Author: Gloria Vazquez

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kelsey Tredwell

Whether it’s day or night-rain or shine, this Fashionista always knows how to rock her campus runway wherever she goes! This holiday season, don’t let the craze get in the middle of your days. Instead use each and everyday as a chance to show the world your personal style by letting your inner diva and creative side shine bright!

Name: Kelsey Tredwell

Major: Public Relations

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Kelsey Tredwell: I am wearing a yellow top with a maroon colored sweater. I am wearing a turquoise blue beaded necklace and I am wearing a long maxi-skirt with black flats.

CF: Describe your personal style in three words.

KT: Classy, trendy, chic.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for and why?

KT: My favorite season to dress for is summer because I love Southern California style. Southern California style is fun, flirty and casual.

CF: If you could choose one person whose closet you could raid, who would it be and why?

KT: I would raid Carrie Underwood’s closet because her style is so classy and chic. I also love country and really admire her taste and confidence in what she wears.

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

KT:I cannot live without my skinny jeans.

CF: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

KT: I get my fashion inspiration from everywhere honestly. If I see a cool color scheme or a nice outfit in a magazine or see a friend in something cute, I try and find it in stores or save it on my “favorite list” that I keep for what I want to buy or what I hope to put together for an outfit someday. I usually post-it note cute and stylish looks that I like.

CF: What’s your favorite thing to wear?

KT: My favorite thing to wear are flowy tops with skinny jeans and boots. I also love maxi-skirts and maxi-dresses.

CF: What advice would you give to other Fashionistas?

KT: I would say follow whatever inspires you and makes you feel beautiful.

CF: What does ‘fashion’ mean to you?

KT: Fashion means more than a certain style or look, it is a lifestyle. If you are confident with the way you look and see something that makes you happy, then wear it. Be an individual and don’t let fashion change you. The person wearing the outfit should own it and create the fashion. 

CF: What is your favorite fall trend this winter?

KT:Sheer long-sleeve tops with collars.

CF: What is your go to date night ensemble?

KT: My date night ensemble usually includes black somewhere in the outfit, but usually whatever I am feeling most confident in. I love dresses for dates too.

How to: In order to replicate this Fashionista’s look, be sure to pair your cutest flats with a super stylish striped maxi-skirt and a colorful cardigan to spice up your look. This winter season it is all about mixing and matching your favorite sweaters and holiday accessories. If  it is too cold to rock a maxi skirt, then you can pair your super stylish outfit with some cute printed leggings or a pair of skinny jeans. Most importantly, don’t forget to add that extra piece that sets you apart from the rest- like your favorite heart necklace or your Grandma’s jingle bell earrings that will bring you good luck!

STYLE GURU BIO: Gloria Vazquez

My name is Gloria Vazquez and I’m a spring 2013 Style Guru for San Diego State University.

My style is that of a beachy-chic Fashionista. My taste is unique and glam, with a color preference that includes the red and blue spectrums; from pastel pink to deep red, to turquoise and peacock blue, to violet and deep purple. I like to accessorize with contrasting colors such as white, gold and silver. I am also a fan of big dangly earrings in a variety of textures and materials; from precious metals, to beads, to feathers — in a variety of shapes. The more imaginative and creative the better! I also find that cute shoes and purses round-out my outfits from casual and fun, to more flashy and glamorous — depending on whether I’m catching some sweet rays at the beach or hanging out with friends at a night out on the town. I am currently enrolled as a Marketing major with a Public Relations minor, and I foresee myself pursuing careers in fashion merchandizing, fashion public relations, or promotion of the American fashion industry.

My current fashion crush for this season has been the high-low top which has been very popular in many beachside boutiques around southern California. They come in a variety of fabrics; with or without sleeves, in tie dye, parti-block and other imaginative patterns. This fashion trend is perfect for any occasion and you can enhance your look by rocking some Ray-Bans and Vans, or a bright accessory to add a splash of color to your ultra beachy and vacation looks. I always keep an eye out to find unique pieces that I can creatively use to illustrate a style of my own.

I’m so excited to be writing for the Fashionista Spotlight this spring for CollegeFashionista and I’ll be keeping an eye out to spot all the fall trends and challenges that await us.

 

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Dmitri Diakov

This is such an exciting time of year because we have the holidays, shopping and school finals to look forward to! Don't let the craziness of the holidays and your school work interrupt your amazing fashion sense. This Fashionisto looked very stylish and studious on this slightly winter day in sunny San Diego!

Name: Dmitri Diakov

Major: Mass Communication Media Studies Graduate Program

Year: First year graduate student

CollegeFashionista: What are some of your favorite stores to shop at for great men’s clothing?

Dmitri Diakov: My favorite places to shop for great men's clothing are J.Crew, Nordstrom, Banana Republic and Guess.

CF: What is something that every guy needs to add to their wardrobe this winter?

DD: Every guy needs to own a stylish scarf this winter.

CF: What’s your favorite place to shop (in San Diego or back home)?

DD: My favorite places to shop in San Diego are Costco, The SDSU bookstore and the Vitamin Shoppe.

CF: What’s most important to you in a piece of clothing?

DD: The most important quality I look for in a piece of clothing is the cloth, texture and comfort.

CF: What are you wearing today?

DD: I am wearing a Calvin Klein shirt , some Puma sneakers and a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.

CF: What inspires what you wear in the morning?

DD: The weather  inspires the outfits that I choose to wear each day.

CF: How do you choose outfits that are comfortable but don’t give off a lazy, uninspired vibe?

DD: I always buy the best quality of clothes.

CF: Is there any celebrity or fashion icon that inspires you?

DD: Richard Gere and Tom Selleck both inspire me very much!

How To: In order to replicate this Fashionisto's look, you can combine a stylish polo with some nice denim and a messenger bag. With this simple yet very stylish and European look, everyone will notice you as you walk down the fashion runway at your campus!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Damisha Akeiba Collins

The holidays are coming up and this means warm sweaters, cute and comfortable boots, stylish scarfs and delicious holiday drinks at Starbucks! This is my favorite time of year and what better way to celebrate than rocking your favorite sweater and your most coveted winter wonderland accessories!

Name: Damisha Akeiba Collins

Major: Liberal Studies and Teaching

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Damisha Akeiba Collins: I am wearing a black JC blazer, a cream and tan sweater along with a necklace from Forever 21, skinny jeans from Hollister and a pair of combat boots from Cathy Jean.

CF: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

DAC: I originally got my fashion inspiration from my mom because when I was little she used to dress me in the cutest outfits three times a day! These days I get my fashion inspiration form advertisements and catalogues or by just shopping at stores like Forever 21 and H&M.

CF: What’s your favorite thing to wear?

DAC: My favorite things to wear are oversized sweaters with leggings, high-low shirts and cute scarfs.

CF: What advice would you give to other Fashionistas?

DAC: My advice to other Fashionistas is to be adventurous. Have fun with your style and mix and match your favorite items!

CF: What does ‘fashion’ mean to you?

DAC:  Fashion to me means freedom of expression and confidence. If you feel confident in your clothing, it will definitely show!

CF: What is your favorite fall trend this fall?

DAC: My favorite trend this fall is “the school teacher look.” I love wearing a long sleeve button-up collared shirt and layering it with a fun colored sweater and a nice pair of slim or skinny jeans.

CF: What is your go to date night ensemble?

DAC: My go to date night ensemble would be a plain white high low shirt, dressed up with jewelry and a blazer to add some class. I would also rock a pair of skinny jeans and booties to bring my outfit together.

How to: In order to replicate this Fashionista’s look, combine your favorite stylish sweater with a cute pair of skinny jeans and some trendy boots. Whether you rock a pair of booties or combat boots, you will definitely stand out in the crowd this holiday season as you walk down the cat walk at your school. You can also pair a cute blazer to add a pop of style and even combine a unique scarf to tie your outfit all together. The most important thing this holiday season is that you wear what describes you. Just as our Fashionista said, “If you feel confident and comfortable in your clothing, it will definitely show!”

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Maritza Velazquez

During school exams in the winter time, getting up and looking super stylish can be quite a challenge — unless you’re this stylish Fashionista! I found this little bit of fabulous in one of my classes this week, and just new that she had to be featured.

Name: Maritza Velazquez

Major: Business

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?

Maritza Velaquez: My personal style describes my personality. I like to keep it fun, chic and simple, yet with a hint of flavor and mystery.

CF: Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?

MV: I look to my mother for fashion inspiration. When I was younger we used to play dress up and ever since then I always look to her for fashion advice.

CF: What’s your winter must have item?

MV: My winter must have item is a super cute scarf. You can mix and match it with anything which adds a pop of flavor to your outfit, and it also keeps you warm when it's cold out

CF: How many times a day do you change your outfit?

MV: I usually change my outfit two to three times a day depending on what my schedule looks like.

CF: What fashion item can you not live without?

MV: I absolutely cannot live with out a pair of great skinny denim jeans. They make any outfit look great and compliment my figure very nicely.

How To: In order to recreate this look, combine a pair of cute shorts or some skinny jeans with a cute solid colored tank and a blazer if its more on the chilli side. Add a pair of super stylish shoes that add a hint of flavor and style to your outfit along with some bold accesories like a beaded necklace or some feather earrings.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Marla King

Whether it’s rain or shine this Fashionista always lets her inner diva illuminate brightly through her fun, sassy and tasteful style! Fashion allows us the opportunity to let our personality shine brightly through everything we wear! It is important that whether you are having fun with friends, on your way to class or getting lunch downtown, you find some way to always incorporate a part of you into your ensemble. This will make you stand out and shine brightly!

Name: Marla King

Major: Public Health

Minor: Psychology

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Marla King: I'm wearing a green shoulder-less blouse from Armani Exchange, jeans and short brown boots.

CF: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

MK: I get my fashion inspiration by putting different pieces together. I like to shop at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Armani Exchange.

CF: What is your favorite thing to wear?

MK: I like to dress casually. I like to wear jeans with a nice top and some sandals. A nice handbag and gold jewelry always adds to an outfit.

CF: What advice would you give to other Fashionistas?

MK: My advice to other Fashionistas would be to wear something that makes you feel comfortable, confident and sexy!

CF: What does fashion mean to you?

MK: Fashion to me is being able to wear something that shows your personality and who you are.

CF: What is your favorite trend this fall?

MK: This fall I really got into animal prints. I bought a lot of cheetah, leopard and giraffe prints. In the fall I always like to wear browns, tans, beige and dark greens.

CF: What is your go to date night ensemble?

MK: For a date night, I would wear a pair of destroyed jeans with a flowy top and some wedges.

How To: In order to recreate this look, find a chic top with small rhinestones and pair it with your cutest pair of dark-wash denim. Next, find some cute ribbon ankle boots. If you would like to add an extra pop of attitude to your ensemble, then you can even find an animal print scarf and a pair of some very stylish gold earrings to accompany your outfit!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Liane Van Diepen

It is a beautiful time of year as the colorful leaves fall to the ground, and we are free to bundle up in our scarves and our cute fall into winter accessories. While the crisp air blends ever so nicely with our California sun, we can finally rock our cute and comfortable sweaters with a pair of stylish boots or even some cute sandals. This is why our campus runway has such diversity when it comes to fashion and personal style! 

Name: Liane Van Diepen
Major: Business Marketing
Year: Junior


CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?

Liane Van Diepen: I describe my personal style as being prep meets hippie chic.


CF: Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?

LVD: I usually just go shopping to see what's out there and choose clothes depending on what I like and is cute. I look to my friends for advice.


CF: What is your fall must have?

LVD: My fall must have would be a cute pair of sandals and some fun rings!


CF: How many times a day do you change outfits?

LVD: I usually only wear one outfit a day.


CF: What fashion item can you not live without?

LVD: I wouldn’t be able to live without a nice pair of jeans.
 

How To: This fall, colorful sweaters with unique and bright patterns are totally in! In order to replicate our Fashionista’s prep meets hippie chic look you can pair some skinny jeans of any color with a bright, unique and fun sweater, to make the chilly autumn days feel a bit warmer. Pair your bohemian and stylish sweater with some white skinny jeans to add a pop of color to your outfit and rock some cute wedges or sandals if the weather allows. If the weather is on the chilly side, take a trip to your local boutique shop or look online at your favorite stores and buy a pair of some cute and durable boots that you can rock day or night! Also, in order to add some pizzas to your ensemble, you can add a unique piece of jewelry like an antique ring, some owl earrings or necklace, or even a pair of feathered earrings!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Marian Sterk

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up from a great dream and say to yourself, “this is going to be an amazing day”? Then open up your closet and gravitate towards that trendy blazer and those cute boots that are calling your name. Well this is exactly what this Fashionista experienced this morning as she paired her stylish blazer with a cute, black, pencil skirt, a pair of leather boots and finished off her outfit with a lovely pastel pink colored scarf as she got ready to venture off to another great day of class in sunny southern California!

Name: Marian Sterk

Major: Marketing

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Marian Sterk: I am wearing my favorite pastel pink scarf, with my comfortable yet stylish Cabela's engineer boots and a trendy H&M mini skirt with a stylish blazer.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

MS: My personal style describes me perfectly. I would describe it as being “bumpkin goes urban.”

CF: What fashion advice would you give to other fashionistas?

MS: Wear whatever makes you feel like yourself, and buy high quality clothing. It may cost a little extra, but you get the extra mile out of it too. 

CF: What does fashion mean to you?

MS: To me, fashion means expressing yourself and finding creative new ways to wear classic pieces.

CF: What is your favorite trend this fall?

MS: My favorite trend this fall is the maxi dress! I bought some a few years ago and everyone thought I was crazy. 

CF: What is your perfect date night ensamble?

MS: Black wedges and a flirty dress that leaves just enough to the imagination.

How To: In order to recreate this look, combine a solid colored pencil skirt with a neutral or brightly colored blouse and a cute, trendy blazer.  Add a pastel or lightly colored scarf and some trendy boots to add perfection to your fall into winter look. Tip: a silver watch and a pair of your favorite vintage earrings will keep you stylish and on time as you make your way down the fashion runway to class and to work!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Danitza Partida

As we get into the month of October, we are ready to prepare for Halloween, fall carnivals, fun bon fire nights and midterms. It is important that we continue to express our style, even though we may be getting busy with our lives. Fashion is the way we express ourselves and what better place to do this than on the fashion runway at our school!

Name: Danitza Partida

Major: Criminal Justice

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Danitza Partida: I am wearing a cheetah print blouse, dark denim jeggings and gold jewelry. I am also wearing taupe high heel booties from Charlotte Russe, my favorite Juicy Couture bag and neon pink Nicki Minaj lipstick from MAC.

CF: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

DP: I get my fashion inspiration from YouTube beauty/fashion gurus who have a unique style. I also look at people who I see everywhere I go that wear something that stands out. I like to look for items that are daring and different that also compliment my figure.

CF: What’s your favorite thing to wear?

DP: Color hair extensions! I like to rock color streaks of hair because it is fun and daring. I also love wearing jeans or leggings with a cute top and heels or my favorite pair of Vans.

CF: What advice would you give to other Fashionistas?

DP: Be unique with your style. Choose clothes that express who you are and what you like. Also, find clothes that compliment your figure and make you feel confident and sexy!

CF: What does ‘fashion’ mean to you?

DP: Fashion is my passion! Fashion is not about wearing brand name clothes to me. Fashion is about finding items for a good price that still look trendy and fashionable. My accessories, clothes, shoes, hair and makeup show my creative and fun side. I don't have a specific style. I just choose what I like and think is cute. My style ranges from girly-chic to sporty and edgy depending on the mood I am in.

CF: What is your favorite fall trend this fall?

DP: My favorite fall trend is spiked detailing and dark color lipsticks. I love Diva, which is a deep wine colored lipstick from MAC. These two things can really make a simple outfit stand out.

CF: What is your go to date night ensemble?

DP: It depends where I am going. If I had to pick, it would be jeans with a semi dressy top and heels. You can never go wrong with jeans and heels on a date.

How To: In order to replicate our Fashionista’s look, combine your passion for fashion with the season! This fall, as the autumn leaves turn to red, make sure to keep your style trendy and exciting. You should go for a wild leopard, zebra or giraffe print top and pair it with some skinny jeans. You must definitely combine your stylish outfit with some unique accessories and make up as well. Don’t forget to polish your look with some silver jewelry, a gorgeous hand bag and some exciting lipstick which will add to a touch of glam to your outfit!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kristian Grace Bayan

On a sunny autumn day in San Diego, the air is warm with a hint of refreshing air. The walk to class is hot, yet pleasant because there is no need to be wearing a jacket or boots quite yet. We are free to wear a tank, some sandals and some stylish shades to block the strong rays.

Name: Kristian Grace Bayan

Major: Major in Marketing, Minor in Management

Year:  Senior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Kristian Grace Bayan: Today I wanted to go simple and feel comfortable, but still look nice. I threw on a cream colored cami with lavender skinny jeans and navy blue sandals. I added an infinity scarf to dress it up a little.

CF: Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

KGB: My fashion senses kicked in during a shopping trip with an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. As we walked through the store, she began grabbing things and making outfits and telling me to try them on. So I did. By the end of the day I went home with seven new outfits that I would have never bought or put together myself if it wasn't for her. This “old friend,” a visual merchandiser at the store we both work at now, is one my best friends. Everyone at work knows her as my personal stylist because she used to always create outfits for me when we got new products in. She's the one who really opened my eyes up to the fashion world and taught me how to mix and match my colors and add accessories. She's the reason I have almost 50 pairs of shoes from heels to kicks, colorful pants like the ones I'm wearing, animal print and so much more in my closet. Without her, five years ago I would have never thought to put this outfit together.

CF: What is your favorite thing to wear?

KGB: My go-to outfits usually consists of loose-fitting shirts. I can wear them with almost any kind of bottoms— jeans, shorts and leggings. They're flowy and comfortable, and perfect for lazy days all year long, while still looking stylish at the same time!

CF: What advice would you give to other Fashionistas?

KGB: It's really important try on new things when you go out shopping. Step out of your comfort zone from time to time, because you never know what you're going to end up with. Sometimes I pick out the most outrageous things in the store, piece it together with a bunch of other things and come out with a really great outfit. If you don't know where to start, ask your trendy friends to help you. When you're shopping for any occasion and an employee stops and asks you, “do you need any help finding anything?” tell them you need an outfit and they'll help you find what you're looking for. And always make sure you love what you buy. If you're second guessing those shoes, put them back and walk away. Chances are you don't need them (a lesson I'm still trying to master).

CF: What does fashion mean to you?

KGB: Fashion is like an escape for me. Sometimes I can be stuck in a rut fashionably and emotionally. To fix that, every now and then I'll do a little retail therapy. Window shopping, trying on new clothes, and creating new outfits helps me to let go, have fun and expand my creativity.

CF: What is your favorite trend this fall?

KGB: My favorite trends right now are bright colors and prints. I have always favored bright colors, but I like seeing how people rock printed shirts and dresses these days. Printed shirts to me are like a blast from the past when I see one on the hanger. However, it’s always fun to see the modern twist people put on it.

CF: How does fashion affect your life?

KGB: Fashion has had some major effects on me. For one, I have a job because the fashion world exists. Two, I've been able to meet new people and develop new friendships with them, like my best friend. Finally, fashion has opened me up to a new world and more importantly a new me. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for that little shopping trip that changed my outlook on myself and on my life.

How to: To imitate our Fashionista’s look, you can rock any pair of cute skinny jeans, dark or light colored. You can even wear some capris if you like. You can then wear any kind of camisole, red or black, or you can stick to the more autumn and fall colors. Then you can choose to accessorize your stylish, yet simple outfit with some flashy stylish shades and a cute, light scarf to dress up any kind of outfit, day or night!