Author: Christine Flammia

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Check Out Those Blocks

Who says boys can’t color block? This Fashionisto broke up his red polo and pale yellow shorts with a blue belt, exemplifying this summer’s modern prep trend. I love the summery, preppy look for men; with a few colored polos and shorts, you can stay classic and cool. His simple watch and gold necklace make this Fashionisto’s day look also ready for a night out on the Cape. 

Summertime also means a plethora of cheap and fun sunglasses in wild colors that add a modern edge to a classic outfit. This Fashionisto’s bright orange clashes with his outfit in a perfectly sensible manner, as does these tortoise and turquoise color blocked Wayfarers from Urban Outfitters. Check out local flea markets and vintage shops for even more quirky twists on shades.

Belts don’t always need to just be a necessity; they are another great way to break up an outfit. Trying colors like blue or red in canvas is a fresh variation from the usual brown or black leather. Vineyard Vines, a summer-prep staple, always has a great selection of new patterned belts that add variety and summer hues to any basic closet. Whales and anchors are all over street style this season.

And what would a modern-prep Fashionisto be without a spotless pair of sand-colored Sperry Top-Siders? Ah, a Fashionisto after my own heart.

Spotted: Tommy Hilfiger took a similar modern spin on the always classic, preppy look of his line by color blocking in summery colors for his spring 2012 collection.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Touch Of Tribal

A true Fashionista sacrifices style for nothing; and unless you live under a rock or are studying abroad in Antarctica (in either case, can I visit?), you have had to maneuver your usual summery style around this brutal summer heat wave. Cold in Boston? Never.

But, as all Fashionistas know, style won’t be hindered by the weather. If we can survive blizzards and hurricanes, we can survive a little humidity, right? This Fashionista kept her outfit cool by pairing a simple navy tank with breathable shorts.

I love the contrast of the bright orange print of her bag against the dark navy top and this bag is the perfect way to keep cool without forfeiting style. Although her purchases are as native as their prints, (the bag is from India, the bracelet from Brazil) you can get a similar bag here without needing to travel farther than a new tab on your browser.

This Fashionista also enhanced the understated tribal feel of her outfit by wearing gladiator sandals and feathered earrings. As an avid layers advocate, I admire her outfit’s subtleties that are present without worsening the heat of the day. I tend to pile on the accessories to an outfit, but she shows how just a little print scattered throughout an outfit can be just as fashionably effective.

Tribal prints are an awesome incorporation into any outfit. Change it up by wearing sunglasses or bracelets in a similar print. You can also try these Tribal Print Nail Wraps for another subtle touch of pattern. No nail polish mess or smell!

Spotted: Tribal prints on the DKNY spring 2012 runway.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Head Over Heels

You know when you find a piece of clothing in your size that fits you like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants jeans and all you want to do is rip it off the hanger and run in circles? That was the feeling I had when I saw this Fashionista’s printed head scarf — give me that. I tried really hard not to steal it right off her head.

One of the many wonderful things about scarves is their versatility. Not only can you find them in crazy prints, like this one from Madewell or this flowery one from Urban Outfitters, but you can also wear them in different ways. This Fashionista wore hers around her head, but you can wear it around your neck or even tie it to a handbag depending on your mood. Scarves are one of my favorite ways to create outfits because they can take a something simple, like a romper, and craft it into a powerfully distinctive outfit.

Besides the adorable, summery head scarf (a flea market find), this Fashionista was thorough with her other accessories as well. She paired heeled booties with an offbeat ring to maintain the very vintage, urban aura of her style. If you want to further the distinctiveness of an outfit, you could pair it with heeled desert booties in a crazy color, like this light blue.

She finished off her look with bright red lipstick and a cross-body bag. Perfection.

Spotted: Head scarves were all over the Hermès spring 2012 collection. A fashionable way to cover up my summer frizz? Yes, please.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

In my times of Fashionista’s block, I look to others’ styles for inspiration: on the streets, in magazines and in my mom’s closet. Sometimes though, I like to look back for insight from other eras. And who better to inspire than the always classy Audrey Hepburn? Her outfits showcase her love of powerful simplicity and, of course, Tiffany’s.

This Fashionista channeled her inner-Hepburn by choosing a Tiffany’s turquoise as the staple color of her outfit. This bold layered necklace transforms her basic white tank top and matches her J.Crew shorts. This necklace is another way you could personalize your outfit. Colored shorts and pants are also huge right now and the range of colors lets you reflect your individuality. Try my favorite ones from Madewell in a bright blue. Choosing happy colors, like this turquoise, is the perfect way to celebrate the warmer weather.

This Fashionista’s pearl ring and Michael Kors watch are timeless and simple, keeping the focus on the statement necklace. The ring is also made up of little pearls, the universal symbol for chic. These three accessories show that you don’t need a lot to change up an outfit — in fact, the simplicity is what drew me towards this Fashionista’s style. Try a ring like this one, or this Betsey Johnson cheetah watch. You could even add another pop of color by wearing a pink watch instead.

She completes the look with black Tory Burch ballet flats. Simple and classy — Audrey would approve!

Spotted: Bib necklaces in Badgley Mischka’s fall 2010 collection. Statement made, ladies.

Style Guru Bio: Christine Flammia

My name is Christine Flammia and I’m a new Style Guru for the summer. I go to Boston University as a Magazine Journalism and Hispanic Literature and Culture major. Fashion is a main part of my life and I love being in the city where I’m constantly surrounded by intensely creative expression that inspires me, and usually causes me to salivate.

I can’t say I was born a Fashionista — my wardrobe relied heavily on K-Swiss sneakers and awful, bedazzled graphic T-shirts for an embarrassingly large part of my life. Thankfully, when I hit high school I realized that running sneakers are meant for the gym and no one looks cool with a popped collar. Ever.

I will be writing for ACCESSORIES REPORT, reflective of my own obsession with accessorizing. My personal favorites are bags; I keep my whole life in there — seriously, if you ever need deodorant or a sandwich just help yourself. Crazy scarves, shoes and jewelry are some of my other favorite ways to dress up my otherwise simple wardrobe. 

My style generally tends to be on the preppier side — my outfits usually have navy blue and my trusty Sperry Top-Siders. Colored jeans are my current favorite trend because they transform any outfit and command attention on the city streets.

When I’m not thinking about clothes (like that ever happens) I spend most of my time reading and writing. As much as I am a part of the tech generation, I’m a ballpoint pen and leather-bound notebook girl at heart. I’m also on the e-board for BU’s chapter of Ed2010 where I help organize events and contribute to our campus blog. I eventually hope to merge my interests and write for a fashion magazine.