ACCESSORIES REPORT: Haute Hats

Summer is here and the sun is shining. However, it’s all fun and games until someone gets sun damage. I can’t count the number of times I am reminded in a day to wear sunglasses and something that contains a high SPF. This Fashionista’s sun hat is an ideal way to protect your skin and eyes from the sun this season while of course looking chic.

Having a weakness for anything bohemian was what really drew me towards this Fashionista. At first glance, her boho Mes Demoiselles maxi dress initially caught my eye but when I took a second look at her entire ensemble, her hat really made the outfit unique. With versatility as a huge factor to look for when buying accessories, this floppy sun hat is versatile enough to wear on and off the beach. As opposed to every other straw hat, this one has subtle black accents that give this classic straw style a modern two-toned twist.

This season is the time for hats, whether it is a classic baseball cap, exotic fedora or floppy sun hat. Each style will be sure to amp up any summer outfit. Not only are hats an adorable grab and go accessory, but will also help protect your face from the scorching sun. Whatever you choose to wear this summer, my hat is off to you.

Spotted: Miss Wu spring 2013 collection is full of summer hats that will be sure to turn heads.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Jetsetter

The summer months for Fashionistas/os are the perfect time for travel. Doesn’t matter if you’re relaxing by the beach, exploring the mountains or backpacking the cities abroad, everyone deserves to have the perfect jetsetter outfit. Comfort probably being number one when travelling, functionality is also a vital thing to keep in mind when packing. However with school probably being the last thing on your mind, do not be so quick to ditch your backpack once the school year has ended.

The dreaded backpack is most commonly associated school books, but it doesn’t always have to be for educational purposes. Apart from school, a backpack is probably the most functional bag to bring when travelling. It is big enough to hold anything you might need, while comfortable enough to lug around on your back all day. A backpack is also the most convenient size for whatever trip you might be taking. A backpack is very spacious and can easily act as a weekend getaway bag, but also serves to be the best carry-on.

I found this vacationing Fashionista in her airport attire and couldn’t let her go once I saw the denim backpack. This backpack from Urban Outfitters really won me over because of its washed-denim shade. Not only is denim a top style trend for 2013, but this particular shade acted as the perfect offset to her lighter denim cut-off shorts.

Spotted: Valentino Resort backpacks that are ideal for any of your travels.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Big Bag Of Tricks

Summer is the perfect opportunity for college students to nail the internship of their dreams. With no schoolwork, busy class schedules, late night study sessions or any other tireless obligations tying us down, we actually want to work somewhere that will better our futures. All throughout the duration of your internship, you want to be sure to impress your boss not only with your skills but by looking the part.

I spotted this Fashionista on her way to work with her tailored jacket, pants and Fausto Santini shoes, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t her oversized handbag that really won me over. Coming from someone who will pick the biggest bag to wear even if I only have one item to put inside of it, I practically pried this particular purse out of her hands.

Keeping the “working woman” in mind, oversized bags are not only extremely chic but can fit all the possessions one might need during a busy work day. This particular handbag is perfect for a summer day, let alone a summer work day. Its canvas looking outside and neutral brown hues make it so easy to match with any fit. This style of bag is casual enough to sport during the day while also being professional enough to bring to work. With your amazing skills, killer outfit and perfect working handbag, you’ve nailed the perfect trifecta that will be sure to impress!

Spotted: Rebecca Minkoff’s resort 2014 collection showcases oversized handbags that are perfect for all occasions.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Little Things

Accessorizing should become second nature to any Fashionista when picking out an outfit, whether you’re aiming for the chunkiest necklace, brightest bag or stellar pair of shoes to complement your ensemble. However this Fashionista sheds light on picking the perfect accessory as she proves that with even the smallest of jewelry you can still make the biggest impression.

I think its fair to say somewhere in every girl’s past time there lay a chunky charm bracelet with tons of dangling trinkets that would clink and clatter with any sort of movement. I may be speaking on behalf of myself when I say I wasn’t the most favorite student in elementary school while sporting my charms (I mean lets be real, it sounded like a hammer banging against the desk). Creator and designer of Alex and Ani, Carolyn Rafaelian has created a brand where the charm bangles’ return calls for “wristful wants.”

The best thing about these bracelets is that they can serve as a staple piece to any outfit and are easy to add onto your current arm party. In light of all the noise complaints I received when I was little, I’m happy to say these charms don’t make a sound and are most definitely an upgrade to the bracelet I once owned. I’ve heard that it’s the little things that count and sometimes that’s all you really need.

SpottedMiu Miu spring 2013 shows how with small accessories you can still make big statements.

STYLE GURU BIO: Allie Weinstock

My name is Allie Weinstock and I am a sophomore at Florida State University where I just declared Marketing as my major with high hopes of doubling it with Spanish. This summer will be my first time writing for CollegeFashionista and words cannot express how excited I am for this opportunity!

My style is always evolving, I find myself drawing inspiration from people I see on the streets, in magazines, on the TV and my not-so-healthy obsession with Pinterest. If I had to characterize myself into one specific “style,” I would say I tend to dress more boho and indie with a guilty pleasure for items that look and feel comfortable. My closet is primarily filled with neutrals, but even I fall victim to mixing in bold patterns and bright colors. Also, funky jewelry and other head to toe accessories will make any outfit more individualized.

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida with the exception of one year abroad in Vancouver, British Columbia, my taste in clothing has been strongly influenced by West/East Coast differences, which I try to fuse into one style that is unique to me. I love expressing myself through fashion and embracing my inner “free bird.” If I had any advice to give, I would say to always, always buy the shoes and to most importantly dress for you, no one else. As the wise fashion photographer Bill Cunningham once said, “A lot of people have taste but they don’t have the daring to be creative.” So I dare you to be creative.