Deciding what to wear every morning is no easy feat. You have to account for occasion, weather, your mood that day and a dozen other factors. This task is made even more difficult when you only have a limited wardrobe and are adjusting to a new climate. Brian Park, an exchange student from California, has these things, and a lot more to adjust to while spending this semester studying abroad in Utrecht. However, with some help from local thrift stores and his own on-point sense of fashion, Park has managed to take one suitcase of clothes and still maintain a unique sense of style.
Name: Brian Park
Year: Third (Exchange student from California)
Major: Linguistics/Psychology
College Fashionista: What are three words that describe your personal style?
Brian Park: I would describe it as loose, comfortable and breezy.
CF: What are some of your favorite places to shop?
BP: I like to shopt at Urban Outfitters, H&M and vintage thrift stores.
CF: Has it been tough to make the transition from CA to Holland in terms of deciding what to wear?
BP: Because there is limited suitcase space, I can only bring so many jackets over. I did a poor job on planning for European weather, so there are a lot of times when I wish I had some of my clothes back home. I thought my tennis and boat shoes wouldn't hold up well here, so I've only come with clothes that I thought would work well in the climate.
CF: Is there any story behind your Mickey Mouse watch?
BP: I was at Disneyland the night before I left for Holland. I haven't seen my sister, because I had to leave early August, but she wouldn't be coming home until early September. So I bought her a matching Minnie Mouse watch and hid it in her desk for her to find. And now I'm still waiting for my birthday present…
CF: What is your favorite item in your closet at the moment?
BP: I got some cool shirts and sweaters from a vintage thrift store here in Holland. It's cool to think that I have something that was made here and can only be found here (and like twenty years ago or something).
How To: To make this Fashionisto’s look all your own, invest in pieces that you can mix and match with vintage and thrift-store finds. A good pair of jeans is always a good place to start. Try this pair of classic, dark wash jeans from Levi’s for a good base to any outfit. Add a classic, lightweight jacket to layer over t-shirts or vintage sweaters. This navy jacket with chambray lining from Urban Outfitters would do the trick. To finish off the look, add a classic, vintage-inspired pair of sunglasses or a stylish messenger bag. These Ray Ban Clubmasters are always on-trend and would be a good addition to any outfit. This dual-tone messenger bag from J. Crew would also be a good way to finish off a stylish outfit.