Author: Kelly Martin

WHAT TO WEAR: Finals

Finals week is upon us here at the University of Alabama. That means copious amounts of coffee, hours in the library and maybe a few tears. At this time of high stress it can be tempting to spend the week in your comfiest sweats, but I have come to find that you can find a happy medium between dressing up and dressing in pajamas. As someone who has been taking finals for 16 years, I feel like I’ve learned a few strategies along the way. One of them being the perfect outfit for studying. This would be something not too comfy that you nod off during your 2:00 a.m. study session, but not so uncomfortable that you can’t concentrate.

This Fashionista’s outfit is a great example of the ideal study outfit. Everything item is loose or stretchy, but still presentable for any errands or meetings she might have during the day. The style of her pants is what really makes this outfit stand out. The loose cut makes it a better alternative to jeans or tight leggings, and the pattern is flattering but still fun. She keeps the rest of her outfit simple. Her simple white top is stretchy but form fitting so she doesn’t loose her shape, and her gray cardigan will keep her warm in a drafty exam room. The finishing touches like her silver accessories, sunglasses and sandals are easy ways that she adds interest and keeps the look far away from frumpy. She completes her look with a tan leather satchel that can hold her books and papers walking from class to class.

One Simple Change: Obviously you spend a lot of time in the library during finals week. This Fashionista pretty much has the study look down, but would be perfect for the library with patterned socks in case her feet get cold and a scrunchie to throw her hair up if it gets in the way. Large vanilla latte is optional.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Paint It Black

Red may be the color of passion and yellow may be the color of happiness, but the chicest hue on the color spectrum is the seemingly most simple as them all; black. In color psychology, this color gives protection from external emotional stress. It creates a barrier between itself and the outside world, providing comfort while protecting its emotions and feelings and hiding its vulnerabilities and insecurities. In the fashion world, the color black can be considered iconic. Some of the most famous fashion moments have occurred in a “little black dress.” Audrey Hepburn strolling by Tiffany’s in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in her black Givenchy number, Elizabeth Hurley on the red carpet in her safety pin Versace dress and Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace at the 2012 Oscars; the list goes on.

The flip side of the color black is that it displays confidence and toughness. No wonder it’s the unofficial uniform of rock ‘n’ rollers and city dwellers! It is also the perfect color to experiment with mixing lots of different textures without fear of clashing.

This Fashionista’s outfit is a perfect mix of what the color black represents: chicness, toughness and just plain cool. She mixes textures – soft, shiny, matte and sheer perfectly to add depth and complexity. Her black trench coat and leather combat boots protect her from the outside elements while her thin, soft blouse brings lightness to an otherwise heavy outfit. This Fashionista is ready to take on the urban jungle (or her college campus), in this all black ensemble.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Keep it simple, but interesting.”

AROUND TOWN: Adrienne Marshalle Rich

With a unique point of view, a killer logo and a clean blog design, WITS OTHER END is a blog on the rise to keep your eye on. Blogger Adrienne Marshalle Rich covers topics ranging from fashion events happening in Tuscaloosa, to where you can find looks from a music video, to street style on campus. Read ahead to get a look into the brain behind the blog.

Name: Adrienne Marshalle Rich

Role: Blogger at WITS OTHER END

CollegeFashionista: What inspired you to start a blog?

Adrienne Marshalle Rich: One of my professors really challenged me to do it and make it my own. Once I started really thinking about it, I realized how simple it could be.

CF: What is the blogger community at The University of Alabama like?

AMR: Very supportive and helpful! When I first was setting mine up I reached out to a few of the other bloggers and they were incredibly generous with their advice!

CF: Have you had any job or collaboration opportunities through your blog?

AMR: I haven’t had any collaboration opportunities yet. My blog is pretty young (about three months old) so I’m still focused on perfecting it, but I’ve talked to a few people about possibly collaborating.

CF: How would you describe the content of your blog?

AMR: I try to keep it relevant and positive with a mix of local specific posts as well as general fashion posts that are applicable on a national level.

CF: Do you plan to continue blogging after graduation?

AMR: Yes! Now that I’ve started it has become one of my favorite things to do so I plan to continue for a very long time.

Learn More: You can visit WITS OTHER END here.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: God Save the Queen

The easy breezy ’70s trend effortlessly complements warmer weather, however, there is an additional trend that has emerged for spring 2015. Victoriana is an unlikely trend for spring because of its black and buttoned-up aesthetic, but if any of the designers this season have a say, it will definitely have a place in your wardrobe next year. Designers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Erdem and Dior used light fabrics and breathable colors to breath fresh air into what is typically a harsh look.

This Fashionista is fully committed to the Victoriana trend in a head to toe look. Her top features ruffles, cuffs, zippers, a high neckline and a faux corset silhouette. She paired it with a tan and black striped skirt with more ruffles and criss-cross thread detailing. I think Queen Victoria would approve. When writing all of this out, you have to wonder how it can work in everyday life, especially everyday student life. However, she keeps her look grounded and modern with flat leather booties and natural hair and makeup. Yes, this is a bold look, but it is such a fun look to play with.

If you want to try out this trend for yourself, there a lot of options ranging from tame to dramatic. This Free People dress is the perfect mix between the ’70s trend and the Victoriana trend. It is very wearable but still unique. If you want a bolder look, try this Marc Jacobs coat. Heavy with embellishment and print, this is a statement-maker. No matter what your personal style, the Victoriana trend should definitely find a place in your closet.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Wear what makes you happy!”

STYLE GURU STYLE: Go Graphic

The Marc by Marc Jacobs fall 2014 ready-to-wear show marked the first of co-designers Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier. The female duo made a point to infuse a dose of girl power into the brand previously run by Marc Jacobs. Where previous seasons showed a “neutral parade of girls and boys in vintage-inflected schmatta,” this collection featured primary colors, slick fabrics and tomboy silhouettes. The show got its punch through BMX lingo printed on the clothes including GRRR! and Revolution! The entire show straddled the line between tough and girly. The girls wore crinoline skirts, but were paired with leather and black patent shoes. The beauty look featured pigtails, but was made tougher in a tight braid and black-rimmed eyes.

For my look, I was inspired by the pop element of the prints mixed with moody colors and schoolgirl details. I picked up this sweatshirt that was released with the 3.1 Philip Lim for Target collaboration in 2013. It features a comic book graphic that has a similar feel of the BMX graphics in the MBMJ collection. Since the sweatshirt features such a bold print, I took a cue from the show and paired it with dark neutrals. Since I didn’t go for the braids, I chose to represent the schoolgirl style through my pleated skirt. I finished my look with leggings, boots and a red beanie.

I personally thought this show was amazing and with a few details can be easy to replicate!

Get My Look: 1. A graphic-printed sweatshirt. 2. A neutral pleated skirt. 3. Leather boots.

WHAT TO WEAR: Class

When the cool air starts to blow through, it’s tempting to throw personal style out the window and only wear your comfiest and warmest clothes. I know from experience that sometimes the best thing to do for those brutally cold walks to your 8:00 a.m. is to wrap yourself up in the puffiest jacket you can find, even if you look like a human marshmallow. Although we haven’t reached polar temperatures quite yet, the cold weather and the mid-semester slump are starting to set in.

Picking an outfit for class can be a surprisingly tricky task, especially if you’re resisting sweats and T-shirt temptation. The perfect outfit for class is equal parts adaptable, walkable, comfortable and stylish; that’s a lot to pack into one look. This Fashionista makes the seemingly impossible possible with her perfect for class outfit. The base of her outfit is leggings, a college student essential. Leggings tend to get a bad rep, but a cotton pair worn with a long top can become a comfier replacement for black skinny jeans. She dresses up her leggings with a nice top and denim jacket. Her finishing touches like a long necklace, booties and a scarf really complete the outfit. Lightweight accessories like a scarf are perfect for class because they can keep you warm in a drafty classroom, but are also easily storable when the sun decides to come out in the afternoon.

One Simple Change: Have to give a presentation in class? Swap the leggings for a tweed skirt and the denim jacket for a blazer and you will be commanding the attention of the room in your killer style!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Leather Gone Girly

Leather used to be strictly reserved for punk rockers and bikers; however, in recent seasons leather has been manipulated into every silhouette and color so that even the most ladylike Fashionista could find a leather piece she liked. A prime example of leather gone girly appeared in Moschino’s spring 2015 show where it got the Barbie pink treatment.

This Fashionista chose to incorporate leather into her look with a classic biker jacket. Studs and zippers solidify the rocker style. She makes the look appropriate for class with a graphic T-shirt, leggings, Converse tennis shoes and oh so scholarly glasses. If she wanted a slightly edgier look that she could wear for a concert or a night out she could switch out her leggings for leather shorts with tights. Bonus points for combat boots. And voila, she could be transported to a (insert your favorite rock band here) concert!

Of course, leather lends itself to the rougher side of fashion; however, there is a softer side to the edgy textile. If studs and spikes aren’t your thing, try incorporating leather into the feminine silhouettes you already know you like. A swingy top or dress is a great place to start. If you’re still hesitant you can’t go wrong with a classic leather bag. Step outside your comfort zone by choosing a leather bag in an unconventional color.

How To: To get this Fashionista’s look it’s important to find the perfect leather jacket. Hers includes studs and quilted detailing, but the opportunities are endless. Is it freezing where you live? Try a jacket with a shearling collar. Fashionable and functional. The focus is on the jacket so keep the rest of your look simple and streamlined.

AROUND TOWN: Annalise Holmes

When I think of the word ‘blogger’, the big names come to mind, like Leandra Medine of ManRepeller or Jane Aldridge at Sea of Shoes. However, there are some amazing bloggers creating high quality content who sit right behind me in class! MISS SHERLOCK is a great mix of personal style, style inspiration, travel and much more. Read on to learn more about its creator, Annalise Holmes.

Name: Annalise Holmes

Role: Blogger at MISS SHERLOCK

CollegeFashionista: What is the inspiration behind the name of your blog, MISS SHERLOCK?

Annalise Holmes: With my last name being Holmes, I wanted to make a little play on words that would spark attention and peak interest, and hopefully give a readers a certain curiosity to take a look at what I do!

CF: What made you decide to start blogging?

AH: I had a few friends suggest to me that I should start blogging, but the final push was actually during my fashion retail class last fall. We had a guest speaker who gave us many tips on what to do now that will help set us apart when it comes to internships and post-graduation career plans. One of the things she listed was blogging, and at that moment, I was just so inspired to start blogging. That night, sitting in my apartment, I made a WordPress account, and I haven’t looked back or regretted it since!

CF: Has your blog brought you any job/collaboration opportunities?

AH: It has! I have had incredible opportunities to work with businesses like LIKEtoKNOW.it as well as other local bloggers. And as a blogger, when you meet another blogger, you have an instant connection. I took a picture of a girl’s street style outfit during Milan Fashion Week, and now I can say I’m friends with one of Tel Aviv’s top bloggers, all because of one photo! It’s just a wonderful industry, and everyone that is a part of it is so passionate and eager to learn, branch out, and meet other bloggers!

CF: Do you see yourself continuing your blog after graduating? 

AH: Absolutely! Blogging is my passion, without a doubt. My dream is to turn it into my full-time career while working and collaborating with companies on a regular basis so that I can still exercise my love for designing. 

Learn More: You can visit Annalise’s blog. She is also on all social media as @annaliseholmes. Be sure to check out her Instagram for sneak peeks of upcoming blog posts!

WHAT TO WEAR: Weekend Wear

The phrase “weekend wear” can mean 100 different things to 100 different people. While some weekends are spent stuck on the couch in sweats watching Netflix, others are spent dressed to the nines at a formal event. However, some weekend events fall between the two extremes. Weekend activities like shopping, sightseeing or grabbing lunch with friends calls for an outfit that is stylish, but still comfortable for a day of walking around.

This Fashionista’s outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfy and cute. Her top features a classic stripe pattern in a trendy cropped cut that shows off just the right amount of skin with a high neckline and ¾ length sleeves. She pairs her top with a breezy high-waisted maxi skirt. What attracted me to this Fashionista in the first place was the vibrant color and pattern on her skirt. A maxi skirt is a great tool to have in your wardrobe arsenal because it can instantly pull an outfit together with minimal effort and maximum comfort. You still look feminine, but you don’t have to be paranoid about tugging your hem down every five minutes. The pattern of the skirt clashes perfectly with the striped top. The skirt makes the top more laid back, and the top makes the skirt look more polished. Win win!

She finishes off her look with a pop of sunny yellow in the form of a cross-body bag. Cross-body bags are perfect for weekend outings because they leave your hands free to browse through racks of clothes or snap any picture you deem Instagram-worthy.

One Simple Change: If your weekend plans include a concert, swap the large purse for a smaller, more lightweight, cross-body bag. You can also swap flat sandals out for equally comfortable flatforms that add a little extra height to see over any heads blocking the view of your favorite band.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The End of an Era

The life cycle of a trend has sped up exponentially in the last decade because of technology and faster accessibility to fashion. So, today a trend will reach its peak, decline and reach the out-of-style stage of the cycle much faster than it would have ten years ago. The exception to this rule, however, seems to be the skinny jean. Popular in the late ‘70s with the rise of punk, skinny jeans would not become popular again until the mid 2000s. If you’re having trouble remembering this era, just think of it as the transition from Laguna Beach to The Hills. When this occurred, all of a sudden my boot cut jeans seemed so last year, and I needed the hems of my jeans to be as close to my ankles as possible.

Although skinny jeans still seem to be the majority of what we see day to day, there are more and more looser styles being offered by retailers and displayed on fashion blogs. All-over baggy boyfriend jeans have been trending for a while now, but the once-shunned boot cut is currently creeping its way back into the fashion zeitgeist. This Fashionista could have easily paired this look with skinny jeans and looked great, but her choice to wear the looser fit feels so refreshing.

Could this be the end of the reign of the skinny jean? Will the boot cut make a return to a prime spot in our wardrobe? Only time will tell, but if the Tommy Hilfiger and Anna Sui spring 2015 shows are any indication, full-on bell-bottoms aren’t far behind.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Simple, conservative dress without losing sex appeal.”