Author: Ashley Rossi

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Maryclare DeMenna

I spotted this Fashionista walking around the city and was immediately drawn to her amazing cross body bag. After talking to her about it I realized it looked exactly like the bags from Coach’s new “Classics” line, inspired by their designs from the ‘70s. Her dyed crochet top is another seventies throwback and her denim cutoffs make the look comfortable for a hot summer day.

Name: Maryclare DeMenna

Year: Sophomore

Major: Spanish

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style in two words?

Maryclare DeMenna: Subtle and comfortable.

CF: What is the favorite part of your outfit?

MD: The bag. It was one of those things I found in my mom’s closet a while ago and I thought it was weird. But it’s actually Coach from the ‘70’s and is similar to the bags that they just redesigned.

CF: What are you most looking forward to wear for fall?

MD: These great combat boots I just bought at T.J. Maxx, they are a little out of my comfort zone so I’m excited to give them a try!

CF: What trend are you going to miss most from summer?

MD: Crop tops. They kind of transition into fall but definitely not winter (unless you layer them I guess, so maybe I won’t have to miss them!)

How To: Look for a great pair of denim shorts, like these from H&M and pair with a crochet top. Add a cropped jacket for nights or a sunhat for the day to elevate the look. Finish off with a great pair of strappy sandals (hers are from Spain) and a great vintage cross body bag to complete your look. Make sure to check out the Coach “Classics” line too!
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Rachel Lee

I spotted this Fashionista on a walk with her precious pup while wearing a chic romper with a plunging back. The sleeves on this romper make it the perfect summer-to-fall transition piece. The nautical stripes complement one of summer’s hottest trends and the gorgeous back adds an unexpected twist.

Name: Rachel Lee

Year: Freshman

Major: Biochemistry

CollegeFashionista: Which celebrity style do you admire the most and why?

Rachel Lee: Jessica Alba and Alessandra Ambrosio. Both are very trendy but are always classy and simple. And Jessica look fab pregnant as well.

CF: What is one item in your closet that you cannot live without?

RL: My plain nude wedges. I’m 5’2” so I love how they give me a few extra inches! I also can't live without a plain white v-neck and pair of dark skinnies, but if I had to chose one item it would be my wedges.

CF: What is on your back-to-school shopping list?

RL: Bright jewelry and feather earrings! Also, I’m on the look out for some flowy white tops.

CF: Preppy or hipster?

RL: I’m going through a hipster phase right now — slightly destroyed jeans, long jewelry and loose tops.

How To: To create this outfit all you need is a bold but simple patterned romper and a few accessorizes. Try this one from Forever 21 or this one from ModCloth and pair it with patent leather nude flats and a braided metallic belt. Dress up your outfit with round sunnies and an adorable puppy and you are good to go.
 

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Shane Scott

Men’s fashion in summer tends to consist of gym clothes or a simple tee and shorts, so I was surprised when I found this sophisticated Fashionisto. He shows jocks everywhere how to wear the simple tee and shorts look. Most men can’t tell the difference between brands but his knowledge blew me away. With men’s fashion a little bit of effort (like this Fashionsito’s attention to detail) goes a long way.

Name: Shane Scott

Year: Freshman

Major: Business

College Fashionista: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Shane Scott: I buy a lot of my shoes from Zappos and shop mostly at Urban Outfitters and J.Crew. For suits and nicer clothes I usually wear Brooks Brothers.

CF: So do you like to shop online or prefer browsing in stores?

SS: Shopping online, I don’t have much patience for trying on clothes.

CF: What role does fashion play in your life?

SS: Honestly, not much. I wear what I feel like for the day. I stay casual for classes but when I dress up I try and look nice I guess. I do love a nice suit though.

CF: What is your favorite items for summer?

SS: My Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Sperry Top-Siders are definitely what I wear the most.

How To: To get this Fashionisto’s vibe start with a pair of khaki shorts rolled up at the hem. Add a striped or printed graphic tee, like this one from Urban Outfitters and throw on a heather gray hoodie. Sperries and black Ray-Ban Wayfarers finish off this effortlessly casual look.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Brianne Dyke

While doing some weekend shopping I found this Fashionista working at an amazing boutique called Crush in Boston. Her printed maxi dress stands out but looks effortless with stacked accesories and a feather in her hair.

Name: Brianne Dyke

Year: Senior

Major: Marketing

CollegeFashionista: What is the favorite part of your outfit?

Brianne Dyke: The dress. I love ethereal maxi dresses for summer time. They’re so chic, with the perfect dose of whimsy. This one is made of hand painted fabric and is created entirely in the USA by Daughters of the Revolution. The style isn’t fussy or hard to wear, it’s very effortless.

CF: What trends are you looking forward to wearing in the fall?

BD: For Fall, I’m obsessed with tribal prints and colored denim. J Brand is doing a ton of the 811 midrise skinnies (the ones Kate Middleton always wears) and they come in a billion colors. I just got the aubergine, but I’m definitely wanting a red hue as well. I can’t wait to pair them with bright reds and oranges. The tribal prints in a lot of the coats and sweaters will add a really retro vibe.

CF: Where do you shop the most and why?

BD: I shop at Crush Boutique a lot. It’s probably where most of my wardrobe comes from at this point. I like small boutiques and shop local as often as possible. Flash sale sites are great for flats and sandals because I go through them so quickly in Boston.

CF: Describe your signature look or favorite outfit.

BD: My signature look is pretty dependent on the season. For fall, chunky Frye boots, skinny jeans and luxe sweaters with lots of accessories is probably my favorite look. I’m really excited for flared denim this year too; I’ll pair those with ankle boots. But for summer I'm loving light, airy dresses, layered bracelets, these new Serafina feather earrings from Crush and sandals (this is my go-to look for work and nighttime). Denim cutoffs have also become a favorite closet staple of mine.

How To: This look is pretty simple; all you need is a subtle printed maxi dress and some feather accessories (she tries out the feather trend in her hair). This Fashionista also has a La Mer wrap watch and tops off her look with a pair of round sunnies.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Yera Ha

Staying cool in the summer heat makes it hard to be fashionable, and dressing up in the heat is equally as difficult. This Fashionista stays cool in a strappy sundress and floppy sunhat. White lace is one of summer’s hottest (no pun intedend) fabrics, especially in pieces like shorts and dresses, making it one of summer's must-haves.This sleevless piece with a cutout back is perfect for the summer heat but the trend can also be practical for fall with long sleeves and a higher neckline.

Name: Yera Ha

Year: Sophomore

Major: Public Relations

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?

Yera Ha: A fusion of girly romantic and preppy urban; it really depends on my mood and the setting.

CF: What beauty product can you not live without?

YH: Three things: Johnson & Johnson’s baby oil for right after a shower, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion and Victoria’s Secret Love Spell. People often tell me I have the softest skin and I think it’s gotta be because I’m obsessed with moisturizing!

CF: Fill in the blank: I can't live without my…

YH: …glass of lemon water first thing in the morning. It’s a new regimen I took on after reading that it works wonders for your skin and also for your body’s hydration, and it’s absolutely true. I’m addicted. Everyone should do it.

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

YH: It might be my salmon-pink mini dress from J.Crew with a fun bow-cinched top that I’ve only worn once because I can’t bear to wear it on any ordinary day…or this versatile chambray top with a crochet back I recently got from H&M.

How To: For this Fashionsita’s look start with a white lace skirt, a pair of shorts (these are my next purchase) or a dress and add a floppy sunhat in a neutral color. Top the look off with some scattered bracelets and a statement purse. The best part about a summer staple is that you can dress it up or down. Add a pair of heels and a cute headband for a night out and throw on a leather jacket to make your look edgier. For a different look add a chambray shirt and tie it at the waist while pairing it with combat boots. With a staple like this the possibilities are endless.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Emmaline Barrett

One of my favorite summer trends is the maxi skirt/dress, but not everyone can pull it off. To successfully wear this trend you have to be relatively tall and have a boyish figure; however, this Fashionista proves you don’t have to be five-ten to wear them.

Name: Emmaline Barrett

Year: Junior

Major: Journalism

CollegeFashionista: What is the favorite part of your outfit?

Emmaline Barrett: Definitely my maxi dress, its actually a skirt but I’m short enough that I can wear it as a strapless dress. I love the slit up the leg because a lot of times I feel like most maxi pieces have too much fabric.

CF: What are some of your favorite summer fashion trends?

EB: Rompers! I can’t get enough of them. It’s an all in one outfit and they come in so many adorable patterns.

CF: Where do you look for style inspiration?

EB: Mostly blogs. I like to see what celeberties are wearing too and I love fashion magazines, but for the most constant and up to date trends I look towards blogs for most of my inspiration.

CF: What are some of your favorite style blogs?

EB: I have so many, but I especially love Cupcakes and Cashmere, Atlantic-Pacific, and Sterling Style.

How To: This Fashionista pulls of the perfect effortless summer look in a black maxi skirt and linen knotted top. To get her outfit find either a solid maxi skirt or strapless dress with a slit on the side. Layer this piece with a sleeveless linen button-down knotted at the waist for a more complete look. Pair with a canvas tote, like this Fashionista’s from Marc Jacobs and finish the look with a pair of thong sandals, oversized sunglasses, a rubber watch, and some stacked bangles. Make sure to save your maxi pieces because they are the perfect transiiton from summer to fall.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kathryn Thompson

One of summer’s hottest trends is everything neon. Whether it’s bags, accessories or clothes, neon is available in almost every category. One of my favorite summer (and fall!) must-haves is the Cambridge Satchel in neon green. Whether it's a simple friendship bracelet or a flowing maxi dress, this hue makes a big impact with any piece or style. This Fashionista makes her neon preppy in J.Crew chino shorts and metallic Sperry Top-Siders. Just remember to keep the rest of the outfit subtle!

Name: Kathryn Thompson

Year: Freshman

Major: International Relations

College Fashionsita: Who/what inspires your wardrobe and why?

Kathryn Thompson: I love the classic “east coast preppy” look so I tend to draw inspiration from J.Crew, Brooks Brothers and other timeless brands. Also, the books “The Official Preppy Handbook” and “True Prep” by Lisa Birnbach have provided endless entertainment and inspiration.

CF: What trend from the past would you like to see make a comeback?

KT: Cat-eye glasses, not just sunglasses but actual glasses.

CF: Fill in the blank: I allow myself to splurge on:

KT: Cashmere!

CF: What is the #1 item in your closet that you can't live without?

KT: Definitely my nude ballet flats (from J.Crew obviously!)

How To: This Fashionista pairs her neon shorts with an unexpected polka-dot silk blouse and metallic boat shoes. To top off her preppy vibe, she finishes her look with a Timex watch and the classic Cape Cod bracelet. To get the same neon fix, pick one statement piece in any neon shade. It can be a dress, bag, shoe, skirt, shorts, bracelet, bathing suit or shirt. Keep the outfit grounded with neutrals and no-fuss accessories. If you’re feeling daring, pair your neon with an opposing color or try out the color-blocking trend. Try pairing this top and skirt from Topshop for the perfect color-blocked look.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Shelby Carignan

Internships can be one of the most difficult parts of summer dressing. The city takes this stress to a whole new level, as you have to be professional in the office and comfortable while walking outside in the heat. This Fashionista manages to pull off the perfect summer internship look, and I caught up with her as she was leaving her office for the day.

Name: Shelby Carignan

Year: Sophomore

Major: Journalism

College Fashionista: What is your go to-item for a boost of confidence?

Shelby Carignan: These heels from J.Crew, plus they were on sale!

CF: What is your fashion advice for working in the office?

SC: When working in an office it’s important to properly walk the line between looking cute and looking modest and professional.

CF: What inspired your look today?

SC: This look is definitely inspired by these two great (and cheap!) pieces from H&M’s summer line: the bag and the shirt.

CF: Do you have any favorite designers?

SC: I love love love Marc Jacobs and the fabulous Alexander McQueen.

CF: Which celebrity style do you admire most?

SC: I've been loving Pixie Lott’s style lately. And I always think Rachel Bilson's looks are awesome.

How To: To get this Fashionsita’s fabulous summer office look start with a perfect blazer that is slightly cropped so it can go with dresses, skirts or pants. The next step is finding an appropriate-length skirt, like this one from Topshop, that can be both functional for the office and transform into a night outfit. For this piece, keep it simple in a neutral color that matches your blazer (try black, white, camel, light pink, gray or olive). Just like this Fashionista, have fun with your top and shoes. Don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your office look with a fun top that will match your blazer and skirt combo. Pick a comfortable yet stylish heel, like these from Urban Outfitters and you are set from 9 to 5.
 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Laila Khan

The perfect tee is a summer staple and this summer is all about the crop top. This Fashionista rocks the perfect cropped tee with a twist in a tie-dye pattern. She references the '70s with the tie-dye print and as we have seen from fashion magazines and blogs the '70's are back. Other decade inspired trends for this summer include the maxi dress and maxi skirt, wide-leg jeans and pants and shorts with higher waistlines.

Name: Laila Khan

Year: Junior

Major: Psychology

College Fashionista: What is the favorite part of your outfit?

Laila Khan: The favorite part about my outfit would have to be the tee. It's simple yet has a lot going on: the colors, the pattern and the fit.

CF: Who is your style icon?

LK: I don't think I have a style icon per say. I look towards a lot of modern day celebrities’ styles especially in magazines and blogs. I do love Audrey Hepburn’s classic style but at the same time I think Madonna did a lot for fashion in terms of setting trends. So I guess both of them, even though they are total opposites!

CF: Are there any trends that you are particularly inspired by this season?

LK: Yes! This season I have been seeing a lot of tribal-type jewelry. Especially with lots of stones and in rich colors like turquoise and adobe. I love it!

CF: What clothing item would you say is timeless?

LK: I would have to say a scarf. I have way too many of them and that's because I keep buying them but never quite get rid of any.

How To: To get this look, throw on your favorite pair of skinnies and add the perfect cropped tee. Any top with a pattern can stand alone, like this one from Urban Outfitters. However, if you pick a solid version make sure to add a statement necklace or light scarf to liven it up. This Fashionista tops off her outfit with a great cross-body bag with a bird detail and thong sandals. Her sandals take the look to another level with color-blocking like these flats from Sam Edelman. Add simple accessories (friendship bracelets or an oversized watch), sunnies, and a headband to complete your look. Headbands are great for any type of hair and are super-practical in the summer. Look towards American Apparel to satisfy this need.


 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Liz Whalen

Come summertime, a dress is the easiest piece in your closet to throw on and accessorize effortlessly. It keeps you cool during the day and is perfect for chilly city nights when paired with blazer or cardigan, or layered with a crop top. Between maxi dresses, beach cover-ups and dressier pieces, the possibilities are endless. Look towards this Fashionista for inspiration; she manages to pull off this statement dress with minimal accessories and no-fuss layering.

Name: Liz Whalen

Year: Senior

Major: International Relations

College Fashionista: What are your favorite stores to shop at for summer pieces?

Liz Whalen: All Saints, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

CF: How would you describe your style in two words?

LW: That’s a tough one; I don’t really have any specific style. I usually go with whatever I like at the moment and whatever is on trend. I also try and change it up a lot.

CF: Finally, what are your three summer must-haves?

LW: Definitely a good pair of sandals, a printed or solid romper and a great pair of sunglasses!

How To: This Fashionista has an effortlessly cool style and manages to rock combat boots in the middle of a heat wave. To get her look you have to find the “perfect" summer dress, like this one from Free People, that has the right balance of trend and simplicity. The fringe on this dress, also from Free People, represents a huge summer trend, and paired with combat boots adds to her hipster-ish style. I love that this Fashionista lets the dress stand alone by keeping accessorizes to a minimum and forgoes layering. To make this look wearable for night add a longer cardigan or a cropped asymmetrical jacket. Don’t put your combat boots in storage just yet, as this Fashionista proves that they are wearable in the heat. If you’re headed to the beach, though, throw on some gladiator sandals instead of the boots, add a panama hat and you're good to go. Clearly this dress is versatile, as are many, so good luck on your perfect summer dress find and remember that almost anything goes!