“From Frumpy to Fab: Graphic Printed Skinny Jeans & Metallic Accents”

There is a time in a girl’s life when her wardrobe should be taken up an extra notch. Transitioning from teen trends to fashion forward looks of young adulthood has proven to be a tough leap for many females in college. The spring “go-to” of the often seen tank, jeans, and sandals combo is prevalent on campus, as demonstrated on this week’s makeover model Victoria in the before picture. Jeans and tanks may be easy, but they do not lengthen and flatter her figure as do the cropped jacket and high-waist graphic printed skinny jeans.
Graphic print is the latest twist to the ever-popular skinny jean. The bold floral pattern of the jean in a muted color scheme highlights Victoria’s legs. The high cut adds instant length and hugs her curves. A simple black tee with a touch of lace trim serves as a good layering piece underneath by a cropped motorcycle jacket in metallic sequins. The sequins and the floral print may seem daunting to pair together, but they work well because they are both in charcoal tones. A smoky gray eye and nude lip keep the focus on the metallic highlights and floral motif of the outfit.
Graphic printed jeans allow room for expression and creativity, depending on what one pairs with it. Contrasting printed jeans with a subtle patterned top can be an option for the more bold, while a solid colored blouse, tee or blazer is an easy to wear option as well. Graphic printed skinny jeans and metallic accents are the perfect way to kick up one’s wardrobe and take any girl from frumpy to fab!

Yours Trendy,

Nikki Svec

The Look for Less: Summer Leather

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Summer leather, love it or leave it? There is quite the debate occurring in the fabulous world of fashion as to whether leather is appropriate to wear in the summertime. Considering how amazing Whitney Port looks in this leather mini, I would say absolutely! Personally, I have always loved wearing leather in the summer and always look  forward to sporting my own leather mini or leather high-waist shorts throughout the warmer season, but I can totally attest to the fact that it might not always be the most comfortable choice if you are expecting to be out in high humidity for long periods of time! Nonetheless, I think that leather can definitely be worn in the summertime when paired with complementing pieces.

Top Forever 21-$5.80

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A simple loose-fitting white tee  is the perfect way to make any harsh leather pieces appear more summer-friendly.

Skirt H&M-$22.90

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This high-waist leather skirt with a front zipper is both fashion forward and comfortable-I would know, I own it!

Shoes GoJane.com-$22.60

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A classic black strappy sandal keeps this look weather appropriate and will elongate those legs when paired with the leather mini!

Bracelets Forever 21-$8.80:$10.80

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Some chunky fun jewelry, such as these bracelets, adds a little edge to this ensemble as well as dressing up the look.

Altogether, this on-trend outfit costs a mere $70.90! Also, all the pieces incorporated into this look can easily be used as staple pieces and would prove very versatile in your wardrobe. I’ve seen this almost exact look on Kim Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari and Miranda Kerr as well which goes to show how huge this trend is right now! This trend is the perfect example of how you can always incorporate different pieces into an outfit, regardless of the season. With a little imagination and the right staple pieces, a fabulous unique outfit is just one leather skirt away!

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Designer Spotlight: Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo, most of you have probably heard the name but if in the rarity that you haven’t I highly suggest you read on. SALSHOEIt’ll be a name you’ll need engraved in your mind for the rest of your fashion career. I guarantee if you pursue a career in fashion or even just have the opportunity to step into a fashion forward workplace you’ll often times find the picture to the right as a decorative piece upon the walls.
“Michelangelo of Shoe Designers,” is what he was called, Ferragamo was undeniably incredible. He was born into a poverty stricken family right outside of Naples, Italy. It’s ironic that he became so obsessed and talented with shoes for he grew up in such a poor household in which nice shoes we’re only worn on rare, special occasions. By twelve he was already training in nearby shoe shops. At an early adolescent age he had opened a workshop. But he then picked up and moved to Boston to expand his company and knowledge.
After years of studying and acquiring more and more knowledge Ferragamo went on to design the most amazing shoe pieces ever seen. He came up with a crazy concept, a shoe that was comfortable yet immaculate in design. The need for detailed artisans pushed him and his fabulous ideas back to Italy in 1927 where he could find such hard workers.
Working through the stock market crash Ferragamo struggled to find the materials he needed. But he made do by using his inventive spirit and unbelievably imaginative mind. Ferragamo invented his most famous piece the, “orthopedic wedges” in which he crafted from cork and used paper. His name was then officially known by all. By the 1950’s Ferragamo was utterly popular with a rapidly expanding business. So take a look, you may find his signature to look familiar and even a few pairs of his newest shoes.

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“From Frumpy to Fab: Color Blocking, Tribal Print, & Fringe”

With the season’s changes comes a change of color; from dull neutrals to bright hues. While it may be easy to stay within the neutral color palette in your attire, switching it up with vivid tones is hot for the spring and summer and flatters anyone. Isoken, this week’s makeover candidate keeps it simple and neutral as seen in the before picture, with a black top and dark denim.
Her rich skin tone and tall stature was the perfect combo to pull off color blocking. Color blocking is a trend that incorporates two different colors on different ends of the color spectrum. With a red blazer on top and mustard colored skinny jeans on the bottom, Isoken exudes a confident display of color in this season’s trends. Color blocking is most easily worn with one bright piece on top such as a blazer, blouse, or tee, and a different bright color on the bottom, with pieces such as skinny jeans, circle skirts, or shorts. To tie in the two colors, I placed her in a tribal printed tee with a fringed bottom. The tribal motif has been quite popular for several seasons and is definitely here to stay. It could be done in a tee as seen on Isoken , or in patterned skinny jeans or a skirt. Fringe is a fun added trendy detail that adds an edgy touch to this playful look. A bright coral lip in MAC’s “Morange” pulls together the look and gives her that extra pop of color. While all these colors may seem intimidating, they are easy to wear during the day and will make any girl stand out!

Yours Trendy,
Nikki Svec

Designer Spotlight: Mary Quant

ImageYou’re in luck Temple Fashionistas, I recently came across my “Icons of Fashion” textbook from first semester of freshman year. An A to Z handbook full of designers; their backgrounds, their experiences and endless details on their handcrafted masterpieces. It’s one textbook I’ll never part with and reading it lately has become my latest distraction. Since I’ve had a blast from the past as I revisit this textbook I’m feeling a little nostalgic. So let me take you back to my favorite fashion decade focusing on the innovative icon, Mary Quant. In the 60s Mary was known for reinventing the miniskirt and introducing it for the first time into women’s fashion. A revolutionary woman, she was sick and tired of the stale 50’s fashion. Hence why she went on to design women’s clothes to be much, much looser, comfier and dare I say revealing. Well, thank you Mary!

            The mother of the miniskirt, we owe her big time considering if it’s not a maxi then it’s a miniskirt we see all over Temple’s campus. If it weren’t for Ms. Mary Quant we might still be wearing the once trendy felt, ankle skirts from the 50s on our Friday Nights out. Scary thought. Mary’s designs included pleated miniskirts, boxy skirts and dresses, and various tunics. Her designs we’re thought to be more childlike and maybe even immature. After selling like hot cakes Vogue took such a special interest in her that then pulled her designs into the elite spotlight of 60s fashion magazines.Image

            Although I love my clothes to be loose, flowy and full of character I do have a love for shapely, geometric apparel. If they’re indeed styled the right way. Mary used the geometric influence to perfection. In an era where fashion was only aimed at the older, elite crowds Mary went against the norm as she created designs for the younger generation. She pulled inspiration from dance outfits she loved as a child and combined those influences with bold shapes and colors. People we’re raging over Mary designs, for their length or actually their ‘lack of length.’ Although I could write pages on Mary and her virtuous creations I encourage you to look into the bold woman for yourself. She should be an inspiration to all women, for she was in no way known as promiscuous for her designs yet free-spirited and embracive.

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Trend Tracker: Minty Fresh

Need a new pop of color to add to your Spring wardrobe? Mint is the way to go! Any pastel color in general is fabulous for this spring/summer but Mint in particular is being seen all over the place.

When the weather gets warm out, I love wearing light colors to contrast my tan. I usually move towards white, but mint green is a great way to make a tan pop while still having fun with some color. It is also a rare color that makes me feel lady-like while not looking like too much of a girly girl (pink).

Don’t feel restricted to pairing the color with only black or white. Think of mint as a neutral and mix it up with colors like gold, blue, or coral. Even adding a pattern to the solid color would look awesome! Here are some ideas I found on Pinterest:

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“From Frumpy to Fab, Leather Tops, Tweed Jackets, & Vintage Boyfriend Shorts”

Taking on new trends for the spring can, at first be a daunting feat. Often, many girls opt out and go with the basics, as seen on this week’s makeover candidate Amber. While there isn’t anything wrong with simplicity, incorporating trends into one’s look is a great way to spice up a wardrobe for the season.
By trading in Amber’s v-neck for one of this season’s biggest trends, a leather top. Full leather tops, or tops with embellishments of leather makes an edgy yet chic statement that serves as a versatile piece fit for many occasions. The cut out detail of the leather top adds just the right touch of sexiness while maintain an air of sophistication. Pairing it with a tweed Chanel inspired jacket adds a classic flair to the modern and edgy appeal of the leather top, giving it a hint of “Gossip Girl”. Vintage boyfriend shorts are a perfect way to add a more casual appeal to the look and gives off a distressed vibe. A simple gold chain necklace plays off the gold in the black leather belt bringing the look together. For a playful twist, Amber is rocking knee-high striped socks, serving as a unique and individual addition to the leather top and tweed jacket.
By putting together unexpected pieces with different styles, like a leather top paired with a preppy jacket, vintage shorts, and knee high socks, any woman can give off this eclectic chic vibe. These spring season trends are blazing up the streets, so do not be afraid to partake!

Yours Trendy,

Nikki Svec

Trend Tracker: Statement Sunglasses

Spring is just about here and here to stay (FINALLY, if you live in Philadelphia). Two of my favorite things that come along with Spring: sandals and sunglasses. Sandals, because by the end of winter I’m so bored of my boots and ready to switch it up. Sunglasses, because they are a new accessory that can be used to spruce up any outfit.

A fun new trend for Spring/Summer 2013 is funky sunglasses. Sunglasses are moving away from function and more and more towards fashion. They are not just meant to block the sun anymore; they are now a part of the accessory family like a hat or pair of earrings. The idea behind this trend is if they are plain and practical don’t wear them! Whether they are colored, rounded, or decorated on the sides, any pair of shades that are unique or fun makes them perfect for this season!

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Anna Sui

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Glamour.com says, “They hit the runway in every shape and size, each pair louder and more fabulous than the next.” Prada showed oversized decorated shades. Ana Sui showed glasses with floral detail. Dolce & Gabana showed them in bold shapes and colors. Diane Von Furstenberg’s were funky and sporty. Roberto Cavalli’s shades included metallic flashy embellishments. Fendi showed geometric shapes like the pentagon lenses pictured above.

You can find these designer styles for $150-500. But the whole idea of this trend is to rock the impractical. So, for me I’d rather load up on a whole lot of funky inexpensive pairs. Here are some different ideas to get you started…remember the louder the better!

Abbey Road Sunglasses, Free People $18

Prada-look-alikes, Wholesalecelebshades.com, $20

Prada-look-alikes, Wholesalecelebshades.com, $20

Metal Heart Aviators, delias.com, $9.50

Nildine ALDO 12

Nildine, ALDO Shoes, $12

Astro Lennon Glasses Wholesalecelebshades.com $15

Astro Lennon Glasses Wholesalecelebshades.com $15

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Red Floral Sunglasses, American Apparel, $40

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Sweet Like Candy Round Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters, $16

I ski Phantom eyewear, Amazon.com, $20

I ski Phantom eyewear, Amazon.com, $20

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“From Frumpy to Fab: Denim Vests, Crop Tops & Turbans”

As warm weather hit Temple’s campus, a definite shift of attire arose. While some females embraced the sun rays with cute maxi skirts and sundresses, others took another route entirely. When hot temperatures strike, some find it enticing to dress in scantily clad clothing more fit for a club than for class. As seen on Mackenzie on the left hand side, short shorts and skimpy camis were a common occurrence on campus. While showing skin correlates with warm weather, bearing it all is not necessary to be in style this spring.

To give Mackenzie a stylish and appropriate look for the spring, I placed her in three trends bound to heat up campus. The denim vest is a versatile trend, and when paired with a red circle skirt, sends off a perfect mixture of tomboy meets femme fatale. The large shoulders of the vest give Mackenzie a stronger silhouette and the bleach and distress details of the vest give it a unique edgy vibe. The striped mock turtle neck crop top pairs well with the skirt and vest showing the right amount of skin. Crop tops are a must have trend for the warm seasons, given the right bottoms. Anything high waisted such as a maxi skirt, a circle skirt, a high to low skirt or boyfriend shorts would work for this trend. Avoid anything super low rise, tight or short on the bottom to attract the wrong type of attention. A large
gold metallic necklace adds a touch of glimmer to the ensemble giving Mackenzie a glamorous look. To top it off, I placed Mackenzie in a turban, a trend that has been big for several seasons now and plays off the tribal look. A soft coral lip and gold eye shadow brings out the golden tones in Mackenzie’s skin, ensuring that she will “glow” on campus.

By ditching the short shorts and camis for this look, Mackenzie is fashion forward enough to be in any magazine. Keep in mind these stylish alternatives to skimpy basics when dressing to go to class, out on the town or any destination life takes you!

Yours Trendy,

Nikki Svec