Author: Colleen Kochesfahani

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Batchel

The best part about fashion is that it’s unique to the individual. The same item can be worn in so many different ways by so many different people. I love how this Fashionista styled her canary yellow Cambridge “batchel”—an updated version of the traditional satchel, with a handle added for easier transporting. The batchel’s bold hue caught my eye as I was scanning Towson’s campus for fashionable finds. While most students stick to a plain black backpack to carry their textbooks and pens, this Fashionista puts a modern twist on the school briefcase.

With a streak of vibrant turquoise in her hair and dark-red tights that are perfect for fall, it’s clear that this Fashionista is a risk-taker when it comes to trends. Rich-brown leather combat boots juxtapose her sweet floral-patterned dress. Topped off with an army green military blazer, she was set for a day of classes.

Want to recreate this Fashionista’s daring look? Get your Cambridge Satchel Company batchel here, or get a similar version here. If you want to put together a look that will stand out, remember to pair similar colors in your outfit and then add bold elements. Like this Fashionista, try a fall color scheme. Reds and yellows go well together, especially when added as accent pieces. If you want to wear a print, find one that is appropriate for the season, like a fall floral. Don’t forget to pack a punch and make a statement—whether it’s a bright yellow handbag, a streak of blue hair or an awesome vintage dress!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Chunky Knits

When I think of fall several things come to mind—warm apple cider, colorful crunchy leaves, pumpkin picking and chunky knits.  There is just something so cozy about throwing a big sweater over top of an outfit. It’s the key element in layering, especially on the days when the temperatures can be bone-chilling in the morning, but sunny and warm by the afternoon.

Even from a far distance, this Fashionista grabbed my attention with her pumpkin-orange sweater. From her dark red paisley-print scarf to her khaki skinnies, her entire outfit screamed fall. She seamlessly paired her open cardigan with a plain fitted shirt and neutral pants, giving them a twist by cuffing the hemlines. To add a little flare to her ensemble, this Fashionista wore pointed cheetah-print ballet flats, a long scarf and a navy and white satchel with brown leather detailing. I loved that she combined patterns to create an effortlessly chic look.

To avoid adding bulk to your frame, choose a form-fitting silhouette on the bottom. Skinny jeans or a skirt with tights help to contrast the chunky knit. For the fall season, opt for muted hues, like cream, black and tan, or go for vibrant colors like orange, plum and royal blue. Snag this Fashionista’s style with a thick sweater like this one and you’ll be set for the chilly fall days.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Update Your Lazy Day Uniform

By the fourth week of the semester, all-nighters practically become a requirement for college students. There are exams to study (okay, cram) for, group projects to work on, and clubs to attend. Rolling out of bed just minutes before your dreaded 8:00 am class means that there’s little time to be spent picking out an outfit. While most students' best accessories on a Monday morning include a cup of Starbucks coffee and dark under-eye circles, this Fashionista stood out with her paisley printed scarf and gray suede boots.

She updated Towson University’s lazy day uniform; instead of baggy sweatpants and a Towson tigers T-shirt, she chose a pair of fitted black leggings and a loose, cotton V-neck. Adding the right accessories complemented her casual look perfectly. This Fashionista stuck to muted colors when it came to her boots and open-front cardigan, but went for a peach scarf for a pop of color.

I loved her gray suede boots because they were ideal for this time of year — Maryland is just starting to experience chilly mornings, but the afternoons are still reminiscent of the sweet days of summer. It’s not quite brisk enough for thick, black leather boots yet, but a lighter pair is made for the transitioning weather. A great pair of boots is extremely versatile. Like this Fashionista, you can dress them down, or you can dress them up. Going out to dinner with friends? Transform your outfit by switching your leggings for dark denim jeans and add a silk top along with a tailored blazer.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Brighten Up Your Denim

I love the colored jeans trend and just about anything cheetah print, so when I saw this Fashionista wearing the two together, I instantly was obsessed. I have found that my colored jeans have become a staple in my closet — they take me from season to season as I wear them nearly all year long. For a summery look, choose a white, sheer top and strappy sandals. To make colored jeans more fall appropriate, try a chambray shirt and oxford flats. Now that I have a pair in literally every color of the rainbow, the thought of wearing regular blue denim jeans seems so boring. The brightly hued pants can also easily transition from day to night, just add wedges and you’ll be set!

Along with vibrant purple jeans that featured an ankle zipper, this Fashionista wore a pair of tan and black cheetah print loafers. Tory Burch flats are usually my go-to shoes during the fall and winter when I’m not wearing boots, but I’ve recently discovered loafers. They’re super comfortable (no painful blisters!) and a bit edgier than ballet flats, especially if you opt for a pair with a stand-out print, or ones with studs, like these.

To balance out the bold pieces, she chose a nude-colored silk blouse on top and minimal accessories. She completed her look with a light gray leather embellished cross-body handbag, a gold and tortoise-shell Michael Kors watch and Versace sunglasses. With the perfect combination of trendy and classic, this Fashionista had me wanting to recreate her look immediately!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Matchy-Matchy

New York City always inspires me to take fashion risks and to try new trends. Even if I’m only visiting the city for a day, I still love watching the stylish people on the streets. Although you’ll likely be able to find someone bracing a torrential downpour while clad in Prada, Fashion Week is the ultimate time for inspiration. I couldn’t resist sharing another look from my recent trip to the city!

I spotted this Fashionista while I was sitting on the steps of the Met between fashion shows. A matchy-matchy look can often be overkill — and somewhat reminiscent of outfits that I wore as an eight year old — but this Fashionista nailed it. Her blue and cream printed matching top and bottom was balanced out by a plain, white silk corset top. The sheer fabric didn’t overwhelm her petite build and her open-toed heels helped elongate her frame.

To recreate this effortlessly cool look, avoid fabrics that are thick and bulky. Instead, opt for thinner materials in a pretty print. Flats can make the pants look baggy and sloppy, so choose a set of pumps (peep-toe heels are ideal) to go with your outfit. If you want a more subtle version of this Fashionista’s ensemble, try pairing a floral blouse, like this one, with flowy pants. Along with very minimal jewelry, a simple and chic bun is the perfect way to pull everything together. Don’t be afraid to be bold and wear the same print on top and bottom, just be sure to stay away from competing accessories!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Put Your Best Foot Forward

During New York Fashion Week, show-goers and people-watchers put their best foot forward (in sky-high heels, no less).  Thousands of stylish people crowd the Lincoln Center steps, bringing the runway outside of the tents as they pose for photos and display their outfits. This Fashionista put past Fashion Week trends into action by pairing a sheer, mint green blouse with brown, leather shorts. The combination was perfect for the transitioning seasons; the pastel colored button-up screamed summer, but the terracotta leather shorts signaled that fall is on its way.

Although the clothes are always stunning, if there is one thing that you cannot miss during Fashion Week, it’s the shoes. Fashionistas – and even some Fashionistos – teetered on stilettos, platforms and what seem to be stilts throughout the tents, displaying unique forms of art on their feet. Plenty of red-soled heels passed by, but this Fashionista caught my attention with her vibrant blue toes and chunky platforms.

Instead of overwhelming the outfit, the thick heels complemented the Fashionista’s look. She balanced the shoes out by wearing a small purse with a long chain, just big enough to carry her iPhone, bright red lipstick, and show invites. Take it from this Fashionista and make the focus of your outfit your shoes by keeping the rest of your ensemble simple. Pair them with shorts or cropped pants and leave your oversized handbags at home. Going for a bold look? Try these woven platform sandals with white skinny jeans or these cork heels with denim shorts.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Ditch Your Backpack

Finding an ensemble that can keep you cool in the blazing sun and warm in the blasting air-conditioning can be difficult. No one wants to be sweaty on the first day of classes, especially when you run the risk of being partnered up with a cute boy in the science lab. Like many other girls on Towson's campus, this Fashionista chose a maxi dress for the transitioning temperatures in Baltimore. However, she stood out by pairing her little black dress with bright accessories. Even her gold Marc by Marc Jacobs watch had a pop of color!

I was immediately drawn to her neon yellow stitched handbag with fringe detailing. Doubling as a backpack, the large bag is perfect for transporting all college essentials, from finance textbooks to a great pair of sunglasses. Monogrammed backpacks were the “in thing” during middle school days, but college? Not so much.

Oversized totes can easily take you from history class (what a snooze!) to dinner with friends. Look for one that is sturdy enough to house your laptop and roomy enough to store your wallet. Thick straps are crucial as you don't want to lug a broken bag all over campus. Unless you're looking to replace your usual gym routine, of course.  Ditch your backpack this semester and go for a trendier option!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Make a Statement

Unless you are lucky enough to be a beach babe all summer long, a barely-there bikini is only appropriate when you are lounging poolside or catching waves. Just because the thermostat is in the triple digits does not mean that you have to compromise your summer style. Plus, there are only a few more weeks left to showcase your sundresses and flowy skirts on campus.

Instead of layering on the clothes, Natalie, a volunteer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami, piled on the jewelry. She paired a loose-fitting cream top with a lightweight skirt; bandage dresses are not fit for 100-degree weather. Her sparkle threaded drape-neck shirt glistened in the sun (Literally!), but the thin material helped keep her cool in the heat.

A cobalt blue and gold statement necklace was the focus of her outfit while oversized Kate Spade earrings and an assortment of J.Crew bangles helped pull her look together. Starting with a basic outfit, then adding accessories is a simple way to completely transform an ensemble. A bold statement necklace adds character to an otherwise boring outfit.

For a more casual look, start with a plain, solid colored cotton shirt and a cute pair of shorts. Be sure to stand out by completing the outfit with a bright necklace. Heading to a more formal event? Draw attention to your neckline by wearing a statement piece with a little black dress and strappy heels. It does not matter whether you are sitting in History 101 or hitting the town with friends, accessorize with flair, and you will be the ultimate Fashionista.

Style Guru Bio: Colleen Kochesfahani

With a last name that has been perpetually butchered my entire life, from the days in kindergarten when I was learning to spell the string of twelve letters to high school at graduation, it is no wonder I now resort to a condensed version — a second identity, so to speak. Unless I’m filling out official documents (most of which don’t contain enough space for my name, anyway), I go by Colleen Koches.

I attend the school of business at Towson University in Maryland; however, I began my college career as a pre-pharmacy major. The idea of wearing a white lab coat to work every day while my limited-edition, Michael Kors faux fur vest rotted away in my closet was abhorrent to me, so naturally I switched. Well that, and the fact that I couldn’t seem to get through an anatomy course without fainting at the topics we would discuss.

Being one of four girls, it was inevitable that my sisters would have an influence on my personal style; meaning, if one of my sisters wore a pink scrunchie in her hair, I certainly was not going to do the same. As a fashionable five year old (read: diva), I refused to wear hand-me-downs, like last season’s overalls. A blue silk, sunflower-patterned button-up blouse was clearly a much more style-conscious pick. Dragging my dad to the mall with me as a shopping consultant probably wasn’t the wisest decision, either.

Since then, I’ve traded my sparkly jellies for Louboutins (and yet, ironically, the plastic sandals are back in style) and have surrounded myself with the world of The Devil Wears Prada. I write a fashion and fitness blog, Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill, that admittedly features more handbags than workouts. I have experienced the craziness that is New York Fashion Week and I Instagram stylish finds like there’s no tomorrow (#fashiondiaries). This fall, I am so excited to be joining the CollegeFashionista team — because when else is it perfectly acceptable to stare at the stud detailing on a stranger’s pocket and photograph it?