FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Austin Davis

The library isn’t normally a location where I spot my weekly Fashionistas/os, but this Fashionisto was bundled up and dressed to perfection taking a quick study break on a chilly winter afternoon. There are few things I enjoy more than seeing well-dressed men walking around campus here at Gettysburg, and this Fashionisto is no exception.

Name: Austin Davis

Major: Organization and Management Studies

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Austin Davis: Both my shirt and peacoat are from J.Crew, my jeans are from Ralph Lauren and my shoes are by Jeffrey Derby.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

AD: I’m from New York City, so I would describe my style as trendy but not hipster; just simple.

CF:  What’s a must-have item in your closet?

AD: One item I couldn’t live without would be my J.Crew V-neck T-shirt.

CF: Do you have anyone you look to for style advice and where do you like to shop?

AD: I look to my mom for style advice, and my favorite places to shop are J.Crew, Ralph Lauren and jackthreads.com!

How To: This Fashionisto has found a perfect outfit suitable for either day or night. The simplicity of dark denim combined with a neutral peacoat and button-down combination offers a classy touch without overdoing it. A perfect jacket can dress up any plain outfit to either wear to class or just around campus in general, and this peacoat adds a unique touch you don’t see on college men everyday. For me, the shoes are the true show stopper. A pair of gorgeous loafers, oxfords or something of the sort is really where I like to see guys spend the money. This Fashionisto has chosen the perfect neutral pair, which adds just the right style touch suitable for daytime and evening styles.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alexis Palladino

Who doesn’t like a sophisticated, elegant and chic look achieved with casual and comfy clothing, especially on those miserable cold and rainy days? Well, this Fashionista hit the ball out of the park on the comfy cozy end, and trades those uncomfortable jeans for relaxing day-in leggings and a warm sweater. The bright teal necklace adds a bit of fun to her otherwise neutral outfit, and the Western-styled boots dress the outfit up enough for class or even for a night out on the town!

Name: Alexis Palladino

Major: Psychology

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: I love this simple yet sophisticated look! What are some of your wardrobe must haves?

Alexis Palladino: My favorite wardrobe must haves are neutral tone blouses and unique boots!

CF: What are some of your top wardrobe pieces for the winter season?

AP: For the winter, my top wardrobe pieces are leggings, rugged boots and oversized sweaters.

CF: Where you do find fashion inspiration?

AP: Pinterest is a great source for my fashion inspiration.

CF: How do you think your friends describe your style?

AP: Friends would describe my style as comfy chic.

CF: What are some of your fashion resolutions for 2013?

AP: For 2013, I want to learn how to master the sock bun and find more vintage pieces.

How To: This look is simple! All you need to achieve this Fashionista’s comfy chic ensemble is a cardigan, a pair of black leggings, a cute peplum top and a pair of boots. Accessories, such as a bright necklace or bold earrings, add a bit of pop to any comfy cozy outfit and offer a perfect finishing touch!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Natasha Dones

It’s not everyday that temperatures rise above 60 degrees in the middle of winter, but today was one of those few lucky occasions in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Today students made their way around campus in colorful dresses, lightweight cardigans and sheer tops to relax and take a moment to soak up the warm weather, and this Fashionista was no exception. Nothing screams warm weather better than shades of pink, and this Fashionista’s boots, high-waisted skirt and sheer tights make this outfit seasonally appropriate, yet acceptable on a warm, January day.

Name: Natasha Dones

Major: English with a Writing Concentration

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: I know I speak for a lot of people when I say it’s a pain to pick outfits that are winter appropriate when the weather fluctuates in warmth. How did you chose this outfit and why?

Natasha Dones: I’m a big fan of color—clearly. But for those who enjoy their blacks and navy blues for the winter months, I strongly suggest accessorizing with color. A patterned scarf or colorful earrings really makes a strong statement.

CF: How would you describe your style?

ND: I’m really into colors and prints.

CF: What’s a must have item in your closet?

ND: I love casual and versatile dresses for all seasons.

CF: Who are your favorite designers?

ND: I don’t really have one in particular. I’m not always into brand names or labels, I just look for clothing that suits my mood and style!

How To: This Fashionista’s look is effortless and extremely simple to achieve! Start by finding either a sheer or lace, colorful, long-sleeved top and match it with a neutral high-waisted plain or even a peplum skirt. A pair of lightweight tights and a great boot makes this everyday look easy to put together. A few bold accessories will round this outfit out and make it a go-to outfit for the warmer days in the chiller seasons!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Gabrielle Benson

As the frigid 19-degree weather makes its way towards Gettysburg this week, this Fashionista stays both warm and colorful in an effort to brighten up otherwise miserable climate conditions. When frost and the freezing weather begins to set in on campus, I find less and less people gravitating towards color, and more and more students opting for the boring dark neutrals. With outerwear making its statement on the runways this winter season, students need to take advantage of the versatility, warmth and comfort that the peacoat brings. This Fashionista is the perfect representation of both practicality and style, and makes it a priority to be bright and beautiful in 2013.

Name: Gabrielle Benson

Major: Health Science

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: I absolutely love this colorful outfit! How do you make such bold colors versatile and an overall everyday look?

Gabrielle Benson: The pieces are really quite simple, but the popping colors make my outfit seem bright and bold in this drab time of the year. The colors speak for themselves so I try to stay plain and basic when it comes to the rest of my outfit.

CF: What are some of the staple pieces in your wardrobe?

GB: Some staple pieces in my wardrobe definitely include my oxford shirts, leather boots, bright and classic sweaters, fun necklaces and my quilted olive jacket paired with a colorful scarf!

CF: Who’s your ultimate style icon?

GB: I don’t really have a fashion icon, I kinda just dress in whatever I think is cute but the J.Crew catalog is always inspiring.

CF: What’s a must-have item in your closet?

GB: My two-toned brown and black riding boots! I love them!

CF: Who are your favorite designers?

GB: I love to shop at J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. It’s also great to find good deals and cute clothes at Forever 21 too!

How To: In order to mimic this Fashionista’s outfit, search for the perfect peacoat that suits you and your unique style. I particularly love long, over the knee coats, similar to this Fashionista’s because they’re so warm and cozy. Additionally, a colored pashmina makes for a great bold accent, which further rounds out the outfit. Frye boots, jeans and a Longchamp bag makes her look perfectly replicable and a great winter look for all those Fashionista’s out there!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Mackenzie Aquino

There’s no better way to put yourself out there and get noticed around campus than to indulge in bold color combinations, rock the cutouts and pull off the patterned tights in 2013. I stopped this Fashionista on the sidewalk to see what was behind her bold yet shockingly simple style.

Name: Mackenzie Aquino

Major: Organization and Management Studies

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: I love how your style is so strikingly unique but also so simple. What are some of your wardrobe must-haves to pull off the effortless look?

Mackenzie Aquino: I love buying simple versatile sweater dresses for both the fall and winter seasons because they’re perfect to mix and match in order to create a variety of different looks. It’s easy for me to dress up a simple sweater dress with flats and a cute leather jacket to go out to dinner, but it’s also just as easy for me to dress it down with textured sweater leggings and boots for class.

CF: Who or what inspires your style?

MA: I get fashion inspiration primarily through magazines, but my outfits are really dependent on my mood. I love trying to find more inexpensive pieces that my favorite celebrities wear in magazines; I definitely get inspiration from them.

CF: How do you think your style defines your personality?

MA: My style defines my personality because I try to make my style extremely versatile. I like to have a good mix of both casual yet trendy items because I like to mix and match more causal items with fashion forward pieces.

CF: What fashion item can you not live without?

MA: I wouldn’t be able to live without my Frye boots: they just work with any fall or winter outfit!

CF: What are some of your favorite retail locations?

MA: My favorite places to shop include: NASTY GAL, Bloomingdales, Shopbop, Urban Outfitters, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom.

How To: To imitate this Fashionista’s chic and casual look, start by choosing a textured or pattered tight, similar to these by Betsey Johnson, and pair it with a Frye boot. Barbour oversized jackets are one of my staple go-to pieces, and although they’re an expensive investment, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a similar look with the quality that Barbour delivers. With these items, you’re sure to become this Fashionista’s look-a-like!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Danielle Janela

Everybody loves to be noticed, and this Fashionista without a doubt screams bold, bright and absolutely beautiful! There’s nothing better than a burst of bright color to liven up any winter morning. The start of a new year brings new year’s resolutions, and offers a starting point to switch things up and to make some positive changes. If bold color statements were outside of your comfort zone in 2012, try livening up 2013 with neon accents, daring accessories and bold trends to bring some new life into the new year and into a new you!

Name: Danielle Janela

Major: Studio Art

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?

Danielle Janela: My personal style would probably be fun, preppy and colorful.

CF: What are some of the staple pieces in your wardrobe?

DJ: Some staple pieces are definitely my Sperry Top-Siders, a long neutral colored button-up sweater and a good selection of fun necklaces.

CF: Who or what inspires your style? Do you think your major influences your look?

DJ: My major in studio art would definitely be a great influence on my style because every outfit I pick out is like creating a little piece of art. I get to play around with contrasting colors and patterns, which is similar to what I do when creating something like a painting. I think you can tell a lot about a person based on their style just as you can tell a lot about an artist based on a painting or drawing.

CF: What fashion item can you not live without?

DJ: I would not be able to live without my earrings! I can’t leave the house without a pair of earrings in.

CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

DJ: I love to shop at J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Francesca’s and Marshall’s.

How To: This Fashionista’s look is relatively simple to achieve. Knit sweaters are some of the staple items in my winter wardrobe because they’re so warm and comfortable, look great on and are made in a variety of colors across the rainbow. With the addition of a great pair of jeans, some Sperry Top-Sider shoes, and a fun bold necklace, you have a simple but colorful look nearly identical to this fun loving Fashionista’s.

STYLE GURU BIO: Sarah Gorski

Calling all Fashionistas and Fashionistos!

I’m back and I’ve decided to kick off the New Year right writing for another semester as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista. I’m so excited to continue on my journey with CF and I absolutely cannot wait to reveal the greatest new looks and trends of 2013 to readers across the world.

If you don’t already know me, my name is Sarah Gorski and I’m a junior at Gettysburg College in Southern Pennsylvania pursuing a major in religious studies while coupling this with a writing minor. Last semester, I set myself apart from my fellow Style Guru’s and decided to predominantly focus my STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK column on athletic trendsetters. As an NCAA volleyball player, my goal was to feature both female and male athletes to show my readers that fashion and athletics can and do coexist across colleges and universities worldwide. This semester, however, I’ve decided to switch things up a bit and dig deep into the various personal fashion tastes of others. Writing for the FASHIONISTA/FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT, I hope to not only feature the unique trends and styles of my classmates, but also show you where to get them!

As I completely switch gears from last semester and STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK altogether, I’m excited to see what lies in store for me in 2013, and once again bring my readers unique fashion statements, edgy chic clothing and shockingly simple styles which are sure to impress.

 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Pulling Off The Winter Vest

Fall here at Gettysburg is absolutely beautiful, but with fall comes a fair share of unpredictable weather. Here's how to stay fashionable, flirty and cute wearing one of my favorite pieces: the vest.

Vests are a perfect option for unpredictable weather, and they are one of the best ways to battle the cold. The down vest is perfect for the coldest of days, and as long as you layer on top, you have an elegant yet comfortable all day look which can stand up to unpredictable weather. Puffy vests look best when worn with fitted skinny jeans, or leggings, so that your frame won't look overly bulky. The down vest looks awesome in my favorite winter color, off white, but also comes in a variety of different colors to brighten up the dullest of days. Another way to add a pop of color into a fall vest is to bring in a bit of fun with a scarf, and that's exactly what this Fashionista does! This Fashionista looks adorable in her unique teal vest, but is sure to stay warm with fur running inside and out.

Vests are a great and versitile option for unpredictable weather days. If your college or university is as unpredictable as mine, trust me and invest in a vest! Vests are a perfect way to stay warm and cozy while looking fashionable and unique all at once!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Indulge In Color—The Bolder The Better

As the leaves begin to change this fall season, so should the colors in your wardrobe. Trade those blacks and browns for something different and opt for yellows, blues and reds to brighten your fall days. Here's how to mix up your everyday look with some bold color combos that are sure to impress.

Yellow is the color this season, and there's no better way to get noticed around campus than through a bold and daring peacoat. While online browsing this week, I came across this beautiful jacket that I couldn't help but purchase. On sale for less than $100 it's irresistable, fun and the perfect option for walking across campus or going to class. This Fashionista looks absolutely adorable in her cute and comfy peacoat, and the buttons really add an interesting bold touch. Her sheer neon yellow shirt sends those neutral colors to the back of her closet, and offers a bit of brightness on the gloomiest of days. Another way to be bold this fall season is to pick up a pant with some serious spunk. I love red pants but nothings bolder than a leather red pant, and these are no exception. They are fashionable and scream flirty and fun and really offer a daring approach to either dress down and wear to class, or to spice up for a night at the bar. 

So this week, try to step out of your comfort zone. Browse down the aisles looking for something daring, bold or something you wouldn't normally wear. This season, remember the phrase, the bolder the better, and you're sure to make heads turn left and right!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Classic Leather Jacket

There’s no greater finishing touch to a fall outfit than the addition of a leather jacket to add some warmth and spunk to a beautiful, sleek, trendy, chic look. Leather jackets, in many cases, are absolutely a costly investment. However, with proper care, these cool and comfortable jackets can last you a lifetime. If your budget allows for it this season, splurge on this perfect accessory for a trend you won’t regret purchasing.

While most quality leather jackets charge in the thousands, I found a variety of jackets for a great price that won’t completely empty your college budget. I love the vintage leather look, and at this price this jacket is a steal. This jacket is absolutely beautiful and is the perfect accessory for any fall outfit. We all know I love anything and everything studded, and this jacket is certainly no exception. It offers the leather look I love, but adds a bit of edge and is both flirty and fun to keep warm during a a night out, or even to run to class. I haven't always been a fan of the colored leather jackets, but I have to say, they've grown on me this fall season. This off-white jacket is gorgeous and offers a twist to the everyday black or brown leather jacket. 

One of my favorite looks this season is the jacket and scarf combination. This Fashionista effortlessly rocks the leather jacket to keep her warm on a chillier fall Sunday afternoon. I love how her dark brown leather jacket not only matches her brown combat boots perfectly, but also ties into her dark brown hair, her teal sweater dress and scarf. So, what do you have to lose? This season spend a bit extra and splurge on a leather jacket! It is sure to give you the edge you need while keeping you warm and cozy this fall season.