Freshman Bailey Jursik recollects spending a very memorable Christmas with her family in 2011. Like many kids on Christmas morning, she woke up early, anticipating what presents may be under the tree. Jursik unwrapped all her presents excitedly but one present stood out from the rest. Her mother had purchased a sewing machine for her. From then on, Jursik’s interest in fashion expanded.

  Jursik’s passion for sewing and creating her own unique style started early in her childhood. She started teetering in high heels at two, sketching at five and sewing at ten years old. Over the years, Jursik has acquired the skills to sew different garments, especially dresses and skirts. She also enjoys shopping for statement pieces that express her 90s punk-inspired looks.

  Jursik’s habits and hobbies as a child shaped her current endeavors in fashion. She adored dressing up and doing arts and crafts. Jursik describes the activities that cultivated her artistic side and defined what she thinks fashion is.

  “I think I first became interested in fashion when I was five or six. I remember always wanting to pick out my own outfits and I was always drawing…I think fashion is saying who you are without saying anything at all. Fashion is art — art that you can take with you anywhere at any time,” Jursik said.

  Jursik’s mother taught her the basics of sewing. Jursik then took sewing classes to refine her sewing techniques. To make a garment now, Jursik likes to see where her mind, mood and hands take her. She discovers old clothes and whips them into something completely fresh and new. Jursik shared her creative approach to making pieces for herself.

  “As long as I have my sketchbook and the materials I need, I usually just wing it . . . I’ve made plenty of things from cut-out dresses to maxi skirts to sweatshirts. I also go to thrift stores and buy stuff that has the potential to be cute and make it my own by cutting it up and sewing [it] together again,” Jursik said.

  Jursik does not make all of her clothes; however, she continues to make her own garments to mix in with pieces she has purchased from stores. Jursik wears her clothes to school from time-to-time and creates pieces for special occasions. She obtains fashion advice and ideas through publications such as Nylon, Glamour and Rolling Stone. In addition, she turns to her aunt, Caitlyn Wachovec and Jursik’s friends. Wachovec described her favorite pieces of all from Jursik’s creations.

  “There is a maxi skirt [Jursik] made a couple years ago that I wish fit me so I could borrow it . . . She has also made some standout infinity scarves and jewelry that could sell in boutiques. This past fall, she made a little black dress and wore it to a wedding we both attended. It was amazing,” Wachovec said.

  Jursik’s cites Wachovec as one of her style icons. She discusses fashion with her aunt frequently. They shop together often and give each other fashion advice. They both like to experiment with trends and different styles. Wachovec explained Jursik’s style and their bond over self-expression through clothing.

  “Her style is absolutely an expression of who she is inside and out. Style is something she uses to present all the different parts of her personality, including her mood, her taste in music and her love for art. Her style is everything from jeans and a t-shirt to 90’s-inspired alternative to bohemian to vintage and so much more . . . I would say our styles are very similar. We both dress all over the fashion spectrum and are willing to have weird hair colors and try new things,” Wachovec said.

  Freshman Caroline Cutler also shops with Jursik and shares fashion advice with her. Cutler described Jursik as “outgoing, confident and fun.” She thinks Jursik radiates a grunge vibe and sets trends. Her friendship with Jursik has also influenced how she thinks about fashion. Cutler describes her favorite aspects of Jursik’s style and how it has affected her.

  “[Jursik’s style is] definitely different, but in a good way. [It is] unique. At least for my grade, she started the trend with the flannel around the waist . . . and Doc Martens with skirts. Since we became friends, I wear Doc Martens. I guess I picked up on some of her style. I [still] wear different stuff than she does, but I wear flannels and Docs [Doc Martens] now,” Cutler said.

  Jursik appreciates people who think outside the box when it comes to fashion. Besides her aunt and friends, she looks at celebrities for inspiration. Since she dresses in punk clothes, she often observes musicians. Jursik shares some of her style icons.

  “For sure one of my biggest style icons is Gwen Stefani. I love that she takes risks but is classy about it. She has fun with what she wears and I love her edgy ‘boho’ style. I also take after Kurt Cobain’s grungy style with a pair of torn jeans, a t-shirt and a flannel,” Jursik said.

  For now, Jursik enjoys making dresses the most; however, she hopes to pursue a career in Fashion and Design or Fashion Merchandising at Kent State University.