Fashion Forward

A writer for www.collegefashion.net, Callan Carow ’16 talks style, budget shopping and fashion blogging.

Q: How do you define your own personal style?

A: Like most Whitties, my style is casual – I like to look polished while still being comfortable. I tend to keep things simple, and I wear a lot of neutral colors. Other than that, my style isn't very specific. It depends a lot on how I feel when I wake up in the morning – some days, it might be more grungy and relaxed, and other times more classic and put-together.

Q: How did you get involved with College Fashion, and what has your experience writing for them been like so far?

A: I've been a fan of blogs and blogging since high school, and I read and follow a lot of blogs about all different subjects: fashion, cooking, travel, film and TV, etc. I had already been following College Fashion for a few months when I saw they were hiring new writers, and since I liked the site, I figured I would apply. I had already done some blogging for other websites (mostly local blogs in the Seattle area), so it didn't seem like too much of a stretch. I actually applied twice before I was hired in the summer of 2013. It's been a great experience. I find it really amazing and mindboggling that people from all around the country can work together to publish a successful website without ever meeting face to face. When I started out, it was really just for fun – it wasn't a paid gig, and I was only writing a couple of articles a month, so it was just something I did in my spare time. But I was lucky enough to get hired as a paid writer at the beginning of this year, and now I write one or two articles every week. For anyone interested in journalism, writing, or blogging, I really recommend applying to websites like College Fashion. Even if the work isn't paid, it's a great way to get experience on your resume, and it's something you can do on a flexible schedule.

Q: What general advice would you give to a fashion-conscious person shopping on a budget?

A: As a college student, this is always a problem I have. Personally, I buy almost everything on sale. If there's something I have my eye on, I wait until there's a sale or discount (often around major holidays) to buy it. Mainly, I just recommend shopping strategically. Don't impulse-buy; think carefully about what you need and what can you afford, and make a plan before you go shopping. Some other ways to save money are to try thrift stores (popular among Whitties), exchange clothes with friends or family, and to try wearing what you already have in new ways.

Q: What's your favorite piece of clothing, and why?

A: I have a patterned blue scarf that was given to me by a friend when I graduated high school, so it has some sentimental value. I love scarves in general, and this one is really beautiful and cozy, and it has an almost shimmery look. I usually get compliments when I wear it, too, and that never hurts!

Q: Do you think your post-graduation life will involve fashion and style or online journalism?

A: I think fashion and style will continue to be just a hobby for me, but I am open to a career that involves blogging or online journalism. I've done quite a bit of blogging and I do enjoy it, so if it isn't a part of my future career, I will probably continue blogging as a hobby. I don't intend to be a more formal journalist or a writer, but I like the casualness of blogging, and I think that writing for the internet is relevant to a wide variety of jobs these days. For example, if I end up in the film and media field, I can see myself blogging about film or TV as a side thing.

Q: What's one thing I can do right now to be just a little more stylish?

A: Make conscious decisions about what you choose to wear. I don't believe that there is one particular way to be stylish – it's more about wearing clothes that represent you and your style. So instead of just throwing on the same old Whitman sweatshirt and jeans every day, I recommend wearing pieces that make you feel confident, have sentimental value or represent an aspect of your personality. You shouldn't feel neutral about your clothes. I think being stylish comes from loving what you wear.