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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Couture for the College Girl: Pretty in Peplum

Fashionistas and fanatics alike! Gather ‘round to witness one of the fastest emerging trends for Spring and Fall of 2012: The Peplum trend! But what is peplum you ask? Well fashionistas, let me give you the 411 on this awesome style. Peplum is a short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of jackets, shirts and dresses. For those who love vintage, the peplum style is inspired from looks of the 1940’s and 1980’s. This style is versatile, comfortable and can be combined with pieces already in your closet!

Peplum dresses are my absolute favorite piece from this trend and can be used for any special occasion from your birthday to a special night out with friends. The peplum dress is the true definition of classic, but classic does not have to mean boring. Peplum dresses are usually very simple but when matched with a shimmery handbag, a long necklace, or a bright cocktail ring, I will guarantee you will look and feel like a superstar. Open back peplum dresses are also all the rage this Spring. The open back brings a more modern, flirty style than traditional peplums which usually cover up your whole upper body.  

So if you want to try a new kind of a dress for your wardrobe definitely try the peplum dress! Never be afraid to mix up your style!

Fashion tip: For a rugged look, accessorize peplum dresses with a cool leather jacket. 

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.

Couture for the College Girl: Cool Collars

I never thought I’d return to the peter pan collar of my childhood years until I saw Rachel McAdam’s take on this schoolgirl classic. Combining pretty lace with structured leather, this dress by Lover is an unexpected combination of whimsical and chic. If you’re looking for a more affordable version of this trend, consider this coral cheetah inspired shirt by Modcloth or sleeveless bow tie shirt by ASOS.

The ladylike peter pan collar reemerged in the fall as a new trend, yet still continues to inspire fashionistas everywhere. Paired with colored skinny jeans or peeking out from a blazer, it can create the perfect outfit for school or work. It can also be worn under sweaters or dresses for a fun, feminine look. 

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.

Couture for the College Girl: Warm All Winter!

Despite all this lovely weather we’ve been having, its important to keep in mind that its still winter and that means a cold snap could strike at any minute! Thankfully, last week’s New York Fashion Week showed us one of the most popular winter trends: big, baggy sweaters! They are perfect for the weather and can be thrown over anything- perhaps, a dress for a cozy, cute look, or even leggings for a warm and more comfortable feel. Try one with bold stripes for a collegiate, polished touch. Or a solid color, which looks especially great when, layered with other patterned items. Have fun experimenting with different colors and pattern combinations, to not only look fashionable and bright, but most importantly, stay warm all winter long!

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: Blazing Blazers

Want to spice up a simple outfit but don't know where to start? Well, fashionistas, let me introduce you to the colored blazer! Everyone knows that this spring is all about bright colors and prints, and the colored blazer makes no exception. This trend has been seen all over the runway, in magazines and on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba. The best part of this trend is the endless array of colors to choose from, all without breaking the bank.

Blazers are a great way to dress up a simple t-shirt and jeans combo or add some personality to your favorite little black dress.  Combining colors is also a very fun way to amp your blazer. The most popular colors this spring are bright red, hot pink and royal blue. A hot pink blazer can be combined with either a bright red clutch purse or a royal blue mini-skirt (not all at the same time- unless that is your style, of course).

Colored blazers are great because they can make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Putting one of these pieces on top of an everyday outfit can instantly turn it into an evening outfit for hanging out with friends in the city. So, forget about the regular black business blazers and introduce a blazing colored blazer into your wardrobe this spring! 

Fashion tip: For a fun, relaxed look, roll up the sleeves of the blazer to make it a ¾ sleeved jacket. 

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.

Couture for the College Girl: Play Up the Prints

Patterns, prints, and polka dots are the perfect way to show off your style this season. From sweet and sentimental to bold and beautiful, these playful pieces find inspiration from Fashion Week 2012. For instance, the featured Marc by Marc Jacobs dress exemplifies a popular trend for this spring, bird patterns. Who knew a dress with little pink birds on it could be so striking and elegant? If you’re searching for a look that’s not straight off the runway, consider this Free People polka dot shift. It can be paired with a sleeveless jean jacket, another spring favorite, to create an effortless, fun look. Whatever your style, be sure to take advantage of this twist on the retro look, and let your outfit reflect your mood.

Maygan Anthony is a 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.

Couture for the College Girl: Midi Madness

Maxi-length dresses and skirts were everywhere last season. Their flowy floor-length materials were feminine, flirty, and dreamy- essentially everything a girl could ask for. Yet, a popular concern about maxis was that they were difficult to wear for a night out. But have no fear!  A simple solution to keeping that flirty maxi style and transitioning it for a night out is here! Introducing the asymmetrical midi dress! This dress is long in the back and then shorter in the front. The midi provides the flare of unexpected drama in your outfit, which is perfect for a night out on the town. Midi dresses are also a bit less of a commitment than the daring maxi, so for all of you shy fashionistas out there, this one is for you! The best part is, midi dresses are available everywhere no matter what your budget is. So, what’s not to love?

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: Not Just for the Boys

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.

Couture for the College Girl: Color Me Happy

Maygan Anthony is a 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. 

Couture for the College Girl: December Dazzlers

Noelle Tomulich is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in political science and psychology. This is the native New Jerseyan's second year working for the Fashion For Philanthropy blog and she is beyond excited to help her friends find stylish, catwalk-inspired steals at affordable, college-friendly prices. If only there was a financial aid application for a college girl's wardrobe! 

Couture for the College Girl: Holiday Wrapping

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: Choker Chic

Noelle Tomulich is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in political science and psychology. This is the native New Jerseyan's second year working for the Fashion For Philanthropy blog and she is beyond excited to help her friends find stylish, catwalk-inspired steals at affordable, college-friendly prices. If only there was a financial aid application for a college girl's wardrobe! 

Couture for the College Girl: Not So Basic Black

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: Leather Loving

Noelle Tomulich is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in political science and psychology. This is the native New Jerseyan's second year working for the Fashion For Philanthropy blog and she is beyond excited to help her friends find stylish, catwalk-inspired steals at affordable, college-friendly prices. If only there was a financial aid application for a college girl's wardrobe! 

Couture for the College Girl: Lace Shorts

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.