FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Brian Park

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. 

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FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Brian Park

Whoever said that short shorts are only meant for girls to wear was, quite frankly, wrong. In past year or so, I’ve seen a trend develop in which I’ve spotted plenty of fashionable men wearing shorts that go above the knee. Today while walking around campus, I spotted this Fashionisto who had perfectly matched his cuffed up maroon shorts with a henley shirt and a light cardigan. Also, not to forget, his unique suede material boat shoes coordinating as well. The top-siders have officially returned to the fashion scene from the '80s. Not so long ago, it was all about the skate shoes, and then came the boat shoes which quickly took over men’s footwear.

I’ve always thought of henleys as casual, yet classy and stylish and can be worn in numerous of ways. However, rather than settling for a simple henley, this Fashionisto coordinated a striped top and even pulled over a patterned cardigan layered on top. One may expect these patterns on patterns to clash, but instead they complement each other perfectly. Every Fashionisto should always have a cardigan in their closet; it’s very practical and comfortable, will never go out of trend and wearable whether the sun is beaming high or rain is falling hard. San Diegans know that the weather down here is always unpredictable which makes a cardigan the ideal wardrobe piece. With its light structure, you can simply stash it in your bag when you want to take a break from wearing it. It's an inexpensive investment that everyone should make. But beware, cardigans are so addicting that once you buy one color, you're sure to buy multiple thereafter!

Name: Brian Park

Major: Double major in Linguistics and Psychology

Year: Junior

College Fashionista: How would you describe your style?

Brian Park: I like to think of it as something that's comfortable. I like to wear big shirts and sweaters and comfortable shoes.

CF: Where do you often go shopping?

BP: I do most of my shopping online at Urban Outfitters, but whenever I'm out I find myself stopping into other stores like H&M, thrift stores and anywhere that has a sale.

CF: What is your favorite item of clothing in your closet right now?

BP: I recently purchased this cool Dutch flannel from a thrift store in Utrecht. I also found some cool sweaters that were made from a Dutch brand that I wouldn't have been able to find in the States.

CF: If you could raid anyones closet, who's would it be and why?

BP: I'm not on top of all the fashion news, so I can't say there's anyone's closet in particular that I would like to raid. It's mostly just clothes from friends or people I see around school that I secretly plot to take when they aren't looking.

CF: What is on your current wishlist?

BP:  I am looking for some good books, so I stop by every book store I see. Right now, I really want to get my hands on a copy of Zelda Fitzgerald's Save Me the Waltz. I have also been taking some photos casually, so it would be great if I could get myself a 50mm prime lens to replace my current kit lens. And of course, a new guitar.

How To: Cardigans are almost available anywhere so walk into your favorite store and discover the perfect fit and color for you. The cardigan’s structure, which is the more relaxed suit, makes almost anything look classy and usually brings your ensemble a level-up whether you’re dressed-up or dressed-down, just like this week’s Fashionisto.

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