Pieces From Home
The concrete catwalk executive committee has been eagerly waiting all summer to see what the eclectic street style of St Andrews has in store for this upcoming academic year. But before we all rejoin the bubble and forget about the outside world, our new executive committee was asked to reflect on their past summer at home through their style.
Katy Fitzgerald - Director
Perks of Sunshine
Growing up in Northern California meant two things for my fashion sense; inadvertently, Emma Chamberlain was most likely my inspiration, and I followed a California casual/sunny everyday mentality. When moving to a very different climate for uni, you could say somewhat into my home style; for example, the pink earrings (a gift from my cousin) are my standout piece. I always think an outfit can drastically go from boring to something new and exciting with a cute and funky pair of earrings. Above the top, the other pair of earrings in this picture is the amethyst earrings I got from my local farmers market. But for the most part, I picked pieces from a specific period in my life - or should I say my older sister's life. The top is my most cherished possession, which proves that some things just come back in style. Dress it up or down; this top is so versatile, and it is light enough to do perfectly in California, but if I am in a colder climate - specifically, one by the North Sea - I keep this next item close to me. My cardigan (originating again from my sister's closet) is my comfort blanket. It makes the perfect addition to my style for Autumn but also reminds me of all the times it played waste in the passenger seat of my car back home. In the back of the photo is my converse - I've worn the same style of converse since I was fifteen, though they aren't the same pair - they are quintessential to my style - I, for one, believe that converse goes with any outfit, and therefore I don't leave the house without them, or the country for that matter. My style is all about casualness that allows statement pieces to shine.
Kate Tenerowicz - Creative Coordinator
Memories from Home
My style has always fluctuated over the years. The one common thread is details, details, details, accessories have always made an outfit for me. Showcased here are my main stays this summer. Miu Miu shoes I found at the Copley Square flea market in Boston that add a pop of red. A small yellow purse that adds colour to my usually monochromatic wardrobe while holding the essentials. Lastly, my rings, earrings, and necklaces that are a mix of flea market finds, and family hand me downs. A bonus is a hair clip I got right in St Andrews, with the old Creative Coordinator of CC - Lindy Connors. These accessories complete my normally simplistic style filled with denim, black, whites and browns.
Ella Huang - Head of Blog
Summer of Accessory
For me, the flight out of St Andrews has meant a return to the suburbs of North Jersey. While not exactly what most would consider a major hot spot for fashion lovers, what I find the most rewarding is the search for the ever elusive antique store. Proximity to New York lends plenty of good finds in our local Goodwills and Salvation Armys but if you want to hit gold you’ll have to get lucky. My holy grail came in the form of a nameless (and unavailable on google maps) antique store in Mendham, NJ which many of the pieces above were gratefully collected from.
When I think of hometown friends, comfort and ease come to mind. Less need for a diverse wardrobe and more space for fun accessories. Similar limitations arose from working a uniformed job all summer. Nevertheless, an arsenal of fun earrings and rings became my backbone. And when I did see friends on days off, I always knew I could reach for my trusty pair of hand me down shorts, some fun platformed converse, and my completely out of season sequined frankenweenie bag (found at a charity shop in St Andrews!).
Moving back into the school year I’m hoping to carry with me a balance of the simplicity and eccentricity this summer has held for me. The opportunity to again layer clothing is infinitely exciting but part of me will miss the ease of having only the decision of which earrings to wear everyday.
Niamh McCarthy - Head of Social Media
The Missing Piece
It seems like everyone and their mom learned to crochet during lockdown, and I too fell victim to the needle. This tote was one of the first things I made when I was a high school senior spending the last of my hometown days inside before leaving for university. It also happens to be one of my most worn (and most convenient) pieces. After my family’s big move to Banjul, The Gambia a couple of years ago, I was faced with a sudden and urgent demand for sunglasses and bikinis. With Africa as my new home base, I’ve had to seriously reevaluate my packing and wardrobe choices. True essentials, these have carried through many a tropical visit. I’ve been buying the same Moleskine planner for about four years now, and I do not plan on changing this habit any time soon. This notebook is practically an extension of my physical body, and I’m unashamed to say I would be a total mess without it. I think there’s something poetic about consistency, and I like to think my high school self would be proud I’m still staying organized. This necklace was gifted to me by a dear friend from my hometown, and I’ve been wearing it since I was a teenager. Although my personal style has and will continue to evolve, I still find new and wonderful ways to fit this piece in my wardrobe.
Tanya Smoli - Head of Events
Summer of Simplicity
Unlike my previous summers spent at home, this year I had the opportunity to move to Edinburgh for work. For me, this meant a very welcome break from summers working in hospitality, but also opened up the issue of choosing work clothes in the early mornings before my commute. Sticking with neutral basics helped a lot in this respect, and having a wide selection of fun earrings, rings and colourful hair clips stopped things from getting too repetitive. This school year I’m planning to uphold a lot of this simplicity (which will definitely help with morning classes) but I look forward to having the chance to experiment a bit more on the weekends and for events throughout the semester.