Author: Emilie Tollison

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Spotted…Literally!

It is one of fall’s biggest trends in footwear: leopard! Maybe it’s the sex appeal, maybe it’s the touch of edginess, or maybe it’s the prints ability to act as a modern day neutral, but regardless leopard has been all over the runway and it doesn’t look like it’s budging anytime soon. The versatility has led this spotted print to be regarded as a fashion classic with the ability to be timeless yet daring at the same time.

From stilettos to booties to flats, designers could not get enough of the animal print in their fall shoe collections. From high-end designers like Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik to the more reasonable designers like Sam Edelman and Dolce Vita, leopard reigned supreme in footwear. This Fashionista proves the practicality of the print with her new Tory Burch flats that she rocked to class with a simple pair of leggings and sweater wrap. Though she does admit the TB flats were a bit of a splurge for her fall wardrobe, she says it was completely worth it! Whether worn with a little black dress or comfy black leggings, they will tie any outfit together.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of steals out there if you need to find a more budget-friendly pair to work into your fall wardrobe….and don’t just stop at shoes! Leopard scarves and handbags are a fashionable and chic addition to any outfit, and not to mention, an easy one! Don’t shy away from this trends Fashionistas; it is one that you can keep tucked in your wardrobes forever.

Spotted: Check out the leopard options from J.Crew's RTW fall 2011 collection!

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Not Your Grandmother’s Poncho

There has long been a negative connotation with the term “poncho” often being associated with what your great grandmother use to wear when the weather got chilly, or maybe even knitted for you for a Christmas present.  However, go ahead and slay those images out of your mind because ponchos are back, and they have returned in full force. Almost every designer at Fashion Week for fall 2011 has some variation of a poncho in their collection, though all infused their own style into the designs: Rag & Bone, ADAM, Alexander Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Chloé, Christian Dior, Derek Lam, and the list goes on and on….

This Fashionista’s poncho seems to be inspired by the Navajo and Native American trend that took over the runway for fall, not to mention that burgundy was a key color for the season as well. The accessory seems almost too comfortable and easy to be so stylish, but who are we to complain? Purchased on her last recent visit to H&M, she claims the store was filled with ponchos and capes…which is no surprise.

So no longer do you have to think of Batman or the elderly when you envision a fashionable cape, just take one look at any of these designer’s collections or boutiques around campus and you will be proven wrong. They are a great way to jazz up an otherwise boring outfit of jeans and a white t-shirt, as our Fashionista is so stylishly exhibiting!

Spotted: Check out the ponchos in rag&bone's fall 2011 collection, and take a look at how almost all designers incorporated them into their fall RTW lines!

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Fedora Frenzy

It just wouldn’t be Athens without the music scene that gives this college town the local vibe it’s known for. It’s very rare you walk to class without encountering a musician or band jamming out on every corner. There is a definite artsy influence from the “townies” that rubs off on all the college kids around campus.

That is exactly where I found this Fashionista, sitting and taking in the tunes of a solo guitarist downtown on her way to class. She describes herself as a “simplest” when it comes to personal style, with a love for “flowy” clothing and accessories. In my opinion, her fedora hat screams Athens local style, and her cowboy boots scream Athens college girl style.

Fedoras were all the rage last spring, not to mention a consistent favorite among celebrities, and they seem to still be circulating in the fashion world for spring 2012. From straw to felt or suede, these hats are the perfect accessory to jazz up any ensemble – not to mention are a perfect solution for those inevitable bad hair days we all get from time to time!

Spotted: Check out designer Robert Gellers spring 2012 Collection at Fashion Week , all the models donned black fedoras! And Gucci's Runway show as well !

 

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2011MEN-RGMEN/

 

http://http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2011RTW-GUCCI

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Going Tribal

We “ooh’ed” and “ahh’d” at all the fresh and mesmerizing collections that fashion week had to offer but as it came and went so did many of the current fall trends. However, there was one trend that designers weren’t ready to let go of and decided to thrust into their lines for spring 2012: tribal.

Just take one look at collections by Proenza Schuler and Thakoon if you need further proof that “tribal” inspiration dominated the runway for fall 2011. Fashion week proved that the allure with tribal accents hasn’t faded with the changing of seasons. From animal to ikat print designers are momentarily enthralled with different cultures and keep incorporating them into their own lines. This Fashionista admitted she is “obsessed with anything tribal right now,” and though she has many accessories to boast the trend these earrings are her favorite. With strands of bronze and turquoise beads of staggering lengths the earrings add the perfect ethnic touch to her simple ensemble.  She purchased them at Urban Outfitters last year, and the fashion store is again loaded with everything tribal.

Cultures from around the world have worked to shape the western world of fashion for decades, and our current trends are a perfect example of this strong influence. If you need a little global inspiration be sure and check out InStyle's October issue. So Fashionista’s, hold on to all of your tribal gear because it is definitely here to stay, and I for one am definitely ok with that.

Spotted: Check out these two videos: The first one shows the tribal trend for fall and the second proves the trend has carried over into spring. Enjoy!

 

 

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Show Some “Skin”

As college students, we often succumb to the demands of 8 a.m. classes and all night study sessions which usually means the snooze button gets to dictate our personal style. Of course, you want to look cute for class but when putting in that extra effort comes up against having an extra ten minutes of sleep, well, we all know which comes out on top. I feel your pain, as do most sleep deprived college girls, which is why I am going to let you in on a little secret weapon: statement accessories. There is no better (and easier) way to “make” an outfit than with killer accessories that take less time to throw on than lacing up a pair of tennis shoes!

This fashionista obviously got the memo. While her slouchy taupe top and cuffed black shorts took on a look of effortless chic, it was Michael by Michael Kor’s snakeskin footwear she donned to class that did all the talking—and the walking I suppose ☺ The splash of snakeskin added the perfect amount of “edginess” to the simple ensemble, and not to mention right on trend. Snakeskin dominates the September issue of Harper Bazaar and was a favorite for top designer's fall 2011 collections.

Bottom line, statement accessories are a college girl’s most necessary investment. So, the next time you get stuck in a time crunch remember that it’s ok to still throw on your favorite white tee and shorts as long as you spruce it up a bit with a bold accessory. See? You really can have it all: sleep and style!

Spotted: Harper Bazaar hones in on the Snakeskin Shoe and Handbag Trend.