Campus Style Watch: “Sole” Obsession

by Eleya Raim – Horizon Features Editor

Everyone needs shoes.  Even so, footwear doesn’t just have to be about practicality.  Whether functional or frivolous, everyone is allowed to make their own fashion statement on their feet.  Meet several noteworthy students, staff and faculty who take good looking footwear a new level.

 

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Jessica Cleveland is not only a wonderful coach, but a woman of unique style. Photo by Larry Bartel, HC Marketing and Communications.

Faculty:  Jessica Cleveland

Job:  Volleyball Coach

Jessica stays trendy, comfortable and cute in her favorite brand, Nike.  She states, “I do not have a cool story or anything I just love shoes, especially sneakers.”

Why did you purchase this particular pair of shoes?

“I chose this particular pair of shoes to make a statement when my outfit isn’t loud enough.  I wear them when my outfit is plain.  The statement: I am on the move to tackle another day at my 100%.”

What do you think that this pair of footwear says about you as a person and your sense of style?

“This shoe says I am not afraid to take a risk, I’m outside of my box today and I go for comfort.“

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Jessica enjoys comfort and fashion with her many pairs of sneakers.

Are you a “one style fits every occasion” or “I’ve got a little bit of everything” sort of shoe wearer and why?

“I have a pair of shoes for every color in my outfit.  I like to match my t-shirt or sweats every day.  If I cannot match I will do a bold color like these unmatchable pinks.  I do also have a lot of sandals and boots.  I just love all shoes but wear sneakers on most occasions.”

If you were a pair of shoes, what kind would you be and why?

“If I were a pair of shoes I would be a NIKE FREE RUN.  I currently own 8 pairs of them in all different colors.  They are the most comfortable pair I have.  I also feel like I can go for miles and miles in them.  I also like the philosophy of NIKE-“just do it.”  Kind of my moto in life as well.”

Where do you find your favorite footwear?

Jessica's feature shoe.
Jessica’s feature shoe.

“I get most of my shoes from my sister who is the manager at Champs in the Wichita Mall.  I get a good family discount, so I take advantage of it.”

 

 

Student:  Philip Hammons

Where he calls home:  Kansas City, Missouri

Major:  Exercise Science

Philip loves bright shoes a that give him a noticeable sense of style.  Buying several pairs of the newest trends each year, it’s no wonder this student was nominated to be part of the Style Watch!

 Why did you purchase this particular pair of shoes?

“I got these shoes because I love bright shoes! Shoes that might make you want to squint or put in sunglasses!”

Phil Hammons shows off his unique style.
Phil Hammons shows off his unique style.

What do you think that this pair of footwear says about you as a person and your sense of style?

“This particular pair says that I’m a colorful and bright person, not only because of the way I dress, but my whole lifestyle.  I’m very spontaneous and outgoing.”

Are you a “one style fits every occasion” or “I’ve got a little bit of everything” sort of shoe wearer and why?

“I like to have a little bit of everything.  I think I have a certain style that I can make fit every different style of clothing. I have pink shoes and shoes that have 6 different colors in them and of course more neutral shoes.  It just depends on the occasion.”

If you were a pair of shoes, what kind would you be and why?image3

“I have about 10 pair of Nike Air Max, alone. So, needless to say, that’s my favorite pair of shoes, because of the different color splashes they come out with and because they are very comfortable.”

Where do you find your favorite footwear?

“Often times, I shop online, or simply just go to Footlocker.”

 

 

 

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Rachel Swartzendruber enjoys fashion and comfort, especially in footwear. Photo by Eleya Raim

Faculty:  Rachel Swartzendruber Miller

Job:  Vice President of Admissions

Not only is Rachel the brilliant leader behind the admissions team, with a welcoming personality and smile for all prospective students, she is also a woman of style.  Buying footwear on a budget while still achieving comfort and class are two of her top priorities.  Wearing an eye-catching pair of gold and brown sandals, Rachel is welcoming the spring weather with a versatile pair of shoes.

 Why did you purchase this particular pair of shoes?

“I purchased the shoes on a whim, but knew they would be a stylish but comfortable option. This pair has turned into one of those staple pairs I am not sure what I would do without. It just shows that sometimes you have to follow your gut when it comes to style.”

What do you think that this pair of footwear says about you as a person and your sense of style?

“Another philosophy of mine in buying shoes is “the dollar-a-wear” rule. Meaning, if the shoes are 30 dollars I have to be confident that I will wear them at least 30 times in order to feel good about buying them. This keeps people from buying the crazy expensive pair of shoes for one special occasion. Even my wedding shoes were shoes I could re-wear several times.”

Are you a “one style fits every occasion” or “I’ve got a little bit of everything” sort of shoe wearer and why?

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One of Rachel’s favorite pairs of shoes. Photo by Eleya Raim

“I am not one to wear a shoe that doesn’t fully work with the outfit. If I am faced with that situation I will simply not wear the outfit. For example, I bought golf shoes before I ever set foot on a golf course. I needed the right “look” in order to embrace the hobby. This is not to say I spend a fortune on shoes…quite the contrary. It just means I need to dedicate a bit of time to hunt for that perfect pair of shoes that is within my budget.”

If you were a pair of shoes, what kind would you be and why?

“A unique pair of distressed brown boots…no buckles, no high heel, no zippers, just simple and classic with a unique color look to set them just a bit apart.”

Where do you find your favorite footwear?

“Any good shoe shopper knows there is not one store that can offer you all the styles and looks you might need. I go a variety of places so I can have a variety of looks.”

 

 

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