Author: Alden Haviland

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Denim and Leather Go Together

James Dean comes to mind when we think about the ultimate denim Fashionisto. He paired with a leather morocycle jacket to create a lasting look. To change things up a bit, this modern day Fashionisto wore a denim shirt under the leather jacket, versus a boring white shirt. Those of you who have classes from 8a.m. to 8p.m. need clothing items that layer. During the sunny days you can open the buttons on the denim shirt to reveal a t-shirt underneath. After classes are over and while walking back to the dorms throw on the leather jacket and button up the denim shirt for a completely different look. 

This Fashionisto spends most of his time styling for photo shoots and music videos. However, his hardest client is himself because he never gets a day off. Pairing the army green skinny denim cargo pants with the classic yet a twist ensemble was a great way to incorporate a trend. Do not be afraid to pair a light denim shirt with darker denim jeans. You can cuff the bottom of the jeans for a different look. Transitioning into spring, wearing VANS sneakers is the perfect alternative to choosing lace up leather boots for shoes. 

For men's denim shirts check out ZARA and Ralph Lauren. To see more men's style check out LPFashionPhilosophy and stay tuned for next week's style advice this Fashionista's wardrobe styling partner. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Flirty Florals

Way before the first of springs flowers start to bloom, we see flowers blossoming all over blouses, tights, pants, sweaters, and skirts! A great start to transitioning into a spring wardrobe is to wear floral prints or pastel colors with warmer accessories. This Fashionista demonstrates this perfectly by pairing a floral long sleeve blouse with pastel harem pants, a short fur vest, and leather riding boots.

Prints are going to be huge this spring and do not be afraid to mix prints. A floral print paired with a stripe, polka dot, or another floral is a great way to mix patterns. If you are looking for a less bold approach to florals, pair the print with neutral colors or orange. In addition to this Fashionista being on the cutting edge of spring fashion with her floral printed blouse, she is also wearing harem pants in one of springs must have colors. These pants are a great way to be comfy while being fashion forward. While the weather is still in the 50s, it is a great idea to pair this spring look with boots and a vest. Once the weather gets warmer this outfit would be perfect with a pair of rope wedge sandals while leaving the vest behind. The floral blouse is perfect to tuck into a pair of high waisted shorts or knee length skirt.

Find harem pants at Urban Outfitters and flirty floral prints at Topshop.

Who needs green grass and gardens in New York City when the dreary streets are brightened by Fashionista’s wearing colorful spring florals.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Sheer Genius

Spring Break is a week away and while everyone is packing and shopping for trips to warmer destinations, we are tempted to wear these new styles at home as well. Last week we over dosed on our winter trends and now we have to part with those items until next year. With sunny days and 55-degree weather Central Park has melted off some layers of snow, it’s time we start melting off some layers of clothing.

This week's Fashionista played with the new nude/blush color, that we are now seeing everywhere. Mixing the sheer fabric with longer and darker pants, kept her outfit half winter/ half spring. Everyone needs to own a sheer blouse like hers for the spring. It is trend this season, however you can keep it in your wardrobe because it is also a classic. Tuck it into high waist pants, leave it un-tucked, pair it with a skirt, over a dress, wear it under a blazer, or as a bathing suit cover-up. The possibilities are endless! Remember the sheer light colored fabric is see through. If you are going to a job interview or formal event, wear a tank top underneath. If you are on the beach or going out with friends, the sheer fabric although it is subtle it still makes a bold statement. Find a blouse similar to Chelsea's at ZARA.

Have fun dressing up your simple blouse with accessories! Choosing to layer necklaces was a great idea this Fashionista had. Consider belting the blouse with a chic skinny leather belt. A colorful light silk scarf would also go great with this classic yet fashion forward look. If you pair the light blouse with a dark colored bottom, remember to not go too heavy on the bottom by wearing dark/wintery shoes. Tie the look together with nude pumps, light colored flats, or wedge sandals. Show off your classic Audrey Hepburn large black sunglasses with this look and you are on your way to becoming a fashion icon as well.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Winter’s Last Hoorah

This winter it seems like we live inside a New York City snow globe at a souvenir shop in Times Square. As if walking up and down 5th Avenue to make it to our classes wasn’t hard enough, we now have to endure the wintery weather. It is a good thing that fur, boots, and leather is in this season, since everyone needs great outerwear for the winter. Although we had some abnormal warm and sunny days, winter is not over yet! We are embarking on one of the last weeks we can show off our winter accessories. This week make sure your favorite scarves, hats, gloves, jackets, sweaters, and boots, see the light of day before packing them away for months.

What caught my eye about this Fashionisto, was not his vintage Gucci bag, but his ability to combine many winter trends all into one look. His gray fur scarf is the perfect neck accessory to keep you warm and cozy. His leather jacket adds a great texture and is a tough fabric that will keep in the heat. Find leather jackets at Urban Outfitters. Layering is imperative with a leather jacket. This Fashionisto chose to layer a chunky knit sweater underneath his moto jacket. A similar sweater is on sale at Topman.  Don't forget to top off your look with sunglasses, like how this Fashionisto wore his vintage changeable lenses Carreras! If this Fashionisto can survive the cold, he will survive the wait for warmer weather by accessorizing and choosing stylish outerwear.

So LIM, it’s time to shake this snow globe up a bit and make the streets of New York our runway, even in the cold weather! If the models in Chanel’s fall/winter 2010 show could walk the icy runway in style, why shouldn’t we?

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black, White, and Red All Over

This past week, Mercedes Benz fall 2011 Fashion Week has taken over some students at LIM College’s lives. Between volunteering for PR companies, dressing models backstage, and attending shows, more students have been spotted outside Lincoln Center than outside our school buildings.

This Fashionista was spotted on her way to Lincoln Center, where she was going to interview fashion show attendees who were leaving the shows. She made sure to stop at Starbucks on her way, since caffeine is a fashion student’s best friend during Fashion Week. On her way to grabbing a Daily magazine, I stopped her to take a photo of her perfect Fashion Week look. Her red pants added the perfect pop of color to her outfit and made it festive for Valentines Day. Three people in the front row at the Carolina Herrera show that day were also spotted wearing red pants. This trend is here for the end of winter lasting into spring. Her red lipstick compliments the pants and ties her look together. Remember to make sure that if you are wearing such a powerful color such as red, keep the rest of your outfit neutral, with colors like black, white, or camel. She kept her accessories neutral such as her black and white skeleton scarf, which was a tribute to the late designer Alexander McQueen, who passed one year ago in February.

Sunny days are on the horizon and this Fashionista toped of her look with a sleek pair of sunglasses. Since the groundhog saw his shadow and spring is right around the corner, make sure to grab a pair of red pants that will go great with the nautical look this spring.

Hint: Find red pants at ZARA or Topshop

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: When Style Crosses Between New and Old

Students at LIM College are mainly spotted carrying school books when walking down 5th Avenue, while everyone else is sporting shopping bags or briefcases. This is why we all need to invest in a stylish messenger bag to carry our books. If messenger bags got postmen through the Pony Express, they will surely last you for semesters to come! The messenger bag can include a/w trends such as fringe, buckles, or studs. Look at how well the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag has done, along with all the bags available at Urban Outfitters and Topshop. Our school transportation consists of subways and taxis, so it’s time to leave the L.L Bean backpacks behind with the yellow school buses.

This Fashionista chose to carry her school items in a Prada chocolate brown leather messenger bag, adorned with a fringe strap. The fringe on the strap makes this classic messenger bag trendy. This Fashionista’s whole look is classic with a trendy edge. Her lace-up platform heel booties, are an updated version of the classic Oxford heel. While getting dressed for classes, have as much fun with mixing classics and trends as this Fashionista did! Also remember to not be afraid when choosing what color leather bag to carry. As you can see, the chocolate brown leather still accents her black and white ensemble. Thus compared to those students who are walking advertisements for Five Star notebooks, this Fashionista looks chic on the street.

Hint: To get this Fashionista’s look visit Net-a-porter.com or Topshop for a variety of messenger bags and Nasty Gal for Jeffrey Campbell lace-up platform booties.

Style Guru Bio: Alden Haviland

I am currently a freshman at LIM College where I am studying Fashion Merchandising. My minor is Fashion Publications because my dream, ever since I was twelve years old and buying British Vogue, is to become an editor for a major fashion publication. I am grateful for all the opportunities in fashion I have had already, such as working backstage at Lincoln Center during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, working at Henri Bendel, attending Teen Vogue events, and now writing for CollegeFashionista.

LIM College is a new addition to CollegeFashionista and I cannot wait to show you the style of our fashion forward students. I hope that by reading our posts you will be inspired by the street style of New York City Fashionista/os who attend LIM College. My great grandmother who taught my aunt how to sew, my aunt who attended FIT and designed her own lingerie line, and my mother who has worked in retail her whole life, are who inspire me. I am now carrying on the family tradition by chasing my dreams to become successful working in the mystifying industry of fashion.