Looks on Campus- Bridgitte

For this weeks look on campus, I spoke to Bridgitte, who I met sophomore year while working an admissions event. When I saw her wearing a maxi dress the other day – one of the biggest trends for this summer – I knew I had to stop her and ask her a couple of questions so she could be on my blog. I love how she wore one statement piece, and kept the rest of her outfit simple so all of the attention was on her stunning dress. Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Bridgitte!

The Basics

Name: Bridgitte

Major: Business

Hometown: Perry Hall, Md.

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend? “My current favorite fashion trend is mixing styles from the 90s and 60s and adding a modern twist. I like vintage style with bright colors.”

Favorite places to shop? “Forever 21, Garage, Love Culture, and Pacsun.”

Inspiration for todays look? “My roommate. She dresses like a hippie, and normally I dress more conservatively with bright colors. Bringing a new style into my wardrobe allows me to add a fun twist.”

Any fashion tips? “Be yourself, and be okay with taking risks with new styles. It’s the risks that people always fall in love with!”

Best deal you ever got? “Getting a $185 dress for $5.”

What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe? “A lace cardigan that falls off my shoulder when I wear it and creates a flash dance inspired look.”

Summer 2011 Trends

The first nice day of spring every year at college campuses across the country seems to bring every student around out onto well manicured lawns. Today, this sunny afternoon at Hood was no exception. Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors gathered from dorms and off-campus apartments to soak up the sun, play the guitar, work on homework, play volleyball with friends, or take a nap.

As I sat on the quad this afternoon with two of my friends trying to enjoy the warm weather before it gets too hot, I couldn’t help but noticing all of the cute outfits girls were wearing as they walked by! After such a long and cold winter, I was so happy to see bright colors, sandals,  and sundresses galore. However, two trends seemed to be more prevalent than others: maxi dresses and gladiator sandals.

Maxi Dresses

Victoria’s Secret ,                                                                                                 Old Navy

The one summer trend that I noticed more than others on campus today were maxi dresses (or patio dresses, as my mom calls them). Although girls have been wearing these for the past couple of summers now, I think they are going to be huge for this summer! It’s definitely different from traditional leg baring mini dresses that many women are used to wearing, but these floaty dresses make bodies long so long and lean, that I think the trend is really going to stay around for a while. Plus, they come in so many different patterns and styles, that it’s hard not to find one to like! When shopping for a maxi dress, make sure that the dress hits the floor and goes away from your body, to ensure a lean silhouette.

Gladiator Sandals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Eagle ,                                                                                                                      Steve Madden

The other trend I noticed was gladiator sandals, usually worn with maxi dresses. These simple shoes go so well with everything, and are about 100 percent classier than traditional flip flops. However, they versatile sandals also go great with shorts and skirts. These sandals are usually available in neutral colors, such a brown, black, silver, and gold as to complement all of your summer dresses perfectly. I would definitely recommend buying a pair!

What do you think? What trends are going to be big?

Forecast for Spring

Spring started six days ago, so I really am kind of late on “forecasting” style for spring. Technically, I probably should have talked about this after New York Fashion Week in the fall, but I didn’t have this blog then. But who cares about rules? I’m going to comment on what I have been noticing has been popular recently.

Lace

Yesterday I went shopping for the first time since December. I know right? How this is that possible considering I have a blog about fashion? Well, it is. I am a poor college student, and as a result, I haven’t been shopping in a long time. Regardless, I was at Forever 21 yesterday, and I noticed all kinds of lace everywhere! From white and black lace, to edge and venetian lace, it seemed to be on just about every piece of clothing in the store.

Lace dress, $97, Forever21 cut out dress, $23, Sheer dress, $98, Miss Selfridge shrug top, 28 GBP, Free People bandeau tube top, $28, Lace top, $17, Cardigan, 35 GBP, Lace top, $17, H M pink tank top, Rue21 chiffon skirt, $22, Lace short, $36, Forever21, $23, Minuet Petite pink skirt, 35 GBP, Cover up swimwear, 55 GBP, American Eagle outfitter, $25, Black lace necklace, $20, Necklace, $13, TopShop hair accessory, $8

Notice how almost everything is in the same feminine color palette…pinks, whites, and beige. Now, while I kind of like that, I think a lot more people would like lace if it came in other colors. If you are afraid of feeling too girly in one of these pieces, trying pairing it with something a little less delicate-like a lace tank with a leather motorcycle jacket!

Florals

Last week, I was waiting for a table in D.C., and was left standing outside for at least an hour. Usually this is pretty boring, but I was on a busy street and there was tons of people watching to do! I was on the same street at the Verizon Center actually (on the day on the Pitt v. Butler game), so there was definitely some interesting fashion present. Anyways, so one thing I noticed was the popularity of floral.

Now, I love floral! Other than with lace or pink, how else can you easily make an outfit girly easily? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t floral print; they think it comes off looking too much like an old lady. However, there is a right way to wear floral- in moderation. Don’t go all out in a really long big print floral dress, you will look like a grandma. If you wear a small bit (like on a bandeau top under a tank), you can still look young!

Floral dress, $45, Floral dress, 27 GBP, Cotton dress, 22 GBP, Tube dress, $18, H M floral dress, Floral top, $45, Forever21 knit tank top, $13, Rue21 floral skirt, $30, Maggie and Me cotton mini skirt, 20 GBP, Ladies Laced Floral Wellies, 16 GBP, Forever21 canvas shoes, $20, Forever21 flat thong sandal, $13, Floral print handbag, 10 GBP, Pink bracelet, $44, Marc Jacobs gold chain bracelet, $42, Monsoon stud earring, 14 GBP, BKE bracelet, $8.04, Forever21 floral jewelry, $2.80, Floral hair accessory, $12, Floral sunglass, $9.99, Floral scarve, 6,95 EUR

Looks on Campus- Hilary

After over a week-long hiatus, I am back! Over my spring break, I spent the week in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on an alternative spring break trip where I didn’t have internet access, so I apologize for the lack of posts. In addition, upon my return, I was swamped with papers and exams, so I haven’t had time to post in a recently. However, I shouldn’t make excuses. So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Hilary!

I met Hilary freshman year sometime after orientation, and we have been very close friends since then. Although some might consider her sense of style to be very traditional, I have always admired the feminine and preppy touches she adds to make her looks one of a kind. Here’s a  look at what she wore today.

The Basics

Name: Hilary

Major: English

Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend?
“Hard to say! I really enjoy cycling through different styles — preppy classic, vintage-artsy, sporty…I will say that I really like thin billowy cardigans and tops. They are soft and romantic, and are finally a popular style that looks good on a tall person!”

Favorite places to shop?
“I absolutely love Old Navy! Their clothes are affordable, comfy, and simple, yet they always have really fun patterns if you are looking for something exciting to mix with a good basic.”

Inspiration for todays look?
“I was feeling sort of artsy — sometimes I’m content with a basic tee and skinny jeans, but I felt like an interesting pattern and some unique jewelry just fit my mood more that day. It sounds silly, but I often dress to fit my mood!”

Any fashion tips?
“Wear what makes you feel confident. Don’t try to squeeze into something that’s not you, or hide your body with loose clothes! A proper fit will have your body more comfortable and your mind feeling confident. Experiment until you find a style that makes YOU feel happy, and like a million bucks.”

If you could raid any celebrities closet, who would you choose?
“I love Blake Lively! She is a fellow tall girl, and has a very laid back, classic style, with a lot of simple basics and layering. However, she isn’t afraid to try bright prints and interesting cuts either. She’s very versatile, and I like that.”

Best deal you ever got?
“I got a gorgeous, teal colored silk blouse at the Gap which was originally $60 for $13. I was a very happy shopper!”

What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
“I love my sun dresses — all of them. The Old Navy ones I love especially, because I feel comfortable in them, and always feel confident and pretty without working too hard — I like to keep it simple, and those dresses say that.”