Author: Candace Carlucci

TREND: Bold Colors

Watch out, boys; your favorite classic wardrobe pieces are now available in a rainbow of colors. Say good-bye to blacks, grays, and navys, and welcome summer's new colors. From the palest pinks to the boldest blues, male fashion has never looked so good.

This Fashionisto has taken a classic wardrobe selection to the next level. Dressed for a classy night out, this Fashionisto took a traditional dress outfit and revamped it with a bold and bright blue button down dress shirt. Adding just a splash of color to the outfit not only helps to spice it up, but also creates an eye catching look. Straying away from the traditional tie, this Fashionisto sported a skinny black tie, adding another non-traditional and hip edge to his ensemble.

To get this look, check out any of your favorite local retail outlets, most stores have already stocked their shelves with these vibrant hues. Express offers over ten different rainbow shades in most shirts. For a more casual and laid back look, try a bold colored V-neck tee or a polo shirt. Ralph Lauren and J. Crew both offer a ton of these shirts in an array of colors.

While there may be some hesitation to retire your favorite black, navy, or gray button down shirt, adding a splash of color to your wardrobe can provide you with a cool and refreshing change. Feeling more daring yet, Fashionistos?

TREND: Romp in Style

Reaching their peak in popularity this summer, rompers are here and they're more stylish than ever. From dressy to casual, long to short, this summer is all about one-piece fashion. Whether you are looking to dress it up or dress it down, this lively article of clothing can suit almost any occasion. The romper is a great alternative to the classic sundress or mini skirt, and can provide you with a little extra freedom throughout the day. This trendy article of clothing is also versatile- pair it with sandals or wedges for the day, or a pair of pumps for the night.

This Fashionista is rockin' her romper, and has created a totally fuss-free and trendy look. What I loved about this Fashionista's ensemble was her touch of femininity to the outfit. She chose a floral print, perhaps one of the most popular and feminine prints of the summer, and paired it with a brown belt, accenting her waist line.

Hint: If your romper is all one color or one pattern, a belt is a great way to accent your waist line.

While some may be hesitant to delve into the romper trend, it is important to remember that there are many different ways to wear them and that they can suit a variety of occasions. Even better is that they are super easy to put together- just slip it on, add your favorite accessories, and enjoy!

TREND: Fashion Warrior

What do Fashionista's and the Roman Empire have in common? Apparently, their great taste in shoes. Famously known as the shoe-wear of the Romans and Greeks, gladiator sandals are back and more stylish than ever.  Ranging in style, gladiator sandals can be found in a flat or heeled shoe and are available in an assortment of different colors.

Hint: A great way to wear gladiator sandals is to pair them with casual short shorts, allowing your feet to make the fashion statement. Try incorporating the colors of the shoe into the accessories like this Fashionista.

This Fashionista is showing off her gladiators, suade and turqoise with a touch of gold. She has worked her entire outfit around the colors of her shoes, and has incorporated a touch of turquoise accessories, including her turqoise necklace and turqoise and brown sunglasses. She has paired her shoes with jean shorts and royal blue tee, allowing her shoes and matching accessories to be the stand out part of the outfit.

Perhaps the greatest part about these shoes is that they can be found in so many different styles. From traditional to colorful, flat, heeled, and some even fringed, jeweled and studded; it is hard to walk away from summer's hottest shoe.

TREND: All-American Plaid

July 4th is around the corner, and with that said, it's time to get out your red, white and blue. With it's take-over of the fashion runways since early this year, plaid fashion is undeniably one of the must have patterns for 2010. Try sporting the nation's colors by wearing one of the most fashionable prints of the year.

This Fashionista's red, white and blue plaid dress is both a casual and festive choice for a July 4th celebration.This Fashionista paired her plaid dress with a pair of sandy color sandals and an over-sized brown purse, pairing some neutral colors with her plaid print.

Hint: Since plaid is a bold pattern, matching with neutral solid colors is best. If you're looking to keep it simple, don't over accesorize around the plaid. However, if you're looking to create a stand-out look, try adding a  waist belt and some of your favorite jewelry. If dresses aren't your thing, try a plaid over-sized shirt with a pair of denim shorts or leggings. Bloomingdales offers a ton of these red, white and blue over-sized shirts.

TREND: Summer Blazers

Summer is here, and for many it is the season for concerts, outdoor festivals, and for us Coloradoan's shows at our beloved Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This summer, try pairing a blazer with your festival attire. This chic article of clothing is a great addition to a variety of outfits, and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

This Fashionista is ready to rock and roll. She is wearing a laid-back white and blue stripped blazer with a black trim, and has paired it with bright blue shorts and a matching black and white tee, giving the outfit an edgy and stand out look. Another great thing about blazers is that they are not difficult to accessorize around. This Fashionista chose a pair of black Ray Ban style sunglasses, adding both flare and a bit of mystery to her look.

Hint: A variety of blazers similar to the one this Fashionista is sporting can be found at places like J. Crew. To make this outfit really stand out, search for clothing that has vibrant and bold color. American Apparel is a great place to find clothes in just about any bright color. Don't forget to jazz it up by adding your favorite accessories!

 


 

TREND: Fedoras

With their initial entrance into the fashion world, fedoras bloomed in the early 1920s.  However, their popularity slowly faded by the end of the 1950s. Fortunately, like most great fashion trends, the fedora has blossomed back into the fashion scene, and is the perfect compliment to a variety of outfits.

With the heat of summer upon us, pairing a fedora with your outfit is a great way to keep the sun's rays off your face, and of course, a great way to add flare to your summer outfit. This Fashionista is sporting a black fedora, accented with a black and white stripe, allowing it to be both casual and laid-back, or spunky and playful. She has paired it with black gladiator style sandals, khaki shorts, and a black cardigan over a simple white tank.

This Fashionista's fedora was found at Cira, a local shop in Old Town Square. Places like the local Target and Express also feature a wide selection of fedoras that can be found in a range of colors and styles. Perhaps the greatest part of these fabulous hats is that they can be paired with just about any outfit you desire!

TREND: Black and White-Traditional, but Classy

For some college students in Fort Collins, summertime is the season of living easy, but for others, it is the season of internships, interviews and job searching.

While society is forever evolving and accepting new styles and fashions, one style that remains fairly consistent is interview attire. While most of us Style Gurus love exploring new options, we must remember to not stray too far from traditional on this one. Black and white; the colors are traditional, but they're classy. Make it your own by adding a fun piece of jewelry, such as a beaded bracelet, or a colorful scarf. Old Town Fort Collins has a few really great locally owned shops that feature a variety of home-made pieces of jewelry. One of my personal favorites is the White Balcony, which features dozens of round tables filled with great must-have accessories.

This Fashionista was spotted on her way to her internship sporting black slacks and a white top, accompanied by a beaded and embroidered black vest and a touch of accessories. What I loved about this outfit was that not only was it black and white, but the embroidered and beaded vest added a touch of personal style. This Fashionista took traditional and safe colors, and made them her own by adding a small touch of her own flare.

Naturally, all interviews, internships, and work attire may vary depending on the position; however, it is always important to remember to keep it classy.
 

Style Guru Bio: Candace Carlucci

Hey Everyone!

My name is Candace, and I am a senior at Colorado State University. I am a public relations major, business minor, and of course, Fashion Guru! Hailing from the land of Vera Wang, Michael Kors, and arguably the fashion capital of the United States, my love for fashion undeniably stems from my New York roots. Three years ago I moved to beautiful Colorado, where my personal style has evolved to incorporate a Rocky Mountain edge. I have developed a love for small shops, local designers and Birkenstocks. In my spare time you can most likely find me hiking, skiing, and of course, shopping. I love bargains and great finds, sushi, Michael Kors, and the mountains.
 

While the core of my personal style is greatly influenced by New York’s 5th Avenue, my style is forever evolving.