His for Her

Published November 30, 2011 on Loyola Looks, Loyola University's online fashion editorial. http://loyolalooks.wordpress.com/ 

His vs. Her wear is not a forgotten concept within the fashion industry. Yet, as men’s fashion is now designed to accentuate more than masculinity, women’s wear is no longer limited to traditionally feminine garments like the little black dress, 5 inch stiletto or skinny jean. Flat riding boots trump most heel styles on campus and beat-up boyfriend jeans did not die with overalls in the 90’s. His wear for her is thriving on and off of the runway. This year, add an oversized watch, crop top flannel and his for her dress shirt to complete your comfortable, chic and edgy ensemble.

Michael Kors’ Oversized Tortoise Watch is available at Neiman Marcus for $250.

The price tag on a Michael Kors’ accessory is almost as discouraging as his craftsmanship is enthralling.  Designs by MK are indeed delectable to admire, athwart the glossy and glamorous pages of vogue magazine, from afar. But when it is time to buy, use MK for only his mind. Seek similar, more affordable fashion like the hand crafted, multi-colored leather piece below, from etsy.com.

Unisex wear has exploded within the fashion industry but do not take sporting his style too literally.  While your brother’s flannel seems trendy, opt to don more flattering fits like those available from Urban Outfitters’ crop top collection. Be fashion forward without burying your bod beneath oversized tops.

On campus, out to eat or in the office, pair male inspired dress shirts with waist belts to constantly compliment your curves. Because trends change, it is important to make flattering ourselves the most important staple to our style.

Out of the Classroom and into the Boardroom

Published November 9, 2011 on Loyola Looks, Loyola University's online fashion editorial.  http://loyolalooks.wordpress.com/ 

To celebrate my very first professional job interview today, this style expose will present outfits that cross function with fashion. As graduation approaches, I, like many of you, am eager to pursue my chosen career but hesitant to disrobe the dapper digs I have accumulated over the past four years. But fear not Loyola Lookers, trends today are brimming with professionally chic garments.

Banana Republic is my favorite go-to for sophisticated and sexy suits and slacks. Office fashion this season has not changed exponentially since 2010 or from the 1950’s when businesswomen first stepped out of their oversized pantsuits tailored primarily for men. Fitted-pencil skirts and boot-cut business bottoms are in high supply at Banana Republic.

H&M is a more reasonable retailer that offers gutsier garb for the bolder businesswomen. H&M reaches beyond the classic pantsuit and blazer to trendy textures and braver, brighter basics. H&M is a great option for young women beginning their career and professional wardrobe because it is a way to preserve both our college closet’s variety and our student bank accounts while maintaining appropriate fashion for the office.

Whatever you do or wherever you go, know this: fashion will never pave the road to success. Sometimes, though, style can be the flashiest of vehicles to aid us on our way!

Treat Yourself, and Everyone Else

Published October 26, 2011 on Loyola Looks, Loyola University's online fashion editorial. http://loyolalooks.wordpress.com/ 

Walking to class this semester I am reminded far too much of an opening scene in a Grey’s Anatomy episode. The weather in Baltimore has become strikingly Seattle-esque. Although Loyola’s evergreen landscape benefits from the leaky, seemingly sunless sky, why should style surrender to the rain cloud? Enter: the trench coat.


Trench Coats are not new to the scene. They are smart, timeless inhabitants of every classy woman’s armoire. I love the trench because it has unlimited style variations. Every chic chick can find the frock that best compliments her day to day look. Long, short, fitted or leopard-lined, there is a trench coat for everyone. This year, I am wearing a Steve Madden, mid-thigh cappuccino-tinted trench. Hoodless, as most trench coats are, I sought a second style staple. Enter: the funky yet functional umbrella.

Paired with rubber boots and that hot trench an umbrella can seriously amplify your rain ensemble. My rule of thumb is to limit my look to only one pattern. Compliment solid trenches with bold boots or an audacious umbrella. Refrain from rocking both. 

Tomorrow, because it will probably rain, leave that tired oversized hoodie in the closet heap where it belongs. Treat yourself to a trench coat. 

Girlish Garnish

Published October 12, 2011 on Loyola Looks - Loyola University's online fashion editorial. http://loyolalooks.wordpress.com/               
It’s Simple to Stand Out

Sexy; it is simple to say but harder to define. Who is sexy? What is sexy? Is it that fabulously flirty cocktail dress or its daring relative the romper, paired with printed tights and combat boots? Sexiness does not discriminate. It is any woman who flaunts her frock with poise and a great purse. Besides her purse, whatever kind that may be, there is another staple present in every fashionista’s façade: Jewelry.

Like frosting on fresh pastries, jewelry can amplify an otherwise bland look so that business casual is runway ready. Hand crafted pieces, like the crystal dew drop earrings, moonstone necklace and SteamPunk ring shown below, are several of my favorite vintage inspired items available on etsy.com.  Etsy is like an online flea market for fashion. It is affordable and features mostly handmade designs that are football fields from Tiffany so you will never match your friends. It is simple to stand out; so accessorize.