He Was A Skater Boy!

If you’re one of the many wishing for warm weather don’t fret, because here in Savannah the weather is dreadful. Spring break is over and school has become the usual monotonous routine. Nights are filled with studying to the max and mornings consist of irritating alarm clocks that break our peaceful dreams. Another school quarter, another day and another homework assignment, all of which might have you feeling out of sorts this week. My suggestion: dress like who you want to be. Sometimes it’s fun to dress yourself into a different role, and it helps break up the monotony.

We all remember the overplayed but very catchy song “Sk8er Boi,” by Avril Lavigne, and this week’s Fashionisto had Sk8er Boi written all over him. I spotted him in my early morning art history class; he was the perfect burst of energy to get this week’s column going. His look is fresh with a taste of urban and that’s why I headed over to Urban Outfitters to find you just right the pieces. This gingham shirt is the foolproof way to get this look, and it’s on sale! Pair it with a comfy cardigan like this one here. The skater boy look no longer consists of baggy low-rise jeans; nowadays skaters wear a form-fitting jean like the Levi’s 511 Jean.

Looking for the perfect shoe to perform all of your skater tricks in? The Chuck Taylor Washed Canvas edition will provide you with the comfort and confidence needed to hit your feet every time. They come looking faded and worn, so don’t get caught up in looking too polished. This look is meant to look urban. Finally, no skater would be complete without a beanie. I’m digging this multi-colored one here.

Hint: Dress yourself into a different identity. The great thing about fashion is that we can dress in all sorts of styles one day and completely change it the next. Think outside the box this week and dress like a skater boy. To accomplish this, pair a plaid gingham shirt underneath a comfy cardigan. Put on a pair of dark wash jeans underneath, slip on some Chuck Taylor’s and cover your noggin with a beanie and you’ll have yourself singing the lyrics to “Sk8er Boi” in no time.

Style On,

Alicia Gonzalez

Check out my article as previously published on CollegeFashionista:
http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-he-was-a-skater-boy/ 

Spring Into The New Season

Spring is officially here, and that means summer is right around the corner. It’s time to pack up your winter gear and pull out those tank tops and shorts you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet. Your wardrobe is screaming for an overhaul, and this week, I’m going to show you just how to accomplish this.

Some of the best pieces in your wardrobe are the ones that can translate from one season to the next. As this week’s Fashionisto demonstrates, flats are an easy way to keep your outfits engaging and they can easily spring into the new season’s trends. I was lucky enough to find a similar pair from Zara here. One of my favorite current trends are the Ray-Ban sunglasses. This accessory is a fun and simple way to add a little surfer cool to your vibe without over doing it. I’ve found the perfect classic pair here.

Spring is definitely a time for change. Embrace the change in your wardrobe and try things what you’ve never tried before. Polka-dots are the perfect way to bring a little spring flair into your life; polka-dots aren’t just for the girls! Prints and patterns are becoming more and more unisex in fashion, and this goes for polka-dots, too. See for yourself at Urban Outfitters here. Renovate your wardrobe by pairing your dots with denim jeans and a lightweight jacket. Remember that fashion is always changing, but it’s what you do with the new trends that dictate your style. In the famous words of Coco Chanel, “Fashion changes, but style endures.”

Hint: Embrace change this week in your wardrobe. Stock up on flats, sunglasses and denim jeans. Pair your favorite jean with a polka-dot top. Add a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses and say hello to your new and improved wardrobe. Take it a step further with a cool and lightweight jacket. This new look will not only have you feeling good but it will also have you digging out those buried New Year’s resolutions in no time.

Style On, 

Alicia Gonzalez

 This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-spring-into-the-new-season/

On The Go

Finals have arrived my fellow SCAD Bees, and that means spring break is in sight. Although I’m sure most of you have your thoughts set on camping at the beach for a week, let’s not forget to finish this quarter looking remarkable. While most of us have thrown the idea of sleeping out the window to crank out last minute projects, let’s keep ourselves energized through bright clothing selections and endless amounts of coffee.

For the last week of winter quarter, your outfits are probably the last thing on your mind. So this week while you’re on a constant go, keep it simple. This Fashionisto is keeping it basic with a bright T-shirt and an overlaying coat in the same color family. T-shirts are a fun and easy way to bring an outfit to life. As spring break is rolling in closer and closer, tank tops might be a better selection for you island jet setters. Urban Outfitters has a few funky noteworthy graphic tanks here.

Let your T-shirt do all the talking this week and pair it with denim jeans. Levi Brand Jeans is featuring the 501 Original Fit Jean as their monthly go-to pant. Available in a wide variety of washes and colors, you can’t go wrong with this one, Fashionistos. While you’re running out the door for last minute errands, don’t forget to grab a complementing layer for your outfit. I’m really digging these field jackets from Armani Collezioni here.

Hint: While you rush to complete your finals in a frenzied state this week, let’s ensure your outfit doesn’t pay for it, too. For an easy getup that will translate to spring break, pair your favorite colorful tank top with a pair of denim shorts. Slip on some Vans and hang in there because your island spring break getaway is just around the corner.

Style On, 

Alicia Gonzalez

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-on-the-go/

Sweater Statement

As young college students, we are still trying to find our way in the world. Expressing our opinions is a big part of growing into oneself but can be quite scary at times. Why not try wearing what you want to say? Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. This Fashionisto has conquered the art of expression through his clothing. His vintage ’80s newspaper sweater is a refreshing take on a period that was full of rock ‘n’ roll and where opinions where expressed through screaming lyrics. Shopping for vintage items has never been easier with sites like Etsy — I found a very similar sweater here.

Mixing the old with the new is a marvelous way to add a modern retro feel to your outfit. Start by picking out your favorite vintage piece and building off of that. Placing a collared shirt underneath a sweater is very trend forward and can be seen in several runway looks from this year’s New York Fashion Week. Ralph Lauren’s fall 2013 Collection graced the runway with male models drenched in this All-American look.

When choosing a suitable pant for this look, move towards a modern skinny khaki in a fun color. There’s no better way to express oneself then through color, so have fun with it! Through the mixture of color and old vintage pieces, your personal opinion will be displayed for the world to see.

Hint: Vintage doesn’t have to mean boring! Revive a vintage piece to fit in with your style. If you’re a one of a kind guy, then you need to add a one of a kind piece to your wardrobe. Look to Etsy and Urban Outfitters for easy access to the best fashions of the past. Mix your vintage piece with a new modern piece. Try placing a collared shirt underneath a vintage sweater and then choosing a colored khaki to complete your look. Remember, expression doesn’t always mean speaking your mind. Turn your fashion into a palette of silent expression.

Style On, 

Alicia Gonzalez

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-sweater-statement/

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Camo On Camo Combo!

If anyone knows camouflage, it’s me! I served in the United States Army for six years. If you think that your wardrobe is redundant, try wearing the exact same thing for six years straight — talk about monotonous! If there was one thing I said I would never wear again, it was camouflage. But I couldn’t help but love this Fashionisto’s new and fresh take on what was such a familiar print.

Rule number one for pairing alike prints is to ensure that you use different colored tones. For example, this Fashionisto paired a dark pair of corduroy camouflage pants with a light toned camouflage blazer. The combination is eye-catching and the contrasting tones create a harmonious look.

Being in the Army means always being very cautious of the wear and appearance of your uniform, and seeing this Fashionisto spice things up with a checkered scarf was a daring but noteworthy move. He was breaking all the rules and he didn’t even know it! I commended his risk-taking maneuver because this scarf was just what his outfit needed. Since we have so much of the same print going on here, what we really need is something to add a little gusto to it. The addition of a contrasting scarf helps to break up the monotony from the allover print and gives the viewer something to concentrate on.

Hint: Before setting out on your journey to become a soldier, remember to mix prints together in contrasting tones. Too much of one color is not a good thing; adding in different shades really gives your outfit a little jurisdiction. For a full militant look, leather boots are the way to go. Whether in combat or on the fashion streets, nothing is tougher than a sole fit with a leather boot. Roger out!

Style On, 

Alicia Gonzalez

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: 
http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-camo-on-camo/

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Mixing And Matching For A Modern Vibe!

   It was a warm winter day when I spotted this cool and collective Fashionisto on the streets of Savannah. He strolled down the turf with exuberant confidence and a modern style that had to be captured and shared. When I approached him, he bared a brave smile that hinted to a bit of flattery.

   

   I selected this Fashionisto because I was taken back by his impressive choice of textures and colors. My eye was first drawn to his statement bow tie and the flavor it gave his ensemble. Bow ties aren’t just for the rich and the famous, they can be worn easily with a button-down shirt. When shopping this look, check out this Michael Kors bow tie here.

   It is important to remember that in order to achieve a modern vibe like my Fashionisto, you need to choose colors that complement each other. In this case, blue and red have been pulled together to create a seamless look. If you’re having trouble putting colors together, don’t be afraid to consult a color wheel. It will give you all the necessary information for you to create a successful color story. My Fashionisto is also sporting a plaid blue top with hints of red in it, and with his red bow tie and red shorts, who wouldn’t want to replicate this look? Plaid tops are easy to find but I recommend Urban Outfitters for a great selection.

Hint: To move forward with this fresh look, remember to use that complement each other. For example, a blue top with a red short. Then you can add in accessories to complete your ensemble. In this circumstance, a bow tie is the perfect addition to finishing the outfit. Take it a step further will these Gucci sneakers.

Style On,
Alicia Gonzalez

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: 
http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-mixing-and-matching-for-a-modern-vibe/

DENIM ALL OVER:This Fashionista Wears Denim Blues In Different Hues!

Denim Blues In Different Hues 

    Denim blues in different hues is our theme for this week Fashionista's! Whether you're cruising down Broughton Street in Savannah, GA or rolling down the Pacific Coast Highway, this look will get you to where you want to be. Long gone are the days of "mom jeans," nowadays jeans are the sexy casual trend that will make you feel like a million bucks. My Fashionista has hit this "look" on the bullseye. 

   
Thanks to companies like 7 For All Mankind, jeans are available to us in a wide variety of washes AND colors. To perfect my look of the week, pick up a pair of Skinny In Dusk Night Sky jeans. The great thing about skinny jeans is that they flatter all shapes and sizes and they are super easy to accessorize. Pair them with some Frye Riding Boots like my Fashionista or dress them up a tad with these metallic high heels. Whichever you prefer, your look is bound to kill. Polish this trend off with a denim shirt from TOPSHOP or for a rocker feel, wear this graphic t-shirt with a MOTO Denim Worker jacket. The important thing to remember is to mix and match your hues. If you wear a dark wash jean on the bottom, place a light wash denim jean shirt on the top to break up the monotony. The difference of hues will leave a lasting impression on innocent bystanders. 

How To Get The Look!

   

   Wondering how to finish this ensemble off? For those chilly days, a two toned beanie matched with a chunky belt will do the trick. Or if you're not a "hat" person, a cashmere scarf will have you commanding the streets too. Check out my style board for tips on what to look for when shopping this look. 

Tip: Long gone are the days where denim was considered frumpy. Turn your wardrobe upside down with a variety of denim washed jeans. They are a fabulous addition to your already fabulous wardrobe. Whether you wear them casually or spice them up with a heel, your closet can't go on without a pair. A pair of jeans like these are worth every penny and will last you a lifetime.  

xoxo,

Alicia G. 

    

SWEATER FETISH: Take Note Of This Fashionista's Posh Style!

Take out your pens and a piece paper you studious fashion lovers! It's time to take some notes from my featured Fashionista. After the horrible events caused by Hurricane Sandy, the weather has been a bit "under" the normal weather. This mother nature dilemma is the perfect excuse to throw on your warmest sweater dress and kiss that chill goodbye. Finals are certainly in sight but this week we are going to focus on a different kind of learning experience. I am sure many of you are burning the midnight oil as crunch time becomes less and less apparent but in the words of Stacey Bendet "Taking time to live life will only inspire your work." So drop those books and get ready for this posh styling lesson.
   First things first, my Fashionista is sporting a dress from the Korean brand 59 seconds, you can shop their clothing at websites such as YesStyle.com for a very fashion worthy price tag. I also came across primo striped, patterned and color blocked dresses available at Nordstrom's. My style guru has topped her dress off with a black belt and buckle from Kimchi Blue, shop their pieces at Urban Outfitters. To complete this look grab a pair of flats from shoe heaven available at Steve Madden. 

Style tip: If you are looking for a more casual or comfortable look, wear your dress with a  pair of flats. If you want a dressed up and professional look, combine the Chryssa bootie from Coach and a black pair of tights.  

   Lastly, accessorizing this outfit can be fun and quirky. For a charming and playful vibe, wrap this Queen Alice Toggle Necklace around your neck from Tarina Tarantino. Or if you are going for the clean and polished look, frost yourself off with a Sabine Vintage Rhinestone Necklace. The point is to have fun with it! Let loose a little and let your girlie side shine through this week. Winter is obviously here my lovelies, which means the blues are doomed to set in eventually. Try pulling yourself out of your funk by visually pleasing your audience. Think of it as playing dress up and you're bound to be one happy trendsetter. Pencils down because time's up Fashionista's! Our styling session has now concluded. Now get your head's back in those books and ace those finals!

Fashion Always,
Alicia G.  

A BLAST FROM THE PAST: Rock This Way Fashionista's!

Hola Fashionista's! Is it just me or are we all a little relieved to have made it through midterms? Don't let your head out of the game just yet, finals are right around the corner but don't worry, I have just the styling trick for you. Whoever said rock n' roll was long gone, didn't meet this Fashionista. The 90s might have been full of sex, drugs and rock n' roll but one things for sure, the punk rocker look lives on. Feeling a little rough around the edges this week? Let it show on the outside. Spice up your wardrobe with a few key pieces to achieve the ultimate rocker vibe.  
  My Fashionista's killer blonde locks caught my attention this morning and I just had to know more. This little Fashion devil was sporting bright green Dr Martens. Can we say fab? Dr Martens have been around since the 60s and are a long living trend. Not up for so much color? They come in a wide variety of color choices and patterns, your guaranteed to find a pair to fit your funky taste. Pair them with some black skinny jeans or leather pants (faux, please!). Graphic t-shirts are the perfect way to pull off this look. Nowadays graphic t's can be found just about anywhere but if you're looking for a wear worthy look, check these T's out from Urban Outfitters. Wear what you want to say and don't be ashamed, Fashion after all is about making a statement. 
   Accessorize your look with gold finishings. You can't go wrong with gold and it can easily be paired with other rocking outfits. Gold rings will compliment this trend, take a look at this evil eye ring from House of Harlow and pair it with this arrow drop necklace. Grab yourself a black leather bag from Michael Kors and this look is complete Fashionista's!
   As finals start to creep up on us, don't let your style go crashing down. Sport this look and complete this quarter faster than you can say "Rock on!"

Toodles Fashion Addicts,
Alicia G.