Author: Brittany Riopelle

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Grace Tanner

The first few weeks of December are always big for shopping. All we are thinking about is presents presents presents! I walked into one of the boutiques on University Street looking for a purse for my sister, and I noticed a fall button-up cape. Then a glimpse of red caught my eye, and I thought to myself, “brown and red?” But sure enough, the autumn colors blended together perfectly. I especially loved the way this Fashionista's brown belt tied the outfit together. The look was simply effortless. I don’t know about you, but I try to look good and fashionable every day. It was evident that this Fashionista had style locked down. Her laid back and trendy ambience intrigued me, and I approached her to talk fashion.

Name: Grace Tanner

Major: Business

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?

Grace Tanner: I would say that I dress comfortable and trendy but definitely to impress. When I go out, I’ll wear nicer and sexier things that are more fashion-forward. I always want to put together and feel good in what I am wearing because my style shows my personality and reflects who I am.

CF: What do you want to be?

GT: I’m aspiring to work in fashion merchandise or fashion marketing with companies such as Marc Jacobs or J.Crew. I’m hoping to work in New York as an intern this summer.

CF: What are you looking forward to in spring?

GT: I think teal is going to be the hottest color, and I’m excited for whites, pastels and light colors. Wedges and uneven dresses are a definite must!

How To: What I found interesting about this Fashionista’s look on this cool Tucson day was that her outfit flaunted an amiable persona. Her style absolutely reflected her warm and confident personality. I don’t know if it was the cozy cape or seasonal color palette, but it is unique when a person’s taste can reveal such characteristics. Even a belt or the type of boots a person wears can show a lot about them. So this month, when shopping for holiday gifts, ask yourself, “What will express her personality?”

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Gardner

If you’re a college guy, and you’re thinking to yourself, “What is fashionable?” or “What will make me look good?” — look no further. This Fashionisto knows how to dress. His style is refined and sophisticated, a blend of classic and edgy, perfect for today’s contemporary man. Now, if you’re thinking to yourself, it’s time to be bold and on-trend, read on. The blue button-up is a staple item that should be in every man’s closet. It’s dependable and adds class to any outfit. The color blue is attractive, rich and masculine. When in doubt, throw on a blue button-up. The leather jacket is a trend that continues to go through the fashion cycle and is not ready to fade, so make the investment. On both men and women, leather creates an edge that not many other clothes live up to. It was this Fashionisto’s edgy jacket and classy button-up that first caught my eye, but his cropped pants are what intrigued me. They were confident and stimulating, which revealed this Fashionisto’s fashion-forward ambiance. The look was impressive and proved that this Fashionisto is stylish, self-assured, and he knows what looks good.

Name: Jordan Gardner

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What is your everyday style?

Jordan Gardner: I would describe my everyday style as a mix between nerdy-chic and classy-trashy. Nerdy-chic embodies the inner dork in me and typically consists of skinny jeans, button-ups and cardigans, maybe a pair of hipster glasses if I'm feeling dapper. Think Weezer. The classy-trashy aesthetic falls more on the urban side. It consists of denim, leather and layering. I would describe it as a sophisticated punk rock look.

CF: What inspires you?

JG: I know it sounds cliché to say, but I'm inspired by everything around me. I like to pull certain fashion elements I see other people wearing and blend them in to my own style. Graffiti, street art, street fashion, fashion blogs, WWD and other students on the University of Arizona campus are my biggest sources of inspiration.

CF: What do you want to be?

JG: If I didn't have to worry about paying any bills, I'd like to be a musician/artist. I love to make music, and I love to paint, but I live in the real world where bills do have to be paid. My short-term goal is to become a buyer for a luxury retailer. My mid-term goal is to go to law school and practice criminal defense upon graduation. My long-term goal is to become a U.S. senator.

How To: Take a shot at the same look by sporting a leather jacket, blue button-up and cropped pants.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Catherine Fry

It finally feels like fall! Though the days are sometimes still hot, the mornings and nights are beginning to get chilly. It’s time to pack away the sundresses and pull out the boots. For those of us who have early mornings and long days, coordinating our outfits can be difficult. Sometimes we may ask ourselves: Will it be hot by noon? Will it be cold in the classroom? For this Fashionista’s 10 a.m. class, she chose to wear denim shorts, sandals and a light knit sweater — the perfect outfit for an autumn day in Tucson.

Name: Catherine Fry

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What is your signature style?

Catherine Fry: I would say that my style is classic and trendy.

CF: Who are your favorite designers?

CF: Michael Kors and Rachel Zoe.

CF: Which celebrity inspires you and why?

CF: I love Lauren Conrad's, the Olsen twins' and Rachel Zoe's styles. They are very chic and put their outfits together so well. They are always on-trend and looking fabulous!

CF: What do you think of the fall trends?

CF: I love the fall trends. I think layering allows for more creativity in outfits, and I love boots!

CF: What is your favorite go-to outfit?

CF: Going out in my 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans with a cute top and any wedge or pump is a great go-to. 

How To: Emulate this Fashionista’s autumn-inspired style by sporting a striped cardigan, denim shorts and a black tank top. Accessorize with a cuff, a gold watch and a lengthy oval necklace.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Dishae Sanchez

The bohemian style has been a recurring theme in fashion ever since British Vogue featured Sienna Miller on its cover in 2004 wearing an elegant white bohemian-inspired dress. The trend has been on fashion’s must-have list for fall 2008 and spring 2011, and other trends, such as the folk look of spring 2007, have emerged from the boho chic craze. It somehow seems to evolve over time, reinventing itself in order to become popular again. Many elements that stem from this category, such as breezy maxi skirts and loose layers, are moving away from the term “fad” but are not yet considered timeless. Bohemian style is the combination of hippie, gypsy, vintage and personal expression. It incorporates mostly neutrals and is is sometimes combined with a more eccentric color. I like how this Fashionista has combined a  vivid blue tie-dye dress with a long, thick necklace, a brown belt and a beige cardigan. The ankle-length dress would have looked simple and clean on its own, but fashion isn’t about portraying the bare minimum. Layering the dress makes the look not only bohemian but also creative and individualistic.

Name: Dishae Sanchez

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What is your everyday style?

Dishae Sanchez: My personal style is modern, romantic, minimalist and confident. I like to think about what I am going to wear everyday rather than just throw something on that I know will work. I’m not one to dress up, but I like to look fashionable. You’re not likely to find me wearing just a simple T-shirt and jeans, and I don’t over-accessorize. I like to accentuate more simplistic outfits with items such as crochet vests or gladiator sandals.

CF: You said you are minimalist. What does that mean to you?

DC: I am minimalist in the sense that I don’t overdo my appearance. I like my image to seem effortless. I tend to wear staple items such as tank tops, maxi skirts, vests, leather jackets and belts. These items don’t need to be what’s trendy at the moment, because they can be mixed and matched together to form to any kind of style. I like to think of a staple item as a blank canvas that I can play with and accessorize. 

How To: This Fashionista’s look was hard to track down. To mimic her bohemian-inspired look, try layering this tie-dye maxi dress with a crochet shrug, a lengthy necklace and a braided belt.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Yoni Schwartz

It is always encouraging to see a person on campus with exceptional style. The University of Arizona, however, is not exactly famous for fostering a male desire to keep up with fashion trends. You’re more likely to see a guy in a tank top, shorts and a pair of high socks than a guy sporting a trendy blazer and nice pair of pants. Today, while walking on campus, I noticed a well-dressed student wearing a suede jacket, 7 For All Mankind jeans and stylish Cole Haan shoes. He was fashionable and put together, and I genuinely appreciated his style. His sophisticated and trendy look revealed an impression of confidence and maturity. According to a news release about a study conducted by Kelton Research, “91 percent of Americans think dressing well can make a man appear to be more physically attractive than he really is.” The study also shows that “well-dressed men (are) viewed as sexier, smarter, more successful, and more well-liked, (and) they also fare better in relationships.” It is normal to try to achieve these desirable characteristics, and dressing to impress may be just the solution you need! As college students, it can be hard to keep up with the constantly changing fashions. This Fashionisto describes where to go to update your wardrobe at a few different price points.

Name: Yoni Schwartz

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: Do you enjoy shopping? Where do you shop?

Yoni Schwartz: Yes, I do enjoy to shop. I would say that I do the majority of my shopping in department stores, such as Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue. They usually have all you need, and one-stop shopping is big for me. I like to get in, get my things and get out. The more affordable places I shop at are stores such as H&M and Zara. If I am trying to dress up a bit, I go to Zara. They have the quality, but at a good price.

CF: What is your go-to outfit?

YS: My go-to outfit for the winter is dark jeans, a leather jacket and a solid colored T-shirt. In the summertime, I usually go with a T-shirt, a pair of shorts or light jeans, and either flip flops or TOMS shoes.

CF: What is your signature style?

YS: I wouldn't really say I have a signature style. I generally wear a combination of different styles; I just wear what I like and what looks good.

How To: Image remains an important factor in American society. Even casualwear such as a well-made pair of jeans and a clean-cut T-shirt will have a positive effect. Emulate this Fashionisto's look with a similar jacket by Zara and Cole Haan shoes.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Megan Fish

This morning on the radio, the talk show host said “Fashion is everywhere.” Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Walking across campus, I saw this Fashionista accentuating an ordinary outfit with a statement piece, and she was giving off style. It wasn’t so much the outfit that stood out — it was the style and elegance that illuminated from the outfit. It was obvious that her everyday style is sophisticated yet appropriate for class. She was wearing a big black and gold House of Harlow 1960 necklace. Statement pieces are any pieces that another person may notice at first glance. They are unique and audacious, and can be enticing and inspiring. I like the way this Fashionista wore black pants and a white shirt with a jean jacket. Without the necklace, any girl could rock it. The statement piece made her style subtle and bold.

Name: Megan Fish

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?

Megan Fish: I would describe my style as casual California chic. Being comfortable is always a factor for me when I get dressed; however, I always like to add flair to every outfit that I put on to make it unique.

CF: Who is your style icon?

MF: My two styles icons are Lauren Conrad and the Atlantic-Pacific blogger, Blair Eadie. Both Fashionistas always show a classic style with modern twists to their outfits. Incorporating money-saving pieces with designer pieces makes their outfits realistic.

CF: Do you dress for guys or girls?

MF: I would say I dress for both guys and girls. Being in a sorority, I have been able to adopt many different styles from around the country to inspire my own. However, when I am going out for a fun night, it is definitely important to look my best and appealing to guys.

CF: What is the outfit that you’ve practically worn out?

MF: The outfit that I have abused over the past seasons has to be one with skinny jeans, boots and a decorative scarf. I feel like this outfit looks great on anybody with any shape. It’s comfortable and trendy for any casual occasion.

How To: To emulate this look, find an ordinary pair of black jeans and a plain tank top. Add a simple denim jacket and top it off with the House of Harlow 1960 Leather Station necklace.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: David Shapiro

'Tis the season … for wearing suits. Usually, at the University of Arizona, it is not the norm to attend class in a suit. However, there are many occasions that men should dress up for. If a man is not wearing at least dress pants and a tie to certain events, some people won't take him seriously! Adding a jacket makes a business casual look more polished. Now that it is cooling off, wearing a jacket to special occasions will be much more manageable. The nice thing about suits is that their rise and decline in the fashion cycle is slower than the norm. They are staple items. Many cuts and styles that Fashionistos invest in will be on-trend for years to come.

Name: David Shapiro

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What was your reason for dressing so nice for the day?

David Shapiro: I dressed in a suit because I was attending a meeting for Macy’s.

CF: What do you consider to be your everyday style?

DS: I’m a big fan of J.Crew and Banana Republic. I like those styles a lot. I like to wear preppy but updated clothing.

CF: Do you prefer to dress up?

DS: Dressing up depends on my mood. I don’t really mind at all. I like to look nice, and I like to dress up unless it’s too cold!

How To: Look just as charming as this Fashionisto by shopping at Nordstrom for a blue and white dress shirt. The charcoal suit can be found online at JoS. A. Bank Clothiers.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Ashley Gambino

Is orange the new pink? It certainly lit up New York Fashion Week. The zesty color, seen on celebrities and on the runway, is the hue of spring 2012. Though orange is on its way to widespread popularity, wearing it can be a hit or miss. How can we stop traffic without looking like a construction zone? The key is color and how much of it you decide to use. Lighter, paler neutrals, such as white and beige, will keep an outfit from appearing overwhelming. For those who are more daring, highlighting orange with royal blue will make an outfit pop! Try to allow orange to dominate the look. For example, pair a bright orange dress with a royal blue belt. Denim shorts and an orange tank can look underdone and tacky, but this Fashionista is far from tasteless. She kept her look simple and elegant by wearing a bright orange blouse with feminine lace shorts. Her gold jewelry and brown sandals complement the sunny color, and the blue bag helps illuminate a fashion-forward style.

Name: Ashley Gambino

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What is your style?

Ashley Gambino: My style is mixed. It’s funky and girly but edgier and more out there. For example, I chose this outfit today because the bright orange reminded me of the fall season, but it is not a commonly worn color. I wanted to stand out. Also, because the shirt looks stiff, I decided to wear some lace shorts. I thought the shorts would make the outfit look more feminine and delicate.

CF: What trends make you excited about fall?

AG: I love fall because I like to wear jeans, boots and scarves. The trend I am most excited about for this season is fur vests. I just bought a fur vest and can’t wait until it starts to get cooler so I can wear it!

CF: Who is your fashion icon?

AG: I idolize Monica Rose because her style is edgy, yet formal and sophisticated. She knows how to pull unique looks off and can make leopard print work with Louboutins.

How To: Knowing future fashions can help you prepare your closet for the next season, but wearing them transforms you into a trendsetter. Be bold! If you’re nervous about wearing orange, try emulating this look with lace shorts and an orange tank.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Olson

Alexander Wang once said, “Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are most intriguing.” Our style is represented, not by the party dresses and business skirts, but by how we dress day to day. Our days are so busy, and sometimes we feel the need to put on jeans and flip flops and head out the door, but we end up feeling lousy about our outfits later in the day. How is it possible to look great when we don’t have the time to make ourselves photo shoot-ready in the morning? This Fashionista shows how to turn a simple, artless outfit into a one that stands out! On those days we oversleep, pull an all-nighter or just don't know what to wear, a trendy hat and fun pair of sandals can be all an outfit needs. Remember, on our days off, we can still make a look pop from head to toe!

Name: Stephanie Olson

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

Year: Senior

College Fashionista: How did you decide on this look?

Stephanie Olson: I feel put together in this outfit. It looks identical to the expensive apparel celebrities are seen in daily, but I was able to replicate it at a cheaper price. I love wearing bootcut sandals, and the fedora is trendy and versatile. It’s not an outfit I had to think about but one that was easy.

CF: What inspires your style?

SO: My style is inspired mostly by celebrities I see in magazines such as People and Star. I like to follow trends from online sources like the site singer22.com. My style is also inspired by shows like Gossip Girl. I try to find similar outfits at a cheaper price. I also believe friends are a huge influence on the way I dress. When shopping, I like to look at the store’s visual merchandising to see how the mannequins are dressed and how clothes are displayed in order to get ideas on how to put together different items.

CF: Which celebrity inspires your style and why?

SO: Leighton Meester inspires my style, because she has a sophisticated, wild, trendy look and knows how to accessorize her outfits.

How To: This Fashionista knocks the fedora hat look out of the park. Try matching a trendy hat with a simple top such as this white tank. Then add a pair of shorts, jeans or even a maxi skirt. Throw on a pair of bootcut sandals to take the look to the next level.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Liza Backes

September is sometimes an awkward time for fashion, especially in Arizona, because although we want walk around in fall’s chunky sweaters and colorful trenches, it’s too hot! We’re over the trends of spring, and ready to move on, but how do we make the change in weather like this? Leaving, class I noticed this Fashionista walking from my building in an easy transition to fall outfit. She pulled off the high waisted shorts summer look with a breezy fall button-up. What I like about this outfit is that she left the tailored shirt unbutton and loose fitted, as well as added some investment pieces to create laidback yet chic style.

Name: Liza Backes

Year: Senior

Major: Retailing and Consumer Sciences

CollegeFashionista: What inspired this look?

Liza Backes: “I was inspired to wear this outfit because I love vintage looking shorts and button downs to throw on during the day. Also, I love vertically striped pieces. This is comfortable and easy to wear during the hot days here. My Michael Kors watch and David Yurman rings are definitely my stable pieces that I wear everyday because they go with almost everything and add a little but great detail to an outfit.”

CF: How would you describe your every day style?

LB: “My general style consists of classic pieces such as silk tops, maxi skirts, and skinny jeans, accessories and street style inspired looks. My outfits usually reflect on how I’m feeling that day. I like to mix affordable clothes with expensive pieces.”

How To: Try mimicking this Fashionista’s effortless look. Find the vertical stripe button-up at Forever 21 and a similar pair of shorts at Urban Outfitters.  Match it with a simple black tank such as this one from Splendid. Add some flavor with the stylish Gucci sunglasses, bulky Michael Kors watch and a pair of cute Tory Burch sandals.