School+Style=??? « With Love…

26Feb/1027

School+Style=???

Hello Darlings,

Do fashion and education go hand in hand? Probably not, but they definitely could and should. Being a university student, I face this dilemma everyday when getting ready in the morning: how can one be stylish and still not be perceived as “trying too hard”? My personal style is more of a preppy meets I-am-not-sure. Actually, I can never really define what+what=Marta’s style. Let’s just say I like feeling pulled-together and neat. Some may call it “high maintenance,” but I disagree, as it takes me only 30 minutes to get ready! The point is most of the time I get “high maintenance” or “trying too hard” or “this is university, why even bother dressing up” looks. Does it annoy me? Sure! Would I ever downplay my love for dressing up? Of course not!”

Let’s just put it this way: my school is very academically oriented, and the majority of the student body is too busy to switch out of their pj’s, Lululemons (love lululemon for yoga but not as outwear) and Uggs. Forget about the idea of heels on campus. Wear heels and you will be visually executed!!! So I’ve given up on even trying to wear heels, unless I am going out after my lectures. But what I refuse is to downplay what I love: dressing up, playing with my clothes and feeling awesome when I go to school. I mean, why not look awesome? I am surrounded by over 30, 000 students! University is hard work and sleep is a privilege but looking frumpy and messy does not make it any better. It is possible to feel wonderful while trying to keep your sanity during mid-terms. In fact, you will feel much more confident if you feel BEAUTIFUL!!!

I’ve never really cared what others thought of my appearance. Egoistical? Maybe. I just call it comfortable in my own skin. Am I insecure? Of course, but I have learned to deal with it. It is easier to go through life loving yourself than wanting to change. I do not care if someone loves/hates my outfit as long as I feel great wearing it; however, I do care if I am taken seriously. Let’s just say that loving bows and girly things, does not get you points in the serious department. But I figure that if someone wants to be short- sighted and judge my intellectual capabilities based on my appearance…simply a poor decision on their part. People need to stop stereotyping and move on. Brains and beauty do happen together (more often than expected). You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your love for clothes and style; you can look neat and pulled together, even during mid-terms and finals! All I can say is believe in who you are (no matter how cheesy this sounds) and that you are fabulous (do not second-guess this!) and you will be able to look past what others think and embrace yourself. If pink bows are part of it, thumbs up to you anyways. Please do not feel intimidated to try!!! It is hard at first, but it is even harder to try to fit in…plus, why would you want to? Do what you love, wear what you love…just be YOURSELF! That is always the best possible version of you!

Give it a try…you might actually enjoy the journey. I did!!! It’s better to fail trying than to settle without trying!!! Ladies (and gentlemen), life is too short for these insecurity issues, so just let go of it and enjoy the ride. It is easier said than done, I know. But trust me, it feels awesome when you can do it.

I am wearing: Hayden Cashmere Dress( from Bluefly); Sonia Rykiel pour H&M tights( from H&M ); H&M pink bow belt( from H&M ); Macakge Bijou Jacket( gift from parents); H&M Wool Ridding Hat with a bow( from H&M ); Michael Kors Eagle Boots (Winners); Michael Kors watch ( gift from Andrew); Club Monaco Cashmere Gloves.

My school style is more casual, as I need to comfortable but I do not sacrifice what I love and that is to feel fabulous! If I’m going to sit through 2-3 hours of boring lecture, then I might as well do it with a fabulous dress or an adorable skirt, or a cute tee… In my case, this time my class was not boring but I still wanted to feel great on a snowy and cold day! So I paired my “snow day uniform” a cashmere dress, fun tights and my favorite Mackage jacket with a cute pair of flat boots! Did I look awesome? In my mind I did and that’s all that matters. J The point is that I tried, even adding bold colors (HUGE step). If I can wear crazy colorful tights and a bright belt to university, (mission impossible just a few months ago) then you can wear whatever you feel like!

P.S. Speaking of school and fashion, Toronto Fashion Week is coming up (March 28^th –April 1^st) and I can’t wait to check out some shows, despite my school work… fingers crossed that I can whine Andrew into coming with me. I am still quite intimidated by the atmosphere but it is a ton of fun ..... Who’s planning on checking out some shows???

What's your opinion on this topic.... can school and fashion co-exist? Does it co-exist for you? If so why yes/no? .... I know, I know, I am being nosy!Looking forward to hearing your thoughts

Wishing Everyone a Lovely Weekend!!!

With Love...

Marta

Filed under: ♥ Style, ♥ Thoughts Leave a comment

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emily
March 2nd, 2010 - 00:33

thanks for the comment!
i love your tights! and i think school and fashion can definitely coexist, they do for me. i think much of it is about finding approximately what sort of style or look you want to aim for, and once you have a general idea and build a wardrobe around it, you don’t have to spend so much time thinking about it.
i also loved your message about being confident and comfortable in your own skin, that’s the most important!

-emilyviveur

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Maria
March 1st, 2010 - 07:49

I like your thoughts although in my opinion you can look awsom and fabuluos if you are wearings the UGGs as well if you wear them with the appropriate clothing.

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Maria
March 1st, 2010 - 03:25

Hi everyone! I like the post and I am that kind of person that hates going out without taking the appropriate time to look amazing. I really hate it when I go out and there is smth that boders me, it’s an awful feeling. But … I have to mention, that I think that you could look gorgeous even if you wear uggs boots. When you wear them with the appropriate clothes you could look fabulous too.

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- With Love... Marta
  March 8th, 2010 - 11:21
  
  Hi Maria,
  That is how I feel as well! I never said that you can’t look fabulous in Uggs, I just personally do not favor them
  
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KateSouth
February 28th, 2010 - 16:31

I never understand people who leave the house in grubby sweats – it takes just as long to pull on jeans and sweater and you look presentable. I don’t spend a ton of time pulling together my outfits before leaving the house, but I always manage to look pulled-together. I’m in law school and I am amazed at what people still wear to class – we are studying to be professionals, but you wouldn’t know it to look at some of my classmates. I always feel more prepared and confident when I take a few minutes to look nice and I like to see people who do the same, no matter if it is in class or on the streets! I guess it’s the Libra in me talking, because I like to look at and be surrounded by nice things…

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Anastasia
February 28th, 2010 - 02:38

My fav post from you, I am guilty of wearing the Uggs and tracksuits …I am not proud and slowly transitioning…=) but it is just so comfy in the early morning…

but since I do work in the beauty industry and when I meet clients – i definitely switch … you are just not taken seriously when you look like you are going to the gym…

In my opinion, It all is about how you perceive yourself…If you are confident, you are going to dress confident, make bold style choices and not be bothered about what others think. If you are insecure, then you are perfectly happy hiding in your oversized hoodie …

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hikari
February 28th, 2010 - 00:55

I love looking for class as well. People ask me “you wore a cashmere sweater to Bio lab”. As long as I am wearing a lab coat/apron as to not ruin my sweater I am fine plus I can be toasty warm outside in the chill without having to bulk up with logoed sweatshirts and oversized T-shirts. The Mackage coat looks great on you BTW…

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- With Love... Marta
  March 8th, 2010 - 11:19
  
  Hi Hikari,
  Dressing up for class is lots of fun And thank you!
  
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Tina
February 27th, 2010 - 18:10

You’re so right about the way university students dress. Personally, I love dressing up for school – school is a perfect way to express true style & get creative!
And I will always love your style Marta It’s so effortless. Adorable tights by the way ♥

x

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Insomnia
February 27th, 2010 - 06:11

I always was in art/fashion departments, so there’s not that much pressure to look plain. Now I’m surrounded by more conservative students, but I never change my style to suit their “no personal style” look.
I don’t mind getting stared at, I learn to not pay attention to it through the years.
You adding bold colors, is amazing! You should do it more.

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Stéphanie
February 27th, 2010 - 06:05

You’re beautiful and adorable !

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Lyd
February 27th, 2010 - 01:28

Here in Russia girls dress up all the time, and I love it! I think that you look fab, and put together – don’t ever change!

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Nakita
February 27th, 2010 - 00:18

I come from NL, where everybody dresses up no matter where you’re going… mostly ’cause everybody talks about everyone and if you have even 1$ to your name then it’s shame to look — not-well-dressed. Also I went to fashion school.. the fashion merchandising students always looked very well. Us fashion design student alot of the time looked like hobos. (mostly because we were too busy sewing and what not and had to be at the school soo much)

I love that you put an effort into what you wear.. I always try too. But why not? You only live once, so why not look amazing

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- With Love... Marta
  March 8th, 2010 - 11:18
  
  Hi Nakita,
  At the university of toronto, it is a different story…students tend to be too obsessed with their school work to care. Which is refreshing and disappointing!
  
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Marz
February 26th, 2010 - 20:43

This post is just brilliant. Your outfit looks adorable! I love the coloured tights, and I would have never picked them out myself, but they just look awesome on you!
I know how you feel about UofT being academically oriented; in my first year, I really tried to dress up and make an effort, but the resistance I encountered from other girls was remarkable! It was like being judged for doing something which should come naturally anyways (creating your own sense of style!) but I think, unlike you, I just got defeated in my second and third year and just started to build a closet full of bummy clothes. But being an RA now, I realize that that was the poorest choice I made for myself. I wish I had the courage back then to just continue to define myself stylistically, and I’m very impressed that you have done this! I think that’s why I’m always so amazed by your outfit choices on your blog, because they truly reflect your own amazing sense of personal style.

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Miss Neira
February 26th, 2010 - 16:47

Those tights are super cute. I just went in AFTER the whole sonia sale at H&M and of course there was barely anything left. but I did get the beret!!

you look lovely btw!

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KNL
February 26th, 2010 - 15:42

Colored tights!! You finally did it…and it looks amazing. Grade: A+

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- With Love... Marta
  March 1st, 2010 - 14:46
  
  Hi KNL,
  Haha…. yup, I did it Thanks!
  
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maartiie
February 26th, 2010 - 14:56

You’re so right. Caring for how you look means you respect who you are and makes your look sophisticated. Rather than coming late at school with bed-hair.
I like your dressing up and it’s exactly what I like to do too! But sometimes I don’t even dare to wear some outfits to school, because of this you’re saying I totally understand you. But I do believe you should dress for the right time (not referring to you though!) so if you want to wear an evening dress to school I would try to make it look more casual, but that speaks for itself

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FASHION SNAG
February 26th, 2010 - 12:06

I love your bright colored tights. You look gorgeous and I believe you study better when wearing cashmere. I agree that you feel more confident during an exam if you are well dressed. You feel how you dress. Also, I do hate that people sometimes don’t take you seriously if you are into bows and girly attire. I agree that brains and beauty happen together more often than one might think. Great post! xo

http://www.fashionsnag.com

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Erin
February 26th, 2010 - 09:54

LOVE those tights, and I completely agree. Just because you’re a busy student doesn’t mean you need to give up on looking nice, in fact I feel that I accomplish more when I’m put-together (and then feel more myself) rather than in my pjs.
because I’ve found that if I’m already in my pjs, its a really short step to just heading back to bed.

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Laura
February 26th, 2010 - 09:18

I completely agree with you on this post, a fab outfit instantly makes you feel 10 times better in this type of weather!
I do tend to dress up even for school, but for me, I just enjoy the process of dressing up and it just gives me that extra confidence. No matter where I go, I still dress up – occasion appropriate outfits though of course haha.
As for your outfit, I love your tights! I have been reading your blog for quite a while (though I didn’t have the courage to comment in the beginning), and I did realize how big of a step those colourful tights are for you. However, I must say that they really spiced up your outfit and made it a lot more fun. Also, I love the quirkiness of the bow belt!

Good luck with your school work!

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Dubai Stylista
February 26th, 2010 - 07:46

Lovely article, Marta! I don’t have too much of a problem here with dressing up for school, because the people here like to go ALL OUT regardless of where they are! It is a fantastic attitude, but sure, you still do get some, “Why are you so dressed up, its just university” comments. You bring up a great point there when you say how a person’s intellectual capabilities are based on how they look or dress. I know I have downplayed my dressing style at an interview or an important lecture to come across as looking more “serious”. Stereotypes are annoying.

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Cordelia
February 26th, 2010 - 07:32

Ooooh, I love-Love-LOVE that pink bow belt!! You look wonderful, and toasty warm –perfect for university!

I completely echo and agree with all your sentiments about fashion, university and how the twain *shall* meet! lol I love wearing heels to classes, despite the looks. I usually don’t mind the ‘Are-you-impractical?’ stares, but the kind that feels like, “Are-you-a-diva-wannabe? I don’t think I’m making this up, but I feel as if you can actually *tell* what sort of sentiments a stare is trying to convey..

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Leia
February 26th, 2010 - 04:41

Hi Marta!
You know, it’s really different here in London. Most people dress up when they go to university (maybe it’s because I live in a very fashion-conscious town?) I see people in uggs sometimes and tracksuits very rarely, but most people put in some kind of effort. Still, I don’t like to ’stick out’ too much, especially as it is an academic institution and I want to be taken seriously… so I do tend to dress down. Of course, that doesn’t mean losing my individual style, but I choose things slightly more comfortable and not too over the top.

P.S. Love those tights. Going to an H&M today (finally!) to check out the Rykiel collection!

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iole
February 26th, 2010 - 04:04

you’re always so cute! xoxo iole

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- With Love... Marta
  March 1st, 2010 - 14:32
  
  Thank you Iole
  
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