Author: Alycia Chrosniak

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Bralets

Every year as spring semester comes to an end, my sorority holds a casual ceremony for all the graduating seniors where they can will away any sorority items they have gotten over the years to the younger sisters. It has basically become an excuse to all dress up, take pictures and have brunch at one of our favorite restaurants on the water. Knowing this, I assumed it would be a great place to gather blog material and I was right. Pleated maxi skirts, high low skirts, maxi dresses, neons and florals seemed to be the overall consensus. But I chose this week's Fashionista not only because she stood out from the crowd, but because she was wearing a summer trend that I have been dying to try: the bralet top. 

The bralet top got a lot of press a few week's ago at Coachella, and I hope it continues to do so. This week's Fashionista is wearing an Urban Outfitters bralet top and shorts, a Michael Kors watch and Steve Madden wedges. Although her choice of black and floral pattern was definitely more fitting for the occasion, I am a huge fan of bold prints and designs on bralet tops. Mara Hoffman, who is known for her bold and exotic prints, makes an amazing embroidered bustier top or Nasty Gal carries a neon Aztec printed crop top with a caged back. If you do prefer a more demur style, Topshop has a great cut out bralet with a subtle swan print.

Don't think of the bralet as a top that requires you to show your whole midriff. I'm not suggesting you walk out of the house looking like Britney Spears circa 2003. Bralets can show the perfect grown up amount of midriff when paired with a high waisted maxi skirt or high waisted trousers. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Go Nude

For the first time in a while, maybe ever, something caught my eye because of its lack of color. That something happened to be a someone and that someone is this week's Fashionista. Neutral colors such as blushing pinks, camels and cheeky nudes subtly took over the Spring/Summer 2012 runways appearing in shows by Alexander McQueen, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Zac Posen to name a few. And it appears that this week's Fashionista is fully embracing the trend. She is wearing a Free People slip, a Final Touch dress, Tory Burch flats and rounding out the outfit with a black and gold statement necklace.

Nudes can be flattering in any style so as you get the right size. A bodycon version that I love is the Foil Print Mesh Dress by Topshop. Two great options for more of a draped look include the Parker Drape Dress and the Ali Ro Dolman Sleeve Shirtdress which has amazing menswear and military details. If you're not comfortable going completely au natural like this week's Fashionista, consider slipping a pop of neon into your outfit, as neon and neutral pairings are a big trend this season as well. Ann Taylor has a great pair of textured nude flats with a patent leather neon toe that are sure to brighten up your step.

 

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Music Festival Chic

Music festival season has offically kicked off with Ultra last month and Coachella the past two weekends. Aside from the amazing shows, music festivals are known for being on the forefront on trend setting. Every music festival has its own vibe which in turns sets the stage (or runway, if you will) for what will be worn. Ultra is known for neon and Coachella's hipster scene turns into hippies for Bonnaroo. For the latter two, tribal prints, beat up boots, fringed bags, wellies and torn jeans seem to be the fashion consensus. And the printed romper that this week's Fashionista is wearing is perfect for that scene. The colorful tribal pattern is bright and summery and would stand out in the deserts of Palm Springs or the countryside of Manchester. She paired her romper with a Michele watch, Louis Vuitton bag and Tory Burch sandals which neutrally complement all the colors. 

The Nairobi Cutout Dress from NASTY GAL is light and perfect for the summer heat while including this season's tribal print, cut out and high low trends. And to get us in the mood, TopShop created an entire section of its website to festival wear. Some of my favorites include the Dip Dyed Hotpants, the Embroidered Jamie Jeans and the Studded Bralet. Most importantly, don't think that you need to be at one of the festivals to rock the styles; rock your favorite festival trends anytime. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Pump Up The Color

My last two posts have been about chambray and bright colored jeans, so it seems fitting that this week's Fashionista is indeed wearing both. Another of this season's trends that she is bringing into the mix is bright colored shoes. She is wearing a chambray shirt from Forever 21, neon yellow jeans from J Brand, shoes from Steve Madden and her bag is Foley and Corrina. I love how she uses the chambray to tone down the bright colors on her bottom half instead of a more common choice of black or white. The leopard print belt is also a great example of mixing in patterns to break things up. 

I love this trend, because it's the perfect excuse to go buy more shoes and they will brighten up my very neutral closet. If you really want to stand out and be on trend, go for neon and nudes, like this pair of pumps by Enzo Angiolini. As far as I'm concerned there is no way you can go wrong there. Another one of my favorite bright colored pumps this season is a pair of turquoise pumps with an ankle strap by Sam Edelman which would look amazing with white jeans, or color blocked with a pair of pink or purple jeans. If you want to wear the bright shoes trend without towering to new heights, I love this pair of neon flat sandals by Aqua. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Denim Therapy

Spring is the time where I start to feel guilty about how much black is in my closet. Especially living in Florida, this is the season when everyone should be packing away their felt floppy hats, coats and fur vests and bringing out their straw hats, shorts and brightly colored clothing. And while a neon accessory or shirt here or there is great for transitioning into the season, another item I highly recommend is colored and printed denim. It allows you to be bright without necessarily losing the warmth of a pair of jeans. And for those moments when the weather gets warmer, there are always shorts. This week's Fashionista does just that. She is wearing light blue colored denim shorts from Forever21, a Forever21 top, a Rebecca Minkoff bag, a Michael Kors watch and Tory Burch sandals.

Treating your legs to colorful denim shouldn't be an issue considering top brands like Citizens of Humanity, J Brand, 7 For All Mankind, Current Elliot and Hudson are all busting out the trend. One of my personal favorites are the J Brand 811 Ankle Skinny Jeans in Neon Pink. Not only is their fit amazing, but they also fall under the neon trend that is so big this season.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Chambray For Days

There is something about living in Florida that makes one want to just throw on a bikini and a cover up every day. And it seems that for most of the girls at The University of Tampa that is exactly what they do. So, when I see someone in something else, that is styling themselves according to the laid back Florida attitude, I jump at the chance to photograph them. This week's Fashionista is wearing an American Apparel Chambray Jumpsuit, Steve Madden sandals and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag. I love how she rolled up the legs of the jumpsuit in order to show off the details of her bold sandals.

Chambray is one of my favorite materials. The originally French derived material is made of colored warp and white thread to create a lightweight fabric that is perfect for spring. It's soft, comfortable and versatile. You can throw a chambray button up on over a bikini for a day at the beach, or tuck it into a maxi skirt for a Williamsburg chic look. Chambray was seen on the J.Crew S/S 2012 runway in the form of dresses, button ups, skirts, shorts and even ballet flats. And if you're not a fan of the blue tone, designers are expanding and offering Chambray in an array of colors. I personally love these pink Madewell Trouser Shorts from Shopbop. The bottom line here is that Chambray is not just your dad's work shirt anymore.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Green With Envy

When it came to New York, London and Paris fashion weeks this season, all I have to say is thank god for technology. Being in school in Florida during three of the most fashionable weeks of the year has always made me feel excluded, so when more and more brands were also showing their shows via live stream this season I was thrilled. I religiously watched the shows, even during classes (sorry professors!) and would live tweet along, joining the conversation with a plethora of bloggers, Fashionista's and fashion insiders as we all voiced our opinions about the looks. One trend that particularly stuck out in my mind was the wide belt. Between designers such as DKNY, Michael Kors and Carlos Miele showing the look, it appears that is time to say goodbye to your skinny belts ladies.

This week's Fashionista pairs her wide belt with a kelly green Lush pleated maxi skirt, a brown tube top, a Rebecca Minkoff bag and Haviana flip flops. The kelly green is such a great color for the spring season and paired with the brown top and the tribal pattern on the belt, it is a really nice play on a sophisticated hippie look. I think the wide belt trend is great because it gives a definiteve waist, which in turn shows off your thinnest point. If you are looking for wide belts to add to your wardrobe, I think the Linea Pelle VIntage Laced Belt has a simple but structured look that is very versatile. Take advice from this belt and remember that your wide belt doesn't always have to be the traditional style. Don't be afraid to mix it up.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: New Heights

I caught this week's Fashionista on her way to dinner where she styled her Jeffrey Campbell wedges with a TopShop jumpsuit, House of Harlow Sunburst Cocktail Ring, Urban Expressions Chelsea Bag and necklace. As a blonde I have always been envious of people with dark hair when it comes to wearing black. I don't think there is anything more sultry than an all black ensemble with dark locks, and this week's Fashionista is the epitome of that. The pop of color that she inserted with the teal oversized clutch is just what the outfit needed to bring in the resort look that is associated with Florida.

I know I mentioned Jeffrey Campbell shoes last week, but reality is that they're so amazing that I have to devote a whole post to them. Jeffrey Campbell has managed to build a brand known for vintage style that is instantly recognizable. This Fashionista's shoes have the insane platform and chunky heel that are associated with Jeffrey Campbell and that so many people love. To me the brand exemplifies a combination of Lady Gaga and 1970's esque platforms. Sole Struck has the largest online inventory that I've come across, including some of my favorites the Lita, Snick STD, and the Ticket. If you're terrified of the height you'll be reaching in these uber high shoes, don't fear,  Jeffrey Campbell also has a great selection of shoes that will leave you a little lower to the ground.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Highs And Lows

High and low hems are a popular commodity this season. If you've ever been conflicted between a mini and a maxi, or think that a midi is an awkward length, then you'll love this trend. The trend can be seen on both skirts and dresses, as shown on this week's Fashionista. She is wearing a high-low dress from LF Stores, with boots from Baker, a vintage, cropped jean jacket and scarf. This hem is great because it is fun and flirty and allows you to show off your legs, without being too revealing. The shorter front also allows you to show off your shoes. This week's Fashionista made her outfit daytime dressy by pairing it with knee-high, heeled boots. For a nighttime look, you can juxtapose the whisicalness of the dress by putting on edgy ankle boots, such as these snake embossed, buckle wedge booties from Jeffrey Campbell or these leather and suede buckle booties from Sam Edelman

The high and low hem was seen on the spring/summer 2012 runways with designers such as J.Mendel showing off the look. For the more accessible college budget, Nasty Gal has a Caged Tail Dress which also features two more of this season's trends- cutouts and florals. And Urban Outfitters has a high and low hem skirt by Sparkle and Fade that I just bought and am absolutely in love with due to its simplicity and versatility.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Striking Stripes

A big trend we saw on the runways for this spring, and one that is always a summer staple, is stripes.  And with the temperatures rising in Florida, loose lightweight tops are a must. This week’s Fashionista effortlessly demonstrates a laidback, preppy style by pairing a vintage striped shirt with Levi cuffed denim boyfriend shorts, Cole Haan metallic gold wedges and an Urban Renewal purse. A gold necklace and bracelets tie the metallic theme together and black Ray Bans complete the summer look.

By pairing structured items such as the purse and wedges, with a commonly preppy stripe and boyfriend shorts, this Fashionista has put together a natural yet styled look. The shirt is also very versatile, its navy stripes and the deep burgundy purse can be easily brought into one’s fall wardrobe by simply trading out the shorts for jeans or trousers.

If you’re one of the lucky ones that can pull off horizontal stripes, try this Daftbird Oversized Cropped Tee, and if the boyfriend jean isn’t for you, try these 7 For All Mankind cuffed shorts, you might find the fitted style more flattering. Mixing prints is also a very popular trend, so if you’re feeling daring, trade out the metallic wedges for this pair of Calvin Klein Pritah Ballet Flats. If you’re new to the idea of mixing bold prints, stripes and animal prints are one of the easiest yet chicest ways to go.