Meet Zeynep:

Zeynep Demiralp lives in San Diego, but she’s originally from Istanbul, Turkey. Yes, she’s bilingual. She is a freshman studying business marketing here at SDSU. Her favorite food is kale, she’s been playing the piano for over 10 years, and her most played song on Spotify is “Kiss It Better,” by Rihanna. On the side, Zeynep likes to model and take pictures (check her out on Van De Vort, photographed by Ben Christensen). If a guy smells good, the chances that she’ll go up and talk to him are high. Her dream job would be to become an actress (she looks like Anne Hathaway, right?).

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Zara, LF, Trendy and Tipsy, Lululemon, and Nordstrom. All of those stores have something that express my style, which lets me express myself. Their clothes fit me perfectly and are made of good quality materials, and each store is good for something [specific]. Zara has the best jeans and Lululemon has the best active-wear. I’m always satisfied when I go to those stores; their customer service never disappoints.

What do you splurge the most on?

Hoodies and shoes. Hoodies are something you can always wear. If I want to dress casual or sporty, I can just throw one on. You can also throw a jean jacket or a leather jacket over the hoodie to dress it up. If I see one that comes in black, I have to get it. I don’t have a good reason for why I keep buying shoes, but does a girl need one? You’ll always see me wearing Adidas, Jeffrey Campbell, or Nike.

What would you say inspires you, or influences your style?

I like to dress “edgy” because it shows my personality. Fashion is a way for me to express myself without having to say anything. First impressions are important to me, and my outfit is the first thing people notice. Wearing black and ripped jeans gives the world an idea of who I am.

“Fashion is a way for me to express myself without having to say anything.”

Which public figures do you view as your style icons?

Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Hailey Baldwin. We’re all the same age, so I look up to them when it comes to how I dress myself. They’re always the people that I think of when I go shopping. I especially love their street style.

Out of your closet, what would your staple item be?

Anything black – my outfit needs to have at least one black item. I usually wear boots or booties everyday, and I like clothes that show my figure. I always wear jewelry, so chokers are something you’ll see me wearing all the time.

If you could swap closets with someone for a day, who would it be?

Kylie Jenner and I have the same style and taste. She has the best makeup, jewelry, clothes, and handbags. I love designer handbags and her collection is endless. My favorite designers are Balenciaga, Prada, Céline, and Chanel. She has everything!

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Starbucks has the best vibes. I always run into people, and seeing my friends is the highlight of my day. I’m also the biggest caffeine junkie. Lately, my go-to drinks have been unsweetened iced green tea and skinny iced mochas.

What is your favorite quote to live by?

“Life is a journey, not a destination,” said by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I moved from Turkey to San Diego when I was 16 years old. If I didn’t take that step that changed my whole life, my life would be so different. It’s important to take chances in life, and to catch those moments to create something new.