Author: Meghan Murphy

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Georgia David

Southern charm meets California cool in this Fashionista’s trendy style! Her flowy, floral-printed dress embraces bright spring colors. Her worn jean jacket is an edgy contrast to her overall feminine look and a timeless, effortless layer. Her embroidered TOMS flats and chandelier coral earrings reflect the typical beach style of USD.

Name: Georgia David

Major: Communications and Marketing

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Who inspires your daily fashion choices?

Georgia David: My mom. I love when she cleans out her closet because we are the same size. She calls her style “rodeo chic.”

CF: What is a typical outfit for you?

GD: Bright, comfortable clothing. Turquoise accessories keep it feminine—I always have to wear earrings, it completes an outfit. My style is definitely more Texan than Cali!

CF: What is your favorite item in your closet?

GD: I love the jean jacket I am wearing, and I am not opposed to wearing jean on jean. My biggest splurge is my Betsey Johnson dress—it’s hot pink and purple, with a fitted waist.

How To: Achieve this beautiful meld between Texas and California style by building your outfit off of a flattering, A-cut dress. Floral patterns are everywhere this spring; stick with pastel colors if you want to maintain a flirty, feminine feel. Throw a denim or military styled jacket over your dress to add a chic edge. Find a fun patterned flat that matches your dress pattern or stick with neutral colors. Add beachy accessories such as coral or turquoise dangly earrings.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Patty Carrillo Plasencia

Fashionista's always dread putting away their winter or fall clothes, not to be seen again until the temperatures drop. However, this Fashionista proves that it is possible to still rock fall's fashion in the spring! She incorporated the maxi trend with her long black dress. She layered with a thick grey cardigan, which is a great fashion staple all season long; grey will always match with whatever color scheme you go for! She accessorized with oversized sunglasses and a studded gold, beige and brown bag, which gave her look a warm glow and a chic touch. 

Name: Patty Carrillo Plasencia

Major: Business

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Who inspires your fashion choices? 

Patty Carrillo Plasencia: No one specially. I Love to see someones personality printed in their own fashion style.

CF: What items do you think every Fashionista should have in her closet?

PP: A casual dress, flats, and preppy bag. Look good and be comfortable.

CF: What is your favorite trend?

PP: My favorit trend is “chic” and this season's summer dresses and colorful heels.

How To: Get this Fashionista's look by building your outfit off of your favorite seasonal sweater. Mix a thick winter cardigan or sweater with fun spring colors; the contrast of a winter staple and spring pallete will be eye-catching and a great contrast of textures. Follow this Fashionista's lead and pair your outfit with chic accessories such as big sunglasses and a glitzy bag in order to amp up your look! 

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kendall Gilmore

Bold prints are currently taking over campus, and this Fashionista sported a creative twist between the classic polka-dot pattern and new, trendy bold prints. The dress is silk with a loose baby-doll fit. The flattering structure of the dress initially caught my attention but once I got closer I realized that what I had thought to be chunky polka dots were actually owls! This pleasant surprise solidified this individual as being a total Fashionista. She paired her bold dress with nude sandals and simple jewelry.

Name: Kendall Gilmore

Major: Communications

Year: Junior 

CollegeFashionista: Who are your fashion idols?

Kendall Gilmore: Like so many other girls and women, I must admit that Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O have always been fashion role models for me.  Ever since discovering J. Crew many years ago, I have strived to dress in a way that exudes the class and confidence that these ladies did so beautifully.  But my most recent fashion idol has to be the ever-fabulous Kate Middleton.  A simple, “What Would Kate Wear?” question answers any of my fashion queries.

CF: What is your favorite trend?

KG: My favorite trend currently is the return to ladylike-inspired clothing and accessories.  I think it is wonderful that women are dressing in such a feminine and elegant way again!

CF: What is your favorite piece in your closet? 

KG: My absolute favorite go-to piece is a solid Kelly green scarf that I have had for years now.  It is the perfect pop of color to brighten up any day!

CF: Where is your favorite place to shop? 

KG: I am a loyal J. Crew, Kate Spade and Anthropology fan.  And I must thank my grandma, mom, and aunts for instilling a deep appreciation in me for Nordstrom, without which my closet would be much less exciting!!

How-To: Achieve this Fashionista’s look by embracing the fun prints that Spring has to offer! There is no rule to choosing the pattern; while bold florals are the most prominent trend, personalize your style by finding a pattern that speaks to you—whether it’s the color, shape, or subject of the print. Pair your outfit with shoes that either match the dominating color of your print, or simply wear nude sandals to prevent distraction from the main focus.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Jessie McDowell

This Fashionista demonstrates how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. She stood out among a sea of green with her eye-catching leopard-print scarf, layered over a loose fitted green blouse. Her black leggings have vertical seams that compliment her figure. She was ready for the California sun with her Ray Ban aviators, and she sported a chunky tortoise shell watch. She tied in her shoes with her scarf pattern by wearing brown leather flats.

Name: Jessie McDowell

Year: Senior

Major: Accounting

CollegeFashionista: Is your St. Patty’s look a relfection of your every-day style?

Jessie McDowell: Yes, I wanted to stay true to my daily style and combine Irish spirit with great fashion!

CF: What do you consider an essential part of your closet?

JM: I am a big fan of accessories. Scarfs, jewelry and shoes can determine if an outfit is class appropriate and easily dress an outfit up or down.

CF: Where do you usually shop?

JM: I usually go to funky boutiques, but I am also a regular at Urban Outfitters and Nasty Gal.

How To: Building this look off an edgy, or bright colored scarf. Wear a loose blouse and find leggings with a complimenting seam or form-fitting structure. Choose shoes that reflect a color in your scarf, and you can never go wrong with a chunky bracelet or watch.

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alisha Agrellas

I love when fashion effortlessly combines soft femininity with a daring edge. This Fashionista demonstrates how to pull off this look perfectly. Her flowy blouse has a flower pattern of pastel pinks and blues, which gives her a romantic, dreamy look and fits perfectly with the spring flowers blooming all over campus! She wore black leggings on bottom with lace-up combat boots. The color of the worn leather boots doesn’t clash with the pattern of her blouse yet its rugged appearance pops against her delicate top.

Name: Alisha Agrellas

Major: Communications

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What is your go-to accessory?

Alisha Agrellas: Lots and lots of jewelry. It instantly gives an outfit more character.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for?

AA: I'm a huge fan of fall style because there is so much to work and mix with. I'm unhealthily obsessed with chunky sweaters, scarves and boots.

CF: What is your typical “going out” outfit?

AA: I tend to gravitate towards black when going out at night. You can't go wrong with black jeans or tights, chunky heels and a silk or chiffon top. I also like the look of a leather jacket depending on the occasion.

CF:What is your favorite piece in your closet?

AA: My motorcycle boots or my Jeffrey Campbell ankle boots!

How To: Get this Fashionista’s look by building your outfit off of two main pieces: a feminine top and rugged or edgy shoes. This look is incredibly flexible. Achieve a feminine vibe on top by sticking with pastel colors, especially pinks, and finding something that is form-fitting or delicately hangs on your body. Pick neutral bottoms, such as leggings. For shoes, combat boots are always a great choice, however you can also play with other hot trends right now such as studded shoes.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Zoe Maarse

This Fashionista exudes street style with her perfect use of classic fashion staples paired with hot seasonal trends. My eyes were immediately drawn to the pattern of her sweater, which had a class plaid pattern with a funky twist of colors. Under her sweater she wore a crisp, white button-up, which hung a little loose, flattering her figure and relaxing her preppy look. She paired thick black leggings with dark brown leather boots. She tied her look together by accessorizing with a dark brown sweater and beige Marc Jacobs bag.

Name: Zoe Maarse

Year: Senior

Major: Business Law

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?

Zoe Maarse: I like to maintain a clean, classic look. Most of the items in my closet would be considered preppy, but I simply love a well fitted button-up!

CF: Where are your favorite places to shop?

ZM: I spend a lot of time at J.Crew, Nordstrom and I love to find little boutiques to get more unique clothing.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for?

ZM: Fall…or spring! I love layering, so any weather in which I can put a scarf on is great to me! 

How To: Achieve this Fashionista’s look by building your outfit off of a classic sweater with a fun, colorful pattern. Every girl should have at least one white button up in her closet—try to find a loosely fitting blouse that hangs below your sweater. Wear thick black leggings, and dark brown leather boots. Sweaters are great accessories to tie the colors of your outfit together. Finish off this look with a neutral colored bag slung over your shoulder. The overall appearance of this look has a strong J.Crew vibe, so this store would be a great place to find these clothing pieces!

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alex Kiel

When in doubt, throw a blazer on! A form-fitting blazer finishes off any look with a classic feel and dressy edge. This Fashionista wore a baby doll cut, dark teal dress with a slightly draped neckline. Her black blazer was form-fitting and fell just below her hips; the slightly over-sized fit made the blazer slightly less formal and perfect for class. She finished off this polish look with black Tory Burch flats and simple jewelry.

Name: Alex Kiel

Major: Accounting

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Who inspires your fashion choices?

Alex Kiel: Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth as well as anything I see on campus or in magazines! If I like what I see I do it!

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

AK: I tend to lean towards a preppy and sophisticated style with a beachy spin. I love east coast fashion but I can’t help but be influenced by San Diego’s weather, especially living in Mission Beach.

CF: What is currently your favorite trend?

AK: Chunky wedges! I have a black pair from Coach that I try to incorporate into every outfit. I also love skinny jeans!

CF: What would you consider a staple piece of your style?

AK: Striped T-shirts, scarves, ballet flats and watches! I’m at least wearing one of these pieces a day!

How To: Achieve this look by finding a blazer that fits you properly in the shoulders and waist. You can either dress your blazer up by sticking with a classic cut above your hips, or keep it relaxed by finding a blazer that falls loosely below the hips and is made of a softer material. Beneath your blazer wear a form-fitting dress and stick with neutral day colors to avoid clashing with a dark blazer and to stay class-appropriate. Finish this look with black flats and some delicate jewelry.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Nicole Lively

This Fashionista exudes retro-chic. Her outfit looks more like a work of art than daily attire. My attention was immediately drawn to her faded vintage sweatshirt, it looks cozy yet adds a dash of rock-n’-roll. She maintained the retro feel with her torn jean shorts and worn, brown leather boots. She added a dash of personality with her striped high socks visible over the tips of her boots. Her accessories completed the retro-chic vibe—oversized aviators, chunky beaded bracelets and a gray purse with gold detailing. This Fashionista looks ready to head straight to a concert after class.

Name: Nicole Lively

Year: Senior

Major: Psychology Major

CollegeFashionista: Who inspires your fashion choices?

Nicole Lively: My fashion choices are usually inspired by whatever I find stuffed into my closet! I like to always reuse staple pieces and update them with fresh accessories.  However, I do really like Nicole Richie's style–I like how relaxed and effortlessly cool she looks.

CF: What is currently your favorite trend?

NL: A trend I love at the moment is colorful jeans and crop tops.  One of my go-to outfits right now is a pair of violet high-waisted jeans with a cropped, off the shoulder t-shirt.  Throw in some long necklaces and sandals and I'm all set!

CF: Where do you typically go shopping?

NL: I shop a lot at Urban Outfitters for trendier pieces and when I'm in Europe I cannot walk by a Top Shop without popping in. 

CF: What fashion staple do you suggest every girl have in her closet?

NL: Boots! I have a boot obsession (my favorite are western boots) but a good, solid, neutral boot will never let you down.  It's one of the things I think should be invested in, cheap boots will only hurt your feet and break your heart.

How To: Get this Fashionista’s look by building your outfit off a vintage T-shirt or sweatshirt, featuring an iconic band or historic logo. Look for clothing that has a worn look—like vintage or thrift pieces. Pair your top with stressed jeans and leather boots. Personalize this look by wearing high socks in an unexpected color or design. Complete this style by layering bulky bracelets or bangles. Look for oversized sunglasses or aviators and a worn-leather purse that you can throw over your shoulder.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Amanda Adams

This Fashionista exhibits the right way to layer from head to toe. She proved that gray and black are complementary colors for any season and a great go-to combination for any style. She took this look from cozy to chic by sporting a gray mini skirt, black sheer tights and black leather boots. Her lavender scarf pops against her black blouse and provides a splash of spring color.

Name: Amanda Adams

Major: International Relations

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Who are your fashion icons and why?

Amanda Adams: I recently got back from studying abroad in Spain and the European women are gorgeous! I love the way that Spanish girls can layer their clothing without looking frumpy. They are so chic, confident and fearless and I think that’s what really completes a look.

CF: What is your favorite aspect of fashion?

AA: I love the ever-changing dynamic of it. There are always fun new trends to try out, the classics and old trends that come back in a new way.

CF: What is one wardrobe piece you recommend for every closet?

AA: A dark pair of skinny jeans are great because you can wear them during the day with a more casual top and then dress them up at night with the right accessories and a cute pair of flats. But right now I love patterned tights! I feel like you can pair different patterns with skirts and dresses and give it a whole new look!

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

AA: I would describe my personal style as simple chic. I try to look put together while remaining comfortable. My wardrobe consists of a lot of neutral and basic colors but then I love adding scarves, shoes or other accessories to add personality and pops of color.

How-To: Achieve Amanda’s effortless look by pairing two neutral colors such as black, white, gray or beige. Wear a form-fitting skirt, loose top and leather boots. Connect your shoes to the rest of your outfit and give your look an edge by wearing thick wool socks visible over your boots. The neutral color-scheme allows you to choose accessories, such as a scarf, with a bright color.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Elizabeth McKernan

This Fashionista strolled to class looking comfortable and chic. Her cream chiffon blouse, with delicate embroidery, gives this look a dreamy element. In contrast to her flowy blouse, she wore tight, plum-colored skinny jeans. The plum pants are eye-catching and provide a pop of warm color.  Gold accessories tied this outfit together; she sported woven sandals, a Michael Kors watch, and delicate necklaces all in gold.

Name: Elizabeth McKernan

Major: Accounting

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?

Elizabeth McKernan: I aim for stylish yet practical—it’s all in the details!

CF: What is your most coveted item in your closet?

EM: While I am tempted to name one of my sequin dresses or funky tops, I don’t know what I would do without a good pair of ballet flats.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for?

EM: Well California doesn’t get very cold but I love bundling up in chunky sweaters and soft scarves in the fall.

How To: Achieve this Fashionista’s look by finding pants in a dark earthy color. There is an array of colored jeans to choose from this season but stick with either plums, forest greens, or burnt reds to prevent your pants from being distracting. Pair your skinny jeans with a flowy, romantic top. Cream colored blouses compliment any earth jean color. Finish off your look with some delicate gold jewelry and sandals.