words_jonathan borge. photos_raquel zaldivar.

On the heels of the first season of his popular Bravo TV show, “It’s A Brad, Brad World,” Brad Goreski stopped by the Books & Books on Lincoln Road last Thursday to chat about his latest venture, a book titled “Born to be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far.” In the book, the former Vogue-intern-turned-Rachel Zoe-assistant opens up about his battle with drugs and alcohol, his relationship with boyfriend Gary Janetti, and of course, tips on how to dress better–“take risks and be bold”–and break your way into the fashion world–“fake it ’til you make it.” “I felt old when I walked into Vogue at 24 because the other interns were like ,19,” said Goreski at the book signing. As expected, he arrived in full Brad-like attire, wearing Dolce & Gabbana glasses, Christian Louboutin shoes, Topman pants and a Band of Outsiders shirt, jacket and bow tie included. We caught up with him right before the signing to talk about Miami, swimsuit fun and more!

What are three style tips for Miami students on a college budget?

Well, tip number one: since in Miami skin is in you can wear less clothing and still be in style. Tip number two: wear lots of color. There’s lots of places like J. Crew, Kate Spade and H&M. Everywhere you turn there’s color so get into the Miami spirit that way. Number three: pick one thing that you can invest in. I’m very big on people choosing a lust item, something that they really want to have or wear for the summer. For me, living in Miami, that piece would be a really good bathing suit.

What bathing suits are you a fan of?

You guys have tons of options. Kate Spade just came out with great women’s bikinis. For guys, I just got one called Chuc by Charles Finch. I like a shorter, vintage-style bathing suit. Brooks Brothers has good ones, J. Crew, all kinds of places.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for students wanting to break into the fashion industry?

Two things. Number one: figure it out. Whatever it is you want to do, figure out how to get where you want to go because people will always help you along the way but you need to have a rough game plan of how you’re going to navigate to where you want to go. Number two: don’t tell anybody you’re tired because everyone’s tired. Everyone’s tired. We’re all tired. We all get it. Come up with another excuse.