Author: Lucy Morgan

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Summertime And The Living’s Easy

As the summer sunshine heats up, it is particularly important to stay cool and shaded during long days in the sun. Doing so fashionably is not always easy, but there is one sure-fire way to protect yourself from the rays in style: throw on a sun hat. Today’s Fashionista sports this chic and practical accessory flawlessly. Her hat is unique, classy and sophisticated. With a classic pair of white shorts and an open-back eyelet top, it is the perfect finish to a simply classic look.

Sun hats come in multiple sizes, shapes, colors and prices, so you are bound to find one that suits your style. Today’s Fashionista chose a classic: short-brimmed, straw color with a black ribbon. I love the versatility and classiness of this particular hat – with a sun hat like this, you cannot go wrong. For something similar, opt for Maison Scotch’s straw hat or a classic straw fedora from Urban Outfitters. These options will go with nearly anything in your closet. They can be dressed up for a classy daytime event, or worn casually with cut-off jean shorts and a button-up shirt. This versitality is another one of the many beauties of sun hats.

If you want something that stands out a bit more, look into fun patterns, colors and shapes. I love rag & bone’s Bristol Fedora or Juicy Couture’s cropped bow fedora. For something ultra-fun and exciting, feel inspired by Eugina Kim’s collection of patterned and colorful wide-brimmed sun hats. My favorites are the incredibly chic Jordana and the Bunny Toyo Bolo hat. Throw it on with breezy maxi dress, and you’ll be living the saying, “summertime and living’s easy.”

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Denim Days

Sure, we all see and wear denim every year and each season in a variety of styles and washes, however, it’s no secret that this classic fabric has gotten a makeover this spring. From the street to the runway, and everywhere in between, denim is exhibited stylishly and creatively all around us. From jeans to vests, skirts, jackets, jumpers and button-ups, denim has taken on a new, high fashion appeal. Fresh cuts and silhouettes are popping up everywhere, and no longer is a pair of jeans just something to throw on with a T-shirt when you’re lacking that creative drive. Designers such as Phillip Lim, Citizens of Humanity and Acne have all chosen a unique route while taking on this classic fabric, and Fashionistas have too.

Today’s Fashionista sports a collarless, denim button-up with a printed, high-waisted skirt and casual Keds – the perfect outfit for class or hanging out with friends. She tied her oversized shirt in a knot above the waistline of her skirt to give it her own personal touch, and to make the outfit more clean-cut and tailored. She finishes off the look with a printed cross-body bag and understated jewelry. This look is effortless, fun and flirty – a fantastic combination for any CollegeFashionista.

To tap into the spring denim trend, simply get creative. Turn to Free People if you’re looking for a fun jumper, or Citizens of Humanity for a breezy denim skirt. If you’re like this Fashionista and want to keep it cool with a denim button-up shirt, you’ll find my all time favorite at Ralph Lauren. So, however you choose to express your style this season, denim in any form is a great vehicle.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Lady in Lace

Nothing makes a Fashionista feel more sophisticated and elegant than sporting one single material: lace. White lace is feminine, chic, understated, and classy with a youthful touch. This season, lace shirts, dresses, and shorts are essentials for every Fashionista who likes to show their girly girl side once in a while (or all the time!). Today’s Fashionista shows us that pairing a simple lace T with a pair of relaxed jeans, flip-flops, and a stylish book bag creates the perfect ‘casual-chic’ look for class. Her lace top is patterned with flowers, giving it an ultra feminine feel and adding the always-interesting element of texture. I also love her particular lace top because it is fitted and tailored, making it neat and clean cut – perfect to contrast with your favorite pair of jeans.

To get the look, begin by thinking about what kind of lace top best suits your style. Because they come in all shapes and styles, you have options! I personally love the Kimichi Blue Lace Love top from Urban Outfitters. Paired with wide-leg jeans or a colorful pair of high-waisted shorts (as the model demonstrates), you cannot go wrong. This shirt is simultaneously elegant and funky. For something more unique and out-standing, opt for Catherine Malandrino’s Lace Trim blouse. Even with its simple, ladylike style, this top is sure to turn heads. The large and lacey bell sleeves are one-of-a-kind and incredibly stylish. Pair it with black pants for a college internship, or with a short skirt for a night out. Whatever style you choose, get in touch with your girly side this spring in white lace.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Floral Fever

It’s official: spring has sprung, and Fashionistas around campus are welcoming this stylish season with open arms. No piece invites warm weather and sunshine better than a floral sundress, a timeless springtime trend. These fun, breezy dresses are easy to throw on, comfortable to wear, and are incredibly versatile. Made in an array of fabrics, patterns, styles, and colors, every Fashionista is sure to find one that suits their needs. These dresses can be dressed up with a blazer, heels, and loads of jewelry for a springy evening, or they can be dressed down with flip-flops and a denim jacket for a casual daytime affair.

Today’s Fashionista demonstrates how a cotton floral dress is perfect for class this spring. A cotton dress like this Fashionista’s is comfortable, casual, and cute – a flawless recipe for a school day look here at Santa Clara. She throws on a classic denim jacket for the morning time chill, and tops off the look with hip and elegant earrings. When the school day is over and it’s time to hit the town, all she needs to do is trade the flip-flops for a dressier shoe in order to be evening-appropriate.

You don’t need to look far and wide to find your perfect floral sundress. Fashionistas love these dresses – and most retailers have caught on. Urban Outfitters, for example, has begun to give their floral favorites unique updates, such as back cutouts in the shape of hearts. A personal favorite of mine is by 6 Shore Road and has a corset-like top with a pleated skirt. NASTY GAL makes another incredibly stylish and unique option with a tail and cutouts in a beautiful blue floral print. Whichever style you choose, a fun and easy sundress is a go-to this spring.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Springtime Sunshine

What more could a Fashionista ask for than a bright day when the sun is shining? It not only boosts your mood, but in many cases, it also boosts your outfit. When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, I personally can’t help but feel inclined to throw on my springtime brights. Today’s Fashionista clearly did too. She keeps her look casual and classic in white jeans and a simple white T, and then vamps up the outfit with a bright yellow Elizabeth and James jacket, an orange leather handbag, and a vibrant blue lightweight summer scarf from Target. She finishes off the look with summery flat Tory Burch espadrilles that are comfortable, easy to throw on, and very chic.

Today’s Fashionista is the perfect example of how accessories can make an outfit. Her canvas pieces consist of white jeans and a basic white T. As she adds each colorful and springy accessory, these become the canvas of a not-so-basic outfit. My personal favorite is the yellow jacket. Yellow is a bold and cheery color that not all Fashionistas are comfortable wearing. Today’s Fashionista, however, adventurously and flawlessly sports her yellow jacket to match the vibrant climate of the day. She demonstrates a great way to wear a bold like yellow, which is to make it the statement piece of the outfit. She adds in other fun patterns and bright accessories, but lets the canvas pieces stay simple in basic white. Another fun way to wear yellow is to let it compliment other bright colors and patterns, as this Urban Outfitters model demonstrates. However you choose to wear it, take a chance on this bold and spirited color this fall.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Fashionister

For those who celebrate Easter, the holiday generally brings about lots of chocolate, plastic eggs, food coloring and, of course, every pastel color imaginable. It’s no secret that pastels are a springtime staple, but Easter Sunday is truly no exception. Churchgoers dressed in lavender, sky blue and sea foam green are a common sight on this particular Sunday. Today’s Fashionisto shows us the springtime-Easter spirit in an orange sherbet-colored gingham shirt, classic khakis, traditional penny loafers and a navy cardigan to tie it all together. He does not steer far from the traditional Easter Sunday garb, yet each of his items is classic, clean and well put-together. His springy pastel-orange shirt is well contrasted and balanced with a bright, Kelly green RL pony logo and his classic navy sweater.

Fashionistos, Rugby Ralph Lauren is a great place to start for classic khaki chinos. With so many colors, styles and fits, you will surely find what you are looking for. Venture out of the ordinary and opt for a preppy springtime color, like pale gray-blue. You will also not be disappointed by Rugby’s vast selection of gingham shirts, a springtime classic. Depending on the occasion, gingham can be worn casually with vintage denim jeans and Dirty Bucks, or it can be slightly more dressed up with chinos, penny loafers, a leather belt and a sport coat. Either way, the pattern is classically preppy, but fun. Whatever the occasion may be, pastel colors, gingham patterns, classic chinos, penny loafers and a cardigan are great pieces for a spring wardrobe.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Spring Fling

Nothing screams “spring” more than colors galore and floral prints. In particular, it’s no secret that colored denim happens to be one of this spring’s hottest styles. The trend is everywhere, and Fashionistas are definitely on board. Similarly, floral prints are never under recognized for the spring season, and they never should be!

This Fashionista demonstrates both quintessential spring trends in colored denim and a floral chiffon top, finishing off the look with a denim jacket, another springtime necessity. The aqua-colored jeans from Forever 21 are bleach-washed, giving the colored denim trend a cool and unique update. Her floral chiffon top, from Rugby Ralph Lauren, is a fabulous balance of fun, flirty and classy-chic. The ruffle detailing at the collar is fun and coquettish, and the chiffon fabric gives it an elegant, sophisticated vibe. The aqua jeans and floral top paired together creates a killer springtime look. Throw on a pair of sandals, a Levi’s denim jacket (while its still a little chilly), a FEED bag for your books, and you’re ready for class.

To get the look, start with the colored denim. There is surely no shortage of lightweight skinny jeans in a rainbow-colored assortment. Check out AG, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity and Forever 21. For a unique update, opt for something bleach washed, like today's Fashionista, or the of-the-moment ombre look. To tap into the floral trend, look into jeans, knits, or a blouse like today’s Fashionista’s. With a fun pop of color, a chic floral print and a comfortable pair of sandals, you are ready for spring!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Romping Around

Nothing is more fun and comfy than throwing on your favorite cotton romper. A onesie that allows you to jump around all you want without feeling self-conscious is a stylish choice, and this Fashionista takes us back to basics in classic black. Therefore, this romper can be dressed to the nines with chunky costume jewelry, or downplayed for class with a simple sweater and light, understated accessories. Whichever look you go for, the black romper makes a comfortable and fashionable canvas. Today’s Fashionista chose to subtly accessorize with a beautiful tortoise and gold Michael Kors watch, Steve Madden flat sandals and a comfortable cotton sweater in slate. I love the minute details on the arm of the sweater – the button and flap gives it a little extra something.

This week, take a note from this Fashionista and pull out your favorite romper. I am personally a fan of the full jumpsuit as well. The A.P.C. silk jumpsuit in teal is a favorite of mine right now, and American Apparel’s Tri-Blend Pocket Jumpsuit is comfortable, casual and stylish. To complete the look, pair a romper or jumpsuit with a fabulous pair of platforms, chunky heels or wedges. Since Ralph Lauren rarely goes wrong in the shoe department (or in any department), my newest obsession is the Alannah Suede Platform sandal in pink and turquoise. I also love the Eralita Rafia Espadrille. For a more casual look, pair the romper with some flat sandals, as this Fashionista demonstrates, or your favorite Keds or sneakers.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Studying In Style

Looking casual and put together, feeling comfortable and still sticking true to your personal style and the items that you like to wear is not always an easy task. This Fashionista, however, shows us that there is no need to make any sacrifices when it comes to putting on a great, everyday outfit. Wearing simple black leggings, a textured, nude sweater and a soft, oversized jacket, she shows us how exam week is done – stylishly and comfortably. She kicks off the look with a pair of bright red sneakers. Comfortable enough to remain on her feet for a twelve hour study bender and bright enough to keep her in high spirits, a vibrant pair of sneaks such as these are the perfect exam-week footwear.

For a look that is as comfortable and unique as this one, a bright pair of sneakers is a fabulous choice and, as this Fashionista demonstrates, what better a color than red! My personal favorite brand of sneakers is Keds, and you can never go wrong with a classic pair of Chuck Taylors. Or, mix it up with cool high-top sneakers from Supra. Also, make sure you have a comfy, oversized jacket, like this Fashionista’s from Free People. My all-time favorite is the Talula Trooper Jacket from Aritzia (if you’ve never been to Aritzia, look up the store nearest you and get in there for their fabulous springtime jackets)! Pair an oversized jacket with your most comfortable skinny jeans or your best-looking leggings. Ddenim leggings are a great compromise. Leggings jeans will help you study stylishly and comfortably, and Ralph Lauren’s pair by Denim and Supply is fabulous-fitting and classically chic, as always. Good luck on finals, Fashionistas, or at least those of you who are on trimesters like SCU!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: A Pop Of Poppy

Springtime is right around the corner and Fashionistas are definitely getting ready. From pastels to neons, or rich bold hues, one trend spring fashion never lacks is color, and today’s Fashionista exhibits no exception. Her lace-embellished cream blouse tucked into skinny jeans creates a simple, stylish backdrop for her statement piece: a bright poppy pea coat. Such a pop of color takes this look to the next level, giving it a punchy and trendy appeal.

Worn by celebrities, such as Sami Gayle, and exhibited in J.Crew’s spring fashion line, this orangey-red hue is daring and darling, and it will surely be the unforgettable bit of any ensemble. Its effect is just like its name: it pops. When wearing this fabulous hue, today’s Fashionista lets it stand out best by pairing it with basics and understated hues (like her cream top). Sami Gayle also does this by pairing her poppy pants with a classic black blazer and white top. I also love the way Urban Outfitters models the Whyred Nonna Sheen Blazer over classic white shorts and an understated white graphic tee. However, wearing poppy with other bold colors is by no means a no-no. Don’t be afraid to pair poppy with other bright colors, like this J.Crew model demonstrates.

To get the look, I would recommend starting with poppy accessories and outerwear. A pea coat like this Fashionista’s (which was a steal from Forever 21) is a fun addition to your spring wardrobe. I also love J.Crew’s Classic Leather Ballet Flats, which can be paired with nearly anything, or their Brompton Hobo. Whatever you choose, poppy will bring a fun punch of color to your spring wardrobe.