Author: Christina Barrera

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Cristina Herrera

Mixing prints can be especially daunting, but this Fashionista does it with ease. With a bold print like her top has, the understated print on the shoes is a happy and interesting surprise; plus a cool way to ease into mixing patterns and textures. I really love the yellow in her belt, and I think it does a great job of pulling her entire outfit together.

Name: Cristina Herrera

Year: Senior

Major: Nursing

CollegeFashionista: Describe your personal style.

Cristina Herrera: Casual and fresh with a hipster flare.

CF: What inspired your outfit this morning?

CH: Black and white have been a must this season. The pattern on this shirt instantly drew me to it, and matching it up with my white shorts was a no brainer. The yellow belt and red patterned shoes I think add some color and make the outfit that much more fun.

CF: Describe a favorite piece of clothing you have and why?

CH: I have this loose fitting, neon green, striped tank top that I love to wear. It has a unique neckline that gives it a nice touch, and it is ever so comfy.

CF: What is one item in your closet that you cannot live without?

CH: Definitely cannot go without my boyfriend shorts from Gap. I have them in three different colors. They are comfortable, versatile, and a great way to beat the heat.

CF: What are your favorite summer trends?

CH: I went a little headband crazy this summer, found them in so many different colors and patterns. I think they’re a playful way to accessorize an everyday outfit.

How To: Mixing prints can be scary, but neutral colors and prints like the one in this top from Banana Republic, is a great place to start. A white pair of chino shorts like these from J.Crew are perfect for the summer; they instantly make a casual outfit look put together. Belts are one of my favorite ways to add color to an outfit, and this cute kate spade bow belt from Piperlime is a smart basic to have in your closet.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Daniela Diaz

As you guys already know, ethnic and boho inspired pieces are a big summer favorite of mine, and this Fashionista looks muy caliente in all white! On a very rainy day in South Texas, it was inspiring to see someone dressed looking so fresh, and the detailing on her blouse really stood out against her all white ensemble.

Name: Daniela Diaz

Year: Senior

Major: Art/Sculpture

CollegeFashionista: Describe your personal style.

Daniela Diaz: I really just go with what I’m feeling. My personal style is a big mix of different styles.

CF: What inspires your outfits in the morning?

DD: It depends on what I’m doing that day, but more how I’m feeling than anything else.

CF: Describe a favorite piece of clothing you have and why?

DD: My favorite piece of clothing I have would be my Egyptian two-sided long maxi skirt I got in Seattle last summer.

CF: What is one item in your closet that you cannot live without?

DD: All my sweaters! I have a tendency to be very cold all the time, so I would definitely say my collection of sweaters.

CF: What are you wearing today?

DD: I got these jeans at the mall, I think they’re Rock & Republic jeans. The shoes are from Aldo and the shirt is from Target, but a very long time ago.

How To: Luckily for us, a fall 2013 trend is rocking ethnic inspired pieces! Get in on the trend early with great tribal pieces like this one from Francesca’s Collections; I love it because with a great blazer, you can even turn it into a night piece! To get this Fashionista’s fresh look, pair your boho blouses with a pair of skinny white jeans — they’re one of those pieces that you should always have in your closet. A pair of brown sandals like these from Call It Spring are my summer BFF, and with a great pair of wedges, this outfit transitions into a night outfit fast!

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Brittney Garza

Just because it’s summertime, does not mean a Fashionista can’t wear classic black and white. This Fashionista knows that her favorite black and white fashions should not be hiding out in the back of the closet, and she rocks this cute dress with an interesting pattern on a (very) hot summer day.

Name: Britney Garza

Year: Junior

Major: Dietetics

CollegeFashionista: Where is your great dress from?

Britney Garza: This dress is from Marciano, shoes are from Aldo and my sunglasses are borrowed from a friend.

CF: What would you describe your style as?

BG: Beachy, California girl style.

CF: What draws you to to beach style?

BG: Because it’s fresh and free. I also like tropical colors because they’re bright.

CF: What are your favorite places to shop?

BG: PacSun for the beach style, Plato’s Closet because of the variety. Their (PacSun’s) Kendall and Kylie line is really great.

CF: What do your favorite outfits consist of?

BG: Definitely not jeans because it’s too hot; I would say spaghetti-strap tops or V-necks and white shorts or flowy pants.

CF: Do you look to certain blogs for fashion inspiration?

BG: Not really, I create my own style. There’s a pretty much a general image for the beach style already so it’s simple to go from there.

How To: To achieve this Fashionista’s fresh look, rompers are great go-to summer outfits, especially because it’s already an outfit! Rompers are always great for summer and they’re always a spring and summer favorite of mine. There are tons of places to find cute rompers, like this one from Forever 21 or this one from PacSun. You can complete the look with embellished sandals, sunglasses and a statement necklace or great bangles.

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Carolina Garcia

Right now I’m really into the hippie, bohemian look. I find myself walking into stores like PacSun and looking at flowy dresses and tops more than I think I have before. It’s an easy look because you don’t need a lot to look really put together, and accessories like rings and bracelets can be layered on to the hearts content — everyone knows I love me some arm candy! I spotted this Fashionista because her top looked so breezy, and I loved the contrast of her braided belt with the girly top. Then I spotted her shoes; the rhinestones really jazzed up the outfit and gave her whole look a little kick.

Name: Carolina Garcia

Year: Sophomore

Major: Rehabilitation

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?

Carolina Garcia: Somewhat vintage and bohemian

CF: What’s your favorite trend right now?

CG: I’m really loving colored jeans right now; they’re so versatile and easy to wear.

CF: If you had to run out the door in a rush, what’s most likely the first thing you would put on?

CG: Shorts. It’s so hot during the summer so that’s always a go-to.

CF: What are your favorite accessories?

CG: Definitely belts and earrings.

CF: What are you wearing right now?

CG: My peasant top is from Abercrombie & Fitch and my shoes are from ALDO.

How To: I love a peasant top like this one from Madewell in the summertime, they are effortless, chic and perfect for the beach or for an early morning class. This Fashionista’s shoes are super adorable and easily dress up her casual outfit with the sparkly rhinestones; she got hers at ALDO and I found some that are pretty similar here. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: A good, classic belt, like this one from J.Crew, can easily change up an outfit, and is an awesome accessory to invest in.

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Arjona

Like this Fashionista, I agree that animal prints are classic, and you can never go wrong with a cute leopard blouse. It’s summertime and the go-to is usually bright colors, I spotted her because of her edgy leopard look, and while still looking cute because the leopard is mixed with lighter colors for the season. She doubled up on the punk-rock accessories with her adorable shoes and trendy cross accented headband.

Name: Stephanie Arjona

Major: Liberal Arts

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Who’s your style icon?

Stephanie Arjona: I don’t really have one; I just wear what I feel like wearing in the morning. It depends on my mood.

CF: What are your favorite go-to pieces for summer?

SA: I wear a lot of pants and blouses, so mostly just a quick button-up blouse and pants. Denim button-ups are my favorite.

CF: Favorite accessory pieces?

SA: Definitely headbands and hair pieces.

CF: What are the trends you’re gravitating towards right now?

SA: I go for more of the edgy/punk rock trends; animal prints and studs are my favorite right now.

How To:  Getting a punk rock look is so easy right now, and while you don’t have to go full out rock ‘n’ roll, a simple white tee and jeans outfit can be made edgier with super trendy spike and stud bangles, punk out a flowy, high-low skirt with studded pumps or a leather jacket…if it’s not too hot!

STYLE GURU BIO: Christina Barrera

My name is Christina Barrera and I am currently a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and majoring in Communication Studies, with a minor in Business. Now that you know the boring stuff, let’s hear the fun stuff! I’ve lived in South Texas my whole life. While I wasn’t really familiar with the fashion world until high school, I most certainly was that little girl that wore what she wanted; whether that was a scarf on my head or mismatched shoes, I’ve always dressed to fit who I wanted to be that particular day.

I have found that fashion is not only about your unique style, but each day and each outfit is truly art you create to express yourself to the world. It wasn’t until I started to become interested in my own style that I realized how much I loved putting outfits together, for myself or for anyone else I knew. It was then I knew that I had to be apart of the fashion world.

My personal style is constantly evolving, but generally I would describe my style as classic and girly with boho, preppy and vintage influences. I love being put together, never sloppy–you could say I’m the kind of girl that dresses up to go to the grocery store! I’m big on accessories—huge earrings, statement necklaces and big rings—I’ll take them all. I’m a believer that accessories can take an outfit and change it a million and one different ways. I’m also love color. Although black is my go-to, and this is true of a lot of Fashionistas, color is just so much more fun! Although my style is girly, I’m not very high maintenance; I love throwing on a dresses, rompers or blue jean shorts and cute, flowy tops — because after all I am a Texas girl, and it gets hot down here!

I do a ton of catching up on all the latest fashion news by reading blogs and magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Marie Claire. I usually rip out my favorite styles or outfits and keep them in binders for inspiration, which my Tumblr and Pinterest are also great for.

I know there is absolutely nothing else I want to do but be apart of the fashion world, and aspire to be a buyer one day. I hope to inspire others to develop their style, dress to express themselves and see that clothing can not only be necessary, but fun! I’m excited to be contributing to FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT for the summer, and to be a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista, so stay tuned!