Student Style Spotlight: Comfortable, Confident and Cute with Isis Simpson-Mersha

Central Michigan University’s campus serves as a runway for the everyday fashionista. Forget magazines and paparazzi shots – the real style icons can be spotted walking to class.

Grand Central caught up with Saginaw senior Isis Simpson-Mersha, to discuss her personal style.

Simpson described her style as the three C’s – comfortable, confident and cute.

A Forever Fashionista

Unlike most, Simpson-Mersha’s style has been spot-on for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve always been pinged the fashionista. I won best dressed in middle school and high school,” Simpson-Mersha said with a laugh.

She explained that her style differs from other fashion lovers because she does not stress about executing trends to a T. While many individuals gravitate towards clothing that is popular, Simpson-Mersha puts her own twist on every outfit – for a lower cost, too.

With an eye for design, she is able to draw inspiration from nearly anywhere. Unique architectural features and interior designs provide Simpson-Mersha with endless ideas. From room décor to the motion of hanging drapes, she is able to apply these elements to her daily look.

Perfectly Polished

Simpson is excited to mix up her fashion with the change of the seasons. In the spring, she loves long, flowing shirts and peek-a-boo arm tops. Anything that makes her feel comfortable and can be transitioned from day to night is a win in her book.

As for accessories, she keeps it fairly simple with earrings and will throw on a fun choker or statement necklace from time-to-time. Her favorite add-on is nail polish.

“If there was an accessory I had to have, it would be my nails being done,” Simpson-Mersha said.

She takes her passion seriously, and religiously changes her polish every two to three days. She says one week is the longest she has gone with the same nail color.

Her style remains dynamic from day-to-day, but like anyone else, she has a most worn item. Simpson-Mersha’s comfort piece is a black and white infinity scarf from Old Navy.

Fashionable pieces can be found anywhere, and Simpson-Mersha does not discriminate, building her wardrobe from a variety of stores such as TJ Maxx, Target and even Wal-Mart.

What’s Wrong With Being Confident?

If you spot Simpson-Mersha on campus, her confidence is sure to show. Her eyes have recently become her favorite feature.

“When I was younger, I actually didn’t like my eyes that much. I’m Ethiopian, so our eyes are smaller ­– they’re slanted,” Simpson-Mersha explained.

She accentuates her beautiful feature with winged eyeliner and mascara. Making her eyes pop is the focus of her beauty routine.

Her makeup is completed with a touch of blush and a lip color suitable for any time of day. To complete her look, she styles her luscious locks.

“I love my hair big, curly and dramatic – all day long.”

Recently, the Internet has been showcasing body positivity campaigns encouraging women to unapologetically love themselves the way they are. Simpson-Mersha embraces her body and encourages others to do the same.

“Embrace whatever your body type is. I’m curvy all around, so I’m going to embrace that. I’m not going to cover it up, because that’s who I am,” she said.

Simpson-Mersha says she recognizes that confidence is not something that comes overnight, but she encourages our readers to take it one outfit at a time.

If you have curves, show them. If you don’t want to show them, don’t show them. Just be confident in whatever you wear.