city love

"When I first moved to [the city] and I had no money, sometimes I would buy myself Vogue instead of dinner. I just thought it fed me more."

The first time I heard that quote, made famous by "Sex in the City's" Carrie Bradshaw, I had no idea the relevance it would have to my life. As a new Bostonian, I can more than relate to it- I practically live by it.

Life in the city can be defined as trendy, fast-paced, romantic, ever-changing and exciting. All of these traits make it the fabulous lifestyle it is- but did I mention expensive? It is common knowledge that the average professional has to scrimp and save just to afford their studio apartment in the 02115 area code- what about the college kids?

As perhaps the trendiest and most eccentric of all creatures, young adults in their 20s seem to be living forms of Cosmo magazine- they know what's hot this second, who is involved in the most scandalous rumors, where to go tonight, and above all else, what to wear when you show up.

Most television show glamorize college life, making it seem like an endless party with shopping, sleep, and a few coffee breaks mixed in for good measure. But one thing you'll never see on MTV is the not-so-glamorous truth- 20somethings counting their pennies on the counter at Dunkin Donuts, walking those few extra miles to save that $1.25 from the T, showing up to events they have no interest in just for the advertised "refreshments", and even wearing the same pair of jeans for WEEKS in a row to avoid doing laundry.

The stereotype of the "broke college kid" is by far the most accurate description of my life. While I do hold a job on campus, my paycheck disappears before I can even read the dollar amount, sucked into the black hole that is my cell phone/car insurance/credit card bills. Never willing to settle for anything less than fabulous, however, I hold onto the fantasy, determined to be every bit as stylish and fun as the movies make my generation out to be.

Just because I can't afford to buy InStyle Magazine doesn't mean I don't want to look like I just stepped off of its pages. Just because I have to walk more than a few blocks to class does not make my desire to wear those 3'' gold heels any weaker. And the fact that there's a rumor that the Charles River has frozen solid does not mean I have hibernate under a tragically oversized winter coat until April.

College kids differ from the rest of the world of fashion because, in our eyes, it's not who you're wearing, but what. Clothing does not necessarily have to be expensive- it is more about how it defines you. Living in the city adds another layer to the standard, and it almost acts as a overly enthuastic friend, encouraging everyone to try new things and live life outside the box. After all, no matter how much of a fashion train wreck one person may be, there is always someone unspeakably worse at the next T stop.

I don't claim to be the authority on all things fashion- I'll be the first to admit that I barely follow the imposed Hollywood standard. What I do have to offer, though, is a broke college kid's inside look at life and survival in the great city of Boston- and attempting to look fabulous while doing it.