While at times it is easy to be swept away by the latest trends, it is important to remember that a Fashionista’s true style is built from originality, uniqueness and above all knowing what works for you. This pearl of wisdom is well and truly attested to by today’s Fashionista, who stresses that comfort is just as important as style. This is clear from her choice of outfit for today’s FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT; while others may have been tempted to tap into the colour block trend of the season with a vibrant blazer, she stays unique to her own style and strikes a neutral balance by opting for browns and tans. While she tackles the tricky transition from early spring with a neutral palette, she simultaneously frames this gorgeous cornflower blue floral midi skirt as the focal point of her look. It only follows from toting this gorgeous vintage leather crossover bag that this Fashionista also has some priceless advice on shopping vintage, which is an important aspect to both her style and that of any Fashionista with a similar love for an original and unique fashion sense.
Name: Annie Birn
Major: French and Archaeology
Year: Four
CollegeFashionista: How would you describe your personal style?
AB: I would describe it as casual and comfortable. One overriding feature of my look is that I have to have my feet dry at all times! This really influences my fashion choices – a lot of the time I opt for skirts so that my trouser ends aren’t trailing in the wet! I would say the same applies for when I am going out for a dressier occasion – I like to be comfortable and able to move around with ease.
CF: From whom or where do you draw your fashion inspiration?
AB: I would have to say the singer and musician, Lisa Hannigan. I really admire her eclectic style, especially her love of dresses and floaty, feminine pieces.
CF: If there was one item of clothing or accessory you could not live without, what would it be and why?
AB: A good quality handbag. A relative of mine gave me this handbag as a gift and I get so much use out of it. It is quite old, I had to put a new zip put on it recently, but it works for college and every occasion. Even though it looks a little worse for wear I think that gives it a really vintage feel and look, and the fact that it is tan leather means it goes with everything.
CF: Do you have a tip for shopping vintage?
AB: Leather is always a good item to look out for in vintage stores as I think it only gets better with age. You can find some great leather pieces in vintage stores, especially shoes and handbags; the more distressed or old it is the better, in my opinion.
CF: Do you have a particular style tip that you would like to pass on to CollegeFashionistas everywhere?
AB: No matter what the “fashion” is, if you don’t feel comfortable in what you are wearing it is never a good look. From the minute you step outside the door in the morning before heading to college, if you don’t feel good in your outfit it is only going to get worse as the day goes on, so get to know your style and don’t compromise on comfort for college.
How To: : Florals are the timeless and classic uniform staple of the spring/summer season, adding an instant colour injection to any outfit. I love how this Fashionista has given a fun and feminine floral boost to her sophisticated campus look with this cornflower blue midi skirt. Steal her spring style with this multi-coloured midi skirt from ASOS, the perfect statement piece for any campus outfit this season. This Fashionista adds instant campus sophistication to her look with this camel coloured blazer. While many Fashionistas may be tempted to team her florals with a vibrant colour pop number which is so on-trend at the moment, she strikes a more neutral balance with her choice of colour, ensuring her floral pattern is the statement piece of the look. Get her look with this brown blazer from New Look. Finally, while this Fashionista makes a vintage statement with this leather handbag, channel her style with this gorgeous tassel detail crossover bag from River Island.