Pink And Spikes Allover!

Hola Fashionistos/as! As the end of spring quarter nears and summer takes over, I wanted to make my last article a special one. If there’s one thing you should know about me by now, it’s that I adore quirky and unique fashion. It’s no fun to color inside the lines and that’s why this week’s Fashionisto was a no brainer.

Pink isn’t just for the girls and hasn’t been for sometime now. This feminine color is popping up throughout men’s street style more and more lately. The perfect combination of pink will have you strutting down the street with the utmost confidence in no time. What you wear can say a lot about you and in this case, the meaning of the color pink is unconditional love and nurturing. It’s the perfect color to wear to such events as weddings, Valentine’s day, Mother’s day or whenever you’re feeling daring enough to rock it.

Start by filling your wardrobe with Ralph Lauren’s classic custom-fit linen sport shirt. This is  an all American piece that you’ll be sure to wear time and time again. The perfect combination for this lovely shirt is a dark denim jean. The Levi’s 511 Radio 5 Jean is the perfect choice for you. This jean will provide you with the perfect amount of versatility and can be paired with just about anything.

Hint: Accessories, accessories and more accessories! That’s what you need to make this a statement outfit. The allover studded loafer from ALDO will have your friends reminiscing for days, get them here. Lastly, to top off your look, you’ll need a pink studded belt to match your shirt and shoes. Tilly’s has the perfect one for you here. Remember, it’s not what you wear Fashionisto’s but how you wear it, so get out there and rock the color pink!

Style On, Alicia G.

*Please read my original article as featured on CollegeFashionista: 

Bright Street Style

Hola Fashionistos/as! This week, I’m going to talk about obtaining your very own street style. I’m a firm believer in the fact that the streets are the best place to find trends and style. It’s the best fashion show there is; take a look for yourself at this week’s Fashionisto.

I love finding pieces worn by fashion lovers that are current and available in stores now. After all, we are pretty impatient when it comes to fashion. We want what we want and we want it now! If this describes you, then you’ll be pretty pleased to know that this bright and beautiful sweatshirt top from Marc by Marc Jacobs is available in stores at this very moment. Bright colors are taking over the streets this spring. Embrace this gorgeous trend by pairing your top with a trucker’s hat. I found the perfect combo by Poler here.

The rest of your outfit should be constructed carefully. Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing, fast. Since orange has taken over the top half of this outfit, let’s darken things up on the bottom with a simple black  jean. The 501 Skinny Fit Jean by Levi’s is the right choice for you here. Slip on a classic pair of Converse All-Stars and you will have accomplished your own street style.

Hint: Street style is a fun and easy way to express your fashion taste. Brighten things up this week with a bright and colorful top and color coordinate it with a truckers hat. Break up the monotony with a black pair of jeans and a simple shoe. If you want to raise the bar a little, try throwing your school supplies into this Marc by Marc Jacobs Square Shopper.

Style On, 

Alicia Gonzalez

Check out my article as previously published on CollegeFashionista: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-bright-street-style/

Casually Hot Or Cold

Hola Fashionistas/os! As far as the weather is concerned, Savannah can’t seem to make up its mind lately. Chilly days are mixed in with just as many warm days and your wardrobe is definitely the one paying for it. You spend your mornings looking through your closet for the perfect short only to realize that it’s freezing outside. Don’t let the sun trick you this week. Here’s an easy outfit alternative to work in any weather situation, hot or cold.

After all the hype of spring break, here we are sitting in what still seems like winter weather. Magazines are filled with articles on “what to wear for spring” but it seems as if spring is long out of sight. For an easy outfit that will keep you warm in the morning but cool during the day, the key is to dress in layers. The more you put on, the more you can take off as the temperatures rise during the day. This week’s Fashionisto has figured out the element to fighting the inclimate weather.

With a blue infinity scarf wrapped around his neck, he definitely isn’t feeling the cold in the morning. Urban Outfitters has the perfect cable knit scarf here. This will be an item you can keep in your wardrobe for years to come. Layer a casual T-shirt under your scarf and to add some energy to your ensemble, pick a colorful matching pant. To top things off, you’ll need a warm jacket — try the Tony Jacket by Andrew Marc.

Hint: Don’t let the weather play tricks on you this week! Beat the morning cold by dressing in layers. Pair a warm jacket with an infinity scarf and kiss the cold goodbye. Embrace the daytime warmth by taking off layers and wearing an energetic pant with a cool and casual T-shirt. The combination of layers will allow you to beat the weather and enjoy your spring break without any complications.

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-casually-hot-or-cold/

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: Digital Prints To Spice Up Your Life!

Sometimes it’s hard to step out of the monotony of your wardrobe. It’s that time in the quarter when grabbing an outfit that you know will work every time seems like the safest route, but why not try mixing it up and adding a little spice to your life? Step outside of the safe zone and bring your outfit to life with fun digital prints. New York Fashion Week is in full swing and the runway is flooded with digital prints. Check out Katie Eary, a London based menswear designer who really knows how to bring her looks to 

life through prints.

It was a dreary, wet and rainy day in the SAV. The week was coming to an end and I could finally kiss my midterms goodbye. The stress of the week had been wearing me down and sleep was just the remedy I needed to bring me back to my perky self. The completion of my last class of the week felt like a weight being lifted off my shoulders and just when I was about to call it a day, I spotted a ray of sunshine strutting down the street. This bone crushing Fashionisto was just what the doctor ordered.

Shopping for digital prints isn’t as hard as you might think. This trend is really starting to take form and become more available. Look to Your Eyes Lie for some striking T-shirts at a very fashion forward price. Leggings for men, or “meggings” if you prefer, are another big trend we are going to start seeing more often, and would look great with a digital print. They are a quick and comfortable go-to item that you can have fun with – I love these leggings from ASOS.

Hint: Spice up your life through digital prints. Step away from your regular go-to items and try something new. Whether you decide to wear prints on the top, bottom or even both, remember that you will be making a fashion statement. Try pairing a digital print legging with a cool toned sweater like this week’s Fashionisto. Add a pop of color to your shoe to complete your look and let your outside shine.

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-digital-prints-to-spice-up-your-life/

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: Dressing Like A Chap!

With the weather in an undecided state these days, it’s a toss up in the morning on what selections are going to be the right ones. Savannah’s weather might be iffy, but my Fashionisto’s style definitely isn’t. He is dressed just like a young chap. I pictured him strolling down the British Isles, messenger bag in hand, on his way to school.

Let’s face it — getting dressed in the morning might be the last thing on your mind, Fashonistos. With midterms just around the corner, I’m sure all you’re worrying about these days is acing those exams, but dressing for success doesn’t have to be a tiring effort by just following a few simple tips.

What I really enjoyed about this week’s Fashionisto was the overall effort he made to pull a potentially boring outfit together into an eye-catching one. I normally start at the top of an outfit and work my way down, but who can deny his perfect oxfords? These shoes are a classy addition to an already classic look. I love the pop of color they give to the outfit against his blue jeans. His double-breast peacoat was an amazing complement to his “English Chap” look. Saks Fifth Avenue has a great selection, but I was very intrigued by this peacoat by BOSS Black.

When it comes to school and our heavy books we have to lug to class everyday, this Fashionisto has found an easy and fashion forward way to do it. His olive green messenger bag was a great accessory to his already stylish outfit. J.Crew has the perfect bag for you here. Now it’s time to get your head back in those books and study!

Hint:  When pulling this look together, shop for a deep caramel colored oxford shoe and pair it with a deep blue jean. Finish your outfit with a dark olive green peacoat. Stuff your books into a complementing messenger bag, and you’re on your way to being a chap.

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-dressing-like-a-chap/

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: FUR-bulous!

   Fur, fur and more fur is where our fashion story begins this week, Fashionistos. For centuries, women have been the focal point for this fabulous fabric — however, lately, we are starting to see fur ensembles seep into menswear. Check out John Galliano’s fall 2012 collection for full on fur moments. This Fashionisto is wearing a coat that looks quite similar to one of the looks featured. Can you find the look I’m talking about? Fashionistos can rock fur just as well as the Fashionistas can!

   Fur is a beautiful texture that can add a little spunk to your look, but there are careful steps to consider before leaping out in your finest fur. To ensure that your fluff is a hit every time, be cautious of how you pair it. The last thing you want is to come across like a mishmash. Unless you’re willing to spend big bucks for a full length fur coat like my Fashionisto is sporting, I suggest this fur collared coat from Topman as an easy alternative.

   This Fashionisto has paired his fur coat with a casual pair of blue jeans. Try the Brett Modern Bootcut In Clean Jean from 7 For All Mankind. Nobody knows their jeans like this company does. Their fit is amazing and you can wear them in so many different ways. Let’s take this Fashionisto’s direction and wear them with the 1490 Dr. Martens boot in smooth black. The combination of these pieces will have you on your way to riving the 1930s.

Hint: Go bold or go home is my motto 

Fashionistos! If you’re daring enough to wear fur, I say take it all the way. A full length fur coat is big statement, but when done right like this Fashionisto, it’s to be a hit. Pair a full length fur coat with a skinny blue jean and Dr. Martens and then wrap an eye catching belt around your waist to break up the monotony, like the one by Prada here. Are you daring enough to be fur-bulous?

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-fur-bulous/

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/

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: School Is Back In Session!

    Let’s face it, Fashionistos. It’s back to the grind with endless art projects and late night trips to Starbucks. Although school is back in session, that doesn’t mean your outfit has to be too. Whether you’re located in the chilly north or living the warm life here in Savannah, Georgia, beat those back to school blues with a touch of summer in your look.

   I spotted my Fashionisto this week strutting his cool toned blues on the streets of SAV.  From his hiked up argyle socks to his timeless Converse All-Stars, I couldn’t resist this look. Every Fashionisto should own a pair of Converse. Check out these for an effortless vibe every time. Sock’s the limit is what this Fashionisto’s style screamed at me this week. Dress socks are a perfect way to spice up a bland outfit. Not only can you wear them with a nice pair of slacks but for a casual feel, pull them up and wear them like my Fashionisto has. You can find all different styles and colors here. Don’t be afraid to be a little daring once in a while, boys! After all, sometimes fashion is something that just happens. Go with your instincts and you are bound to put together an effortless look!

   Sweater season is still present, so when picking out the perfect top, choose colors that will stand out. Neon is the trend right now and Hollister Co. is a fabulous place to find a sweater that will keep you warm but still give you that surfer summer feel. Let’s also not forget about out our accessories, Fashionistos! Every one of you should own a chunky watch. Whether it’s a Michael Kors like my Fashionisto or a Movado that you are sporting, time is of the essence and a chronograph should always be spotted around your wrist.

Hint: When putting this look together, mix colors that are in the same shade or tone. It will give you an easy going casual feel that will have heads turning. Be a little daring and hike up your socks and pair them with a classic pair of Converse All-Stars.

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-school-is-back-in-session/

STYLE GURU BIO: Alicia Gonzalez

   Hola Fashionistas/os! My name is Alicia Gonzalez and I am a sophomore studying Fashion Marketing and Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Fashion has been my forte since I was able to dress myself as a little girl.

   I grew up in the small town of Gorham, Maine where fashion was not a main priority. I had to reach far and wide to gain access to this amazing world. Vogue was a major outlet for me and I will never forget the excitement I would get every month when a new issue filled the racks. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion but unfortunately couldn’t afford to go to college when I graduated high school. I decided to enlist in the United States Army as way to pay for my college tuition. I obtained the rank of SSG and worked as an Information Technology Specialist, which is just a fancy way of saying that I was a computer geek. I deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice while I served and will always carry with me the discipline and courage I learned while being a Solider. After serving in the military for six years, I decided that it was time to hang up my combat boots and move on to work towards my dreams.

   Attending SCAD has been the biggest dream come true for me. I have met some amazing students and professors and have been provided the opportunity to work with a lot of talented people within the industry.

   I look forward to providing all of you fashion lovers with the most current LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS articles. I will be writing to you from Savannah, GA where life is easy going and the culture is rich and vibrant with Fashionistas/os. In the famous words of Coco Chanel: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” To me, 
THAT is what fashion embodies.

This article was written for College Fashionista and can be viewed at: http://www.collegefashionista.com/aliciagonzalez/style-guru-bio-alicia-gonzalez/