Ram Runway: Neutral Is The Way To Go

The fashion world is all about trends.  What’s hot on the runway each season is usually what indicates what's hot on the streets and in the closets of all fashion-goers. Trends are what fashion lovers follow. They are the hip, popular and up-and-coming movements that occur in fashion each season. Trends are constantly shifting and shaping the way we dress everyday. Many trends re-emerge over time and seem to flow in a cyclical pattern. Trends that were popular back in the 80‘s such as neon, strong shoulders and kitten heels are popular again now. One trend that has been popular for decades due to the ease of incorporating it into wardrobes and the instant chicness of it, is neutrals. The fashion sphere has recently been seeing a big increase in the use of neutrals on the runways, streets and in the wardrobes of fashionistas everywhere.

Neutrals are a trend that never goes out of style. They are extremely easy to wear and go with any and everything else in your closet. It is always fun to pair neutrals with vibrant colored pieces and it would be hard to always stay fashionable without these neutral items to balance out the rest of our clothing. Take a cue from Rizzi, a junior at Rose Hill, who sported an entire ensemble of neutral pieces that flowed miraculously together and made for the perfect neutral attire. Black leggings paired with layers consisting of a black and white print top, tan sweater and beige military style jacket helped her achieve the neutral look completely on point. Strutting around in gold zip-up black leather boots and a black leather carry-all bag, Rizzi embodied the epitome of neutral chic.

With an ensemble such as Rizzi’s, color is not needed because there are many shades of neutrals and layers present. I think the key to nailing the natural look is layering. You want to avoid pairing very simple neutrals with each other to prevent from looking boring or drab but layer and add in a print like Rizzi did and style up with fun accessories or embellishments. Rizzi added layers of funky necklaces to do just that. Word of advice: embrace neutrals and do not be afraid to take a chance with them. I think people may be afraid they are going to look boring or unfashionable, but as Rizzi proves, neutrals can go a long way and make for an awesome chic ensemble.

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. 

Ram Runway: Out of your Comfort Zone

Strolling around campus, I see that most people do not go out of their comfort zone in their wardrobe choices. Many stick to neutral, preppy clothing and are afraid of going out of their bubble. My daily outlook is to always wear looks that are not flat-out copies from others to give myself a pure “Nicole Fishstein” look.

In this outfit, I try to combine the feeling of the bright and crazy 1980s with a twist of 1960s pop art. To guide me in my clothing decisions, I am inspired by MIA, Santigold, Andy Warhol, Japanese Street fashion, and Keith Haring. My earrings were bought for a mere ten dollars at the Chelsea Garage Flea Market. Wearing them makes me feel a bit like a modern-day Twiggy. My bold lip print faux-Miss Sixty leggings and green top were bought at the Chinese website Romwe.com. My hot pink faux-suede platform sandals were bought at H&M to make the look have an extra burst of fun.

When putting an outfit on, make sure you have an “I don’t care” attitude. With the right demeanor, you will be surprised the wild looks you are able to pull off. Throw on that random fringe suede jacket that you found in your mom’s closet or lace on those sparkly spiked Doc Marten boots that you found in some thrift store. Fashion is really about expressing yourself, and not just simply following trends. When people see you, don’t you want to make a bold first impression? Don’t be a wallflower. Be as vivid as a peacock. 


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.

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!

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

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. 

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. 

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!

The Ram Runway: For Those Rainy Days...

As good as we have it here at Fordham, there are always going to be those miserable, don’t-want-to-get-out-of-bed, rainy days. Luckily, there is fashion to pick us up and get us out there to take on the day, as ugly and wet as it may be. It seems that in the fashion world, rainy days have almost become a holiday. We get a slight surge of excitement once we are up and out of bed and see that it is raining because it means we get to pull out our rain boots, trench coats, fun umbrellas and water-resistant accessories. It’s not all the time that we get to wear those pieces, so when a rainy day or two does come along, a funky-printed umbrella may be the only thing motivating us to take on the day.

    

Emmy, a great friend and fellow sophomore at Rose Hill, was feeling the same way I was this week on one of the many rainy days we had. Neither of us felt like moving, let alone going to class or studying for midterms, so I went to her room to help her pick out something comfortable, cute,  and rain-ready. Skinny blue jeans served as the canvas for her look accompanied with a basic black cropped top. To add a little spice, I had her throw on a gorgeous leopard print button up sweater. Leaving it unbuttoned and loose kept it casual for class and comfortable, something key for a rainy day when we usually want to feel as if we never left bed. A classic black oversized bag assisted Emmy in lugging around her books and a simple gold chain with a beautiful turquoise pendant added just enough bling to her outfit.

Lastly of course, were Emmy’s black Hunter rain boots. I actually think that almost every girl at Fordham owns a pair of Hunter boots. I have seen them and continue to see them in every color of the rainbow, style, and height. Hunter’s are famous and the best-of-the-best of rain boot brands. I highly recommend investing in a trusted name brand pair of rain boots. I wear mine from Macy’s in the rain, snow, sleet and cold. They come in handy often and you will be glad you do not have to ruin your suede or leather boots when the weather does get bad. Brands like L.L Bean, Capelli and Ugg also offer great rain boot options that will last forever. 

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. 

The Ram Runway: Dynamite Denim

Denim is probably the most widely used, recognized, and iconic fabric in the fashion world. We wear denim almost every day: shirts, skirts, jackets, shoes, bags, accessories and almost anything else. Besides the obvious choice of jeans, my favorite use of this versatile fabric is the denim jacket. Available in an array of colors, washes, and styles, the denim jacket is a classic piece that can be reinvented to be on-trend season after season. Although primarily worn in warmer months, denim jackets have been seen on the fashion-conscious year-round. They make any outfit look effortlessly cool and laid-back.

Maggie, a sophomore at Rose Hill, sported her fabulous cropped denim jacket from Zara on a warm day in the middle of February. It was warm enough out for her to accompany her denim jacket with just a white tank, black leggings and classic brown riding boots. Her outfit was a hip and relaxed look that was ideal for heading to class and staying comfortable. To add a little shimmer, Maggie sported a long gold chain pendant necklace and white Michael Kors watch.

Although simple, Maggie’s amazing use of denim made out outfit eye-catching and showed how a perfect denim jacket can revamp an entire outfit. Denim jackets are available in so many styles making it easy to find one that suits your style best and does not break the bank account. I highly recommend investing in the purchase of a denim jacket. You won’t believe how often you’ll wear it and what you will end up pairing it with. And you’ll instantly feel that much cooler!

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. 

The Ram Runway: Geometric Glory

One of the coolest and most exciting trends that has always been a personal favorite, is geometric prints.. They are funky, fun and surprisingly easy to incorporate into a wardrobe, which is why I’ve always been a fan of them. Take a cue from Lauren, a sophomore at Rose Hill. Lauren is the epitome of trendy with her incorporation of many stylish and distinct pieces. Her striking maroon jeans are great for the spring and part of a colored-jean take-over encompassing the entire fashion world right now. Jeans in every imaginable color are popping up everywhere and are an awesome alternative to the classic blue or black jean for spring and summer. Brands like J Brand, Urban Outfitters and Citizens of Humanity offer great styles of colored jeans.

Accompanying her bright jeans was an amazing black and white geometric print  button-up top. Lauren’s top offered a unique take on the typical solid colored, loose silky oxford tops seen on campus and in most stores right now. As convenient and wearable as these tops are, Lauren’s has a fun twist with the mesmerizing print. Layered over her top, Lauren sported a dark tan military style jacket, adding some toughn-girl attitude to the femininity of the blouse and jeans and dressing down the ensemble. Her black suede wedges are great for this time of year as we are transitioning from winter to spring and gave Lauren’s outfit some extra edge. I love how the black in the shoes picked up the black print on the shirt.

My favorite aspect of Lauren’s outfit was how she continued to play with geometrics throughout her outfit. By adding her incredible silver drop geometric earrings, Lauren clearly stuck with the trend, but in a way that was not overwhelming. I love how the earrings were almost hidden in her hair but were able to be seen when she moved around and how nicely the shirt and earrings flowed together. Lastly, Lauren sported a great black leather shoulder bag that tied her entire look together.

Don’t be afraid to play around with geometric prints. You can work them in any way that’s suitable and comfortable for you. From just sporting a simple pair of earrings like Lauren’s, to wearing a pair of geometric prints pants, this trend is one I do not see disappearing for a long time. It is always in style to have fun with fashion and the use of geometrics in any which way is a great way to do jus that! 

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. 

The Ram Runway: Lovely Layering

March is such a strange month-- It can be barely topping twenty-nine degrees one day and it can reach almost seventy the next! What do you wear? It is almost spring, right? How come in the mornings I still feel the need to pull out those big, comfy sweaters that I would normally associate with Siberian blizzards? Yet by the middle of the day, the temperatures are so high that I swear I could be burning in the Sahara desert (okay that’s an exaggeration-but you get the idea). What is the answer to this crazy dilemma? It is called layering, people! The concept that is so taken for granted that sometimes you can forget about it. As the days have such crazy, varying temperatures you can simply take on and off clothing throughout the day.

Need help with what makes a great March outfit? Mika Kiyono, who hails from Tokyo, pulls a transitional season outfit with ease, with a grey Forever 21 top with an on-trend, sparkly collar and a Tokyo Boutique black cardigan with silver buttons.  The top is lightweight enough for gallivanting outside during the warm parts of a March day, but the cardigan gives you enough cozy warmth for being able to survive those random chilly moments.   Her burnt orange skinny pants add a punch of bold color to the ensemble, while her flat black Nine West flats keep her outfit sleek and simple.  What inspires her, overall, are blogs like Jak & Jil, and New Yorkers in general. This ensemble, like all of Mika’s, has a certain simple elegance that seems nonchalantly composed as it successfully morphs with the ever- changing March weather.

Also, don’t feel obligated to always wear green this March to have some non-stop St. Patrick’s Day celebration.  As someone who absolutely is not Irish whatsoever, I feel silly feeling like I have to wear a color that looks absolutely unflattering on me.  Wearing any bright colors with layers can help you transition into the spring season with ease (no matter how bi-polar the weather is). 

The Ram Runway: Tomboy Tough

As much I am a fan of soft, girly looks, there’s another style I love that only a few girls can truly pull off: and that’s tomboy tough. Sophomore Jane Wynne shows us how it’s done with her chunky boots, skinny chords, and layered chambray shirt. Not only are cords super in style right now but they’re comfortable too, and a great alternative to jeans for wardrobe basics. I like these ones by Free People because they’re stretchy, comfortable, and come in a variety of neutral colors.  Jane layers on top with a graphic tank topped by a chambray shirt. Chambray tops are ideal for spring because they’re light, perfect for layering, and match with almost anything. Layer over a floral dress or with pants like Jane does here and it will add a finishing touch to any outfit! This one from Forever 21 is really cute and at only $19.90, it won’t break the bank.

Jane’s boots are the key element that gives her outfit that tough, tomboy feel, but also keeps it trendy and stylish. Chunky, military inspired boots remain as one of the biggest styles in footwear, and Jane’s boots are no exception! I love the chunky heel and buckles that add edge to her overall look. Frye makes boots similar to Jane’s, and although they’re on the expensive side, high quality boots are always a good item to invest in.

Finally, Jane customizes her look with colorful bracelets and funky rings. Accessories like these are a great way to make an outfit completely your own. For Jane, they show off her personal style and add a feminine touch to an otherwise tough outfit. For a style that is both tough and trendy, look no further. Jane has mastered it perfectly!

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!

Ram Runway: DIY Fashionista

We’ve all been there--flipping through magazines, trying to find outfits we can copy for a day, assuming that these magazines are the official guidelines to fashion. Sometimes though, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only wearing what we see in magazines.  Since when is fashion all about copying? Who decides what fashion actually is?

The thing is, YOU decide what fashion is. YOU decide what to wear, and it’s YOU who makes your fashion style unique. We lose a sense of originality every time we copy—piece for piece--an outfit we see in the magazines. But one girl on campus has grabbed fashion by the reins and taken control.

Sara DeNault, a sophomore at Rose Hill, has defied following the trends in magazines. DeNault has brought her own creativity into her style: her shoes are her own design! DeNault melted different crayons and had the wax drip onto her shoes, which were originally plain black. The colors mixed together to form a truly unique design. The best part? The wax can be easily removed, so DeNault is able to create different looks time and time again.

DeNault has always been one of my favorite fashion icons of the campus. I love her edgy style and how her outfits come out looking chic and fresh each time. Her outfits have ranged from tye-dye tanks and abstract patterned cardigans to heart patterned tights and mini dresses. She has her own style that I feel can’t be matched to anything else and certainly doesn’t come from a magazine.

I’m kind of in love with black sneakers, and they make it easy to try DeNault’s look for yourself! Black sneakers are everywhere, but my favorites are from Supra Tk. These shoes are chic and shiny-so your designs will come off easily without leaving a mark. Not that great with the paint? No problem! There are so many places to go to find professionally done splattered shoes. For a mere (ha-ha) 150 dollars, you can even get a pair of splatter painted Uggs! Sperry also offers a tye-dyed canvas boat shoe, which will be a great look for the spring and summer time.

The thing about fashion is that while it’s always good to welcome up and coming style advice and new trends, we also need to step back and take our own advice. Get in touch with your own likes and dislikes, and then create your very own style- without taking any tips from the magazines or the celebs!

Briana Rotello is a sophomore at Fordham Campus, Rose Hill. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended Wootton High School. She had always pictured herself living in New York City, and after she found Fordham University, she was able to put her dreams into action.

She picked Fordham University for both its academic integrity, strong focus on writing, and its location. She is planning on majoring in Communications. Briana aspires to be a fashion journalist after college and appreciates all the learning opportunities offered to her in the great city of New York. She is ecstatic to experience more of the fashion world, and to learn more about the art of writing.

The Ram Runway: Cool, Comfy Cords

It’s safe to say that in the world of collegiate fashion, there are always days where we feel as if we keep wearing the same clothes or that, somehow, we have an overflowing closet full of nothing to wear. Trust me, this happens to me on an almost-daily basis. However, there are many ways that we can update our wardrobes with what we already have and ease our frustration.

For example, Caitlin, a sophomore at Rose Hill, chooses to update a basic stand-by outfit into something unique. Instead of opting for the typical pair of blue jeans, Caitlin sports an awesome pair of gray corduroypants made by Levi’s. First off, I am obsessed with the color of the pants and love how they totally transformed her outfit into something original and distinct. Paired with her cords is a simple green tee and practical yet chic brown suede boots from Nine West. I like how Caitlin isn’t afraid to mix colors like brown and gray together. Usually blending neutrals can be hard, but in her outfit, it’s spot on.

To make her outfit even more unique, Caitlin wears an incredible printed scarf she purchased on a trip to India and gorgeous turquoise earrings she received as a gift from her sister. It is pieces like these, with stories and memories, that make an outfit really special and complete.

By simply venturing out of “blue jeans” world and incorporating different colors and textures, Caitlin instantly updated her outfit. I love how she changed it up and proved that basics do not have to be all that basic. Cords are an awesome closet staple that can be worn with so much more than we usually imagine and really revamp minimal or expected outfits into more trendy stylish ones.

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. 

The Ram Runway: Spring Chic

We can all admit it. We are all over having a winter mindset and are ready to embrace the fresh crispness spring.Even though this winter was rather wimpy, most of us would not complain if the whole blossoming of flowers and warmer weather shebang would arrive pronto! Dreams of having picnics on Eddies in flowing skirts with classic wide-brimmed hats and cat-eye sunglasses will become a reality in the near future; the official start of spring is only less than three weeks away! To make the season more fun, most Spring 2012 trends embrace colors and feminine silhouettes. Designers, such as Preen, Louis Vuitton and Prada show great examples for this current spring wave, as they used simple, fresh prints in pastel hues over girlish shift, waist-cinched, and drop-waist dresses that echo the time periods of the 1950s, 1920s, and early 1960s.If you want to surface your inner Jackie O, Daisy Buchanan, or Grace Kelly, go ahead, because it is certainly stylish!

Fordham University student and Phoenix-native, Lauren Sheffield, pulls off a spring 2012 outfit with ease. She wears an ensemble that welcomes the upcoming warm season. Sporting a look that recalls the Marc Jacobs Spring 2012 collection’s 1920s tomboy-inspired ensembles, she wears a simple grey Forever 21 sweater over a bright yellow Anthropologie dress, which gives off a drop-waist effect. This technique shows that you do not need to buy new pieces to stay current with fashion styles. Simply layering pre-existing items can do the same trick. To prepare for the still slightly chilly weather, Lauren adds a dark grey Target scarf, which gives the outfit a more architectural feel, with its burst of volume over the grey sweater. She also carries a J. Crew red leather bag, which follows the small, bright leather-bag trend, as seen by designers like Fendi and Alexander McQueen. Sand-colored Zara booties also add a cute, comfy touch to the outfit. What inspires Lauren to pull together chic ensembles are the streets of New York City and blogs like Cupcakes and Cashmere and The Sartorialist. Looking for pieces that truly stimulate your creativity through various resources, like a group of websites or your surroundings, can truly improve your entire ensemble’s look.

A word of advice for Spring 2012: do not feel overwhelmed when trying to pull off the season’s trends. All the simple styles you would need are in your closet. Like Lauren layering a sweater over a dress to create a drop-waist look; you can search for items you already own and put them together in different ways to look chic. Also, do not simply follow all trends simply because they are considered to be “in.” Choose styles that make you feel beautiful, as you inner confidence is what makes any girl stand out and shine. Have a happy spring and make sure that your daily looks are as cheerful as the upcoming blossoms!

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. 

The Ram Runway: Less Is More

When New York Fashion Week comes around, I eagerly stalk fashion sites to check out photos of the newest collections, but what I enjoy even more is seeing pictures of style from the streets. Street style blogs have exploded in popularity in the past few years, and I love seeing how fashionistas transform designer pieces into everyday outfits. However, with the popularity of street style blogs comes another phenomenon: what Glamour blogger Tracey Lomrantz calls “stunt dressing.” Basically, dressing completely crazy just to get noticed by photographers. I believe true fashionistas are able to pull off looking chic without having to dress like a clown. Those wannabes could take a lesson from freshman Madison Snider, who manages to look impeccably styled by keeping her outfit simple. She combines wardrobe staples with trendy accessories to make an outfit that is timelessly fashionable.  Every girl needs a pair of black skinnies in their wardrobe, whether it be a pair of black jeans like these from J Brand, or a legging-pant such as these by True Religion. They’re a must-have because they can be dressed up or down, and transition perfectly from class during the day to the city at night. Madison pairs these with a sheer blouse, which is perfect for layering and can be paired with pretty much everything. I particularly love this one from Urban Outfitters. My favorite part of Madison’s outfit is her accessories.

This is where Madison’s personal style really shines through. Rings are one of my favorite accessories and one of the most fun things to shop for. Cool and funky rings can be found from chains like Free People, online stores like Etsy or Ebay, or from vendors on the streets of New York. I love the way Madison wears multiple simple rings for a touch of personality that isn’t too over the top. Her fun nail polish also adds spunk to her overall look.

Madison’s suede oxfords don’t sacrifice fashion for function, as they’re both cute and comfortable. They remind me a lot of Minnetonka Moccasins- my favorite go-to shoe!

Finally, Madison finishes her outfit with a fitted raincoat, ideal for the approaching spring weather. Madison’s simplistically chic ensemble gives true meaning to the expression “less is more” as she flawlessly demonstrates how to rock wardrobe basics with a subtle touch of personal style.

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!