Author: Olivia Sazaklis

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Christina McAuliffe

Temperatures are slowly starting to cool down in Baltimore. This means that Fashionista’s on Towson’s campus are pulling out their favorite fall pieces. Denim has been seen more frequently as well as sweaters, blouses and darker colors. This is also means that one of my favorite fall pieces is reemerging, the riding boot. Guaranteed to be a staple through the fall and winter months, the riding boot is an easy way to dress stylishly, while remaining warm and comfortable. This Fashionista was spotted on campus sporting some chic riding boots, dark denim and a stylish blouse in fall tones. These are staples that can be worn all fall!
Name: Christina McAuliffe
Major: Business
Year: Junior
CollegeFashionista: Where are your favorite places to shop?
Christina McAuliffe: My favorite places to shop would be Wet Seal, Garage and Forever 21. Recently, I have discovered Uptown Cheapskate and I love it!
 
CF: What is your favorite item in your closet?
CM: My favorite item would have to be my jeggings from Garage. They are so comfortable and flexible, but they still look like real jeans.
CF: Where do you get your style inspiration?
CM: I usually look at what the mannequins are wearing in the stores and my friends fill me in on the latest trends.
How To: To get this Fashionista’s stylish look throw on a pair of versatile dark wash, skinny jeans and a patterned blouse. Add a pair of brown riding boots and some simple silver jewelry to complete this chic fall look.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Valerie Harshman

One of the chicest trends this fall is to mix and match neutral colors. Fashionista Valerie Harshman was spotted on campus doing just that. Wearing black with brown or even navy, creates a very fresh modern look that many Fashionistas are trying out this fall. Valerie’s look is perfect for going out with friends. If you are new to the trend and want to start off with something simple, try pairing brown boot and a camel color sweater with black pants or leggings. Mixing neutrals will be a simple, chic pairing you reach for all fall.
Name: Valerie Harshman
Major: Elementary Education and Deaf Studies

Year: Junior
CollegeFashionista: Where did you get the items you were wearing?
Valerie Harshman: I bought my jacket, dress and black booties at T.J. Maxx!
CF: What are your favorite stores to shop at?
VH: T.J. Maxx is my favorite store because you can find a variety of different styles for a relatively low cost. Being a college student, I appreciate that fact that their clothes are cheaper but still just as cute! 
CF: What trends are you looking forward to try out this fall?
VH: I really enjoy the fall weather! I love to pull out my over-sized sweaters and pair them with brown or black boots in the fall.
How To: To get Valerie’s look you cannot be afraid to mix neutrals. While many people are afraid to pair black and brown or navy, it creates a very chic look. Pick up a patterned black dress and some matching black booties that will pair with anything this fall. Add a brown leather jacket to complete the look.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Becca Nappi

Fall is almost officially upon us. The weather has begun to cool down and Fashionistas across campus have been pulling out their fall favorites and trying out some new fall trends. Becca Nappi was spotted trying out a big fall trend, the crop top. Becca pulled this look off flawlessly with a matching skirt and top that would be perfect for going out with friends.
Name: Becca Nappi
Major: Journalism and Public Relations with a minor in Political Science
Year: Junior
College Fashionista: How would you describe your personal style?
Becca Nappi: My style is really diverse depending on the season. I range from wearing very feminine outfits featuring skirts and dresses to jeans, Converse and flannels. But if I had to describe it I would say it is grunge meets preppy, since I love to mix feminine pieces with more rugged clothing pieces, like combat boots and oversized shirts.
CF: Do you have any advice on dressing stylishly for class?
BN: I’d suggest wearing things that are secretly comfortable. As bad as this sounds, I wear jeggings all the time because they’re just as comfortable as sweatpants and you don’t look like you just woke up in them.
CF: What trends are you looking forward to this fall?
BN: I’m really looking forward to wearing knee socks with boots. I think that style will look cute with fall skirts and tights. I also love that flannels are coming back from the ’90s. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of flannel and colorful flannels are my absolute favorite.
CF: What are some of your favorite items of clothing?
BN: My favorite clothing items are definitely knee socks, combat boots, flannels, cardigans and bodycon dresses. I just feel like they’re all so versatile and can be dressed up or down for whatever you need.
How To: Pair an on trend polka-dot, crop top with a matching skirt. Add a statement necklace in a coordinating color and a pair of simple sandals to complete the look.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Grant Vitek

It is almost officially fall in Baltimore and temperatures are cooling down. That means it’s time to go shopping for some new fall looks or pulling some old favorites out of your closet. If you are opting go get some new looks, take a cue from Fashionisto, Grant Vitek, and wait until your favorite fall items are on sale or check out the outlets for a great deal.

Name: Grant Vitek

Major: Pshychology Major and Philosophy Minor

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: Where were all the pieces you’re wearing from?
Grant Vitek: I got my Guess shoes from Nordstrom Rack at 50 percent off. My Mossimo orange pants are from Target for less than $20. My shirt is from Gap, also 50 percent off (New Years sale plus a coupon from an event on campus). The watch is from Fossil.

CF: What are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

GV: I’m really looking forward to wearing more of my colored long pants and being able to and bring the jackets back out. I’m a big jacket person.

CF: Where do you usually shop for your clothes?

GV: If I have a plan to shop, I usually wait for a sale or go to outlets somewhere, like down by the shore. Otherwise I just find items randomly when I’m shopping for other things that I actually need, like in Target.

How To: Pair a basic chambray shirt with a pair of bright colored pants for a simple, yet fun look. Add a pair of black tennis shoes for a look that is perfect for class or going out with friends, and a classic watch for a timeless look.

 

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Cat Mayes

With classes officially started it can be easy to fall into the rut of wearing yoga pants and a baggy T-shirt to class. With all the fall styles just coming out, it can be hard to find something stylish as well as affordable to wear to class. Bargain shopping can be an art that only the most dedicated Fashionistas are skilled in. This Fashionista was able to find something very chic to wear to class or out with friends for only a fraction of the price of what is out in stores now. This Fashionista told me this dress was a thrift store score too that she managed to find for $8! For a fraction of the price she was able to look chic and casual while out and about.

Name: Cat Mayes

Major: Photography

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your style?:
Cat Mayers: Reflective of my personality, emotions and journey.
CF: Who’s style do you admire?:
CM: Anyone who dresses for themselves without giving a second thought to the opinions of those around them.
CF: Do you shop at thrift stores often and any tips on finding great items?:
CM: Every so often [I shop at thrift stores. My advice would be to] look everywhere, the best jewels are often hidden. Also, sometimes an item will look better on you than off of you, so give it a try.
How To: Scour the thrift stores for a cute, patterned dress. Pair with a cute pair of oxfords to transition a sweet dress into fall. By adding some statement sunglasses and a classic bag, you can achieve this Fashionista’s look.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Oullette

This time of year always brings about butterflies in your stomach, nerves and stress about starting a new school year. However, it also brings about the excitement of a new year! It is a fresh start for all students academically, as well as socially. A new school year means you are that it’s time for you to take a class you have always wanted to try or sign up for a new club or sport. Fashion is a great way to boost your confidence to go out and try those new things.

Name: Hannah Oullette

Major: Occupation Therapy

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: Where did you get the clothes you were wearing?

Hannah Oullette: I got the necklace as a birthday gift from my parents.  The shirt and shorts that I am wearing are both from American Eagle Outfitters; I shop there a lot.  And I have had my shoes for a while and I I got them at DSW.

 CF: How would you describe your style?

HO: My style is laid back and comfortable. You can often find me wearing athletic clothes because I enjoy going to the gym and playing sports.  However, that being said, I do like to dress up from time to time.  A sundress is always a fun summer look and I also enjoy colored shorts with a cute top.

CF: What’s your favorite piece of clothing?

HO: My favorite piece of clothing is an aqua and navy blue patterned shirt with an open back.  

CF: Where is your favorite place to shop?

HO: I often shop at American Eagle Outfitters and Francesca’s.  They both have clothing that fits my style.  I especially love the jewelry selection at Fracesca’s because they have a huge selection and I love wearing necklaces.

How To: To replicate this Fashionista’s outfit you would need a bright, jewel tone top. Pair it with a pair of casual black shorts and flat, metallic sandals. Adding a statement necklace is something this Fashionista does often and is a great way to add interest to any outfit you choose.

STYLE GURU BIO: Olivia Sazaklis

My name is Olivia Sazaklis and I am so excited to be returning to CollegeFashionista for a second semester this fall. Fall is my favorite season to dress for and I cannot wait to get inspired by the fashionable students of Towson University. I attend Towson in Maryland. I am a Business Administration major with a minor in English. I love Towson’s campus and all the stylish students I have met while I’ve been here. The fact that it’s across the street from a great mall doesn’t hurt either! Especially since my favorite stores are all there. Pattern mixing, trendy colors, amazing shoes and handbags have been spotted on campus. I’m so excited for the chance to share that with readers across the country for a second semester!

I have a penchant for sparkles, stripes and all things J.Crew. Shoes are my weakness and I’ll buy just about anything with a peter pan collar. My style is classic with a twist and I am beyond thrilled to share photos of college students I find to be inspiring style icons.

I have always had an interest in fashion ever since I was young. My interest in fashion has grown as I have gotten older and a little more style-conscious. I have been able to develop my own sense of style and realize the importance of quality and fit over anything. My style was even featured on Glamour.com for one of their posts on winter fashion! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share the stylish students Towson University with all the CollegeFashionista readers!

WHAT TO WEAR: Presentation

Everyone has one thing about going back to school that they hate. For some it’s getting up early, for others it’s spending hours reading and solving equations. For many, however, the most nerve-wracking part of school is giving presentations. At some point during our education we have to face the inevitable, gather up some courage and speak in front of the class. Confidence is the key to public speaking and when you look good, you feel good. Dressing to present is tricky because you want to look like what you are saying is valid. You do not want to look stuffy or overdressed though. This Fashionisto was able to find the perfect balance between professional and casual while still being stylish.

This Fashionisto chose the ideal outfit for giving a presentation. The blue color of his shirt is very flattering and stylish. By not choosing a typical white button down, this Fashionisto added some flair to his look. A button-down is a staple for all stylish men. Its classic look is perfect for standing in front of a classroom.

Another classic is a great pair of khaki pants. This Fashionisto chose this simple, but fashionable basic to wear. They can be paired with anything but look polished when paired with a button-down shirt. He completed his look with a pair of comfortable Vans. These keep his look casual and cool, while still being fashionable. He kept accessories simple by wearing only a classic watch.

One Simple Change: You can pair the shirt with a pair of shorts for a more casual look. You could also switch up the shoes and wear this look on a date.

WHAT TO WEAR: At The Beach

One of summer’s greatest perks easily has to be vacation time. Taking a much needed break is a necessity for anyone, especially college students. Between internships, work and summer classes, a beach trip is a definite must for anyone with overwhelmingly busy summer. It is definitely the best place to travel to for some relaxation and fun. Once you finally make it to your getaway destination of choice, there is an even more important question at hand: What to wear?

This Fashionisto was spotted in Surfside Beach, South Carolina while I was away at the beach. He answered the aforementioned question perfectly by choosing a beach ready outfit that was stylish and comfortable. He wore a comfortable, striped button-down shirt. The neutral colors in the shirt make it easy to pair with many items. This can help keep packing light while looking stylish. The linen material is also perfect for warm temperatures and beach weather.This Fashionisto kept his look simple and paired his shirt with light khaki shorts. They are a staple for any Fashionisto because of their versatility. This also makes them perfect to keep packing light. They can be paired with button down shirts for a dressier look or you can keep it more casual and pair it with a t-shirt.

This Fashionsto chose to keep the look casual and paired his outfit with another beach staple, flip flops. This Fashionisto’s shoes are made of recycled yoga mats. Not only are they stylish, but they are extremely comfortable as well. This Fashionisto chose the perfect beach look.

One Simple Change: You can create a more casual beach look by pairing khaki shorts with a basic white t-shirt. This creates a clean, classic look that is ideal for the beach.

WHAT TO WEAR: Out with Friends

Summer is the ideal time of year to catch up with old friends and make new ones as well. You can hang out with old friends while back home for the summer or make the trip to go see some new college friends all over the country.

This Fashionista chose to wear a breezy white blouse. The sheer blouse with lace front is perfect to beat the heat while looking effortlessly chic. White is a color that screams summer and the easy look of this blouse is perfect for going out with friends. The blouse has an open back which is a big trend this summer and this Fashionista wore it with a matching white bandeau underneath. This look is simple and easy to wear while still looking stylish and cute.

This Fashionista wore her blouse with one of my favorite colors, cobalt blue shorts. This bright blue paired with white is Mediterranean inspired and a favorite color combination. They perfectly offset a summer tan and are an easy pairing when heading out for a day or night with friends. This Fashionista kept her accessories very simple by wearing one of summer’s biggest trends, the dainty necklace. Barely there necklaces have been seen everywhere lately and she kept her look effortless by wearing a simple silver one. She finished off the look with cute, brown sandals with silver detail to match her jewelry.

One Simple Change: Adding a maxi skirt and dangly earrings would give a boho inspired look. Adding heels or wedges would take the look from day to night.