Drexel University is known for its exemplary
engineering school, its co-op program, and— you may not know this— but also for
its fashion program. I sat down with a senior design and merchandising student,
Michelle Katz, to talk about her fashion background, personal style and
shopping rules of thumb.
As a fashion student, Michelle only
gets to participate in one co-op rotation, because the design and merchandising
program is only four years. However, this did not stop Michelle from pursuing
more internship opportunities to get her foot in the door of the competitive
world of fashion. Her first internship was with Elle Magazine for 6 months.
Michelle experienced a childhood dream when she worked in the Elle accessories
closet. She got to organize and look through the items that we see on the pages
of Elle each month. She even got to take home some of the accessories.
After Elle, she commuted from
Philadelphia to New York City three days a week when she worked at Badgley Mischka.
Michelle said that commuting was extremely hard and she remembers being
exhausted every day but it was worth it for the priceless real-world
experience. This commute went on for three months. After finishing at Badgley
Mischka, Michelle secured an internship with Allure Magazine. Her three-day per
week commute to New York City continued with this internship, but she said it
was easier the second time around. Allure was a great experience for Michelle
because her dream is to become a fashion editor at a major magazine one day.
Allure gave her more responsibilities, leadership roles, and creative freedom,
which is more than she ever had dreamed of. Because of this experience, she was
even offered a job. Unfortunately, Michelle had to turn it down because she is
still a full-time student at Drexel.
I have known Michelle for a few
years and admired the way she has dressed for just as long. She takes simple
pieces and combines them to make an outfit that many of us could have never put
together. I like to check her Instagram to see her outfit of the day (#ootd) and newest accessories. Below are some
highlights of the interview I had with Michelle.
How would you
describe your personal style?
“I would describe myself as professional with an edge. I
want to be classic but make it original with accessories.”
 |
| (Instagram @meeshkatz) |
What are your
favorite thrift stores?
“Starstruck Vintage in Greenwich Village, and Impact thrift,
which has a few stores in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. I really like having
to sift through racks. You really have to have patience to thrift.”
What is your personal
“splurge” and “save” list?
“I splurge on jewelry, handbags, shoes, and button downs. You
need to find jewelry that you love, everyday pieces that are well made.” She
has five pieces of jewelry that she never takes off. “A handbag can last
forever; they are an investment.” Michelle and her Mom both take their handbag
purchases very seriously because they know that good ones can be passed down
for years. Button-down shirts are a new obsession for Michelle. They are a
basic item that every woman should own. They are always in style and can be
paired with pretty much everything.
“Save on trendy clothes, or buy them thrifted. If it’s not a
staple item, you don’t need to spend money on it.” Trendy accessories can also
be saved on.
What are your top 3
favorite items in your closet?
1 Quilted cross body Chanel bag
2 Calvin Klein button down, moss colored and goes
with everything
3 Shoe collection
 |
|
Left: Chanel purse,
Ferragamo flats; Right: vintage YSL pumps. (Instagram @meeshkatz) |
Michelle says she tries to never pay retail. She likes the
ASOS sale section. She once found a white pencil skirt for $24, on sale from
$100. She also recommends going to Bloomingdales’ sales, “They have great
coupons,” and also Nordstrom annual sales. It is always interesting to hear how
other people shop. You may find something worth spending money on, while
someone else wouldn’t agree. Because she is an experienced thriftier, I gave
her the names of favorite Philly thrift stores. Happy shopping Michelle and
thank you for sitting down with Off the Rack!
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