Today was a busy day! I had two exams and very little sleep. In one of my film classes, my professor talked about the importance of color and how we subconsciously dress in a certain color depending on our mood. I glanced around the classroom noticing all of the tired, solemn students dressed in drab colors and smiled, looking down at my cheery, bright yellow cardigan that I chose this morning. Last night, I got an email from a man I was CRAZY about when I was living in Italy last summer, and it definitely had an effect on my outfit today. We also discussed how color is one of the most influential and mood-altering aspects of film and life. So, what color are you feeling today?

I’m feeling red-hot! After a little nap, I’m definitely ready to go out. I got this new Marc Jacobs dress that I’m going to wear to the club tonight with my girlfriends. The quality is unbelievable and having a curvier body the A-line cut is so flattering. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about food babies showing too easily! I think it will be perfect for tonight because there is this boy I’ve been eyeing in my film class who’s supposed to be going to the same club tonight and I’ll be sure to catch his eye with this on. This dress has the perfect mix of sexiness and class. Plus, the hidden pockets are perfect for my car key and lipstick so I don’t have to worry about carrying my clutch around the club.

As I write this, I have to figure out which shoes to wear. Do I wear my red Gucci pumps? Or the L.A.M.B. black pumps? I think I’m going to go with the black pumps; they’ll add that sophisticated flavor. I remember when I was buying this dress earlier today, and I stepped out of the dressing room to show my friends. These two girls stopped and just HAD to know the designer and where they could find it for themselves. Yes, it’s that great!

I have an embarrassing secret … I think I’m a rock star. I love that this dress makes me feel and look so sexy. I’m wearing it right now! I feel hot! I just want to go out RIGHT NOW and show it off to the world. Having this hot Marc Jacobs dress, amazing black L.A.M.B. pumps and my black leather jacket from Italy helped me live my fantasy of being—well—badass. When people see me in this outfit, I want them to see a confident, intelligent, and stylish girl.

Ever heard of the theory of “tabula rasa?” It’s an idea developed by Thomas Locke that all individuals are born as “blank slates.” Well, every morning I am “re-born” and through fashion I get to continually define my style and improve my “slate.” Those three words (confidence, intelligence, style) really motivate me when I pick out an outfit, especially when I go out at night.

Speaking of going out, I’ve got to go finish getting ready. Now, usually I would say, “Oh, I hope that boy from my film class notices me.” But tonight, in this dress, that’s a given.

My Catherine Maladrino gown was a hit with everyone, but most importantly Matt’s mother. He offered to pick me up, but I insisted on driving over and meeting him at his mother’s so I could introduce myself to her and see how she was doing. I picked up a dozen light pink roses, a box of chocolates, and made my way over. Matt was waiting on the front porch for me. He wore a fitted gray suit, black Gucci loafers, a white Ralph Lauren button-up, and a black silk skinny tie. To say he looked handsome would be the understatement of the century.

I parked the car and as I reached over to the passenger seat to gather my gifts for his mother, he appeared at my door to open it for me. He smiled when he saw me in my Catherine Maladrino gown, but his smile became even bigger when he saw the light pink roses that I had picked up for his mother. He hugged me tightly and led me up the path and into his house.

The house was beautiful inside—like a Ralph Lauren all-American clean, crisp, and New England style. It was dim and the tables were covered with lit candles. His mother sat reading a book in a pale red jersey dress by the back window. She was beautiful, but you can tell by her frail hands that the chemotherapy had done a number on her body.

Matt introduced us and I presented her the flowers and chocolates. She smiled weakly and told me how much Matt had talked about me. How flattering! She gazed at my dress and her mouth fell open a bit in awe at the intricacies of its stitching. She told me that she once wore a gown like this to a ball in New York City. This woman has good taste! I put the roses in a vase for her and set them on a table by the back window. She smiled and wished us a good time.

Matt and I departed. I felt really sad that she was unable to attend this event, but I was so honored to be able to take her place. She struck me as a strong woman and I know she has a good heart because it can so clearly be seen in Matt. Her good fashion sense can be seen with Matt as well!

The ball was beautiful. There were Badgley Mischka dresses, Armani, Versace, Vera Wang….basically every designer was represented. It was great fun simply people watching, but dancing with Matt wasn’t so bad either.

He was such a gentleman! We definitely have chemistry (especially fashion chemistry…I refuse to date an ill-dressed man) and I think we have a lot of potential together. Do I want to get involved with someone right before I leave for Italy, though?

No time to think about it right now! Tomorrow I’ve got  a business meeting for the Study Abroad Program at my university. I’m trying to get a discount for our students to study at this one school in Italy. I’ll persuade them at the very least with my professional nature in my black pencil skirt from American Apparel and tucked in white button-up blouse from Banana Republic. I’m going to accent it with a brightly colored FENDI scarf that I purchased in Italy because I definitely hate an outfit that lacks personal style or a splash of color! Wish me luck!

gabriella

My name is Gabriella Mattina. I am a woman of fashion. I get my inspiration from Italy: old photographs, music, and dreams. I’d like to think I’m a rock star, but the reality is that I only like to dress like one. Having a curvy body shape, I admire women such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Kate Winslet for their embracement of their curves.

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