Author: Soleil Tacher

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Ettinger

Running into a Fashionisto on this campus is about as rare as rare gets. It falls slightly above Miley Cyrus keeping her tongue in her mouth, but just under Justin Beiber showing signs of having a soul. In other words, just no. Naturally, I was pretty shocked and impressed by this Fashionisto’s ability to put himself together so well. It’s not every day you meet a man who can dress himself on this campus, let alone one who owns Prada shoes. His overall appearance was striking, but casual, making the entire look appear effortless. Take some notes, boys.

Name: Andrew Ettinger

Major: Finance

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Andrew Ettinger: I’m wearing a Brooks Brothers non-iron slim fit shirt, Express Photographer pants, a Kenneth Cole reversable square tip belt and Prada loafers.

CF: In what setting would you normally sport this look?

AE: I would wear this outfit to my summer internship or to a professional speaker luncheon.

CF: Where do you shop?

AE: I prefer to shop online. The sites I check weekly are MYHABIT and HauteLook. 6PM.com has a great shoe selection. If I need something that day or I’m feeling impulsive, I love Nordstrom Rack.

How To: For a professional look similar to today’s Fashionisto, try pairing this John Varvatos Neo-Tattersall Check Dress Shirt with these Burberry cotton trousers. In order to complete the look, add a black Montblanc belt as well as some BOSS HUGO BOSS oxfords. Follow these simple steps and consider yourself ready to take on the world.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Nicole Melone

With summer right around the corner, we can finally say goodbye to harsh winds and goodbye to even harsher sequined UGGs. Come June, we can say hello to dramatic heat waves and hair frizzier than the old Mia Thermopolis, but for now all is good in the world. Having said that, it’s important to take advantage of the Florida weather people are so often Instagramming about. Fully aware of the fact that this beautiful weather is as temporary as Amanda Bynes’ sanity, today’s Fashionista does just that. In a pair of coral Free People shorts and a white cutout tank top, she is able to embrace the cool winds while remaining laid back and chic in the process.

Name: Nicole Melone

Major: Physical Therapy

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Nicole Melone: I’m wearing denim Free People shorts, a white tank top from Urban Outfitters and Tory Burch flip flops.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

NM: I would say my style is mostly comfortable but definitely put together.

CF: Where do you get your style inspiration from?

NM: My sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, and other media forms such as magazines and Instagram.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

NM: Free People, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom and Forever 21.

How To: For a chill-inspired look like this, you’ll need a pair of distressed denim shorts. Try matching the shorts with a unique white tank top that has some sort of cutout or crochet in order to give the outfit some flare. Finally, top it all off with your favorite pair of beige sandals.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Rachel Lehrer

Today’s outfit may or may not out-fierce Sasha herself. Probably not, because that’s like even harder to do than getting through an entire conversation without using the word literally, but you catch my drift. I’ve always loved an all-black look. It’s clean, it’s sophisticated and, most importantly, it says, I’m not trying that hard but I still look better than you.  By pairing dark blue jeans with a black top, the Fashionista was able to add edge to the outfit in other ways, such as with her caged back detailing and platform heels. However, what I loved the most about today’s look was how simple it was. There’s a dangerously thin line between an all-black chic look and a look that screams, I’m going to a Fall Out Boy concert. Luckily for all of us, today’s Fashionista accomplished the former.

Name: Rachel Lehrer

Major: Psychology

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Rachel Lehrer: I’m wearing a blank cutout tank and dark-wash jeans from Necessary Clothing as well as black Jeffrey Campbell Litas and a House of Harlow pendant.

CF: Who or what inspires your style?

RL: My sister inspires my style. She is way better than a mirror and she always tells it like it is.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

RL: NASTY GAL, Brandy Melville, Necessary Clothing and TOBI.

CF: In what setting would you wear this?

RL: I would wear this out to a bar or to a nice dinner with my boyfriend.

How To: In order to imitate this look, pair a black crop top similar to today’s Fashionista with a pair of dark skinny jeans. Try to stray away from black jeans, which could cause the look to go from edgy to ninja. Accessorize these pieces with some black boot heels and a long pendant and consider yourself ready to rock.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Soph Soloff

Spring weather has finally arrived, party people, and for once, it seems like it’s here to say. Under normal circumstances, Gainesville weather is more bipolar than my mom, which isn’t so normal. However, recently the people of Gainesville have been cut a break, much like Lindsay Lohan and her new documentary series. After months of alternating between sweating and freezing we have finally found a balance, much like our girl LiLo is so desperately trying to do. So here you have it friends, the ideal outfit for the Florida weather we hate to love and love to hate.

Name: Soph Soloff

Major: Sociology

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Soph Soloff: I’m wearing high-waisted cotton shorts from LF Stores, a leotard from American Apparel, Steve Madden sandals and a Jennifer Zeuner necklace.

CF: In what setting would you normally wear this?

SS: I would say I would usually wear this outfit during a spring or summer day to a brunch or out at night with some heels and accessories.

CF: Who has your dream wardrobe?

SS: My dream wardrobe is probably Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. She wears all chiffon blouses, high neck lines and tailored pants which I love.

CF: Where do you shop?

SS: My favorite places to shop include LF Stores, Bloomingdale’s, lululemon, Nordstrom and Necessary Clothing.

How To: Love today’s look? Start by aiming for a pair of cotton shorts similar to that of today’s Fashionista. Combine the shorts with a simple black leotard, a necessary staple for any girl’s closet and complete the look with a pair of gladiator sandals. In the occasion that you feel like spoiling yourself, I recommend investing in a Jennifer Zeuner necklace to spice up any look.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Sahara Lake

It’s not always easy remaining stylish in the work force. As a former public relations school student, I can personally attest to being personally victimized by a strict dress code. However, if The Devil Wears Prada has taught me anything, it’s that there’s always hope, even for someone with bangs as bad as Andy Sach’s.

I ran into today’s Fashionista on her way to work this morning. While it was her statement necklace that first caught my attention, I couldn’t help but appreciate the rest of her outfit. By remaining minimalistic throughout the majority of her outfit, today’s Fashionista was able to add some edge with a striped shirt and unique jewelry. In turn, creating an outfit that Miranda Priestly herself would be proud of.

Name: Sahara Lake

Major: Political Science

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Sahara Lake: I’m wearing black pants, a striped shirt under a beige cardigan and nude flats. I’m also wearing a chunky necklace with matching earrings.

CF: In what setting would you wear this?

SL: I am currently on my way to work, but I would wear this to any professional setting.

CF: If you could have anyone’s wardrobe, whose would you choose?

SL: Definitely Michelle Obama.

CF: Where do you shop?

SL: I’m all about J.Crew, Loehmann’s and Nordstrom Rack. I never shy away from a good designer deal.

How To: To keep things chic in the work environment, I would recommend sticking with J.Crew. Every woman should own a pair of black pants regardless of their employment. Pair said pants with a stripe sweater and a beige cardigan such as these to sport a look like today’s Fashionista. Finally, complete the look with some nude ballet flats and a statement necklace.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Mandi Hirsch

Trying to spot a Fashionista on this campus is a lot like trying to find a needle in a haystack. For those of you who don’t really feel me on that analogy, imagine trying to find a picture of anything other than Kylie Jenner’s face on her Instagram account. Like, we get it Kylie, you’re perfect and you have 17 Cartier love bracelets — all hail. In a perfect world, we would all ditch the fraternity tank tops and rock out in this season’s Manolo Blahniks, but if reality television has taught me anything these past 19 years it’s these two things: you don’t always get what you want and Juan Pablo is just a pretty face.

Today’s Fashionista is what I like to refer to as the light at the end of the dark tunnel. You know what tunnel I’m talking about, the one filled with Jack Rogers and cargo shorts. She is living proof that you can remain effortless, while still keeping some semblance of style in your look. Simply by adding a bold scarf and cardigan, today’s Fashionista was able to set herself apart from the crowd, something everyone, Kylie included, should aim to do.

Name: Mandi Hirsch

Major: Biology

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing today?

Mandi Hirsch: I’m wearing black Peter Glenn leggings, a black Rebel tank top and gray Supergas. My scarf and cardigan are from Urban Outfitters and my clutch is from LF Stores.

CF: Where does comfort rank in terms of your personal style?

MH: It’s on the top of my list. I won’t wear something unless I can picture myself spending all day in it.

CF: Where do you shop?

MH: Urban Outfitters, NASTY GAL, Bloomingdale’s and LF Stores.

How To: For a chic, effortless look like today’s Fashionista, aim for a basic pair of black leggings and a black tank top. In order to add some flare to the look, try adding a open gray cardigan along with a blue scarf. These pieces are a subtle way of keeping the outfit edgy while allowing the look to remain laid back. Finally, throw on any pair of gray sneakers along with a unique clutch or bag of sorts to give the outfit the final touch it needs.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Shir Ibgui

Between The Bachelor and Shia Labeouf’s Twitter meltdown this week, it’s amazing people had the time or energy to get out of bed, let alone try in the morning. As a devoted patron of fashion, I am a firm believer in making a case for myself. This rule however, does not apply during midterms week. Any girl who can wake up and make herself runway ready during a week like this has my respect. Not only does today’s Fashionista meet the height requirement to be a professional model, she is also living proof that being a real human being during midterms week is in fact possible.

Name: Shir Ibgui

Major: Exploratory

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Shir Ibgui: I’m wearing black high-waisted pants. They are flowy and super comfortable, making them my go-to pants whenever I want to look cute but don’t have enough time to carefully pick out an outfit. I’m also wearing a black and white striped crop top and black and nude ballet flats.

CF: What are you looking forward to wearing most this spring?

SI: I’m most looking forward to wearing shorts again because I’m honestly running out of sweaters.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

SI: Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 are currently two of my favorite clothing stores. For work out clothes, Old Navy is the way to go. Their compression leggings are my go-to pants for the gym and road trips.

How To: The simplicity of today’s look makes it easy to wear as both a day and night look. I suggest pairing this basic striped crop top from Aqua with a pair of Max & Mia wide leg pants. If you plan to wear this during the day, aim for these flats from NASTY GAL. For an evening look, try these black Jeffrey Campbell platforms. Combine these pieces with some jewelry and a small clutch and you’ve got yourself the perfect day to night look.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Bobek

Between watching the Super Bowl and doing absolutely nothing, it’s amazing I found any time this weekend to put a dent in my Netflix queue. On my queue was Crazy, Stupid, Love, a movie I like to refer to as one of the best worst movies ever made. While the plot itself is more predictable than Justin Beiber’s DUI, it’s hard to resist any movie starring Ryan Gosling. One line in particular that stuck out to me during the movie was when Kate screamed, “Tell her she’s the perfect combination of sexy and cute!” I think I speak for a lot of women when I say we all just want to be that perfectly balanced chick who can pull it all off. Having said that, today’s Fashionista does just that. By pairing a pink crop top with some short shorts and combat boots, she shows us that finding that perfect balance might be a lot easier than we thought.

Name: Lauren Bobek

Major: Public Relations

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Lauren Bobek: My bralette, pink crop top and denim shorts are all from LF Stores. I’m also wearing Steve Madden combat boots and two Jennifer Zeuner necklaces.

CF: What would be the ideal setting to wear this?

LB: I’d wear this to class because it’s casual yet trendy enough to let me feel good about myself.

CF: What are you looking forward to wearing most this spring?

LB: I’m most excited to wear flowy crop tops, dresses and vibrant shorts with combat boots.

CF: Name some of your favorite places to shop.

LB: Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, NASTY GAL and LF Stores.

How To: Love today’s look? Head to ASOS for a pair of trendy denim shorts with cool stitching or patches. These shorts will give the outfit some edge to balance out the cute. For a look that truly embodies today’s Fashionista, aim for a strappy bralette to wear under your pink cami top. Finally, grab your most comfortable pair of combat boots and some gray ankle socks, and voilá! You’ve got yourself the perfect combination of sexy and cute.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Julie Berke

It used to be that there was just one America’s sweetheart. However, with the way media has globalized throughout the last few years, it’s getting harder to choose just one. With options like Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lawrence and Bruce Jenner’s adam’s apple, who can really say one is more deserving of America’s admiration than the other? I look back and remember better days — days when Topanga was America’s ride or die and that was good enough for everyone.

Having said that, I think the fashion industry has the same idea. Within the last year, streets have been flooded with an assortment of looks inspired by both the ‘90s and 2000s. This year alone urban fashion experienced an influx of overalls and matching set outfits. The runways also took a turn, featuring a lot more plaid and distressed denim. Designers Nicole Miller and Rachel Comey are just two of the many designers who featured ripped jeans in their collections this year.

Ultimately, I chose today’s Fashionista because she could relate. By deriving similar inspiration from previous decades, she was able to pull together a look that is both retro and chic, a notable feat in a world where Crocs still exist.

Name: Julie Berke

Major: Advertising

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Julie Berke: I’m wearing ripped jeans from Urban Outfitters, a graphic shirt from Zara, a pleather jacket from Topshop and booties from ALDO. 

CF: How would you describe your overall style?

JB: I’d say I usually aim for a trendy look. I like to keep up with the newest fads and incorporate them into my outfits. 

CF: What is your favorite designer?

JB: Alice and Olivia 

CF: What are you looking forward to wearing most this spring?

JB: I’m looking forward to wearing lots of scarves! 

How To: Ripped jeans are a must-have this season, making this pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans the perfect pair for an outfit like todays. Like a good pair of jeans, a leather jacket is also a timeless staple piece. Picking the right leather jacket is an essential part of putting together an outfit. If you’re looking to splurge, I highly recommend this leather biker jacket from AllSaints. For something more modest, head to Zara where you can find an array of equally edgy faux leather jackets. Under the jacket, you should aim for a graphic shirt from Morning Warrior, especially if you love lips. Finally, top the look off with a pair of Dolce Vita booties and consider yourself ready for a night out on the town.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Valeria Dubovoy

Women only began embracing pants around 80 years ago. It was then that Coco Chanel decided it was time to get down with her bad self and make them happen. The story goes that she designed pants specifically tailored to fit women’s bodies in order to make horseback riding a more comfortable experience.

“I gave women a sense of freedom,” she once stated. “I gave them back their bodies: bodies that were drenched in sweat, due to fashion’s finery, lace, corsets, underclothes, padding.”

Since then, pants have come long way, serving as an emblem of both high fashion and feminism. Today’s Fashionista comes to us in a pair of striking floral trousers, proving that women can wear pants just as well as men, if not better.

Name: Valeria Dubovoy

Major: Communications

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing?

Valeria Dubovoy: I’m wearing floral trousers, a black long sleeve American Apparel leotard and studded Sam Edelman flats.

CF: In what setting would you normally wear this outfit?

VD: I would probably wear this to a family outing or dinner.

CF: How would you dress this up for a night look?

VD: To dress this outfit up I would accessorize it more by adding a statement necklace. I would also switch the flats to heels.

CF: What is your favorite place to shop?

VD: I don’t really have one specific place I like to shop most, but if I had to choose I’d probably say Zara.

How To: If you find yourself loving today’s look, get yourself a pair of floral trousers. Because the trousers are so bold, keep the rest of your attire minimalistic in order to ensure your outfit isn’t too busy. Proceed to pair the pants with a solid colored top of your choice. It’s up to you whether or not you decide to wear short or long sleeves. Finally, top of the outfit with some edgy flats to really tie the whole look together.