Bonnie Wong – CollegeFashionista

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Work it for Finals

FINALS. FINALS. FINALS. That's probably all you can think about around this time. The weather is cold and it's crunch time again, but this is no excuse for poor fashion. Most students in Baruch work part-time or full time, on top of being a diligent student. This Fashionisto, didn't let the cold weather or finals week interrupt his studious style. After submitting all those taxes at work, he grabbed a coffee and headed to the library in style. From office to school, rocking the perfect effortless look, the perfect staple peacoat, cashmere sweater over a plaid dress shirt paired with slacks and dress shoes. The outfit was appropriate for work but ditching the tie and traditional matching suit made it casual enough for school and studying.

For the perfect ensemble, compliments of today's Fashionisto, try a toggle coat from Topman, a checkered shirt from Urban Outfitters paired with gray denim.

Study hard and dress for success!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blackout

If you’re standing on the platform waiting for the train, you will see everyone on the other side in black. In a sea of black, add a little pop of color or mix with different textures. This Fashionista like a true New Yorker kept to that ideology and rocked an all black outfit, but to make her outfit more fun she added a gold bib necklace completed with her signature fire red glasses.

Alexander Wang’s A/W 2010 RTW collection consisted of all black outfits. But what made the collection to die for was the fun detail on the skirts and jackets. Even though the outfits were all black, the skirts and jackets were decked out in studs. Aside from adding a pop of color or small details, you can also just mix texture. If you’re rocking a black leather jacket pair it with a black chiffon or silk top. The mixture of texture and fabric will give it a more interesting touch while keeping the blackout style.

Hint: If you are into the blackout look, try this great jacket with a mix of velvet to play up the look.

If you like 90% of New York want to keep rocking the blackout, don’t go unnoticed. Do it in fabulously in different textures or add a piece of accessory to hint of personality.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Parka

This winter’s greatest obsession is the parka. A parka is causal, chic and warm. It can dress down a dressy outfit or help spice up your downtown look. This Fashionista rocked a utility parka with a chucky sweater, shorts with tights and to finish it off the look with a simple black circle scarf. The best thing about parkas are the variety of styles they come in, parkas with fur, different color parkas, long or short parkas, you name it.

This holiday season; definitely add a parka onto your list. Put that classic peacoat you’ve been sporting away in your closet and make room for your new chic coat.

Hint: if you’re looking for a parka to add onto your wish list, try this shearling lined option from Madewell or this baggy military park from Alpha Industries.

So this winter season don’t forget to add a parka into your closet. Also take this Fabulous Fashionista’s advice and rock the parka with a wintery arctic sweater!

Stay Warm, Be Fabulous!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

This holiday season add a leopard print item onto your wish list. Why ask for a trendy piece that will come and go, rather ask for an item that will return and be trendy for years and years to come. Leopard is a never dying trend. This is one trend that is cyclical and worth the splurge. Mulberry A/W 2010 collection included a whole leopard look, equipped with a leopard Alexa bag, leopard print dress and boots. Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2010 collection included a ladylike leopard bag.

Some of this season’s must have leopard pieces include a leopard fur coat, leopard print bag or leopard print shoes. Celebrities like Dakota Fanning were spotted wearing a pair of Leopard Print haircalf sandals from Prada. This Fashionista followed along Fanning's lead and sported a leopard print coat to shield from NYC’s chilly whether while staying fashion forward.

To check out leopards items to add to your wishlist this holiday season, Try this leopard print bootie from Tory Burch, or this crossbody bag from Badgley Mischka, or a large printed piece like this Topshop coat.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Furtastic!

This a/w season is all about fur. Chanel’s A/W 2010 RTW collection was complete with fur coats, fur boots, and everything fur; as well as Michael Kors’s A/W 2010 RTW collection which included fur coats and neutral colored minimalistic pieces. This Fashionista didn’t fail to impress by rocking a furry coat paired with a contrast of shorts and tights. The fur coat kept her warm and toasty, shielding her from harsh NYC winds but the shorts with tights gave the whole look a more fall touch.

For animal friendly Fashionistas, no need to be upset with the trend, there are plenty of fashionable faux fur options. I myself am anti- fur but definitely pro-faux fur. Faux fur is not only a humane option but also fashionably affordable!

Hint: To rock this trend, try this fur vest from Topshop. Throw this vest over a fall jacket to update the look. If you’re on a budget because you’re saving for the holiday season, try this cheaper yet chic option from Zara. If splurging is not an option, don’t be discouraged, Forever 21 offers a faux fur vest as well, while keeping your wallet close to mind.

For Fashionistas who aren’t into large furry pieces, try these cute earmuffs instead. So for this upcoming holiday season, go home looking furtastic or even add a fur piece onto your holiday wishlist!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Uptown Chic

Whether you categorize yourself as a downtown chick, uptown gal or a gossip girl, always incorporate a feminine piece into your wardrobe. I’m sure everyone has a fashion icon and a style idol. Well, mine are Coco Chanel and Olivia Palermo. Coco Chanel always looked flawless in feminine looks incorporated with masculine pieces. Olivia Palermo never fails to impress with classic and trend mixed outfits. What these two fabulous and fashionable ladies have in common are they always have one piece that make them look like a million bucks and help pull the whole look together. Today's Fashionista looked uptown chic with a ladylike coat belted with skinny jeans and clog booties. The ruffled jacket was the perfect feminine touch to dress up a casual skinny jean. When adding small accessories like a belt, it makes the outfit look polished.

This Fashionista’s look was uptown chic and refined. Elegance doesn’t necessarily mean splurging but actually having one key piece does the trick. For this Fashionista the ruffle coat was the key piece in her outfit.

Hint: To get the uptown chic look, try a classic feminine piece like this top or this dress . Pair the top with a great pair of skinnies and cool pumps. The pumps will dress up the look and the skinnies will keep it effortlessly casual. Pairing the dress with a blazer and flats will make the outfit look relaxed but the flats will keep it casual enough for the day.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Go Varsity

Classic pieces are always worth the splurge. They are timeless and always a fashionable option. This Fashionisto was chilling out in between classes in style, sporting a varsity jacket with classic loafers. This look is ever inspired by the talented Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren has given us the timeless looks of polos, blazers, loafers and everything preppy. His collections ever since the beginning time has defined american style. Even though this Fashionisto looked awesome in his jacket and loafers, don't be discouraged Fashionistas; you too can sport this chic look. Aside from taking it from your boyfriend or guy friend, try a girl version of the coat. And for footwear sport a great pair of converses or cute boots to keep the look laidback and casual.

This classic look is perfect for fall. The jacket, loafers or boots will keep you warm yet easy enough to throw on to go to class. This outfit is simple yet put together keeping the whole look effortless, so need for the sweats and sweatshirts during midterm week. Just throw on a cute varsity jacket and a great footwear and you’re good to go.

Hint: For gentleman: try these varsity jackets from Supreme. If you like vests instead of jackets, try these varsity vest from Rugby. For footwear, try these loafers from J.Crew.

For Ladies: Try this cute varsity jacket from Urban Outfitters. Pair the jacket with a classic pair of chucks.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Autumn Florals

Spring has been long gone but the florals from spring still linger. But the florals from spring have a darker hue to it. This fall the neutral colors are in season, so anything gray, black or camel is a go. This Fashionista rocked a brown floral jumper with a comfy knit sweater. The brown florals made the jumper appropriate for fall and when paired with a chunky knit sweater, the whole outfit incorporated the style trends from Prada, Chanel's Fall RTW 10 and Miu Miu's Fall RTW 10 collections. In Miu Miu's collection, it was all about the florals. The dresses and belts had metal floral details, dressing up a classic black suit or LBD. In Betsey Johnson’s FW 2010 RTW collection, she had floral girly maxi dresses and pants. This Fashionista’s jumper is very similar to the floral prints of Bestey Johnson’s collection. Take the advice of this Fashionista and sport autumn florals. But be sure to avoid spring floral like pinks and yellow.

Just because everyone is still doing the military chic looks, sway away from that and try softer and feminine looks.

Hint: To get a great autumn floral dress try this fall forest dress from Madewell. To get Betsey inspired floral pants try these from Zara.To incorporate small fall pieces into your closet try this hair piece. This autumn style statement is in full bloom!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Chunky Knits

The autumn weather is finally here. Fall is the best season to roll out all your favorite pieces, leather jackets, boots, dresses, you name it. But nothing says fall like a great chunky knit. A chunky accessory can give great detail to an outfit, the extra oomph. This fall, designers like Chanel and Prada has included chucky knits into their a/t 2010 RTW collections. Prada sent heavy cable sweaters down the runway, while Chanel sent fur and chucky pieces.

Incorporating this classic trend, this Fashionista added a Uniqlo chunky infinity scarf into her black assemble to give her outfit more depth and fun. Not only does the piece complete the outfit but it also keeps her warm from the autumn breeze.

Hint: To get the perfect Prada inspired chucky sweater, try this cable sweater from Zara. And to get a chunky scarf like this Fabulous Fashionista, try this knotted scarf from Topshop

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Bedford St. Laundry

I came across this stylish Fashionista while picking up some lunch on Broome St. Her military style chambry shirt, futuristic glasses, brief-case doctor bag along with her coral TOMS made a fabulous look. After asking her about her cute outfit, I discovered she was a budding new designer. Her collection includes futuristic and structured looks much like her personal style. Her FW10 collection includes suede jackets and structured dresses.

Check out Bedford St. Laundry and rock her looks!