Ram Runway: Rainy Day Ready

Spring is upon us, and that means two things: more sunshine and more rain. Although waking up and seeing rain outside tends to be a drag, there is one thing that always brightens up my day, and that’s knowing that I have a cute pair of rain boots to lighten my outfit and mood. A rainy day doesn’t always have to mean trudging around in an unfashionable outfit, as sophomore Samantha Carey shows here. Sam’s fun, colorful rain boots are the perfect accessory for a rainy day. The best part about rain boots is that there are so many different colors and patterns to choose from, you can still express your personal style. 

I’ve seen cheetah, Burberry plaid, hounds tooth and more all around campus. Another big trend are Hunter Wellies, which are pricey but good quality and simply chic. Sam also sports a colorful umbrella to compliment her boots. A bright umbrella is a great way to add flair to your rainy day outfit and make you stand out in the crowd. I love the clear bubble umbrellas like this one from Urban Outfitters. The most important thing of all is choosing a stylish raincoat to pull your entire look together. I love waterproof trench coats like this one from DKNY, because they are timelessly chic and versatile. The best thing about rainy day style is that there are so many ways to make it your own; as long as you have the perfect boots, coat, and umbrella you’ll be ready to take on whatever the April showers bring.

Bryn Evans is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in Communications and Media studies. Originally from Washington, DC, she has been dreaming of a career in the fashion industry since a young age. She absolutely loves the energy of NYC and the amazing opportunities it has to offer!

Couture for the College Girl: Feminine, Fun, Floral

Wearing jeans has simply become a necessary part of everyday life. It’s like breathing, sleeping, eating even. Denim has practically become humanity’s second skin. But just because they’re so vital, that doesn’t mean they don’t get boring every once in a while. Enter the latest and hottest trend in denim: floral print jeans. The trend has its roots in acid washed jeans and ditsy floral prints of the 90’s (Sorry all you grungy girls, I just can’t get behind this return of acid washed jeans that I’m seeing everywhere lately) floral print denim began showing up a few years ago, though didn’t take off quite that much. But with the shift to bright neons and floral print for spring, these jeans have been popping up everywhere. And style that’s everywhere is my favorite thing about Couture for the College Girl, you can find them everywhere. From your favorite discount store in the mall to high-end denim boutiques, floral print is dominating. And who knows? It looks like it’s got some staying power. When styling, let the jeans be the statement piece. Keep it neutral with a plain tee, maybe a cardigan or blazer. The key, as always, is never to overwhelm!

Sara Jansson is a junior at Fordham University, majoring in English. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Sara finds inspiration in the fashions and fast-paced lifestyle of New York City. She is a featured blogger for Fashion for Philanthropy.

Couture for the College Girl: Winning Wedges

Let’s make a list of some closet staples that are in full swing for this spring and fall: bright lipsticks, pretty prints, and of course, wedges. Its time to put those tan knee-high Steve Madden boots back in the closet and get yourself a pair of shoes that will show some skin. Not only are wedges comfy, but they also give you a bit of that extra height you need to lengthen your legs and make those troublesome calf muscles look slender and sleek.

The great thing about wedges is that their versatile. Don’t want to be taller than all of your friends? Wear a fashionable mini wedge. If your new boyfriend is 6:4’ (if only), go for these beautifully printed Jimmy Choos, or an equally cute but more affordable substitute from J-Crew . Wedges come in all shapes and sizes, like the modest closed toe to the sexy t-strap to the delicate espadrille. They also incorporate some of the seasons hottest trends, like color blocking and a touch of metallic. If you’re not one of those girls who wears heels to class and (I don’t blame you), wedges are still a good investment! They can be worn for any occasion- from lunch with the family to a girl’s night out, or even the much anticipated Spring Weekend.

Maygan Anthony is a sophomore at Fordham University, majoring in International Political Economy and Arabic. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Maygan has had a love of fashion and writing from an early age. She finds inspiration from fashionistas like Coco Chanel and Vera Wang, and enjoys creating high-end looks at a low price.

Featured: International Bridal Week - Nicole Miller Edition

Every year designers, companies, exhibitors, buyers and customers gather in New York City for International Bridal Week. This year, the event was held April 14-16 and took over the venue at Pier 92. As an intern working for global fashion house, Nicole Miller, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend, work and enjoy the perks of Bridal Week. Nicole Miller is known for a lot of things when it comes to fashion, and bridal wear is definitely one of them--so of course there was no question that she would be at Bridal Week! Bridal market occurs twice a year here in New York and sales representatives from Nicole Miller lug in all of the up-and-coming bridal and evening-wear gowns and dresses, along with mannequins, lighting, posters, models, interns and lots and lots of Diet Coke.

Even as an intern, I had a lot of important responsibilities. First off, I needed to constantly make sure our booth looked perfect at all times. Buyers from around the country attend this event and it’s key that the brand you’re representing looks the best it can. It is all about presentation at huge events and trade shows like these, because you want to make your company and booth look special in order to draw in customers. The day I worked, there were two sales reps from the New York offices, two reps from the Philadelphia offices, two models and two interns, including myself. All of the reps had scheduled appointments throughout the day and my main task was to aid the models in trying on all of the gowns to present them to buyers and customers. Sounds like a simple task and it is, however, at times there are upwards to three or four appointments going on at once, so things get extremely hectic.

Overall though, my first experience at New York Bridal Week and at a major fashion trade show was exhilarating--and exhausting! I learned a lot though and it is really a perk to be able to see how actual business of buying such an important article of clothing goes down. It is so interesting to see how a big fashion company like Nicole Miller works, down to the nitty-gritty of being in a minuscule dressing room with four girls at once. I loved the experience and got a lot from it. It was so fun to be a part of the operations of a brand like Nicole Miller. I am looking forward to helping out with more events and trade shows during my time at Nicole Miller and have been enjoying every minute of it ever since I started back in February.

Alex is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally.  

Couture for the College Girl: Crazy for Color-blocking

Spring is the ideal time to experiment with colorful fashions that you may have previously felt a little uncomfortable donning in the colder months. But no fashionable girl is complete without a brightly colored springtime sundress. So, if traditional floral patterns aren’t your thing, why not give color-blocking a try? Bright, rich geometric patterns on a sundress add a fun and unexpected twist to the typical springtime garb. With endless amounts of color combinations, color-blocking can pair neutrals with brights, bolds with subtles, and any combination of shades for a distinct look. Don’t be afraid to play with fabrics and textures either, some color-block outfits mix and match different patterns or fabrics- perhaps they’re better off being called “ texture-block” in that case! Either way, color-blocking is a trend that’s easy to get into for the not-so-daring, but still perfectly relevant for the seasoned fashionista.


Sara Jansson is a junior at Fordham University, majoring in English. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Sara finds inspiration in the fashions and fast-paced lifestyle of New York City. She is a featured blogger for Fashion for Philanthropy.

Ram Runway: Mint Condition

When you think of spring, the last thing you think of is cold, dreary colors--  winter blahs are done and over with, after all! When the magnolia and cherry trees are blooming across Fordham, the last thing you want to do is shroud yourself in black. Try welcoming this new season with the boldest and brightest colors possible, just like the flowers around you! Even the Spring 2012 trends are pointing to bursts of lovely hues. Designers from Marc Jacobs to Christian Siriano displayed all colors of the rainbow for their collections. Throw on the brightest pieces in your closet, and watch as your mood starts to reflect your cheery wardrobe.

Are you a shrinking violet when it comes to dressing colorfully? Just look to Meghan Bell, a freshman Fordham student from Massachusetts. She’s seasoned style maven, who never runs out of great ideas for her daily ensembles.  To mimic the spring weather, she wears fun, bright-blue Urban Outfitters pants (which are a cheap and equally adorable as the Azure Stretch Cotton Shantung Pants from Milly), and a crisp, mint green  (the new “It” color according to Harper’s Bazaar) Asos top.  She finishes her fantastic look with brown Top Shop leather sandals and a gold Ariel Gordon ring.

Instead of succumbing to the winter blues (and greys and blacks) wear your cheeriest clothing to brighten your day.  It is amazing how your wardrobe can really affect your mood. Give vivid hues a try, like Meghan does, and you might be surprised by your newfound sunny disposition!

Nicole Fishstein is freshman, studying international marketing, at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business. As a result of growing up around New York City since age eleven, she has grown to be passionate about the global street and high-end fashion, which has inspired her to have a career path in the fashion industry

Sponsors: Farmhouse Fresh

Fashion for Philanthropy is excited to announce that Farmhouse Fresh has signed on to be a sponsor at our show. You may have heard of this bath, body and skincare brand after they were featured in Oprah Magazine, InStyle, Elle, People, Real Simple and more!

Farmhouse Fresh is unique because each of their products is 88%-99.6% natural, and Paraben & Sulfate Free. Many of their products are also Vegan and Gluten Free. They also sound and smell sweet enough to eat (although we don't actually suggest that) and have the most creative and cute names. You'll be able to find a gift basket filled with luxurious bath and body treatments, at our show. One lucky winner will go home with a Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Hand Cream, Whoopie! Shea Butter Hand Cream, Sweet Cream Body Milk Lotion, Sweet Cream Body Scrub, Honey Oat Pajama Paste Mask AND One Fine Day Shea Sugar Face Polish!

Even though Farmhouse Fresh is based in Texas, you can shop for their products at luxury resorts, day spas, hotels and salons across the US. In addition to finding a list of retailers that carry their products online, you can also purchase some of their amazing products by visiting the Farmhouse Fresh site. They also have a rapidly growing fan-base on Facebook which you can check out here.

Sponsors: For Love & Lemons

For Love & Lemons was a brand that we happened to stumble upon this year while surfing the web; we instantly realized that we had to have their looks featured in our show. When they agreed we were ecstatic!

For Love & Lemons was founded by two childhood friends whose first business together was a lemonade stand. After studying marketing and fashion and working in the industry, the two were inspired to take their designs/sketches and launch their first collection.

We had a difficult time choosing from their look book since everything was incredibly gorgeous and easily could have fit in with the theme of our show! When we pulled the looks from For Love & Lemons, we've never seen the models get more excited about clothing. Everyone at the model fittings only had amazing things to say about the designs.

We also love what the For Love & Lemons girl represents:

She is efforlessly chic. She loves life, freedom and only the best parties. She is controversial and adventurous, bu never reckless. She stands out on her own. She is the new tomboy. She knows what she wants. And exactly how to get it.

Celebs including Ashley Tisdale, Kendall Jenner, Stephanie Pratt and Guliana Rancic have been spotted wearing this brand and on April 20th you can catch For Love & Lemons on our runway! To shop the looks simply visit For Love & Lemons online and be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Featured: Fashion Forward

Check out this AMAZING drawing by Fashion fo Philanthropy member Raúl Echavarría!

My name is Raúl Echavarría, born & raised in New York & ever since I could remember I've always been enamored by fashion. Its practice, its artistry, its essence & overall its ability to change a person's mood & disposition have always drawn me to inundate myself deeper & deeper with the craft & its intricacies. My reasons for loving fashion have generally been quite ambiguous & unfortunately suppressed. Although as one of my favorite designers (Marc Jacobs) once put it, "it's inexplicable which is what's so fantastic about it, I don't know why I love what I love, but I love that I don't know". Fashion to me is one of those intrinsically fundamental principles that if one is lucky enough to discover, it is necessary to relinquish all inhibitions, abandon oneself completely & adhere to it's limitless journey of excitement & whimsical prowess & let its vigor unconditionally resonate through one's being. 

This croquis that I drew demonstrates a lil' smidgin of how I consider fashion in the business casual sense & of course with the adornment of the FFP logo across the top clearly pledging allegiance to the club! I hope all of you enjoy pondering the drawing as much as I enjoyed making it! 

Sponsors: Freeman Beauty

Fashion for Philanthropy is excited to announce that Freeman Beauty will be participating in this year’s show! The company offers a wide range of products made with botanicals to help you stay beautiful from head to toe. Constantly researching the latest fresh and natural ingredients, Freeman works to create products that keep you looking good and feeling good. While Freeman has a large variety of affordable essentials, from exfoliating face wash to creamy body lotion, this year’s VIP bags will include sample of Pssssst! Dry Shampoo. Dry shampoo is a great way to quickly transform unwashed locks into clean looking and manageable hair. What more could a busy college girl ask for? To check out all of Freeman Beauty’s great products visit their website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter!

Ellen Wray is a sophomore at Fordham University where she is a Communications and Media Studies major. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Ellen always dreamed of living and studying in New York City. She has always found inspiration in New York’s forward-thinking fashion scene and is excited to be experiencing it first hand.  

Sponsors: Popchips

We're excited to announce that popchips will be *chipping* in to help out with our show for a second year in a row! This year, popchips will be providing snacks for all of of our VIP guests. (Get your VIP tickets starting on April 16th before they sell out!) Founders Keith Belling and Pat Turpin created popchips in 2007 when they realized they we're slightly embarrassed about eating fried potato chips and didn't think that the "healthier" bland baked versions satisfied cravings.

For all you fashionable foodies out there, popchips are all-natural, healthy and delicious, so enjoy snacking on them at the show! Rather than baking or frying their potatoes, popchips takes a unique approach by adding heat & pressure to make spuds a delicious and healthy snack. Popchips are available in a wide variety of flavors including original potato, sour cream & onion, barbecue, sea salt & vinegar, sweet potato, parmesan & garlic, jalapeno, salt & pepper and chili lime. If you can't wait until the show to get your hands on a bag of these delectable treats, visit their site to learn more or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Sponsors: DIGS

Fashion for Philanthropy is excited to announce that DIGS, Done In Great Style, will be one of our sponsors for our 2012 show. You may remember seeing two of their dresses on our runway last year. Well DIGS is back and has so generously donated three different looks which will be featured on our runway. And just to let you in on a little secret, they'll also be up for grabs to win during the show!

DIGS on FFP's 2011 Runway,
New York is My Runway, Fordham is My School

Located on 1054 Third Avenue, DIGS specializes in European clothing designs that will never go out of style. Since we last visited DIGS, they've opened another store in NYC, which is something to be excited about. DIGS new SoHo Flagship store is located at 284 Lafayette Street (between Prince & Houston); Jennifer Love Hewitt was even spotted there shopping this past winter!

When I went to pick up the designs and shop the looks at DIGS, the creative director of the company, Eva Rajwans was there to greet me; this year she was as excited as ever to help us with our show. I loved the chic atmosphere of her store, the friendly service and clothing and I can't wait to visit the new flagship!

Check out DIGS on their website www.digsmoda.com, visit them at one of their stores or get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the company by visiting their Facebook and Twitter pages!

DIGS Flagship Store via yelp.com
284 Lafayette St
(between Prince St & Jersey St) 
New York, NY 10012

Couture for the College Girl: Make A Statement

I’m a shopaholic. According to my mom, its not a real disease,  but my checking account begs to differ. Unfortunately, I can’t buy a new outfit every day of the week. I hate re-wearing the same outfit, but let’s face it: it happens. At least I have the good sense not to outfit repeat over Facebook. If you’re like me and feel like you have NOTHING in your closet, a quick fix is to spice up those old outfits by adding some fun jewelry!  

Statement pieces, like this black leather necklace from House of Harlow and the beautiful multicolored piece from Stella and Dot, can breathe life into an old wardrobe. They can also add a funky flare or tribal touch to your outfit, making you look fabulous in one easy step.

Maygan Anthony is a sophomore at Fordham University, majoring in International Political Economy and Arabic. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Maygan has had a love of fashion and writing from an early age. She finds inspiration from fashionistas like Coco Chanel and Vera Wang, and enjoys creating high-end looks at a low price.

Ram Runway: Neon Goes Pop!

Neon neon neon! We are seeing it everywhere right now. From the runway and magazines to the streets and on campus, this reemerging trend from the 80’s is definitely one to pick up on! When the weather gets warm and the sun comes out, nothing makes an outfit pop better than a dash of neon.  Whether it be a statement piece like this pink skirt shown or a small detail on a purse or piece of jewelry, this trend is one that makes a major statement.

Christine, a stylish sophomore at Rose Hill, plays with neon in the coolest of ways. Her thrift neon pink skirt is unbelievably eye-catching and is a piece that would brighten anyones day. Paired with simple black tights and tan Zara boots, Christine wows by placing the attention and making her skirt the vocal point of her ensemble. To top it off, she sports an untucked alligator-print sheer top and a black suede bomber jacket from Uniqlo. Separately, all of her pieces are trendy, sophisticated and can be paired with anything. Her amazing skirt is great because it can be dressed up in an instant when heels, funky jewels and a fancy top are added, but as she shows, can also easily be worn to class.

To keep up with her on trend style, Christine totes her books in a fabulous vintage leather backpack. The addition of this deep slate-toned bag really makes the outfit suitable for a day of classes and school-related activities. Backpacks are yet another trend that has recently re-emerged and it seems as if everyone on campus has been sporting one. I love how trends always seem to come full circle and in ways that seem to be even more popular then they previously were. It is also cool to see how they have become updated and how fashionistas everywhere are wearing them and putting their own specials twist on them. 

Alex is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally. 

Couture for the College Girl: Metallic Minis

Now that the weather’s getting warmer and the sun is staying up longer, it’s the perfect time of year to start bearing a little skin on a regular basis. It’s finally time to put the tights away and go for bare legs under dresses and skirts. To celebrate the return of warm weather, how about going for something a little wild? Metallic skirts were all over the fall runways last month, and it looks like they’re going to be a continuing trend all the way through this season and next. They add a fun bit of bling to your outfit, and when paired with neutral tops and minimal accessories, they aren’t too overwhelming. The key is to keep it simple, let the skirt be the focal statement piece. They’re versatile enough to wear to class during the day and for a night out as well. Seeing as they’re everywhere this season, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one within any collegiate fashionista’s budget--which is always something worth celebrating!


Sara Jansson is a junior at Fordham University, majoring in English. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Sara finds inspiration in the fashions and fast-paced lifestyle of New York City. She is a featured blogger for Fashion for Philanthropy.

The Ram Runway: Some 70's Flare

After seasons upon seasons of skinny jeans being a wardrobe staple, most of us can agree that it has become a big yawn on the fashion scene.  However, wide legs are here to welcome the warm spring and summer months this year!  Yes, you can look like your favorite 1970s style icon, with bellbottoms and an easy-going top that makes you want throw on your roller skates at the local rink.  Major modern trendsetters, such as supermodel Kate Moss, and mega-designer, Derek Lam, have paved the way for you to sport a free-spirited, casual bohemian look. 

Do you need a little inspiration? Callie McBride, a Milwaukee native Fordham College student, pulls off an effortlessly chic summer look. It’s perfect for any warm weather occasion like casual Governor’s Island picnics or sipping vino at a Napa Valley winery. She is wearing faux leather caramel Steve Madden shoes to stay true to her vegan beliefs, along with her dreamy dark-denim Citizen of Humanity wide-leg bell-bottoms. Her white Zara blouse (with one half tucked in, the other tucked out) gives her ensemble a casually polished look. A gold Jewelmint necklace highlights her top’s black collar, and her hair is naturally wavy to keep her look relaxed. What makes her outfit really great is her bright yellow Tory Burch bag, which of course makes one look forward to the warm summer sun.

Look forward to a free-spirited, bohemian summer wearing your favorite, comfy wide leg pants! Remember, wearing something low-key and simple can be infinitely more chic than ensembles that looked like they took hours to put together.  Simply show-off your beautiful smile, like Callie, and welcome whatever wonderful things life brings you.

Nicole Fishstein is freshman, studying international marketing, at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business. As a result of growing up around New York City since age eleven, she has grown to be passionate about the global street and high-end fashion, which has inspired her to have a career path in the fashion industry. 

Couture for the College Girl: Crop Top Shop

Show a little skin this spring with one of my favorite pieces of clothing: the crop top! Crop tops are everywhere this spring and with so many ways to wear them, its impossible to only have one. They come in great colors, different styles and are completely inexpensive.

One of the great things about crop tops is that they allow you to be as bold or as conservative as you want. Since they come in various lengths it is easy to adjust them to your preferred look. If you want to go for a more conservative look find tops that hit right under your belly button or layer your crop top with a cute tank underneath.  If you don’t mind showing some skin, look for tops that cut off right above your belly button. Combine them with a great pair of denim jeans, bright colored pants, or a long skirt for a look that will turn heads all over campus!

So remember, crop tops look good with anything you combine them with and are the perfect spring item that gives you the freedom to portray your unique sense of style!

Fashion tip: Pair crop tops with high wasted pants to not show too much skin and also enjoy the relaxed feel of crop tops.

Reylisa Anico is a junior at Fordham University where she majors in Psychology and minors in Business Administration. Reylisa believes that fashion is the ultimate form of expression. She creates her own style by observing the greatest runway of all; the streets of New York City. Combining styles and making them your own all while trying to keep a happy wallet is a challenge; but somebody has to do it.

The Ram Runway: Spring Awakening

Spring is finally here, and while we all love the shining sun and flowers, it’s still too chilly to break out the summer wardrobe, and too warm for a winter jacket. The solution to this dilemma is mastering spring style, like sophomore Colleen Keeny! Her jeans, cropped jacket, scarf, and sneakers make a combination that is ideal for this time of year. Take your favorite pair of skinny jeans and pair them with a basic tee and a cropped jacket for a similar look. Lighter color leather jackets in white or tan, like this one from Forever 21, are great for pairing with spring prints. You could also go with a lightweight jacket like the one Colleen is wearing, or a cropped jean jacket like this one from Free People. Colleen also sports a classic pair of Converse sneakers. These are a great wardrobe staple that also doesn’t sacrifice function for fashion. Plus, they come in a variety of prints and colors so they’re super fun! You can’t go wrong with getting a classic, neutral color or getting funky with some of their bright colors like coral and lavender- perfect for spring!

Colleen finishes her look off with a fun scarf. Scarves are a great way to transition from cold to warm weather, especially ones in lighter fabrics like Colleen is wearing that won’t be too thick for Spring. Check out stores like Madewell and Forever 21 for cute scarves that come in any print or color you can imagine. Colleen also accessorizes by adding statement dangly earrings. You can’t go wrong with a simple but cute look like Colleen’s outfit here that makes the transition from winter to spring clothes a breeze!

Bryn Evans is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in Communications and Media studies. Originally from Washington, DC, she has been dreaming of a career in the fashion industry since a young age. She absolutely loves the energy of NYC and the amazing opportunities it has to offer!