles. I’m inspired by so many people and things and am a big fan of up-cycling thrifted pieces to make them look like they were bought on Rodeo Drive. I’m a lover of delicate jewelry and dreaming of absurdly priced purses (anyone please feel free to buy me this Chloé). Those close to me would tell you that I’m not very easy to shop for, mainly because of my paradoxical taste. I have a very wide palette when it comes to clothing, but it is also very distinct–a sort of love-it or hate-it relationship, with very little in-between. If it’s unique and ridiculous like the pink fur coat I’m wearing in these photos (similar can be found here), I’m bound to love it!
Enough about me! I’m thrilled to be a part of this CollegeFashionista family. It’s going to be an incredible summer and I’m so glad to spend it with you all. Here’s to a season of impeccable taste and zero sweat stains! Cheers!
