Let’s,

talk college fashion, shall we?

For all of you Saders fans out there, we bring you none other than Holy Cross senior and cheerleading captain extraodinare, Brittany Alkes. Brittany and I went to high school together and have remained close since. Her upbeat spirit, dedication, and positive attitude are just a few qualities I admire about her. So when her Senior class Convocation came around I knew I had to get her in the hot seat to talk all things Holy Cross, fashion, and what on earth to wear to convocation (AKA mass).  Enjoy!

Name: Brittany Alkes

School: Holy Cross

Major: Economics

Interests: Health and Fitness, Sports

Future Goals: “To join the workforce!”

Favorite Stores: LOFT! Being a rather petite person, I LOVE LOFT! Their petite section fits my body type perfectly, without making me look too young. I feel professional without looking like I raided my mother’s closet. I tell all of my friends they NEED to try on a pair of LOFT jeans. They are the most flattering jeans I have ever put on and during a sale they are only a little more expensive than American Eagle jeans that don’t have the waist-hip ratio most women my age need. LOFT is young, hip, trendy, but perfect for the workforce.

Favorite Things about Holy Cross: The routine of everything. You go to classes, practices, and games. Everyone is working during the day to get homework done. Every Tuesday is Pub Night; Wednesdays we go to Leitrims; Thursday is Blackstone Tap night; Friday and Saturday you hang out off campus with your friends. I love predictability and the routine of everything for easy planning.

Best Part of Your College Experience: The people. I have been afforded the opportunity to attend such a beautiful and prestigious college, but my experience would have never amounted to as amazing as it has been without the amazing people that work and take classes here. My teammates and classmates have helped me to grow as a person and have truly made Holy Cross the best four years of my life thus far.

What is a convocation, anyway?  Convocation is a celebration for Freshman and Seniors. During your first week here on the hill, you attend a mass where speeches are made and you are welcomed into the Holy Cross Community. Senior year, you have convocation again. This time you hear speeches from fellow classmates and you reflect on your four years here.

Can you tell us why you chose this outfit for convocation?  I chose this outfit for convocation because while Freshman Convocation is in the summer, Senior year its in January. It was important to me that the outfit be warm, yet functional.  I love this grey dress from Express because it is professional and appropriate while retaining a teensy bit of sex appeal. It remains feminine without being too much.

How would you describe your personal style? Relatively casual. I love the look of a graphic tee under a cardigan or blazer. Being so small, Its often hard to look 22 rather than 18, so I’m hyper aware of what I’m putting on. I like to be comfortable and effortless without looking sloppy.

What are your must have beauty products? Smashbox BB creme and Better than Sex mascara. It doesn’t matter how much of a rush I am in, those two products changed my life. I am instantly fresh faced and ready for the world.

What’s the most treasured item you have in your closet? My number 12 throwback style Tom Brady jersey. I love sports–especially football–so for me that is a game day essential.

Advice on cheerleading style and hair and makeup from the Saders’ cheerleading captain herself ;)? Holy Cross Cheerleading, right now, is not competitive. So, our style is much more of a game day look. We recently got new bows, and we’ve gone with a half up half down hair style. Girls have the option of straightening or curling the ends. We take pride in looking as uniform as possible on game day with guidelines set up for hair and make up. Unfortunately all of our girls cannot poof their own hair (myself a victim to this shortcoming!) because I personally LOVE a poof pony with a large poof and a high pony. As far as make up goes, you need it. Everyone needs it. It doesn’t matter how naturally beautiful someone is, on game day it is essential to help give every girl the same glow-y skin.

How has your style evolved in the four years you’ve been in college? I don’t really think of myself as having style when I was in high school or even my freshman year. However, I can completely tell that my style has matured as the years have gone on. I’ve become an adult and so has my style.

Since you’ll be graduating in just a few months, what advice would you give to the next generation of Holy Cross students? Enjoy every second you are on this hill because it goes by WAY too fast. Nothing is ever as big of a deal as it seems and being able to let it go will help you enjoy without becoming too stressed. Do your work but don’t forget to have fun!

Ingredients for a Convocation Ready Look

Knit Sheath Dress: Express (Currently on sale!)

Black Booties (Ann Taylor, Vince Camuto)

Black Leather Jacket: Marc Jacobs (Nasty Gal (Vegan!))

Makeup

Eyes: Naked 3 Palette+ Better than Sex Mascara