Whether it’s a bargain-priced fashion find or the piecing together of a stylish ensemble, Gabriella Mazza finds joy in fashion. Through her blog, Gabriella Amor, she aspires to share that joy with others.

 

“I feel like it’s really not about spending hundreds of dollars. It’s about finding what works for you and your body; the colors you like and feel good in,” said Mazza, a 2017 Bridgeport High School graduate. “You can find cute, affordable things everywhere. You just have to take time to look.”

 

Over the past seven months, the West Virginia University fashion major has been building her blog with posts featuring snakeskin booties, leather leggings, oversized textured sweaters and a plethora of other clothing pieces and accessories. She shares her finds and links readers to the retail sites where they can purchase them. 

 

Combining her innate fashionista persona with skills gathered through her studies, Mazza has developed an eye for piecing together quality, affordable outfits ideal for class, the gym or an evening out.

 

It all started in the summer of 2018 after switching her major from psychology to fashion.

 

“I thought a lot about it and did a lot of research about blogging,” she said. “I wanted to come up with a way to work on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - not just in school. I also wanted to set myself apart from others in my major and help other girls my age dress like a fashionista in an affordable way.”

 

Mazza has followed plenty of fashion bloggers, mostly those who wore Prada, Gucci and other high-end fashion labels. She found it a challenge – a fun, rewarding one – to seek out the looks she liked with pieces that look great but aren’t pricey.

 

Nordstrom, Forever 21, Zara and other retailers have been sources of quality finds which she shares with followers. Feedback received indicates those followers are loving the tips.

 

“Thankfully, I have gotten so much support from so many people – girls at WVU I didn’t know before, girls from the community and other places - and I appreciate it so very much. I was nervous about starting it – being from a small town. I love doing it.”

 

Mazza utilizes feedback and her own personal experiences as inspiration for topics.

 

“College kids are always freezing. It’s cold and miserable walking to class, so I did a jacket post, linking to some cute coats, which are super warm, but not super expensive,” she said.

 

Boutique owners have reached out to Mazza, soliciting her interest in wearing and promoting their pieces, but she is only interested if the attire is representative of her look.

 

“I’m trying to focus more on building a brand; an image for me,” she said.

 

Mazza depends upon the talent and keen eye of her good friend Taylor Abraham, who photographs her wearing her featured ensembles.

They sometimes spend several hours at a time together.

 

"She's the best," Mazza said. "I don't know how she puts up with me."

 

Though fashion is her first love, Mazza also blogs about health and makeup, lifestyle aspects which go hand in hand with style, she said.

 

“Being healthy and fit helps me feel good and in a better mood. I think it’s an important aspect in everybody’s life,” she said. “Everyone seems to be on the health train and finding easy ways for college girls to be healthy is important. You can be healthy in college.”

 

Employed by Ulta Beauty, Mazza has learned much about skin care and makeup and has developed a list of favorite products which compliments the natural look she prefers.

 

Mazza spends a lot of time thinking about fashion – and the future. In the short-term, she hopes to start a vlog, incorporating video into her online resources, which she promotes and enhances through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. In the long-term, she aspires to someday work as a personal stylist.

 

She knows she’s on the right path.

 

“I loved psychology, but didn’t feel like I was really prospering, but now I sit in class and know I’m in the right place. I love the things I’m learning about – fashion culture and dress history – and I know I’m supposed to be studying it,” she said. “I love being organized and girly – and writing about how I’m feeling. I just love it all.”

 

Read Mazza's blog and benefit from her fashion finds HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Blog photos are by Taylor Abraham.