Author: Kelsey Finn

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: It’s All About Stripes

Classic stripes on a sailor, or any Fashionisto, are nothing short of flattering. The Fashionisto here chose a simple white and gray stripe balance, and paired it with a green cargo jacket and dark denim, which offsets the brightness of the long-sleeve tee. Whether you are a fan of thin sailor stripes or thick bold horizontal stripes, don't be afraid to layer them this winter to stay warm out there in the snow. For thin stripes, I like this J.Crew long-sleeve crewneck tee or this American Apparel pullover. For thicker horizontal stripes, check out this BDG crewneck sweater or this navy All-Son Bar stripe thermal.

My advice this week is to go all out in your favorite stripe shirt. Get daring and try mixing a stripe shirt with a stripe scarf! 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Studying in Scarves

Scarves are not only a necessity in the cold weather, but they're stylish as well. Whether you prefer light or heavy scarves, there are many options for you, Fashionistos. And if you're in a hurry out the door to study at the library or the Union, grab a scarf on your way out.

Today's Fashionisto opted for a classic styled scarf while cramming for finals. He stuck with a neutral-toned scarf that is easily obtainable at retailers such as, Banana Republic. If you aren't looking to break the bank and want a cheap accessory fix this season, try this Merona black and red light scarf.

Hint: For some chic finals study spots off-campus, go to Soma Coffeehouse or The Runcible Spoon. Grab a cup of coffee, unravel your scarf and stay awhile. 

Good luck with finals! 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Winter Wonderland

As the snow starts to fall in Bloomington, Fashionistas should be prepared. Finding a winter hat you really love that looks good and doesn't mess up your curls can be a struggle. And pairing a hat with an outfit can always be challenging. But as finals week approaches, your body temperature may affect your studying abilities so make sure you're staying as warm as possible! This Fashionista was spotted on her way out of the Union to battle the cold. Her light pink metallic puffer vest works well with her dark blue jeans and solid gray flowered hat. IU Fashionistas, don't resist cute winter accessories found at Cactus Flower or Pitaya. Pull one of these beenies or berets over your head like the Fashionista here. This slouchy bobble hat is perfect for a trip to the library, while this crisp gleam beanie may be better for a date to The Nutcracker.

To stay cozy outdoors, try this Brixton Portman felt cloche. And if you're thinking about shopping for a funky vest in Bloomington, check upstairs at local vintage shop Cactus Flower.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Trench Coat

I spotted this Fashionisto outside the Indiana Daily Student newsroom dressed in style even though he could have easily used a "late deadline" as an excuse to wear those "comfy college" sweatpants that have been invading the Bloomington campus this fall. On a rainy day, most Fashionistos and Fashionistas want nothing more than to cozy up, but if they must go outside, a trench coat is perfect to avoid those raindrops. For Fashionistos, I like this Carapace belted trench coat because of it's length and it has a removable hood, which always comes in handy! For something lighter, try this Nylon Taffeta rain parka in coffee brown or kelly green. My favorite trench coat I've seen for a male is an olive trench coat on the runway for the Gianfranco Ferre's spring 2011 men's show. The collar and large black buttons give the trench a sassy personality, which would flatter any Fashionisto on campus. Similar in shade and style, Banana Republic offers this classic khaki trench, while J.Crew suggests you wear this caramel classic trench. For further trench coat inspiration Fashionistos, just watch film legend Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.
 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Polkadots

Bloomington weather is unpredictable – fourties in the morning, mid-seventies in the evening. Last weekend I traveled to Las Vegas and I must say I am very jealous of you UNLV Fashionistas, who have the most perfect weather. Not only do you have the weather, but the funky style to accompany it. I spotted this Fashionista taking a risk with this black and white polkadot dress. And besides her lack of a cute flat or heel, the dress, earth-tone belt and pink frill headpiece work. I was never the biggest fan of polkadots until this year when I saw Victoria Legrand wearing this black and white polka dot jacket at Pitchfork. Scroll through the photos to see. And listen to her band Beach House here if you haven't already, because you're bound to be inspired. Polkadot dresses are hard to find, so try local thrift stores and boutiques. Cactus Flower on Kirkwood Ave. is your best bet. If you're more of an online Fashionsita, check out this byCORPUS polkadot dress or this spot crepe long sleeve button down dress. And this Club Monaco sophie blouse!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: NOVEMBEARD and MOVEMBER

November has quickly approached and all I can think about are how many beards and mustaches I am going to see in Bloomington this month. Conan O'Brien's rogue beard and Salvador Dali's quirky mustache may stand among the best. Today's Fashionisto spotted here may not be an active participant in the movement, but he does add to the boost in men growing beards in style. The weather has taken a turn for the winter and this Fashionisto is fully prepared with his over-sized sweater and thick denim jeans.

For a sweater, try this BDG patterned cardigan or this OBEY Blacksheep Shawl Collar Jacket. And for some warm denim, try these Levi's Hesher jeans or these Levi's 510 Titantic jeans. You'll look like a stud and feel warm on these winter days. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Skirts and Sneakers

This Fashionista rocked her American Apparel charcoal polyester micro-fiber tulip skirt with these one-of-a-kind sneakers she found at a thrift shop. She also told me she owned the purple stretch bull denim high-waist slim skirt from American Apparel as well. It may be one of the best stores to shop for skirts to wear on any occasion. Some skirts can definitely be paired with sneakers, especially skirts similar to the tulip and denim ones our Fashionista often wears. I would love to see this pleated spot skirt by Boutique with these Aztec print lace-up sneakers. Or these red fox print lace-up sneakers with this tan chiffon double-layered shirred waist skirt. And my absolute favorite, these Lace Me Pretty sneakers with this cooperative paperbag skirt. Pairing skirts with sneakers allows you to be stylish and comfortable! 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: To the MAX

Ever since I saw Jil Sander's Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection, I have been obsessed with maxi dresses. Take a look, you'll know why. I spotted this Fashionista wearing an adorable, and more relaxed maxi dress. I think the cool blue and maroon tone work well with the trends of the season. The casual dress is perfect for walking to class or attending a nearby fall festival. Maxi dresses are more fun if they have a floral or stripe pattern, opposed to being just one solid color. Both this Topshop tiered chiffon maxi dress and this Topshop tall eden print maxi dress are my favorites thus far this season. They may be a bit pricey, but they can be worn in fall, spring and summer so they're good investments! 

Hint: If you're thinking you'd rather wear separates, try a crop top or button-up shirt with this chiffon double-layered full length skirt.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: GOLD

This Fashionista's skirt would probably fit well in a more youthful version of Donna Karen's spring 2011 ready-to-wear. Just take a look. I think it's hard to pull off metallic pieces, but our Fashionista does it well with a skirt similar to this American Apparel shiny late tight mini skirt. And if you think that skirt's cute, then you're definitely going to love these gold t.b.a. Harriet shorts! And check out this shiny-high waist skirt and peach nylon dress for a similar look. Be creative. Don't be afraid to pair different different textures and patterns including these House of Holland Bandana suspender tights with your gold skirt or dress.

Hint: If you're not into the gold skirt, try some gold accessories like this BCBGMAXAZRIA two-toned sequined clutch or this Nasty Gal ring.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Mix and Match

Now let me start off by saying I'm not the biggest fan of this Fashionista's decision to pair this breezy dress with her harsh boots, but as separates I think they definitely work! So instead of pairing this dress with brown earth-tone boots, try a shoe with a more similar color pattern, a white oxford or yellow colorful flat. If you're wearing these boots, pair them with these black sheer tights and either this Seneca Rising Kennedy floral dress or this Vasia by Ulla Johnson Silky Lace Inset Dress. Finish the outfit off by wearing a messenger bag similar to the Fashionista here; try this leather pushlock satchel bag.

Hint: And unrelated to this particular post, but absolutely essential to your wardrobe, tucked inside oxfords over your's fall tights, are these basic print ankle socks! Don't deny yourself of them; they go perfect with hot chocolate and this month's Nylon.