Author: Stephanie Eng

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Apollon

Our Fashionista this week rocks a printed dress pants and a great, bright scarf. She adds some cheer to these past few rainy days. I love prints especially in the form of a good printed pant! Now is the perfect time to start incorporating prints back into your wardrobe.

Name: Stephanie Apollon

Major: Political Science and International Affairs

Year: Fourth year

CollegeFashionista : How would you describe your personal style?

Stephanie Apollon: I like patterns and prints. I prefer patterned cardigans in unexpected colors like mustard yellow and mint green to the standard grey or black. I’ll wear different colored pants, but nothing too bright. I’m not a very flashy person in general, so I’ll wear one patterned thing per outfit. Just like I don’t wear a face full of makeup, but I’ll wear lipstick, I don’t like to overdo it.

CF:  What is your favorite season to dress for and why?

SA: Summer, because I love wearing all kinds of dresses. It’s great to not have to wear pants!

CF: How has your style evolved since your freshman year of college?

SA: I went from wearing sweatshirts all day every day to just buying dresses I thought were cute and pairing them with cute leggings and tights. From there, I figured out that I love patterns.

CF: What’s your favorite way to accessorize?

SA: Rings! I like rings that are slightly obnoxious and big, like a bow, or a statement ring like a turtle or alligator.

CF: What would you never be caught wearing?

SA: Pajamas outside. You never know who you’re going to run into, especially if it’s an employer. I think it’s important to look like you cared. PJs just look lazy, although sweatpants are fine if it’s cold or the weekend.

CF: What are some of your favorite stores?

SA: Forever 21, Love Culture, Charlotte Russe and Rainbows.

CF: What’s your go-to winter outfit?

SA: I have a bunch of brightly-colored peacoats in electric yellow, orange, beige, red and blue, so I usually build my looks around them.

How To: Pick one pattern and build a look around it. Don’t be afraid to color-block like our Fashionista, even if it’s kind of an unexpected combo like blue and yellow. It works because the blue is muted while the yellow is bright.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Leah Ewall-Wice

This week’s Fashionista rocks business casual for her co-op at MFS Investment Management. She keeps it fun with a cheery turquoise sweater and great accessories, like her two layered necklaces.

Name: Leah Ewall-Wice

Major: International Affairs and Economics

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Leah Ewall-Wice: I’m not really sure where my sweater is from, actually. One of the necklaces is from a thrift shop, and the other one is from an art show. The pants are from The Gap, and my jacket is Zara. I’m wearing Wanted boots and carrying a kate spade bag.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

LEW: Very random. One day I’ll be wearing a button-up and a blazer, and the next I’m wearing a maxi skirt and an oversized sweater. I really just wear whatever I feel like wearing that day. 

CF: What are your favorite cold weather accessories?

LEW: Oversized sweaters and scarves! 

CF: What item in your closet do you start with when picking an outfit?

LEW: My gray poncho. It’s perfect because it’s super comfortable, but can make almost anything I pair it with look more fashionable.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for and why?

LEW:  Spring and fall, because it’s warm out and you don’t have to hide your outfit under a huge jacket. 

CF: If you could have brunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be?

LEW: kate spade.

CF: If you could shop in any city, where would it be?

LEW: Boston. We have an awesome shopping selection here. I love going to Newbury Street and browsing Zara, J.Crew and Gap. 

How to: This look is fairly simple, but I think what makes it really stand out is the fact that she paired turquoise with a tan jacket and khaki pants. The neutral colors, coupled with her accessories and the fact that she chose a relatively muted shade of turquoise, make her look more professional and less casual.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Noll

Our Fashionisto this week rocks a distinctly European and luxe outfit. But looking expensive doesn’t mean you have to break the bank: most of his clothes are thrifted! I love that he modified his Goodwill shoes by adding bright shoelaces from ALDO, because it adds a pop of color and fun to his look.

Name: Andrew Noll

Major: Dual Major in Business and Computer Science

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Andrew Noll: The cardigan and corduroy pants are from H&M, my shoes and shirt are from Goodwill.  My blazer is from The Garment District. The purple laces on my shoes are from ALDO. The bag is American Apparel and my glasses are from Penguin Eyewear.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?
AN: Mostly vintage. I like to shop in thrift stores because you find more creative options than you do at other stores. That’s because the clothes are from everywhere. I wear a lot of color and try to look professional, yet laid back. I’ll try anything on that I find interesting, then it’s just a matter of whether or not it looks good on me.
CF: What item in your closet is your favorite go-to when picking out an outfit?
AN:  I’ll generally just pick the shirt I want to wear and then pick the other clothes based on what colors look good juxtaposed against it. 
CF: What is your favorite occasion to dress for and why?

AN: I like dressing up for dates, because I’m not limited to any kind of look and I end up wearing the best things I have.

CF: How has your style evolved since your freshman year?
AN: I only wear button-downs now because they look a lot better than T-shirts. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep this up in the summer, especially if I end up somewhere that gets hot. I don’t wear bizarre clothes as much as I used to, but I’ve managed to integrate strange patterns into my wardrobe more. I’ve upgraded some of the quality of my clothing and I think I’m just better at representing myself in what I wear.
CF: What is your favorite way to accessorize?
AN: I really like scarves. In winter I wear them almost everyday.
CF: What is your favorite thing in your closet?
AN: I have a lot of favorite things in my closet. Right now I’d probably have to say my black paisley, velvet blazer from the Garment District.
CF: If you could shop in any city, where would it be?
AN: I’ve always wanted to go to L.A. because I’ve heard great things about their flea markets and thrift stores.
CF: What’s your favorite look on a girl/guy?
AN: I like it when people look unique while wearing quality clothes that accent their natural good-looks. As long as they can pull it off, I don’t really care what kind of look they’re going for. I like to be surprised by color and pattern combinations.
How To: To get Andrew’s sophisticated, yet intriguing look make sure to pick cool patterns and textures. Also remember to experiment with colors. He’s wearing white, navy, burgundy, brown and a pop of purple. The overall look is extremely well-layered and clean because everything fits together perfectly.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Eliza Hunt

Our Fashionista this week rocks the cool-girl uniform of a graphic T-shirt and skinny jeans tucked into Dr. Martens. Her camo jacket is really eye-catching. I love her extremely natural makeup look, which adds a bit of off-duty model glamor.

Name: Eliza Hunt

Major: Political Science

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Eliza Hunt: I’m wearing dark blue jeans are from American Apparel, a graphic T-shirt from Forever 21 and a camo jacket from Nordstrom. The boots are Doc Martens.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

EH: I’m pretty laid back and I like to stay comfortable. 

CF: What item do you start with when picking an outfit?

EH: My favorite pair of high-waisted shorts.

CF: How has coming to college changed the way you dress?

EH: I definitely had to learn how to dress for winter in Boston!

CF: What is your favorite way to accessorize?

EH: Sunglasses.

CF: If you could have brunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be and why?

EH: Naomi Campbell is an incredible woman and a huge inspiration to me. Although I might have to watch out for flying cell phones.

CF: Where is your favorite place to shop in Boston?

EH: The BU Goodwill is great.

How to: The key to this look is the relaxed vibe. Try an oversized sweater over printed leggings, with a cool accessory like a snapback or a beanie. Choose one or two cool prints or textures. Then keep the rest of your look simple with lots of denim and soft T-shirts, as well as your favorite broken-in combat boots. You’ll be golden!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Kayla O’Neill

The redcoats are coming! I’m a huge fan of a bright peacoat, because it instantly cheers any outfit up. I also love a good, soft, beanie for the colder months. Beanies and long hair go together like Leandra Medine and harem pants. Because it’s functional but cute, our Fashionista’s outfit is perfect for a grab-coffee-and-walk-through-Central-Park kind of date.

Name: Kayla O’Neill
Major: Business Administration and International Affairs
Year: Sophomore
CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?
Kayla O’Neill: My peacoat is from dELiA*s, the pants are from Forever 21 and the boots are Blowfish. The sweater is from H&M and my bag was actually a free gift from Paul Mitchell!
CF: How would you describe your personal style?
KO: I’m still developing my style, but I generally keep it colorful and simple. Sometimes I add a bow for a feminine, fun touch. 
CF: What are some of your favorite things to wear as the weather gets colder?
KO: I wear a lot of scarves—pashminas and infinity scarves and knitted ones as well. And tech gloves are a must when you’re adventuring around in a new place and need to navigate with your phone’s GPS.
CF: What item in your closet is your favorite go-to when picking out an outfit?
KO: If I know I’m going to be out and about, I want my outfit to go well with a pair of comfortable shoes.
CF: How does your major influence your style?
KO: Since I began studying business, I have definitely focused more on dressing professionally. I have focused more on buying pieces that are less trendy, things that I will wear longer—both for environmental and cost reasons. I’m also an international affairs major and I definitely have an interest in designs from other cultures.
CF: If you could have brunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be and why?
KO: I would love to meet Kenneth Cole. He spoke at my university, and I was really impressed by his company’s philanthropic efforts and support of social causes.
CF: What would you never be caught wearing?
KO: Fur and leather, animal cruelty isn’t cute.
CF: Where are some of your favorite places to shop in Boston?
KO: Newbury Comics, Trident Booksellers Cafe and the Faneuil Hall area.
CF: If you could shop in any city, where would it be?
KO: Tokyo because their style is so different and because I think the street fashion would be interesting to see.
How To: Make sure your topper really is the “top” part of your look. In the winter months, your coat is the most visible part of any look. So just make sure it embodies your personal style, whether that’s through bright colors, cool silhouettes or patterns! Personally, I love Zara’s coats because they’re so dramatic in shape, yet feel luxurious and easy. This one comes in dark navy, green and tangerine!

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Afton Thomas

Our Fashionista this week is a pro at layering and I love that she elevated her casual streetwear by adding a touch of glam with her fur vest.

Name: Afton Thomas

Major: Communications and Media Studies

Year: Junior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Afton Thomas: The plaid button-down is from Zara. The white tank top and leggings are from Urban Outfitters. My fur vest is from Saks Fifth Avenue. As for accessories, I’m wearing an OBEY snapback, Tortoise + Blonde glasses, a Michael Kors watch and a Longchamp bag. 

CF: What item in your closet do you start with when picking an outfit?

AT: Combat boots are great for any situation. You can dress them up with tights and a dress or a skirt. You can also dress them down with leggings or boyfriend jeans for a more relaxed look.

CF: Do you think co-op influences your style?

AT: Normally, my casual looks are influenced by menswear and street style trends. I love being comfortable while still making a statement. I worked in the retail industry in an office setting, so I was given a lot more freedom with my business casual dress than you would expect. My go-tos for the office were pops of color, edgy accessories and structured looks.

CF: How has your style evolved since your freshman year of college?

AT: I grew up right outside of NYC, so I had collected many bold pieces that I didn’t feel confident enough rocking in the New Jersey suburbs. Now in Boston, I definitely like to show off my creative side and to take chances with my outfits. 

CF: If you could have brunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be and why?

AT: Alexander McQueen. His work speaks for itself, but I’d love to meet the man behind fashion’s most outrageous and inventive designs.

CF: What would you never be caught wearing?

AT: Lilly Pulitzer. Apologies to the girls in my sorority.

CF: If you could shop in any city, what would it be?

AT: New York and London. There are so many eclectic looks that come out of NYC. A major component of a wardrobe from either city is black, which never goes out of style. 

How To: I agree that black is, and always will be, the new black. All the items in our Fashionista’s look are in a muted, darker color story. She mixed textures and prints, accessorized well and took risks, which makes her look like a blogger at Fashion Week.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Marisa Lopez-Lopez

Our Fashionista this week walks the line between girly and professional. She does this while wearing the cutest booties ever, if I do say so myself.

My mentor puts it best: “You all walk in here looking like teenagers, but by sophomore year, you look like Northeastern students.” I have definitely noticed that people dress much more professionally this year, particularly in my classes. As an international business major, sometimes it feels like I’m in a sea of lipstick, suits and soft blouses. Not that I’m complaining: I know I wouldn’t be able to survive this semester’s co-op search without my L’Oreal lipstain in Coral Tattoo and black opaque tights.

Name: Marisa Lopez-Lopez

Major: Business Administration and Economics Dual Degree

Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Marisa Lopez-Lopez: My top and sweater are from J.Crew, the skirt is from Forever 21, the boots are from Nordstrom and the watch is Michael Kors. I love J.Crew, Madewell and H&M.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

ML: I’m very classic and I’m drawn to preppier clothes.

CF: What item in your closet is your go-to when picking an outfit?

ML: I love a good button-down, both under a sweater and on its own.

CF: What’s your favorite season to dress for and why?

ML: Fall! The weather is perfect and you don’t have to wear a jacket.

CF: How has your style evolved since your freshman year of college?

ML: I have a presentation today, so I’m more formal than usual, but in general I definitely dress more professionally now.

CF: What’s your favorite way to accessorize?

ML: A bold statement necklace or a bright pop of color.

How To: I fully support anyone who looks like they just walked out of a Madewell catalog. However, I acknowledge that some pieces, particularly the masculine-inspired ones, can be less than flattering on the female figure. That’s why I love that our Fashionista tucked in her button-down-and-sweater combo with a flared, printed skirt. It adds such a cute touch and a bit of sass to an outfit that would otherwise be grayscale.

FASHIONISTO SPOTLIGHT: Brett Fink

Our Fashionisto this week is actually Northeastern’s reigning Homecoming King. He also has a great eye for prints! The bright color of his shirt goes well with black skinny jeans and has a cheerful effect, even when surrounded by gray cityscape and dirty snow.

Name: Brett Fink

Major: Psychology

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Brett Fink: My shirt and pants are from H&M, and the shoes are from Urban Outfitters. The watch is Michael Kors, and the tooth necklaces is from Key West Imports.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

BF: My style is really eclectic, and I can dress like a surfer one day and extremely preppy the next. Usually, I wear what I like as long as it looks good.

CF: What are some of your favorite things to wear as the weather gets colder?

BF: In Boston, I think accessories like gloves are essential.

CF: Have you recently added any items to your wardrobe?

BF: I recently invested in a really great pair of Clarks boots.

CF: How has your style evolved since your freshman year in college?

BF: I grew up in Long Island, and the way I dressed (lots of white, fitted tank tops) would not cut it in Boston.

CF: If you could shop in any city where would it be?

BF: London is my favorite, because you can find impeccable menswear for affordable prices.

CF: What is the best advice you have ever been given?

BF: Be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

How To: Personally, I’m a huge fan of the crisp button-down tucked into fitted jeans combo for guys. Shoes can make or break a look, but these Jack Wills boots win my vote any day. No matter what you wear, fashion is about you, and how you choose to express yourself. I think the best way to rock Brett’s style is to be confident and wear what makes you feel good.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Alexis Mitsuhashi

I caught our Fashionista on the one day this week when it wasn’t bitterly freezing outside. While her look is a fairly simple combination of basic pieces like a cardigan, top and leggings, I think the devil really is in the details. She chose to pair a lot of really unexpected colors, like turquoise with a burnt red. I loved the bright pattern on her shirt paired with muted tones like a brick red cardigan and black leggings.

Name: Alexis Mitsuhashi

Major: Engineering

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Alexis Mitsuhashi: The sweater is from Nordstrom Rack, and my shirt is a hand-me-down from my neighbor who is like the older sister I never had. I’m wearing FIFA leggings and Forever 21 booties.

CF: What are some of your favorite things to wear as the weather gets colder?

AM: As many sweaters as possible!

CF: What item in your closet is your go-to when picking an outfit?

AM: I have these knockoff velvet Dr. Martens that I love. Something about velvet always feels luxurious.

CF: What is your favorite season to dress for and why?

AM: Fall fashion is great, but it’s hard to change it up. With summer, there is more versatility.

CF: What would you never be caught wearing?

AM: UGGs.

CF: If you could have lunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be and why?

AM: Solange Azagury-Partridge is kind of obscure, but she makes the best jewelry like this star necklace, or this cosmic eye ring.

CF: What city would you most love to shop in?

AM: Tokyo. The style is so much fun and you can get lost on any street.

How To: Choose basic silhouettes, but push it further. Buy a classic button-down or combat boots, but with a twist. That can be a great print, a new fabric or just any quirky detail you find yourself drawn to. The key is to pull off the unexpected.

FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: Cabeth Dekker

What’s a Fashionista to do when it’s sub-zero in Boston? Give up and swaddle herself in a boring hoodie and UGGs? Of course not! The answer, as always, is to channel the J.Crew catalog as much as possible. Our Fashionista this week does it all, from the sweater-over-button-down combo to the fantastic red pants. 

Name: Cabeth Dekker

Major: Biomedical Physics

Year: Freshman

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing and where is it from?

Cabeth Dekker: My sweater is from Jack Wills, which is one of my favorite stores to shop at here in Boston. The red pants are from Gap, where I get almost all of my pants. When I was in high school, my uniform consisted of Nike polos and they’re so comfortable and crisp that I still wear them. On my feet are Sperry Top-Siders; they’re super warm.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

CD: I pretty much dress like my dad. It might sound weird, but we’re very in sync in terms of brand loyalty and dressing consistently. Like his, my style is preppy and functional, and I do wear lots of button-downs!

CF: If you could have brunch with anyone in the fashion industry, who would it be and why?

CD: Marc Jacobs. I like all his clothes because they’re very playful, colorful and fun. I used to be obsessed with his mouse shoes! 

CF: If you could shop in any city where would it be?

CD: New York City. There are nice, expensive stores, but also cute little shops galore.

How To: Layering can be a struggle, especially for those who, like our Fashionista, hail from much warmer climates (she’s from the Caribbean!). The foolproof way to stay warm is to wear the thickest layers on the outside. So start with a button-down, pile on a thicker sweater and then pull on a wool coat to top it all off.