Author: Jordan Brausen

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Denim, Denim, Denim

Denim. Simple, versatile and unique are some words that may come to mind instantly. Denim first became popular in the 1950s among youth who were attempting to rebel against the typical, run of the mill fashion. It was the symbol of rebellion; Rebel Without a Cause and The Wild One created an image of difference and originality. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, denim began to follow the trend of '60s fashions: painted jeans, and even embroidered denim.

Denim has come a long way since then; it is now a common staple in any wardrobe. Denim can be worn in so many different ways: skinny, baggy, flared and especially what this week's Fashionista is sporting: high-waisted denim cut-offs. Denim cut-offs appear to be everywhere lately, yet they all are different in their own unique way. This week’s Fashionista is wearing high-waisted, frayed denim shorts paired with a simple pair of booties and a laced vest. What’s great about this particular fashion trend is that any Fashionista can make them. Simply cut a pair of an old pair of jeans, and voila! You now have a great pair of shorts.

Don’t trust yourself to make a great pair? Try these shorts, and pair them with a great pair of summer booties. To complete the look, try a longer necklace like this Fashionista did. Denim can be worn in different ways, and it’s up to each individual to find his or her perfect style. Don’t forget to experiment and have fun with all the different types of denim out there! One can never go wrong when experimenting with originality.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Orange Appeal

Finally, it’s summertime. The sun is out, finals are over, and we can all relax!  Los Angeles is finally seeing it’s normal weather patterns, encouraging fellow Fashionista(o)s to get their summer style on.  Light dresses, maxi skirts, and of course, bright colors, seem to be popping up all over.  Bright colors are a great way to add interest and appeal to a simple outfit.

With that said, FIDM is on a three week break until summer quarter begins. Obviously, this is a slight issue for me, as I have no Fashionistas to find!  However, I was able to discover this particular Fashionista at a great little restaurant in Los Feliz, a trendy and hip neighborhood ten minutes away from FIDM’s campus.   She walked in and instantly grabbed the attention of me and my three other friends, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture such a great outfit.  Interestingly enough, our Fashionista is sporting her own personal creation for American Apparel: a high waisted, 1950’s inspired orange skirt.  It’s perfect for any outing; one can dress it up, or dress it down for a day’s activity.  It’s effortlessly chic, and modern day classic.

The color orange is an easy addition to an ensemble, adding instant life to the outfit.  Don’t think orange is the color for you? Try a coral skirt; it’s bright enough for summer, and less bold than orange.  To complete the outfit, throw a turquoise bracelet on and a simple pair of pumps, and enjoy a warm day in the city.  Coral is a great way to segue into summer mode, not to mention it looks great with a tan!

Not only did this Fashionista catch my attention with her fabulous skirt, her shoes were a great addition to her outfit. A bright bold pump is a must for this summer! Don’t be afraid to add another color into your outfit; it’s unexpected and exudes confidence. So embrace the warm weather, and experiment with colors. Until next time, adieu!
 

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Laces and Things

With the unusual Los Angeles weather, Angelenos are dreaming of the hot sun, warm beaches and summertime activities. This week's Fashionista is daring enough to brave the unseasonably chilly weather in shorts. Shorts have evolved through the fashion world; from khaki, knee-length shorts from the 1940s to now, shorts are almost a staple in the everyday Fashionista’s closet. From cotton to linen, and linen to denim, shorts are fun, easy, and practical for the adventurous Fashionista. Plus, one has the ability to mix and match to create an ideal outfit.

This particular Fashionista was able to create a modern twist on a classic textile and concept. Her high-waisted linen shorts are stylish yet somewhat conservative, but with her ivory lace top she creates the perfect balance between classic and modern. Pairing them with a blazer or even a basic T-shirt, high-waisted shorts are easy to dress up or down. Looking for the perfect relaxed summer look? Try a pair of vintage-looking high-waisted shorts, with a draped white blouse.

Besides this Fashionista’s fantastic shorts, she was able to stay warm with her lace top. Lace instantly brings a feminine touch to any outfit. Whether it’s a top with lace detailing or even lace shorts, lace is able to draw the eye of any fashion enthusiast. For a summer day outfit, try this dress with Mary Jane heels to create a feminine yet chic outfit. To complete the outfit, add a skinny belt and your favorite accessories. Shorts are essentially summer’s best friend; they’re light, easy to wear, and practical for almost any outdoor activity. Never be afraid to experiment with shorts; from different lengths to fabrics, they’re a great way to jump-start a lovely summer.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Naughty Nautical

With finals around the corner, students are running a flurry around campus; projects, last minute meetings, and even graduation seems to be amongst top priorities.  However, all the great outfits milling around campus didn’t shock me in the slightest.

This week, our Fashionista mixes grunge and preppy attire to create a perfect cloudy-day outfit.  Nautical prints seem to pop up almost everywhere nowadays; interestingly enough, these particular prints have been popular since the 1940s.  There is definitely a classic feel to nautical prints; it executes a sophisticated air without much effort.  From sailor dresses, to a basic black and white top, nautical fashion has truly progressed through the years.  However, this week’s Fashionista was able to mix a basic nautical top, with distressed boots, for a more modern twist.  Her oversized, army-esque jacket juxtaposes her preppy nautical theme perfectly, making her stand out instantaneously.  Not only does her outfit stand out, but her stylish haircut, and anchor pendent helps complete the unique look.  Adding some grunge attire to a preppy look makes an outfit that much more intriguing, and this Fashionista accomplishes this tricky combination perfectly.  She adds fish net tights for a feminine touch to help maintain her chic ensemble.  

Going for the distressed look?  Try these boots, a basic tee, and an oversized sweater.  The preppy look?  Try a cuffed chino pant, a nautical top, and a pair of knock-off Sperry Top Siders.  To complete the outift, add a pop of color!  Never be afraid to experiment; after all, it's all about the art of juxtaposing.  Until next time, adieu! 

 

Style Guru Bio: Jordan Brausen

Fellow Fashionistas/os: Hello! My name is Jordan Brausen, I am a second year student at FIDM studying Merchandise Marketing, and currently reside in Downtown Los Angeles. My experience at FIDM thus far has been nothing but positive. The teachers, the community, and the services that FIDM provides for its students is impeccable. It was through school that I was able to acquire my current internship at Vivienne Westwood’s showroom. I have been working there since January and have loved each moment of it. On top of going to school and interning, I also am going on my second year of working at Anthropologie. I come from a small town thirty minutes north of San Francisco, called Petaluma; it's there where cows, chickens, and the sense of a small community rein all. It made me realize at a young age that there is so much more to the world than just a small town. I needed adventure and excitement. Lately, I can be seen wearing oversized knitted sweaters, a pair of high-waisted shorts, and my ever-so-worn black vintage cowboy boots. Alexa Chung, Rachel Bilson, as well as knight cat and Fashiontoast seem to be my latest inspiration. Fashion has always been apart of my life. Luckily enough, my mother is a French teacher, and a hip one at that. She brought me up around fashion and the art of good window shopping. I am ecstatic to join the team of Style Gurus, and further my knowledge of the fashion industry. Until then, adieu!