By Alyssa Williamson and Haley Verre
Staff Writers
One of the best aspects of Simmons is that it is home to such a unique and interesting student body. You can find some of the best fashion inspiration from your fellow sharks.
This issue features Catherine Conley, a student who exudes both confidence and coolness through her unique sense of style. As an Arts Administration and English major with a minor in Cinema and Media Studies, Conley draws most of her inspiration from film.
Her cool-girl West Coast vibe sets her apart from the myriad of weather-appropriate vests and sweaters that we are used to seeing on the streets of Boston.
What Catherine is wearing: vegan Dr. Martens; velvet leggings; Marshalls black t-shirt; Urban Outfitters coat; handmade jawbone necklace; handmade choker; Rothco military hat.
Alyssa Williamson: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Catherine Conley: I get a lot of inspiration from media. I love movies and film, and I get a lot of inspiration from my favorite films and my favorite characters in them- a few of my favorites are “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane,” “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” I’m also very influenced by musicians. My biggest fashion inspirations are definitely Marilyn Manson and Dolly Parton, and I’ve been really into LA street style recently, mainly a lot of the emo and goth scene.
AW: What are a few of your favorite pieces?
CC: I love platforms. I’m really short so anything that makes me at least 5 inches taller than I am is great. It’s funny because it started out as a style thing and now I’m just used to being that tall. But yeah, I really wear them a lot and I think they really elevate my look. I’m also really into hats right now [and] super into military-style stuff too; [and] definitely a lot of black, that’s just a given.
In terms of pieces, just as a general thing, I really like combining pieces that wouldn’t necessarily go together-like things that are really lacy and soft worn with things that are military-like type pieces. I really like feeling kind [of] feminine but also super tough. It’s fun to put things that are unexpected together and combine them in a way that they don’t seem like they would go but end up working.
AW: What are some of your favorite places to shop?
CC: Savers – I love Providence Savers specifically, it’s amazing – I’ve gotten some crazy pieces there. I hit up the blouse section and just find as many doll and old lady clothes as I can, and I love Demonia for shoes- it’s cool because they totally fell out of fashion and now they’re kinda back. They’re these chunky but kinda ugly, but in a good way, type platforms.
AW: Do you have any fashion advice for other Simmons Students?
CC: People ask me a lot, “How do you pull that off? Like how do you get away with looking so crazy, but having it kinda work?” When people don’t know how to wear a piece that seems hard to style or is kinda out there or out of their comfort zone, I would say the best thing you can do if you’re nervous about wearing something is to just put it on, walk out the door and don’t look back. The first step is just putting it on and not looking back. That’s my style advice.
Also, have fun and definitely make sure you’re friends with people who will tell you if your blacks don’t match. And lastly, if your mom hwates the way you look, then you’re on the right track.
Note: All photos are credited to Alyssa Williamson.
