Author: Shayna Straus

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Higher The Heel

What better way to escape the blizzardy cold of Boston than by jetting away to the beach for a week? If you were lucky enough to do so, then you completely understand how excited I was to break out the summer gear from the back of my closet. My excitement continued when I spotted this Fashionista walking the streets of Boca.

She’s wearing a maxi dress, always in style and a personal fave, with a pair of bright, chunky wedges. Simple enough! Maxi dresses are a must-have in any warm-climate area. All you do is throw it on, and you’re basically ready to go absolutely anywhere. She finishes off her look with some understated jewelry, a gold watch, and a pair of classic sunglasses.

If you’re inspired by this week’s Fashionista’s outfit, then the first thing you need to look for is your perfect maxi. Zara has its own version in white, a great color to wear to show off your tan. Now comes the shoes. If you like making a statement with your heels, then these towering wedges by alice + olivia are perfect.  The bright color combined with the metal detail is great for anyone bold enough to wear them. If you’re looking for a slightly more fancy pair of wedges to add some class to your outfit, Tory Burch has an open-toe wedge pump that comes in a variety of colors. Last, but certainly not least, comes the accessories. To follow what this Fashionista did, a bold gold watch is an easy way to accessorize your look. Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a chronograph watch in rose gold, adding a feminine twist to a classic men’s watch. In terms of bracelets, Tai makes a variety of stackable bracelets that fit any style.

Spotted: Long dresses were spotted at Prada’s fall 2013 runway, showing that they’re perfect for any weather!

ACCESSORIES REPORT: All Buckled Up

Don’t let the cold bring you down! Although the temperature here in Waltham has seemed to reach what we would like to call an all-time low, it doesn’t mean that all colors from our outfits need to fade away. Just as this week’s Fashionista has done, bright colors can be incorporated into our wardrobes, no matter how cold the weather gets. As seen here, not only can bright colors be incorporated through clothing items, but they can also be incorporated through accessories to add an additional level of interest to your outfit.

The absolute foundation of any warm-weather outfit lies in the sweater. This week, our Fashionista wore a brightly-colored, long-sleeve sweater as her base. She chose a bright blue primary color as the focus of her outfit, which is an instant hit. But to add on to such a great color, her sweater covets elbow pads, a complete must for anyone who is trying to stand out in their warm clothes this winter.

If you like this week’s Fashionista’s sweater, then try this one from ASOS. The fun heart-shaped elbow pads will add that seemingly lost sense of fun from anyone’s wardrobe, without being too out-there. That way, it still remains very easy pair without absolutely anything without being too similar with what everyone else on campus is wearing.
If you like the buckle look that this Fashionista is wearing, then check out these boots by Steve Madden and this oversized tote from Urban Outfitters. Buckles are a great way to update any outfit without hitting the bank too hard. Lastly, finish off your outfit with some bright arm candy. If you like this Fashionista’s use of the evil eye, be sure to look at this bracelet by Jennifer Zeuner. If it’s unexpected pops of color you’re after, this cuff by DANNIJO or Chan Luu might be exactly what you’re looking for.

No matter what you’re look is this winter, just remember: buckles go a long way. And if you’re trying to make your outfit stand out among others in the cold, metallics and color are the way to go!

Spotted: Marc Jacobs incorporated rhinestone buckles in his fall 2012 runway show.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: The Messenger Bag

Last week’s Fashionista showed how adding a bag can elevate any outfit while remaining utilitarian. This week’s Fashionisto is doing the same, but taking it just a little bit further. A messenger bag is not only the perfect accessory for holding all your schoolwork and laptop, but it’s a way to add some personality to your outfit.

Messenger bags are everywhere. Literally. This is probably thanks to its high functionality, especially on a college campus, and its classic look. This is exactly what this Fashionisto has done. He is sporting an array of preppy items. Let’s start with the sweater. What I love about this sweater is the classic argyle print. He chose bright pastels, and the button-down shirt underneath breaks the pattern a little bit so it isn’t too overwhelming. Lastly, his shoes are the epitome of all that is preppy. It’s the perfect way to finish off the look, all while remaining to his all-round college-student vibe.

Some examples of messenger bags can be found, depending on your style. If you tend to dress more on the preppy side, this grey plaid messenger bag from Target could be a great way to automatically incorporate pattern into every outfit. For any edgier option, J.Crew makes this neutral version with leather detail. This one from ASOS is also a good option if you are looking for a bag with an edgier vibe.

Spotted: Large leather bags were all over Missoni’s Fall 2013 Menswear collection.

 

Fashionisto email: joerobin@brandeis.edu

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Purr-fect Shades

Cold, winter weather doesn’t mean the sun isn’t shining bright! So, what better way to protect your eyes from the harsh rays than with a pair of always-trendy cat eye sunglasses? Everyone needs a great pair of sunglasses and they can be worn with literally any outfit. No matter what style you tend to dress yourself in, sunglasses are virtually a must.

This week’s Fashionista perfectly exemplifies a way to incorporate classic cat eye sunglasses into a cold weather outfit. She chose a monochromatic look, dressed in black from head-to-toe, relying on texture and shape to create interest. Her Frye moto boots and leather jacket give the outfit an edge, and her warm patterned snood keeps the outfit cold-weather friendly. Cat eye sunglasses are a feminine choice which can be paired with any outfit style and still look amazing.

If you are inspired by this Fashionista’s outfit and are ready to splurge on these coveted Dior sunglasses, they can be found here Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Be sure to look at the different color options if you’re searching for something that pops! For a slightly cheaper option, you can try this pair by Ray-Ban which have a slightly rounder shape to them. One of the cheapest options would be to check out this oversized pair and this edgier geometric pair, both at Urban Outfitters.

So remember, after pulling your hair up into a sock bun and throwing on your favorite pair of boots, don’t forget to grab a pair of sunglasses before rushing out that door! They are guaranteed to look good, and you might just make some heads turn.

Spotted: Throwback! Check out the edgy Balmain sunglasses from back in 2010.

STYLE GURU BIO: Shayna Straus

My name is Shayna Straus and I am a junior at Brandeis University studying Economics and Anthropology. I was born in Chicago into a French-American family and spent a lot of time in both countries. As a result, I speak both English and French fluently. This is my second semester as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista. I was also an editor for the site over the summer. I am so excited to be writing the ACCESSORIES REPORT on Fridays.

Traveling is one of my passions, and it’s what I think initially sparked my interest in fashion. Although I can’t say that I dress according to a specific style, I tend to dress in dark colors during the colder months and in pastels (and the occasional neon) during the warmer ones. I like to throw interesting pieces into an otherwise simple look, whether that is with some color (but not too much!) or a bold print. I also love mixing expensive and cheap pieces together: it’s a great way to balance out a look and it always keeps people on their toes. Whether I decide to take a classic route or try to make a bolder statement, I always try to take a risk in what I put together—it just makes things more interesting.

I have always been completely addicted to fashion, but no matter how many magazines I skim through or blog posts I read, street fashion has always been my greatest influencer. After having spent so much time in Paris, studying in London for a semester and visiting New York countless times, it is different cultures’ individual takes on fashion that inspire me and broaden not only my understanding of the industry, but also my opinions on it and where I would like to see myself in the future.

I am a firm believer in fashion being an outlet through which people express themselves, making any statement all the more powerful. My goals as a writer this semester is to share with you the different fashion choices that are being made here on campus, and hopefully you’ll find yourselves inspired by some of them. I’m ready to keep an eye out and start talking fashion, so show me what you got!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Color Me Happy

This week's Fashionisto knew how to keep his outfit looking bright and ready for summer, even though the weather didn't seem to be. Bright denim is the perfect way to add color to your outfit, by also keeping it interesting and making you look confident. 

Adding color to your look is always a good idea, especially in the spring and the summer, but adding them to your jeans is a bold statement that won't go unnoticed.This Fashionisto is sporting a pair of red jeans from Urban Outfitters and a pair of mahogany wingtip shoes by Calvin Klein. He kept the top half of his outfit simple with a white V-neck from Armani Exchange and a double-breasted houndstooth coat from Express to finish it off.

If you want to try sporting an outfit like this one, try this pair of red jeans from Urban Outfitters or this pair of teal skinny jeans from ASOS for a different color. These brown wingtip lace-up shoes by Calvin Klein are an easy way to add an unexpected element of class to your outfit. To keep the outfit from being too over the top, try this burnout V-neck from Armani Exchange. Lastly, throw on this houndstooth jacket from Forever 21 and you're all set. 

This outfit is the perfect way to show that you are ready for summer even if the Waltham weather still doesn't want to admit that the semester is almost over! Colored jeans are a great way to show your personal style, plus they will always be an exciting piece to have in your closet. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Colors And Prints

It seems as though the sunshine is finally here to stay, which means that bold colors and bright prints are the perfect way to go this season.

This week's Fashionista is more than ready to take on this challenge. She is sporting a plaid shirt thrown on top of a pair of black leggings. She topped it off with a vintage-inspired denim jacket and finished it off with a pair of calf-high leather boots. She kept it simple with her accessories: a solid scarf and a pair of square sunglasses. The way she used layering in this outfit keeps it so versatile for the possible weather changes that may happen throughout the day. What is also great is that each piece of this outfit is fun and unique, but they clearly relate to one another.

If you are inspired by this Fashionista's look try choosing a print that you really like. Then, you can pick a color that is found in that print and use it in the rest of the outfit. For example, you can try a floral print like this shirt from ASOS. Look for a particular color in the print that you like and use it in the accessory, like this scarf from Bloomingdale's. If you like the denim jacket look, try this one from Urban Outfitters. The lace detail in the back makes it perfect for summer. You can finish off this look with a pair of leather boots: the leather and the floral would contrast, giving the outfit an edgier look. If you want to keep the look softer, try a pair of sandals like these from Free People.

There you have it! A fun trick to keep your outfits colorful and printed that can be used all year long. 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Come Rain Or Shine

April showers are no reason to compromise your spring outfit. A little rain never hurt anyone.

This season when the rain never seems to stop pouring, do what this week’s Fashionista has done and protect yourself with a classic trench coat and a fun printed umbrella. A trench coat is a great item to keep in your closet because it can be worn in the rain or shine and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Under her trench coat, this Fashonista is wearing a brightly colored polo and a pair of slim fitting jeans. She finished off her outfit with a pair of leather boots with a great zipper detail on the back.

If you find yourself being ill-prepared for rainy weather and are inspired by this look, then try this fun umbrella by Orla Kiely. If you like the look of the trench coat but want to make it a little different, try this parka from ASOS. The metallic color will match anything, but also brings it a uniqueness to make you stand out a little. In weather like this you cant forget your rain boots, so try a pair of all-weather boots like these from Free People.

Just because it is raining does not mean that your outfit has to look sad. Try incorporating metallics, prints and bright colors to your rainy day outfits. The colors will look that much brighter when the sky is gray.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Add Some Spring To Your Step

Summer is quickly approaching! We know this is happening when the weather gets warmer, when you can finally see your classes coming to an end and through the wardrobes of everyone on campus.

This week’s Fashionista is clearly ready to take on the hot rays of summer, using her accessories to do it. She is sporting a flowy shirt, perfect for a hot day, and a pair of light wash jeans. Although she kept her outfit simple, she used bold accessories to get in the warm weather spirit. Her oversized sun hat is the perfect accessory, because not only is it stylish, but it’s useful as well. It is always great to incorporate cute things to your outfit that will also make you more comfortable. Not only will you look amazing, but you’ll feel it too. To finish off her look, this Fashonista threw on a pair of adorable floral wedges. Wedges are the perfect excuse to wear heels to class, especially when the weather is nice, since they are so comfortable and instantly dress up any outfit.

If you are inspired by this Fashonista’s outfit, try a basic boxy shirt like this one by Chaser. When it comes to accessorizing, this sun hat by Laundry by Shell Segel is perfect because it comes in some bold colors, allowing you to make a bright statement. For sunglasses, this pair from American Eagle will go with just about anything thanks to their round shape. Finally, to add some pattern to your look, these floral wedges by Sergio Zelcer will turn just about any outfit into one that is ready to hit the beach.

The semester is not over yet, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe can’t dress like it’s summer. Incorporate summer elements into your outfits like floral patterns and wedges and the semester will fly by in no time.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Keep It Light

With summer just around the corner, there are inspirations for this season’s spring fashions everywhere you look: in the textures, colors and even in the plants!

This week’s Fashionista used spring’s flowers to make her look fun and perfect for the weather. She is sporting a white floral printed top paired with some light-wash jeans. The light colors of the outfit make it perfect for spring, and the light layering makes it weather-appropriate. To finish off her look, this Fashionista put on a neutral cardigan with a different texture, giving depth to the outfit, as well as a pair of comfortable sandals (for those days you hit the snooze button one too many times before class). Oh, and let’s not forget the accessories! A classic necklace like this pearl and silver one is perfect to finish off any look.

If you are inspired by this week’s Fashionista and want to try to put an outfit together like this one, try starting off with a shirt like this one from Free People. Because this particular top is cropped, you can try pairing it with some high-waisted jeans, like these from ASOS. For cooler days, try wearing a cardigan like this Free People one that can be found at Bloomingdale’s. To make your clothes more versatile in the upcoming months, try keeping the color palette within the neutrals and the pastels. They will be able to be worn more often and will look amazing in the warm weather. Also, try keeping the layering long, flowy and light. It gives the look a bohemian vibe, which always looks good in the spring and summer. You can finish off your look with necklaces like this one or like this one, both from Forever 21.

When waiting for the warm weather to arrive, don’t worry — you can still wear floral prints and pastels, just remember to add that light cardigan and you’re all set!