Chelsea Tadros – CollegeFashionista

CollegeFashionista X Trina Turk: In Her Space at University of San Francisco

Between sharing desks at the library, rides to class and even common spaces with roommates, a Fashionista’s bedroom is the one true that is actually hers. Her bedroom should reflect her personality, mood and, most importantly, her style. The Trina Turk Back to College Collection is the ultimate must-have bedding collection for any Fashionista heading back to campus this fall. Even better, it comes in a set! Each set contains a comforter and one-two shams. Pick up the latest collection bedding at a Dillard’s or Macy’s near you!

We partnered up with Trina Turk to show how some of our Style Gurus are redecorating their room with the Trina Turk Back to College Collection. Check out how Chelsea from University of San Francisco worked the bedding into her dorm room:

“Living in a city as hectic as San Francisco and leading a generally busy life means my bedroom is nothing less than my sanctuary. In reality, it’s the only place I can be alone and just chill out. I love the clean, crispness of all white with pops of color and dainty details (similar to my taste in wardrobe). I appreciate simple aesthetics; keepsakes in the form of set lists and postcards on my walls, my favorite books to keep me inspired, the natural beauty of my fellow, strong women and, of course, the work of Jean Paul Gaultier.

The Trina Turk Back to College Collection in Jungle Bloom is a great addition to a minimal bedroom design. The bright magenta is the perfect complement to the overall neutral color scheme of my walls and furniture. While it may be vibrant, it remains easy on the eyes and definitely energizing.”

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Sock It To ‘Em

It’s finally May, and the students here at University of San Francisco are in their final stretch of the spring semester. With beautiful 75-degree weather, staying focused is almost as hard as that 15-page term paper due tomorrow morning that you haven’t started yet (don’t worry, you’re in good company). The weeks leading up to finals are painful. Sleep deprivation and caffeine dependency is a common theme amongst students. Planning our outfits may take the back burner because, hey, I’ve been in the same outfit for 48 plus hours because I haven’t slept, let alone showered (okay, TMI).

Despite having utter disregard for your outer appearance during finals week, you can still add little pick-me-ups into your looks just as this week’s Fashionista did with her rad Mishka eyeball socks. Sometimes it’s all in the details, especially those of us who appreciate minimal styling. For a look like this week’s Fashionista, pair a basic striped T-shirt with your favorite black skinnies cuffed at the bottom to reveal your eyeball socks. For some more peak-a-boo socks, try these peach or polka dot ones.

Colorful stockings are also a great way to easily add some color and life into your outfit. Try a pastel pair with your favorite LBD and these cut out wedges, or keep it more neutral but still eclectic with a mock ankle sock tight. The mock ankle sock would look awesome paired with these platform oxfords. Another cute way to utilize leg wear is to layer a pair of frilly socks over solid tights paired with a modest heel.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Work It Out

With finals coming up in less than three weeks, the students at USF are practically crawling to the finish line of the semester. We’ve had beautiful 75-degree weather, which has made it nearly impossible to focus on anything but class. While it’s important to stay focused, it’s also essential we allow ourselves to de-stress and relax. Whether it’s yoga, movie nights with friends or baking — everyone has an outlet.

For this week’s Fashionista, she lets out finals stress by working out. Just because you’re at the gym doesn’t mean you need to surrender style. She paired black leggings with a bright coral sports bra and black tank top, and finished off with black Nike Frees. It’s versatile enough to go from class to the gym to running errands.

Workout style has gained popularity lately with lifestyle brands like Lululemon and Nike setting the standard for active apparel. American Apparel, Gap and H&M also carry fashionable active apparel.

For a look like this week’s Fashionista, pair these Lululemon crop pants with this neon coral sports bra, black racerback tank top and black Nike Frees. For a more eclectic workout look, try this tank top with crosshatch details paired with black crop pants and striped hoodie for colder runs or hikes. For a more unique piece, pair this strappy black sports bra with a loose fitting white tank top and shirred knee-length leggings — perfect for a yoga session. However you release your tension, do it in style.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back To Basics

One of my favorite pieces in my closet is my super soft, plain scoop neck T-shirt. It’s my shirt of choice paired with yoga pants for weekend chores or my favorite skinny jeans for an effortless outfit. It’s been through more washes than I can count and against my will it may be time for a new one. I think I’d be accurate in saying everyone has a go-to T-shirt that has been with them through thick and thin. It’s a staple wardrobe piece, and having multiple in every color of your favorite one is nothing short of necessity.

This week’s Fashionista reminded us that dressing up a plain T-shirt is just another use for your favorite wardrobe piece. She paired her grey T-shirt with dark wash skinny jeans, a black leather jacket and patterned scarf. She finished her look with brown riding boots and a classic black, quilted Chanel purse. I like how she kept her look neutral and on the darker side then used her scarf to add some color and texture: perfect every-day look.

Dressing up a T-shirt is an essential styling skill. The T-shirt doesn’t have to be plain, your favorite band T-shirt or graphic works as well. Try pairing this T-shirt in black with a floral and creme pencil skirt. Finish your look with some edgy sandals with a short heel. Another great way to dress up a T-shirt is with your favorite trousers and minimal heels. Throw on a black blazer and you’re good to go for a night out or business casual style (sans the barely there heel sandals!).

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Living in Layers

The power of layering can never be overstated. It is essential for stylish cold weather outfits. Especially here in San Francisco, layering is one of the most important styling skills to master. Known for our micro-climates, it will go from 65 and sunny downtown to foggy and windy in the Outer Richmond. Layering not only keeps you cozy in cold weather, it also allows for the shedding and adding of pieces in varying district climates.

This week’s Fashionista put together a perfectly layered outfit with different textures, colors and patterns coming together harmoniously. She successfully mixed the micro floral pattern in her mini dress with the larger print on her coat. Her black tights and neutral beanie don’t distract from the prints and ensure the look is not too hard on the eyes. I also loved how she transitioned a dress typically for summer or spring into a layering piece for colder days.

One of the most important aspects of layering is to be sure your look doesn’t appear frumpy with too many pieces of the same length, color or texture. For a look like this week’s Fashionista, pair your favorite black tights with a floral mini dress like this one from ASOS. Layer over a chunky cardigan and ¾ sleeve coat, and add a neutral knit beanie. For another look to try with varying lengths and textures, pair a chiffon maxi skirt with a body suit and cropped jacket, then throw on some platforms for extra length.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Emerald City

April has finally arrived and spring 2013 is in full force. Colorful prints and bright colors are beginning to bloom from the deep color palettes of winter and fall. Campuses back home in Los Angeles are enjoying shorter hemlines, however San Francisco is gearing up for a foggy couple of months. Colder weather doesn’t mean we can’t embrace spring trends though, and one of my favorite trends this season is emerald. Emerald was seen all over the runway for spring. Burberry, Mary Katrantzou and Stella McCartney are few of the designers who showcased emerald ensembles. Emerald is a symbol of growth and optimism — perfect for the spring season. Luckily, emerald flatters all skin tones and hair colors, so everyone can try it.

This week’s Fashionista is wearing emerald cords and a polka dot chambray top. She finished the look with creme Sperry Top-Siders and black framed glasses: the perfect amount of collegiate prep for a day of classes. Her look is colorful without being harsh on the eyes and is balanced out with her neutral shoes and naturally wavy hair.

Emerald can easily be dressed up or down. For an every day look, pair some emerald green hot shorts with a neutral tank and sneakers. If you’re in colder weather, try these rad, deep emerald skinnies with a black chiffon top and Chelsea ankle boots.

Emerald is a stunning hue for a night out. This iridescent sequin dress from Motel is reminiscent of mermaids and the sea — I would love an excuse to pretty much wear it everywhere. Pair it with all black high-heeled sandals and a black clutch.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blue Jean Baby

Well, spring break is over and it’s time to hit the books again. It was the perfect break from school stress, but also a painful summertime tease. A week of sunny Los Angeles weather has me apprehensive to go back to the San Francisco fog. I’m not quite ready to ditch my shorts and chiffon for boots and coats. Luckily, I could use some spring fashion inspiration to brighten my days until summer.

This week’s Fashionista was a lovely embodiment of spring — pastel florals, a light denim skirt and baby pink Jeffrey Campbells. Her playful look is perfect for a day of classes or stomping around town. I love the light denim skirt as it definitely pulls the outfit together. I’m a huge fan of denim and chambray for spring; it’s the perfect touch for any print or color and easily lightens up any outfit.

For a look like this Fashionista’s, pair this denim circle skirt with a floral crop top and finish the look with the Jeffrey Campbell Rumble bootie. Denim also pairs well with white for a clean look. Try the denim circle skirt with a white sleeveless crop top and some black boots or platforms.

Another form of denim that’s great for spring, and all other seasons, is the chambray top. Chambray is a lighter fabric than denim while maintaining the denim look. They are extremely versatile and will easily become a mainstay in your closet. Pair it buttoned under a striped sweater, by itself over some skinny jeans or unbuttoned over a mini dress. Madewell in particular makes the perfect chambray — leaving them a little stiff for you to soften up with everyday wear and love.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Faux and Fab

Leather (faux of course, keeping it cruelty-free) has been trending for quite some time now, seen in pants, skirts, dresses and shirt sleeves. I especially love the high-waisted pleated leather skirts that look adorable with a crew neck sweater and a collared shirt underneath. However, the leather jacket is a more timeless piece that will always have a spot in your wardrobe. They’re easy to dress up or down, and the perfect light jacket for spring and fall while also being easily layered in the winter.

This week’s Fashionista styled a striped button-down with black skinnies and chic sneakers. She finished off the look with her cropped leather jacket and top-knot. Cool, comfortable and put together. Leather goes with almost any outfit and is the perfect way to add some grunge to an otherwise feminine look. Pair this Victorian lace dress from Free People with a leather jacket, black ankle boots and some stacked bangles. For an everyday look perfect for class, lunch with friends and everything in between, pair your favorite skinny jeans with a loose, white T-shirt, a few delicate necklaces and finish it off with a leather jacket. Cool, comfy and edgy — what else could you possibly need in an outfit? I personally like black faux leather, but brown also looks great styled with your favorite LBD!

We all love some leather in our outfits now and then, but we also love our furry friends, so remember to keep it faux!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Pretty In Prep

My personality doesn’t exactly scream sweaters and collared shirts. Unlike my legal studies counterparts, I don’t look like I walked out of a J.Crew fall catalog. I wear all black, mixed prints, velvet, obscene graphics and Dr. Martens. But underneath that wild child, counter prep-school culture, I have an intense guilty pleasure for it — tortoise eyeglasses, a collared Madewell shirt peaking through my J.Crew crewneck with the perfectly tailored pair of skinny jeans. Yeah, I dig it. Although I am unable to embody the stylish, Ivy League, law school-esque style on myself, I can admire it in others.

This week’s Fashionista wore a polka-dot chiffon collared-shirt with a gray crewneck sweater layered over it, cuffed skinny jeans, a pair of oxfords and a black messenger bag; perfect blend of minimal, edgy and collegiate style. The rustic burgundy color of her oxfords brings out the red in her hair and lips, adding a perfect contrast to the overall dark look of her outfit.

A collegiate-inspired outfit is simple to style and the possibilities of colors, prints and patterns are endless. For a look like this Fashionista’s, pair this polka-dot blouse with this gray crewneck sweater. Finish the look with your favorite dark skinny jeans and oxfords. For a girlier look, try this pansy-printed shirt with black jeans and black sweater. Pair it with a statement piece necklace and black ballet flats. If you wear contacts, swap them out and invest in a pair of chic tortoise eyeglasses. Try to embrace the inner university schoolgirl in you.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Red

Even with the onset of spring quickly approaching, I am still in my neutral-only wardrobe phase with the exception of some cheetah print and a bright lip here and there. As you probably know from reading previous posts of mine, one of my favorite looks is a muted outfit with a pop of color. In the fall and winter, burgundy was a popular accent color. Coming into spring we’ll see the trend brighten up a bit with red accents. The trend is much easier for women — a red lip, red floppy hat or (in most our dreams) the soles of some Christian Louboutins.

For men the trend is a bit more limited, but this week’s Fashionisto caught my eye with his red Converse chucks. He wore dark denim skinny jeans, a plain white T-shirt with a neutral patterned dress shirt and finished the look with a pop of red in his chucks. The red offset the neutral colors in his button-down perfectly and kept the outfit interesting.

Chucks are insanely easy to style; I don’t even have to tell you they go with everything. Instead of your usual black Converse shoes, try a pair of red ones instead. Keep your outfit simple but not lazy; a pair of fitted jeans, a white or black T-shirt and a watch to dress it up. Finish it off with red chucks and you’ve got yourself the perfect clean cut, every day outfit. If you’re not into red shoes, a red beanie is also a great way to have a red accent to your look.