STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Femme Fatale

As we are full force into the winter season here in D.C., Fashionista/os have been taking advantage of the new All Saints store in Georgetown and rocking their hot new leather jackets. While menswear is a huge trend, most girls would agree that “Hells Angels” is not really the chic and approachable look we all thrive to achieve. It can be a difficult task to keep leather feminine yet fun, but as I have found with nearly all of my outfits, accessorizing is the perfect way to change the leather look from biker to bombshell.

Today’s Fashionista stopped me dead in my tracks! This California native reached back into her beachy roots and rocked this gorgeous vintage turquoise necklace. The eye-catching adornment offsets her nude patent pumps (a staple I hope you have in your closet) yet it pops with her coffee bean leather jacket. Turquoise, also known as “the gemstone of the people,” was found everywhere from Ancient Egypt to the Persian Empire, worn as jewelry and carried the ancient myth that it would protect from unnatural death. Today it still resembles the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is a staple amongst the women in Greece and Turkey — not to mention it represents communication and clarity of thought!

And no one better than Christian Dior to communicate the beauty of this Fashionista’s outfit: “the tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail.” Sometimes it’s the finest accessories that take an outfit from understated to sensational! Ideal for dinner with friends or even date night, one can never resist a girl in her neutrals, blues and rosy pink cheeks!

Many people think that leather is restrictive, but versatile styles by BB Dakota and Veda are easy to wear and layer and Rachel Zoe went for the wear-to-work look with her version of a leather blazer. Always remember, fashion is meant to be fun and expressive — if you are daring enough, try Aida Kibur's neons, or go for a little more reserved look with Tuleste Market.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Femme Fatale

I was lucky enough to spot this Fashionista in my first class on a Monday morning. While many students are recovering from the weekend, rolling into class in their shorts and T-shirts, this pixie-haired lady did NOT have the typical case of the Mondays. I was immediately drawn to the contradictory outfit she was wearing, starting with her feet.

Combat boots are a major trend this summer, and you can expect to see this style continue on in the fall. Many of you may feel like you cannot pull off this masculine shoe, but I suggest you always pair a masculine piece with a feminine piece to create a perfectly balanced outfit. This gorgeous Fashionista uses a super feminine skirt to complement her edgy combat boots, and she looks amazing. This outfit really makes a statement! She wears a simple white button up tucked into a bright chiffon mini belted at the waist. Her black combat boots are adorned with a knit material on the top, adding some extra texture to the outfit. The contrast of the light, airy skirt and the heavy boot is what makes this outfit work.

Hint: Although the last of the summer weather is upon us, don’t fret because you can easily make the transition into fall. I suggest a sheer chiffon dress in a jewel tone like this one from Urban Outfitters, paired with nice taupe combat boots like these from Forever21. If you’re in a colder climate like Buffalo, add grey tights, tan high socks, and a cardigan to create a fresh fall look.

Remember, the key is to incorporate extremely feminine or delicate fabrics with the boots in order to create a softer look. Keep the accessories simple, with a long single strand necklace and a statement ring.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Femme Fatale

I spotted this ultra-femme Fashionista on her way to a Vespers ceremony on Sunday afternoon. I was honored to see many stylish people as they celebrated the conclusion of a long, hard Greek week. I love looking for new fashions around Iowa State’s Greek community because they are very fashion forward. I was also excited to capture someone dressed up because the norm for dress on Sundays is not too elegant. I found inspiration in her upbeat attitude and outfit. I later found out that she was from the sorority that won best dressed, so it looks like she knew what she was doing.

Today’s Fashionista was looking very adorable featuring a light pink gauze dress from Nordstrom, Nine West nude pumps, and a yellow Jessica Simpson clutch. Her outfit was very cohesive because it was feminine without looking matchy-matchy or too girly. Jessica Simpson and Nine West are also great brands for college aged students and both have great lines this spring. They feature clothing and accessories that could be worn everywhere from interviews to going out on the town. They have many pieces that complete the classic, feminine look.

My style advice for this week is to take the plunge and buy those nude pumps everyone has been talking about. Today’s Fashionista rocked a head-to-toe feminine look, and those nude pumps are beyond versatile and oh so hot right now. Whether it’s getting dolled up for an award ceremony, or with white skinnys and a tunic, you will regret not adopting this spring staple that seems as though it will continue it’s popularity through many seasons.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Femme Fatale

The summer season will soon cool down giving way to a crisper and cooler weather. The new and inspired fall fashion trends will bring in new looks and reinvent older ones. This season is sure to introduce a more femme fatale fashion trend. Designers, such as Miuccia Prada and Diane Von Furstenberg, are using this style to capture the essence of beauty, charm, sensuality and maybe a little danger. An obvious color palette for these trends would obviously be black but I think designers are trying to expand outside the box and looking at other colors such as beige, gray, navy blue, and shades of green.

Outerwear is going to make a big debut showcasing forgotten trends such as parkas. Today's Fashionista is just an example of some of the palettes, patterns and styles that are coming this fall season. I believe the architectural design is something that’s likely to be seen because of its sharp angular shapes and design. This is going to pair nicely with other items that I believe will make an appearance this fall; tweed, soft leather, and a few vintage or old-fashioned handbags and items. Fashion is said to move on in different seasons but this Fashionista disagreed with me on footwear. I believed sandals and flip-flops would retire during the cool weather but it seems we have a difference of option. But don’t worry I believe once news of winter trends and styles make its way across campus we’ll agree.

Femme Fatal means fatal women in English and this word is essential to a lot of popular fashion designers this year. It’s a way to define a fierce and powerful woman which is what this season’s fashions is trying to capture.