Author: Christine Flammia

STYLE GURU BIO: Christine Flammia

The sweet smell of Manhattan sewage is upon us once again! Hi, Fashionistas and Fashionistos. My name is Christine Flammia, and I’m a rising senior at the University of Florida studying journalism. This is my sixth semester as a Style Guru, although I took last semester off while I was studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. This summer, I am interning in New York City at Men’s Health magazine as a fashion editorial intern. It’s the perfect combination of my two favorite things: fashion and telling boys what to do.

My style has always tended toward the preppier side, but I have recently been inspired by a lot of British and European fashion. I am obsessed with all things London, so it’s no wonder that I am so enamored with all of the fashion that comes with it. After visiting abroad, I was particularly inspired to add new British-like pieces to my wardrobe, like boxy jackets and high top sneakers. In the war against Sperry Top-Siders versus Converse, I’ve always been a boat shoes kind of girl. But after seeing so many Europeans rocking sneakers of all sorts, I’ve been expanding my shoe collection—not that I really needed a reason to do that.

This outfit is an example of my breaching out of my preppy comfort zone. My favorite Madewell black jeans and black combat boots are my staple bottom pieces to any given outfit. My navy blue polka-dot tee is from Springfield in Madrid, which is a preppy-meets-Euro-chic kind of store. Last semester, it was my go-to whenever I was missing my Americana fashion. This baseball jacket has been my season staple, and I really do wear it everywhere I can. It doubles as my subtle mourning attire in premature remembrance of Derek Jeter being a Yankee.

Although it’s an unspoken understanding that pants—and really, any article of clothing—are optional in the effervescence that is New York City, I will be on the lookout for fully and fashionably clad Fashionistas and Fashionistos all summer. I can’t wait to see what gems are hiding in the city this summer!

WHAT TO WEAR: Casual Date Night

For most Fashionistas and Fashionistos around the country, final weeks are in full force. However, like most college students, I’m all for taking a few study breaks in favor of something more fun. A casual date night is the perfect escape from the library and the perfect place to enjoy the few fleeting moments left of Florida sun until I’m back to my Northern home for the holidays.

This Fashionista started her outfit off right with a fun pair of embroidered pants, perfectly suited for the ever-confusing date night attire. It’s always acceptable to start a date night outfit with classic jeans. I’m usually partial to black skinny jeans but I adore a clean white pair for a fresh spin. The simple coral embroidery down the side of the leg adds just the perfect touch of femininity. For another girly touch, try a pair of skinny peplum pants.

For the perfect casual date night outfit, it is all about balance. Because this Fashionista wore bolder pants, the other simplistic pieces keep the focus on the bold bottoms. I love the color-blocked top, which is super versatile. The coral and camel combo stands out against the white denim while also pulling in the coral detailing. She added a simple gold necklace, a few of her favorite bracelets and simple neutral sandals. The simple ballerina bun is also super feminine and not too showy—perfect for a casual date night. Check out how to recreate this look on eBay here.

One Simple Change: This simple but super personalized outfit is perfect for a date night to dinner or a show. Swap out the sandals for a pair of riding boots and throw on a cool kimono to meet the parents.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition. #FOLLOWITFINDIT

WHAT TO WEAR: Library

The dreaded week of finals has returned once again. Classes are out and libraries are in. Although this stressful period of time never gets easier, a cappuccino and a cool outfit can help ease the pain a tad. And always, always remember: sweatpants are never the answer.

The key to a perfect studying outfit is one that makes you feel put together but won’t be fussy. This Fashionista rocked a cute and comfy outfit that is perfect for day and nightlong study sessions in the library. She started off with—gasp—leggings. Normally, I’m against the leggings-as-pants movement but in this case, I think it works. I love a good pair of jeans as much as the next Fashionista but even finals week can get a little rough for us faint of legging heart. Just please pick an opaque pair and avoid neon undergarments.

On top, this Fashionista chose a loose short sleeve sweater. The short sleeves keep it finicky Florida weather appropriate but the hunter green color makes it fall friendly. If it gets chilly in the library, opt for a sneaky outerwear layer—one that looks like a varsity jacket but feels like a sweatshirt.

She finished her comfy-cozy, sweatpants free outfit off with a pair of squishy socks and classic combat boots. She added a cute eagle necklace and a pair of aviators for a little added library fun. Check out how to recreate this look on eBay here.

One Simple Change: This outfit transitions well into finals once your stint at the library is up. Swap out the short sleeves for a sweater tunic to feel feminine and ready to take on those exams.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition. #FOLLOWITFINDIT

WHAT TO WEAR: Meet The Parents

There are few things more nerve-racking in this world than meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend’s parents for the first time, except maybe finding that significant other in the first place, but I digress. Meeting parents is especially based on a first impression, so it is crucial to nail the right look. Few mothers will see ever past a revealing skirt if that’s what they first catch you in—and don’t ever mess with the moms.

This Fashionista (a fellow Style Guru and editorial intern) rocked an outfit that would please both a boyfriend and a mother. She went for a simple but distinct look, which are two prime factors in crafting the perfect outfit. She started off with a simple chambray top. Any type of button-down is perfect for good first impression because it is both flattering and appropriate. A black denim button-down would also be fitting and add a little edginess to the look.

This Fashionista tucked her top into a quilted leather skirt. A leather skirt can easily go from sweet to scandalous, so buy one that isn’t too tight or short. Think parents, not nightclub. I love how hers has a bit of a skater skirt feel to it. She played up that sporty piece by adding a pair of classic white Converse.

She pulled the whole outfit look together with a completer piece. This metallic jacket is perfect to tie the whole look together and make it just a little bit different than what anyone else might choose to wear.

One Simple Change: This look is perfect for meeting parents but the leather skirt can easily transition from a day with the rents to a night out with friends. Swap out the sneakers for a pair of cute black booties and loosen up the tucked in shirt to make this outfit perfect for a birthday party.

Check out my eBay collection here.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition #FOLLOWITFINDIT

WHAT TO WEAR: Game Night

Black is the best color. It’s always flattering, it always fits and it always has an edgy feel that juxtaposes my inclination toward ballet flats and flowers. True Fashionistas and Fashionistos know, however, that black isn’t the only way to make an outfit dark and mysterious.

It can be hard to hit a perfect edgy look without going all out goth during school. This Fashionista kept her outfit and vibe in check by balancing strong pieces with subtler ones. Theoretically, her outfit is simple—jeans and a sweatshirt—but these specific pieces are edgy and awesome. Her acid-washed jeans are in a cool gray color, stepping away from the a classic black or blue pair. On top, she wore a vintage-inspired sweatshirt, which is perfect for a cute and casual setting, such as game night.

This Fashionista’s edgy moto jacket is, of course, the staple of the outfit. Layers always add visual interest but there is just something about a cool leather jacket that adds a rebellious twist to even the sweetest of outfits. It mirrors the edginess of her jeans while pulling in the touches of black from her sweatshirt. This season, there have been a ton of leather toppers in awesome colors. If you’re looking to add another staple, try one in a bright blue or forest green.

She finished her outfit off with a classic pair of white Converse, adding a sporty spin to the edgy outfit. She kept her hair and makeup light and natural, which was the perfect complement to a darker outfit.

One Simple Change: Swap out the sneakers for a pair of over the knee black boots and toss on some bold red lipstick for a casual date night.

Check out my collection on eBay here.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition #FOLLOWITFINDIT

CollegeFashionista X Macy’s: mstylelab at The University of Florida

Back-to-school and the holidays are two of the most popular times for Fashionistas and Fashionistos to add some new season staples to their wardrobes. However, my personal favorite time is right in between: the mid-semester pick-me-up. We’ve passed the wave of midterms but aren’t thinking about finals quite yet. What better way to celebrate the mid-semester lull than with a few fabulous wardrobe additions? Luckily, I had Macy’s mstylelab to help me out.

For my first look, I started off with my cool weather go-to combination of jeans and knee-high boots. Skinny black jeans are my usual no-fail pair, but I instantly fell in love with this pleather-front pair from mstylelab. They are still well within my comfort zone, but the waxy front coat puts an awesome edgy spin on the whole look. I always think skinny jeans look the best with a pair of high boots to balance out the tight fit of the jean. This pair of Steve Madden boots from mstylelab are so comfy and zip up the back, making it easy to tuck the pant bottoms in. I also love how they are slightly faded; the worn-in look is a cool complement to the jet-black pants.

On top, I wore a peplum top of my own, but American Rag has a flirty lace top that would put a girly spin on the edgy bottoms. For chillier days, I would swap out the tee for a cozy sweater. I layered a cargo jacket on top. The army green is a perfect fall and winter color, and the printed sleeves make it more feminine than a straight utility jacket. I would wear this on the weekends, especially if I was grabbing lunch or dinner with friends.

This jacket is so versatile, especially because its neutral color palette works with so many types of outfits. I also used it to layer over a Material Girl black skater dress, giving it a casual vibe. This dress could definitely be dressed up with a pair of slinky heels and a bold lip color, but I chose to dress it down for hanging around campus. I added my favorite Steve Madden combat boots and a bright beanie for an added edgy spin.

The last outfit is my staple fall and winter outfit—jeans, boots, T-shirt, sweater. It’s such a dependable combination and is so easy to throw on for an early morning class or for studying in the library. I added some color to the black bottom half with one of my own favorite cotton T-shirts. The open-front white cardigan was an awesome investment—it goes with everything and is so comfy.

If you’re looking for a way to pump up your semester as we head into finals season, check out mstylelab for some super trendy pick-me-ups! A little retail therapy never hurt anybody.

Disclosure Statement: 

This post is brought to you by Macy’s. Create your own mstylelab look.

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WHAT TO WEAR: Fall Break

It’s almost time to head back home for fall break, which brings up the inevitable dilemma of what to pack. Break is usually less than a week, which should technically mean that not a lot of clothes are necessary. However, true Fashionistas and Fashionistos know that those few days mean showing off your best outfits at home. Packing clothes that can be layered and styled into completely different outfits is a start.

This Fashionista wore a super preppy and fall-inspired outfit that’s perfect for fall break. She started off by wearing a printed button-up as the first layer. The navy and white coloring is fitting for many fall break occasions and can be treated as a neutral. For another interesting peek-a-boo-like collar, try a chiffon button-down with a tie-front top. This Fashionista paired a neutral gold colored sweater over the top, rolling up the sleeves for a more laid back vibe.

The bottom half of her outfit is my go-to bottom look for fall fashion. She wore a pair of faded black skinny jeans, which go with way too much in my book, adding a more casual feel to the preppy blouse and sweater combination. Of course, I’m never one to skimp out on a chance to wear a pair of fun pants and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. This outfit would also be awesome with a pair of waxy red jeans. She finished it off with a pair of pretty patent leather riding booties.

One Simple Change: Although this outfit is perfect for a break at home, it is also fitting for many school activities. Ditch the sweater and replace it with a cool bomber jacket for weekend wear.

Check out my eBay collection here.

WHAT TO WEAR: Early Class

The wee hours of the morning, like 5 or 6 a.m., is my favorite time of day. There is something so peaceful about starting a new day. Everything is quiet, the Starbucks line is short, and tables in the library are actually open. The air is finally cool, so Fashionistas and Fashionistos who are itching to layer their clothing can finally have some fun without breaking a sweat. It’s not until noon hits that campus is crowded, sweltering hot and I’m ready to go back to bed.

This Fashionista nailed the perfect comfortable and appropriate look for heading to one of those early classes. There are few times when a Floridian Fashionista can comfortably wear pants and she did not skimp out on the opportunity to do so. She wore a flattering pair of skinny jeans in a navy and turquoise print, two of the best jewel tone colors. She paired it with a neutral caramel colored sweater that is thin enough to last even once that Florida sun shows up later in the day.

This Fashionista tied her printed pants and simple sweater together with a fall colored scarf. On days when even the mornings are too warm for a scarf, a bold statement necklace in a jewel tone can also bring the pieces together. Try one in purple and blue or an emerald green. She finished off the outfit with a pair of studded black loafers.

One Simple Change: Often times, early class can mean an early morning presentation. Make this outfit a tad more professional by layering with a cool blazer.

Check out this look recreated on eBay here.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition #FOLLOWITFINDIT

WHAT TO WEAR: Meeting With A Professor

Being in college is such a wonderfully blissful bubble where things that are generally socially unacceptable in the real world, like taking naps at 3 p.m., eating three square meals of cereal and tanning by the pool in the middle of the week, are not just accepted in college but encouraged. The same goes for how we dress. Although some professions allow you to wear denim to work (engineers, I’m looking at you), most Fashionistas and Fashionistos will graduate into the cold, harsh reality of slacks and pantsuits. Shiver.

For now, however, we can go on our merry way in denim, so long as we do it right. Today’s Fashionista dressed up her casual denim in a way that is perfect for a quick stop at a professor’s office hours. Meeting with a professor can be difficult territory. You don’t want to be more overdressed than they are, but you also don’t want to stroll in wearing running shorts and sloppy tank top.

She chose a pair of light wash straight leg jeans that are perfect for daytime wear. She put a professional spin on the denim by tucking in a white and black polka-dot blouse, which is the perfect cute and casual balance. She layered a linen black sweater over the blouse to tie it together. If it’s too hot to wear a long sleeve blouse and sweater, opt for a sleeveless blouse and stash your sweater in your bag until you get inside.

This Fashionista wore understated wedges to mimic the cute and put together feel of her polka-dot blouse. She kept her accessories minimal but fitting for meeting a professor with a simple black watch and a slouchy yellow bag.

One Simple Change: Swap out those wedges for a more practical pair of flats to run errands.

WHAT TO WEAR: Heat Wave

It might be fudging it just a tad to say that this outfit is fit for a heat wave. We are in Florida, so anything that is not hot is just completely out of the ordinary. I have been busy being tortured by my fall weather boots that continue to sit in my closet, staring at me with puppy dog-like expressions, just begging to be worn. However, this Fashionista kicked my mourning habit to the curb with a Florida heat wave-ready outfit—boots and all.

She wore a classic pair of black lace-up combat boots, proving their versatility in even the most extremes of seasons. This Fashionista was able to pull off the booties because she kept the rest of her outfit heat friendly. Now, I’m not going to lie, I really miss wearing pants. There are only so many denim cut-offs a Fashionista can wear before she transforms into Daisy Duke herself. However, this Fashionista chose a pair of striped shorts, which change up the go-to jean short look. I love the studded black belt she added, which gives the shorts a little rocker-chic twist and mimics the tough boots.

Floridian Fashionistas and Fashionistos simply cannot ever have enough white cotton T-shirts. I love her slouchy tee with simple lace detailing on the bottom. I’m not usually a cropped top advocate, but not even I can resist how cute this slouchy but ladylike top is.

Lastly, this Fashionista’s dramatic black eye makeup and cool haircut complete this rocker-chic look.

One Simple Change: This tough girl outfit is just screaming to be seen by all rocker-chic competitors. Swap out the shorts for a cool pair of waxy black skinny jeans to make this outfit concert-ready.