Hello! Ciao! Hola! Bonjour!
I am Lauren Countryman, I am 21 years old, and I am in the Fashion Business Program at Genesee Community College in Upstate New York. Fashion has always subconsciously been a large piece in my life’s puzzle. After somehow managing to spend my first two years in college for health-related studies, I made my way to Italy for a much needed change of pace. It was here in June of 2014 that I studied abroad for Fashion Marketing at Florence University of Arts. While traveling, and even more so upon arriving home, it became quite apparent that my major needed to be reevaluated.
My travels, interactions, studies and observations at places such as Pitti Uomo made my creativity and passion re-energized with a clear sense of direction. I have always meticulously scoped out looks that inspire me in my environment. For example, I’m quick to notice red glasses on a “glamazon” in the airport or an elderly man in a white T-shirt and loose pants. I also never failed to be head-over-heels for the clothing my older sisters were wearing. Unfortunately for them (but fortunately for me), it was all hanging in close range growing up.
Now working and in college, it is both a curse and a blessing to be a frequent shopper at my favorite stores and some pretty spectacular vintage shops. Thus, I am constantly pairing classic finds with new trends for a chic and effortlessly unique look. I find a great deal of my inspiration from bloggers like Chiara Ferragni (The Blonde Salad) and Julie Sarinana (Sincerely, Jules) along with many other Fashionistas all over social media. My other great love is integrating celebrity looks into my own personal style. Whether it is Olivia Palermo, Nicole Richie, the Kardashian/Jenner girls or the Olsen twins, you can see all the methods behind the wardrobe madness in my blog. My closet takes on many forms, and I always enjoy seeing how I can style its past, present and future pieces with runway trends.
I am a huge advocate for all men and women to wear what they want and to feel confident in whatever clothing style they choose. Though I cannot say I started doing this when it was trending, I love the bare look—no makeup looks gorgeous and is beneficial in more ways than one! My favorite pieces of clothing right now would have to be easy dresses, my dad’s old T-shirts, trendy denim or a leather jacket and a cute pair of heels.
As for this amazing opportunity I am beyond thrilled and grateful. Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” I hope that this rad summer with CollegeFashionista will enable me to give others a peek through my lens as I profile the stylish ladies and gentlemen on campus.
