Author: Stefanie Szeto

WHAT TO WEAR: Cold Weather

If you didn’t know, San Francisco was hit with a pretty brutal storm this week. After everyone was finished dodging the heavy rain, the weather officially made a drastic turn and the weather hit the low 50’s. With the very chilly and gloomy weather, everyone reached for their thick outerwear. While some San Francisco guys have been sporting the generic hoodies and plain jackets during this chilly and rainy weather, some Fashionistos have reached for more fashionable options like cardigans or pullover sweaters. I personally love cardigans on Fashionistos and this week’s Fashionisto shows us how cardigans are not only warm, but stylish as well.

Cardigans are an amazing alternative to hoodies. They’re not only cozy and comfortable, but are also very chic. They’re definitely an important essential that all Fashionistos should have in their closet and it’s okay to have one, two or three different styles. Shawl cardigans are my favorite, as they allow you to layer with a scarf or show off a skinny tie when you want to dress up.

To keep his outfit dapper, this Fashionisto wore a well fitted dark navy button-down. Button-downs are another cold winter essential that you can never have too many of. However, not all of them are made the same, so be sure to get one that fit you well around the shoulders and arms. For colder weather, grab a thicker, wool one to make sure you stay warm and to get a stylish, chic winter look. Pair your favorite button-down underneath a thin sweater or a cardigan like this Fashionisto did.

To complete his stylish outfit, this Fashionisto wore an amazing Skagen watch. I had never heard of this particular brand, but after perusing their website, I’ve definitely become a fan. They have a great variety of styles, but this Fashionisto’s watch is my favorite. I love how timeless it looks but it still looks stylish and modern. It’s important to have a refined and functional watch since you’ll wear it everyday.

I absolutely loved all aspects of this Fashionisto’s outfit. From his comfy cardigan to his sophisticated watch, he mastered the perfect cold weather outfit that is both very San Francisco, but also true to his own style!

One Simple Change: For an outfit that works for both day and night, simply add a tie to this button-down and grab your favorite leather or suede shoes.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Flannel For Days

‘Tis the season Fahsionistas and Fashionistos! It’s finally the holidays and for many of you, you’re finishing up finals and heading back home for the holidays. I’m sure that your outfits are the least important thing on your mind as you’re scrambling to pack up and head home. Don’t worry guys, I found the perfect outfit combination that takes a quick second and is most importantly, comfortable. This week’s Fashionista has a funky and cool style that caught my eye right away; it’s the perfect comfortable, yet stylish outfit that everyone can copy this break.

What caught my eye right away was her unique green flannel. The fall and winter seasons are definitely flannel season and I’m sure every Fashionista and Fashionisto has a few in their closets. Even though I have more than enough flannels in my closet, I’m still going to make room for one like this Fashionista’s because not only does it look comfortable and stylish, but it has a hi-lo sheer back! A flannel like hers is definitely on my wish list and even though they’re one of a kind and thus hard to find, you can always compromise and grab your go-to flannel and pair it with a mesh top underneath to get a similar look.

To keep her outfit relaxed and casual, this Fashionista paired her jeans with a vintage graphic shirt. While I’m usually not a fan of graphic tops, when paired with a well put together outfit, they can look very chic. Every Fashionista should have at least one or two in her closet.

Her burgundy Carmar jeans are also super stylish and cool. I love how there is crochet lace detailing along the sides and on the knees. Though I couldn’t find her this particular color jean online, I found the gray ones, which are just as amazing. Colored jeans are very in style this season and burgundy and maroon colored ones are my favorites.

This season, grab your favorite graphic T-shirt, plaid flannel, or both, and match it with a pair of fun colored jeans and you’ve got yourself a comfortable and stylish outfit that everyone will love!

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Dress to your body and what makes you feel most comfortable and confident in.”

WHAT TO WEAR: Weekend Wear

The holidays are fast approaching and with them comes colder and colder weather. In San Francisco, the weekends are becoming chillier and windier, so more Fashionistas/os are breaking out their thicker and thicker sweaters. I’ve been eagerly waiting for the sweater weather to start and I can’t wait to show off some of my own favorites. Fun, printed sweaters are definitely on my winter essentials list, so it comes as no surprise that I was particularly taken by this Fashionista’s outfit. Sweaters with fun prints are definitely an easy piece to wear when you’re looking to feel comfortable and stylish on a lazy weekend.

I spotted this Fashionista on a chilly Sunday morning and I was immediately drawn to her fuzzy, printed sweater. Sweaters that are fuzzy and have a fun print are definitely on my holiday wish list, and I absolutely love this Fashionista’s. Her LF Stores sweater is unfortunately out of season, but you can find similar styles from Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. A sweater like hers is a great piece to wear to a Sunday brunch, as they’re fashionable, comfortable and will keep you warm if you choose to enjoy your favorite pancakes outside.

To keep her outfit comfortable and chic, this Fashionista wore a pair of Jeffrey Campbell boots that I am absolutely in love with! They’re the perfect pair of black booties that can be dressed up or down and I’m definitely on the hunt for my own pair. I especially love how there are two zippers on each side, and the slight heel is just enough. They are booties that will carry over season to season and look great for brunch or for a night out.

Lastly, her UNIF bag is definitely a keeper. It can not only be worn from the handle as a regular handbag, but the main strap unzips to reveal two straps that transform the bag into a backpack. Backpacks are super in style right now and this Fashionista’s is a keeper.

This Fashionista was wearing all the right labels. From her fun printed sweater to her classic black booties, she definitely has a style that every Fashionista should emulate this winter!

One Simple Change: For a cute date night look, switch out the jeans for leggings and sport a pair for knee-high boots for a sexy but comfortable look.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Fur-ocious

It’s the beginning of December, Fashionistas and Fashonistos! The weather is unsurprisingly chilly here in San Francisco and more and more people have been sporting their heavy duty coats and jackets. The cold weather has made me realize that it’s important to not only stay stylish this season, but to also stay warm. Small details in your outfit can make all the difference in staying warm, and this week’s Fashionista has an eye for detail and style.

I spotted this Fashionista wandering in Haight-Ashbury and I was immediately drawn to her brown fur jacket. Fur jackets are a must-have piece this season, and it seems like every Fashionista has one in her closet. I absolutely loved this Fashionista’s and as an added bonus, it has pockets! Small details like this make all the difference in choosing the proper winter coat.

When I was doing my Black Friday shopping, I noticed that almost every store had a fur jacket to show off, and it’s hard to choose which one to get! Have no worries, I’ve narrowed it down to a one or two choices that look both stylish and warm. If you’re a bit apprehensive about rocking a full fur coat, a fur vest is always a great medium.

Even though there’s not much sun in the fall and winter, don’t disregard your sunglasses just yet. A pair of all-black classic Ray-Bans are a great piece that will last you from fall to winter and all the way to spring. Another fall and winter essential is a pair of black flats; this Fashionista’s pair look both stylish and comfortable.

From head to toe, this Fashionista looked chic and comfortable. Her style and attitude are definitely something to mimic this coming season and with the right pieces, you definitely will.

How To: To keep your coat young and chic, make sure you layer a print, patterned top or sweater underneath.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back To The Basics

This week’s Fashionista has all the fall essentials. From head to toe, she sported pieces that all Fashionistas should buy. It was a slightly chilly day when I saw her walking on Haight Street. When I spotted her, I knew I had to photograph her outfit. It’s not only stylishly put together, but also contains all the basic fall pieces that everyone should have in her closet.

A light but longer cut jacket like this Fashioinsta’s is a very practical and necessary choice for the fall. A jacket like hers is a comfortable outerwear piece and you can easily layer with it for chilly days. To add a bit of French-chic to your look, layer your jacket with a striped top like she did. For days that are colder and darker, grab a jacket like this Forever 21 option that is heavier but still just as stylish.

Hats are definitely the must-have accessory for this fall and winter. They always make your outfit a bit more chic and are definitely a statement piece that every Fashionista can easily rock. It’s important to note that not all hats are made the same and there are a variety of styles that one can choose from. This week’s Fashionista is sporting a more structured and fitted style  but a floppier and wider brimmed hat is just as cute.

Another fall essential that this Fashionista sported was a pair of cool black booties. My black booties are perhaps the one item that I wear most often and that I use season after season. I cannot emphasize the importance of black booties, as they go with absolutely everything.

Never forget the basics. It’s always fun to mix up your wardrobe with trendy pieces, but make sure you always have the important essentials like this Fashionista does. I promise that you’ll continue to use your green utility jacket, comfortable black booties and a cool hat season after season!

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “As long as you’re confident, you can pull anything off.”

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Comfy-Chic

If I could describe San Francisco Fashionistas and Fashionistos, it would be comfy-chic. With very small yet distinct neighborhoods, San Francisco has some of the most diverse and stylish Fashionistas and Fashionistos I’ve ever seen. From the Mission to the Marina, each neighborhood has its own character with Fashionistas/os reflecting them. Even though each neighborhood has a distinct style, I’ve noticed that most Fashionistas/os, including myself, strive for a similar casual, comfortable and stylish look.

Needless to say, I was immediately drawn to this Fashioinsta’s casual yet worn-in and chic outfit. She was shopping with a friend in the Marina when I spotted her and I couldn’t resist photographing her for this week’s post. She absolutely she nails the comfy-chic style that is very San Francisco.

As you know, I’m a sucker for a good denim jacket and I especially love hers. It has a relaxed feel to it and she looked both cool and comfortable. I’ve written time and time again how versatile denim jackets are and this Fashionista just reiterates my point once again!

I also love how this Fashionista incorporated a bit of the athletic trend into her outfit by wearing a baseball T-shirt. On top of that, her particular shirt is oversized and she cleverly styled it as a dress, which gave her a cool, sporty-chic look that I’ll definitely be copying. To perfect her look, she wore a pair of short leather boots that are the perfect balance of style and comfort. Every Fashionista should have a pair like this Fashionista’s in her closet as they are shoes that can be worn every fall and winter.

Last but not least, this Fashionista’s bag is one of the holy grails: the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel. Every Fashionista needs a good statement bag and I am absolutely in love with this hers. A bag like this is the ultimate accessory that pulls a comfy-chic look together and on top of that, it goes with everything.

This fall, take a page out of this Fashionista’s book and pair your statement bag with a your favorite comfortable pieces for a comfy-chic look that will make any Fashionista jealous!

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Wear what you feel like putting on that day!”

AROUND TOWN: Ryan Trautman

Ryan Trautman needs no introduction. With fierce purple hair, the towering ex-model has an undeniable presence. On top of being a Fashion Institute of Technology student, the 23 year-old San Luis Obispo native also manages the trendy LF Stores in San Francisco. This weekend, we talked and I got the details about her favorite fall trends, how she balances school and work and more about her job.

Name: Ryan Trautman

Role: Student, Store Manager

CollegeFashionista: What are your favorite fall trends this year?

Ryan Trautman: Right now, it’s plaid on plaid, denim on denim and boyfriend jeans.

CF: What’s your fall must-have?

RT: Right now it’s probably oversized boyfriend jeans. Everyone also needs a good flannel.

CF: What’s your go-to outfit for the weekend?

RT: [It’s] always a pair of boyfriend jeans and a basic T-shirt with little heeled booties. Also, a leather jacket—you always need a leather jacket. It dresses your outfit up and makes it feel less grungy.

CF: You also go to school at FIT, so how do you balance working at the store and keeping up in school?

RT:  I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t difficult, but I stay focused and look at the bigger picture. When I look at it that way, it’s not that hard because I’m doing what I want to do. School also helps with my job and my job helps with school because I have real life experience to apply to it.

CF: What do you love about LF Stores and why do you think it’s different from all other stores?

RT: I love the clothes. We get new styles and trends before other people do, so our clothes are more cutting edge. We’re usually the first to have  certain styles and we’re constantly keeping up with the newest trends and what not.

CF: What responsibilities do you have as the manager?

RT: I’m accountable for everyone and I have to make sure that everyone’s being the best stylist they can be. It’s always important that we have the best shopping environment for people, too. I’m also in charge of some of the events we have at this LF Stores. We like to be a part of our community so right now we’re doing our Breast Cancer Research Foundation event and we also do trunk shows with sororities and help them with their philanthropy.

Learn More: You can find Ryan styling at LF Stores on Union Street and Laguna Street in the Marina District in San Francisco.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Fur-get Me Not

This week’s post is dedicated to statement jackets and coats. As the weather is slowly becoming colder, more and more Fashionistas/os are sporting outerwear in their everyday outfits. As a general rule, however, everyone in San Francisco should always carry some sort of jacket or with them, no matter how sunny the morning looks. Finding one that is stylish and warm is hard to come by. I have been hunting for one ever since I came to this foggy city; in my search, it never occurred to me to add fur to the equation like this Fashionista did.

The timing was perfect when I snapped a photo of this Fashionista, as she had only just bought her vintage leopard coat moments before at a second hand store. Her coat was also a nice change from the usual black peacoats and green utility jackets I’ve been seeing around town. I have a weakness for fur and for animal print so I was immediately drawn to this Fashionista’s. I will always love a good animal print fur jacket and I think every Fashionista should have one in her closet since having one in your wardrobe can add a bit of flare to any outfit.

This Fashionista was all into the hand details, too. I was jealous of her amazing half moon manicure and I loved the dark purple shade of her nail polish. If you ask any Fashionista, detailed and colorful manicures are an art form. It’s not easy to get those perfectly straight or curved edges with a tiny brush. As simple as it may look, manicures are extremely detailed and are another accessory that Fashioinstas love to show off.

To finish off her outfit, this Fashionista kept it nice and comfortable with a pair of leather sandals. It’s important to wear comfy shoes in San Francisco because of the inevitable hills that you’ll have to climb up, so be sure to invest in a pair that is stylish yet sensible. For something simple and accessible, you can never go wrong with a pair of Birkenstocks.

The weather is slowly cooling down, so be sure to start perusing your favorite stores for a stylish and practical coat. Who says you can’t be warm and chic?

How To: A fur coat is a bold statement in and of itself, and rocking an animal print one is even bolder. To be sure that your jacket remains the focal point of your outfit, make sure to keep the rest of your look more simple like this Fashionista did.

WHAT TO WEAR: Weekend Wear

Unsurprisingly, the weather has become erratic again in San Francisco. One day it’s gloomy and foggy and the next day it’ll be over 75 degrees. Crazy weather in the city means only thing: layering. By living in San Francisco, every Fashionista and Fashionisto masters the skill of layering very quickly. Sometimes the morning will start off cold and misty and in a few short hours (or minutes), the sun will be blazing down upon you. So on the weekend when you’re out on the town, it’s essential that you bring your layering A game.

I spotted this Fashionista on a weekend when the weather couldn’t make up its mind. Her polished yet casual layering style caught my eye right away and she definitely nailed the perfect weekend wear look.

Her beautiful navy Burberry coat is, to say the least, amazing. It’s a great jacket for layering as it’s not too thin or thick. I also love the cut and color of it and it fits her well. It’s important to have a jacket like hers for the coming fall and winter cold, so be sure to find one that fits you impeccably and also functions as a versatile layering piece.

To keep her outfit casual, this Fashionista paired her tailored coat with a pair of comfy skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are definitely my go to weekend wear piece and I especially love how hers have a tiny tear on one of the knees. They’re also another essential layering piece that goes with everything from sandals to boots, so be sure to stock up on them ASAP.

To finish it off, this Fashionista sported the highly coveted Chanel espadrilles. I must admit that they were the first thing that caught my eye when I saw her on the street. I, and probably every Fashionsta, have been dreaming of the elusive Chanel espadrilles. While the wait for them is months long, these Jeffrey Campbell ones are just as stylish but a fraction of the price. For something more fun, animal print espadrilles are another great option.

With the fickle weather, make sure your weekend wear is on-point by employing your best layering skills and pairing your favorite casual skinny jeans with a tailored jacket and chic flats like this Fashioinsta did!

One Simple Change: The weather will inevitably get cold and when it does, switch out your espadrilles for knee-high boots and grab a scarf. You’ll be ready for whatever mother nature has in store for us.

WHAT TO WEAR: Fall

“Fall” is upon us Fashionistas and Fashionistos. I use quotation marks to describe fall because in San Francisco, we don’t experience the usual crisp and cold autumn that the rest of the country goes through. Instead, we experience an Indian summer during the fall months. This entails very warm and dry heat with sunny blue skies in October and November. This also means means that unlike Fashionistas and Fashionistos on the East Coast who are probably sporting light sweaters and jackets, we still get to play around with some of our summer pieces for a bit longer!

This week was the first week we felt the Indian summer take full force. Temperatures rose about seventy-five degrees, which is unheard of in San Francisco, and it was the perfect weekend for Fashionistas to show off their “fall” outfits. I spotted this Fashionista and knew I had to photograph her because she completely nailed it.

To start off, I love how she layered a sheer dress over a printed one, creating a stylish, casual look that anyone can copy. Wearing one without the other would have been too summery, but together they made the perfect outfit for Indian summer. So take a page out of her book and grab your favorite bodycon dress and layer it with a sheer summer dress.

Upon photographing her, I knew this Fashionista knew how to accessorize. First, she donned a pair of cutout ankle booties. They’re the perfect kind of shoes to wear right now since they work for both summer and fall. I especially love booties like hers since the back of them have cutouts, and show off a bit of heel.

Lastly, this Fashionista completed her outfit with a chic hat and pair of cute sunglasses. Hats are the must-have accessory of this season and they’re perfect for the fall and Indian summer we’ve been experiencing. Sunglasses, as always, complete any outfit and this Fashionista’s pair wraps up hers nicely. Fall in San Francisco  looks like it’s going to be a bit of a scorcher, so instead of grabbing your favorite sweaters and boots, grab your favorite dresses and accessories. You’ll look Indian summer-chic in no time!

One Simple Change: For a simple transition into a look for a girl’s night out, simply replace your sheer dress with a leather jacket, stash the hat and grab a cross-body bag.