My style is inspired by fashion magazines, style blogs, and observing different cultures around the world.

I think that my style varies depending on the occasion. For example, in Lexington, I wear clothes that I would probably not wear in a big city like New York. Brighter colored dresses that I would wear to Keeneland or to a wedding, I would never want to wear walking down the streets of NYC. When going out, I prefer to wear black. Black is the most fashionable color, and can be paired with many pieces–such as belts and jewelry–to change the look of a certain piece. I really like lace and sheer tops at the moment.

Not going to lie, I don’t know what the current trends going into fall even are since I’ve been kind of “out of the loop” for two months (we don’t always have WiFi, and the only September issue of Vogue that I’ve picked up has been in Chinese characters).  However, my favorite timeless fall trend is a good leather jacket. My favorite one that I own was my mom’s when she was my age. I’m obsessed with it.

Traveling is very inspirational for my photography, and my style. I prefer going to places that are much different from home, where I feel out of my element, and where I can really feel the true vibe and culture of a city. I don’t have too many “good” photos that I really enjoy from the European countries, but as soon as I got to Beijing, I could not stop taking photos. There is so much to capture, and so many interesting and unfamiliar aspects of the Asian cities; I really can’t put my camera down. The European countries were very inspirational for my style. Walking down the streets of Copenhagen and Stockholm, I saw classy, beautiful women walking down cobblestone streets in 5-inch stilettos. In London, I went to a music festival called South West Four (SW4), and the style was much different than festivals at home. All of the girls wear really fashionable, cute clothes, with their wellies (rain boots)—not neon bandanas and tie-dye. I also went to a street festival called Notting Hill Carnival, and again, the girls were dressed very stylishly, this time a more bohemian/edgy feel. It would have been awesome to shoot street-style at these places.

I have been obsessed with photography since I was in elementary school. I love capturing moments and being able to look back at all of the things that I am getting to experience. Keeping a journal is something else that I have been doing, but I feel that photos really help me “relive” and reminisce. I am a very visual person, so photography is something that allows me to express my creativity. I also feel that I tell stories through my photos. Many people will never get to experience (or don’t want to experience) the places that I am fortunate enough to see; I feel that by looking at my photos, they will at least gain an insight to these areas of the world.

That everyone in this world is equal. We all want the same things: love, happiness, a warm home, something to feed our stomachs. There are so many ignorant people (especially Americans, unfortunately) who have awful stereotypes and perceptions of other cultures and countries, and I hate that. Two days ago, we took a 20-hour train ride from Shanghai to Hong Kong. We slept in a cabin with about 50 Chinese people, we were the only Westerners on the train, and we shared our doorless 3-level bunk beds with complete strangers (absolutely no privacy for 20 hours…oh, and the entire train went pitch black at 10 p.m., so talk about an experience!). There was obviously a language barrier, as there was only one other person on the train, Alan, who spoke a (tiny) bit of English.  However, we were still able to make friends with the people around us, through smiling and “sign language.”  Alan made an effort to help us out in every way possible through his broken English. He was so curious about America, and can’t wait to visit California (just like every other person we’ve met who has never been to the states).

It was such an experience that I will never forget. I have traveled to many places, and I have met some of the nicest and most welcoming people while traveling. Traveling has also opened my eyes and allowed me to realize how privileged my friends and myself are. I have seen many (shoeless) children eating noodles out of disgustingly dirty bowls on dirt floors, however, they are happy—sometimes maybe even happier than the people who are constantly craving more and more and more. Traveling has made me realize what is REALLY important in life.

“You have to see the world, love the world, and love yourself before you can truly love anyone else.” –Carlos, our new friend from Venezuela