Author: Nikki Casertano

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Hats Off to the Holidays

‘Tis the season for cute hats! As winter creeps its way in, everyone needs to make sure their hat collection is up to date. One of my favorite things about winter is that it is an excuse to wear a hat everyday, aka never having to worry about a bad hair day. And the possibilities are endless, baseball caps and beanies for class and errands or like this Fashionista’s suede floppy hat for a nicer occasion.

I really cannot stop obsessing over this Fashionista’s hat. It is the perfect color that can be thrown together with anything to add a little something to a look. But wait there’s more, the silver decal that wraps around the top gives it the extra detail that it needs without overdoing it. This particular hat is from American Eagle Outfitters but every store is in on this hot trend so you can pick one up anywhere.

It is obvious that the main feature of this look is the hat but, the outfit would be nothing without all the other pieces. Pairing your favorite pair of skinny jeans with tight over the-knee-boots is a MUST. And let me tell you, this Fashionista is doing it right; the color and the lace-up detail in the back is a perfect match to her hat. Her Forever 21 scarf adds the subtle pop of color that she needs. Her absolutely adorable oversized white American Eagle cardigan is sweater goals.

This Fashionista is well on her way to killing this holiday season one outfit at a time. This look is perfect from head-to-toe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or literally anything; the possibilities are endless, so don’t forget to add this hat to your holiday wish list. Happy holidays Fashionistos/as!

WHAT TO WEAR: Tailgating 101

It’s tailgate season! Finally, those perfect fall days are among us and there is absolutely no better way to spend them than at a tailgate or game for your favorite team. Trust me, I know just how difficult it is to style a cute outfit and at the same time rep your team. No one wants to be boring and wear a boring old sweatshirt like every other person. The struggle continues to the usual issue of wanting to be comfortable and confident in your outfit since you will be sitting or standing all day. So, I’m on the prowl for a festive Fashionista who’s dressed to impress come kick off. Look over there, I think I spot one now!

This Fashionista was easy to spot among the West Chester football fans. Her style proves that layers are key to the perfect fall look. Pairing her most comfortable and favorite West Chester shirt with a black vest and purple plaid scarf is a simply flawless combo to rock at the game. If it is even possible for this look to get better, her cuffed boyfriend jeans and go to Converse sneakers make this look sporty and cute. Since this outfit speaks for itself little accessories are needed. This Fashionista added a colorful and fun Betsey Johnson watch and a pair of Ray-Ban’s to create head-to-toe perfection.

It is obvious that all eyes were on this Fashionista and not the game and that is totally understandable. Whether it is tailgating or homecoming, add layers to spice up your look and keep you toasty warm. Scarves and watches are the perfect way to add in bursts of your team’s colors without overdoing it. Keep this Fashionista in mind when you’re looking for a tailgate outfit that is sure to score a touchdown!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Not So Basic T-shirt

As the seasons change, and new trends become old news, what is the one wardrobe must have that will always have your back? It’s something that’s probably already in your closet, and completely underrated. It’s the classic basic white T-shirt. Let me tell you, this look is anything but basic! As these hot September days roll on,  stay cool and casually chic in your plain white tee.

Don’t you just adore this sunflower loving Fashionistas style? I am absolutely obsessed with anything and everything denim (I mean who isn’t?). It can be dressed up with a cute pair of wedges for a date with bae or dressed down, with yup you guessed it, a white t-shirt.

Keeping up with the idea of simplicity, this fashionista paired her PacSun denim skirt and Forever 21 tee with a thin gold chain, a brown leather and gold Nixon watch, the perfect pair of braided sandals and of course a sunflower!

Adding her own twist to the tee by adding a side knot exemplifies the versatility of a basic tee as well showcases her killer style. Next time you’re in a rut about what to wear follow in this fashionistas steps and dig out that plain white tee shirt that I know you have, pick some flowers and conquer the day!

STYLE GURU BIO: Nikki Casertano

Bonjour belle gens! My name is Nikki Casertano. I am a sophomore at West Chester University, and I obtain a strong desire to experience every aspect of the world. Roman Payne once said in his novel The Wanderess about Saskia, a mysterious young orphan, that “She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city” I believe I belong nowhere in particular, yet everywhere all at once. I feel the greatest sense of feeling of home when I am out exploring the beautiful, vast world we have the honor to inhabit. The freedom to explore unknown areas as well as places I have never been, such as the miles of beautiful oceans in Hawaii or the sandy deserts of Australia, compared to being stationary, satisfies and excites me the most.

When asked to define my style I am at a loss for words. With constantly changing trends and the way my heart thumps for new clothes, shopping sprees and red lipstick, there is no way I could limit my style to a single category. The influence of different cultures plays a lot into what hangs in my closet. I grew up on the Jersey shore where there are barefooted island kids everywhere on beach cruisers and long boards, and a bikini is a wardrobe staple. From the beach to the New York City streets, exploring cute little boutiques in China Town or pretending to be Serena van der Woodsen on the upper east side, and eating a parfait on the steps of the Met, being in New York City is as natural as breathing for me. Although those are my roots, my heart belongs to Paris, where I fell in love in the summer of 2015 on top of the Eifel Tower (how romantic). My Lizzie McGuire dreams came to life when my best friends and I packed up and went on a nine day excursion through France, Germany, and Belgium… also referred to the greatest experience of my life. Where I have been as well as the places I have yet to know is what inspires me the most in not only my personal style but my entire life as well.

Life is full of adventures and dreamers, so never be content with the ordinary, strive for the extraordinary. Becoming satisfied in every area of the world will open up a universe of possibilities, as well as the opportunity to endlessly explore all hopes and dreams…and buy lots and lots of clothes of course.