Okay, so maybe literally borrowing your boyfriend’s clothes isn’t the best idea in the world, but one of my favorite trends lately has been the influx of menswear-inspired clothing. Also, why restrict yourself to the women’s section when you never know if you will find a great vintage tee or a rugby scarf in the men’s section?!

There are several boyfriend-inspired trends out there right now, but I am going to review the three that I feel have become the most prominent throughout the college fashion scene.

1. The Boyfriend Jean

Boyfriend jeans are available from so many different retailers and for such a wide a variety of prices that you have to ask yourself How do I choose the right boyfriend jean? After conducting some research, here are my “rules” for buying and wearing boyfriend jeans:

Go for a straight-leg version. Other styles don’t compliment the overall relaxed look of boyfriend jeans!

Make sure the bottom hem meets the ankle. Longer versions will give the jean a baggy grunge look, while anything shorter creates a “high water” look that should be avoided when wearing boyfriend jeans (unless you purposely roll up the hems to wear with heels).

Your boyfriend jeans should be the strongest masculine piece in your outfit. If you choose to wear masculine elements such as a leather jacket or vintage sports tee, make them form fitting! Otherwise, you risk looking like you literally got dressed in a boy’s closet.

Now that we’ve reviewed the rules, here are some examples of great boyfriend jeans!

Product Information: Deidre Boyfriend Jean- Abercrombie & Fitch, Crafted Boyfriend Pu Jean- Republic (UK), Citizens of Humanity Boyfriend Jean- Chickdowntown, Tall Indigo Cory Jean- TopShop

2. Men’s Vintage-Inspired Tees

I bought my first men’s tee from Urban Outfitters recently. I wanted a crew neck screen tee to throw on with my leather jacket, but I couldn’t find a screen print I liked in the women’s section. My curiosity took me to the men’s section where I found an amazing cotton tee that had a vintage advertisment of Madonna’s 1985 “Like a Virgin” tour. I purchased the tee in a small and have worn it so many times, it might be time to go hunting for another similar t-shirt.

Now, if you think that venturing into the men’s section isn’t quite your style, there are certainly options for you that are made for women. Here’s what to look for when hunting for a boyfriend-inspired t-shirt:

Look for straighter lines when you try them on. This shouldn’t be so striaght that it completely hides your figure, but the relaxed/semi-loose feel is what this trend is all about!

The sleeve should not be a cap sleeve, but rather a t-shirt sleeve!

Try on the next size up in women’s t-shirts. Especially because most screen print t-shirts are made of 100% cotton, if you want the loose/relaxed look, it’s best to at least try on one size up!

Men’s Tees I Love:

Product Information: Clint Eastwood Tee- Urban Outfitters, Bob Ross Tee- Urban Outfitters, Junk Food Men’s AC/DC 1973 T-Shirt- Palmer Cash, Men’s USA Peace T-Shirt- Palmer Cash

3. Menswear Button-Down Shirt

The menswear button-down shirt has been all over the runways, as well as in several stores lately. The idea of a boyfriend-inspired button-up is no longer a trademark of the “walk of shame,” but rather a piece to throw on effortlessly.

The two versions I’ve noticed are definitely the flannel/plaid/Lumberjack look, and the classic dress shirt. If you are especially keen on the flannel versions, check out Liza’s post on how to wear them! This quick photo tutorial from TLC is great for anyone who likes the dress shirt version!

Here are some examples of each, available right now for purchase:

Product Information: Vince Oversized Plaid Roll Sleeve Shirt- Piperlime, Crinkle Plaid Flannel Shirt- Forever 21, H81 Pintucked Woven Button Down- Forever 21, Striped 3/4 Shirt- Forever 21

What do YOU think?

Do you like this trend? Have you tried any boyfriend-inspired pieces? If so, tell us about the experience! How do you wear your boyfriend-inspired clothing items?

This is the second post in our mini-series on must-wear colors and fabrics for fall and winter. As stated in the first post on must-wear colors, we reviewed what smart (in a fashion context) means for this season: “stylish or elegant in dress or appearance…appealing to sophisticated tastes.”

Let’s review the 6 must-wear fabrics for Fall/Winter 2009! As with the first post, I hope you can find at least one fabric that you’d like to wear during the season!

1. Velvet

For this fall/winter season, velvet has received a makeover! The velvet of this decade is everything you liked about the 80’s/90’s versions, but simpler and more feminine. My recommendations for wearing velvet are to stick to one velvet piece per outfit and stick with darker, richer colors or black. Want more information/inspiration? Check out this great article by WhoWhatWear!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Kimchi Blue Velvet Bow Dress- Urban Outfitters, Stretch Velvet Long Sleeve Dress- American Apparel, Velvet Black Blazer- Forever 21, Velvet Ribbon Shrug- TopShop, Velvet Flats with Satin Ribbon- Newport News, Velvet Roses Skirt- Forever 21, Bodycon Velvet Skirt- TopShop

2. Knits (Chunky Knits)

Knitted garments are really in for fall and winter, specifically super chunky knits. The best way to try out this trend would be to try a chunky scarf! However, accessories aren’t the only way to go. Keep your eyes peeled for knitted dresses and sweaters! Cozy!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Julien Macdonald Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Chunky Knit Gator- Ann Taylor, Chunky Knitted Cardigan- TopShop, Topshop Unique Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Deena and Ozzy Chunky Blanket Scarf- Urban Outfitters, Design History Cable Knit Sweater in Wine- Bluefly.com

3. Lace

This season, lace will be an accent to artsy pieces. Lace for this season will manifest itself in one of three categories: chantlilly lace, richelieu embroidery, or sequined embroidery. Which look do you like best?

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Christian Lacroix Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Cameo Lace Cardigan- Forever 21, Exposed Zipper Lace Skirt- Arden B, Lna Lace Back Top- ShopBop, Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Petite Lace Poplin Dress- TopShop

4. Leather

Leather and faux leather are back for another season! Throwing on a leather or faux leather jacket is definitely the easiest way to add a little edge to your effortlessly chic fall/winter look! However, if you already have a leather jacket, or if this type of jacket isn’t your thing, try a leather dress like Kate Moss!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Kate Moss during Paris Fashion Week- fashionising.com, Crinkled Faux Leather Jacket- Forever 21, PU Hooded Bomber Jacket- TopShop, Hermès Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Faux Leather Dress- Wet Seal, Leather Gloves with Faux Fur- Ralph Lauren, Women’s Ruffle Peep Toe Pumps- Old Navy, Faux Leather Tote- Windsor

5. Silk

This season, silk will be accompanied by draping and either subtle metallics or rich gemstone colors. Look out for both high sheen and eggshell gloss looks this season! These elements will add to the feminine undertone that silk naturally bears. I think silk is a great option for any fancier dresses you may need for holiday parties!

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Haider Ackermann Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Tiered Silk Dress- Gap, Short Sleeve Tie Front Ruffle Top- 7 for All Mankind at ShopBop, Adrianna Papell Red Silk-Blend Pencil Skirt- Lord & Taylor, Plum Thai Silk Flat- Rocket Dog at Zappos, Michael Antonio Women’s Lea Pump- Endless.com, Poufy Party Skirt- Calypso St. Barth

6. Tweed

Tweed has a down-to-earth vibe this season. Much of today’s tweed is being generated by recycled yarn, so if you’re into eco-chic, this might be a good fabric for you to look into (depending on the manufacturer, of course). Tweed will provide a great back-to-basics look to your winter wardrobe.

Picture/Product Information (clockwise from left): Katy Perry in NYC- fabsugar.com, Tweed Cap- Armani Exchange, Tweed Classic Trench- Forever 21, Silence and Noise Tweed Funnel Coat- Urban Outfitters, Tweed Check Purse- TopShop, Tweed Evalyn Dress- Fred Flare, Rosalyn Tweed Jacket- Forever 21

What do YOU think?

Now that you’ve become an expert on smart fabrics, what do you think? Will you wear any of these textiles this fall or winter? Which is your favorite? How do you wear “smart fabrics” in your everyday wardrobe? Tell me with a comment!

There is one word that perfectly describes the hottest colors for fall and winter 2009: “smart.”

But what exactly does “smart” mean in a fashion context? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, smart, as it relates to fashion, means “stylish or elegant in dress or appearance…appealing to sophisticated tastes.”

Essentially, we are stepping away from the neon, 80’s-centric color palette of summer and embracing some really amazing, sophisticated hues for fall and winter.

Read on to find out what the top 6 “smart colors” are, as well as how to wear them. I hope you can find at least one color you’d like to try this fall/winter season!

1. Bronze

All metallics are timeless, but bronze is a big hit this fall and will continue to be throughout the winter.

Bronze is more subtle than other metallics, which goes with the subdued, sophisticated theme of this season’s color palette. Bronze is chic and toned-down, perfect for mixing with fall’s jewel tones and neutral shades.

From the runways to the sidewalks on campus, here’s a montage of bronze to get your inspiration flowing!

Information (clockwise from left): Audrina Patridge – TheInsider.com, C&C California V-Neck- Shopbop.com, Buddha Sedona Bag in Bronze- Endless.com, Bailmain RTW Spring 2010 – Style.com, Anne Klein Quilted Dress Flat- Endless.com, Barissa Earrings- Chico’s, Puma Speedcat High Top in Bronze/Silver- Nordstrom

2. Brick/Berry

Berry and brick tones are always hot for both autumn and winter. Brick is perfect for fall since it echos the colors of the leaves, while berry is a trademark Christmas color, reminiscent of holly berries.

These two shades are fabulous to wear in fall or winter because they play perfectly against the lightened skin tones most of us sport during the colder months. Want to see more? Here are some berry and brick-colored items you’re sure to love.

Information (clockwise from left): Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2009- style.com, GF FERRE’ Full-length jacket- YOOX, Du Wop Lip Stain in Pure Berry- SkinStore.com, Leighton Meester at the Gossip Girl Premiere- TheInsider.com, Cable V-Neck Long Sleeve- Charlotte Russe, Silk Brick Red Skirt- Arden B, Dolman Tee in Berry- Alloy.com

3. Mauve

Mauve reminds me of an artistic accident, as if someone forgot to wash the gray paint off the brush before dipping into the lilac.

There are four “official” tones of mauve, at least according to the HEX database of colors: Mauve, Light Mauve, Opera Mauve, and Mauve Taupe. This season, be especially aware of the latter two. Regular mauve and “light mauve” will become more popular as spring rolls around.

Here’s a look at the four mauve tones, as well as some mauve fashion inspiration.

Left-to-Right: Mauve, Light Mauve, Opera Mauve, Mauve Taupe

Information (clockwise from left): Roland Mouret Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Bobbi Brown Sheer Cheek Tint in Mauve- Bergdorf Goodman, Cinnamon Blossom Top in Mauve- Free People, Contour Lip Liner in Mauve- ULTA, Unisex Jersey Scarf in Mauve- American Apparel, Stefano Mortani Tank- YOOX

4. Dark Sage

Whether you call it forest green, dark olive, or dark sage, the fact is that these deep, “vegetative” greens are in!

Heading to a holiday festivity? Why not replace your LBD with a little GREEN dress for a change? In need of a new pea coat? Why not try on a few sage options? These tones are great choices for both fall and winter and are easy to wear if you consider your skin tone!

Not sure which shades of dark green would work best for you? Refer to Zephyr’s post on Finding Your Perfect Colors!

Information (clockwise from left): Gap RTW 2009- style.com, Dark Suede Demode Heels- Nine West at Zappos, Combobella Plaid Jacket- YOOX, Louis Vuitton RTW 2009- style.com, Pintelle Beret- Kohl’s, Cable Oversized Beanie- TopShop, Belted Green Dress- Charlotte Russe

5. Navy

Ah, navy, one of the most neglected neutrals. I’m personally a huge fan of navy blue worn year-round, however, I don’t see many other college girls rocking navy quite as much.

Navy was first used as a dye for British military coats and was originally so dark it was often mistaken for black. Fortunately, these days, modern dyes make it a lot easier to tell the two shades apart.

For winter 2009, be ready for navy coats, trousers, scarves, and everything in between! Here are some fabulous navy items I love.

Information (clockwise from left): Moschino Fall 2009 RTW- harpersbazzar.com, Wool Blend Coat- Old Navy, Navy Ladderweave Scarf and Lace Frill Lace Tunic- Top Shop, UO Opaque Tights in Navy- Urban Outfitters, Deux Lux Studded Clutch- Rumor, H81 Embroidered Cardigan- Forever 21

6. Cognac

Named after a town in France, cognac is arguably the most popular variety of brandy. However, in addition to being the name of a drink, cognac is now known as a hot color in fashion.

This orangey brown tone is a perfect manifestation of autumn and accompanies just about any other color with ease. The brightness draws attention, while the neutrality of the color makes it modest. In my opinion, cognac is best worn on footwear, outerwear, and bags. I just bought some cognac boots, and am in love!

Information (clockwise from left): Ellen Pompeo – instyle.com, Buckled Slouchy Boots- Charlotte Russe, Cognac Short Booties- Windsor, Bwarriort Cognac Le Bag- Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry Love Me Platforms- Piperlime, Ribbed Trim Leatherette Jacket- Arden B

More to Come!

Want to know more about what’s hot for fall and winter 2009? Don’t fret, CF is here for you!

Be sure to check back next week for the next article in this series, where I will be discussing the must-wear prints & fabrics for Fall/Winter 2009! Don’t miss it!

What Do YOU Think?

Now that you’ve become an expert on smart colors, what do you think? Do you wear any of these colors? Which is your favorite? How do you wear “smart colors” in your every day wardrobe? Tell me with a comment!

While wandering around campus, I always try and keep an eye in the back of my head in order to spot any new college fashion trends. For the past month or so, I have been sporadically seeing these really interesting prints that I could not quite put my finger on. They’re not quite abstract, and they’re not 100% geometric either.

Then, as if by fate, I was flipping through an old Spanish textbook when preparing for an exam, and I came across a chapter based on the Aztecs (who we’ll discuss more in a bit). There were a few photos depicting traditional Aztec garments and viola, here’s a great college fashion trend worth writing about!

The photo featured is a picture of an Aztec dancer who still performs the traditional dances today! The detailing of the costume and color pallet of the headdress really blows me away…how could you NOT be inspired by something so exquisite?

Aztec 101: History to Inspiration

1, 2, 3

So…who are the Aztecs? The Aztecs are a Central American Indian people best known for their domination of the central and southern regions of Mexico during the 14th and 16th centuries. A few more facts about them:

1) Aztec architecture is also a notable component of Aztecan history. The aztecs are famous for their pyramids, which were used for sacrifices and religious worship.

2) Basic clothing included a breechcloth and cape. Additional accessories (especially sandals) were a sign of wealth. See the middle picture above!

3) The traditional Aztec clothing color palette included shades of deep blue, red, and yellow. Jewelry was made of copper, silver, gold, turquoise, emerald and jade.

Want to know more? Here is a great article by the History Channel.

Modern Interpretation

Contemporary Aztec-inspired pieces use the elements I mentioned above, while adding a new twist or flare to keep things modern. I have seen diverse color palettes that stray away from traditional Aztec shades, as well as an emphasis on embellishments or geometry within the fabric chosen.

Here are my favorite budget-friendly pieces, so you can get an idea of what’s out there if you decide to add an Aztec-inspired piece to your wardrobe!

Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Aztec Bangles by House of Harlow- Pink Mascara, Aztec Cozi Slipper- Alloy, Beaded Aztec Top- Charlotte Russe, Oricola Bangle- Aldo, Digital Cube Skirt- Forever 21,  Anacoana Aztec Chiffon Dress- Shop Ruche

Example Ensembles:

Product Information: Beaded Aztec Top- Charlotte Russe, Bootcut Jeans in Night Sky- Eddie Bauer, Silva Large Tote- Nine West at Zappos, Suede Cuff Button Boots- Go Jane, Interlocked Bangles- Wet Seal

Product Information: Digital Cube Skirt- Forever 21, Full Tilt Henley Tank- Tilly’s, Oricola Bangle- Aldo, Tall Long Sleeve Cardi- Top Shop, BC Limousine Flat- Endless.com

To Aztec or Not to Aztec?

What are your thoughts on the Aztec-inspired trend? How can you take history or other cultures and draw inspiration from them? Is it important to stay historically accurate, or are modern interpretations just as good?

Full skirts are back and the selection is more diverse than ever. I’ve spotted girls on campus in every possible style: from ballet-inspired skirts to button-adorned denim options. From Marc Jacobs to Forever 21, there is a full skirt out there for every budget and taste!

How to Wear Full Skirts:

Now is the best time to buy and rock a full skirt – they’re perfect for the summer-to-fall transition we are going through! Here are some tips to wearing them right.

Still feelin’ the heat where you live? Pair your full skirt with flats and a printed tank! Starting to cool down? Bring out your favorite tights and booties!

Watch the fit! Full skirts should fit around the smallest part of your waist and have an “A” line flare that brings the eye straight down. This will create a slim, feminine silhouette!

Start with a neutral. If you aren’t sure what the best style is for you, start off with a denim skirt or a neutral tone. (Black is always a safe bet!) Check out my examples below for some cute neutral options!

Examples:

I’ve divided full skirts into two categories: neutrals and prints. As you can see from my examples below, the most common way to wear a full skirt is to pair a printed skirt with a solid bottom, and vice versa. Don’t feel as though you have to follow this idea, though, or that there isn’t any room for originality. Look for unique details (buttons, zippers) and personalized prints you love for an extra pop!

Here are a few cute skirts I love:

Product information: Black Skirt- Urban Outfitters, Printed Full Skirt- Marc by Marc Jacobs – at ShopBop, Denim Button-Up- Urban Outfitters

Printed Full Skirts:

Product Information: Floral Skirt, Abstract Skirt, Rose Skirt- all from Forever 21

Neutrals:

Product Information: Denim Skirt- Forever 21, Black Skirt- Rokit, Button-down Skirt- Modcloth

Example Ensembles:

Wondering how to wear a full skirt? Look no further than the following example outfits that will keep your look chic and balanced – perfect for going to class or in any casual setting.

Product Information: Tank- Net-a-Porter, Gold Necklace- Arden B, Boots- ShopRuche.com, Skirt- Forever 21

Product Information: Tank- Forever 21, Jacket- Miss Selfridge, Bag- Nordstrom, Black Booties- AmiClubWear.com, Skirt- Modcloth, Necklace- Forever 21

Thoughts?

What do you think about the full skirt trend? Do you own one? If so, how do you like to wear it? Post your thoughts!

Here in Tucson, it’s been a tranquil 75 degrees the past few days; however, fall is still manifesting itself with changing leaves and Halloween decorations going up around town. For some of you, it may already feel like winter!

If you want to keep warm and look stylish this season, one of the most essential pieces for fall 2009 is definitely the military jacket. It’s a huge trend on college campuses across the country – I’m sure you’ve probably seen it at your school already!

Want to get in on this trend? When hunting for a military jacket, there are many options to consider. Follow the following list of questions and you will have a better idea of what to look for! And read on for tips on how to wear a military jacket, as well as cute and affordable options you’ll want to score for your closet!

Before You Shop, Ask Yourself…

How long or short do I want my jacket to be? This will depend on your personal aesthetic, as well as your body type.

Do I want a neutral jacket or a pop of color? Brightly colored statement jackets can be a great way to rev up your wardrobe, but a neutral would probably be more practical for everyday wear.

Should I consider cropped or pea-coat versions? Which is more my style?

How heavy do I need my jacket to be (in accordance with the weather)?

Do I like the vintage versions, or is a contemporary translation more my style?

Introductory Examples:

Now that you know what you’re looking for, here are a few higher-end military jackets that I loved. These aren’t exactly budget-friendly, but they’re a good way to get your inspiration going. Keep reading to see some more affordable options you can buy online.

My Favorite Online Picks:

Here are some fabulous military jackets that are available to purchase online right now. Most are fairly budget-friendly for those of us who are trying to save money!

Product information (Clockwise from upper left): Forever 21, Newport News, Chickdowntown, Forever 21, Boutique-To-You, DKNY (through Piperlime)

How to Wear a Military Jacket:

At CF, one of our favorite bloggers is Betty from Le Blog de Betty. She rocks the military jacket trend flawlessly and serves as a great example of how to wear it. Like her style? Then be sure to check out her blogand/or the CF article on her style.

Here are a few photos of Betty rocking the military jacket trend!

To get your inspiration going, here are a couple of sample outfits I created to show you how to wear a military jacket. The first look is girly and romantic, while the second is a little more edgy.

Option 1: Military Meets Romance

Product Information: Jacket- Forever 21, Jeans- Tilly’s, Riding Boots- Avon, Top- Miss Selfridge, Perfume- Romance by Ralph Lauren

Option 2: Edgy and Patriotic

Product Information: Jacket- Chickdowntown, T-shirt- Moxsie.com, Skirt- TopShop, Flats- Chloe, Bag- Shirise

Your Thoughts?

What do you think about the military jacket trend? Do you own one? If so…tell us how you wear it! If not…would you consider buying one?

For this post, I put together a compilation of items based on one key trend each from three of my favorite designers–Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren and Jason Wu.

These three collections are extremely well suited to your lifestyle as a college student and are perfect for transition dressing as you ease your way into fall. Aside from that, all three collections are so fabulous that there’s no need for us to suffer through winter before we let them inspire us for Spring/Summer 2010. Here are three hot trends you can rock today.

1. Neon Pieces à la Zac Posen

Zac Posen’s Spring 2010 collection was all about bright colors. Neon was everywhere, proving the 80’s revival trend isn’t dead yet. He took the bright colors, however, and refined them into playful, yet work appropriate ensembles. Pretty a-line dresses, colorful tights, and pleated skirts were all important components of his Spring looks.

Here are some items that you can use to help inject a little Zac Posen glamour into your wardrobe. Even better, tights are fabulous for fall – so you don’t have to wait ’til spring to wear them!

Dress – Modcloth; Skirt and Yellow Tights – Forever21; Pink and Blue Tights – Urban Outfitters; Green Tights – welovecolors.com

2. American Elegance à la Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is one of my favorite designers. He has always been able to do American elegance really well, and this season he used the economy as part of his inspiration to create a collection of amazing, classic pieces.

Much of the Spring 2010 Ralph Lauren collection had an industrialized worker, Great Depression sort of feel. Yet at the end, the entire collection turned into a Cinderella story – complete with clean cut work and silvery blue gowns for the final few looks. The overall vibe was classic, elegant, and inspiring.

One of the best parts about Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2010 collection was its wearability–from boyfriend jeans to oxfords to sundresses, Ralph was all about making those classics go the extra mile. It would be easy to recreate many of his looks with pieces you already own. In addition, his use of many traditionally male pieces helped rough up a very girly collection – another hot trend you can totally rock for fall.

Below are some pieces that go with the Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 vision.

Hat, Shoes, Dress and Scarf – Modcloth; Boyfriend Jeans – Old Navy; Blazer – Urban Outfitters; Sleeveless Vest – Forever21

3. Feminine Silhouettes à la Jason Wu

My final pick, as well as one of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite designers, is rising star Jason Wu. I loved the entire thought process behind his Spring 2010 collection, from the pink tweed rompers to the one-shoulder cocktail dresses.

The Jason Wu collection this season focused primarily on skirts and a very feminine silhouette. To get a similar look for yourself, try to keep the focus on your waist by choosing items that will give you a hourglass appearance, such as paper-bag skirts paired with looser, more flowy tops. To really get the Jason Wu S/S ‘10 vibe right, stick with a darker color palette as opposed to the neons of Zac Posen.

Here are some pieces that will help you get the Jason Wu look.

Dress and black pencil skirt – Modcloth; Black tulle skirt, gray pencil skirt and lace top – Forever21; Sheer blouse – Piperlime

What do you think?

So now that you have the basics of these three designers’ spring collections, will you try these trends before the weather cools down? Or do you plan to wait until spring?

Also, who were your favorite designers from New York Fashion Week, and do you have any plans to work their looks into your wardrobe soon? What do you think of my picks? I love feedback, so don’t be afraid to tell me what you think! Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts.

Whenever I think of neon colors, I immediately think of one of my favorite childhood toys: Lite-Bright. Remember plugging those colored pegs into the board to make luminous artwork to show your parents? Those were the days!

Now that we have grown up a bit, marketers have found another way to bring neon into our lives- neon t-shirts. Although I loved my Lite-Bright when I was little, I’ve had a hard time creating a stylish relationship with neon and breaking away from a wardrobe full of subtle and neutral colors. However, I think observing or embracing neon colors will help me broaden my perspective!

Neon t-shirts are available from a wide variety of stores and vary in neckline and color. I’ve noticed wide neck, v-neck, and crew neck versions all over campus lately…check out my examples below!

Examples:

Left-to-Right: Neon Pink T- Shopbop, Neon V Neck- Urban Outfitters, Crew Neck T- American Apparel

How to Wear the Neon Trend:

This is where I get a little stuck, as I’m sure some of you do, too. How can I wear a neon t-shirt without looking like a walking highlighter? After doing some observing and researching, here are my top tips.

First, you should definitely check out the CF post on How to Find Your Perfect Colors. Start by finding a bright hue that works well with your skin tone, and go from there.

Let neon be the focal point. Stick with a neon t-shirt as your one bright statement. Use the rest of your outfit to display those neutral pieces you love.

Check out this article by Glamour for some neon wearing tips and inspirational photography! It’s a great guide to get you started.

Example Ensembles:

Now that you’ve been briefed on how to wear the trend, its time to dig through the closet and put together some cute outfits! Here are some examples I came up with.

Product Information: Neon Orange/Red T- TopShop, Faux Leather Skirt- Forever 21, Studded Blazer- Arden B, Shiny Black Pump- Endless.com, Bag- eBags

Product Information: Jeans- Citizens of Humanity at ShopBop, Pink Neon T- Forever 21, Cardigan- TopShop, Necklace- Newlook.co.uk, Bag- Piperlime

Here are two more examples from NET-A-PORTER. They make up sample outfits for all of their clothing, so it can be a great place to get designer-based inspiration!

Your Thoughts?

What do you guys think of the neon trend? Is it something you’d attempt or are muted colors more your style? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment.

This semester I have definitely noticed a lot of exposed zippers, and at first, I felt uneasy about the trend. On the embarrassment scale, the idea of an exposed fly is right up there with parsley stuck in your teeth, right?

However, zippers have become an accessory- exposed and no longer hidden behind a flap of fabric. The zip-front style is one that I have noticed the most; however, asymmetrical zippers are also becoming widely popular!

Here are different examples of this evolving trend:

Dresses:

At first I thought this trend was a little trashy. I mean, when I think of exposed zippers I think of spandex stripper outfits…yikes! However, there are a variety of zipper dresses that range from cocktail attire to daytime sundresses.

Product Information (left-to-right): Black Zip Dress- Brown’s Fashion, Lace Zip Dress- TopShop, Light Denim Dress- missselfridge

Tops:

Zipper tops are also very diverse. The most prevalent zipper style that I’ve seen is a fitted tank (such as the center tank below) tucked under a high-waisted skirt. See my example outfits below for some more ideas!

Product Information (left-to-right): Pink Zip Vest, Abstract Top, Floral Blouse- All TopShop

Skirts:

I recently bought a full zipped skirt from Urban Outfitters, and I love it! I’ve mostly seen full zip-front skirts, but if you spot any other varieties, post links in the comments!

Product Information (left-to-right): Denim Skirt- TopShop, Abstract Skirt- Lipsy, Ruffle Skirt- Maruione (Japan)

How to Wear Exposed Zippers:

Avoid flashy belts! Exposed zippers should be the focal point of the dress, skirt, etc.

Don’t go overboard on the grunge effect. If you add leather, studded cuffs, or other hardcore elements, proceed with caution! I would go for a leather strap bracelet, or something that has a hardcore, but quirky look.

Take the time to find your zipper niche! Exposed zippers are also featured on ballet flats, leggings, and even on clutch bags!

Example Ensembles:

On a Date:

Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Gold Clutch- eBags, Black Dress- Brown’s Fashion, Coin Necklace- Banana Republic, Red Shoes- Windsor, Lip Gloss- Sephora

For a Long Day of Classes:

Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Floral Blouse- TopShop, Black Skinny Jeans- Kohl’s, Jacket- Debenhams, Nude Flats- Macy’s, Leather Cuff- Fossil

While You’re Out Shopping:

Product Information (clockwise from upper left): Tan Bag- Fred Flare, Black Tank- Forever 21, Headband- Kitson, Sandals- Old Navy, Ruffle Skirt- Maruione

Your Thoughts?

What do you think about this trend? Which style do you prefer, the asymmetrical or the zip-front?

From slip-ons to high-tops, colorful sneakers have become more diverse than ever, and they’re popping up on college campuses across the country!

Whether you prefer Converse, Keds, Vans, or Nike (just to name a few), bright sneakers are an infusion between youthfulness, comfort, and style. They’re easy to wear, stylish, AND comfortable. Even better, they’re also a great investment, as they can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

There is such a variety of bright sneakers out there for fall 2009…the selection alone can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you find that perfect pair.

Here are the kinds I have noticed most around campus this semester!

Slip-Ons:

Slip-ons are laceless sneakers that literally slip on to your feet. I always think of slip-ons as a median between ballet flats and sneakers. Many universities require students to wear closed-toe, protective shoes in science laboratories, so slip-ons are a great way to be safe AND stylish!

My favorite slip-ons are Vans. You can even customize your own pair on their website! Even better, Vans makes a line of organic slip-ons, for eco-friendly chic – gotta love that.

My Custom Shoe:

Other Cute & Colorful Slip-Ons:

Product Information (left-to-right): Psychedelic Slip-Ons, Purple Slip-Ons, Organic Orange Slip-Ons – all Vans.

Classic Lace-Ups:

Remember those colorful Keds you had as a kid? They’re back! Lace-ups are probably the most known of all the colorful shoes – they’ve been around forever and aren’t going away any time soon. And for good reason – they’re super practical. I recently volunteered at a hospital doing arts and crafts with kids and these were the perfect shoe!

My favorite low-tops are Keds. Similar to Vans, Keds makes eco-friendly versions of their shoes, and they also have a web-based way to customize your own perfect pair!

My Custom Shoe:

Other Cute & Colorful Lace-Ups:

Product Information (left-to-right): Plum Lace-Up, Lemon Lace-Up, Salsa Verde Lace-Up – all Keds.

High-Tops:

When you want to stand out from the crowd, reach for a pair of colorful high tops because they make a statement. And they’re super popular – even my 12 year old sister wears them! High tops, to me, say fresh, daring, and cool.

My favorite high tops are Converse. Converse features a design-your-own feature (just like Keds and Vans) but they also have speciality collections, such as shoes that give tribute to classic rock groups. There’s a high-top option for every style!

My Custom Shoe:

Other Cute High-Tops:

Product Information (left-to-right): Gold High-Tops, Black and White High-Tops, Gray High-Tops – all Converse.

How to Wear Colorful Sneakers:

There are a number of ways to wear colorful sneakers – from funky and casual to girly and chic. You can be as creative as you like – it’s possible to make any pair of colorful sneakers work with your individual style.

Here are some example outfits incorporating colorful sneakers, inspired by girls I’ve seen sporting this look around campus.

Outfit 1: Slip-Ons + Casual Cool=

Product Information (clockwise from top left): Baseball T-shirt- Charlotte Russe, Purple Slip-Ons- Vans, Denim Shorts- Forever 21, Braided Belt- Dillard’s, Colorful Watch- Bloomingdale’s, Gray Backpack- Puma

Outfit 2: Lace-Ups + Girly and Fun=

Product Information (clockwise from top left): Striped Dress- TopShop, Charm Necklace- Max & Chloe, Gray Blazer- Old Navy, Red Bag- Endless.com, Lemon Lace-Ups- Keds

Outfit 3: High-Tops + Funky Flare=

Product Information (clockwise from top left): Red Windbreaker- Forever 21, Black Distressed Jean- Arden B, Screen T-Shirt- Delia*s, Gold High-Tops- Converse, Gold Bracelet- Forever 21, Leopard Sunglasses- Fred Flare

Your Thoughts?

You’ve seen my ideas for wearing high tops around campus. Now I want to know what you think! What do you think about this trend? Do you like any of the inspirational outfits? Which pair fits your style best? Add your comments!