Sarah Proudfoot – CollegeFashionista

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Be-Jewelled for Christmas

Purple reigns for this week’s Fashionista, brightening up the weary weather on a cold winter afternoon. She follows one of the top trends for this A/W as jewel colour blocking continues to conquer. With neon statement pieces from Christopher Kane and Céline, and not mention the many celebrities "rocking" the jewelled look and injecting colour to the red carpet; semi-precious shades are clearly all the range. So pick a colour, any colour. Whether it is a sapphire party frock or an emerald clutch, this week’s advice is to make a statement. It won’t go unnoticed? The latest red or dead advertisement gives us some inspiration if deciding which colour to opt for — if you can’t find this page in a magazine, then peer into a box of roses!

This Fashionista's dress from Whistles stands out from the rest, brightening up the rest of her outfit and the street! Its tulip shape with oversized pockets has been a hit this season — flattering most figures and creating a sensual silhouette. The rich colour immediately catches your eye and is a must-have for your wardrobe, this Fashionista thinks so, owning the same dress in several sassy shades! If you are unsure, but want to try out a jewel gem, then why not pick out one piece of an outfit and give it a splash of colour? A tulip skirt or some neon shorts to add that extra sparkle to your ensemble would be extra chic.

Like our Christmas trees, you should of course decorate yourself this season with festive jewels. This week’s Fashionista has layered up her dress and chosen to cosy on down with a gorgeous and luxurious snood from Aubin and Wills. This was an expensive purchase but oh so worth it. Patterned in fair isle’s finest. She refuses to let the nippy weather get her down — and you shouldn’t either, so dress your neck with a similar winter woolie! If you are in the mood for a snood like this, then head to Urban Outfitters. If they don’t take your fancy then you will be spoilt for choice on ASOS. A personal favourite of mine which ticks the boxes of cosy AND cool (I own in two colours) are from Zara and French Connection. This Fashionista's accessories are also on-trend, as she works a tan glove and her handbag candy is a gorgeous Mulberry.

Her dazzling dressy outfit is complete with a simple LBC (little black cardigan) and her prized Helen Bateman black bootie beauties! Kate Middleton has also been spotted in the same pair, so if you are willing to splurge, then invest in the best. This fabulous footwear smartens up her overall look, but if wanting to dress your outfit down, her jewelled dress could easily be worn with little ankle boots or brogues.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Favour the Faux Fur

Adding instant glamour to your outfit, this winter faux fur is not a faux pas. Quite the contrary, in fact. Spotted on the runway of Zac Posen and on the shelves of H&M and Miss Selfridge, the feathery fur gilet seems to be the leader of the fabulously fashionable pack. Have faith, this '70s-inspired winter warmer shall get us students through the cold, while looking divine! Finished lectures for the day, this Fashionista is dressed to impress and off to do some Christmas shopping.

This luxurious fur gilet is ultra cute and cosy with a navy shade running through its feathery texture. The injection of colour and pattern creates a sleek and expensive look, with the luxurious material instantly lifts her outfit, and can be found in H&M. A leather belt is attached to accentuate her waist and create a voluptuous silhouette.

If on the prowl for a faux fur, most high street hot spots will stock a shaggy outer-layer. If you look hard enough, you may even stumble across something vintage. This can be worn with most and some sleeves in any colour will do. Photographed here with a plain charcoal top, this week’s Fashionista has dressed to impress and leaves the detail to her feathered friend and funky leggings!

Paired with the basics, her grey top complements her patterned pins — Navajo meets Christmas knit, some might say. Her gorgeous gilet has been matched up with her printed legs; the tribal texture is truly a trend contender this season and although this week’s Fashionista has fallen for greys and blues, brighter leggings are very much allowed. Go wild and favour too the Fair Isle as it is tradition and goes so well with Christmas. Visit Urban Outfitters for inspiration (as they have a whole section dedicated to this fashion frenzy!) Also keeping her cosy are her winter woolie wrist warmers for when Scottish snow is upon us!

Finally, an Edinburgh student essential, her grey UGGs are an easy option to get you to and from your classes! Comfort is very much desired and keeping your twinkle toes away from the winter chill, splurge on a pair; it cannot be argued, they’ll last.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: It’s Shearling Darling

It most definitely is the trend to contend with this season. Each year has its must-have cosy coat which we live in day and night. This week’s Fashionista winter wonder of choice is the shearling jacket. This textured beauty is back with a vengeance, walking the catwalks of Fendi, Isabel Marant and Diesel. This shearling trim also takes high street fashion by storm — all shops offer their best option with a "take me to the till and take me home" label firmly attached — whether you’re on a budget or a blow out!

This masculine jacket with unique detail — the asymmetrical poppers which button up the front and exaggerated textured collar and cuffs make it more interesting than your typical coat cut. This fabulous find from Armstrongs (Edinburgh’s most popular vintage haunt) has an ever so slight bomber biker style, yet exudes class and luxury. Worn with anything and everything, this piece is this Fashionista’s prized possession. Oversized sheepskin for comfort, coolness and makes even more of an impact. An investment on a statement piece can never be wrong, so go for a chic sheep style.

The camel colour, again itself is bang on trend — perfect to wear with navy, plum or red. This week’s Fashionista has paired it with a glitzy gold number; her fairy-dusted dress from Topshop lifts her outfit adding femininity and glamour. The romantic shade, fluid shape and feathery tiered edging all add sparkle to her winter warmer. This 1920s glamour-puss reference has also been spotted on the fashion runway this season.

Other sparkles to be noted are her skinny maroon vintage belt, showing off that waist beneath her oversized outerwear. Also, some precious jewels dress her neck — a lovely necklace decorated with different charms from one of her friends adds that quirky je ne sais quoi to her look.

Her sheepskin bomber and floaty glittered dress are paired with some tan leather heeled boots, collected on her travels to Amsterdam. A slight hark back to the '70s, these slackened worn beauties complete the look and add yet more charm and character to her outfit whilst again adding femininity with the length and the heel. Knee-high booties are the footwear to be proud of this year — '70s glam is the talked trend, so back track to retro and start your search for a pair now. Oasis, Office and New look have some to offer. This Fashionista has taken note, bearing the miserable Scottish weather with some lovely leather, she heads, (turning heads) to her lectures in style!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Texture Picks and Colours Mix

Purple was predicted from the spring and it now transcends into the winter. This week’s fabulous Fashionista selects her colours and textures like no other; to complete a classic outfit comprising of rich wines, cream, and brown and, most importantly, avoiding black, purple is an easy colour to slip into and stay! She combines knitwear upon knitwear with silk, denim and leather to create both an eclectic and stylish look that fits and ticks all the trend boxes.

Her skin tight trousers both brighten and soften her outfit. Their burgundy hue looks oh so expensive and allow her clothes be interesting — different from your average denim pair! These skinnies come in many a shade and are a key piece for the autumn and can be matched with anything. This Fashionista admits that purple reigns, but that she has also bought them in every shade that Next sells. Denim has embraced the colours of the rainbow, so let us also play like DKNY and Emilio Pucci, and too have pop coloured pins! Why not also add a chunky heeled winter bootie to elongate the legs. Lace-up and light up your outfit with a pair like these!

Woolly jumpers are also in don’t you know, as the sunshine is well and truly out! Don’t skimp this season is the advice we can take from this Fashionista’s outfit — pick cosy over "catching your death" and wrap yourself in high street’s finest cable knits, available in just about every shade. Whether you crave a simple cream block colour like this one, or one that stands out from the rest, add another layer. Her chunky knit has lovely details; its slightly cropped length which accentuates the waist and its bell sleeves with turn up ends is spot-on — it is all in the detail!

Her Hermès-inspired scarf immediately catches your eye. Perhaps because it is her statement piece. Its ornate and intricate pattern with splashes of colours looks the part against her plain wool jumper. Opened out fully, it reveals a fabulous tiger motif — yet more print pawed all over our clothes!

She adds another knit to her ensemble, her ruby red snug snood from River Island also keeping her warm! French Connection also keeps a cool collection, a chic accessory to keep the chills away.

This double scarf dilemma shows that individuality is the key. Mix print and texture to express yourself. Her mix and match layering of her scarves here show this week’s Fashionista is not afraid to create. Colours and textures galore, like Marc Jacobs and Alberta Ferretti, her outfit fits the unique bill.

This week’s Fashionista brings it back home to today’s trends by calling up the colour block once more; she works her buckled up satchel bag, which you can find in Monsoon. Her funky toy watch, also a coloured show stopper was picked from her travels in Taiwan.

The key is in the colour. Use it wisely.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Print Prowls Ahead

Prints are hot off the press this season, didn’t you know? And, they are to carry on dressing us into spring next year, as seen on the catwalk of Dolce & Gabbana. Also working the print is this week’s Fashionista. Not long back from her lectures, she emerges changed from her halls to hit George Street for late afternoon cocktails after a hard day’s work.

Blouses in any shade are selling on high street like hot cakes. So, why did this Fashionista pick pattern from Topshop? Leopard print reigns, knocks the spots off all others, and is the statement piece for this week, so don’t change your spots just yet. This playful print is splashed all over her sheer side tuck blouse and busy yet has a timeless quality. The slightly oversized cut, a current top trend, gives it a relaxed but chic look, and yet still manages to capture her slim silhouette as the fabric drapes over her shoulders. The luxurious light fabric embellished with gold button detail adds even more for the eye — breaking up the prominent print. The loose capped sleeves, a simple high V-neck, tapered waist and bolero style is very flattering and a contrast to her ever lasting legs! If a button up leopard blouse is not your pick of the prints, why not go daft for a dalmatian? This print has also attacked high street.

Her Topshop blue "Leigh" skinnies are also a winner. They are the ultimate staple which most girls in Edinburgh have. (All of my flatmates own at least one pair!) These great figure huggers are plain and let her top half do the printing. This season is also about creating silouhuettes and here this Fashionista is a perfect example; her slack top paired with her skin tight jeans and boots looks strong, showing there is more to her outfit than prints and pattern.

To complete her outfit, she works a classic black heeled ankle boot. Stylish and sophisticated, while managing to make her legs look even longer, these suede beautiful booties are from Jones and equip her outfit with glamour and a city edge.

Her brown leather bag beauty is from crew and her prized possession. Her "bag for life" is taken everywhere and carries everything. Its chocolate colour can be worn with most, and the distressed material makes it look vintage. Arm candy can come and go, but spend some extra pennies and a bag a bag like this to ensure you can carry your life around with you! My recent investment I convinced myself was an essential one — a classic black leather doctor’s style from French Connection is my newest member of the bag family and one which I thoroughly recommend. Accessory Designers are also allowing their creations to be adorned with prints; If you wanted to take your outfit to the next level in terms of print, can I suggest Mulberry’s feather print clutch.

Moving on to her accessories, the motto is: the more bangles the better. Their colours and texture add perfectly to the animal print, tribal-esque vibe of her overall outfit. Three being the key, copy this Fashionista’s tribal bling and build up your bracelet collection.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Colour Block Crop Top Tale

Be loud and be proud is the moral of today’s piece. Follow this week’s Fashionista and colour block to add that pop to your outfit. The brighter, the better. This coloured craze is seen here in a deep yellow shade — rich and adding vibrancy, savouring every last drop of sunshine left in Edinburgh. This shade against her noir bottom option really cuts the mustard.

Perhaps the colour block could be taken further? Not quite as far as the rubix cube, however. This trend is here to stay for the autumn season, as seen on the runway of Narciso Rodriguez A/W 2011. This artsy Fashionista cleverly uses black to obtain the classic edge, but a stand out block bag would not go wrong. Many A/W 11 collections feature the return of the '60s and '70s with looser fitting shapes and cropped tops being at the top of the trends. This week’s Fashionista’s is on the top with the crop, along with its eye-catching shade. Plus, it has a knot tie detail that accentuates the waist.

Blasted against her black silhouette, she keeps the rest of her outfit plain and simple with a colour trend that shall never ever date. These staple high-waisted shorts are a go-to — the fitted cut balances out her baggy top and leave a lovely long legged silhouette. These bottoms teamed with patterned tights and little booties would look oh so divine. Henry Holland and White Stuff currently stock on-trend stars and spots.

Another trend rocked by this funky Fashionista is her homespun glory. Her knitted accessories have that homely handmade authentic feel, which works well with her mix and match of trends. Her wintery woolen mittens are from Accessorise and her cosy cashmere tartan scarf is vintage, so a little bit harder to find. Her brooch beneath her windswept scarf is also on trend, with a twist. We have seen the bulky bangle rise and now the brooch bites back, giving her top added glitz. This chunky gem was created by the Fashionista herself.

Her beautiful buckled booties were a Topshop hit last year. The suede ankles with a furry edge sold out and were spotted all over the Edinburgh campus. Perfect for scurrying to lectures, down to Princes street for a cuppa and a couple of shops, or simply for giving your UGGS a rest, those boots were made for walking and are a practical purchase. Encourage winter wonderland with White Stuff’s option; they have a similar style that are lined with shearling, which have kept my proud feet snug so far this season, so I suggest you go get yours!

This week’s advice is, you could say short, sweet and simple: give our long wintery season a blast of colour or two. Any or every shade will do.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Greedy for Tweed

Another week into autumn, another layer added. This week’s Fashionista is well dressed for the weather whilst rocking some key fashion pieces. Her ensemble touches on girl meets boy androgyny, using the heritage theme and mixed patterns to do so. The "Teddy Boy" trend, a major look which has taken high street by storm, also features rather strongly here.

The herringbone tweed tailored shorts from H&M give her outfit that slight masculine feel, the fitted look is a winning contrast to her loose jumper. Striped shorts would also work — visit Topshop for inspiration. For a more girly glamour, why not embrace the heritage season and pair a tweed pencil skirt with a sheer blouse — ultra sexy and bang on trend. This Fashionista’s shorts look great with leather knee-high booties, practical and pretty. To emphasise the Teddy Boy look even further, you could pair your shorts with beautiful detailed brogues.

This new craving for printed checks and herringbone has emerged from the runways of L.A.M.B. and their memorable tartan trousers, to Topshop designs at London Fashion Week. Make sure you follow their lead, wearing chessboards on your legs this season!

Her mesh mustard top from Urban Outfitters is a lovely contrast to her shorts and this Fashionista is not afraid to mix texture with print. After all, confidence is key to pulling off an epic outfit. This cool colour ties in well with the overall heritage theme — the tweed, the leather boots and the high neck blouse. Dull and muted, yet oh so effective shades.

Beneath the mellow yellow layer, she wears a chic monochrome blouse with black collar and cuff edging. This Puritan look screams Teddy Boy mixed with Chanel with the statement Peter Pan collar, high buttoned neck and long cuffed sleeves. These '60s contrasting collars are a trend to be contended with, so it is worth spending some dollar and indulging in a collar or two! Even more feminine pieces are sporting this featured look, Boutique by Jaeger to name but one. This fun and flirty style dresses up the overall outfit and gives you no need to accessorise — it is already done for you!

Accessories to finish off; her bag breaks up the ongoing trend with another fine fashion and is a bold block colour sensation! The selection of satchel delights at Urban Outfitters is top notch; their colour blockers’ deserve to be buckled up and bought.

A casual clothing affair this week, tweed helps us transition into the autumn. A classic look, keeping us warm and of course looking good, whether hitting the shops, running to lectures or strolling through the countryside — trends which are well worth the investment!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Time for Wine

It’s time to crack open the wine: a 70s cl perhaps? The colour block continues and this week is featuring the marvellous maroon.

The Edinburgh Meadows with its soon to fall leaves is a perfect setting for this week’s Fashionista and her chosen outfit. As the leaves fall, so do our dresses (no, not literally!) The talked of trendy length this fall is the midi; this '70s-inspired style sweeps at knee length and looks fabulous paired with knitted pins and cosy shoes or boots to ensure happy feet. This week’s Fashionista dresses to impress the weather and prove although summer has left us, our style has not!

She wears a lovely loose crinkled dress, a gorgeous gem bought on her travels in NZ. The flared skirt and billowing material create a sexy and sleek silhouette, making reference to the glamour of the '70s — a decade which is set to feature prominently in the autumn season. The crinkle effect has been spotted more recently with this plisse cut featured in the floaty maxi skirts of Miss Selfridge and Warehouse. The melt in your hand material combined with the fitted yet flared style makes this darling dress oh so flattering. Although hers is a New Zealand find, I have tried my best to source an alternative.

The tremendously rich tones were also acceptable in the '70s ochre, orange and burgundy being the common colours then and now. These sultry shades liven up any black or neutral ensemble, warming our winter woes. These tasty colours as seen on the runways of Elie Saab A/W '11 and Gucci A/W '11 have prompted a high street take-out. These rich curry spices are warm for winter and here to stay.

The clincher of the dress is her vintage belt which sits just above the waistline, accentuating her slim figure and adding punchy panache. The black and gold detail sits classic and chic — containing the ripples of the dress.

Her denim jacket — a fine layering piece — relaxes the glamorous look of the dress, producing a dashing daywear street outfit. It says casual yet remains ultra feminine. This wardrobe staple, effortlessly worn and matches up with most, proving it really is an essential piece. This summer saw a surge of styles in high street shops and the beginning of autumn still accepts them — whether patterned or cropped.

The splash of colour against more muted tones echoes the ethos of the London Boy style’s trendy palette. The contrast sets the dress alight!

The chunky bangle — also on-trend and a favourite accessory of Blake Lively — matches up perfectly with the plum ensemble but still allows the outfit to remain simple. Black tights and pumps tone it down leaving all attention and eyes on her divine dress. Drink up, it's going to be a juicy autumn!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Ahoy, Corduroy!

Corduroy joy is set to sweep the leafy streets of Edinburgh this fall. Chocolate brownie cords are to the taste of our sweet tooth. We are calling come-back cord for its comfort, warmth and touchy feely texture.

Her skinny turn-ups are sleek, slim-line and suitable for a smart/casual affair; whether sat all cosy in a cafe or belted up and paired with heels on the Lizard dance floor, these figure-huggers will look the part. The cool crop elongates the leg and emphasises her shoe boots — a winning look, one might say. Get to Next for some cords of your own. This Fashionista proves that this pair can be pretty and practical.

The beauty of neutral colours is upon us. Camel, toffee, chocolate and caramel are to melt all over us in the near future and this week’s Fashionista does not disappoint. Kitted out in this palette with the trouser and shoe, she is on trend with her cool, calm and collected ensemble, adhering to the colour block fashion fascination. They are versatile shades which can be worn with most anything.

Here, her hues are against a neutral classic white long sleeved tee. It is a basic which every wardrobe should possess. It appears effortless, though we all know it has been well thought through!

Her slouchy simple top is deliberately low key and makes way for some crazy print action. Her carpet-inspired scarf is a statement piece, recalling the summer tribal trend. This reminder of Navajo ponchos shows that the Wild West wins, being displayed on the catwalks of Isabel Marant and Proenza Schouler and recently modelled on Blake Lively. Now I am not suggesting cut up your carpets just yet, however when choosing accessories, it is okay to take inspiration from your living room floor! River Island have an Aztec-inspired poncho with a similar print to this Fashionista’s scarf.

A simple bracelet, also reminiscent of tribal, does not detract from her look — simple yet bold, this piece is a repeat of the simple block colour demonstrated from head to toe.

Her shoe boots with an ever so slight wedge are her most detailed, dainty piece. Similar in style to the androgynous brogue (on trend for A/W), these lace ups are right up my street. These caramel lace-ups come in even more satisfying shades of ebony and mink, found in Clarks. Treat yourself to some caramel delights fast, before somebody else indulges!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Grey is Off the Scale

The saying often goes, "When September starts, summer ends". This is most definitely the case in Edinburgh. We have nearly left behind our summer stripes, marvelous maxis and gladiator sandals and students are soon to return and begin their term, equipped instead with autumn treasures: chunky knit scarves, woolly jumpers and cosy booties.

To enjoy the most of daywear without a jacket, why not cash in for cashmere and sport the slouchy boyfriend jumper? This easy to wear and easy to hang piece is effortless style. The thin, soft material allows it to be worn through the "in-betweener" months and the relaxed, loose cut is fashionable and student friendly — perfect for walking to those long lectures, looking casual yet cool and to keep you warm in Edinburgh’s high ceiling flats.

Grey is said to be the on-trend tone for the next season — a classic block basic colour that still reigns triumphant. Perfect when teamed with a long necklace or printed scarf against it to add some details. This week’s Fashionista is equipped with both.

The oversized craze continues to hit us hard and is still the next big thing with tops, bags and heels! It has happened and we have bought. This week’s Fashionista compensates for this fuller top half fetish with her black skinny jeans, a purchase from H&M. This black silhouette is a good contrast while giving shape to her outfit. She creates an almost cocoon stature, which is to shape autumn’s style. The tighter arms of the jumper create more structure and don’t let the top become that bit too big.

Her overall outfit is plain yet effective; simple yet classic. We see grey on grey with a hint of grey, as the coveted colour continues, oozing onto her scarf and bag. Butterflies, a print which can be spotted on high street would flutter nicely over her nearly monochrome pieces.

Her big charcoal bag mixes well with her clothes and is suitable for her studies with pockets for every subject. Ballet pumps in a nude shade complete the look giving some sunshine to her sombre palette. These ballerinas give her outfit a feminine flair and shall be perfect for taking on Edinburgh’s dance floors, when all studying is done of course!

This ensemble could be left muted in gripping greyscale tones or turned up with a splash of colour or added-on bling — the choice, of course, is yours!