Jessie Tharrington – CollegeFashionista

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Nautical Trend

With Memorial Day just behind us, summer is here! My plans for Memorial Day always include going to the beach with friends, so recently my mind has been focused on that. I have been planning some beach-worthy outfits to pack, which is how I spotted this Fashionista. This Fashionista caught my eye since her outfit has a nautical feel with red flats and striped cardigan.

This Fashionista was dressed casually for some errands around town but I love how her outfit seems to have a theme. Sometimes instead of just one bold accessory it can be fun to add multiple accessories that all have a similar style or theme. Her J.Crew navy-and-white striped cardigan, Lucky Brand red flats and simple gold necklaces all maintain traditional preppy nautical vibes that work very well together. The red flats are ideal for errands as they are comfortable and easy to walk in but the bright red remains youthful.

While some people may read this and think that “theme-ing” an outfit is a little crazy, I think it can be a fun way to get dressed in the morning. This Fashionista perfected the nautical look by keeping the theme subtle and not too over-the-top, this way the outfit remains practical.
A nautical look like this Fashionista's is perfect for any Memorial Day plans you may have. A simple striped cardigan like this one from Urban Outfitters and these simple red Tory Burch flats can be worn with white jeans or jean shorts and a simple tank to create the perfect outfit with nautical accessories.

Spotted: Nautical-themed looks were spotted all over the runway at Salvatore Ferragamo's Resort Collection.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Bold Bags

Every Fashionista has that go-to purse they can use day after day, but sometimes it is fun to mix it up. Wearing a regular neutral purse with a bright color is a fun change for spring. As a huge fan of color, a purse can be an unexpected pop for any outfit.

I found this Fashionista embracing spring colors with a red bag she purchased from ALDO. She paired her bright bag with a lacy tan top and skinny jeans. The traditional shape of her bag balances the bold red to create an updated classic. This spring is all about bold colors so this is the time to try out a fun bag! Although I love how this Fashionista kept her outfit simple, a bold bag does not have to be paired with only neutral colors. A bag can add effortless contrast to every look. This Fashionista said she changes her purses frequently to match outfits and occasions.

Purses are powerful accessories because they are used so frequently, so don’t forget about that next time you buy a new bag. Any color bag would be a fun way to spice up your springtime wardrobe. I love this neon cross-body from Urban Outfitters and this Marc by Marc Jacobs tote, which are both very on-trend with the neon colors. Don’t get stuck in the habit of just using one bag every day and try a fun new change for spring.

Spotted: A bright red bag was seen in the Osklen fall 2012 show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Tangerine Tango

Every season there are styles that become huge trends, but this effect also occurs with colors. This season, the color of spring is tangerine! The bright and bold shade of orange is the perfect color to make a statement this spring. While tangerine can be a tough color to pull off, trying out this trend in accessories is a good way to stay on trend.

I found this Fashionista going to lunch with her friends in a casual and preppy look. She paired mint shorts (another big color for spring) with a white lace top. The addition of her tangerine necklace from J.Crew instantly adds a cool, unexpected color contrast. The bright color of the necklace works well with its simple drop design to create a very versatile accessory. Tangerine works really well with a variety of color, including its complementary color, blue.

Tangerine accessories can be found in a variety of stores this spring. This Urban Outfitters cross-body bag is another way to make tangerine very wearable. I also love this La Mer wrap watch, a super trendy accessory as wrap watches are very popular right now too. A bright bag or necklace is the way to wear this trend, especially since the color can be challenging for certain skin tones. Don’t forget about your accessories when trying out new trends!

Spotted: The spring 2012 Nanette Lepore show featured tangerine.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Beat The Rainy Day Blues

Lately we have been spoiled in Athens with the blue skies and warm weather, but we all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” Since I had just become used to to my spring clothes, it was an adjustment when the temperatures dropped and the rain began. But don’t let the rain get you down; Fashionistas can still create a trendy rain outfit.

This Fashionista perfected her rainy day style with traditional Hunter wellies, leggings and a chambray shirt. Hunter boots can be spotted on many girls around campus because they can be worn year round. Not only are they suitable for these spring showers, but they also have colorful fleece sock inserts for the winter cold. Although this Fashionista stuck to a neutral tan, Hunter boots are available in a wide variety of colors, which pop on a dreary day.

I love how this Fashionista has one pop of color in her outfit with an orange tribal bangle. This is the perfect amount of color for a rainy day. By pairing her traditional wellies with a casual chambray shirt, this Fashionista will stay comfortable all day. Rain boots are an easy way to make a statement on a rainy day, so whether you stick to traditional wellies or a patterned pair, rain boots are an essential for any CollegeFashionista.

Spotted: At their fall 2012 show, Burberry kept rainwear sleek and sophisticated.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Springtime Scarf

Infinity scarves were a staple in my wardrobe for winter, but just because the weather is changing doesn't mean I have to stop wearing scarves. Although not every scarf is appropriate for spring time (stay away from the bulky knits), a spring scarf made from a light material is perfect to spice up any basic top.

This Fashionista is on trend with her leopard print lightweight infinity scarf with simple jean shorts. Leopard was a huge winter trend and a simple scarf like this is a great way to try to trend. Her leopard scarf adds an instant edge to any simple outfit. This Fashionista's casual outfit is perfect for class or a lunch date with friends. By keeping other accessories minimal, the scarf is a stand out accessory, which keeps the outfit cool without over accessorizing.

By stacking two David Yurman bracelets with a mint watch, the Fashionista remained casual and cool. Since mint is my favorite color, I was immediately drawn to this wrap watch. It’s perfect to wear with every spring outfit. Her gray Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo has been one of the most popular bags in the past seasons and I love the classic shape.

Just because it's springtime does not mean we all have retire scarves. Scarves are so easy to throw onto any outfit to add a touch of color. This Fashionista found her springtime infinity scarf at a boutique in Virginia, but scarves can be found in so many stores right now. This scarf from Spun by Subtle Luxury in a feather print would be perfect with a variety of outfits!

Spotted: Animal prints were spotted on the Giambattista Valli spring 2012 runway show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Springtime Blazer

A blazer has always been a winter staple, but they aren’t only for cold weather anymore. Springtime blazers are a big trend right now and I love it! The classic structure and fit is too perfect to be restricted to one season, so I can’t wait to buy a blazer in a bright color for spring.

I found this Fashionista on campus wearing her coral linen blazer with relaxed jean shorts. The jean shorts and striped top keep the outfit simple but also add a nautical touch to the look. The lightweight material keeps the blazer from becoming too bulky, so it is perfect for the springtime weather.

This Fashionista paired her stand out blazer with simple brown accessories. Her brown Fossil purse complements any outfit and is a good size to fit a notebook for class. Her brown-and-gold studded bracelet adds the perfect edgy touch to a simple and sweet look.

This Fashionista got her coral blazer from a local boutique here in Athens, but they can be everywhere this spring! This Pim+Larkin blazer is almost identical to the one this Fashionista wore casually to class, but this blazer can also be paired with a dress to create a more sophisticated approach. A bright blazer is a good investment piece for spring since it can be paired with so many different looks.

Spotted: Bright blazers for spring were spotted at the rag & bone spring 2012 show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Two-Toned Trend

Springtime in Georgia is often associated with the traditional Southern preppy look. While not everyone is a fan of this style, I think a mix of preppy pieces can be styled into a very trendy outfit, which is exactly what this Fashionista did. I found this her enjoying the great spring weather while waiting for her next class. She tucked her neon pink shirt into a simple khaki skirt and paired the outfit with accessories, which transform this simple a-line skirt into a trendy class outfit.

Instead of choosing one stand out piece, this Fashionista wore multiple accessories that complement one another to create a perfectly accessorized outfit. All of her accessories are two-toned, which is one of my favorite new trends. Two-toned accessories instantly update a basic shoe or bag. Her white-and-camel two-toned boat shoes are versatile and comfortable but add a unique spin to the basic preppy shoe. Her two-toned shoes coordinate with her two-toned backpack perfectly. Wearing multiple rings gave this Fashionista a cool vibe, which counters the more traditional skirt. I love that this Fashionista took the time to coordinate her accessories so the outfit looks fresh and put together.

Two-toned shoes are such a fun trend for spring and there are a wide variety of styles available. I love these Lanvin two-toned flats for day and this Pierre Hardy pair for a night out.

Spotted: Two-tone shoes were spotted at Prada’s fall 2012 runway show in Milan.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Simple Sophisticated Shoes

These few weeks in-between winter and spring have proved to be a challenge as I decide what to wear everyday. Factoring in weather- and season-appropriate styles is not easy at all! I don't feel comfortable bringing out my bright spring clothes but I also can’t wear my bulky winter clothes due to the higher temperatures.

I noticed this Fashionista on campus because outfit is practical for the confusing weather. This Fashionista knows that layers are perfect for the weather we are currently having at UGA. The jacket is perfect for the colder mornings but can be taken off for the warm afternoons. By pairing a camel blazer, a striped top and jeans she is perfectly dressed for a day on campus. My favorite part of this Fashionista’s outfit is her pebbled blue Tory Burch Reva flats. Since so many girls on campus frequently wear the more common Tory Burch flat styles. I love how different these are. I am dying to get a pair!

Don’t get me wrong, I love shoes that are the focus of an outfit, but it's sometimes more practical to invest in a great pair of shoes that can be worn more often. This Fashionista’s textured python flats are a fun way to incorporate color into an outfit but are still simple enough to be paired other patterns or colors. Although the python Reva flats are sold out, these metallic snakeskin flats could also easily be styled with many different outfits.

Spotted: The Damir Doma show featured a camel jacket and simple flats in their Paris show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Business Blazer

Although we all might not all like to face the facts, we are all growing up and focusing more on our future careers. With this comes the demand to learn the basics of business casual. At first, I was terrified by the idea of business casual and imagined myself in a drab suit, but this Fashionista shows how business casual can still be fashionable and youthful. I found this Fashionista on campus attending a job fair and her outfit was perfect for the occasion.

I love the idea of a bold blazer to wear out at night but I wasn’t sure how to incorporate the style into a more professional look. This Fashionista’s tan-and-black pinstripe Nannette Lepore blazer is the perfect way to incorporate the trend into a business casual look. This blazer is not only professional, but it has a flair that will make you stand out while wearing it. A blazer like this is very versatile because it can be paired with a more casual outfit to wear outside of the workplace. This Splendid blazer could easily be paired with a skirt or dress pants to create a fab business casual outfit.

This Fashionista accessorized her outfit perfectly by keeping it simple. With a standout blazer, accessories should be minimal to keep the look from becoming too busy for a workplace. Her monogram necklace is similar to the Jennifer Zeuner necklaces, which are simple enough to wear every day. Although maintaining a professional image is key, no one wants to look too matronly, so this Fashionista's simple black boots and gold-and-tortoise Michael Kors watch keep the outfit age appropriate.

By mixing a few unique pieces, business casual does not have to be frumpy or boring. Depending on the workplace, the formality of dress will differ but keeping accessories minimal is key. Keeping to one standout piece, like this blazer, will maintain a professional look without sacrificing style.

Spotted: Simple patterned jackets were also seen at the Prada fall 2012 runway show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Western Flair

Cowboy boots are a Southern wardrobe staple and can be found everywhere on campus. Cowboy boots are a year-round essential in Athens and I know that I am guilty of relying on them too frequently. They are just so easy to pair with leggings and an oversized tunic for class or a sundress for a lunch date. They are so versatile and comfortable that they are hard to resist.

I love this Fashionista’s unique pair of Old Gringo cowboy boots. They are an updated classic but still easy to pair with any outfit. These cowboy boots stood out to me thanks to the light suede and the exposed silver zipper on the side. These are eye-catching details for cowboy boots, considering most of the other boots I see on campus tend to be either basic brown or black leather. These details make for a fresh and updated look. She paired her boots with dark skinny jeans, a knit top and a white-and-tan sweater. By pairing the boots with a simple outfit, she looks polished but still practical for class.

One of the things I love most about fashion is that everyone has his or her own style. But that doesn’t mean you have to completely ignore traditional styles just to stand out. Cowboy boots can range from trendy to traditional, so every Fashionista can find a pair to match her own personal style.

Spotted: Traditional boots were seen in the fall 2012 Pucci show in Milan.