Quad Style: Olivia Sturman

Mar 9

Mar 9 Quad Style: Olivia Sturman

Ah hello! My name is Olivia Sturman and I’m a fourth year majoring in computer science with a focus in math and a specialization in human computer interaction (truly a boring first line and a horrible mouthful, apologies). If you’ve seen me around campus I’m probably flailing on my skateboard, spilling coffee on myself, yelling at my computer, or all of the above. I could tell you a plethora of useless facts about myself but, instead, to be more relevant to this blog, I’ll summarize my winter aesthetic to the following:

I have a bad habit of buying a plant every time I go to Trader Joe’s
I think grey days should always be accompanied by a bit of Otis Redding
My love language is peeling fruit for someone

How would you describe your personal style?

The best way to describe my style is somewhere on a spectrum from an archeologist who has a part time job at an art museum to a girl who consistently looks like she is dressed up for a first date.

Romper from Buffalo Exchange (consignment store), Jacket from my roommate’s closet (we have an open closet policy and share everything ♡), Shoes are your well known basic FILAs, Big hoops from Forever21— for god knows what reason I lose big hoops al… — Romper from Buffalo Exchange (consignment store), Jacket from my roommate’s closet (we have an open closet policy and share everything ♡), Shoes are your well known basic FILAs, Big hoops from Forever21— for god knows what reason I lose big hoops all the time so I only purchase cheap ones knowing they’ll need to be replaced soon.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I follow Vogue on instagram, is that enough?

“I honestly can’t say I really regret any of it though— everyone should go through an awkward style stage because we need to be humbled at some point. ”

Where do you like to shop?

THRIFT STORES AND CONSIGNMENT STORES. ALWAYS. It’s way more fun, affordable, and sustainable to shop in second-hand stores. I also like to sew so editing pieces I find in thrift stores are a common project of mine.

Jeans from Brandy , Top from thrift store, Shoes from Nordstrom Rack, Hair clips from Amazon , Small hoops from the Oriental Institute (amazing place for inexpensive yet quality jewelry!!!)

Do you have any fashion regrets?

So many. Two in particular come to mind.

This first was in elementary school. Everyday, 4th-6th grade (that’s 3 YEARS), I wore a Paul Frank t-shirt to school. My mom thought they were good cotton so she allowed it. Everyone else knew me as Paul Frank girl.

The second was in 7th grade. I wanted to play around with makeup so I bought some gold liquid eyeliner from Sephora and it was the only thing I would apply. I thought it was so cool for months until my sister enlightened me that it just made me look like I had chronic eye gunk. So that was the end of my adventures with makeup.

I honestly can’t say I really regret any of it though— everyone should go through an awkward style stage because we need to be humbled at some point.

Dress from Urban, Boots from Blondo (this brand is water proof I highly recommend for Chicago) , Jacket thing from my mom’s closet, Jewelry from some boutique in Amsterdam, Socks from my grandma

“You should wear what makes you feel confident and accentuates your personality! Not necessarily the things that other people like wearing. ”

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My parents are professors and they value intellect over all else. Thus, when I was young, I felt a strong amount of guilt for having interest in more traditional feminine things because I thought it would detract from ~proving my worthiness through academic skill~. I didn’t wear pink or dresses because they were too girly and I didn’t dare put on a bikini because I was scared to show any skin. Throughout middle school and high school I found more comfort in being feminine but still had no idea or interest on how to hone an aesthetic. I kind of just followed what everyone else wore. Finally, in my first year of college, I met (my now roommate) Antonia in French class. This woman wore some WILD outfits but I absolutely loved all of them. When I finally asked her how she puts them together she explained, “In high school, to get out of my comfort zone, I would just put on something I liked but was fashionably questionable and run out the door before I could change. Eventually you learn to own it.” So that’s what I started doing. When I think back, I believe 4th grade me actually had a lot of merit to how she dressed because she always felt comfortable and happy in her Paul Frank shirts. You should wear what makes you feel confident and accentuates your personality! Not necessarily the things that other people like wearing.

Why is fashion important to you?

What I choose to wear in the morning really reflects what I want out of the day. Sometimes I want to be seen! Sometimes I just want to be mobile! Everyone goes about fashion in a different way and I think that’s absolutely brilliant. The only “right answer” to fashion is that you’re wearing something you feel happy in. For me, makeup is hard but putting on jewelry is not and is my way of feeling a tad fancier/more put together. I wear FILAs not because they are a trend but because the soles actually have excellent grip and I have a weird affinity for climbing things. Also, I have super flat feet and my knees get messed up if the soles of my shoes are too thin (stupidly enough it’s a health thing). So reader, if you see some style that you think is cool then I encourage you to just wear it! Confidence baby, it will make your outfit go from a 5 to a 10.