Student style

Hayley Battista is a full time Journalism student at Canterbury Christ Church University, but her real passion lies within the pages of Vogue. Caught up within the world of designer handbags and the latest trends, she gives an insight into how ‘student life’ doesn’t always have to be ugly.  

So Hayley, how important is it to you to keep up with the latest fashions?

I find it important to keep up with the latest fashions but it is sometimes difficult. They change so often and are expensive so it's sometimes not possible to always be completely in fashion because I don't earn a lot of money.

But as a student living on a budget, do you ever find yourself putting fashion before necessities such as food or travel expenses?

I do tend to put fashion before everything else with my budget. I usually have no money left at the end of the month as I spend it on clothes, bags, etc straight away.

How much would you say you spend roughly on new clothes and accessories every month?

Every month I spend around £300 on clothes and accessories. It changes sometimes if there are other things I need to buy or bills I have to pay.

Who is your favourite designer?

It's hard to choose just one. I'd say it's between John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.

What is it you love so much about them?

They both do couture ranges which are more expensive but are so decadent and amazing to look at. They are both British designers and worked so hard to get where they were. I like the fact they won't compromise and always create what they want to even if people don't like it.

What’s the most expensive items of fashion you’ve ever purchased?

My most expensive fashion item I've purchased is probably a Moschino handbag. It was around £150, so it wasn't too expensive for a designer but when you don't have too much money it is quite expensive. 

Do you often buy fashion magazines?

I buy lots of different fashion magazines every month. i buy the american and british editions of Vogue, I buy Elle, Grazia every week and every 6 months I buy LOVE magazine.

So to finish off, what is your current 'most desired' item?

The most desired fashion item that I want at the moment would be either the Mulberry Tilly bag, which is £1,170, or 3.1 Phillip Lim quilted leather shorts which are £375.