The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Variety

Media Credit: JIM DIFFLY Senior Allie Bashuk, a fashion merchandising major who writes a fashion blog - ugastyle.com - watches passersby outside Trappeze Pub in downtown Athens Oct. 1. [Click to enlarge]

There is a crisis plaguing this University, according to senior Allie Bashuk. How does one achieve a fashionable look for class without overdoing it? The senior fashion merchandising major from Marietta created ugastyle.com to answer the question.

"I want people to take pride in what they look like," Bashuk said. "Everybody owns a T-shirt. Your clothes, in a cheesy kind of way, really do emphasize who you are."

The local fashionista created her blog in March of this year, ironically while waiting for another blogging job.

"I applied for this fashion blog online, and didn't get it, but in the time I was waiting for my response, I realized I could do it on my own." Bashuk started taking pictures in Athens of style efforts she appreciated, and of those she didn't.

But she's not completely vicious - anonymity is protected for "don't" shots and they don't include the alleged violator's face.

"I trust my opinion," Bashuk said. "But I'm not here to make enemies."

And as for the percentage of don't-give-a-you-know-whaters, her philosophy is simple: "If you're not trying to be fashionable, you're not violating anything. It's when you're making a valiant effort and it's just not workin'." Among her surprisingly concise list of things she hates to see, the stylish student includes gauchos, Vera Bradley bags, Ugg boots with running shorts and leggings beneath skirts.

"Leggings drive me so nauseous."

Bashuk also said she isn't a fan of the broken ankle look after a night out in stilettos. "If you can't wear heels like a lady, don't bother," Bashuk said.

As a ugastyle.com fan and a fellow pioneer of style, 32-year-old Brian Fortson, owner of Fortson's clothing store downtown, can attest to Bashuk's eye for aesthetics.

"I've been in the fashion game a long time," Fortson said. "I don't think I'm Michael Kors, but I know I'm a guy who knows what looks nice on a lady." Fortson admits he hasn't found other similar fashion blogs to be worth reading. "I think Allie's (blog) is really good, and has a chance to be great," Fortson said. "She'll be successful in whatever endeavor she pursues."

In the past, he has encouraged Bashuk to be more controversial and harsh with her fashion judgments to get noticed.

"But she's not one to do that," he said.

As for Bashuk's place in the fashion industry, her plans aren't too specific.

"I want to see every aspect of it," she said. "I might go into magazines, or photography ... I could ultimately see myself as a stylist, but that's a long shot."

Bashuk updates her blog frequently. - about twice a week. Visit www.ugastyle.com, but be forewarned - potentially familiar faces could be featured.

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