Hi Fashionista! I'm Janelle

Hi, Fashionista readers!

As I write this introduction post, it would be an understatement to say I'm low-key freaking out. The road to getting here has been quite unexpected, to say the least: I've already written for the site as both an intern and a freelancer, so returning as a staff writer feels so full-circle. I started on Monday, right as the new year begins (what a perfect way to kick off 2024), and I'm beyond elated to see what this journey brings.

I've always had a respect and appreciation for clothes and good taste (which I highly attribute to my grandmother), but growing up, my first love was books. I was always a total book nerd, a title I wear with pride. (My favorites included the "Percy Jackson" series, "The Hunger Games," and "The Clique" series, to name a few.) It wasn't until high school that fashion started to noticeably come into my life: I became completely fascinated with the idea of clothing as a form of language, and set out to understand what everyone around me was trying to articulate — and even more importantly, what I wanted to articulate to others.

Fast-forward to my freshman year of college at Kent State University, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in fashion. But I couldn't figure out what exact path to take. Turns out, my calling found me when I joined my school's fashion magazine as a writer. It all clicked: Not only could I go after a career as a journalist, but I would be bridging my old love for reading with my newer love for fashion by doing so.

Now, I'm here, with nothing but the utmost gratitude for Fashionista, as it has been one of my go-to fashion sites that has inspired me for years.

A little bit more about me: I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. (Yes, I have seen an alligator, and no, I don't go to the beach every weekend.) I graduated from Kent State in May 2023 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Fashion Media. I interned and freelanced for a few publications over the years, including StyleCaster, InStyle, The Everygirl and more. After college, though, I landed an opportunity to work as a Digital Editorial Associate at L'Officiel USA. I currently reside in New York City.

The most important thing you could know about me is that I'm a Zendaya stan, and have been since her "Shake It Up" days. "Replay" makes my Spotify wrapped every year.

I'm also a proud member of the Beyhive, dream of adopting a Dachshund and would love to live in London one day. My favorite brand is Christopher John Rogers, I go nowhere without my Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag and my comfort show is "Ugly Betty."

I'm absolutely thrilled to be here, honored to be welcomed into the Fashionista family and excited to write alongside people I have come to love and respect with all my heart.

XoXo,

Janelle (on Instagram)

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