Out with the Old, In with the New!

Do these two outfits look familiar to you?  They probably do.  We're all guilty at one time or another of throwing on Ugg boots and leggings to run to class.  And, even if you aren't personally guilty of wearing outfits like these, you've probably seen countless people wandering your college campus dressed like this.

I think that it's time to trash some of our (unfortunate looking, but beloved) college staples and replace them with something a bit more chic that's still just as functional and comfortable.

So, let's say goodbye to: Ugg boots, leggings, school logo sweatshirts, flannel pajama pants (anywhere but your dorm room), running/tennis sneakers, and, as my roommate calls them, 'butt-crack showin,' low waisted, flared jeans.'

1. Ugg boots:  Do I even need to explain?  As comfortable and cozy as they are, there's absolutely nothing attractive about them.  Don't you agree?  I promise that any other sort of flat boot can be just as comfortable and functional to wear everyday to class.  Flat, knee high boots or above the ankle boots are really popular right now and can be found everywhere at a range of prices.  Check out two of my favorite website: Zappos and PiperLime to see a huge selection of different options.

2. Leggings: Let's get one thing straight, leggings are not pants! You can't wear them with the same little tops you'd wear with jeans.  It just doesn't work.   Sorry...I wish we could too, but no matter how badly you want to put them on in the morning and wear them in the place of pants, try to resist the urge.  Wear jeans, corduroys, khakis, a skirt, tights and a dress, a romper, even sweatpants, just don't wear leggings as pants.  And if you really must wear them, at least pair them with a tunic or a top that's long enough to cover your butt!

3. School logo sweatshirts: There's no need to be a walking advertisement for your college for the simple reason that there are just so many other, much cuter, alternatives.  Putting on sweatshirt in the morning might be the easiest option, but I promise that you'll feel so much better in something a little more fun.  Try out a cute zip-up, a cardigan, or a pull over sweater instead.

4. Flannel Pajama Pants:  These are great for sleeping in, but wearing them to class is another story.  Replace them with anything else, just don't leave your dorms in them!  Personally, I think that being dressed for class helps me to focus, be more alert, and pay attention more.  If I wore my pajamas to class, I'd be too comfortable and ready for bed.

5. Tennis/Running Sneakers:  Not all sneakers are necessarily bad, but you might want to try out something new.  A few of my favorites are Vans and Converse.  Free People and Urban Outfitters usually have some cute options.  Or for a sneaker alternative that is just as comfortable (and even easier to slip on) try out a pair of Toms.

6. 'butt-crack showin,' low waisted, flared jeans': So last, but certainly not least, are these jeans.  No one wants to look up and see your butt-crack when they're sitting in class.  We can easily be more considerate and fashionable by replacing these jeans with a more modern (and higher rise) skinny jean.  Just like the boots (which, by the way, they'll look great tucked into) you can find them everywhere and for all different prices!

Check out the pictures below to see how one girl who was used to wearing the typical college uniform of sweatshirts, Uggs, leggings, sneakers, jeans, and pajama pants, trashed her staples and found even better alternatives that are still comfortable, functional, and fit her college budget!

The Season of Giving

Every week I blog about something new that I’m dying to get my hands on and add to my closet, but because it’s the holiday season, I’ve decided that this entry will be different.

So here we have The College Girl’s Guide to Fashion Gift Guide.  If you guys are anything like me, then I bet you’re also struggling to come up with the perfect gifts for your friends and family that will still work for your college budget.  For me it’s way easier to shop for my mom, sister , and friends who have tastes similar to me (I already know I’ll be getting my sister one of the Deborah Lippmann nail polishes I blogged about a few weeks ago).  It’s my dad and brother who make things a little tricky.  However, this year I think I’ve come up with some pretty good ideas that could be for anyone and that are also inexpensive. 

1. Magazine Subscription- Magazine subscriptions are only around $15 for an entire year.  Whoever you give this to will be able to enjoy the gift all year and have something to look forward to every month.  There are so many different options out there that there has to be one for everyone.  I know my dad has been wanting a subscription to House Beautiful (We just moved & ever since he’s been obsessed with fixing up the house) & my brother would probably like one about videogames.

2. Kodak Calendar- This is one of my favorite ideas!  On Kodak’s website you can create your own calendar by choosing one of their designs (they have so many!) and adding your own pictures of you and your friends or family.  This is great for friends’ dorms or for your parents to hang up around the house or their offices.  I think that everyone would like a gift this personal and thoughtful.  Also, the cost is less than $20!

3. Mix CD- This gift idea is probably the least expensive, as long as you already have a variety of music on your computer.  Just remember to put a little thought into the project.  Design a CD cover, choose songs that are specific to the person you’re giving the CD to, and maybe even write a little blurb about why you chose the song, maybe there’s a memory related to it or you just heard it and thought they’d like it too!

4. When all else fails: A Gift Card- Although everyone loves gift cards, I think that they should be the last resort because they’re a little impersonal.  However, the positives about them are you can get them for almost anywhere and spend however much or little as you’d like.

Just remember, there’s no need to stress out about holiday shopping.  Anything that’s from the heart and has a little thought put into it will definitely be loved by your family and friends.  Happy Holidays!

'Tis The Season For Sparkles And Sequins

Thanksgiving and Black Friday (I hope you all scored some good deals!) have already come and gone, and I really cannot believe how fast this year is flying by!  Where did the semester go?

Luckily, with the holidays approaching, we have more to look forward to than just exams and term papers.  The holiday season is one of my personal favorite times of year because our outfits can be even more over the top than usual.  It is finally more than okay  (if not completely necessary) to wear sequins, sparkles, statement jewelry, and velvet all in one ensemble!

With less than a month to go until Christmas, I think that it’s time for us to start thinking about the perfect holiday party outfits.  I’ve already seen a few pieces in stores that have caught my eye and I wanted to share them with you guys!

Just remember, you probably won’t wear most of these holiday pieces all of the time, so don’t splurge too much!

I'll keep you guys posted as I see more inspiring holiday party looks!

This strapless tutu dress is also from Zara.  I really like how they paired it with a leather jacket to give it a harder edge.  This outfit would be great for a holiday party or NewYears Eve, especially if you paired it with some big, sparkly jewelry or maybe a leopard print shoe!

When I saw this dress in the window at Zara, I absolutely loved it!  I've been looking for something in leopard print and I also love the length of this mini dress.  This one is definitely on my Christmas list!

This gold, glittery clutch is only $12 from Top Shop.  It's so festive and also the perfect size for a party.  It's just big enough to fit lip gloss, some money and your cell phone

I just got this crushed velvet dress from Forever 21.  The burgundy color and velvet give it an instant holiday vibe.  I love the dress because of its versatility.  It can be be dressed down for day or dressed up for an evening party.  For only $12, it's a great buy

Add a Bit of Sparkle to Your Step This Winter

So I never usually think to turn to O Magazine for fashion, but while I was skimming the December issue, I found an article that caught my eye.  In the "Look What we Found" article, O featured 5 pairs of flats, heels, and sneakers that were completely covered in sparkles.  Before seeing this story, I had never really thought about wearing sparkly shoes (kind've tacky, right?) but the shoes they pictured were so fun and, actually, really nice, especially for this time of year.  I was drawn to one pair in particular that I thought I'd get a lot of use out of.  These were the $45 silver shimmery slip-on Keds for Gap.  I thought that they were great and wanted to try them out.  Unfortunately, my local Gap still doesn't have them in stock, but at least that gives me some time to decide between the bronze and silver pair.  I thought that they'd look great with cropped skinny jeans and maybe a big, grey chunky sweater.  Check out the other featured styles In O Magazine and let me know what you think.  Are these sparkly shoes a hit or a miss?

Fashion Profile: Fordham University Lincoln Center

Name: Marielle Palamaro

College: Fordham University Sophomore

Me: So how would you describe your personal style?

Marielle: My personal style is somewhat Victorian with a mixture of modern trends.

Me: What inspires your fashion?

Marielle: My mom’s old clothes, the Victorian period, and Sophia Copula’s movie Marie Antoinette.  Also, vintage pieces and old fashion styles and silhouettes are a big inspiration for me

Me: I can tell! What do you love about fashion?

Marielle: I see it as a form of art and self-expression.  It’s a simple, visual way for me to express who I am.  And really, it just makes me feel good!

Me: What do you think of the fashion at Fordham University?

Marielle: I think there are a lot of interesting people at Fordham.  You can see this through the way they dress.  I think it’s clear that there are a lot of people at here, especially at the Lincoln Center campus, with a passion for fashion.

Me: What fashion tips would you give other college students?

Marielle: I’d say to use your clothes to express who you are.  Embrace it and do it with conviction!  Most importantly, you should always feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Me: I definitely agree. And lastly, we all want to know, what are you wearing in the picture?

Marielle: I’m wearing my mom’s maroon velvet shirt, a high-waisted floral skirt from Top Shop, my vintage, grey, suede, heeled ‘Victorian-esque’ boots, and a black, vintage leather purse with a gold lizard on it.

I hope you guys enjoyed this.  There will be more fashion profiles to come!  Also, I'd love to see what the fashion is like on your campus too!

You've Got to Have It! Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish



'Happy Birthday'



'Boom Boom Pow'

I’m always looking for fun, new nail polish colors that are a little more exciting than the generic pinks and reds sold at drug stores.  I was introduced to Deborah Lippmann nail polish about a year ago by a friend, and have been hooked ever since!  Her nail polishes are far from ordinary.  I think that they can instantly change any outfit that would otherwise be plain and, honestly, a little boring.  Most of the colors are bright metallics and are filled with chunks of glitter and sparkles.  

Luckily for us, Deborah Lippmann just put out her new colors for this upcoming holiday season.  They are ‘Today was a Fairytale,’ which is a silvery, blue, glitter starlight color that contains virgin diamond powder, and ‘Boom Boom Pow,’ which is a glittery and glamorous gold gleam color that contains 24K gold dust.  I can’t wait to try out these new colors!

If you’re looking for other colors, I recommend “Across the Universe,” “Bad Romance,” and , my all time favorite, “Happy Birthday.”  Deborah Lippmann polish usually retails from $15-20, but I promise that they are worth every penny.  Think about it this way, you can wear these polishes everyday!

'Across the Universe"

'Bad Romance'

DIY: Studs, Studs, Studs

Lately, I’ve seen studs on everything, from handbags to jeans, and I decided that I wanted to try out this trend.  My sister showed me these studded vintage converse high tops from Free People that she thought I’d like.  She was right…I loved them!  What I didn’t like though was their price tag of $170.  I knew that it would be a little more difficult than clicking “add to cart,” but I figured I could probably make something like this myself that would be way less expensive.  

After doing a little research, I found out that, a side from being time consuming, studding your own clothes and canvas shoes is actually pretty simple.  Here's how to do it:

1. Get together what ever you want to stud.  I recommend t-shirts or canvas sneakers.  It will definitely be more difficult to get the studs through denim or leather.  I’m going to stud classic, black Chuck Taylor's  like the ones in the picture.  They're only $45, which is great compared to spending $170!

2. You can order what ever kinds of studs you like online at studsandspikes.com.  They have a huge variety.  I’ve ordered a bag of 100 large gold spikes for only $12!

3.  They also sell kits that include mallets and other tools to help with the studding, but I’ve found out that, to save money, you can use a regular rubber mallet, or other tools that you can probably find in your garage, that will help with getting the studs through the fabric.  Or you can always just use your hands!

I still have a ways to go with this project, but I’m super excited about it.  Because I made them myself, I’ll love these shoes even more than the ones from Free People and I'll be saving over $100!  I’ll keep you guys up-to-date on my progress and, if all goes well, I’ll be making another pair for my sister for Christmas.  Let me know how your studded project goes too!



5 Cold Weather Favorites

After a draining couple of weeks of mid-terms, I definitely needed a break from homework and essays.  This blog entry instantly cheered me up.  I hope you like it too!

Everyone has their favorite things that they couldn’t get through a season without.  For some people it’s a great pair of jeans, a cute, easy-to-wear, black dress, or maybe just your favorite pair of boots.

I’ve put together a list of my 5 favorite things that I know I wouldn’t be able to get through this upcoming winter without.  Some of them are a little pricey (its unfortunate, I know) but I love to mix them with less expensive items.  Maybe one of my favorites will be something you’ll want to add to your closet this winter!  And, I'd love it if you'd let me know what's on your list of favorite things!

   

1. Dolce Vita 'Prince boots, SoleStruck, $134



They're so comfortable and I was able to get mine on sale!  I like these best with tights and mini dresses or skirts.



2. Zara camel colored coat, $189

I know the price is steep, but the neutral color makes it something that can definitely be worn with just about anything & it's also something that will last.

3. American Apparel leggings, $26



I couldn't live without these leggings.  I wear them all of the time with big sweaters & they're super comfortable.



4. Michael Kors 'Jet Set Iconic' watch, Nordstrom, $250



This one's also pretty expensive.  I waited until the Anniversary Sale to get it, but I love it and wear it everday.  It dresses up and polishes casual outfits.


5. Free People 'Velvet Foliage' dress, $98

This dress is definitely one of my favorites.  I love wearing velvet in the winter!  Because it's sleeveless, I like to wear mine with a cardigan or with a long-sleeved shirt underneath.

Fashion That Sends a Message




 


Unlike most frivolous fashion, these t-shirts send a message and help us end hatred and inequality.



CNN announced earlier today that an 8th suspect had been arrested for participating in a series of brutal anti-gay hate crimes against men in New York City.  After hearing this story, along with the other recent, tragic events that took place across the country in which LGBT youth took their own lives due to hatred and bullying, I wanted to reflect on a very important and current topic.  I strongly believe in gay rights, equality, and an end to the intolerance and hated currently facing many lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders. 

Because fashion is such an important form of expression for many people, Marc Jacobs and American Apparel have put out the above t-shirts to spread this message.  The proceeds from the sales of these shirts will go to the Human Rights Campaign, the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco, and other organizations that support gay rights.  Although, of course, t-shirts are only a very small part in the achievement of equality for all and putting an end to hatred and intolerance, expressing yourself through fashion - and sending this message whenever and wherever you can - never goes out of style.

You've Got to Have Them! Kersh Pajamas



I know what you're thinking: pajamas and fashion?  The two don't usually go hand in hand, but just hear me out.
We’re all guilty of this, so don’t even try to deny it.  When getting ready for bed, who hasn’t, at least at some point, pulled out old sweat pants and an over-sized t-shirt?  You probably can’t even remember where exactly the t-shirt came from and the sweatpants… well, they take worn out to a whole new level.  I know, personally, that sleeping in a dorm room with 6 other girls doesn’t necessarily inspire me to have the cutest pajamas; and by the time I’m ready to put them on, I’m usually too exhausted to care what I look like.  Furthermore, when I’m out shopping, I’m definitely going to spend my money on a killer pair of shoes rather than a pair of pajamas.

Too cute to only wear to bed!

But no more excuses. 

This all needs to change and I have come across the perfect company that will help us make it happen.  When I was in the Teen Vogue fashion closet this week, I was sending back samples that PR companies had sent for the holiday gift guide.  One of the things we were featuring was lounge wear.  One group of pajamas, in particular, stuck out and this is when I realized what my wardrobe was seriously lacking.  They were by a Canadian company called Kersh.  The line included bright, floral prints, baby doll tops, adorable cotton shorts, and details and accents that made these pajamas almost too good to limit to just sleeping in.  Kersh has been around for a while but their lounge wear line is just launching and will be in stores this winter and spring.    You can check out some of their styles in Teen Vogue’s holiday gift guide issue or on their website.  This week I've realized that getting dressed for bed can be just as fun as getting dressed in the morning, and all of us should go out and, finally, find PJ’s that we can be excited about!  Don't you agree?

Just a Side Note

Before I get into today’s blog entry (which I’m very excited about), I have to quickly go back to last week.  There are two, somewhat important things that I forgot to mention about myself.

1. When I say “The College Girl’s Guide to Fashion,”  I must let you know that although I hope this blog will be useful for girls at colleges all over the country, I’m writing to you from a very specific place: New York City, one of the fashion capitals of the world.  I’m a college student whose campus is located just steps from Lincoln Center in Manhattan, where this year’s Mercedes-Benz New York City Fashion Week just recently took place!  Being in this location, I am constantly surrounded by excitement and fashion.  I cannot wait to share it all with you!

And 2. As I mentioned, I’m an intern, a topic that I will elaborate on later, but I’d quickly like to let you know that I am currently an intern at the Condé Nast magazine Teen Vogue.  I still can’t even really believe it and I’ve been there for over a month.  It’s one of my dreams come true and I never thought I’d achieve my goal so soon.  I will definitely be sharing my experiences there with you guys as well, but more on that later!

Hey Everyone!

Hello fellow fashionistas, my name is Gianna.  I'm a college student living and working in New York City and I have a serious love of fashion.  When it comes to fashion, I'm usually always on the search for something, whether it be the perfect pair of boots or a bag I saw someone carrying on the street.  Some of my searches take time, while others are quick and painless.  Some searches are interrupted when I find the perfect item with the only problem being that it, sadly, exceeds my (college) budget and, at times like those, I must re-strategize! 

September 110, 2010: NYC's Fashion's Night Out!

On my search for the perfect wardrobe, I’m also on a very different kind of journey, that being trying to navigate the fashion industry and make a career out of something that right now is only a passion.  I have come to find that all of this is even harder than I originally expected it to be.  I'm in the process of finding a balance between school, work, interning, my personal life and, of course, looking fashionable while managing all of this! With this blog, I’d like to share my experiences and fashion journey with you all and, hopefully, with my stories I will be able to provide advice for those of you who also share my love of fashion.  Along the way, I’d love to be able to help with whatever you’re searching for as the perfect addition to your wardrobe and you guys may even have some tips for me!  So far I have come to learn that the only way to navigate this crazy industry is one-step (and purchase) at a time!