StyLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Less Is More

This week’s Goldsmiths Fashionista grabbed my attention because of her casual look. Some denim shorts, a loose tee and a pair of flats.

The diversity of the denim short is astounding and has never been quite so clear as this summer. London is awash with salvaged Levi’s worn a million different ways. Ripped, bleached, studded or simply rolled up (as seen with this Fashionista), the denim short is impossibly versatile.

The simple striped tee is a fashion staple that is seeing a surge in popularity lately. A nautical navy and white combo is classic, elegant and super chic. Wearing a size up will take the worry out of the minefield that is the great horizontal stripe debate. A looser tee will allow for a flowing fit with the natural lines of a subtle drape. This Fashionista’s tee has a cute little gold zip at the back that gives an elegant touch to the top.

A gold heart charm bracelet is a simple addition to the whole look. The brown manicure is perfectly matched with the brown belt for some subtle continuity. It is simple details like this that make the look flow. Beige flats are in harmony with the rest of the look. This Fashionista is a perfect example of a ‘less is more’ fashion mentality!

I noticed a beautiful ladybird tattoo on Fashionista’s neck. While this is more of a permanent feature than a fashion accessory, I thought it was in sync with the look and so deserved a photo! The detailed elegance of this hidden tattoo is perfectly balanced with the simplicity of this look.

If you want to emulate the look try this ASOS tee.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Less Is More

Many people are under the misconception that it takes a head to toe look of flashy and bold pieces to be a true Fashionista/o. While everyone loves to be outspoken and daring, sometimes a simpler look with the addition of a few accessories is the way to go. The old saying “less is more” truly holds its own in the fashion world, and it is a tip that is often overlooked.

This Fashionisto is the perfect example of the “less is more” look while staying primarily with a neutral color palette and adding the perfect pop of color. The dark wash skinny jean allows for the look to remain simple yet polished. A simple henley like this Fashionisto’s from Buckle is not only perfect for class, but it is also totally comfortable. H&M is another great place to find comfortable, simple henley shirts for both men and women.

On to my personal favorite part of this Fashionisto’s outfit: the accessories. I couldn’t help but notice this Fashionisto’s gold Michael Kors watch. The watch is a perfect addition to this look, and it takes this slightly simple look to the next level. I must admit, this Fashionisto won brownie points with me because I am lost without my Michael Kors watch. The final piece to complete this “less is more” look is his orange striped scarf. I absolutely love how this Fashionisto went with a striped Banana Republic scarf. Going with a vertical stripe is a perfect way to give yourself a few extra inches that you might have been lacking.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black to Basics

The loathed East Coast humidity has spread its tentacles to NYC, and in these last few days of summer it seems that every style savvy New Yorker is waiting with bated breath for the cooler autumn days on the horizon. The lackluster weather, that can be sure to cramp any Fashionista/o’s style (and hair), has left many a New Yorker scrambling for skimpy solutions. Therefore, I was doubly impressed by this young woman’s sophisticated ensemble. Her romper, strappy gladiator sandals and statement jewelry are faultlessly minimalistic.

She manages to keep her composure, and her cool, in a basic black Aqua romper that is the perfect balance of shapeless and structured. This romper does not fall into the often-charted frumpy territory of its less-than chic sisters; because of its cut and fabric, it is elegant and classic. Likewise, the cinched waist and pin-stripe detailing along the neckline are subtle nuances that elevate this romper from blah to posh.

Any college student, on both suburban and urban campuses, knows the importance of comfort and function in his or her wardrobe. This stylish student dons Sam Edelman black leather gladiator sandals that do wonders for her soles and her outfit. Sandals have been a summer staple since Caesar ruled the Roman Empire, and this black leather pair, decidedly modernized, are instantly classic.
Many scholars and students alike grapple with the compromise of fashion and function, and this student further balances the two with her black

Longchamp “Le Pliage” bag. This trusty canvas tote is a go-to for students and professionals: it is polished, yet extremely roomy and durable. Thus, this Fashionista manages to look effortless while lugging textbooks and her laptop from class to class.

Her statement jewelry is the cherry on top of this minimal sundae. Her selectivity is key: she wears just two large pieces that are bold without being tacky. Her gold Michael Kors watch and a vintage silver and gold necklace are the perfect finishing touches.

In these trying times, full of frizzy hair and shiny faces, remember to keep your outfits simple. Basic blacks and neutral tones are immediately edgy and lighter, easier pieces, like rompers, are the perfect solution to the end of the summer blues.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Less is More

The upcoming fashion scene fully employed the saying less is more. This poignant trend of minimalism has been shown in every fall, winter, spring and summer runway show; from Gucci to Stella McCartney and Chloe to Jil Sander, each of these designers proved the power of simplistic styling. It’s a refreshing deviation from cluttered accessories, overdone layering, and clashing patterns.

This Fashionista here is the perfect case study of minimalism. Her calm color palette, man-tailored silhouette, and subtly sumptuous fabrics prove that simple never looked so good. Although the plainness of it all may seem monotonous, it’s actually quite the opposite – it’s avant-garde. The fact that a look created from so little can inspire such beauty is a very different take on fashion compared to almost all other trends.

Even more importantly than weeding through the fashion bullshit is this trend’s ability to stylize Fashionistas in a way that puts the spotlight on her rather than her clothing. Here we can see that this Fashionista’s effortless combination works alongside her the fresh and dewy makeup, and easygoing and flowing locks to create an overall summery glow. (Any Fashionista employing the minimalist trend should use her hair, makeup and figure to create beauty alongside her clothing instead of hiding beneath her wardrobe!)

Hint: Refinery29 featured an H&M runway lookbook of their upcoming fall line. Not only are these looks fabulous examples of the less is more style, but they’re also wildly affordable! Make sure to watch this video for inspiration on how to shop the H&M minimalist look.

We’ve seen the minimalist trend hold its own throughout 2010/2011 but let’s hope the approaching September Issues predict a continuing minimalist trend for 2011/2012 … I’m certainly keeping my fingers crossed!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Less is More

This coming autumn some of the forecasted trends are simplicity, a touch-of-fur, animal prints and many more according to Vogue. Come August 31st when classes do start and the weather can stay warm for quite some time. While students in Boston are flaunting their newest autumn finds, down in DC we will still have to dress for the summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love the warm weather, but after months of the same wardrobe I do get excited to wear those new autumn trends (last year I even whipped out a pair of boots for evenings at the library long before others put their sandals away). The fur trend might not be the best one to transition into the beginning of school with, but why diverge completely when you can stick with the ever-trendy animal print. This Fashionista exemplifies the minimalist look that is being preached throughout blogs and magazines for this autumn with her three statement pieces, her dress, belt, and sandals. The animal print is the perfect pop and cheetah print never seems to go out of style. Along with being trendy, this ensemble is also very versatile. As school starts it is the perfect outfit to throw on when running to class and come the afternoon whether you have an internship or a job a quick shoe change and a blazer would make you ready to go in no time at all. As a matter of fact, throw some heels on when the sun sets and you’d be ready to go out. This Fashionista’s outfit really is practical while hitting many styles practical for both summer and autumn.

Hint: Staple, versatile dresses like this Fashionista’s are ones that you may want to splurge a little one, so why not try this one from Shoshanna or if you want something with a little less going on but still equally as stylish, try this Foley + Corinna one.