A Step In The Right Direction

Growing up, I always looked forward to back-to-school shopping. The people closest to me know I have a bizarre obsession with office supplies #journalistproblems, but there was always something special about buying a new set each August. Maybe it was the anticipation of a fresh start in a new grade, knowing that it could be the year something exciting finally happened.

Passing by Target’s back-to-school section the other day, a rush of sadness accompanied my typical excitement when it dawned on me that the end of Summer B was right around the corner. More specifically, six days. My complexion is not any bronzer and I’m currently cutting out notecards to study for finals, but it was a perfect summer nonetheless. It’s been a wild month full of friendship and opportunity.

I decided to take advantage of my summer on campus and get acquainted with a few journalism professors, who I’m eager to begin working with. They seemed pleased with my experience, but, being the overly ambitious perfectionist that I am, I craved more. When one of the professors hinted that INsite Magazine, a local feature and entertainment publication, loved interns, I quickly emailed the editors my resume and clips. While the internship was full, the assistant editor informed me they needed “trustworthy writers” and asked if I would write a restaurant review for Gainesville Restaurant Week.

Five weeks into college and I’ve been published.

This was just the boost of confidence I needed to prove that I can make it at UF and in this industry. This revelation finally closed the nettling wound left by Northwestern University’s rejection. It’s been an unnecessarily dramatic and devastating journey, but I’m finally able to move on. I know my Cherub buddies will thrive there and I couldn’t be more proud of them, but this is where I’m meant to be and I’ve honestly never been happier. That old saying turns out not to be garbage after all: Everything does happen for a reason.

I look forward to writing more for INsite, but for now I’m excited to share my two little reviews with you. It’s a start and gave me the chance to explore my new home of Gainesville while eating two delicious meals, gaining some basic review-writing experience and possibly expanding my resume. Click here and here and be prepared to drool.

They aren’t the best, but Photo Credit: Me!

So while passing that back-to-school sale at Target signaled the end of a wonderful summer, it also brought forth that magical feeling of fall, where the weather is cool enough for boots and blazers, and, most importantly, where the possibilities are endless.

This is only the beginning.

Gator Glory

A naive middle schooler commonly found in a daydream, I couldn’t wait to go to high school, where there was so much spirit that people danced on tables (High School Musical, I’m looking at you). Then I got to Cooper City High, where the students were only truly spirited on the Friday of the homecoming game. I suppose there was an inordinate amount of CCHS apparel seen daily, but that’s only because they came in the form of comfy t-shirts and sweatpants.

Life at the University of Florida is a whole other story. We’re all proud to be Gators; hundreds of students and faculty show their pride daily by donning bright orange and cobalt blue, and it’s not rare to see Albert the Alligator on a t-shirt or two.

I must have moved on from my High School Musical-fantasy days because I only own about three Gator tops, but I choose to show my spirit in other ways. May it be wearing cerulean Banana Republic shorts and accessorizing with an orange-detailed straw cross body or my newest trick: showing some scales.

With an alligator-print belt and blazer in my closet, my collection has just begun. But I’m not the only one paying homage to the alligator. The fall 2012 runways revealed an alligator obsession in both clothing and accessories from Max Mara to Fendi. Even Rachel’s Zoe’s Team has caught on, finding themselves “fixated by alligator” and promoting Mitchel Primrose’s Fall 2012 accessory collection.

Before I fell for Fendi’s exotic patterns and wild use of shag fur, I was enamored and inspired by the Armani Privé Spring 2012 Couture show. While an entire collection of green could easily go wrong, each scheme was used wonderfully and masterfully, fitting the jungle-inspired motif. Structured blazers dominated the line and were paired with equally well-fitted skirts and straight-leg pants. The gator-print and mesh-like fabric worked seamlessly together, making a fierce statement.

I guess our mascot says a lot about the school: While we can be elegant and graceful, we’re also a wild force to be reckoned with.

The Look

Photo Credit: My BFF Lena Wedeen. How pretty is this campus?!

A bit python, a bit gator. I still love it!

The battle between wearing the blazer or the belt ended when I realized just how hot it was outside.

The Inspiration

My obsession, the Armani Privé Spring 2012 Couture collection. It was difficult choosing only four photos, so check out the rest! Photo Credit: fashionologie.com

Max Mara Fall 2012 – Structured, clean and classic. Photo Credit: Style.com

Fendi’s Fall 2012 collection is definitely more on the wild side, but how can you resist those gator leggings? Photo Credit: Style.com

Go Gators!

ABC (Anything But Clothes)

It’s amazing what you can do in 30 minutes with magazines and tape.

Wardrobe Malfunction

One of my biggest concerns entering college – don’t judge – was what to wear.

My love of fashion is palpable. I’m always on the hunt for style inspiration and ways to put together Vogue interview-worthy outfits on a babysitting budget. I’m vocal about my passion because it’s such a integral part of who I am.

So imagine my surprise when I entered my first dilapidated and downright filthy frat house to find girls in barely-there shorts and either midriff-bearing or neon, bra-exposed tops. Even more out of my comfort zone was the downtown dress code: skin-tight mini dresses and skirts with sky-high heels.

My closet consists of a rainbow of blazers and jeans and structured shorts. Still one of the most overdressed in class, the wardrobe I created in hopes of interning in New York City stands out in a sea of jean shorts and tank tops. But I’m not complaining. I love it and will never change who I am; I just have to marry the worlds of high-fashion and college. [Nina Garcia and Mom, please forgive me for trying on that tight, scarily short black dress at the mall the other day. I had a momentary lapse in judgment.]

I like to think of myself as a man repeller, a term cleverly coined by one of my favorite bloggers. Wearing black Banana Republic shorts with a lime green blazer and carrying a fuchsia faux-ostrich envelope clutch may have only elicited compliments from girls, but the look was me. Many girls here, like my friends, look adorable and appropriate while still fitting into the scene. While there is a secret dress code we’re all trying to adhere to, we know it’s more important to be ourselves. What’s the fun in going out if you don’t love what you’re wearing?

Though, I did give the bra-under-sheer-top trend a try by adding a couture touch à la Carrie Bradshaw and Rebecca Minkoff. With shorts, this could become even more frat house-approved by my standards. Thoughts?

The Look

Top: Sheer gray chiffon with studded collar – Urban Outfitters, Pants: Burgundy (my favorite color!) skinny jeans – BCBG Generation, Demi Bra: Black lace – Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Black suede wedges – Target

 The Inspiration

Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2012 collection has it all – neon, bra-exposed tops and hot pants. The look easily transitions into summer. Photo Credit: http://www.fashionologie.com/

The illustrious Carrie Bradshaw, donning a sequin top over a black bra. – Photo Credit: www.fabsugar.com

I was thrilled to find a top somewhat similar to these sheer, sequin-collared blouses from Jason Wu’s Spring 2012 collection. Photo Credit: http://www.fashionologie.com

As for the midriff-bearing tops, I’ll be seeking inspiration from the best of the best – as long as I continue to work out as hard as I have been.

Adorable summer bra tops and high-waisted skirts. From left to right: Proenza Schouler, Dolce & Gabanna, Donna Karan, Nina Ricci, No21, Emilio Pucci – Photo Credit: http://www.fashionologie.com

THESE are the type of crop tops I would wear. From left to right: Preen, Charlotte Ronson, Rebecca Minkoff, Creatures of the Wind – Photo Credit: http://www.fashionologie.com

*Side note: While my descriptions of the frat houses are completely accurate, they’re actually a lot of fun. As long as I’m with my new friends, I’m happy anywhere, no matter how unsanitary.

School is Cool Again

Sometimes I forget I’m in school. I keep saying how I’m really taking to college life, but with two classes, a free gym and a lot of time on my hands, it’s more like summer camp.

Starting my second week, I took some time to reflect on my first week of UF courses, both of which happen to be instrumental in my journalism studies. As my high school journalism teacher just wrote me in an email, “That’s the beauty of journalism, it’s basically the study of everything. You can find a journalistic angle on any subject if you are so inclined.”

First off, I have American State and Local Government from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm. It is required for the journalism track, but I was nervous signing up. My lackluster teachers in the past had made learning history a tedious waste of time. A week in, my professor changed my mind about government. The first day he mentioned how important this course was for journalists in particular, which immediately sparked an interest. We are learning how the constitution and federalism affect our lives today, especially in the midst of a presidential race. An older man with snowy hair and an earring, he is so invested in the subject and has helped me understand the subject by emailing articles from The Daily Beast (one of my favorite news sources) and some pertaining to our state in particular. Oh, and did I mention our homework is to think?

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by Howard Chandler Christy. Although, my professor instilled in us that this is not how it really occurred.

He also loves to bring in guest speakers, so Friday we met Richard Bondi, a Google employee and marketing fiend. He spoke about the importance of branding, from individuals trying to make a name for themselves to the success of presidential candidates’ use of social media. It made me think about The Girl With The Purple Pen and all of the exciting things I have planned.

Go on each candidate’s Facebook page and choose who you think does a better job of captivating voters. Both certainly have their pros and cons.

My online class, Introduction to Communication Studies, has so far proven helpful for my major. Not only is it fascinating, but also I’ve learned how to read people and ensure I’m properly getting my messages across, both verbally and nonverbally. Except now I’m studying all my conversations with people…it’s a bit disconcerting but oh so interesting.

As someone who desires to make a living communicating with people, Intro to Comm is the perfect class for me.

In addition to the classes themselves, dressing for school has been fun. I wear exactly what I wore in high school (sans the wedges – there’s A LOT of walking): blazers, jeans and bright shorts. I’m constantly told I’ll be hot wearing a blazer, but I love them too much to go without.

My plan was to take pictures of my first week outfits, but with no full-length mirror, I was left with awkward pictures that I prefer not to share. But there will be plenty more on college fashion tomorrow.

The Girl With The Gator Shirt

I’ve been bit by the University of Florida bug.

It has barely been two days, yet I feel like I’ve been here a lifetime. Right now I’m laying on my newspaper printed duvet cover – are you at all surprised? – soaking in the freedom and academia.

Being here and excitedly setting up my room reminds me of Cherubs. It’s crazy to think it’s almost been a full year since I walked through Northwestern’s campus and had the best summer of my life. Well, maybe up until now. It’s a close tie: Cherubs centered around journalism, which is where I met close friends who share my passion, but there’s just something about being a college student. This summer is the start to the rest of my life. Scary, right?

Anyway, things are absolutely amazing. I’ve already made great friends and love my room mate. She’s fun, bubbly and so much fun to be around. And we have the cutest room around. Check out my side!

It’s small, simple and all around perfect. Time to go, ice cream social and then a night out on campus. There’s much to look forward to, so stay tuned!