About Stephens.....
What was your favorite Stephens memory?
I was given a pin at graduation to wear on my cape lapel from the school from being a third generation student at Stephens. It made me very proud to be a part of something my grandmother and mother were both a part of. A few of my friends I was graduating with were second and third generations as well which was very memorable to carry the tradition on.
Did you attend any formal events at the College? If so, what was it and what were any memories that stuck out during that event (friends, your outfit, getting ready...)?
I went to many formal events with the sorority I was a member of while at Stephens. As Kappa Deltas we hosted many events every month. The best part was everyone getting together running up and down the hallways in the dorms borrowing makeup, hairspray, teasing combs, shoes and last minute accessories from each other. It was a production getting ready before events for us! We were also photo hogs, we all LOVED taking pictures of the ‘getting ready phase’ to document the night pre-event.
What set your time at Stephens apart from any other experience you have had?
Stephens for me was the best decision I have ever made. Being at an all women’s college made me learn more about myself and what I was capable of achieving without distractions. The school and faculty really taught me that anything was possible and I could accomplish everything I set my mind to. The support system and networking is incredible at Stephens while at school and will be for the rest of my life.
What do you think of the relationships that you gained with your fellow Stephens women?
The relationships I gained at Stephens are so valuable. The networking with alums is huge after graduation.. We are everywhere! Anytime a fresh graduate enters a new city, there will be Stephens girls there to help support her and show her the ropes. I am actively involved with the alum group of NYC and it is very large and we meet once a month to catch up. It is alums from their mid twenties to their eighties. It is fantastic to have that bond in such a large city and to know you are always supported away from home. Even though many of my friends and I are now scattered throughout the US, we keep in touch and are very involved in each others lives.
.....And onto Fashion.....
What do you think of the Little Black Dress (LBD)? Is it a wardrobe essential? How would you accessorize it?
Every woman should have a LBD! It is a wardrobe essential. The grace and confidence that comes with LBD is something everyone should experience. Depending on the event it is being worn to, a little black dress can go with anything. Diamonds, pearls, hair in a French twist or hair in a ponytail. Casual or dressy.. Stilettos or flats, it doesn’t matter. The LBD is powerful. I have worn a LBD to every job interview, public speaking event and anything where I would be making an impression. The LBD is good luck!
Can you recall if you ever wore an LBD to an event at Stephens? If so, what event and what do you remember from the occasion?
I wore many LBD to events at Stephens. It was a daily staple for me.
.....Quotes from a Stephens woman.....
What words of advice do you have for fellow Stephens women?
Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are too young or too old to do anything. After college I was fighting with the job economy as someone fresh out of school competing against people who had been in the industry for 15 years with experience. But I knew I was capable of anything, so I proved it.. Therefore I never took no for an answer and never allowed being too young or too old to get in my way of something I wanted. The other key advice would be to network yourself as much as possible, carry business cards always. The only way to get ahead is to share common interests with people who can help mentor you to be a better you and to help you reach your goals. Taking advantage of every networking possibility and learn to walk up and introduce yourself to strangers.. this is how your future begins.
Do you have any timeless styling tricks for the LBD you'd care to share?
I love putting an animal print high waist skinny belt with little black dresses. It really gives a modern twist to a staple LBD.
.....About you.....
What year did you graduate? 2008
What was your major? Fashion Marketing/Event Planning
Where are you from? Lawrence, KS
Where do you live now? New York City!!
Where do you work/worked? I work full time at an eyewear company called ‘Colors in Optics’ doing design and production. I also write for the style section of the Huffington Post online publication and on top of all of that I have a website of handmade hair accessories that I design and sell. Always busy!!
