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/

New Hair, New Lipstick, New Attitude

Jacket: Forever 21 (similar here) / Pants: Forever 21 / Shoes: Vince Camuto (similar here) / Wallet: Michael Kors (similar here) / Lipstick: Clinique Chubby Stick 

Finals are over Fashionistas/os and that means I can finally enjoy spring break and get back to my blogging. I'm currently loving pops of bright colors, spikey studs and

lately I've been pretty obsessed with bangs. I've seen the trend build up on the streets and I decided to take the plunge. I have to say that I LOVE my new bangs! They are fun and pretty easy to maintain once you get the hang of it. I also picked up a bright pink lipstick from Clinique and I absolutely love the way it looks. It's amazing how a haircut and new lipstick can make you feel! Why not have a little fun this week and add a pop of color to your ensemble? 

xoxo, Alicia G.

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/

What's In My Bag?

#1. Dior Addict Lipstick, Palace 354 (I never go out without it) #2. Michael Kors Iphone Case (similar here + here) #3. Nivea Shine Gloss #4. Michael Kors Wallet (similar here) #5. My Business Cards (You just never know who you'll run into) #6. Ralph Lauren Specks  #7. MacBook Air (The most important item in my purse)

Michael Kors Hamilton Tote (similar here)

I've been very inspired since joining Independent Fashion Bloggers. I can't believe the amount of talented bloggers there are out there. I recently saw a 'What's In My Bag?" post on a fellow fashion bloggers site and thought, "What a great idea!" So here's my stab at it Fashionistas/os. Enjoy!

Spring Is In The Air

"Spring Is The Time For Plans And Projects."
-Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina  

Enjoy my Spring 2013 must-haves! 

Hot pink bodycon dress
celebboutique.com

By malene birger
$455 - bymalenebirger.com

Rupert Sanderson high heels
rupertsanderson.com

Mint handbag
modcloth.com

Friis Company plastic jewelry
$26 - shopfriiscompany.com

Madewell
madewell.com

Marc Jacobs fragrance
marcjacobs.com

New Growth Designs Purple Orchid Faux Floral Arrangement
insideavenue.com

Waterford Lismore perfume bottle
$115 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Marrakech Yellow Desk Accessories
ninacampbell.com

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: 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/

The Grammys 2013: What Dress Was Your Favorite?

    The Grammys this year definitely fell flat for me. I was so excited to watch the red carpet event but found it pretty boring once it started. I think that due to the clothing restrictions placed on the artists, a lot of them made it a point to break the rules. I felt that that was a little taboo and was overly done for publicity. I love Jennifer Lopez and she never stops surprising me but this time her dress was definitely outside of the dress code. *tisk* *tisk* Kelly Rowland was another one that I felt skirted the line for being inappropriate. Although her black cutout dress was strikingly beautiful, I thought it was the wrong choice for such a high profile classy event. 

   Above all the drama, I felt the best dressed ladies were Taylor Swift in the white J. Mendel dress, Carrie Underwood in the black strapless Roberto Cavalli and Rihanna in the Azzedine Alaia. I loved these combinations because each lady kept it very classy but not boring. 

   Rihanna’s dress was a bright red and was a tad bit see-through in her abdomen area. THIS is how you add a little sexiness to your look without over doing it. Carrie Underwood is always very classy within her selections and her dress complemented her figure very well. It was the perfect choice. She jeweled herself up with a $31 million dollar necklace, which was just the right amount of jewelry. I also really enjoyed her projection dress that she wore during her performance. It just goes to show how far the fashion industry and technology have come. It reminded me so much of the Jean Paul Gaultier bride dress from his 2006 Collection. It's amazing to see how far ahead of the times some Fashion Designers can be.  And lastly, we have Taylor Swift, despite my thoughts on her as an artist, I felt that her dress was very flattering and age appropriate. It reminded me a little bit of the 1920’s flapper look and I loved the addition of the gold straps.  

Fashion Always,

Alicia G. 

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/