Author: Nicole Leicht

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Small Details With Big Impact

Do you ever have those days where you simply want to show off your accessories? I don’t know about you, but I am too often trying to cater an outfit to fit one of my most current accessories. Statement necklaces, shoes and other accessories are growing in popularity and are coming out in tons of exciting variations. With such fabulous new options, it’s hard not to show them off.  The real problem is how to go about this.

This Fashionista puts her fabulous accessories in center stage. She keeps the stage simple with an ever-flattering little black dress. By staying with a simple clean dress, she lets the accessories shine.  Her headband is boho chic and so perfect for an easy summer vibe.  The cognac leather sandals pop with their sophisticated design and they accent her bangles that help to tie the look together. This ensemble is understated and classic in all the best ways.

Make your own accessories the focus of your next ensemble with some simple steps. Of course you need to begin with your statement piece, the center of attention. Say you want to show off your favorite necklace, then base the rest of your outfit off of this piece. Pick a simple dress or a classic blouse and some clean shorts. Nothing says these pieces need to be black or another neutral color, for some added interest look for colors that complement one from the accessory.Tie the look together with another accessory or two, but let them support the main piece, not overtake it. Its simple really, start off small and then work your way up to more unique pieces and combine them in new creative ways.

Looking for some pieces to help you replicate this Fashionista’s look?  This dress from Forever 21 is a great simple piece to dress up with accessories. You can stick with the simple grey color or venture out into the teal option or another color. The cinched waist is perfect for a statement belt and the simple scoop neckline calls for a great necklace like this one from LuLu’s. Add these Steve Madden sandals and you are will be turning heads without a doubt.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Colors on Colors

Summer is the season of color. Pastels, brights, tie-dyes: the options are infinite and it’s up to you how you wear them. Color blocking has been trending for quite some time now. With such extended trends, it can be hard to redefine them and make them new again. We’ve all seen the color blocked mini dress time and time again and while it’s a lovely style, it’s time for a change of pace.

This Fashionista reinvents color-blocking. The sheer top she is wearing features the perfect touch of color-blocking. The pop of electric blue on the sleeves is just the right amount of bright color without being overpowering.  On the neckline, the neon pink trim is a perfect touch of a second color. Trimming on the sleeves and hem ties the colors together making them look cohesive. The mix of these two colors is an eye-catching contrast that screams summer. When we turn to the back, there’s a fun surprise. The black exposed zipper is a unique design element that gives the top some individuality. Pairing the color-blocked top with some clean black shorts and minimal accessories lets it stay the center of attention without being overwhelming. This Fashionista’s reinvention of color blocking was a success.

Reinvent color-blocking your way. Keep the trend simple with this top from Nordstrom. This easy fitting top features an unexpected pop of yellow that creates a flattering style line on the body. The top is casual enough to wear for a day of shopping or a work picnic, just pair it with some cropped skinnies or your favorite denim shorts. Willing to try a more daring pick? This pair of shorts from PacSun embodies what color blocking is all about.  The mix of pastel colors kept separate by the seams makes these shorts look clean and crisp. The lighter color scheme keeps them from being overpowering and gives them a soft retro feel. Pair them with a simple white top to keep this look pulled together. The trick with this trend, keep it simple, let the colors speak for themselves.

 

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Can I Bother You For A Hankie?

Summer has finally set in. From the rising hem lines to the deep shades of tan developing, the best time of year has officially begun.  For me, this time of year has always been my time to experiment with my style, or a time to reinvent myself if you will. But I am always faced with how to stay on trend while staying ahead of the trend.

I’ve always been a fan of the breezy, summer maxi, but I do find myself wondering how I can find a maxi dress that stands out from the crowd.  The classic floor-length maxi and it’s sister, the hi-low maxi, better watch out; there’s a new style in town.  Handkerchief hem maxis are a great twist of the classics and are perfect for summertime.

This Fashionista shows just how fabulous a handkerchief hem can look.  This tribal print maxi dress is right on trend and has a certain edge.  It’s unlike most maxis you will see this summer. The new hem creates a whole new look that has some unseen interest and the same ease that draws people to maxi dresses.  Such a flowy hem is just right for dancing the night away or possibly for a night out to your favorite band’s concert. In this Fashionista’s case, a night full of dancing is ahead.  The open back detail adds a nice edge and keeps you cool on those summer nights.  Paired with neutral flats, this look mixes edge with ease perfectly.

Make the handkerchief hem your own and prepare to show the new look off.  Save some valuable dough by purchasing this new trend at your local Target.  This piece has the same stress-free vibe and is wearable for multiple occasions with some jeweler or other statement pieces.  Ready to pledge yourself to the handkerchief hem? Look no further, Macy’s INC dress is your go to.  This dress is enough of a statement itself to assure you stand our in a crowd.  So go big or maybe not, just as long as you consider this new addition to the maxi family.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Crochet Craze

If there were one style that represents summer, it would have to be bohemian.  Something about the effortless ease that embodies the bohemian style makes it ideal for the summertime.  Crochet tops fit right into this category; from their dainty floral designs to their relaxed lightweight fit, these tops are a must have.

This Fashionista is working the crochet top.  Paired with her denim shorts and a white tank underneath, the crochet top becomes the center of attention in all the right ways.  By keeping it simple with the rest of her ensemble, she is able let the crochet top speak for itself; no overwhelming accessories or additives, this look is perfect daytime casual.

The great thing about the bohemian style is that you can customize it to your own stylish ways.  This crochet tank top from Forever 21 is a steal.  With a simple tank, you have the freedom to adjust for different events.  You could easily pair this tank with a bright bandeau and high waisted shorts for a concert or pair it with a breezy maxi skirt for a bonfire.  Looking for a smaller touch of crochet, then this top from LuLu’s is perfect.  With the crocheted back detail, this top shows just the right amount of skin and is a great pop of color.  Simply throw this top on with some denim shorts or even some cropped skinnies and you are will be ready to take on the day.  Whether your style is full blown bohemian or not, crocheted tops are easy to work into your wardrobe.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Cropped Craze

The summer sun is in full bloom, making way for more heat and less clothing.  The motto is to lay back and enjoy the break and your style should say just that.  This season crops are all the rage; from tops to bottoms, the shorter the better.  There is an art to this trend though, and this Fashionista is mastering it.

From her studded black crop top to her maroon hi-low skirt, this Fashionista wears the crop trend in the classiest way possible.  The key is balance and pairing this high-waisted skirt with the crop top is perfect.  It allows some skin to show while remaining appropriate.  The stud embellishments give the top some sparkle and make the piece versatile for many occasions.  The high-low skirt is a nice pop of color and universally flattering.  Accessorizing with some simple flip-flops and cat-eye shades, this Fashionista is ready for a relaxed day grabbing lunch with some friends or shopping around town.

This look is too fabulous not to replicate. Some crop top options can be found at Forever 21, like this simple choice or this fancier option.  The first pick is perfect for you Fashionistas looking to try the cropped trend out; it’s not so cropped that you will feel exposed but it still lets you show off some of that summer tan.  The second option is more daring and perfect for a night out on the town.  Pair either of these tops with this skirt from Macy’s.  This black jersey maxi is comfortable and easy to wear, perfect for summertime.  With these options, you are guaranteed to work the cropped trend this season.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Jaunty Jackets

Nothing beats those summer nights, but what’s a girl to do when a cold breeze threatens to ruin that stylish warm-weather outfit you put together?  Don’t fret; the answer is as easy as that biker jacket you bought this past winter. Such fabulous pieces can be and should be worn year round.  To make one of your jackets more summer ready, simply throw it over your favorite tank and pair it with some cropped skinnies or your cutest denim shorts.  This addition will keep you warm on those chilly nights while keeping your outfit stylish.

This Fashionista pairs her biker meets military jacket wonderfully with her laid back summer ensemble.  It gives her outfit a polished finish without being too elaborate.  An added plus, the neutral shade of this jacket is versatile and can easily be thrown over a variety of outfits, perfect for quick day-to-night switch-ups.  This Fashionista takes her ensemble one step further by adding a printed sandal in a similar neutral shade.  The snake print is a nice touch of sass that complements the jacket wonderfully and really pulls this look together into one simply yet sassy summertime ensemble.

Looking to add a similar piece to your wardrobe? I highly recommend every Fashionista/o do so.  A simple option available in the always classic black and a nice neutral tan is this Express leather jacket. The tailored fit of this pick is sleek and will never loose its charm.  For those of you not quite ready to commit, check out this find from JCPenny.  Not only is this bomber jacket a steal, but it also comes in two shades so you can take your pick.  Either option would be a worthwhile purchase.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Little Black Dress, Summer Edition

It doesn’t get much more classic than a little black dress. This style is timeless, classy and flatters everyone; what more could you ask for? Often times we save our LBDs for a night out or other formal occasions, but they deserve more time out of our closets. The LBD is perfect for practically any occasion and with the variety of styles available, you are sure to find the perfect fit. So this summer break out those LBDs for graduation parties, a day at work or even lunch with the girls.

This Fashionista works a LBD with some summer flair. The high-low hem on this dress is right on trend and gives a modest feel while still showing some skin. On top, the flare silhouette is universally flattering and the lace detail gives the dress a summertime vibe.  Her pairing of this summertime LBD with a pair of statement sandals is perfect for a day out on the town.

To work the summertime LBD, all you need to do is look to one of your favorite stores — the options are endless. This Forever 21 high-low dress won’t break the bank and can be dressed up with a pair of wedges and a statement necklace or dressed down with some flat sandals and bangles. Another great option is this maxi dress with cutouts from PacSun.  This maxi is on trend for summer and has daring side cutouts and an open back, showing just the right amount of skin for this time of year. The great thing about these dresses is their versatility — keep it simple by day for low-key occasions and then jazz it up at night with a belt and some statement jewelry. No matter how you choose to wear it, the summertime LBD will turn heads.

STYLE GURU BIO: Nicole Leicht

Hey everyone! My name is Nicole Leicht and I’m joining CollegeFashionista for the first time this summer. I am a junior at Colorado State University, double majoring in Apparel Design and Production and Journalism and Technical Communication.  I am thrilled to be a part of the CollegeFashionista team, sharing all things fashionable here at CSU.

Fashion is so much more than clothes to me; it is a way for each of us to show the world our own unique sense of self. Ever since I can remember, I have been inspired by the world of fashion, so I was very lucky to have made it into my school’s Apparel Design and Production program, allowing me to get hands on experience in the fashion world as well as do something that I love everyday.  I also have a passion for writing and photography, so I am excited to blend those interests with fashion through my second major in Journalism. Hopefully one day, you will see my name under a column in a fashion magazine, fingers crossed.

My personal style is constantly changing and evolving. I love to watch for trends on the runway and then put my own twist on them. My favorite pieces in my closet right now are my statement necklaces; they can really pull an outfit together and leave an impression. My overall motto is as long as you look classy and a little bit sassy, you are set; fashion is what you make it, so make it fun.

This opportunity, writing for CollegeFashionista, is beyond exciting. The fact that I get to combine all of my interests and share them with you all is more than I could ask for. I am pleased to be apart of a community that loves fashion just as much as I do. I cannot wait to bring you some Fashionistas/os this summer as well as my own take on fashion, so watch for my STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK column every Monday. I promise to provide the latest and the greatest of fashion that Colorado State University has to offer.