Temple is known for its wide diversity among student’s ethnicity, race and background. The variety of styles and fashion fall nothing short of this. Sophomore Frances DiFabio feeds off the Temple community to create her own unique style both in her fashion choices and home decor.
Sitting at her vintage desk listening to her favorite artist William Fitzsimmons, DiFabio seemed relaxed and ready for conversation. Very calm, collected, open and personable, the Sociology major dreams of working in the community/non-profit sector and joining the Peace Corp.
With her eco-friendly obsession and recent change to veganism, DiFabio lives and breathes the atmosphere of the Philadelphia community. Drawing inspiration from certain aspects of the city, she seeks to maintain an uniqueness for herself. Frequently searching the internet on her macbook for new eco-friendly stores, vintage shops and blogs, the vegan adds depth to her style everyday whether it’s fashion or decor.
Ready for all this school year has to offer, DiFabio strives to meet new people, join organizations and continue to find new styles and add them to her own.
How would you describe your style?
“I think my style is kind of urban but at the same time formal or reserved. I feel like its laid back, not in the sweat pants and sweatshirt way but I don’t need to wear heels to feel put together. My style at times is vintage but to me reflects an old world, new world combination. For example, I love finding things that my mom wore when she was my age and pairing that find with a fairly new style or article of clothing.”
Where did you get the ideas for outfits?
“I feel like my style comes from a mixture of country and urban. I like the clothing styles of Urban Outfitters but I can’t afford to shop there often so I just get some ideas from time to time. Personally, I don’t think I could pull off some of the very unique and “out there” styles that they come up with. That’s where I think the formal, reserved side of my style comes in. I also love Anthropologie but again I can’t afford to shop there. I think that their style perfectly combines three aspects that I love—polished, elegant, and urban. The music I listen to also helps me to draw inspiration. I’m not sure that there is a way to really describe it. I think it just makes you feel a certain way which is reflected in your personality and often your style or presence.”
What’s your favorite type of clothing or accessory?
“For my fall shopping, I’m really into buttoned-down collared shirts, sweaters and blazers. I love layering because it can add a lot to an outfit as you combine various pieces together.”
What’s your favorite thing that you own and why?
“My watch from Urban Outfitters because I love that it goes with everything. It’s still unique and big, which gives dimension too my outfits. Seriously, I wear it everyday!”
What adds to your style?
“I like when my nails are painted a solid or neutral color. I love wearing jewelry but I’m not someone to constantly change jewelry or buy it. I have a few staple items that I wear almost everyday. Sometimes I will change it up and add in a long necklace or big bracelet, but for the most part my jewelry everyday is small and elegant. Also, I think that the way you do your hair really can make a subtle outfit eye catching. I love to braid and twist my hair. Recently I have started wearing it up in a ballerina bun. Bags are a great accessory! For me, I only need one or two that look good with anything to complete an outfit. I have a brown leather satchel and a black clutch that I love to carry with me.”
How do you think your style carries over into home decorating?
“I like to have things clean-line and polished but I still like to combine new world and old world. I try to piece together items that have been around for years, such as my desk with items that are new, such as my headboard and tapestries.”
Where do you draw inspiration from for your decorating ideas?
“Again, I think music is a big part of it. It makes me feel and see things a certain way. The fact that I am an environmentalist also has a big part to it. I like to find items that are earthy, recycled, organic, etc. It gives me a homey feeling. I love shopping finding things at thrift stores or even in my parent’s basement. I’ve found so many great pieces of furniture that have been in my family for generations. I also love handmade and local items that support people in other countries as well as ours. Fair trade all the way!”