Campus Couture: Casually Cool Jessica

jess[While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.]

She’s a senior and while she may be dealing with a bad case of Senioritis, her style certainly isn’t. No matter what time she wakes up in the morning – sometimes ten minutes before class…and sometimes ten minutes after it’s started – Jessica always stays fly and manages to pull on something cute. Even if its her simple staple look – one of her many v-necks, a scarf, and a pair of comfy jeans. She just makes everything look good. What got me to notice her in a sea of students wearing jeans and v-necks, though?

Her hot pink Longchamp bag and a fantastically contrasting bright scarf. This girl just knows how to stand out.

Name: Jessica
Year: 2010
Major: Political Science, Global Health Certificate
Jessica in 3 words: tongue-in-cheek, spontaneous, eclectic

1) Describe your personal style.

I’ve never really defined my personal style; it’s pretty eclectic and definitely varies with my mood. I’m from San Francisco and people sometimes tell me I have that easy-going West Coast vibe: skinny jeans, colorful Chucks, v-neck tee, and scarf. I love v-neck tees and have them in every color. Sometimes I’ll feel more girly and wear a pretty sundress with sandals or flip-flops (never heels, just too uncomfortable for me). I don’t know, I go through phases! I’ve been through a punk phase, a boho phase, a hipster phase…I don’t have much time to get ready in the morning, though, so I definitely go for something comfortable and easy to wear. Read More »

Campus Couture: Keepin’-It-Comfy Meagan

meaganWhile everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.

I’ve known Meagan since elementary school, and she’s always been one of the happiest people I know (she’s a cheerleader so she has to be, I guess). Her clothing choices are always full of color and spunk, and she is the definition of cute: a tiny body with a big personality that shines through her outfits. She doesn’t sacrifice comfort for fashion, however, because she believes that fashion is not necessarily about looking good, but feeling good. And that is the most inspiring thing I’ve heard about fashion in a long, long time.

Name: Meagan
Year: 2012
Major: mechanical engineering
Meagan in 3 words: levelheaded, nerdy, friendly

1) Describe your personal style.
Casual and comfortable, but definitely cute. Most days you’ll see me in a nice top with jeans and flats. I’m very down to earth, not overly girly with lots of make-up or anything dramatic. Just comfy and cute.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
Cell phone.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
Nordstrom – they have everything you need from outerwear to underwear. Read More »

Shopping Your Closet: Graphic Tees

graphic tees

Graphic tees are a fun, comfortable way to express your individuality and style (sorry, your “I LOVE BEER” shirt doesn’t count…), without breaking the bank. Every one of us has at least one that we enjoy wearing on a regular basis, but most likely we are wearing it simply with a pair of jeans or some sweatpants for the sake of comfort. While Jon Gosselin ruined graphic tees for the world, if done right (Read: not over-the-top and obnoxious), they are a simple and fun way to add some serious cool to any outfit.

Here are some ideas to re-work the graphic tee with some other items you’ve already got lying around. Read More »

Fashion Porn: T-shirt Orgy

tshirt introMost guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

The t-shirt is arguably the most versatile item of clothing in a college girl’s closet. Though they originated as undershirts, the tee has come along way. Now it’s the perfect item for any occasion, whether you are picking up boys at the bar or rolling out of bed 5 minutes before class. T-shirts are no fuss, they don’t require ironing, and go with jeans, skirts and sweats!

Whether you are trying to make a statement, stand out from the crowd, or blend in to a lecture hall, there is a t-shirt out there for you. Want to hit the bar without looking like you tried too hard? Jeans and a t-shirt. Want to go casual cool when meeting up with the girls? Add a blazer and some choice accessories. Want to look uber chic for a martini party? Tuck a tee into a high waisted skirt and hit the town in those gladiator heels. You can also show off your love for 80s pop stars or subtly declare your love for College Candy without ever saying a word. Read More »

Wardrobe Wish List: Zinc Embroidered Tunic

zinc

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

If you’ve been looking for something a little different to spice up your everyday wardrobe, this unique piece by Zinc may just be the answer. This sheer top is super easy, super cute and super duper flattering on everyone. It features feminine, multicolored embroidery on the front and back as beautiful lace runs along the top at the neckline. The black and lace provides a more mature look while the colorful floral embroidery gives it a girly feel. A cinched waist shows off your curves as the lower half flows over nicely over your hips.

This wonderful tunic is definitely a better alternative to pair with your jeans than any one of those twenty t-shirts you have hanging in your closet (or crumpled up on your floor…). It is more stylish and chic without looking too much like a “night outfit.” When you’re not sure what to wear, put on this elaborate top, some jeans, maybe a few bangles, and you’ll have a great outfit that looks totally put together without looking as though you put in a lot of effort… because you didn’t.

Shopping Your Closet: 3 Ways to Wear a Blazer

on599792-01p01v011[I used to show you how to pull off runway trends in the series "Rock the Look." In this new series, I'll be taking a different item you probably already have in your closet each week and showing you three new ways to wear it. After all, the best shopping tip anyone will give you is to only buy pieces that work with something you already own. Last week I glammed up the basic black tee, and this week we're moving on to blazers.]

You probably have a blazer.

Your mom made you buy it and now the only time you pull it out of your closet is for job interviews and funerals. Other than that, it just hangs there and takes up space that would be better suited for a new pair of sweats. But your basic black blazer (like the one pictured right, from Old Navy) can be very stylish and versatile!

Wear it during the day to your internship for a mature (but not “old”) look, or to dress up a pair of jeans on the weekend.

Here are three new ideas for rocking a black (or whatever color you might have) blazer. Read More »

Rock The Look: Relaxed Fit Pants

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Relaxed fit pants are the must-have silhouette for spring 2009. With the correct fit, they strike the perfect balance between appearing effortlessly chic and professionally appropriate. They can be worn for a day out, a night out, or even to your summer internship.

But without the correct fit, they can also go horribly, horribly wrong.

When you try them on, make sure they are fitted in the waist and butt. They should be looser and more relaxed over your thighs, and tapered and cropped above your ankles.

Since cropped pants can make your legs seem shorter, wear heels to balance everything out if you’re on the petite side. If you’re taller, pair them with heels or wedges for a dressier look, or flat gladiator sandals for a more casual vibe. Just stay away from ballet flats.

Because you’re going loose on your bottom half, you’ll want to wear a more fitted top. A tucked in blouse works for a more professional setting. When you’re not at work, wear a slim-fitting t-shirt and belt around the pants. Click here to see an example of how to rock this trend on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Here’s some more outfit inspiration: Read More »

The Pros and Cons of Dressing Down for the Bar

casual.jpgIt’s 9:30 PM on a glorious Thursday evening. You are anxiously anticipating the start of Thirsty Thursday…until your roomie calls to tell you pregame’s at 10! You haul ass home from yoga-lates, scrub yourself in the shower, and shun your razor—baby smooth legs will have to wait for a less time-crunched evening. You barely have enough time to swipe on some mascara and, lord knows, your hair is air drying (embrace the wave).

You throw open your closet, throw on the first cute top you see and wear your butt jeans and sex kitten heels to compensate. You dash downstairs to join in on the Franzia fueled festivities and are greeted by a friend.

“Aw, don’t you look…comfortable?!”

Excuse moi? Comfortable? You weren’t thinking that exactly…just casual. But no – you have now been lumped into that category: you’re the girl who’s dressed down for the bar. Let us explore the positives and negatives of this conundrum.

Pro: Your feet are feeling mighty fine and you’re on your 8th rendition of the “Come On, Ride the Train.” Envious girls stare at you from their perches on bar stools—anything to get them off those blistering platforms. You enjoy the company of many a’ inebriated fella as they embrace your carefree love of dancing (read: drunken spinning and arm movements.) And while homegirl is teetering around on her 4 inchers trying not to slip in bar slime, you and your comfy arches make record time to the front of the line when it’s time to re up.

Con: As Mr. Cheeks would say, “Them high heels got them calves lookin’ right too!” Heels do have that magic ‘lift and strut’ factor, which is incredibly hard to imitate in flats…let alone under the influence of Irish Car Bombs. You will also be dwarfed by men and women alike, so don’t get separated from your girls; it might be a while until you reunite on line for the bathroom. Additionally, you might wake up the next morning with a case of stiletto toe: some girls just don’t watch (or care) who’s feet they step on, and your pedi will be the one to suffer. Read More »

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Anne Hathaway – The Ultimate in Casual Chic-titude

anne.jpg[Every week our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I love Anne Hathaway. Not just because I loved the Princess Diaries. Not just because her movie Bride Wars seems like the perfect guilty pleasure. Not because her skin is so perfect you want to hate her for it/steal it. And not just because she seems so normal and goofy that you just want to be the LC to her Whitney…

My love for Anne is all about her style; the girl always looks so put together. Even when she’s traveling. Even when she’s wearing nothing extravagant. She doesn’t need it.

Our gal pal Anne always wears classic looks with a hint of trend, as opposed to letting the trends hang on her as if she were a store mannequin (cough cough: every other Hollywood starlet).

So that is why I chose this look for this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap. It’s cute, it’s classic (with a fun scarf and sunglasses to punch it up) and it’s something we would actually wear.

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Anne Hathaway – The Ultimate in Casual Chic-titude Read More »

Rock The Look: Belts (Thick or Thin!)

runwaybelts.jpg

(Left to right, Fall 2008 RTW, from style.com: Jill Stuart, Fendi, Fendi, 3.1 Philip Lim)

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading! In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Belts are your most useful accessories; they can hold up your pants, make your waist look small (even in the bulkiest of sweaters), and (literally) pull your outfit together.

Belts are a worthwhile investment because they are so versatile. Neutral colors like brown or black will work with most items in your wardrobe, and brighter colors can make a boring outfit unique. Read on for different ways to cinch your waist this winter. (Warning: anything that applies pressure to the stomach is probably not something you’re going to want to try out at Thanksgiving dinner.)

Read More »