Hello, my fellow Fashionistas and Fashionistos! My name is Melissa Calise and I am a junior at the University of Rhode Island. I am currently pursuing a double major in Public Relations, and Textiles, Fashion Merchandising & Design. Fashion and I have had a long and steady relationship that started all the way back to my days in elementary school. I would wait for my report cards from my teachers, not only for my grades but also for the comments they would all leave about my outfits each day. This is when I realized that fashion would always play a large role in my life. At a young age, fashion allowed me to find the confidence I needed to succeed in my life. That confidence I found is something that has always stuck with me.
I grew up in a small town in the smallest state, where fashion didn’t really mean anything to most people. My fashion choices allowed me to stand out in a crowd and I was often asked, “Why are you so dressed up?” It didn’t matter to me that people questioned my sense of style because I dressed for myself. Fashion has become my art form and outlet of self-expression over the years. Each day, my outfit entirely depends on my mood. One day I will be wearing a leather jacket and the next day I will be wearing cowboy boots. I found a passion for fashion because it allows me to be whoever I want to be. As bad as it is, we live in a world where most people judge a book by its cover. Clothes and accessories allow me to decorate the cover of my book in the way I would like to be perceived.
I love classic outfits that can be worn to many occasions and for many years! My outfit shown in the photos above is classic, simple, and most importantly, comfortable! My white tank top is a must-have because of its comfort and versatility. Along with that, I paired it with classic dark wash jeans and a leopard print belt to add a bit of style to the look!
I have a dream of one day becoming a celebrity stylist and I am eager to make that dream come true. Aside from fashion, I have a love for all animals, especially my Bichon Frise! With that being said, I am a strong believer in vegan clothing and cruelty-free products! One day, after I have pursued my career goals, I would love to open up an animal shelter that would give any animal a loving and comfortable home. Luckily, my journey to making my dreams come true is just beginning and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me next. This is just a very small part of who I am. I can’t wait to learn more about all you other Style Gurus and see what inspires you too!
