Alumna's clothing line is 'To Dye For'

Fashion mogul, Her Campus UCF founder and UCF alumna Sara Newton has never been one to play by the fashion rules. This tastemaker dares to be different as she follows fashion trends and inevitably splashes her own spin on them.

Today, she has a fashion collection replete with custom-designed high-waisted denim cutoffs. From the splurges to the fast-fashion picks, she has rounded up a collection of denim from thrift stores and added a bright new twist — a mainstay to any style aficionado’s wardrobe.

Bottom line: If you’re thrifting for the next great addition to your closet, look no further than To Dye For by Sara Newton.

Central Florida Future: OK, first things first: Why did you start your own clothing line?

Sara Newton: I woke up one day and decided to craft. After making my first successful pair of high-waisted shorts, I realized I was good at it. The idea of offering these summer must-haves to fashionistas everywhere for an extremely affordable price became an obsession. These shorts are running $70-$190 apiece from other companies; my prices range from $5-$40.

CFF: Three words to describe your collection:

Newton: To Dye For

CFF: How did you think of the name for your brand?

Newton: My first personal pair of high-waisted shorts was dyed and someone told me they were “to die for.” It stuck with me, and then the creative juices started flowing.

CFF: The obvious answer is “why not,” but why high-wasted shorts?

Newton: I had to appeal to the interest of clients. I knew I could give them what they wanted. High-waisted shorts are hot right now, not to mention Florida-weather friendly.

CFF: I’m convinced you must’ve been a tie-dying queen as a child.

Newton: I haven’t had any formal training on cutting, dying or design. I think I’ve just found my niche!

CFF: Tell us something we don’t know about your collection.

Newton: I strongly believe that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I really love that I can take these clothes from thrift stores and give them a new purpose by transforming them into fashion statements.

CFF: Is there any significance behind each of your shorts?

Newton: Each of my designs is named after men that have been in my life. I think of it as my way of thanking those for helping me get to where I am today. Contrary to my relationship with some of them, I promise these men will treat every client right! I am proud of who I am and so proud of my company, To Dye For.

CFF: How do you envision the future of To Dye For?

Newton: Right now I am working on getting a website up and running. I have brand publicists that help me bring in clients. I teach them how to client outreach through all types of social media engines (thanks to my UCF education). My latest venture for To Dye For is working on selling a collection or two to a local boutique in Orlando and Boca Raton.

CFF: Do you ever plan on stopping?

Newton: No! I love seeing clients in my shorts, loving them and looking flawless.

CFF: What is the best way to fill our closets with your shorts?

Newton: Follow the line on Twitter, @_ToDyeFor_, where you can see photos of all the looks from each collection. Then, I suggest you contact me for a fitting via email at saraalicenewton@gmail.com.
Hopefully you fall in love and decide to take them home.