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london bridges falling down

Forever 21 crop sweater, shorts, heels / vintage necklace, fur vest

Thanksgiving break was fantastic. My family and I stayed in the old post office-turned-hotel in Washington, DC. The building was massive, with giant pillars flanking each side. The hallways were endless, perfect to play catch with my dog, even if she does run like a drunken sailor. Thanksgiving consisted of ordering five desserts after our feast, exploring the city one vintage store at a time, waking up at 6:30 am to go black friday shopping and laughing until my abs hurt at a comedy club across from the hotel. Needless to say, relaxing all week was very much needed.

I bought these shorts and crop top from Forever 21 on my black friday shopping binge and this faux fur jacket from one of the thrift stores we stumbled into.

Thankful to be back at school, but still wishing christmas break would come sooner.

I am excited to say I created a PAGES bar at the top of my blog! Here you can access DLF's 'About' page, facebook, twitter, tumblr and pintrest links and two interactive pages, 'Ask' and 'For Fashion Advice'. This will be much easier for you to navigate the site and be more involved!

Under 'ASK', you can contact me for any questions, comments or concerns

Under 'For Fashion Advice' you can find out how you can get specific fashion advice directly from me.

[UTILIZE THIS TAB IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AND NEED ADVICE]

fashionista spotlight: gaby mangialardi - collegefashionista.com

FOLLOWING ARTICLE FROM COLLEGEFASHIONISTA.COM:

From Black Swan’s Rodarte designed ballerina getups to Meadham Kirchhoff’s pop art fantasy world showcasing thick, knee-length skirts, tutus have been invading the fashion empire. While the thought of a tutu usually revolves around a tight-bunned dance teacher strictly nitpicking students posture through pursed lips, the fluffy skirt has began to take a new role in society. Recently, tutus can be seen in a more relaxed fit, worn casually on the streets. This fashionista was a perfect choice for this weeks Fashionista Spotlight. Gaby perfectly recreates this look with a loose tutu layered with a slouchy sweater. The added height and fedora are a perfect touch to complete this outfit. I talked with Gaby about her outfit, her personal style and fall trends.

Name: Gaby Mangialardi - Major: Fashion Studies - Year: Sophomore

CollegeFashionista: What are some of your stylistic influences?
Gaby Mangialardi: My stylist influences are celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, the Kardashians, Blake Lively, Emma Watson, a lot of fashion bloggers, street style, things that are on the runway and models like Chanel Iman.

CF: How would you describe your outfit today?
GM: My outfit is classy, a lot of neutral colors. I love all neutrals together in one outfit. Its kind of ballerina chic. I’m wearing gold accessories. I am wearing a fedora to bring the whole outfit together.
CF: How would you describe your personal style?
GM: A mixture of everything really, I like to keep it simple and casual, but I also love statement pieces. I’m not afraid to wear what I like. I love vintage, retro and modern style. I love wear everything!

CF: What fall trends are you excited to wear this year?
GM: I’m excited to wear scarves and combat boots with bright colored socks. I really want to wear a big headband or turban if I can find a good one.

CF: Who are your favorite designers?
GM: Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Balenciaga. I think all designers bring something knew to the table and have amazing ideas.

CF: What advice do you have for fellow students about clothing choices?
GM: Don’t be afraid to wear what you want. I think a persons clothing expresses who you are on the inside and a lot of people are afraid to show that off.

How To: To incorporate this tulle trend into your wardrobe, try this stunning Urban Outfitters dress with lace inserts. For that dressy holiday party, zip up this white lace and tulle tutu dress. Add a pop of color in a bright pair of pumps to bring the outfit to a new high. For a sweater with jeans look, invest in this Alice + Olivia knit with an underlying tutu detail. Wether you are in dance class or walking the streets, a tutu is a perfect transitional piece that adds a flair of femininity to every outfit.

1. check HERE every wednesday to catch my latest report!

2. check HERE every day for all posts on my campus! (university of illinois)

3. check HERE or click on the PHOTO to read this weeks post / see more photos via the site! 

Forever21 leather jacket, lace-up heels, maxi skirt / Urban Outfitters fringe tank / Von Maur necklace

I always love coming home. From the familiar way my bedroom of nineteen years smells to the nostalgic feeling of too many days spent at The Coffee House while driving through Uptown Normal. The leaves falling from the giant oak tree in my front yard remind me of simpler times, stringing decorative ‘skeleton bones’ from it’s limbs in October and receiving endless ‘underdogs’ from my father on the tire swing. 

Today was the fourth official day of my thanksgiving break. But the reminiscing must be short lived. Only home for four days, then off to Washington, DC to visit my newly out-of-college-into-real-life sister for the holidays. 

Gaby and I took pictures in Downtown Bloomington, rushing before the blackening clouds above us started to rain. These were taken with her new camera, which I will soon be adding to my holiday wishlist. I hope to be able to add a better element of self taken photography to my blog. I would like to have a voice behind the lens, but as of now, my camera is subpar.

To all, enjoy your holidays, relish in food and love one another. 

As the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show annual countdown begins and our plates begin to fill will more greens than carbohydrates, we start to prepare for the night of curling up with our girlfriends, LARGE bowl of ice-cream in hand, to celebrate the merging of fashion and ultimate feminine sexuality. Included among these Victoria’s Secret Angels are not only incredibly gorgeous, sensual women, but also extraordinary mothers, loving wives and loyal friends. As envious as we might be of these superhuman women, we must raise a glass to the group that revolutionized the arena we know as lingerie and foraged a path of long-lasting inspiration.

HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE 2011 VICTORIA’S SECRET MODELS:

[ MIRANDA KERR ]

AUSTRALIA / 28 YEARS OLD

[ CHANEL IMAN ]

UNITED STATES / 20 YEARS OLD

[ ADRIANA LIMA ]

BRAZIL / 30 YEARS OLD

[ ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO ]

BRAZIL / 30 YEARS OLD

[ ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELY ]

UNITED KINGDOM / 24 YEARS OLD

VSFS AIR DATE / NOVEMBER 29, 2011

SNEEK PEEK AT VSFS / HERE

You might know them as the adorable duo that joint-played Michelle Tanner on the television series Full House or the two tween stars that lead the popular video series The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley, but this twin dynamic is more than their direct-to-video celebrity. The Olsen twins have foraged a name for themselves and proven they are here to stay. Not only have these two been listed as Forbes eleventh-richest women in entertainment, with an estimated net worth of $100 million, but they have branded everything from clothes, books, fragrances, magazines, movies and posters to fashion collector dolls. Now, the girls, matured and professional, step up to lead the fashion world as emerging entrepreneurs, fashion icons (see Mary-Kate's signature 'bohemian-bourgeois" look), and head fashion designers of their own high-end couture label, The Row. As a budding design house, launched in 2007, The Row has emerged with consistent collections focusing on clean, classic lines, ultra-refined silhouettes and the perfect fit. The line has expanded to include a complete range of sophisticated essentials, from the perfect pair of leather leggings and evening dresses to elegantly tailored knitwear and outerwear.  In 2009 Ashley and Mary-Kate were deemed members of The Council of Fashion Designers of America and in 2011, were nominated by the CFDA for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear.  With their commitment to workers rights (in 2003 the duo signed a pledge to allow all the workers that sew their line of clothing in Bangladesh full maternity leave), their growing credibility in the fashion world and their booming franchise and fashion label, the two are bound to stay relevant and critical in the future of the fashion industry. 

SHOP THE DESIGNS / THE ROW

 

                 

FOLLOWING ARTICLE FROM COLLEGEFASHIONISTA.COM:

Inspector Gadget, Carmen San Diego and even your neighborhood flasher all have one thing in common: the trench coat. Whether they are fighting crime, causing crime or jetting around the globe, these three at least got one thing right. This season, trench coats are a must have staple item in your fall wardrobe. This chic outerwear has been splashed across recent runway shows as designers are put a modern twist on the classic Katherine Hepburn look. While Burberry Prorsum showcases thetraditional camel colored trench with black trim, other designers such as  Diane Von Furstenberg go for a more bold blood red trench with satin lining. I spotted this fashionista walking out of her house yesterday. Mary Alex leads the pack with her adorable camel colored trench and gorgeous crimson tresses. I talked with Mary Alex about her personal style, advice for fellow students and her love of knits, neutrals and trenches.


Name: Mary Alex Japczyk - Year: Sophomore - Major: Communications

CollegeFashionista: What are your stylistic influences?

Mary Alex Japczyk: When I am trying to dress myself, I look to people around me and see what they are wearing. I try to find looks and styles of theirs that I like and try to interpret it in my own way. I get a lot of influence from people on campus or my friends. I see what looks good on them and try to use it to make it look good on me.

CF: What would you describe is your personal style?

MAJ: My style would be classy and comfortable. I like to look polished and put together, but comfort is definitely a key factor. That is my number one priority when I am getting dressed.

CF: What trends are you excited for this fall?

MAJ: Trends I am excited for this fall are definitely trench coats. They make everyones waistline look great. I have so many sweaters and wear them all the time in the winter. I get a lot of my sweaters from Urban Outfitters. They have great oversized cardigans and comfy chunky sweaters. I get a lot of form fitting cardigans from Nordstroms. I wear a lot of neutrals, greens, blues and grays.

CF: Where do you like to shop?

MAJ: I love the Brass Plum section at Nordstroms. Anything I am looking for I can find there. They have a wide variety of items.

How To: To recreate Mary Alex’s polished look, throw on this classic double-breasted cream trench with leather piping details. This trench can transform any outfit from dull to sophisticated. Dare to be different and wear this Victoria’s Secret trench in a deep plum. Suddenly, the outfit underneath becomes less important. To rock a more subtle detail, button up this timeless trench coat with a built in floral pink scarf or wear this trench lined in satin cheetah print. This fashion original is a perfect staple to add to your fall wardrobe.

1. check HERE every wednesday to catch my latest report!

2. check HERE every day for all posts on my campus! (university of illinois)

3. check HERE or click on the PHOTO to read this weeks post / see more photos via the site! 

FOLLOWING ARTICLE FROM COLLEGEFASHIONISTA.COM:

From Christian Dior’s resort 2011 runway look to Mui Mui's 2012 maroon shift dress, lace has taken over the runways. It adds a unique feminine touch to any stylistic choice, while maintaining an air of sophistication and class. I met this fashionista walking on the quad today. At first glance, Irini’s adorable pixie haircut and trench coat immediately caught my eye. But after further inspection, I realized the detail on the trench coat that really made the outfit stand out: lace. The lace embedded in the jacket was a perfect transition from the light fabrics of summer to the heavier fabrics of winter. Irini rocked this look perfectly. I talked with her about her fashion choices, personal style and upcoming fall trends.

Name: Irini Losoff - Major: English - Year: Sophomore

College Fashionista: Who inspires your fashion sense?

Irini Losoff: It depends on the kind of day. I got a lot of inspiration from working at Nordstrom. I worked in retail and we always had to dress nice.

CF: How would you describe your personal style?

IL: I would definitely say my style was dressier. I love dresses and tights. I would say I am above casual. I like to take an eclectic of pieces and throw them together to form an outfit.

CF: What trends are you excited for this fall?

IL: I am excited for sweaters. I wear them often. I also love tights and jackets.

CF: Do you have any style advice for other college aged students?

IL: Don’t feel stupid to dress up. If you feel like wearing a dress, wear it. Wear what you want to wear and don’t conform to people’s opinions.

CF: What is your favorite color palate?

IL: I would say I definitely like to pair nuetrals with a bold color. Since I love tights, I usually pair bright tights with earth tones that are more simple. I don’t like to combine 1,000 colors and patterns. I usually just stick with neutrals and add a pop.

How To: To recreate Irini’s adorable lace getup, pair a simple tee with this adorable lace skirt or these white lace shorts. For a lace top, pair casual denims with this lace cardigan with bow-pocketed detail. This will give you a more sophisticated look while still having adorable stand out details. Overall, lace is a great way to transition your clothes from day to night, work to play and business to sensual.

1. check HERE every wednesday to catch my latest report!

2. check HERE every day for all posts on my campus! (university of illinois)

3. check HERE or click on the PHOTO to read this weeks post / see more photos via the site! 

dirty little trends: neon lemon (s/s 2012)

[JONATHAN SAUNDERS / AGUASCUTUM / OSCAR DE LA RENTA / PUCCI / BCBG ]

this upcoming spring/summer season is dripping in bold color. while soft pastels, tropical prints and delicate lace ran the runways in the past, this season features a new piercing detail: neon lemon. this vivid color adds an awesome punch to any outfit and will definitely become a top new trend. 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY TOP PICKS: 

TOP ACCESSORIES

1. JEFFREY CAMPBELL / 2. NIXON / 3. KATE SPADE / 4. TOM BINNS / 5. ASOS / 6. TOPSHOP

TOP CLOTHING
 1. THURLEY / 2. DEBORAH MARQUIT / 3. ALEXANDER WANG / 4. TOPSHOP / 5. TIBI  / 6. KSUBI

best shots of paris fashion week spring 2012:

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: STYLE.COM