Author: Maya Jimenez

WHAT TO WEAR: Birthday Party

We all have something we look forward to year after year. There are traditions we love and stick to as a form of nostalgia. For some people it’s Christmas and for others it’s Valentine’s Day. Most people won’t tell you they love their birthday because they don’t want to seem self-centered. Truth is, we all love a little bit of attention every now and then and there’s nothing wrong with that. And, if you love your friends like I do mine, birthdays are always something to be cherished.

This Fashionista is fabulous for several reasons. First of all, she seized a sunny day and decided to wear a sleeveless blouse with geometric-shaped cutouts. Her high-waisted skirt pairs perfectly with the black patterned tights she chose and she simplified everything with flats. This outfit is perfect for a birthday party because you’re most likely in for a long night of cake-eating, singing and dancing. There are no guarantees how long you’ll be on your feet so a comfy pair of shoes and a simple outfit are usually your best friends.

As the school year comes to a close I’ve come to realize how proud I am of my campus. This semester has proven to be one of the best, fashion-wise, for Boston University students. People are taking more risks and as I graduate and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this eclectic community. We’ve been through our fair share of woes these last couple of years, but I’m always amazed at how we pick ourselves up and lean on each other for support. That driving force to be a problem solver is something I’ll take with me for years to come.

One Simple Change: If you’re heading to a fancier birthday celebration, lose the tights and switch the flats for a cute pair of black pumps. It’ll dress up your look instantaneously.

Class of 2013: Maya

There’s no easy way for me to accurately and completely explain my college experience at Boston University. I volunteer at the admissions reception center and I often talk about the many wonderful things that have happened and that I’ve made happen for myself while here. As I look back to freshman year, I vaguely remember the person I was when I first came here; I was equal parts shy and outspoken. It wasn’t hard for me to make friends because I saw a friend in every person I met. I might’ve taken for granted some people that I crossed paths with; but for the most part, I was successful in keeping those who mattered close to my heart (and I still am). I made it a subconscious goal of mine to befriend every professor and every interesting student in my classes. I met homework with a less than firm hand and allowed myself to be a regular college student while still working hard to keep my place here. Throughout my four years, I never forgot who I am nor who I aim to be. College taught me many things but one of the most important lessons has been to cherish the time I have with the people who matter the most to me; I never waste a second.

Though my love for fashion journalism started with Scott Schuman and The Sartorialist, CollegeFashionista has allowed me to further my career in this field and I’ve become a better photographer. This website is a place where I come to share my love for both photography and fashion. I’ve realized there are no wrong answers when it comes to style; there are no stupid questions. Fashion is about expressing yourself in the best way possible. Fashion is the most powerful form of self expression we have without using any words. Through colors and shapes, we tell the world that we are here and we are here to stay. The best thing about fashion is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Yes, there are trends and popular items, but in the end, fashion is individual and it can range from bell bottoms and crop tops to mini skirts and oversized blouses. There might be fashion polices but you can’t get penalized for telling the world who you are and that’s a beautiful thing.

This summer, I will be moving to Manhattan and pursuing a career in fashion journalism. My dream job is to be an editor at Refinery29 — one of my favorite websites. I would love to move to Los Angeles this fall/winter season as a fashion photographer and I believe that New York will be that bridge. I am so thankful for all of the doors that CollegeFashionista has opened for me and I look forward to the future this internship has built for me. Amy and Melissa Levin are two of the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I hope we meet again sometime soon.

WHAT TO WEAR: Brunch

With warm weather come patio tables at trendy restaurants and the endless summer Sunday brunches of the season. There’s nothing more enjoyable than lazing out of bed and taking your sweet time to get ready to see your friends to talk about last night over croissants, hash browns and elaborate omelettes. I can almost smell the French fries dipped in rosemary aioli and French toast with whipped cream and strawberry coulis. Brunch is what happens when light breakfasts and heavy lunches marry in a place where bacon is dipped in maple syrup and sausages are served alongside plates of bagels and lox.

Almost as important as where you’re going to eat is what you’re going to wear. This is a great lazy Sunday look, which is the best way to dress when there’s the possibility of shopping or a movie after you devour everything on the menu. This Fashionista is wearing a simple patterned top with a great denim button-down shirt. Her oversized sunglasses are chic and reminiscent of a sunny day at the beach. She’s wearing adorable lace-up ballet flats, which add to the relaxed feel of her look.

I’m a huge fan of swapping black leggings for a nice pair of black jeans, and this Fashionista does just that. It is possible to wear oversized tops without leggings, ladies, and I promise you this. I also love her handbag because when you’re going to be out all day, you need to bring your own little world with you in a chic purse like this one. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good meaty hamburger and a nice roasted chicken, but there’s nothing like the endless list of brunch items.

One Simple Change: If you do have someplace dressy to be after brunch, switch the jean jacket for a nice blazer to class up your look. You can also ditch the flats for a pair of pumps.

WHAT TO WEAR: Day To Night

It’s not often that you have to actually do a double take when someone walks past you. I caught a glimpse of this Fashionista’s shoes and ran after her. I must say, I’m pretty impressed she decided to brave her entire day in such intense footwear. I’ve never been one to wear heels to class, but I might’ve just gotten the right amount of inspiration I was missing.

The comfortability of this outfit is what makes it OK to wear for an entire day. You don’t have to forfeit cute shoes just because you’re going to class, especially if your schedule looks like mine. Most people don’t have time to go home after a long day and change before they meet up with friends or boyfriends/girlfriends. Take a page from this Fashionista’s outfit and think ahead.

This Fashionista is wearing a beautiful floral cropped top, which just reminds me that warmer weather is right around the corner and I am as excited as ever! Her high-waisted black pants pair perfectly with the cropped top, and her shoes are the cherry on the perfection of this outfit. The wool coat has an almost asymmetrical zipper, which I love. This look is so simple and can be easily worn to transition from your everyday activities that happen in the AM to all of the things you indulge in the PM. Don’t forget your stunner shades!

One Simple Change: If your day to night schedule includes a fancy date, you can switch those black pants out for a maxi skirt to dress up the look and be ready for that candlelit dinner.

WHAT TO WEAR: Errands

With the hustle and bustle of a city like Boston, it’s difficult to find a pace that fits us right away. There are so many wonderful things this place has to offer, but we tend to overbook ourselves and have a sort of an highly active social life. Add a full college curriculum on top of that and you have yourself a tight schedule that only allows for a few gaps of free time here and there. Running around doing errands isn’t particularly fun, but it must be done; we all know that. Mine usually consist of grocery shopping, running to the pharmacy and buying kitchenware. That makes me sound like a downright housewife, but those are what I consider errands. Shopping and catching up with a friend don’t count, ladies!

This Fashionista is wearing an outfit that is comfortable and easy to run around in when you have a million things going on. The worst part about having to run errands for me is that I usually have to do them straight from class or work, which means I have to carry all my school things with me. I used to always think backpacks were uncool, but then I came to college and realized they’re the most practical way to carry your things around. And, you can get ones that are in pretty colors or you can even switch things up and get cool rucksacks.

Adorable leather booties are perfectly comfortable footwear when you need to run to catch the T. Make sure you get a good pair that won’t wear out easily because if they’re cute I assume you’re going to be wearing them often! The scarf is an obvious must for winter time; this Fashionista is wearing a beautiful sheer one that matches her colored pants perfectly. I say this all the time, but just because the trees are dead doesn’t mean you have to dress for a funeral. Spring time is around the corner and pops of color here and there are a great reminder of that.

One Simple Change: If you have a casual date on top of running around, switch out your booties for a cute pair of velvet wedges. They’ll instantly make you date ready while not entirely dressing your outfit up.

WHAT TO WEAR: Class

Some people think that you don’t need to dress up for class. “Who cares what you’re wearing? Sweatpants and sweaters are so comfy!” While I completely respect this view and don’t have the right to shoot it down, I just don’t feel the same way.

Pajama-like clothing can be so fun to go outside in right after you’ve had a sleepover with your girlfriends and you run out to grab a cup of coffee and some bagels to enjoy while you watch a chick flick and just hang out. That’s pretty much the extent to which I will wear sweatpants in public. You can hate on me all you want and argue about function over fashion but I will most likely not change my mind. I’m sorry.

The reason for that is because I think fashion is such a beautiful and interesting form of self-expression that shouldn’t be ignored and this Fashionista proves my point. Her outfit is simple and fun and serves as a good reminder that getting dressed up for class can be a fun activity that will really get you out of your sleepy slump every morning.

Let’s start with this Fashionista’s pants. Patterned prints seem to be everywhere lately and something tells me that as the temperature rises, we will only be seeing more of them. She told me she got this adorable pair at H&M for only $14. What a steal! If you’re looking for your own adorable pair of patterned slacks, check out this pair from Old Navy.

Wool coats are really the way to go in the winter because they balance style and warmth perfectly, as long as you get the right one. To top it all off, this Fashionista is sporting black studded oxfords, which give the outfit a bit of a professional twist. The denim backpack, however, tones things down and gives her the “college” look.

Don’t be afraid to show people who you are by spicing your wardrobe up a little bit. Fashion is a form of art, too, you know.

One Simple Change: If you’re looking to go from day to night, lose the backpack and switch the oxfords for a pair of suede wedges. They’ll take the outfit from casual to classy in a subtle way.

WHAT TO WEAR: Meeting With A Professor

One of the things I love most about Boston University is the faculty and how easily accessible each and every professor has proved to be. Throughout my (almost) four years here, I’ve met with professors during and outside of their office hours. I’ve emailed back and forth with them and stayed after class to ask questions for what seems like countless hours about projects, assignments and life in general. I’ve never been the kind of person who is afraid to talk to professors because I’ve always felt comfortable around them. I mean that’s what they’re there for after all!

When you set up a meeting with a professor for the first time, it can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re not really sure what they’re like in a one-on-one setting. You want them to take you seriously and professionally, while still asking for help and admitting you don’t understand something or that you’re struggling. This Fashionista’s outfit has the perfect combination between professional and laidback that’ll boost your confidence a little when entering that office.

First of all, every BU student knows how awfully windy our campus can get. To avoid getting the chills, this Fashionista donned a useful scarf that isn’t too heavy; the wool is thick enough to keep her warm without weighing her down. Her double-breasted peacoat is light and easy to take on and off when constantly walking in and out of buildings. Its buttons add a sort of serious touch to the whole outfit and stand out in a sea of black and blue. This Fashionista wore the perfect pair of skinny jeans and beautiful black chelsea boots from Cole Haan, which she confessed she got on sale! Who doesn’t love a good sale?

Coffee is an obvious essential for any college student. Make sure you have a great tumbler that you can take with you everywhere. It’ll keep your coffee warm while you’re braving it out there in the freezing cold. I also find it hard to style my hair when my big puffy coat is constantly adding static and ruining whatever hairdo I’ve decided to wear that day. This Fashionista is wearing a simple, sleek ponytail, which is classic and also adds a touch of clean-cut professionalism to the look.

One Simple Change: With job and internship interviews right around the corner, switch those jeans out for a nice pair of corduroy trousers to make your outfit a bit more business casual and office appropriate.

WHAT TO WEAR: Early Class

As much as we may try to avoid it during our four years in college, at some point, we’re going to have to subject to the pain of an early morning class. Luckily, my earliest morning classes have been at 9. But come on people, that’s still pretty darn early.

When it’s cold out and the sky is gray, the last thing you want to do is leave your snuggly bed and warm comforter. I struggle every single morning to accept that morning has come and I need to start getting ready. But, just because your bed is snuggly doesn’t mean you can’t take the snuggly-ness with you outside of the bedroom.

This Fashionista is wearing an adorable sherpa-lined vest that just makes me feel cozy by looking at her. It’s a great way to add an extra layer of fabric under your winter coat to keep feeling like you’re in bed while you sit in class in the early hours. Anything with sherpa in it is guaranteed warmth. Not that acid-washed pants are outdated, but you just don’t see them anymore and I don’t know why! This Fashionista’s jeans are awesome, and they’re not too retro because they have a little touch of ombré. If you don’t already have acid-washed denim, get yourself a cute pair like these and party like it’s 1987; you don’t have to be punk rock to revel in its fashion.

This Fashionista chose a simple chiffon blouse, which is also super comfortable, and a cute pair of ankle booties. If you’re not looking forward to your early morning class, at least you’ll have a cozy outfit to keep you company.

One Simple Change: If you want to turn this outfit into evening attire, ditch the vest and switch out those suede booties for a pair of pumps with a kick that’ll have you partying from here to Monday!

CollegeFashionista X American Eagle Outfitters: Day 24

Shorts are the quintessential summer piece. They come in handy when it’s warm out and you’re constantly on the go, to and fro all your favorite summer hangouts. I’ve noticed, however, that shorts have made their way into fall and spring, being worn more and more often out of what is considered their best season. I find Fashionistas wearing shorts with tights or leggings around our campus all the time. Even as of late, I’ve seen girls braving the winter with a cute pair of shorts.

While recent weather may not agree with bare skin, I am nonetheless excited for spring to come fast. Around this time of year, I always find myself praying for warmer weather; but who isn’t? Especially with the huge blizzard we had a couple of weeks ago, people are ready to shed their winter skin.

These American Eagle Outfitters shorts are reminiscent, as my roommate put it, of a “fifties full-body bathing suit.” They’re playful and versatile for many different occasions, including going to class. I styled them with a three-quarter sleeve knit sweater from ASOS and Gioseppo ankle rubber booties. This outfit will be perfect come April when it’s warm and rainy; the shorts will be just right to help me survive the humidity.

The outfit is pretty simple in terms of color so I wore MAC’s Dubonnet lipstick to add a little pop to the look. Aside from that, I kept my makeup pretty neutral, which is a recent hot trend. Minimalism in the beauty department gets a big thumbs up from every college student constantly on the run. For my routine, I use skin-colored shades of eyeshadow and black mascara. To keep things simple, I forfeit eyeliner and apply mascara to my bottom lashes instead. To accessorize, I only wore an ASOS necklace; lots of accessories weigh me down and make me uncomfortable in the heat.

Another great look would be to pair the shorts with this American Eagle Outfitters Embroidered Boho T. It gives it a little bit of a more laid back feel. For a more summery look, I’d wear these with an American Eagle Outfitters Pleated Chiffon Shirt; this would also be great for all those music festivals coming up! The classic summer look, however, would be to wear them with the American Eagle Outfitters Chiffon Black Hi-Lo Tank.

I’m usually very excited for spring and summer but I must say that with these shorts, April couldn’t come sooner!

 

WHAT TO WEAR: Fancy Date Night

Let’s just admit it: everyone loves dressing up. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is or what time of year, but we all (boys and girls) love getting primped whenever an occasion presents itself. There’s no doubt that this provides a little entertainment, from the moment you browse through your wardrobe until you’re all ready to go! I’ve realized recently though that girls get really stressed out when it comes to dates. All confidence goes out the door and suddenly we hate everything in our closet, nothing fits right and a favorite blouse is dirty.

In my experience, guys aren’t going to really notice what you’re wearing unless you decide to wear a leather corset and fishnet tights; seriously, they’ve asked you out on a date for another reason. Your outfit certainly isn’t the most important thing about going on a date. It is, however, the most fun.

This Fashionista braved a cold day in Boston wearing a dress and black tights. Not only does she look adorable, but by the pop of red on her lips you can tell she had fun getting ready. Her look is really simple and not too over the top, perfect for a night on the town. You can’t go wrong with a bright shade of lipstick, like MAC’s Russian Red, when you keep your outfit simple and relatively neutral. The key is to remind yourself how beautiful you are and that’s the reason you were asked out on a date. The outfit inspiration will come naturally after this, I can promise you that.

One Simple Change: If you’re not ready for something so short, try this maxi dress instead.