Author: Cate Young

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Rebecca Lee

Every now and again, someone in fashion repeats this phrase: "Less is more". And no matter how many times it gets said, it doesn't lose its meaning. Sometimes, being understated is the best way to make a really great fashion statement, and this Fashionista did it perfectly. While she didn't wear anything flashy, the minimal accents she added to her outfit made her outfit a look to remember.

Name: Rebecca Lee

Year: Junior

Major: Marketing

CollegeFashionista: What is your favourite part of this outfit?

Rebecca Lee: My bag. It was a recent present from my sister. She got it from Rebecca Minkoff and it fits my style perfectly.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

RL: I like Madewell, J. Crew and Anthropologie. They all have clothing that are always fashioniable and timeless.

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

RL: Fun, casual and classic.

CF: What is your summer fashion must-have?

RL: A really cute monokini.

How To: I share Rebecca's sentiment that a monokini is this summer's must have. Try this animal prinit suit to add some adventure to your summer, or this beautifully sophisticated wrap monokini. This mesh monokini is also perfect to add a little allure.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Zitsch

I loved this Fashionista's casual/prefessional style. Her outfit was so flexible and could easily be worn appropriately in a variety of situations. This easy styling is the way that Fashionista's should dress in college: the only thing that needs to change to transistion from day to night is different makeup. 

Name: Lauren Zitsch

Year: Sophomore

Major: Political Science

CollegeFashionista: What is your favourite part of this outfit?

Lauren Zitsch: My blazer. I can literally wear it with anything and I wear it all the time.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

LZ: Urban Outfitters, GAP and Anthropologie. I get most of my basics from GAP and Urban has more funky pieces. I like to mix the two.

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

LZ: Random, classic and femininie.

CF: What is your summer fashion must-have?

LZ: I'm currently looking for the perfect maxi-dress. I still haven't found one.

How To: Just like Lauren, every girl should be looking for a great maxi dress this summer. This blue cotton maxi is a great knockabout option, and this floral option is great for garden parties and grabbing coffee. If you have a more flexible budget, this Marc Jacobs striped maxi is a beautiful piece to have in your collection.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kesia Ryan-Webster

I'm a '90s baby. My fashion sense growing up was heavily informed by the Spice Girls. But even though the British pop group was a major influence of that decade, there were other stand out style icons that have managed to leave a lasting impact. I loved that this Fashionista tries to channel her favorite style icons everyday.

Name: Kesia Ryan-Webster

Year: Sophomore

Major: English and African-American Studies

CollegeFashionista: What is your favorite part of this outfit?

Kesia Ryan-Webster: The big gold hoops! They work with 90% of my wardrobe and they can double as bracelets.

CF: What is your favourite article of clothing to buy?

KRW: Definitely shirts, tops and jewellery.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

KRW: A lot of different places actually, but mostly H&M and thrift stores. I also ask my aunt to make certain clothes for me. ( I shoud probably learn to sew!)

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

KRW: Well I only have one really: "retro" or maybe 80's/90's-esque. To quote Regina Hunter of Living Single "I don't wear outfits, I create looks." I think my style changes everyday. My major influences are: Lisa Bonet, Whitley from "A Different World" and Hilary Banks of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air".

How to: The retro '90s look is very easy to emulate. Start with staples like this gray knitwear sweater and these doorknocker earrings. Leggings are also a must, and, when recreating this look, it's the perfect time to look into getting some great new sneakers. Most importantly, don't forget to add a hairbow or fascinator!

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Cupcakes

Every wondered if designers wear their own clothing? It seems that sometimes, the answer is yes! Last week I was lucky enough to be able to sit down with the man behind cult t-shirt brand, Johnny Cupcakes, and I couldn't wait to ask him about his own personal style.

Name: Johnny Earle

Occupation: Designer

Affiliation: Johnny Cupcakes

CollegeFashionista: Do you always wear items from your clothing line?

Johnny Earle: Yes. I try to wear something from the line everyday. Today I'm just wearing a pin.

CF: What other brands do you like, and where do you get your inspiration?

JE: I really like Marc Jacobs and the way he mixes cheaper items with more expense things. My design team and I also get a lot of inspiration from food brands. We like to go into Whole Foods and look at the packaging for the food and toys.

CF: Other than t-shirts, what is your favourite article of clothing?

JE: Bowties. I own LOTS of bowties. We're working on incorporating bowties into the Johnny Cupcakes line soon.

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

JE: Random, obscure and classic.

How To: If you ask me, wacky bowties (for guys and girls) are the key to Johnny Earle's signature style.They're also the perfect springtime accessory. But you can always just get decked out in Johnny Cupcakes gear.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Baral

When I’m scouting looks for CollegeFashionista, I try not to force it. I let the amazing fashion of BU come to me, whether it be  in the form of a sliver of silver or a flash of pastel. Today, I was almost overwhelmed by the Fashionista’s eye for fashion, and she was only sitting on a bench!

Name: Lauren Baral

Year: Sophomore

Major: Biology

CollegeFashionista: What is your favourite part about this outfit?

Lauren Baral: My boots. They’re Steve Madden and I just got them. I had to special order them because the store only had them in black. I just saw them one day and was drawn to them!

CF: Describe your personal style in three words.

LB: comfortable, urban and fun.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

LB: L.F., Urban Outfitters and Free People. But mostly L.F.

CF: What’s the best piece of fashion advice you can give to other Fashionistas?

LB: That you should dress for yourself. Just because there’s no cute boy that you’re trying to impress, it doesn’t mean that you should dress your best just for you.

How To: Lauren’s fresh look is easily duplicable. Layer a light jacket over a fancy top with dark denim. Bulky boots are a fantastic touch, but you can also try booties if that’s more your style. Keep your jewellery light like Lauren did, with a few choice pieces like these rings and grab your favourite tote. Voila.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Ashley Lisenby

Nudes should be a staple in every Fashionista's wardrobe. Colours are amazing, but knowing how to tone down your look when necessary is essential. This Fashionista did an excellent job of combining the staples.

Name: Ashley Lisenby

Year: Sophomore

Major: Journalism

CollegeFashionista: What's your favourite part of this outfit?

Ashley Lisenby: I think, this skirt. I got it for $5 at Forever 21. I like that the material is loose and comfortable and not restricting.

CF: Boston's weather is always fluctuating. How do you dress to adjust for the weather?

AL: I always wear a sweater or a coat. I'm big on coats, and I always wear comfortable shoes just in case.

CF: What are you favourite pieces to wear?

AL: I'm really into trousers and neutral tones right now. I also like statement jewellery, like a ring or a chunky bracelet. Something that's not too over the top, but still pulls the whole outfit together. Animal print is big right now too. I just bought a pair of faux animal print shoes and I can't wait to incorporate them into my look. 

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

AL: Classic, romantic and colourful. Even though I look so dreary today!

How To: Creatting a great nude look is all about finding and combing the right pieces, but it's also about having the right staples. To fill out your neutral quota, try picking up a dark cardigan, and some nude trousers. These pieces can easily be mixed and matched over and over to create stunning neutral looks. Don't forget to include a signature piece or two like this braided headband or this purple rose ring.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Zak Gersten

The weather is finally letting up and Terriers are starting to put the winter coats back into the closet and let a bit more color in. But what really caught my eye was this Fashionisto's weathered worker boots. It's a major trend among the guys on campus, so I knew that this guy definitely had a sense of style.

Name: Zak Gersten

Year: Senior

Major: Biology and African Studies

CollegeFashionista: What's your favourite part of this outfit?

Zak Gersten: My boots! I can wear them with anything and still look casual. And I really like the way they look worn down and used.

CF: What's your biggest style influence?

ZG: Lately I've been really into the All Saints brand.

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

ZG: Casual, comfotable and sophisticated.

CF: Are there any styles that you're looking forward to trying this summer?

ZG: Well I've been seeing a lot of red in fashion recently, like in scarves, hats and t-shirts. I'm excited to try that out, and to wear my boots with shorts.

How To: To get Zak's style, start with the boots. Try these vintage boots from Infinity Shoes for that worn in, weathered look. For a great trench, check out this basic cut. And for that coveted slash of red, pick up this red hoodie.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Allison Macika

What caught my eye about this Fashionista was her beautiful blazer and the red tint in her hair. College is a defining time in any Fashionista's fashion evolution, and seeing a freshman with such a good grasp on her personal style assured me that the fashion legacy of BU will continue long after I go back home!

Name: Allison Macika

Year: Freshman

Major: English

CollegeFashionista: What's your favourite part of this outfit?

Allison Macika: I'd say this green dress that I found. I tried to find a green one to wear for the St. Patrick's Day parade.

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words.

AM: Comfortable, economic, simple.

CF: Where do you do most of your shopping?

AM: Generally at Forever21, Target and H&M. I like the bargain shopping.

CF: What's your next fashion must have?

AM: Definitely a white maxi dress for the summer! They are definitely on my radar.

How To: Allison definitely has the right idea with putting a maxi dress on her must-have list. If you want to follow suit, try this gorgeous design from the new Bird by Juicy Couture collection or opt for something a little less expensive with this Dorothy Perkins maxi. Even though summer seems ages away, it'll be time for flip flops and shorts before you know it.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alexis Cupp

Sometimes being a Fashionista is less about being overstated, and more about being practical. Boston's weather has been on the fritz recently, so any BU Fashionista has to know how to dress for any eventualities. This Fashionista's combination of winter weather wear and springtime patterns expertly displayed this fun trick.

Name: Alexis Cupp

Year: Sophomore

Major: Science Education

CollegeFashionista: What is your favorite part of this outfit?

Alexis Cupp: I think it would be my tights and then maybe my skirt. These tights are perfect for awkward weather like this where it's to warm for something heavier, but still too cold to go barelegged.

CF: Describe your personal style in three words.

AC: Simple, flexible and colorful.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

AC: Mostly Goodwill. I like that I can get some great finds for cheap. I also like that thrifting ensures I don't have the same items as everyone else on campus.

CF: What's you next fashion must have?

AC: I think more leggings!

How To: For Alexis's winter/spring combo look, try layering a springtime dress over cotton leggings. Add a coat with a bit of oomph and a some flats (or boots that can handle any weather) and you're set.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Perry

One thing that always catches my eye, is a Fashionista wearing a dress. As a self-proclaimed girly-girl, I can't get enough of the draping and flounce of a beautiful dress. This Fashionista's gorgeous floral dress plus her urban styling, made her a stand out who had clearly percected the CollegeFashionista aesthetic.

Name: Stephanie Perry

Year: Freshman

Major: Undecided

CollegeFashionista: What' your favourite part of this outfit?

Stephanie Perry: Definitely my boots. They're really comfortable and they work well for the rain.  I also really like how well they pull an outfit together.

CF: Describe your personal style in three words.

SP: Comfy, girly and practical.

CF: What's your next must have fashion item?

SP: I have my sight set on a new romper. I don't like the one I have from last season anymore! Rompers are comfortable and cute and it'll be a great addition to my spring wardrobe.

How To: Since the ice has melted and spring is finally on its way, it's safe to break out the floral patterns. Get this Fashionsita's flirty feminine look with this strapless floral dress and grunge it up with these motorcycle boots and leather jacket. Everyone loves a lady with some kick!