Written by: Kate Hoffman
It's 6 o'clock pm and the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center are bustling with business men and women in transit home from work. Among the knee-length pencil skirts, button-up shirts, and kitten heels worn by the working women of NYC, this Fashionista stood in all her glory, defying the stereotypical style quandaries for conservative work attire. Who says the streets of NYC or hallways of your office building cannot act as a makeshift runway?—Certainly not this Fashionista. By injecting a bit of riskiness, a touch of individuality, and a splash of creativity into her stellar style, this Fashionista caught my eye as she walked down her interim runway.
While we conversed about school, internships, and fashion, it became clear where this Fashionista acquired her acute creative perception. She attends the Rhode Island School of Design as a painting and creative writing double major, she interns at the Hudson Valley Center of Contemporary Art, and she holds an impregnable stance pertinent to her view on the role of Fashion. She passionately explained to me, "Despite the amount of times we hear don't judge a book by its cover, it's impossible not to make a snap judgment about a person because of their cover—that is why fashion is so important. It is your one chance to influence the way people see you before they meet you. The way you dress says a lot about you, which is why I always try to express my creativity through my wardrobe. I want to stand out in a crowd without looking like a sore thumb. I want to make a lasting impression from the first impression."
Her first impression accomplished just that and more. This Fashionista dove deep into a risky pool of texture, color, and pattern but pulled off this masterful mixture with a confident and youthful energy. By combining her bold, crimson, high-waisted pants with feminine pieces such as her floral top, bow-embellished espadrilles, and even her ballerina-like bun, she softens her pant's menswear edge to project a more subtle appeal. And last but not least, are the playful accessories that add crucial character to this Fashionista's already unique ensemble. Who would have thought that a vintage necklace, bright orange nail polish, a neutral cross-body bag, two owl rings, classic bangles, and 70's inspired glasses would come together in such a perfectly eclectic marriage?
Working women should take note of this Fashionista's artsy spirit and follow her ambitious lead by combining their own impeccable blend of this summer's color blocking and feminine floral trends. Start with your favorite hue of this Fashionista's American Apparel pant and then add a floral top like this one from TopShop. After these basics, it's time to make this look your own with eclectic accessories such as one of Essie's latest beachy collection polishes, a funky Anthropologie ring, or a pair of Urban Outfitters oversized glasses.
As this Fashionista reminds us, there is no better way to make a lasting first impression than with your style, and what better place to do so then a summer internship?
Week 11: Internship Fashionista: Sir Mix-A-Lot
Week 10: Internship Fashionista: It’s a Catwalk into the Closet
Week 9: Internship Fashionista: En Vogue
Week 8: Internship Fashionisto: Be Heard, Be Seen
Week 7: Internship Fashionista: Get your heel in the door
Week 6: Internship Fashionista: Catch Some Attention
Week 5: Internship Fashionista: Maximum Style
Week 4: Internship Fashionista: Summer work, Savannah style
Week 3: Internship Fashionista: Rolls in Reverse
Week 2: Internship Fashionista: Rock Your Runway
Week 1: Internship Fashionista: Empire State of Mind
