STYLE DO'S AND DON'TS WITH SAMANTHA GRACE!

When you're first getting into the world of fashion and style, it's hard to know where to start. Flipping through magazines and recording the Victoria's Secret Fashion show really won't help you out. You need advice from living, breathing girls trying to make it in this stylish world. That's why I decided to sit down with Samantha Grace, a fashion lover and YouTuber like myself, to get the low down on everything from her favorite places to shop to the one trend she would never be caught dead in.

Samantha Grace Santorelli is a college sophomore at the University of New Haven majoring in criminal justice concentrating in investigative services. But don't think that just because Santorelli wants to grow up and focus on crime analysis, that she isn't fashionable. In fact, she's probably the most fashionable person I know. With 1,000 plus followers on Instagram, she posts daily pictures of her outfit ideas and fashion inspiration for everyone to see. Recently, she also started her own YouTube channel, Samantha Grace, where she posts college vlogs, instagram tips, and fashion lookbooks. As we sat together, drinking our Dunkin Donuts iced coffees, Santorelli dished out what you really need to know to start making it as an amateur fashion lover:

E: I WANT TO START FROM THE BEGINNING WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR JOURNEY WITH FASHION. AS I'VE ONLY KNOWN YOU FOR A FEW MONTHS, WHEN DID YOU REALLY START GETTING INTO FASHION?

S: I started getting into fashion probably around my junior year of high school when I decided I wanted to stop wearing the same clothes that anybody could buy at American Eagle or Hollister. I wanted to be unique so I really started getting into fashion and researching what I aspired for my style to become.

E: DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSON OR PLACE THAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION?

S: I normally gravitate to the Urban Outfitters website or their Instagram when it comes to getting inspiration. I’m also inspired every day by street style and when I go thrift shopping. I always get ideas and ways that I can incorporate pieces in a unique way into my own life.

E: DO YOU PREFER SHOPPING DESIGNER OR THRIFT SHOPPING?

S: I love thrift shopping more, 100%. My favorite part about it is that you never know what you’re going to find and when you do come across something it’s unique all to you. I once found a Levi’s fur lined jean jacket when I was thrift shopping and the original price is over $100 yet I got it for less than half off that. You save so much more money when you go thrift shopping, as well as it makes you more original.

E: WHEN YOU'RE NOT THRIFT SHOPPING WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE STORES TO SHOP AT?

S: When I'm not thrifting, I'm probably shopping at Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters. Even though Urban can be crazy expensive, they have really nice quality pieces, and I also love their Instagram like I said earlier.

E: DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM?

S: I love Kelsey Simone, Olivia Jade, and Jeffree Star. As well, of course, my friends and family that I know like you for example. But those are my three favorite YouTube influencers that I like.

E: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND WHAT'S ONE OUTFIT YOU THINK BEST DESCRIBES IT?

S: My style could be described as the perfect mix between vintage and bohemian. My go to outfit would have to be tights, a thrifted sweater dress, boots, and some wool socks. I also love wearing fun colored scrunchies on my wrist. I just cut my hair into a bob with bangs so I love pulling my hair back with a clip.

E: THAT SOUNDS LIKE A VERY ON TREND OUTFIT TO ME. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TRENDS AT THE MOMENT?

S: Right now I love the cheetah trend and I’ve also been obsessed with crystals sewn into distressed tights. I also love corduroy and overall dresses and I've been really into denim on denim and wool socks. I'm really sorry I just have a lot of favorite things.

E: DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, TRUST ME I CAN RELATE. WHAT’S ONE TREND THAT YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE?

S: I absolutely hate the new UGG sandals. I think that they’re so scary and definitely something I would never be caught dead wearing.

E: OK I TOTALLY GET THAT. THE THOUGHT OF WALKING AROUND WEARING A DECONSTRUCTED UGG SLIPPER, NO THANK YOU. IS THERE AN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET THAT YOU WOULD WEAR FOREVER IF YOU COULD?

S: I would definitely wear boyfriend jeans forever if I could. Not only are they versatile and can be worn with anything but they’re also super comfortable.

E: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE JUST GETTING INTO FASHION?

S: I would tell someone just getting into fashion to first start with the basics. Find those pieces that you can wear daily and can be mix and matched with other items. That way you can always find multiple outfits rather than getting just getting one specific and unique piece that you can only wear once.

E: WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU ON INSTAGRAM?

S: People can find me at @samanthasantorelli.

The key to finding your way in the fashion world is to be as authentic and genuine as you can. If you're going around copying other people, everyone can see right through it. Discovering your personal style is hard, and you can't get through it without some assistance. I get by with a little help from my best friend, Samantha Santorelli. Not only she is an amazing YouTuber and fashion blogger, but she's also a one of a kind friend. With her tips you can start developing your own one of a kind style (just whatever you do, don't start with UGG sandals).