Columnist of the Month: Meg Kraft

There is so much wonderful talent here at Carbon that we wanted to give our readers a behind-the-scenes look at our team of writers, thus featuring one of our writers each month. Our November columnist is Meg Kraft (Couture Buys for the College Budget)! We sat down with Meg for an interview on her personal style:

Carbon Magazine: How would you describe your personal style?
Meg: My personal style is definitely unique. I take classic pieces like skinny jeans, pea coats, and solids and dress them up with vintage jewelry or other accessories. I love bohemian chic stuff consisting of feathers and over-sized tote bags, and California style bold pieces like flashy sneakers and my Ray-Bans.

CM: Your column focuses on fashion-forward buys for college students on a budget, how does your column relate to your life?
Meg: As a freshman in college, money is tight! My mom always encouraged my sister and me to shop on a budget or look for sale items, because why splurge on one thing when you could get a lot more for less? Shopping at places like Forever21 and H&M have allowed me to stay trendy, look cute for class, and still have money to pay for all the college expenses.

CM: What is your number one tip for budget conscious shoppers?
Meg: Before you buy it, think to yourself, “Do I have something like this at home?” My number one regret is buying something and thinking it’s adorable, then realizing it’s just like something I already had. Stay conscious of what you do own, and donate your old clothes or sell them at places like Plato’s Closet. It’s a great way to trim your closet and fatten up your wallet!

CM: What three fashion items are on your Christmas wish list this year?
Meg: Because Ohio is freezing at this time of the year, outerwear has taken over my Christmas list. I’d love a new pair of UGG boots and the sequin style in Champagne has caught my eye! Pea coats look incredible with any outfit, and Pac Sun offers a gorgeous leopard pea coat for $40. Knit beanie hats are great for keeping your head warm, and not squashing teased hair, so I’m hoping for one from American Eagle!

CM: What is the one thing in your closet that you can’t live without?
Meg: I love a great, well-made pair of skinny jeans. I think skinny jeans look fabulous with any type of outfit, and I own a pair in every color! They accentuate long legs, and show off my favorite pair of boots. I’m obsessed with oversized sweaters, so skinny jeans pull the look together, balancing out my shape! H&M has never failed me on fantastic fitting skinnies.

CM: Is there any important causes that you think young people should stand behind- fashion related or not?
Meg: I’m all about animal rights. I think young people should stand up against animal abuse, animal testing, and animal shelter euthanasia. Fashion related, I’m a big advocate of faux fur. By choosing faux, you can get the same look, for a lot less money, without killing numerous animals. Animals don’t have a voice, so I believe it’s up to us to raise our voices for them.

CM: What are the strangest places that you look for fashion inspiration?
Meg: I always find inspiration in the weather- and not in the sense that because it’s warm out I’ll wear a tank top. Living in Ohio, we get a taste of every season. In summer, I’ll wear bright, colorful outfits with a lot of pattern. In fall, I’ll stick to neutrals and basics. In winter, I’ll go for a more high class, girly look. In spring, I’ll choose pastels and boho-chic. Weather and the outdoors are very inspiring for all types of art.