Square Spotlight: Lauren Moïse
Square Spotlight: Lauren Moïse
By: Elena Ossoski
Lauren Moïse is one of the most fashion-forward students here at Ole Miss. A sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina, Moïse is currently studying Integrated Marketing Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Moïse's creatively charged sense of style stems from her love for the industry which was first born when Moïse launched her own business, LL Jewelry, back in junior high. She has always valued having her own personal style, but it continued to grow as she began to put on shows to display her pieces as well as work with local businesses as a vendor.
How would you describe yourself and your style to someone who has never met you before?
“My style definitely reflects my personality because you can tell that I’m fun, yet still put together. I love to have fun with my clothes, but I’m always dressed in a somewhat modest manner in comparison to my peers. I try to be chic - just in general - because I just love to feel fabulous and put together.”
What are your go-to places to shop in Charlotte?
“Capitol and Poole Shop are my favorite stores; they’re both located in the same building, Poole Shop is upstairs right above Capitol. They have gorgeous Gucci dresses and beautiful purses. I really think that a fashion revolution was sparked the second that those stores opened up in Charlotte. Since the pieces at those stores are nowhere near my price range, I just enjoy going there to walk around and pick up inspiration. There are some good boutiques in my area, but I do most of my shopping online on Shopbop and Zara.”
Do you think your surroundings affect what you choose to wear?
“Yes, but my overall style has not changed. Before I came to Ole Miss, I put effort into my style on a daily basis. When I’m here, I tend to dress very basically and I usually gravitate towards more casual clothes. I still like to look unique and put together, so I’ll pair my workout leggings with a cute graphic tee or a pair of Free City sweats with a pair of fun sneakers.”
Has the fashion industry’s recent focus on sustainability affected the way you shop?
“It has definitely made a huge impact on me. When I was a senior in high school, I started a club called Fashion Army through which we would educate the students at our school on the sustainability issue. We even presented at assemblies in front of the entire school to raise awareness on the issue of sustainability. We would collect donations for the Salvation Army and then we put on a fashion show with the clothes in order to encourage others to donate. It felt as if I was truly taking responsibility for the issue at hand.”
Is there anything that you wish you had in your closet right now?
“Yes! There’s a pair of over-the-knee boots that are kind of baggy with distressed leather and an overall old-west vibe. They remind me of a pair of boots that Frye would sell… and maybe some more cashmere sweaters and the Wandler bag that looks like the classic ones that Céline sells.”
Where do you like to shop in Oxford?
“I really only like Cicada and Goodwill.”
What’s your favorite thing to wear?
“Dresses, hands down. I love wearing a gorgeous cocktail dress.”
Do you value comfort or style more?
“I think about both whenever I’m getting dressed, so it’s definitely a balance. It doesn’t matter how dressed up I am, I will only wear what I’m comfortable in.”
Do you have a single favorite piece in your wardrobe right now?
“The dress that I wore to my homecoming dance during my senior year of high school. I actually ended up getting a similar one in all white to wear for my graduation because it was over fifty percent off on Shopbop. Also, both of my prom dresses (from junior and senior year) are very special to me; they’re both stunning gowns from Alice McCall.”
Has the emergence of social media affected your personal style?
“For sure, it has been one of the biggest influences on the way that I dress. My style evolved a lot during my middle school and high school years as I started following bloggers like Charlotte Groeneveld (better known as @thefashionguitar) on Instagram and other stylish girls like Talita Von Furstenburg.”
What’s your favorite fashion-oriented show or film?
“Gossip Girl and Real Housewives Of New York.”
Favorite designers?
“Most of my favorites are not American designers. I love Ulla Johnson, Zimmerman, Proenza Schouler, Alice McCall, Ganni, Alexander Wang, and Dodo Bar Or.”
How would you describe your personal style in three words or less?
“Preppy, unique, and fun.”
To keep up with Lauren, follow her on Instagram @lalalizy!
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Photos by Elena Ossoski.