Kathleen Crossey – CollegeFashionista

STYLE ADVICE: Spring Forward

Believe it or not, but spring fever is among us! It’s that time again when we have to say goodbye to cozy sweaters and cold winter air and hello to warm weather, pretty flowers, and lively outfits. I don’t know about you, but spring is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. Everyone finally breaks out from the comfort of their dorms and are out and about enjoying the last month of school. I no longer dread getting ready for class every day because I feel it is much easier to dress for the warmer weather.

To throw together an effortless outfit for spring, this Fashionista first decided to style a T-shirt dress. After wearing jeans for months, it is the perfect excuse to not wear pants and rock a flowy dress. I’m not sure if you noticed yet, but I love wearing neutral colors. That’s why I loved that this Fashionista wore this simple gray dress because it goes with anything, and it’s super comfy. Another great advantage during spring is the ability to experiment with new jewelry. In the winter, no one gets to see your jewelry because you are bundled up from head-to-toe. This stylish chick decided to wear this bohemian, long necklace for her lunch date with her friends. The perfect pair of shoes to finish up this spring outfit are lace-up flats. They are unique and are great to pair with a dress.

After what feels like forever, the sun is finally creeping through the clouds and shining brightly on Happy Valley, PA. To shield your eyes from the sun’s luminous rays, toss on a pair of chic sunglasses. It will help make your outfit even more trendy, while also making you look super cool as you stroll through campus.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Long Live the Jean Jacket

Have you ever looked back at old pictures of your parents and thought, “Do I have the same jeans and shirts on as they do?” There is no doubt that history has a tendency to repeat itself. That’s why this entire article is all about the classic, vintage jean jacket. The charm of the all-American jean jacket is that you can wear it with anything depending on your genre of style that day. For instance, you could wear it with a maxi dress for a bohemian look or a graphic T-shirt for an edgy look.

A jean jacket is a necessity to have as a college student. You can wear them to class, to weekend parties, and out with friends for Sunday brunch.

Many people have trouble deciding what pants to wear while rocking a jean jacket. My number one piece of advice is to never wear a blue jean jacket with the same color blue jeans. The TV show, Fashion Police, would label that a big no-no. Instead, wear black leggings or black denim. Slipping on a pair of black jeans is a simple way of turning a laid back, casual look into something more pulled together.

Another alternative is ripped black jeans which produces more of an edgy appearance. Adding to the edgy look, a graphic T-shirt is the perfect shirt to pair with a jean jacket. For example, this Fashionista wore a Bowie concert shirt that lent a punk appearance to the outfit. For a pop of color, she sported burgundy booties that brought the outfit together. Finally, this stylish chick simply added a black choker so that attention wasn’t drawn away from my outfit.

So if that doesn’t convince you to go out and invest in a jean jacket, I don’t know what will. They are versatile and will help dress up or down any outfit. Jean jackets are the perfect complement to anyone’s’ early-spring wardrobe.

BEAUTY BAR: Natural Makeup Look

Walking across campus, you will most likely see girls wearing different amounts of makeup on their way to class. I stumbled across this Fashionista who was rocking a minimal amount of makeup. These are the products that this stylish chick used to create her effortless look.

For her foundation, she used Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. Too Faced foundation is perfect for achieving a flawless finish! With an undetectable coverage, Fashionistas can attain a natural to full coverage look. Bonus, the coconut water in the makeup will replenish your skin’s moisture levels.

For her brows, she used Anastasia Brow Wiz. I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with on fleek eyebrows. This holy grail eyebrow pencil stays on all day long and creates the most perfect natural look with its thin tip.

This Fashionista used Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but I honestly believe this product came down from heaven to bless all makeup lovers on earth. Whether you want to “bake” your T zone or use a fluffy brush to set your whole face, this setting powder will control your shine from the moment you apply it to the second before you remove your makeup at night.

She also used NYX contour palette. Contouring is the new technique that so many runway models and makeup artists are using. It enhances and shapes areas of your face in a very subtle way. Luckily, this drugstore makeup palette provides both four glowing highlights and four shades of dark contour.

Next for mascara, this Fashionista used Volum’ Express the Falsies mascara. This Maybelline mascara makes everyone’s eyelashes lengthen up to their brows, so be prepared to wow the world with your fluttery, full lashes every time you apply a few glamorous coats of this amazing product.

Finally for her lipstick, she used a ColourPop color. This online company sells hundreds of different colors ranging from vampy to nudes to vibrant pinks. Fortunately, ColourPop provides both a matte and gloss finish lipstick of each color to help their consumers accomplish their desired look. My personal favorite lip color is Midi.

WHAT TO WEAR: Yeezy Season

Yeezy, Yeezy, Yeezy. The rapper that has taken the world by storm in many ways throughout the decade. From dropping multiple number one albums to stopping his concerts midway through to getting checked into the hospital, Kayne West has been a very influential icon. Many people say his large ego has gotten the best of him and it’s negatively affecting his career. However, there is still one huge factor that has kept Kanye very successful: his clothing line. Kanye’s Yeezy Season has had four successful collections to date. It is crazy to think that a clothing line based on ripped sweatshirts and baggy joggers has brought an enormous amount of money to the Kanye empire.

In all of Kanye’s clothing collections, he has used a neutral color palette to create his military inspired looks. Kanye truly follows the fashion code of “less is more” in his Yeezy seasons. Motivated by West, this Fashionisto went with a more minimalistic, affordable style while still sporting neutral fall tones.

To recreate a look inspired by Kanye’s fashion line, this Fashionisto wore black, baggy Adidas joggers. Staying with the Adidas trend, he threw on a black and gray hoodie. Unfortunately, this college kid was unable to afford Yeezys so he decided to rock Nike Roshe Runs instead. Lastly, he threw on an Oakley baseball cap to bring the whole athleisure look together.

Kanye has brought both negative and positive attributes to the entertainment industry, but there is no doubt that Kanye West’s clothing line has inspired Fashionistas/os across the country. Yeezy Season has created waves on waves of iconic looks that have shaped many young people’s styles today.

STYLE GURU BIO: Kathleen Crossey

Hello again! It’s your favorite Style Guru reporting for duty. If you are new to my page, my name is Kathleen Crossey. This is my second semester as an intern with CollegeFashionista, and I am so excited to see what great things will happen this spring.

For those who may not know, I am a freshman at the Pennsylvania State University. I am currently studying early childhood education with a minor in human development and family studies. Not much has changed since my last STYLE GURU BIO. I continue to be passionate about fashion, working out, and seeking adventure. In addition, during my first semester of college I became a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and it has been amazing so far!

In my second STYLE GURU BIO, I decided to sport a comfy, big sweater from American Eagle, paired with black leggings, a few Alex and Ani bracelets, and silver earrings. To finish the look, I wore black booties with cream crew socks.

My addiction for fashion and shopping started at a very young age. I loved dressing up in old dance costumes and putting on shows for my family. Additionally, I loved going to the mall with my friends to discover the latest trends. However, as a young girl, I learned there was more to fashion than the Abercrombie moose and Aeropostale graphic T-shirts.

As I’ve grew, I have become more aware of the wide range of trends and styles that I can sport. There have been multiple fashion icons in the industry, such as Vanessa Hudgens, that have helped shape and inspire my style. Becoming a Style Guru has been one of the best decisions I have made thus far in college and I cannot wait to see where this semester takes me!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Layering Love

“Oh the weather outside is frightful,” but your outfit can be delightful, despite the harsh winter weather. With the decrease in temperature comes the perfect opportunity to increase your occasion to try a new trend. I’m here to prevent you from having to push your way through the busy malls and to help you find a chic outfit from basic clothing that most Fashionistas already have in their closet.

Winter in State College, Pennsylvania can be rather difficult for showing off your personal style because we are forced to bundle up for the blistery weather. With that being said, my number one tip for the winter is: LAYERS! This doesn’t mean you have to look like a ginormous polar bear waddling around campus. This Fashionista dressed in layers on her night out on the town and looks like she is cozy and fashionable at the same time.

Let’s start from the bottom up. High boots are a must have during the slushy winter months. These boots are chic and will make it seem like you put in minimal effort to get a stylish look. Jeans or leggings? Jeans win by a long shot. Ultimately, jeans will help you stay warmer while fighting the harsh winter wind on your way to class.

Time for the layers! Start off with a light sweater or long sleeve shirt. As my friend always says, it is better to be “comfy cozy.” On top of the chic top, throw on a fleece flannel for even more warmth during this breezy winter time. To finish the layers, sport a vest or jacket depending on how low the temperature is that day. Fortunately, the day these photos were taken, the weather was not super chilly. Throw on a huge statement necklace and a few small bracelets to bring the wintertime outfit together.

As someone who hates the cold, I understand the desire to dress yourself in a hoodie and sweatpants to combat the cold. However, there is a better solution to dress for the weather without looking frumpy. Layering…it’s the perfect solution to stay warm AND maintain style during the brutal winter season!

WHAT TO WEAR: Tailgating to a T

For those who may not know, The Pennsylvania State University is a HUGE football school. Students and alumni eat, sleep and breath Penn State football. Saturdays during the fall are jam-packed days filled with football related events. Before the stampede of fans flood into Beaver Stadium, people fill the parking lots surrounding the football stadium tailgating with friends and family.

Now that November’s brisk breezes are here and the weather is getting chilly, many students face a dilemma on how to still look cute, while festive, at their tailgates. The last thing anyone wants is to let the cold weather bring down their mood, or their fashion!

This super rad Fashionista shows us how to look stylish, yet comfortable, in front of her “107,000 new friends at Beaver Stadium.” Duck boots are the perfect footwear to style on cold game days! These fashion staples are waterproof and lined with fur to help keep your toes toasty. If you feel you would still be too cold with boots alone, throw on some high socks that match your school colors because everyone knows that school spirit is super important! Additionally, pairing jeans and duck boots together can create a fall-fabulous look.

This trendsetter is rocking a light weight collegiate crewneck that shows enough school spirit without going over the top. Depending on where your school is located, this sweatshirt might not be cozy enough to wear during the tailgate and all four quarters of the game, which is why vests are a must-have product during the autumn season. Spicing up the look, this football fan slipped on a few Alex and Ani bracelets and a simple necklace to help bring the whole outfit together. To top off her look, she is sporting an adorable baseball cap showing off her school’s mascot.

This outfit is an amazing way to show school spirit whether you are at your tailgate, watching the game, or anywhere around campus. So go out and rock this outfit because WE ARE, Fashionistas!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: All Wrapped Up

So it’s that time again! Football games, bonfires, pumpkin spice lattes and big comfy hoodies are upon us. Within the next few weeks, the humid, hot weather will turn to a breezy fall climate. But there is always that difficult time in between the two seasons when people cannot decide what to wear. In central Pennsylvania, it’s too warm for pants but too brisk to not wear a lightweight jacket.

But fear no more; I have the solution to your fashion crisis! Bandanas. Yes, I said bandanas. I know you are probably thinking, “Kathleen, bandanas were so four decades ago.” Over the years, bandanas have been worn for many different fashion styles such as using it as a headband for a retro look, a ski mask to protect your face or a stylish wrist accessory. The most common trend, I believe, is when Fashionistas tie bandanas around their necks as scarves.

I am probably not the only daughter who’s heard her mom say, “Oh my gosh, I used to wear that in high school.” Just as every trend eventually returns to the fashion world, bandanas are making their way back to becoming everyone’s favorite accessory again.

Bandana scarves are perfect for early fall weather! The scarf will keep you warm from the windy weather but allow you to be comfortable in the lightweight material. This trend is a fabulous way to make a simple outfit chic and it’s very inexpensive!

This Fashionista took this trend to a whole new level of Vogue-ish! While wearing her chic bandana scarf, she added black jeans, a gorgeous top and heels. As you can tell, this outfit is very simple, but adding the scarf transforms it into a picture perfect look.

Bandanas come in all colors and patterns, so make sure you stop by your local thrift or fabric store and score yourself the hottest look of the season!

STYLE GURU BIO: Kathleen Crossey

Hello Fashionista friends! I am so happy you came across my page to read my posts. My name is Kathleen Crossey and I am an upcoming freshman at The Pennsylvania State University. Being a Penn State fan my whole life, I have been yelling, “We Are” since the moment I can remember. Although I am majoring in Early Childhood Education, my passion lies within fashion, which is why I am pumped to intern at CollegeFashionista as a Style Guru this fall. Through this amazing opportunity, I can incorporate my love for fashion with the styles and looks I discover around my beautiful campus at Penn State.

I was born and raised in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, otherwise known as “The City of Champions.” I grew up spending my childhood days with my older sister and twin brother. I knew I had a niche in fashion since I was a young girl playing dress up with my sister and putting on runway shows for my mom and dad. Along with being an inspiring fashion trender, I have many other interests that helped me to become the person I am today. For instance, I have been a basketball player since I was a little kid. Also, I am fitness freak, always seeking adventure, Netflix binge-watcher and a Moe’s foodie.

Many people do not care much about fashion and the evolving trends that go along with it. I feel the best way to express yourself is through your own sense of style because it tells the world who you are without saying a word.

Personally, I do not have a set style. With fashion, I can express myself in a fun and edgy way regardless of whether or not I dress bohemian, preppy, elegant, trendy or just plain casual that day. Accessories are always my go-to choice to make a simple look, very trendy. A statement necklace or colorful booties can transform a daytime look into a glamourous night-in-the-city look.

For my first post, I decided to dress myself in a pair of ripped black jeans, a flowy off-the-shoulder top and a pair of my favorite sneakers from adidas. As a health nut, I rock my Fitbit watch almost every day. Throw on a pair of dangly earrings and I am set for the day!

As the great fashion designer, Coco Chanel, once said, “I don’t do fashion. I am fashion.” Do not be afraid to show the world who you are through your style and express yourself any way you wish.