Author: Angela Kastrunes

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Bling Bling

Beautiful weather continues to grace the streets of historic Savannah, Georgia. With that in mind, every Fashionista around town is discovering new and stylish looks to tie in her new favorite fall essentials throughout the day. Although throwing on some shorts and a crop top may be quick and easy, choosing to wear a sundress keeps you looking chic, classic and fabulous.

I spotted this Fashionista drifting through downtown where everyone is always walking to the shops. I noticed that she mixed her classic-inspired style with a twist of girliness. This classic Fashionista slipped on a classic-cut little black dress. Since the weather cools off after 3 pm, she paired the dress with a basic pink cardigan. Tights are perfect for that Fashionista who hates wearing a dress, and loves wearing pants (you basically get the best of both worlds). The matching booties give this outfit the perfect autumn feel without going up her entire calf.  But I have to admit, my personal favorite would have to be the statement necklace. The statement necklace not only dresses up this casual, yet cute outfit, but also pulls together the entire outfit by containing the same shade gemstone of the cardigan.

How To: Dressed up collars have become such a popular trend in the fashion industry. Weather adding a necklace or even buying pre-blinged blouses, you are guaranteed to turn many heads. It was no surprise that the queen of statement jewelry would do anything less than amaze. The statement necklaces featured by Betsey Johnson are perfect for everyday wear or evening wear.

AROUND TOWN: Christopher Rogers

Being a Fashion Marketing major always made me curious about the design aspect of the industry. During my freshmen year, I was in a textiles class that was mixed with Fashion Marketing and Fashion Design students. I always enjoyed seeing how differently the design students would approach a project. That’s where I first met this fabulous Fashionisto. He always stuck with his true aesthetic, which is elegant, with a bit of playfulness. Always dressing amazing, Chris kept it simple and wore a button-down, pants, sneakers and a fabulous statement necklace.I ran into this trendsetter, and had to hear all about his fashion-filled summer.

Name: Chris Rogers

Role: Fashion Designer

CollegeFashionista: What inspired you to go into fashion?

Chris Rogers: When I was younger (about 4th grade), I loved anime. My friends and I would sit around, and draw our own characters. One of my friends pointed out my character always wore the same outfit. So I started designing new costumes for my characters, and eventually learned I loved designing in general.

CF: What made you choose SCAD?

CR: Honestly, it was a mix of things. I applied to all of the major fashion schools: SCAD, FIT and Parsons. I was accepted into all of them. Even though SCAD gave me the most financial aid, I have to admit, the other schools just did not feel right. Since I’m from the south, SCAD felt just right.

CF: What have you done to make your fashion career stand out from others?

CR:  Over the past few years, my collections have been featured in New Orleans Fashion Week. This year, I am submitting my latest collection to Charleston Fashion Week, which would be amazing to take part in such a large-scale show. This past summer I was a design intern for Azede Jean-Pierre in New York City. Between working in the office all summer and attending fashion week, it was a great learning experience.

CF: Where do you see yourself after you graduate?

CR: After I graduate from SCAD, I see myself designing my own collection in New York. If I have to work for an established designer, it would have to be someone who shares the same aesthetic as me.

Learn More: To check out Chris’ latest collections and adventures, check out his website.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Matador Madness

One of the best things about going to an art school is the amount of creativity put into everyone’s wardrobes. Whether they are majoring in fashion or industrial design, their attires are definitely important aspects of their everyday lives.

While I was running errands downtown, this accessory-loving Fashionista caught my attention. Pairing wild prints with other prints can be very daring, but she pulled it off amazingly well. I wanted to know more about her style as well as her fashion inspirations.

This Fashionista is wearing the perfect outfit that can easily transition from morning classes to running errands in the afternoon. I love that she is dressed so simply, yet stays true to her original style. Wearing a matador-inspired jacket top and a high-waisted skater skirt looks great with her chunky white platform heels. These shoes are ideal for walking around campus, but even better for walking around shopping. Pairing a classic patent white leather cross-body bag with this detailed top may be daring, but it works. To top off the look, this Fashionista keeps a simple yet elegant pulled back hairstyle to keep cool during the oh so humid days in Savannah.

Next time you are left wondering what to wear, just remember that it is okay to take fashion risks. Wearing wild prints may be scary to some, but in the end it could end up looking great.

How To: This season, Elie Saab stayed true to himself, and impressed all with his use of prints. Take a look at the spring/summer 2015 ready-to-wear collection.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Balloons, Bags, and Baubles…Oh My

Midterms are just around the corner, which means every Fashionista will be stressed to the max. Humid weather continues to grace the streets of historic Savannah, Georgia. With that in mind, every Fashionista around town is discovering new and stylish looks that will keep her cool throughout the day. Although throwing on a sundress may be quick and easy, sticking to the classics (with a few statement pieces) looks chic and fabulous. I spotted this Fashionista drifting through downtown where everyone is always walking to the shops. I noticed that she mixed her classic-inspired style mixed with preppy-chic and a statement purse. I was very drawn to her attire and had to learn more about her fashion inspirations.

Her classic white cardigan is an essential, which should be in every Fashionista’s closet. It can be dressed up or down, which is perfect for Savannah. The embellishments on the sweater make this look extraordinary. Her pleated skirt can be worn during almost any season of the year. The strappy gold sandals give the attire an extra sparkle, making the entire ensemble go from classical to trendy. But let’s talk about the main attraction: the handbag. This camel kate spade new york bag can make any outfit look like a million bucks. Not only does the handcrafted leather purse have amazing hardware, but it also has the capability to dress up any type of clothing.

How To: Not a fan of plain leather bags? kate spade new york has stayed true to her ways by making their bags the main attraction. With extraordinary designs for the upcoming season, Fashionistas everywhere will be lusting for these new shapes and designs.

AROUND TOWN: Carita Petta

The first day of fall has just passed, but it sure doesn’t feel that way in Savannah, Georgia. With temperatures peaking in the high ‘80s, Fashionistas all over the south are trying to find ways to look stylish, yet stay cool. Although this stylish Fashionista is usually working “behind the scenes,” she always dresses like a cover girl. Check out this production designer’s favorite trends and pieces for this season.

Name: Carita Petta

Role: Production Designer

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?

Carita Petta: As you can tell, I LOVE jackets. I guess if I had to categorize my style, I would call it “casually edgy.” My top priority is to be comfortable, but I also have a unique sense of style.

CF: Describe your perfect fall outfit!

CP: My perfect fall outfit is dark wash denim jeans, sexy pumps, a silk blouse and a leather jacket with chunky jewelry. 

CF: Does living in the south influence your style? If yes, how so?

CP: Since moving down south, I’ve opened up to pastels. I’ve also started wearing more shorts because it’s always so warm.

CF: Do you have any advice for Fashionistas on a budget?

CP: If shopping online, I remind myself to search for coupon codes. Discount stores like Marshalls, T.J.Maxx and DSW have trendy, designer items for a fraction of the original price. If there is an expensive item I cannot live without, I make sure the quality is perfect so it can be fabulous for years to come.

Learn More: To get a feel for Carita’s design aesthetic, visit her website.

AROUND TOWN: Priscilla Perez

Being a Fashion Marketing major always made me curious about the design aspect of the industry. During my sophomore year, I decided I wanted to take a fashion tech class so I could become more educated on this part of the business. While taking this class, I met a beyond talented Fashion Design major. It took her one class period to make a skirt and still get an A. Always changing up the basic patterns assigned to our class, you could tell this Fashionista was going to “make it big.”

Name: Priscilla Perez

Role: Fashion Designer

CollegeFashionista: When did you realize you wanted to study fashion?

Priscilla Perez: I realized I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a sophomore in high school. However, I discovered I had passion for fashion when I sewed for the first time during my junior year in high school. The joy that I felt was unexplainable.

CF: Who taught you how to sew?

PP: During junior year of high school, I attended Carlota Alfaros College back in my hometown of Puerto Rico. I took basic sewing with a designer named Tania.

CF: What made you choose to attend Scad? 

PP: I fell in love with SCAD when I first heard about the school at a college fair during my sophomore year. Visiting SCAD my senior year of high school reassured my love for the school and the town. I’m a junior now at SCAD and I don’t regret my decision.

CF: Where do you see yourself after you graduate fashion school?

PP: When I graduate fashion school, I see myself working for a fashion design company. I want to gain experience in all aspects of fashion design, so I can figure out my true calling within the industry.

CF: What are you wearing?

PP: I’m wearing a striped silk top, high-waisted shorts, wedges and my favorite kate spade tote. 

Learn More: To get a feel for Priscilla’s design aesthetic, visit her behance profile.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Bag Lady

Finals are just around the corner, which means every Fashionista will be stressed to the max. Beautiful weather continues to grace the streets of historic Savannah, Georgia. With that in mind, every Fashionista around town is discovering new and stylish looks that will keep her cool throughout the day. Although throwing on a sundress may be quick and easy, sticking to the classics (with a few statement pieces) looks chic and fabulous. I spotted this Fashionista drifting through downtown where everyone is always walking to the shops. I noticed that she mixed her classic-inspired style with a pair of strappy sandals and a statement purse. I was very drawn to her attire and had to learn more about her fashion inspirations.

Her classic white T-shirt is an essential, which should be in every Fashionista’s closet. It can be dressed up or down, which is perfect for Savannah. Her cuffed denim can be worn during almost any season of the year. The cuffs make this regular denim look extraordinary. The strappy metallic sandals give the attire an extra sparkle, making the entire ensemble go from classical to trendy. But let’s talk about the main attraction: the handbag. This cobalt blue Givenchy bag can make any outfit look like a million bucks. Not only does the handcrafted leather purse have amazing hardware, but it also has the capability to dress up any type of clothing.

Spotted: This season, Givenchy featured many statement bags. Whether you plan on attending the Met Gala or a music festival, you are sure to find the perfect bag.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Wild Wild Wedge

With finals on the horizon, many Fashionistas and Fashionistos are realizing one thing: it is officially summer (weather) in Savannah. Temperatures in the low 90s call for some of summer’s top essentials, including high-waisted shorts, crop tops and wedges. Although these may seem like simple basics, I found a Fashionista who defined the true definition of a trendsetter. Check out how this Fashionista has gone above and beyond when it comes to trend forecasting.

I spotted this Fashionista outside of her “home-away-from-home,” the printmaking building. Between classes and completing a work study in the studio, this Fashionista is always on the go. Her floral print crop top is not only trendy, but also perfect for the hot weather. The thin fabric allows this gal to work hard without feeling the afternoon heat. Her high-waisted shorts complement the top because it matches a few tones within the floral print on the shirt. The shorts give this Fashionista the coverage to look stylish, yet appropriate. But the one main detail I liked most about her look were none other than her shoes. These unusual wedges are the perfect accessory to a summer outfit. These shoes are a spin-off of usual wedges. They are the same height on the entire shoe (making it more of a platform), but as comfortable as your favorite pair of wedges. She finishes her look with a neutral cross-body bag and wide-framed sunglasses.

Spotted: Christian Dior’s resort 2015 collection featured a dressier option to the Mary Jane platform wedge. 

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Cuff in Love

They say, “April showers bring May flowers.” Although May flowers are in total bloom so are the showers. With Savannah’s fickle weather pattern, you can never be quite sure how to dress accordingly. For example, mornings are very cool, but once noon hits in Historic District, you better be prepared for 70 percent humidity.

I spotted this Fashionista on her way to everyone’s favorite local coffee shop. I was immediately drawn to the laser-cut leather because not only is it my favorite current trend, but also one of my favorite things to make. I stopped her to learn more about her outfit and style inspirations.

This Fashionista wears a matching leather laser-cut tank and skirt. Between the color, cut and style of these pieces, you cannot go wrong. As I mentioned before, the weather in Savannah can be very unpredictable so she stays warm and keeps to her boho roots by adding an oversized open sweater. Though I could talk about laser-cut detailing all day, I should really discuss the accessories (that is my category). This Fashionista’s choice to wear gold-toned accessories gives this outfit the perfect color palette. Topping off the look with assorted rings, ankle booties, cuffs and bracelets not only pull the look together, but make it true to her style. To dress this look up, remove the sweater, add a pair of pumps and stick to one main piece of jewelry (a gold cuff).

Spotted: Eddie Borgo is the king of accessories. His golden cuffs would be an amazing addition to any ensemble.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Shoe Envy

Midterms can be a crazy time of the year for everyone. You would think this would impede the amount of time people put into their everyday looks, but you are so wrong. Every spring, SCAD holds an event called SCADstyle. It includes seminars and conversations with some of the top industry leaders in fashion. Although every guest was amazing, I would have to say my favorite was with Alexander Wang. Many Fashionistas and Fashionistos came to the event, eager to hear how to kick-start your career at such a young age. Obviously, everyone wanted to stand out at the event, but this Fashionista really had a unique look. I had to start a conversation with her during our five-hour wait to learn more about her aesthetic.

This Fashionista’s entire ensemble portrayed Giuseppe Zanotti’s inspirations. The Italian goddess look is perfect for breaking out into spring attire. Her jacket renders the perfect medium of high fashion mixed with vintage. The use of different textures and beading is on trend and the perfect way to get noticed (especially by Alexander Wang). Her plain white pleated skirt tones down the already remarkable outfit. But enough about the clothes, let’s talk about the main focus — her shoes. These leather platform heels add the perfect finishing touch to this already impeccable get-up. The crinkled-leather detailing gives these shoes a vintage feel — perfect for all spring and summer occasions.

Spotted: Bottega Veneta’s fall 2014 ready-to-wear collection features some of the hottest shoes I have ever seen. With inspiration obviously from Italian Grecians, this look is guaranteed to impress.