Author: Kendall Croutier

FASHION FROM ABROAD: Splash Of Sydney

Many say that studying abroad is the apex of a student’s college career. By living outside of their homeland, students are exposed to different cultures, cuisines and experiences. It is true for many students because studying and living in a foreign country is thrilling and exciting.

This Fashionista's goal this week was to explore as much as Sydney as she possibly could. She has been in Oz for a little over a month and says that the city has inspired her style. The Fashionistas in Sydney resemble that of New York and Boston Fashionistas. Their outfits are basic with neutral colors, such as black, brown and navy, but here in Sydney they always have a splash of color. Since her arrival here, this Fashionista has vamped up her closet with fun colorful scarves and vibrant accessories. 

To achieve this Fashionista’s look, pair Forever 21’s Boxy Button Back Shirt with American Eagle’s Skinny Jeans in black to get a sleek and classy look. For the chilly walks near the Sydney Harbour, this Fashionista added her favorite cardigan. You can get a similar look with this American Eagle Boyfriend Cardigan. Hundreds of fun and colorful scarves can be found on Scarves.net — this website has a scarf for every outfit. As for shoes, this Fashionista is rocking T-strap sandals from Target with gold embellishments on the heel.

Since you can only pack so much in your suite case for four months 16,000 miles away, Study Abroad Fashionistas have to be clever in making outfits transition from day to night. By pairing a leather jacket from ASOS and suede stilettos from Steve Madden, this Fashionista’s look will have her turning heads from nine a.m. to midnight. The final touch is her turquoise Guess body bag. It’s the perfect size and color to transition from going to an internship to dinner with the girls.

FASHION FROM ABROAD: Spring Into Fashion

Winter is on its way out and spring is just around the corner here in Australia! As the seasons begin to change, Fashionistas are starting to sport light jumpers and sunnies, which is Aussie slang for cardigans and sunglasses. This change of season gives me an opportunity to see how Australians dress in winter (they bundle up) and the bright colorful trends I read about before making the odyssey to Oz.

I found this Fashionista while she was on her way to meet friends for dinner. It was a casual “catch-up” dinner with the girls, so decided on a comfortable yet trendy outfit. This Fashionista is decked head-to-toe in different designers, but she is able to effortlessly pull them together well. Her gold studded, olive green button-down shirt is from Zara. She admits, “This shirt is my favorite item in my wardrobe. I wear it whenever I can.”

She continues to perfect her look with a cream cardigan from Urban Outfitters for when it becomes cooler at night. The leggings this Fashionista are rocking, from ASOS, are another key element in this Fashionista’s closet. To add a little flare, she chose to wear her cheetah print flats from Target. Her accessories aren’t the biggest statements of her outfit, but they play a key part. Her gold ring is from ALDO and a recent impulse, she confesses. This Fashionista dives into the past and sports a cross-body bag that she found at a thrift shop and sunnies that she purchased at Factorie.

To achieve this Fashionista’s look, you can pick up the “Over Tinted Checkered” shirt with gold studded accents from Zara. This shirt has hints of gold, while adding a little pattern into your outfit. Lord and Taylor has a great Karen Kane cardigan that will keep Fashionistas warm and stylish at the same time. ASOS is a perfect place to shop for leggings in both traditional black and fun patterns. For the finishing touches, cheetah flats transition well from the Sydney streets to the office. To complete the look, add a black cross-body bag from Forever 21 and Vogue sunglasses.

Style Guru Bio: Kendall Croutier

G’Day mates! After an amazing summer as a CollegeFashionista Style Guru, I decided to continue contributing to CF and to share the fashion trends I find in the Land of Oz. That’s correct! I am spending my fall semester studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. I have spent less than a week in the beautiful country and I am already in love with the people, the beaches and the fashion.

I am a junior at Boston University’s College of Communication studying Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Sociology. My dream job is to work for a television station that provides its viewers with the latest news, ranging from breaking news to new fashion styles.

Since the beginning my senior year of high school, I have been collecting staple items for my wardrobe that will be timeless, such as little black dresses. However, every season I always purchase statement jewelry and accessories to spice up my LBD and other staple outfits. My dream is to create a closet that my daughters can walk into 30 years from now and be wonderstruck with the styles from when I was growing up.

If I had to describe my style in three words, I would choose: classic, trendy and comfortable. In the fall and winter, I love putting on a pair of B.B. Dakota leggings with an oversized sweater, chunky necklace and riding boots. This is what many of the Australian Fashionistas have been sporting. Although it is August and summertime in North America, down under it is winter and the temperature is in the high 60s.

I am beyond excited to be spending time in Sydney, Australia and to be exposed to the fashion trends approximately halfway around the world from Boston University. I hope you all are as inspired by the beautiful accents, coastline and fashion styles as I am.

In my picture, I am at Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia, which is about a 30 minute bus ride from Sydney!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Turquoise Cool

After the most recent heat wave that hit the East Coast, a cold front followed and cooled down our summer days and nights. But have no fear! There is a way to stay warm and still be the Fashionista/o you all are!

I found this Fashionista strolling down her street at twilight. She was heading back from a long and relaxing day at the beach. Her outfit was perfect for the chilly, yet refreshing day that followed the sizzling week.

This Fashionista donned a light brown crocheted button-down from Free People as well as an oversized beanie from the brand. She said, “This light sweater and this beanie are single-handedly my two favorite pieces of clothing.” The sweater and accessory are perfect statements for this Fashionista’s summer and fall wardrobe. To make her outfit more appropriate for the summer, she added J.Crew turquoise chino shorts. Turquoise is a great summer color that will help this Fashionista stand out at the beach or any other summer event she attends. From head to toe, this Fashionista transforms different accessories and pieces of clothing to be perfect for the time of year and for the weather. She completes her outfit with original boat shoes from Sperry Top-Siders. As for her jewelry choices, this Fashionista is rocking a set of Alex and Ani bracelets with a splash of turquoise beads and an Anchor necklace. 

To transform the Free People crocheted top and beanie for a back-to-school outfit, add a pair of dark wash jeans and brown riding boots. Watch as your favorite summer accessories turn into staples for your fall wardrobe.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Summertime Rock

Summer is in full swing and neons and color blocking are taking over the fashion world by craze. But what we have overlooked and not included in our summer wardrobe is the stud. Although the tough rocker-like accent is typical for fall and winter fashions, this Fashionista took studs and turned them into my new summer trend.

This Fashionista is able to pull off the look by strategically keeping it simple and placing the studded accents in places that naturally catch your eye. Her NASTY GAL cream chiffon shirt with cutouts features a studded neckline that serves as an accessory. The small hint of gunmetal studs on the pockets of her jean shorts ties the look together and makes this rocker girl look perfect for a summer's night out. 

You can achieve this Fashionista’s look by purchasing the very same NASTY GAL Total Stud Blouse. Her denim cut-off shorts are similar to this pair of shorts that can be found at NASTY GAL as well. This Fashionista created the bottom half of her outfit by turning a regular pair of jeans into a D.I.Y project and added the studs, which she found at Michael’s Craft Store. This Fashionista’s shoes are very similar to Sam Edelman’s Gable gladiator sandals. “I chose these shoes because I felt that these silver metallic gladiators matched the studs and tied the entire outfit together,” she said. The final touch is to add a pair of sunglasses and you are ready for a summer day. This outfit is perfect for an outdoor concert or a barbeque with friends and family. When the sun begins to set, you can add a black blazer to keep warm on those chilly summer nights.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Welcome To The Tropics

With the crystal clear turquoise waters shimming in the sunlight, one is overcome with the feelings of relaxation and calmness while vacationing on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The string of cays, pronounced as keys, is surrounded by the impeccably clean beaches and stunning blue waters of Grace Bay and the Caribbean Sea.

The coral reef and its inhabitants serve as constant inspiration for a Fashionista. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful colors of the island — from the buildings, to the water and to the seaweed. I have dubbed the Turks and Caicos Islands the perfect place for designers to visit for inspiration for their Resort lines.

As I took in the beautiful dry and underwater landscape, I dove into magazines and books that discussed the rich history of the Islands. Although a majority of the Turks and Caicos Islands' history is difficult, the people of these beautiful islands never let it affect how much they enjoy living on the great Turks and Caicos Island chain. While I stayed at The Sands at Grace Bay in Providenciales, I passed a Fashionista who was dressed perfectly for both the weather and current fashion.

The reason this Fashionista caught my eye was because of the tribal print and the simple gold flip flops that she paired together to make this maxi dress appropriate for brunch with her family.  This Fashionista donned a one-shouldered tribal print maxi dress by Ultra Flirt. She had purchased the dress at Macy's before her trip to the exotic islands. For extra flare, the dress had ruffles along the neckline and it was perfectly cinched above her waist. The cinched waistline accentuated her athletic figure perfectly.

To create this look, pick up Ultra Flirt for Macy’s strapless tribal print dress and Steve Madden Shiekk sandals. For a Fashionistas looking to transform the tribal print maxi dress from day to night, add gold bangles and gold earrings from Forever 21 to complete the look.

Hopefully you too can find the perfect summer dress, just like this Fashionista. According to her, “This dress was a steal! I have been looking for a printed maxi dress to spice up my summer and this dress does just that!”

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Boston Bow Tie

When the weather is nice, Fashionistas and Fashionistos everywhere pull out their brightest shirts and dresses to make the day even better. When I visited Boston over the weekend, I saw residents and tourists in bright shirts and even jeans. Having color in one's outfit is a look that is taking over and it is perfect for the office or for sightseeing.

Like a true prepster, this Fashionisto of the week added color to his outfit in unique ways. His look is inspired by his fascination with Southern style, which began during his freshman year when he joined an established fraternity on campus. He is determined to bring the classy and casual look of a bow tie back to Boston.

Since he has a summer job working for Boston University’s Admissions Office, this Fashionisto has perfected the business-casual look. His long sleeve button-down shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren is perfect for the chilly office while his khaki shorts are a quintessential summer necessity. But it’s his bright orange shirt that makes this Fashionisto stand out on Commonwealth Avenue. It takes a daring person to rock a bright orange shirt and this Fashionisto pulls it off perfectly. To complete his outfit, he added a Brooks Brothers seersucker bow tie (which he showed me how to tie), a Vineyard Vines D-Ring belt and Sperry Top-Siders boat shoes.

This Fashionisto uses his bow tie as a conversation starter, which is necessary when taking potential students on tours. This look is perfect for a summer job and even for going out to dinner with friends. The bow tie dresses the outfit up, but with or without it, the look is still very classy. Anyone can wear this look and all of the components of this outfit can be used for other future fashion endeavors.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Classy And Clever

Summer is all about celebrating family and friends after a long and cold winter. I found this week's STYLE ADVICE Fashionista celebrating her cousin's engagement at a quaint restaurant located right on the water. Despite the rain and chilled sparkling apple cider, this Fashionista donned a sleeveless mini sheath dress perfect for the engagement party.

For me, a college girl who is always on a clothing budget, it's important to look for dresses that can be worn over and over again that make people say “Wow, I have never seen you wear that dress before!” (when in fact I actually have!).

At the beachside engagement party, she paired her sheath dress with a gold and white thick-chained necklace and gold sandals. “It was a simple dress that I paired with simple jewelry and a pop of gold with the sandals. It was great for an engagement party at the beach,” said the Fashionista. “I do have a wedding coming up and I am planning on dressing my Monteau dress up to make it a little more fancy with a pair of heels.”

Lucky for this Fashionista she found the navy blue, Monteau sheath dress at TJ Maxx and it is perfect for a summer wedding. To achieve the fancier look for the upcoming event, this Fashionista can pair her navy blue dress with a wedge from Coach and a necklace from J.Crew. Wearing a heel immediately makes an outfit dressier and the cork wedge keeps the outfit summery. 

Fashionistas everywhere, take note, shopping at Marshall's and TJ Maxx is a great way to stay on budget and find great designer duds for less. I know it sounds like the commercials, but all Fashionistas know how tempting it is to buy five dresses for all of the different summer occasions. With stores like Marshall's and TJ Maxx, you can find one great dress and unique accessories that transforms a dress and create an entirely different look! The classy, navy blue Monteau dress was a great find and is perfect for any occassion.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Coral Me Fashionable

My usual wardrobe consists of neutral color dresses ranging from beige to black accessorized with statement jewelry to give the outfit some character. But this summer, my goal is to add more color into my closet. My obsession with little black dresses is great for bridal showers or summer barbecues, but this summer I want to stand out. I plan on achieving this goal but incorporating hints of color into my summer dresses and shoes. It also doesn’t hurt that a little bit of color can help your healthy tan stand out.

This Fashionista combines my love of a simple strapless, slate gray dress and makes it summer time appropriate with a hint of coral pink. The coral pink piping around the bodice not only gives the dress a hint of color, but it helps give the dress shape. Since the piping stops at the waist, it creates a small waist and full skirt. A full skirt is great for all Fashionistas who are looking to create an hourglass body shape.

What I love most about this Fashionista’s outfit is that she matches all of her accessories from head-to-toe. Her coral pink and slate gray color blocking heels complement the dress. To achieve this look, Sam Edelman's Yelena shoes are a perfect summer heel with different color combinations to choose from. With so much gray in her dress, this Fashionista does a great job balancing the color. She does so by choosing a shoe that is opposite of the dress. This Fashionista made sure to style her outfit so that one color would not overpower the other. To tie the outfit together, this Fashionista slipped on a coral pink bracelet. The matching of the dress and shoes makes this dress ready for any party, bridal shower or a graduation party.

Style Guru Bio: Kendall Croutier

Fashion has been in my blood since I was born. I hail from Long Island, New York and became a mini Fashionista at a young age. I refused to wear anything but argyle tights and floral dresses with Mary Jane shoes. Some might say that the patterns clashed, but now, many would say that I was a trendsetter at an early age.

My love for fashion grew stronger because I spent Monday through Friday in a uniform and my prep school days lasted for 12 years! Behind the bow ties and blazers there was a Fashionista just waiting to show the world her style. As my prep school days were coming to an end, I had to decide where to attend college. Since I live 40 minutes outside of New York City, I decided that the fashion capital of the world would be my after-college adventure, so I traveled up the coast to Boston and began my first adventure. Boston is an amazing place for a Fashionista/o to be inspired by a friend on campus or a stranger walking down Newbury Street.

I am a rising junior studying Broadcast Journalism and Sociology with plans to minor in Public Health at Boston University. I am constantly inspired by my fellow classmates’ professional, yet age-appropriate styles that easily transition from a philosophy class to an internship at a public relations firm.

For inspiration, I read the New York Times’ Style section and the fashion blog This Is Not New. These blogs give me the confidence to experiment with my style and confidence is the best accessory a Fashionista/o can have.

As an avid window-shopper, enthusiastic jewelry collector and resident stylist for my friends, I am thrilled to be sharing the latest and greatest trends that Fashionistas/os will be wearing this summer. Check out my posts every Monday in STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK.