By Shelisa Melendez

It was just three short years ago when I arrived to UK from my home in the beautiful Garden State to pursue my degrees in merchandising, apparel, and textiles and journalism. Yes, I am in fact a Jersey Girl. However, fist pumping is not my forte.

Growing up so close to New York City and being a merchandising major, it is only natural for nothing to make my heart beat more than the word “fashion.” Since my time spent here in Kentucky, I’ve realized one very important thing … there aren’t many ways to stay connected to the fashion world, or more importantly, places to shop. I just don’t find it reasonable calling a trip to Fayette Mall shopping. Don’t get me wrong, Fayette Mall has some descent stores, but at what point do you get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again?

When walking around campus, I tend to see a lot of girls wearing the same J. Crew outfits paired with the same tall riding boots. Although there is nothing wrong with J. Crew ,or riding boots for that matter, I think it is time to expand the colorful horizons of fashion. After all, retail stores don’t simply think up these styles on their own and “poof,” popular trends magically appear on the clothing racks. No, no, no my fellow fashionistas – it all starts on the glamorous runway.

It isn’t uncommon for major designers such as Valentino, Givenchy and Alberta Ferretti to intimidate those who are unfamiliar with their work – fear of the unknown always plays a factor, but don’t let that discourage you. However, you can be confident in knowing that the devil does indeed wear Prada and Michael Kors contributes more to the fashion industry than simply being a judge on Project Runway.

Unfortunately for those who do not live in large metro areas like myself, it is hard to stay connected with the latest and greatest news, trends, accessories, shoes and runway fashions.

For example, you probably wouldn’t know just a few days ago Women’s Wear Daily (the ultimate fashionista’s bible) reported that Louis Vuitton’s spring menswear campaign features its first Asian face, the Kardashian sisters are set to launch their own fashion line called The Kardashian Kollection at Sears stores in August, or that Heidi Klum just signed a fragrance deal with Coty Beauty.

Contrary to popular belief, fashion is a complex and ever changing industry, in which everyone can’t seem to get enough of. Common Thread aims to deliver news, style tips and ideas for any and everything fashion related – ultimately inspiring the inner fashionista in everyone.

I would like to leave you all with an affectionate quote by the great CoCo Chanel.

“I don’t do fashion, I am fashion.”