Paulina Herrera is not only a well rounded academic, but a full force Venezuelan fashionista with a passion for clothes that can be seen every day. As a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and other campus organizations she barely has a moment to spare, but we managed to snag an interview with this trendsetter for an inside glance at her closet and her take on self-styling.
HC: Do you have a style icon or quote to live by?
PH: My style icon is Nicole Richie. She always looks elegant and classic, but with funky pieces. She makes her outfits effortless, but not boring. I love that combo and I’m still trying to master it myself. I’m a big believer of “If you love it, wear it” a lot of times I hear my friends saying “I love it, but I can’t pull it off,” I always tell them “who cares?” If you think you can’t pull it off, you won’t, but if you do you will! You can find your actual style this way, not by playing it safe.
HC: What is your favorite season to dress for?
PH: I love layers so typically I love to dress for the fall because winter is too cold for me. I really like to dress in neutral, natural colors, which is easy to do in the fall! I’m really into black right now which is easy to wear when it’s cold..it kinda fits the mood. Summer is fun too because I love wearing all white, and funky shorts.
HC: What’s an accessory you cannot live without?
PH: Scarves and jewelry. Even if I go to the gym, I’ll wear a bracelet and my main ring. I wear at least 4 rings, and 4 bracelets on a daily basis. I am attached to them and I switch them around depending on what I’m wearing. I also have this little gold necklace with the virgin Mary and tassel from Venezuela that I never take off, I like to wear it because it reminds me of my culture and where I come from.
HC: How would you describe your style?
PH: I think I’m a mix of classic pieces and neutral colors with a twist. I’m into an overall boho look but I still like to keep it modern with my color choice or by choosing one piece of the outfit to be more loose or funky. I think my style is also a bit free and relaxed because I usually wear less-fitted clothes that have a sort of flow to them.
HC: Where is your favorite place to shop/favorite brand?
PH: I love to explore shops and brands! I don’t discriminate. Sometimes the best pieces I have I’ll find at random store. However, I do have go-to’s. I love Urban Outfitters, some of the brands at Nordstroms, Free People, Planet Blue, Rebecca Taylor, and Vince.
HC: Do you have a specific budgeting tactic when it comes to shopping?
PH: I have a job and with the extra money it’s hard to over spend and not save but as we get closer to graduating, I want to have in check the ability to save so I’ve come up with a plan where I can only shop the first full week of every month. By limiting myself to one week, I automatically eliminate buying unnecessary things and I just focus on the things I need. I also like to buy my clothes on good deals so if I know a store is having special offers or coupons then I make sure to use those!
HC: Has fashion always been something you were interested in?
PH: Yes! I look at fashion as a way of expression. I never dress thinking about what other people are thinking, I dress to my own taste and feel. I love how you can create this really cool, unique, outfit and take those same pieces and wear them completely different the next day. However, I started getting more into it in my last years in high school, and obviously it’s been a growing love from there! I even started a fashion instagram called SeekTheCraze where I’ll post some of my favorite outfits, stores, quotes, and trends! Fashion is how I express a lot of my creativity.
Photos courtesy of Paulina’s Facebook