ABOUT

SHADES OF RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

This blog was started in January 2023 by four American girls who have moved to Paris for a semester abroad. Amidst all the adjustment, fashion was the one constant factor we could explore and be grounded by when overwhelmed in the big city.

Shades of Red, White, and Blue is our online journal in which we document the sides of the fashion industry that are thought-provoking and prevalent in our everyday lives.

This blog will cover various topics that surround us daily but are not necessarily discussed thoroughly. These topics include celebrities and their roles in trendsetting, fashion in pop culture, the psychology behind fashion, the politics of fashion, and insights into Paris fashion as an outsider.

We thought that it was essential to incorporate both American and French influences. Just as our flags share the same colors, red, white, and blue, both countries also share aspects of the fashion industry. Join us as we navigate the Parisian lifestyle with American backgrounds!

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Meet the Team

Four college girls navigating the blend between France and the United States.

Fashion Blogger

Michelle Bowie

While I am a Political Science major in Texas where fashion is nowhere near as romanticized as it should be, I love keeping up with the fashion industry and all of the most recent trends that are constantly changing. In contrast to life in my small town back home, the Parisian lifestyle encourages you to express yourself through fashion and what you are wearing. As I spend more time here and get to adapt more to the culture and its fashion trends, I have been adding so many more items of clothing to my collection that I am eager to debut. Life here is amazing, and as I study fashion, photography, and art history during my stay, I am so excited to bring along everyone who decides to tune in to Shades of Red, White, and Bue!

Fashion Blogger

Layne Diffley

Regardless of my major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, I have always been interested in fashion. Specifically, I am fascinated by the trend cycle, history, psychology, and politics that are incorporated into the industry. I find fashion essential to my self-expression and this blog is another way to channel that persona. In addition to my interest in fashion, I love to read, journal, go for walks, and find the best coffee shops. I play field hockey at my university, so I suppose this forces me to entertain myself with running as well;) During my time in Paris, I will be studying the effects of mass media and doing an internship with Kids Empowerment, a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of migrant children! I look forward to sharing my thoughts and love for fashion with everyone who reads Shades of Red, White and Blue!

Fashion Blogger

Ava Wrubel

A city girl through and through. I grew up in New York City, currently live in Miami, Florida and now am studying in Paris. Fashion is something I have always had a love and appreciation for. It is more than just putting together an outfit, but a means of self expression and confidence. You need to look good, to feel good! Now majoring in creative advertising, I can combine my passions for fashion, writing, and expression through being a new found “blogger.”
Ever since I was little I loved styling and putting together outfits. Shopping is my therapy, and the department store is my doctor. I am a firm believer in retail- therapy and love keeping up with the current trends! In addition to my love of fashion, I love traveling, dogs, art, culture, and music. During my time in Paris, I will be studying fashion, media, and french! I love to share my fashion tips from beauty hacks to the best basic staples and can’t wait to share my travel experiences as a New York girl living in Paris!

Fashion Blogger

Isabella Nessim

Great style is about self-expression, so simply being yourself is the best way to look and feel fabulous. Growing up in New York City, I had the opportunity of finding my footing within NYC's bustling style scene. However, I now live in Miami and must learn to adjust my style while remaining authentic to myself. I am currently studying in Paris and have to learn how to do that all over again. While fashion has always been a passion of mine, sometimes being genuine is easier said than done.

I love finding ways to express myself, and I am excited to do that in a new city! During my stay in Paris, I will immerse myself in Parisian culture while adopting a style that will make me feel confident and très chic. I can't wait to share my journey with you!