My name is Rachel and I am a rising sophomore at Columbia University. While I haven’t decided on what I will be majoring in quite yet, there is one thing I am absolutely positive about: I love fashion and I could not be more excited to be contributing to CollegeFashionista as a style guru this summer in the one and only New York City.
Born in Miami and raised in Atlanta, my style has been very much influenced by the warm climates around me. In my opinion, nothing beats a sundress in both cuteness and comfort. I am also a very big fan of clean, simple outfits that are given a little extra spice with accessories such as jewelry, scarves, and bags. You could say I have a bit of a Michael Kors watch addiction, but hey, don’t we all? My style can be encapsulated by saying if I can throw it over a bikini after a day at the beach and still look fresh and fabulous, then it works for me!
However, my style was thoroughly challenged this year when my studies led me to New York City, one of the fashion capitals of the world with a much colder climate than I was used to. I had to adapt to my new environment and learn how to make the cold work with my style. I had to push myself not to rely on my comfy slippers and sweatpants combination. Luckily, it wasn’t hard to do this because of the overflowing amount of inspiration I found at my fingertips. Living in New York allows me to observe an endless supply of new styles and trends, and honestly, gives me the courage to try things I never would have tried at home. Walking the streets of Atlanta cannot compare to strolling down Broadway or Fifth Avenue. Whereas at home, I never felt the need to challenge my own style or try out new things because, frankly, everyone either dressed the same or didn’t really care. However, being in such an eclectic and vivacious city makes me want to try new things. It pushes my style forward in ways I never would have imagined before. Whether that is rocking my new yellow wedges to class one day or wearing my leopard print fur vest as much as physically possible, living in such a dynamic and vibrant city gives me the courage to try anything new, no matter how extreme it may be. In New York, anything goes and anything has potential to be fabulous. That is why I love this city so much and I cannot wait to document the amazing trends I spot on my campus.