Fashionista Friday: Full of Fringe

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, Collage Vintage, Anouska, The Londoner, and Life, Love and the Pursuit of Shoes.

Photos via: Raquel Paiva, Peeptoes, The Blonde's Couture, and Lady Addict.

Fringe is so much fun to wear. Whether it's in a cute pair of shoes, on a rad jacket, or decorating a purse, there are so many ways to wear this trend (and have some fun spinning around in it). The Fashionista in my latest CollegeFashionista article sported fringe on her purse on a brunch date.

Fashionista Friday: Red Hot

Photos via: Sincerely, Jules, Something Navy, Hello Fashion, CollegeFashionista, and Dash of Darling

Photos via: Brooklyn Blonde, CollegeFashionista, Kayture, Bonjour by Jovana Radojicic, and The Street Fashion 5X Pro

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, Viva Luxury, Song of Style, College Fashionista, and Atlantic-Pacific

Red has been one of my favorite colors to wear ever since middle school, when I read in Seventeen magazine that it is the color of seduction and confidence. Even though I mostly prefer to wear neutral colors, I found myself on a hunt for the perfect red dress this summer. I found it in this super comfy dress that I wore for my fourth (!!!) Style Guru Bio for CollegeFashionista. I'm still looking for more red to add to my wardrobe (besides red lipstick, of course), but in the meantime, I'm finding inspiration from these red hot looks.

Fashionista Friday: White Statement Nails

Photos from: CollegeFashionista, Dahlia Nails, RainPow Nails, and My Little Nails.

Photos from: Dahlia Nails, Sugar Coated Nails, Nails Maniac, and Callais Nails.

I'll admit: I've never been too into nail art. Sure, I've tried it, but I've never really seemed to *get* it. When I met this Fashionista on the street, though, I kind of fell in love with her nails and was inspired to find more white statement nail looks.

Fashionista Friday: Black Tote

Photos via: Adenorah, Craft and Couture, Damsel in Dior, Fashion by MNP, and CollegeFashionista.

Photos via: FAIIINT, CollegeFashionista, The Fashion Cuisine, The Poppygirl Diaries, and Sincerely, Jules.

I'm obsessed with a good black bag. I have two of them myself, one of which I showcased in my latest CollegeFashionista post. They're super easy to wear, but here's some inspiration in case you need it.

Fashionista Friday: Black Pumps

Photos via: South Molton St. Style, Style Pantry, The Adorable Two, and CollegeFashionista.

Photos via: Damsel in Dior, CollegeFashionista, Frankie Hearts Fashion, I'm Next, and Perpetually Chic.

The classic black pump is timeless and essential for any well-stocked closet. I recently stopped a Fashionista on the street who was wearing a pair of black pumps to a job interview, which inspired my latest CollegeFashionista post. Let these outfits inspire you and shop a selection of black pumps below.

Comfy Summer Dress

Photos via: Sincerely, Jules, The Style Crusader, CollegeFashionista, and CollegeFashionista

Photo via: CollegeFashionista, Lemon Stripes, StyleLovely.com, and Damsel in Dior

In case you weren't aware, I'm all about the cute & comfy look. For me, that often means wearing a loose dress. Read my latest CollegeFashionista post to learn how to shop for and find the perfect comfy summer dress and let these outfits inspire you!

Fashionista Friday: Neon Sunglasses

Photos via: A Beautiful Mess, Britt Maren for Nasty Gal, Sienna Miller, CollegeFashionista, Gringa na Brasa, and Harper's Bazaar.

I'm not a huge fan of neon. Like most people my age, I outgrew the obscene trend after leaving middle school. I will say, though, that I love some neon in small doses. That's why neon sunglasses are totally the way to go if you're looking to add some neon to your look. Read more on the trend in my latest CollegeFashionista article.

Fashionista Friday: The Jungle Look

Photos via: Messages on a Napkin, CollegeFashionista, Atlantic // Pacific, Zory Mory, and Allergic to Vanilla

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, Girls Off Fifth, Lace & Locks, A Lacey Perspective, and The Viva Luxury

I've experimented with preppy style in the past, but this jungle print featured in my latest CollegeFashionista post is by far one of my favorite preppy trends. Of course, I couldn't help but accessorize the print with all black, including a faux leather jacket and chunky sandals.

Fashionista Friday: Floral Lace

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, The Beauty Bybel, Atlantic // Pacific, Sweenee Style, Girl With Curves, and Hapa Time.

Photos via: Wendy's Lookbook, Fresh Fizzle, Pink Avenue, Micah Gianneli, CollegeFashionista, and Lovely Pepa.

Lace and floral are two of the sweetest trends out there. Why not combine the two, either as floral patterned lace or pairing lace with floral, for the sweetest look possible? Read more about how to wear lace in my latest post for CollegeFashionista, and peruse these pictures for inspiration.

Fashionista Friday: Do Some DIY

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, A Beautiful Mess, swellmayde, Sprinkles in Springs, Dandelion Drifts, and Boat People Vintage Blog.

I am a huge believer in DIY. I believe it's a great way to ensure a unique look and it's just a lot of fun! I love crafts of all kinds, which is why I instantly fell in love with the jacket featured in my latest CollegeFashionista post.

Fashionista Friday: Tattoos Galore

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, GypsyLovinLight, Conscious Ink, Free People, and Forever 21

Photos via: Lulu DK (1 and 2), Sofia, Conscious Ink, and GypsyLovinLight

In all honesty, I'm completely obsessed with temporary tattoos. I've wanted a tattoo since I was 16 but, haven't been able to get one yet. I can't exactly spare an extra $150 and even if I could, there's a good chance it'd only fuel a tattoo addiction. Since discovering adult temporary tattoos, I've established that I could very easily be covered in tattoos without being able to stop myself. Plus, metallic tattoos are all the rage right now, something you can't get in a real tattoo.

Style Guru Sunday: Camo and Standing Out

Photos via: CollegeFashionista, Moiology, Sincerely, Jules, A House in the Hills, and Frassy.

Photos via: Gabi Fresh, VE, Suburban Faux Pas, CollegeFashionista, and Fashionvibe.

For some reason, I've never wanted to fit in. I've spent most of my life being different from my peers and defying authority's expectations of me. On the other hand, I'm an almost obnoxious rule-follower. From leading a sober lifestyle to always keeping my dog on a leash in non-off-leash areas, I like to respect the rules. Fashion is the one place in my life where I feel rules have no place and my lack of desire to fit in really stands out. I believe in dressing for one person only: yourself. Read my latest Style Guru Bio for more on how I went from dressing for those around me to dressing for myself.

Fashionista Friday: Focus On Free People

All photos via CollegeFashionista and the Free People blog

I've always loved Free People. The clothes are fun, flowy, and spectacularly well-made. When Natasha showed up to take photos for my CollegeFashionista article on her, she happened to be wearing all Free People. Obviously I was inspired to peruse the Free People blog and website to gain some inspiration.

Vivid Revival Fashion Show

I don't know if I've talked about this yet, but I was in a student fashion show recently. It was my first experience modeling and it was made so great by the Fashion Club of Seattle University. I'm already excited for next year's show...

Every year, the Fashion Club at my school puts on a student-run fashion show. All the models and any performers are students, and it features local brands and stores. It's an awesome blend of campus and community.
Because all the models are students, we spend a couple months practicing our walk. It seems kind of silly, but it's actually a lot of fun! It was also good to spend time with the other models and a lot of the people who were behind the scenes.

On the day of the show, I spent 6 hours at the location. I knew there was a lot of work that went into making the show happen, but I had no idea how long professional hair and makeup took! I loved the makeup look that the FCSU president chose: a totally spring-appropriate pink lip with an accentuated cat eye.

Walking the runway was actually not nearly as nerve wracking as I'd anticipated. I guess all those years of dancing prepared me for the spotlight.

Photo by Kyle Kotani

Photo by Kyle Kotani

I definitely wouldn't have been able to do the show without being coached by Natasha Wanigatunga. As a professional model and an executive member of Fashion Club, Natasha whipped all of us into runway-walking shape. Read more about her on CollegeFashionista.

Fashionista Friday: Krazy for Khaki

{Via: Harper's Bazaar, Collage Vintage, Glamour, CollegeFashionista, and Kendi Everyday}

{Via: Atlantic-Pacific, Classy Girls Wear Pearls, CollegeFashionista, Classy and Fabulous, and The Sartorialist}

If you're lacking room in your closet, I'd recommend investing in some khakis (be they pants or a skirt). This material is perfect to dress up or down for any occasion. Plus, the neutral color makes it easy to match.f

Shopping on a Budget

A couple of months ago, I wrote on the very basis of this blog for a CollegeFashionista Thoughts and Musings piece: shopping on $40 a month. I'm really proud of how it turned out, as it got the most views any of my CollegeFashionista pieces have ever gotten and was even featured on the front page of the site for a while!

I've written on this subject on several occasions, the most notable of which I believe include my original post on saving money while shopping, a post on what not to buy, and a recent post on making an easy-to-follow budget. The more I write on shopping on a budget, the more I consider myself a good source of information and advice on the subject.

I'm really proud of this CollegeFashionista post because it felt really good to write about something I feel qualified to write about for a platform that I admire both as an intern and a reader of the site. Plus, while developing my list of ways to shop on a budget, I went back through my archives to read through previous lists on the subject and was able to see how my personal blog has developed and grown in the last year or so. I feel accomplished both as a blogger and as an intern for CollegeFashionista.

I also read through other bloggers' lists of ways to shop on a budget in preparation for writing this piece. I found some really great posts and advice that I've compiled into a list of some of my favorites:

• 5 Ways to Save Money on Beauty Products
• The Online Shopping Secret
• How to Shop On A Budget
• Shop Online Smarter: 10 Ways to Save
• 4 Tips for Not Spending Beyond Your Means
• 10 Thrift Store Shopping Secrets

Don't forget to read the piece that sparked this blog post!

Fashionista Friday: Streamlined Simplicity

{Photos via: CollegeFashionista, Tuula, CollegeFashionista, WGSN Street, and Fashionably Kay}

Spring can be a difficult season to dress for. When in doubt, taking a "less is more" approach can be exceptionally stylish. Read more about the streamlined simplicity trend on CollegeFashionista.

Fashionista Friday: Kimono

{Photos via: Happily Grey, Always Judging, Harper's Bazaar, the Free People blog, and EJ Style}

{Photos via: Harper's Bazaar, Dear Diary, and Refinery 29}

I've spent the last year obsessing over kimonos, and this obsession is certainly only fueled by my latest CollegeFashionista post. Check it out and read more about how Kate rocked one of my favorite trends and learn about the fashion show coming to Seattle University on April 18!

Fashionista Friday: Black & White Graphic

{Photos via: Harper's Bazaar (1, 2), Cashmere in Style, State of Yana, and Gary Pepper Girl}

{Photos via: The Street Fashion 5X Pro, Who What Wear, and Refinery 29}

Turn a cartoonish graphic look up a notch by color blocking in black and white. Chic and childish? Yes, please! Read more in a post I wrote for CollegeFashionista!

Plum Perfect

After writing a post for CollegeFashionista on the wonders of plum, I realized just how in love I am with this color. Marsala may be Pantone's color of the year, but I'm thinking plum might be mine!

I was inspired by: Zuhair Murad Spring 2015, Suburban Faux Pas, Pashionality, Life on the Squares, and Suburban faux pas

I was inspired by: Kendi Everyday, Gary Pepper, and La Vita Mia