Everyone likes a lady, but nobody likes a goody two-shoes. Rocking the classic combination of lace and leather, CollegeFashionista, Lily Kosminsky, knows that a little edge goes a long way. Every aspect of Lily’s ensemble is effortlessly contradicted — the conservative silhouette of the pewter a-line skirt is offset by the funky flow of the nude lace top, the thick-frame hipster glasses are counterbalanced with the rugged spearhead necklace. Clashing trends may not suit everyone, but for this Westchester, NY native — who is a student devoted to successfully completing the pre-med track, but never one to turn down a great chance to party, a fanatic of fashion and of video games (her favorite is Kingdom Hearts) — sticking to one stereotypical style just is not an option.
Name: Lily Kosminsky
Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Med
CollegeFashionista: What are some of your favorite fashion combinations?
Lily Kosminsky: Normally, my favorite combination would be some sort of skirt, tank top and cami. Layering is essential to my wardrobe, particularly when I’m in the city, and especially at the current moment — the weather can change from hot to cold in an instant.
CF: What makes up your most daring ensemble?
LK: Let’s see…if I had to choose…it would probably be something somewhat similar to this. Except, I would add my favorite bowler hat. My mother gave it to me when I was in high school, but I guess I wasn’t daring enough to wear it then!
CF: What helped you overcome your fashion fears?
LK: I actually almost wrote my college essay on that! I used to only wear jeans and t-shirts with funny sayings on them, but then one day my mom and I went to the mall, and she bought me my first pair of Frye boots. I just couldn’t wear anything that didn’t live up to the expectations those always set. Plus, being in the city makes it a whole lot easier, because everyone is doing it. No one cares whether or not you look crazy.
CF: Where is your favorite place to shop for one-of-a kind finds in New York City?
LK: This may sound a bit pretentious, but there is this store called “Coup d’Coeur” where I got this sliver sequin dress that is just ridiculous.
How To: From skintight pants to button-up shirts, leather is inescapable this fall. Understandably intimidating (nobody ever wants this to happen), the material can, in fact, work for everyone — it is just a simple matter of balance. Sport a motorcycle jacket over a delicate prairie dress or daring over-the-knee leather boots with basic black skinnies and a soft pastel t-shirt on top. As with any sort of bold print or fabric, no ensemble should be composed of leather from head to toe, for, as Lily’s statement necklace proves, leather adds tons of edge even when it is just a small accent.