Author: Amanda Zanotelli

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall in Love with Lace

I must admit, I was initially hesitant to adopt the lace trend as it can be overly-revealing when worn the wrong way. But after seeing lace in high-fashion looks on the runway, it is clear this tasteful and feminine fabric is a huge trend. Lace has been incorporated not only into tops like this one but also in tights and skirts.

A lightweight lace top like the one this Fashionista is wearing is great for spring and summer paired with jeans and colorful accessories and metallic wedges. This Fashionista incorporates the top into a perfect night-out look for fall. She wore this ivory lace top over a black tank top and with a pair of black jeggings. This makes the lace detail stand out even more against the dark background. She chose a neutral peep-toe wedge, which ties in the color of her top perfectly. I also love the ruffle detail on the shoulders and the zipper down the center of the top. These are also major trends we have seen incorporated throughout the fall season.

If you are feeling inspired by this Fashionista’s lacey look, consider adding some lace to your fall wardrobe. Free People has a variety of lace options from long-sleeved shirts to sleeveless tunics. A black long sleeved lace top would look great with a pair of skinny jeans and emerald or gold jewelry accents for fall. Forever 21 also has a variety of slouchy tops with lace details for a more comfortable statement.

Hint: Try incorporating lace into your wardrobe by wearing a pair of lace tights with a basic fall-colored dress and suede boots.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Trendy Trench Coats

The unpredictability of fall weather in Oxford makes dressing for the day a fashion challenge. Sure, you can take advantage of layers, but why not try to find a fashionable alternative like this Fashionista. In an overwhelming sea of North Face fleeces and Patagonia pullovers, I spotted this Fashionista wearing an adorable cropped version of a traditional trench coat.

We have seen this style evolve over the years from the floor-length, black Sherlock Holmes coat to a more modern, trendy, and exciting fall staple. Of course there’s nothing wrong with throwing on a sweatshirt or fleece but for a more polished and updated look I suggest adding a trench coat to your fall wardrobe. These jackets come in an endless variety of colors, lengths, and styles. This Fashionista chose a neutral gray color, which will match with just about anything in your wardrobe. American Eagle has some great neutral trench coats in Khaki and Olive with a belt at the waist for a more flattering, feminine silhouette. If you are looking to make more of a statement, go for a bold color like Red or Royal blue like these from Forever 21. If you are really looking to splurge, Burberry’s classic trench coat is a timeless addition to any Fashionista’s wardrobe. Dealing with the length factor can be another challenge. For day-to-day wear I suggest a cropped trench like the one this Fashionista is wearing. In the business world, a trench that falls just above the knee would be more appropriate.

Trench coats are just one of the many fashionable options for a stylish fall jacket. Another great option is a leather bomber jacket or peacoat. Urban Outfitters offers a variety of styles in both of these coats. Remember, no matter what the weather, you can always travel in style!

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Tight Style

Just because the weather turns doesn’t always mean you need to turn over your summer wardrobe. Tights and leggings have been a popular trend over the years being worn under skirts, dresses, or with long sweaters. This Fashionista’s outfit is the clash of the summer and fall wardrobes. She is wearing a pair of plain black tights under cut-off shorts with some fashionable leather boots and a neutral fall sweater. Wearing tights like these are perfect for the transition into cooler fall weather and add some edge to your outfit. This is also a great way to get some more wear out of your favorite summer shorts and skirts.

You can find ordinary solid tights just about anywhere you go; if you are looking to add a little something extra to your look try wearing patterned or textured tights. These can be found at Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, or Forever 21. For the fall I think it is important to stick to basic dark neutrals to create a trendy look appropriate for the season.

I personally love the feminine look of black lace tights paired with an edgy leather skirt or jacket. We have recently seen these two trends on the runways; they are the perfect pairing of elegance and rock & roll. Another alternative to tights under shorts is to try a pair of knee-high or thigh-high socks. No not like the one’s in Britney Spears “Baby One More Time” music video, check out the ones at J.Crew.

They would look flawless with either a skirt or shorts and leather riding boots like this Fashionista’s.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Looking Fabulous in Flannel

It’s true, flannel has a bad rep. Maybe its because it usually sits in the back of our closets collecting dust until we pull it out for a last minute cowgirl Halloween costume or barn dance. But, flannel is not just for western wear or farmers. We are seeing flannel and plaid making a statement in the pages of Vogue and on campus. There is something about fall that lends itself to this comfortable style, the warmer tones, cooler weather, and the overall effortless look of flannel.

This Fashionista chose a plaid flannel button down from Abercrombie & Fitch, which she cinched at the waist with a braided leather belt and dark wash skinny jeans. I love that she was able to give the shirt some shape by adding the belt, this added style and unique personality to her look. The pinks and blues highlighted in the plaid of this shirt make for a great summer to fall transition. It can be worn in the same way with shorts and flip-flops on a warmer day. This laid back and casual style makes for a great ‘All-American’ look.

Abercrombie & Fitch has an abundance of flannel and plaid for both men and women. Pair one of their ladies ruffled flannel shirts with a pair of jeggings for a comfortable, trendy look. Forever 21 also has some adorable flannel tunics for women to wear with tights and leather boots to dress up this rugged style. I have also just recently purchased my first flannels for the season and cannot wait to dress this look up on campus.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Pearly Perfection

No outfit is complete without the perfect accessories. You can make the most basic outfits stand out in a crowd and they can help transition your look from day to night. I associate pearls with icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, women with style and class that can teach us a thing or two about accessorizing. A strand of pearls will never go out of style and is incredibly versatile. This Fashionista is wearing what I see as the modern-day version of a strand of pearls from Ann Taylor. Her necklace features multiple layers of pearls on a silver ribbon. I love that she has paired her necklace with a casual T-shirt, cardigan, and jeans to wear to class. You could take this look from day to night by simply throwing on a pair of heels or a basic black skirt. You can never go wrong with a pearl necklace, it’s a Chanel staple! A necklace like this one could also add dimension to a stiff-looking business suit. Paired with a simple blazer and a dress pants you can be professional and chic for any upcoming interview.

You can find a basic necklace like this one just about anywhere; some of my favorites are from Banana Republic, and J Crew. A pearl necklace like this might be a big-ticket item but I promise it will be well worth the price you pay- no buyer’s regret for this purchase.

Hint: Remember with accessories sometimes less is more, do experiment with solid colored cardigans and tops but don’t over-do it with patterns. Keep it simple, keep it chic!
  

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Structured Sweaters

Fall is upon us and after a scorching summer, we are welcoming the crisp air and crunching of leaves. It’s finally time to say goodbye to shorts and flip-flops and hello to our favorite fall knits. While oversized sweaters with leggings are a fall outfit of choice among Miami students, I admire this Fashionista’s fresh take on a fall sweater.

Rather than the usual wrap sweaters and oversized knits, this Fashionista is wearing what I would call a ‘structured sweater’ from Anthropologie. What I love about this look is that style and shape does not have to be sacrificed for comfort. The sweater has a tapered waist with small pockets making it look almost like a blazer. I love the burst of color featured on the bright pink zipper, and the small bow detail at the top. She paired it with a pair of dark wash jeans and flats for a family brunch. A structured sweater like this one is great for class when you want to get dressed up with little effort.

Another popular style to take notice of is sweaters made to look like blazers. These also feature structured details and add a sense of professionalism while maintaining comfort. Free People has some adorable ruffle knit blazers that pair perfectly with a pair of skinny jeans for a brisk fall day. Because these knits are tapered at the waist and meant to fit more snug, our shape is not lost under those oversized sweaters. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get this great look; Forever 21 also has structured fit cardigans with feminine details like pearls and ruffles.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: School Spirit with Style

It’s that time of year again, when Saturday social calendars are filled with cookouts and tailgating, that’s right, our favorite time of year…college football season. Miami’s campus is a sea of red, and I’m not talking about the color of the leaves in fall. Students take a break from their midterm studies and alumni make the trek back to Oxford for Alumni weekend and the second big home football game of the season. For a small town, we’ve got a lot of spirit and this Fashionista is the perfect example.

I spotted her in the masses of students cheering on the Redhawks at the football game and thought she showed the perfect balance of style and school spirit. I love that she was able to incorporate this high-waisted skirt from American Apparel while still showing her school spirit with this vintage Miami Football T-shirt. This Fashionista knows that showing school spirit doesn’t mean sacrificing your stylish wardrobe. You simply can’t go wrong with a comfy high-waisted skirt like this one, which is perfect for this time of year. Another look that would have looked adorable with this vintage tee is a pair of high-waisted jean shorts or even a pair of cutoffs for a more casual look. With the simple change of her top, this Fashionista could be ready to take on the town for some post-game celebrations.

So whether you are tailgating bright and early, or cheering on the Redhawks in the stands, remember you don’t have to sacrifice style for spirit!
 

STYLE OF THE WEEK: Ruffle and Flow

While some Fashionistas are strutting their stuff down the catwalks in New York City, others are showing off their style here in oxford. A prominent theme among the Donna Karen, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors collections this year is the elegant touches of ruffles. Whenever I think of ruffles I think of a girl that’s flirty, feminine and sophisticated.

On a dreary fall day, it was easy to spot this Fashionista’s ruffles on campus! I love the bold color and ruffle detail on her dress from the Rachel Roy collection found at Macy’s. The bright pink definitely makes a statement; this Fashionista stands out against a fall backdrop. The cinched waist under the ruffles gives the dress a very flattering shape and accentuates her figure. Her Steve Madden sandals even have some ruffle detail to balance out her look. This Fashionista also kept things very simple in the accessories department so as to not take away from the details of the dress or create a look that’s too busy.

The best thing about ruffles is they never go out of season! Ruffles can also be incorporated into any piece in your wardrobe. If you can’t find a dress like this one, try pairing a ruffled shirt with a fitted high-waisted skirt or vice-versa, a skirt with ruffle detail and a fitted top! Check out Forever 21 and Revolve Clothing for some fabulous finds incorporating ruffles. If you are looking to liven up your boring business wardrobe, invest in a ruffled blouse like this one from Victoria’s Secret. It can be worn alone or under a blazer and will spice up an otherwise boring business suit.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fall Florals

You know what they say, ‘April showers bring May flowers’ but this fall florals are bigger than ever. Most people associate wearing florals during the spring and summer months but now more than ever we are seeing florals in fall collections. Paired with the right accessories, this summer pattern can be worn into the colder months to brighten up any outfit.
This Fashionista is wearing a gorgeous strapless floral top from Anthropologie. The rich fall hues in the shirt make it appropriate to wear in warm or cold climates. She has paired the top with a dark wash jean for a colder evening. This top would also look great paired with a pair of white jeans and wedges for a warm summer look. For this time of year, look for floral patterns with deeper color tones like navy, maroon, yellow, and orange. Don’t pack away those bright floral tanks just yet though, try pairing summer florals with a black skirt or blazer for some contrast.

You can completely change the dynamics of a floral outfit for different occasions and climates with a little creativity. Anthropologie also offers some great floral jewelery and headbands to dress up a simple daytime look into the evening. Check out Urban Outfitters for additional floral tops, tunics, and even floral print tights. Although the weather is changing, this is no reason to completely change out your wardrobe. Keep those summer florals out for a little longer, or shop for some great fall florals to add to your collection.

Hint: Try wearing floral print tights with a simple black dress and boots for an edgy winter look that incorporates florals.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: White Jeans

As we get back into our hectic fall schedules with the cold weather looming above us, it is important to hold onto that last bit of warm summer weather we can. That means fitting in all our summer wardrobe favorites before the Ohio weather takes a turn for the cold. We have all heard the old school fashion rule, “Don’t wear white after labor day”, but this Fashionista is here to put that rule to rest. White jeans are a great summer staple that will go with anything in your closet. The best part about white jeans is that they allow you to incorporate color and accessorize in fun, bold ways. White jeans are a spring and summer wardrobe essential because they can be worn with a plain t-shirt to class or dressed up for dinner or a night out. Their blank canvas makes them very versatile allowing you to experiment with colors and patterns.

You can find great white jeans in several different styles at Free People, Victoria’s Secret or Nordstrom’s where this Fashionista found her Paige jeans. This Fashionista is wearing her white jeans with an adorable pink tunic, which is also Free People. This outfit paired with flats is perfect for going out to dinner with friends. This week plan a night out with the girls and pull out your white jeans one last time and enjoy the weather while you can!