STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: My Fair Lady

In a time of vulgar rap music, skintight leggings, and high, high stilettos, there are still many Fashionistas inspired by the trends of the past. Role models like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly or Jackie O paved the way in creating a chic look for the modern woman. These fashion icons emphasized class by dressing in the most feminine ways.  For these women, simplicity and modesty was the way to show off their personal senses of style. They are all still major style icons in today’s society and their anything but basic styles still inspire Fashionistas today.

This Fashionista takes notes from the most beautiful women of the past by creating a chic ensemble with very feminine touches. Her asymmetrical cream-colored button-down blouse caught my eye; this modern twist on the classic blouse is a great way to bring a basic top to a new level. The sheerness and soft chiffon texture also add a feminine touch to this modern take on the button-down blouse.

Her ladylike accessories are what pull the outfit all together. Pearls are always a classy accessory, and this Fashionista makes a playful attempt with her neck accessory.  Knotted at the waist, her long strand of pearls is the perfect touch to her classic ensemble. Also, her bright green quilted purse adds the perfect pop of color to her neutral-colored outfit as well.  She allows her shirt and accessories to take center stage by wearing a pair of dark colored straight leg jeans and basic black ballet flats.  

Taking inspiration from classic fashion icons of the past is always a “do.” So ladies, throw on your classic ladylike blouse, chic dark cuffed jeans, and grab brunch or sip on some afternoon tea with your fellow females and feel the classic blast from the past!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: My Fair Lady

Recently those of us in the southern Plains and Midwest area were hit with a “snowpocalypse” that left many trapped in their homes fighting off symptoms of cabin fever. Punxsutawney Phil may have forecasted an early spring and retailers certainly are changing their floor sets to all things floral and mini, but we are still bracing for winter weather.

Luckily, I spotted this Fashionista in my pattern-making class right before the winter storm hit. While many choose to revert to neutral colors during the fall season, this Fashionista stood bravely against the norm using bold prints and color to brighten up her outfit. Designers like Jean Paul Gaultier embraced the Fair Isle trend in their 2010 a/w collections, leaving me enamored with how Fair Isle had transitioned from being worn only during the holidays into something that became entirely chic on its own.

Today’s Fashionista surprised me with her choice of pairing a bold color with a patterned knit dress. Usually, one would think that the combination could get rather distracting but this Fashionista demonstrates otherwise. When it comes to fashion, my favorite is when something unexpected somehow works so perfectly together. The colored tights do not overpower her Fair Isle inspired dress, but in fact serve to make a subtle but strong statement. Since Fair Isle consists of a repeating pattern, the dress provides a sense of stability that restrains her blue tights from stealing the show.

When donning knitted layers especially with patterns, one can quickly begin to look like a frumpy mess if not careful. To emulate this Fashionista’s look, accessorize with a belt that emphasizes your waist and pulls together the entire outfit. With colored tights, be sure to have fun with it because it is one accessory that can give any outfit a much-needed refresher. To combat the frigid climate and achieve a look that is warm and cute, try this similar dress from ASOS. This versatile Marc By Marc Jacobs dress transforms into a skirt that you can wear into spring. We Love Colors has a great assortment of colored tights that will add a little punch into your wardrobe. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: My Fair Lady

Being comfortable with yourself, as I've spoken about in many of my posts, is at the fore of being this thing we call "fashionable". The single greatest joy I get out of being a Style Guru for Collegefashionista is not the notoriety or self glorification that one would assume comes with the title. For me, the best part is when I can walk up to someone, in this case a person who had no clue they were being "fashionable", and see the joy in their eyes when I tell them I work for a fashion website and I'd like to photograph them. It's an incredible power, to be able to inject joy and self confidence into someone's day. I don't by any mean take it lightly or for granted. 

Being given the opportunity to take on a greater set of responsibilities or to hold a position of some social or cultural significant is a blessing. The real test of character and maturity is what you do with this newfound status that really matters. My goal, as was a goal of Andy Warhol and even artist today like Lady Gaga, with this position, and any position I will hold in the future, is to empower the people around me through fashion and art.

I believe that this particular young lady in this week's picture may just be the sweetest person I have ever met. Going to class everyday and just meandering through life you can become quite jaded. A lot of times when you see people who have so-called "fashion emergencies", like on those style television shows, they are the very people who are just tired and don't really have time. They look at fashion, or getting dressed, as a chore. I, unashamedly admit, have sometimes felt it as a chore as well. And it particularly happens in a time of inspirational drought.

But, what we must all remember is to just have fun with fashion. That's what this week's lovely lady continued to remind me. From her floral leggings, torn paint splattered shirt, and mismatch socks. The look makes me think of an Urban Outfitters kind of feel, but much more organic and personal. It's all so effortless and charming.

What I failed to realize at the initial time of taking the picture was how well everything worked together. From the outfit to the bags in her arms, even to the stones filling in the background. There is just a relationship that is every evident in this picture. It bares a somewhat resemblance to Marc Jacobs' Fall 2010 ads [view picture below]…kind of, you get what I mean.

Have fun with your style choices this week. I find that whenever I think about what I am going to wear, or to an extent try to plan, things get complicated. It's a mess. I try to keep getting dressed as organic and spontaneous as possible. Try to keep an open mind, stay receptive to change and new possibilities, and just have fun as you get dressed this week. Let it be something you look forward to, not dread.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *