Hi, fellow Fashionistas! My name is Mary Kathryn O’Donnell, and I am currently a junior studying fashion business at Columbia College Chicago. This is my first time being a style guru for CollegeFashionista and I could not be more thrilled about it! I am from the south suburbs yet have lived in the southlLoop of Chicago for three years, now. I cannot imagine living anywhere but a fast pace, bustling city.
Until my senior year of high school, fashion was never a career path I envisioned for myself. It was not until my role as design editor for my school’s yearbook, where I created a fashion editorial featuring different styles of classmates of mine, did I realize that this was what I deeply loved. My next move, to attend Columbia College Chicago, reassured me that I was making the right decision to pursue a career in fashion.
I have continually been known as the ‘preppy girl’ out of my friend group, but I like to think of personal style as more innovative. My style is somewhere in between Lauren Conrad, Carrie Bradshaw and Blake Lively. I feel my best when I dress up, even for class and everyday errands. My grandmother has instilled that French woman lifestyle in me. I enjoy classic, feminine, chic and glamorous pieces to create my looks. You can usually spot me walking to class or dinner with friends in some of my favorite pieces, including my biker leather jacket, full-length tulle skirt, light-wash boyfriend jeans and hot pink, faux snakeskin pumps.
For my first look, I went with a typical outfit I would wear. Jeans are my go-to, so these destroyed, high-waisted, white jeans are a fun take on normal denim. The off-the-shoulder chambray top is my favorite purchase this summer- there are so many possible ways to style it! I like to pop my outfits with color, so my coral shoulder bag was perfect for this outfit. I also like to dress up my style with heels, so I chose these nude, ankle, strap sandals with a bow detail. For jewelry, my style is minimal, so simple gold rings, a gold bracelet and tassel beaded earrings completed my look!
For me, fashion is important for my sanity. My friends and family have excelled at school and sports, while I felt that I was only ever average. Fashion is my way to stand apart from others- to show who I am, what I value and what I am capable of. Being a part of CollegeFashionista is a sensational opportunity. I am more than ready to show you all more of why I admire fashion, as well as what am I am working towards.
Cheers to new beginnings, a new semester and new fashion coming your way!
