In the second grade I took it upon myself to construct a cocktail dress using nothing but a stapler and an old Halloween costume cape. Next, as a nine year old I tried to start my own elementary school fashion magazine. Finally, at 19 I began my Style Guru adventure. I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Denver with a major in Media Studies and minors in Fine Arts and Communications. This fall I was also lucky enough to be the Campus Correspondent for HerCampus DU after working as a feature writer for the team in the spring trimester. Outside of HerCampus DU and being a Style Guru I am also involved in fraternity and sorority life at DU as well as the DU Programming Board’s marketing committee.
I was initially drawn to the gorgeous snow capped mountains that are the backdrop for Denver and stayed for the vibrant culture and laid back vibe of the city. Despite embarking on an adventure in the wild west, New York will always be my home. Being from suburban New York, I have been blessed to have grown up in such a beautiful, exciting and fashionable place. My fashion education was built around trips to Lord and Taylor with my mother, Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion exhibits with my grandma, reading Harper’s Bazaar in middle school and finally a Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week show when I was 16.
For me, style is not just a vehicle for expressing myself but also a way to get inspired for the day ahead of me. A good pair of boots and the right shade of lipstick can make my day go from zero to 60. I have an affinity for all things olive green and burgundy and I can never turn down a chance to wear my black felt hat and vintage Ray-Ban aviators.
College has definitely influenced my fashion sense especially since I am always on the go and have a packed schedule. When in a rush I can be seen in yoga pants, Nikes and an oversized sweater, but when I do have time to carefully construct an outfit, my go-to is a skirt or dress with some kind of sweater on top and boots. Since the weather in Denver can change at a moments notice, I have learned to always wear layers and be prepared in appropriate shoes just in case inclement weather rolls in while I’m in class.
My fashion taste can be described as modern bohemian due to my love for not only free spirited, laid back pieces but also edgier pieces such as black skinnies and heeled booties. My style inspirations are Vanessa Hudgens and Alexa Chung, and some of my go-to stores are Urban Outfitters, American Eagle Outfitters, Zara, Topshop and The Buffalo Exchange. Some of my favorite pieces currently in my wardrobe are my Sam Edelman “Penny” boots, quilted Barbour coat, vintage Grateful Dead T-shirt, Kate Spade Highland Place “Maria” bag and my oversized Brandy Melville “Jinni” sweater. I look forward to having a #RAD spring semester as a Style Guru. Follow me on Instagram for more about my life as an on-campus Fashionista!
