Author: Jill Noeh

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alanna Staiman

One minute you’re sweating and the next you’ve got the chills. Sounds familiar? Fashionistas and Fashionistos are in the middle of a fashion crisis: how to dress in between seasons. This period is not only an awkward time to put together looks, but can be tempting to stick to only your summer or fall clothes. When I spotted this Fashionista on campus, we chatted about this difficult time. Despite the challenging situation, this Fashionista was eager to share her fashion tips during this tricky transition.

Name: Alanna Staiman

Major: Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience

Year: Sophomore

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

Alanna Staiman: My favorite season to dress for is in between summer and fall. I love wearing my favorite summer floral dresses with fall jackets and boots. I like pairing these items together because they bring out both style and color from both seasons.

CF: How do you stay stylish yet comfortable for class?

AS: I like to wear comfortable shorts or leggings depending on the weather. I usually dress them up with cute tops and sweaters that have a design, graphic print or bright color. 

CF: Who is your favorite designer and what’s your favorite item from that designer?

AS: I don’t have a favorite designer, but I love BCBGMAXAZRIA. Literally everything I own is from there. My favorite items are their bandage skirts and printed shorts. They are both great going-out pieces.

CF: Who are some of your celebrities you draw fashion inspiration from?

AS: Blake Lively, Mila Kunis and Leighton Meester.

How To: Putting together a flirty, feminine in-between season look like this Fashionista’s is quite easy. Start with a floral summer dress like Brandy Melville’s Jada dress. Try pairing the dress with suede booties for a touch of sophistication. Finish the outfit off with a great army-inspired jacket. In no time, you’ll be looking trendy on campus.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Sami Herman

Goodbye sunshine, hello textbooks and exams. Coming to terms with the end of summer is a challenge. As Fashionistas/os like myself are in the midst of transitioning into the first weeks of the 2013-2014 school year, it’s our new back-to-school clothes that keep us going.

For University of Michigan students, the weather is a key factor in putting together an outfit for class. Many students, like this Fashionista, stick to oversized knit sweaters lightweight leggings and comfy sneakers as their everyday look for class. This Fashionista embraces the first few weeks of fall in ensembles like these when studying in the library or hanging out in her sorority house.

Name: Sami Herman

Major: Informatics

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite piece in your closet?

Sami Herman: My favorite item in my closet are defintiely my oversized sweaters. They go with everything and I have millions of them. Everyone is always coming to me becasue they know how obsessed I am with them.

CF: What are you looking forward to wearing this season?

SH: I’m so excited to wear my new UGGs combat boots. When I found them I knew they would be perfect for the ever-changing weather in Ann Arbor. Last year my toes were always so cold in leather boots but now my problem is solved — without sacrificing style of course.

CF: As you mentioned to me before, fall is your favorite season. Why do you love it so much?

SH: I absolutely love fall because of leggings, boots and of course sweaters, jackets and denim vests. It’s the perfect time to break out these pieces and embrace the weather.

How To: This Fashionista’s outfit is very easy to replicate. Start off by finding the perfect pair of leggings. Although they are for yoga, my favorite legging is the Wunder Under by lululemon athletica. They are thick, versatile and, most importantly, stylish. As for oversized sweaters, I like Wildfox’s selection of graphic knits. Keep your outfit relaxed, as this Fashionista does, with studded sneakers or mid-calf booties.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Allie Laps

Even though we’re back on campus getting ready for the fall semester, summer trends are still hot in Ann Arbor. Fashionistas across campus are staying cool during welcome week by rocking their favorite summer styles. My personal favorites are denim cut-offs and basic T-shirts, which this Fashionista is wearing. Although it’s important to wear the latest trends, classic looks like this one are always timeless.

Name: Allie Laps

Major: Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What is your favorite back-to-school outfit?

Allie Laps: Well, right now when it’s still really hot on campus I like to mix and match my favorite summer fashions to class. My go-to look for the first few weeks of school will be high-waisted shorts, Steve Madden sandals, crop tops and always a lot of color. It’s important to be comfortable but stylish to make a good first impression.

CF: What are your fall essentials?

AL: For fall I love leather boots, especially booties. I’m excited to wear my chambray shirt with leggings and accessories like long necklaces and big watches, which are always a necessity. 

CF: What gives you fashion inspiration?

AL: I get a bunch of outfit ideas from some of my favorite stores like Urban Outfitters and BP. at Nordstrom. I also really like scrolling through store catalogues which come out before every season. I also look to my friends for inspiration — I like mixing my own style with theirs.

How To: This is the perfect outfit for hanging out and can be an easy transition look for fall. Start with a simple white T-shirt, which is a wardrobe essential for any Fashionista. If it’s still warm where you are stick to denim cut-offs, but if you’re looking ahead to fall, I love the toothpick jean by J.Crew. Pair this look with a sporty sneakers for an all-American look.

STYLE GURU BIO: Jill Noeh

I’m so excited to be a Style Guru at CollegeFashionista again this fall! I had a great experience writing STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK and can’t wait to cover the FASHIONISTA/O SPOTLIGHT this semester.

I am currently a sophomore at University of Michigan studying Communications. This summer I interned in New York City. I worked at Wunderlich Public Relations, Pink Chicken and FreshNeck. At Wunderlich, I spent time pitching to new clients, working at celebrity events and learning other necessary skills that public relations specialists use everyday. While at Pink Chicken, I assisted in developing the fall 2014 collection along with putting the final touches on spring 2014 deliveries and samples. Lastly, I managed the blog at FreshNeck, which is what I like to call the “Netflix for ties.” Not only did I learn a great deal from these internships, but I felt that I became very independent.

This fall is sure to be a busy semester. Between living in my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, taking many classes, working on SHEI Magazine and serving as a Brand Specialist for ASOS, I can’t wait to see how my semester goes. I am excited to write on campus this fall because Ann Arbor is a great place for fashion. Students pay close attention to trends and as the weather changes quickly so do those trends. My favorite pieces for this season are leather accents, oxford shoes and lots of teal.

Again, I’m excited to be part of the CollegeFashionista team this semester. I’m looking forward to meeting other Michigan Style Gurus and giving you up to date fashion advice.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Hot In Holograms

When most people think of the ’90s, they remember their favorite boy bands, but there was much more to the decade than cute pop stars. The fashion scene was all about futuristic clothing. Back and more refined than ever, this trend is all about adding drama to any ensemble.

Jonathan Saunders was one designer who took a chance on this trend in his spring 2013 ready-to-wear collection. Holographic skirts, vests and tops printed on materials like leather and silk made his collection stand out.

I spotted this Fashionista wearing a blue holographic top. She rocked the trend effortlessly by keeping the rest of her look simple. She paired the flowy top with clean skinny jeans and flats for an evening outfit. Like this Fashionista demonstrated, it is important to wear only one holographic item at a time. The shiny material instantly attracts attention, and looking like a disco ball is certainly not part of this fashion statement.

Because summer is coming to a close, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite hologram pieces that have carried over to this upcoming season. When I first saw this Milly Demi clutch I fell in love with it. But for most of us college students, the Milly bag is out of our price range. Resist breaking the bank with the Melie Blanco clutch, which is almost identical to the designer bag. I also love these holographic oxfords by Urban Outfitters. And to give a feminine edge to the holographic theme, try this leather jacket.

Whether it’s day or night, summer or fall, holographic trends are fresh off the runway and easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. So make sure to invest in this trend for the fall.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Transition To Fall

When we start getting our favorite magazines and store catalogs with fall fashion previews, it’s tempting to hide them away in the midst of the summer heat. Although most of us don’t want summer to end, this marks the time to start thinking about our fall wardrobes. From boots to skinny jeans and even graphic T-shirts, be sure to get ready for an exciting season ahead.

This Fashionista knows how to prepare fall. After spotting her on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art looking absolutely chic in gray motorcycle boots, an English-inspired graphic T-shirt and skinny jeans, I could tell that she was beginning to integrate summer and fall trends. She told me the best way to prepare for upcoming seasons is to purchase basics, which always transition well from season to season.

Looking for fall fashion inspiration? Fall 2013 is all about new trends. Alexander Wang’s 2013 ready-to-wear collection embedded hues between charcoal and slate to create a gray neutral for the fall. Just as this Fashionista rocked her gray suede boots, you can too! My favorite boots are the Dr. Martens 1460 W boot. They are comfortable, edgy and durable.

In addition, think slimming sophistication. Step into your favorite pair of dark wash or distressed denim with a vintage tops. Celebrities like Jessica Alba look effortlessly chic in pieces that seem as if they came straight out of a thrift store. I suggest shopping for acid- washed designs, retro slogans or concert replicas from past decades.

So enjoy the last weeks of summer, Fashionistas/os! Before we know it, the temperatures will drop and the leaves will be falling. To prepare for the changing weather, keep in mind these style tips and start wearing transition pieces.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Off-Duty Look

As temperatures soar, Fashionistos everywhere are caught in a fashion confusion. While the working Fashionistas have it easy with the help of summer dresses and skirts, men suffer through long days at the office in restrictive shirts and long pants. Not only is the weekend a time to relax, but it is every Fashionisto’s excuse to wear their best off-duty look.

For this week’s Fashionisto, the weekend means staying cool without sacrificing style. Sporting a bright blue V-neck and white chambray shorts, his ideal summer spot is hanging by the beach with his family and friends. This Fashionisto completes his look with rustic Sperry Top-Siders for a preppy finish.

If you’re looking for the perfect off-duty summer ensemble, it’s important to find the right shirt and shorts combination. The ideal men’s summer outfit should be either cotton, linen or khaki. Next, let’s discuss colors. Dark colors tend to trap the heat, while the lighter ones, such as light pinks or yellows, keeps you free of sweat.

As for shoes, stick ones that are light in weight and color. Because there’s no need for socks when your off-duty, think about traditional flip flops, loafers, if you’re feeling dapper, or classic boat shoes, like this Fashionisto.

The off-duty look is complete with a pair of shady characters. I recommend the retro-inspired Ray-Ban sunglasses. However you decide to rock them, whether its on the beach, a lazy Sunday afternoon or at your favorite bar, stay fresh and dress with confidence when you’re not stuck in the office this summer.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Ow, Ow Ombré

For Fashionistas/os like myself, summer is the best season to play with trends. During the winter months, it is easy to hide behind oversized sweaters and jeans, but with so many options for summer, it’s the perfect time to experiment.

Ombré may have been the hottest trend for your hair, but now it is a stylish way to spice up your summer wardrobe. From clothing to accessories, any ombré piece will make a great statement that transitions from season to season.

This Fashionista gained a new respect for ombré. Looking amazing in Free People ombré eyelet shorts, she admitted that it took some time before she could rock the trend. After a little convincing from her friends, she finally wore this number and realized how wearable the trend is. She took advantage of the high-waisted style by tucking in a basic white tank top and drew attention to the short’s embroidery with the help of metallic shoes.

If you’re ready to step out of your fashion comfort zone, try the ombré fad. For an afternoon in the city, nothing screams urban more than a denim sleeveless shirt. Great with white bottoms or your favorite breezy skirt, a denim top is always in style. In addition to clothing, ombré-inspired accessories are always a conversation starter. Ready for a night out? This Tory Burch woven clutch celebrates ombré in shades of aqua and turquoise. The trend has befriended the jewelry world too. This ombré-inspired chained necklace will add that extra edge to your look.

We’re well into the summer, so if you haven’t yet experimented with ombré, so let it begin! Never play it safe with dip-dye and always wear it with confidence. Ow, ow!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rad Romper

A-List celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss are known for their excellent taste in fashion. Setting trends like it’s nobody’s business, these Fashionistas are some of the few that have embraced rompers on the red carpet and in their personal wardrobes.

In 2010, the jumpsuit/romper trend began. It’s no surprise that the romper is back this summer. Whether you pair it with a blazer or belt for the office or jazz it up with accessories for the perfect evening look, rompers and jumpsuits are essentials for every Fashionista’s closet.

This past weekend, I spotted this Fashionista in Union Square. Looking fabulous in a tribal-inspired romper, chic gladiators and a topknot, there was no way I could let her pass by without giving her the proper recognition. This Fashionista keeps it casual and comfortable for a sweltering afternoon around the city.

Whether you’re preparing for your weekend getaway, music festival or day in the office, rompers are the perfect escape from boring separates. Stress-free and easy to pack, look for rompers and jumpsuits with cinched waists for a weekend trip. This style will get you through any adventure you may encounter. For all you music lovers, summer festivals are all about fashion, and well, I guess the music too. I love this reverse geo print romper from Urban Outfitters. Silky and relaxed, it will keep you cool and stylish in those large crowds. Rompers and jumpsuits don’t stop there; bring this fun trend into the office! With the sweetness of a dress, having pleats and button accents, the office can be playful in this number. Finish off the look with your favorite pair of ballet flats.

The celebrities are wearing them, so you can too. Ranging in style, color and material, get rid of the same boring separates and remember to wear a rad romper for all your summer plans.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Hair Solutions

The summer is here and it’s been hot, hot, hot. With the excessive heat this summer, your hair can’t always look naturally perfect, but I can teach you a few tricks to keep it pretty and stylish all day long.

For me, hair has confronted me with some very difficult challenges. If it’s anything like mine, finding solutions can be a struggle. I’m constantly finding myself digging for a hair tie or headband to keep the frizz down. This weekend, I spotted this Fashionista. She tamed her locks in a fishtail braid with a seamless hair tie and turned to a canvas fedora to top off her ensemble. The combination of printed cut-offs, Converse sneakers and a black knit tank top forms a basic outfit that establishes a simple template for a fun hair-do. What was once a hair disaster, has now become effortless, summer style.

Looking for other alternatives? Control your hair with a printed turban headband by Free People. Meant to be worn slightly scrunched, these turbans look great with your favorite denim cut-offs and white T-shirt. Another favorite of mine is a classic snapback. Nothing screams Americana better than a girl supporting her home team. If you’re loving the fedora trend this season, but looking to make it your own, try this Michael Stars striped fedora in clementine.

With fedoras and other hair accessories popular this season, there’s no need to worry about frizzy, complicated hair. From Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon to Halle Berry and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, make sure to keep up with the all the celebrities who are rocking this trend.