Ariahna Black – CollegeFashionista

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Nick Fiarito

As the city moves into the colder months of the year, the warm sunshine has begun to drag away the rather warm color scheme that accompanied its presence. Layers have become necessities, and black has become a staple color for every wardrobe. These facts are what drew me to this Fashionisto, who was walking downtown. He added his own touch to this dark outfit, tying in stripes, leather and a hat. Everything put together was simply genius. His chained necklace was bold, matching the theme of the rest of his apparel such as his leather jacket and combat boots. He looked like a version of his fashion icons, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen; using basic elements to pull off an overall chic look.

Name: Nick Fiarito

Major: Advertising/ Public Relations, Minor in Marketing

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Nick Fiarito: I would definitely say the Olsen Twins. I’m obsessed with them. I usually dress in all black, and that’s usually what Mary Kate does. I love that they mix textures and materials, like furs and leathers, and that’s usually what I do.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

NF: Topshop, Nordstrom, AllSaints and Urban Outfitters.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for?

NF: Fall, by far. I just love layering, and I hate summer clothes. I feel like you have more opportunity in the fall to show what you like to wear.

CF: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

NF: Probably my leather leggings from Nordstrom.

CF: Living in the city, do you feel that you hold a heavier focus on fashion, or do you think it’s just an individual thing?

NF: I’m from the suburbs and I’ve always dressed the same, even when I lived there, but I moved to the city last year. Living in the city, it’s definitely more appreciated than it is living in the suburbs.

How To: Black clothing is a necessity for every closet. Therefore, you can justify spending on anything from a black hat to black boots. Either way, you will probably end up wearing them with something else of your choosing. Start with a black leather jacket, because we all know that in a big city, you have to own a black leather jacket. Second, snatch a pair of black combat boots. From a day out in the city to wearing to class, these shoes will come in handy. Third, get your black leather bag. Aside from this looking amazing, a black leather bag is a practical thing to have. Finally, get a black and white striped T-shirt to add an accent of white to the blacked out ensemble. Now, you have yourself a perfect fall outfit!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Hemphill

Talk about going back to black. As I was searching for a Fashionista downtown this week, it began to rain. I surely thought that I was out of luck for finding someone that wouldn’t be sporting a North Face. This Fashionista proved me wrong with her head to toe black layout and heels. Anyone who can wear heels in the rain deserves to be recognized, enough said.

Name: Sarah Hemphill

Major: Social Work/ Social Justice

Year: Graduate School

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Sarah Hemphill: Honestly, whatever I can find on sale.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

SH: There’s a great African boutique directly under my apartment. That’s where I got most of what I’m wearing now. It’s way up on Sheridan in Roger’s Park.

CF: So do you prefer smaller, less known stores over more mainstream ones?

SH: Yeah, it’s not so much of a trend to not be mainstream, but if I can find cheap stuff it’s worth it. I really like hip hop fashion stores too, there are some good finds.

CF: Whose fashion do you admire?

SH: If it would be anyone, it would probably just be my older sister. She always looks very put together.

CF: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

SH: Ever since it’s gotten cold, it has been really nubbly, wool sweaters are my favorite because I’ll just hide from the cold.

CF: Living in Chicago, do you find that you pay more attention to fashion?

SH: In a different way. I came out here from Cleveland where nobody cares. Here, you’re actually supposed to act like you paid attention.

How To: Sooner or later in life, everyone needs a leather jacket. It is simply necessary for rainy days or a night of going out. For a classy look that is wearable to classes, get a simple and appropriate black dress. Pair the dress with booties and a cute, edgy bag for colder days. These are just a couple of ways to stay looking fashionable even when the temperatures begin to drop.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Deena Suen

Every true Fashionista knows a blacked out outfit is the best type of outfit. Already edgy with its neutral coloring, each article of clothing further contributed to this layout of this perfect look. The black tights and suctioning black boots balance out the loose, oversized cape jacket. The hooded scarf alone proved that this Fashionista knew what she was doing to look her best for this gloomy fall day. Her center part even added an aspect of edgy style. Her simplistic style resulted in making her one of the boldest and most fashionable students on campus.

Name: Deena Suen

Major: Bio/Chem

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Deena Suen: I really like The Sartorialist blog, but my style is very minimalist. I use blacks and neutrals to keep looks very basic.

CF: Who is your fashion icon?

DS: I’m not really into a lot of names, I just go off of what I like.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

DS: I love Zara and Topshop, and I also love Stuart Weitzman boots, like the ones I’m wearing right now. I don’t really like to shop, but if I see something that looks different or unique, I like that too.

CF: What’s your favorite season to dress for and why?

DS: Fall. There are so many different accessories, and you can have so many different scarves, boots and coats. There’s just more material.

CF: What is your favorite thing in your closet right now?

DS: I just got this cheetah print coat, but it’s lamb’s wool. So, it’s really hard because I’m vegan, so I’m in the process of transforming to accepting it. Cynthia Crowley has a vegan leather coat line, so I’m looking into that because I feel so guilty about it, but we’ll see.

How To: The main thing that drew me to this Fashionista was her unique hooded scarf. Not only is it functional, but it truly displays fashion sense when someone can pull off this accessory. Her black Stuart Weitzman boots contributed to the edginess of this look, not to mention, these boots are amazing quality which helps justify the price tag. Everyone should try out a new style with a cape coat, especially Chicago residents. Last, but not least, everyone knows black tights are a staple for these upcoming cold months.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Madison Rau

This Fashionista was the definition of urban and edgy style. She pulled the beanie off like it was her day job, pairing the rest of her apparel with neutral colors. Her watch was flashy, yet not too extreme for the low-key look of the rest of the outfit. This was all ideal for the fall day; her boots and scarf were both fashionable and functional for the chilly winds of the season. Not to mention, who doesn’t love a throw-over sweater? All in all, each piece of her look fit together like a puzzle: daunting when looked at individually, but a masterpiece when all put-together as one.

Name: Madison Rau

Major: Theatre/ Film

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Madison Rau: Pinterest. I usually just look up “Women’s Fashion” or “Hair and Beauty” and just scroll.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

MR: Topshop is my number one place to go to, then Nordstrom, as well. I don’t have a specific brand that I like, but there are these super soft shirts at Nordstrom that I love.

CF: If you could have someone’s closet, who would it be?

MR: Cara Delevingne. I’m obsessed with her. She always wears beanies, and that’s pretty much my inspiration. She’s kind of a tomboy, so I like that too.

CF: What is your favorite fashion season?

MR: Fall. I love sweaters, long sleeve shirts and boots.

CF: What is your favorite thing in your closet right now?

MR: Probably this beanie. I literally just got it at Nordstrom the other day.

CF: Why do you like the look of beanies?

MR: It’s nice because if you’re having a bad hair day, which I usually am, you can just throw it on and go. It looks fashionable, but underneath, not so much.

CF: What you title your style?

MR: A mixture between tomboy and girly. I don’t know if there’s an in between, but I like girly shoes, boots and high heels, and tomboy shirts and beanies here and there.

How To: Start with your accessories since the rest of the outfit is pretty simple. A black watch looks great with nearly any outfit. Next, get your combat boots, a fall staple with the colder weather months coming up. For your last accessory and main attraction of the outfit, get a beanie from Nordstrom, like this Fashionista. This is another accessory that will come in handy throughout fall and winter. Finally, get your throw-over sweater to wear with anything from a pair of jeans to your favorite leggings on a day when you’re feeling less dressy.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Claire Kromenberger

If Chicago knows how to do one thing right, it’s dressing for fall. With boots and tights starting to flood campus, I can’t help but to start also getting excited for what lies ahead. Though many would hate experiencing each season to its extreme, this city takes advantage of its perks, especially when it comes to dressing for the occasion. When I saw this Fashionista, I liked how she mixed her boho style with fall style. This dress could have been worn as a bathing suit cover up over summer, yet now she wears it with tights and boots in the colder weather—a perfect look for class! Articles of clothing like this are best for any closet since they can be pulled off at all times of the year.

Name: Claire Kromenberger

Major: Photography

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

Claire Kromenberger: My sister and then I really like Free People. Other than that, I kind of just like doing my own thing.

CF: Nice, so where does your sister get her inspiration from?

CK: She is a huge fan of Free People too, but she also looks up to London fashion. She’s really into that.

CF: So what would you classify your style as?

CK: All over the place, I guess. I like grunge, but I also love boho.

CF: What is your favorite item in your closet right now?

CK: Probably a beanie that I just recently bought. It’s purple and fuzzy.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for and why?

CK: Fall because you’re not covered up by a coat, but you get to wear boots.

CF: Who is your biggest fashion icon?

CK: Blake Lively is beautiful.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop besides Free People?

CK: Probably Topshop, and I thrift all the time in Chicago at places like Green Element.

How To: Seeing as Free People is this Fashionista’s main inspiration, check out this tunic to wear with basic beige tights for any fall day. Paired with these boots, and you have a boho outfit with a grunge twist. To spice things up, throw on a basic necklace that serves as a neutral accessory and final touch.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Mckenna

When I saw this Fashionista walking to class, I loved her overall look. It’s edgy, simple and functional. Chicago is a place where the sun can disappear any minute of the day, so her light jacket was both adorable and useful for layering. The fact that her fashion icon is Victoria Beckham is a double plus. Her style matches up perfectly with the simple, yet fashionable consistency of Victoria’s outfits, including the leather cut-outs on her jeggings. Her neutral-colored clothing comes off as cool and collected, accessorized with her simple statement necklace. Her style looks almost European, and she really knows what she is talking about when it comes to her favorite brands. Overall, this Fashionista looks amazing.

Name: Lauren Mckenna

Major: Secondary Education and English

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

Lauren Mckenna: Victoria Beckham and just kind of everywhere. I really like urban-looking items, but also nice, clean lines like Michael Kors. I usually look at the shape of things more than the patterns.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for?

LM: Fall. You can layer pieces, so it gives you the advantage to decide if you want to dress lighter or heavier for the day.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

LM: H&M. I usually find full expensive outfits that I like, then I’ll go to stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters and even Macy’s to piece them together. Macy’s seems really mainstream, but they really have some cool and interesting pieces.

CF: What is your favorite thing in your closet right now?

LM: This cocktail dress that I have. It’s kind of formal and it has paneling on it. It’s ballerina style and I love it.

How To: Though this outfit looks simple to replicate, it can be slightly difficult. Since the necklace is the centerpiece to the outfit, get your necklace first. From there, plan your outfit with neutral basics. Wear a blouse or button-down with a pair of leather panel jeggings. This is more of a statement jacket, so pair it with your jeggings and a toned down necklace for a casual fall day out. Lastly, get a pair of booties and you are ready for your day out.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Adrian Brackey

First off, props to this Fashionista for wearing a jacket during Chicago’s summer. With a cropped tank top and high-waisted shorts, this Fashionista perfectly balances her outfit so that it is appropriate for the weather. The contrast of the white top with the black bottoms perfectly sets the backdrop for the green jacket and its back detailing. The brown boots add to the neutral consistency of the overall outfit. All in all, this look is edgy and simple.

Name: Adrian Brackey

Major: Physics and Applied Math

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Adrian Brackey: Fashion blogs like KayKay Blaisdell and just random people on the street.

CF: So you came from Florida, do you think you have more beach fashion or urban fashion?

AB: Definitely urban. Everyone in Florida wears sandals and swimsuits. I’m more urban and city.

CF: Who is your biggest fashion icon?

AB: My friends. They’re all really cool and have grunge style. They also shop at thrift stores a lot.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

AB: Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and LF.

CF: Being in the city, do you think there is more of a concentration of fashion here? Or in Florida?

AB: Definitely the city, there are so many different people here and everyone seems really cool and edgy here. In Florida, everyone has more of a relaxed look.

CF: What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?

AB: Right now, this jacket, but usually just a pair of high-waisted shorts.

How To: Because this look is so simple, it is easy to replicate. First, find your basics: a white cropped tank top and high-waisted black shorts. Next, throw on a pair of booties and you’re ready to go. If you want to switch up the outfit, try wearing a pair of black booties to match the black bottoms.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Hailey Peterson

Throwback fashions just keep on coming — funky nails, Converse, high-waisted denim, etc. are all making a major comeback! Luckily, for our generation these styles are still just as trendy and comfortable as they were back in their prime. This Fashionista pulled together a simple and casual outfit that still looked perfect for her day of class running around downtown Chicago. Her black Converse paired with her tight, black muscle T-shirt gave off a rugged, yet put-together look. Her nails acted as her main accessory, gleaming with lively pink and sea green colors. Her pair of high-rise shorts act as the staple to the outfit, serving as a neutral article that topped off the rest of her layout from head to toe. This kind of outfit shows that you don’t need to be in a dress and heels to look and feel great. Sometimes the most simple outfits that turn heads are appreciated for their effortless, yet adorable style.

Name: Hailey Peterson

Major: Journalism

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Hailey Peterson: Fashion blogs like Hand Full of Fashion; I also get a lot of inspiration from designers like Chanel and Stella McCartney.

CF: If you could have anyone’s wardrobe, who would it be?

HP: I would say a mixture of Audrey Hepburn with a little bit of edgy style from someone like Lana Del Rey.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

HP: Topshop, NASTY GAL, Free People, Zara and other online clothing sites.

CF: What is your favorite item in your closet right now?

HP: Definitely my AllSaints leather pants.

CF: And what is your favorite color to wear?

HP: Black.

How To: The beautiful thing about simple outfits is that they are simple to clone. For a look similar to this Fashionista’s, check out American Apparel’s tight cropped tops. To spice up a boring outfit, wear a pair of bright colored Converse to add some zest. Check out Essie for the best nail polish, no matter what color you’re looking for. Finally, pick up a pair of ripped jean shorts from Urban Outfitters and you are ready to go!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Maggie Cahill

Finally, back to some city style! With temperatures flooring to the maximum, Chicago students are finding anyway to stay cool and work with the heat. For girls, this means flowing dresses, sunglasses and sandals. On days when the air is humid and sticky, it seems almost impossible to bare with putting on a pair of jeans or anything else constricting. Summer trends are finishing out with their last few weeks before fall fashion will take over. Fashionistas must take advantage of the time to throw on their dresses and tanks, especially in this city where each day brings a surprise with its weather tendencies. Summer styles may be missed but the outrageously hot temperatures definitely will not.

Name: Maggie Cahill

Major: Nursing

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

Maggie Cahill: Kind of a mix of bohemian and, not preppy, but since I’m from the East Coast I try to mix up East Coast and West Coast styles.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

MC: Urban Outfitters is my favorite. I also like BP. Clothing at Nordstrom.

CF: If you could have one celebrity’s closet, whose would it be?

MC: Maybe Blake Lively…this is really cheesy but I’m obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. She has a classic style and I like doing classic stuff with a twist. So, I would say a mix of her and Blake Lively.

CF: Are you involved with anything creative besides fashion?

MC: I play the piano often so I guess that ties in with fashion sometimes as well.

CF: What is your favorite accessory or article of clothing that you own?

MC: I just got these two necklaces (photographed) and I really like them because they go with a lot of different pieces. I really like gold jewelry; I’m not really a fan of silver. Also, I wear my class ring from my high school all the time.

How To: To get this Fashionista’s look, check out Sabo Skirt for dresses and jumpsuits that are ideal for a hot summer day. Then, throw on a pair of boots or sandals and you are ready to go. Oh, don’t forget that bag as you’re heading to class or downtown!

STYLE GURU BIO: Ariahna Black

My name is Ariahna Black and I can’t wait to continue my internship this fall with CollegeFashionista. Living in Santa Cruz, California, this summer consisted of writing about Fashionistas with beach and summer styles. This fall will give me the opportunity to photograph and interview Fashionistas in the heart of Chicago while they face the drastic weather changes this season. I couldn’t think of two locations with more diverse weather patterns that require completely opposite clothing choices. I look forward to the variety and to writing about the fashion in the two places I call home.

As far as my own background goes, I have grown up in northern California for the majority of my life and I am just beginning my sophomore year at Loyola University of Chicago. Currently I am majoring in Communications but I am hoping to add a Business major to my degree as well. Though I do a lot of fashion writing, I am also interested in writing about music. It has been my dream to write for Rolling Stone since I was just a little girl.

I am proud to say I just purchased my first kate spade bag and must admit I consider it my new child. Needless to say, I love designer pieces. However, for the most part I enjoy seeking out more reasonable fashion. I appreciate comfort and feeling confident about what clothes I put on my body.

Living in Chicago has presented me with the opportunity to wear more daring outfits that really make a statement. I grew up in a small town so being in the big city was a big change for my style choices. I finally was able to pull out my flaming red lipstick, boots and tights. After spending my summer in California, I can’t wait to see what this upcoming year has in store for me (I have already been boot shopping and keeping an eye out for a cute winter coat since the beginning of summer).

Aside from fashion I also really love photography and traveling. To me, fashion is a beautiful way of expression and an art form that every individual can make their own. I am proud to be apart of CollegeFashionista and recognize the fellow Fashionistas and Fashionistos of the world.