When I was growing up I always loved piecing together looks and my family always told me that I had an eye for everything fashion but I really started to have a passion for it when I came to college. When I started school freshman year I knew that I had to make Apparel and Textiles my major.

I really didn’t know as much as I do now, now that I’ve taken classes and really learned what the fashion industry is all about. Now I obsess over subscribing to vogue and reading my favorite fashion blogs. Clothes are something I wear to make me happy, express my mood, or to step outside the box with something I never thought I would be able to pull off.

I have grown up to love and appreciate what goes on behind the scenes in the fashion industry and now I can't stop obsessing over every little detail.

So what is it that I love so much about fashion? What more is there than just articles of clothing? I love its utility and ability to transform into anything you want. Fashion is art we wear every day and live our lives in.

The beauty of it is that we have the opportunity to express a part of our personalities and ourselves. I’m inspired by beauty. I see it everywhere around me, every day. Raised in a family with three women who inspire me so much, they have taught from an early age about living in everyday beauty by creating a beautiful environment.

So trying to be stylish all my life has meant more than just putting something on to wear for the day. I get to create a look that is beautiful and authentic to me.

Being stylish and looking good does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money on clothing. I will say that I do splurge on the occasional pricey item but for the most part I have to be thriftier in dressing myself. I ball on a budget more than not…but what college student doesn’t do the same thing?

Instead of buying designer clothes, I love to shop at thrift stores and find that perfect vintage look. A good amount of my closet is from Goodwill and I love it. Wear what you love and dress to suit who you are. Fashion is a chance to share the beauty you love with the world just by wearing it in your everyday life.

I know that it can be kind of difficult for some people to love the fashion industry but there are so many good things to love about it as well. It’s a hobby. Shopping is therapeutic, social, and so entertaining. Personal style is a great way to have fun at any age.

Fashion is a creative outlet…especially if you can sew and can make your own clothes (I wish I could do that). And you save money when you do this – constraints are fuel for creativity and sometimes the most beautiful outfits are combinations that you’ve had in your wardrobe forever.

I have a huge appreciation for aesthetics. I am a very visual person and almost wanted to go into interior design but let's just say good thing I stuck with fashion. My world is happier when I am surrounded by what I perceive as a beautiful environment. The way I dress is a great representation of my appreciation of aesthetics.

Whether you are throwing on a t-shirt with a fun little quip or a well-tailored suit, what you wear creates an initial impression in the eyes of those that see you. HAVE FUN with the things you wear because if you look good, you feel good.

Don’t take life too seriously and experiment with new things. Be surprised at what works and laugh at what doesn’t. Enjoy your style journey and encourage others to feel fabulous in what they wear just like you do.