Looks from Books: Fashion Inspired by Brooklyn Girls

Looks from Books: Fashion Inspired by Brooklyn Girls

Welcome to the latest edition of Looks from Books, which aims to prove that you can look smart, while still being book-smart, too. Fashion inspiration can be found between the pages of your favorite stories, on well-designed book covers, and in your favorite characters… if you read closely enough.
This week, we’re taking a look at one of the hottest new titles in New Adult Contemporary Fiction, that balances snarky humor and sexy city life with all-too-real lessons about growing older and being a dependable adult. Here comes Gemma Burgess’ Brooklyn Girls!

 Inside Cover

Brooklyn Girls follows the escapades of Pia, a recent college graduate and burgeoning career-girl-about-town, and her friends Julia, Maddy, Angie, and Coco, as they live and learn together in a townhouse they share in Brooklyn. The first novel in the hilarious, sexy, and outrageous new series from veteran chick-lit writer Gemma Burgess, this book is equal parts laughter-inducing and lesson-imparting, in a way that’s relatable for the New Adult crowd.
Published this past July, Brooklyn Girls has been singled out for its uproariously funny tone, snarky lead characters, and dramatic narrative, as well as called out for its fluffy, feel-good message, which some critics found as unsuitable for its Brooklynite characters and distinctly urban setting. Regardless, the novel did well enough to warrant the continuation of the series, with the next novel in the series, Love and Chaos, set to publish in February of next year.

A Fashionable Literacy

 

Brooklyn Girls is hardly the first story told about a group of friends living in the Big Apple, and definitely not the first to tackle tough subjects like drinking, drugs, partying, pregnancies, and essentially struggling to grow up. We have trailblazers like these iconic television shows to thank for that:

Looks on Campus: Laura – Tufts University

Looks on Campus: Laura – Tufts University

I’m so glad I asked Laura about her outfit, because beyond her thoughtfully-pieced-together ensemble, I discovered a playful story behind each component. Laura’s outfit is just a small window into her adventurous spirit – a spirit that can inspire us all to keep exploring the nooks and crannies of life.

Laura 101                   

Name: Laura
School: Tufts University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Cognitive & Brain Science

Let’s Talk Fashion

Who or what inspires your style? “Tapestries inspire me. I like timeless prints, and – not surprisingly – I love vintage thrift shops.”
Where do you like to shop? “Street markets, Goodwill in Davis Square, Zara, Mango, and Gap.”
How would you describe your sense of style? “I love floral, lace, and interesting patterns. I’m not a big follower of the bright colors trend and I don’t own many plain t-shirts. I tend to buy pieces that catch my eye, which results in having either nothing to wear it with, or not having an occasion to wear it to. I wait for the prefect moment, which comes soon enough. That’s my style.”
Why did you choose this particular outfit? “Well, my necklace and my bag are staples – I wear them all the time. These shoes from Debenhams are outrageous, and I chose them for their bright colors. I picked this skirt (also from Debenhams) for its shape, and I picked this Free People top to keep my outfit simple and understated to complement the shoes.”
What fashion advice would you give to other students looking to improve their style? “Wear things that are comfortable, but every once in a while, pick something outside of your comfort-zone and just own it.”

3 Kate Middleton-Inspired Fall Outfits

3 Kate Middleton-Inspired Fall Outfits

The Duchess of Cambridge is a fashion icon thanks to her timeless style and her ability to look professional without losing any femininity. She dresses youthfully without sacrificing modesty (except for that one incident with the see-through dress), which makes her style the perfect inspiration for a wide variety of occasions.
Kate Middleton may have an enviable wardrobe, but unfortunately its contents are just a tad bit too expensive for the average college girl (or sold out everywhere). But, never fear! Whether your budget is equivalent to a pauper’s or a princess’s, I’m going to show you three outfits that incorporate items you likely already own to add a touch of Kate Middleton to your outfits.

1. Riding Lace

One of Kate’s easy go-to looks consists of dark skinny jeans, riding boots, a tucked-in shirt, a belt, and a fitted jacket. I combined this with one of her favorite elements: lace. If you haven’t read of any of my articles before, be warned: thou shalt wear lace.
I adore creamy oatmeal shades all year around, but I find they work especially well for fall as an alternative to white. There’s also some bogus rule about not wearing white after Labor Day, but here at College Fashion we like to be rebels. (The fashionable kind).

2. Belted Lace

 

 

If there was a show called “Keeping Up With Kate,” I’m quite positive we’d see Kate rocking her belts every day of the week. She wears belts over her dresses, over her jackets, over her coats… you name it.
Since my personal motto is you can never have too much lace, I’m even sporting it on my black pumps. For jewelry, I went with the most majestic bracelet I own, brought back to life from ye olde prom days. Trench coats are timeless (which is why they’re often seen on the Doctor in Doctor Who).

3. Hunter’s Green

If, for some reason, you can’t stomach the lace, I suggest keeping the other themes — tucking in your shirt, wearing dark skinny jeans, riding boots, belts — and going for a classic top: the button-down. To make this outfit fall-appropriate, stick to warmer, richer colors. Think aubergine, oxblood, and hunter green. If you’re a pattern person, Kate tends to enjoy plaid and minimal polka dots. 

Your thoughts?

Which of these looks is your favorite? Will you be recreating any of them? Please leave me a comment telling me what you love about Kate Middleton, and what you’re looking forward to wearing most this fall!  If you do, I promise to lay off the lace for a while.

From Classroom to Catwalk: Wish Wish Wish’s Carrie Harwood

From Classroom to Catwalk: Wish Wish Wish’s Carrie Harwood

If you can’t get enough whimsical U.K. fashion or you’re just wander-lusting after London, Carrie Harwood‘s blog WishWishWish is sure to be love at first click.
The 23-year-old Londoner posts more than just outfit pictures—she uploads photos from weekend trips, spills deets about her awesome gig as the Marketplace Community Coordinator at ASOS, and shares beauty tips and tricks, too! Once you start reading, I guarantee you’ll add Carrie to your Bloglovin’—stat.
Here, Carrie shares what it’s like to study fashion in London, her tricks for staying stylish on a college budget, and how she manages a full time job and a mega-successful blog! 

The Interview:

College Fashion: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
Carrie Harwood: I grew up in Somerset, where I started my blog over 5 years ago, and have since moved to London, got my degree, and started a job at the brill ASOS.com! It’s all a bit hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
CF: How would you define your style? 
CH: My style is pretty eclectic. I like quirky pieces, and try to steer towards towards young, independent designers—but also can’t resist the odd high street purchase! I love feminine looks and pastels, but perhaps more increasingly I’m opting for classic pieces and lots of black…perhaps I’m just growing up a little, style-wise.

Looks on Campus: Emily – Vanderbilt University

Looks on Campus: Emily – Vanderbilt University

A close friend suggested that in order to hunt down the most fashionable Vanderbilt students, the Commons was the place to go. It is the residential area for all first-years and is chock-full of trendy students. (Sidenote: Have you ever noticed freshmen tend to be more well-dressed than the rest?) I decided to head over to the Commons hoping for an intriguing conversation with another girl who loves fashion as much as I do.
I first spotted Emily’s lovely mint bubble necklace. After running around the campus in the direct sunlight at noon, I appreciated her color palette even more. I also have to send my special thanks to Emily’s beautiful friend Grace who helped with this fun little interview. Thanks Emily and Grace for sharing your style secrets with us!

Emily 101                            

Name: Emily
Major: Communications
School: Vanderbilt University
Year: Junior
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Let’s Talk Fashion

Who or what inspires your style? “I worked at a PR firm in West Hollywood this summer. The styles of my co-workers were all very inspiring. If I have to use a few words to describe their styles, it would be West Coast California surfers meet preppy office-wear. Also, Lauren Conrad is my all-time style inspiration. I’ve loved her since Laguna Beach and I follow her blog and Pinterest religiously now. I think she is so classy and California-cute, which is totally what I aspire to dress like.”
How would you describe your sense of style? “These days it’s pretty preppy. The way I dress at home is more laid-back, just more California! I wear a lot of tank tops and denim cutoffs when I’m there. Vanderbilt has pushed me towards the preppy and more dressed-up side in the past two years.”
Where is your outfit from? “My watch is Michael Kors. I got this necklace from a local boutique back home called Nectar. My jeans are from Nordstrom and my shoes are by Jack Rogers.”
If you could share one style secret with our fellow college girls, what would it be? “Comfy shoes are so important! No doubt about that. We walk a lot every day around campus, so comfortable shoes with a minimum heel are my must-have.” – Grace, Emily’s friend
What fashion advice would you give to other students looking to improve their style? “Dress more professionally. I work on campus part-time, so it requires me to look presentable at all times. But you never know who you might run into! You don’t want your future boss’s first impression of you to be in a tank top and Daisy Dukes.”
What are you favorite trends right now? ”Pastels! Colors like mint, coral, and lavender are my current favorites.”
Where do you like to shop? “J. Crew is my number one destination to shop for school-appropriate outfits. I also love Express for more professional looks and American Eagle for my laid back days.”
If you could raid anyone’s closet, who would it be and why? “I love Rachel Bilson’s style. She’s also from Los Angeles. All of her pieces are very versatile and that’s what I envision my own perfect closet to be like.”
What is the one piece in your wardrobe that you think is important to invest in? ”Definitely a little black dress. My biggest shopping weakness is that I have way too many LBDs! But I do have a favorite one from a boutique in LA called Jaloux. It’s fit and flare with ruffle detail in a chiffon material.”

Elements of Emily’s Outfit:

1. Mint Statement Necklace

Emily wasn’t lying about LOVING pastels! The mint color fits the 80-degree Nashville weather perfectly, while the bubbles on the necklace add a lovely bit of movement when she walks around campus. It took her mere seconds to put this necklace on in the morning and it really elevated her style to the next level.

Fashion Inspiration: Ariana Grande’s “The Way”

Fashion Inspiration: Ariana Grande’s “The Way”

 You might recognize this redhead from Nickelodeon, but 20-year-old Ariana Grande isn’t just another children’s TV show actress. She’s also a singer, and a very talented one at that! While her new album is set to be release today, her hit “The Way” has been blowing up the radio all summer long.

She’s got adorable style, right? If you’re loving her look as much as we are, you too can channel her uber feminine style with a few key pieces. I’ve put together two different looks inspired by Ariana’s style in “The Way” music video. Scroll down to see them both!

Would You Wear… D’Orsay Flats?

Would You Wear… D’Orsay Flats?

Ever since Jenni Kayne launched a line of d’orsay flats a few seasons back, we have been obsessed with the look. The trend immediately flourished and other designers, like 3.1 Phillip Lim, jumped on board. This fall is the first season that we’ve seen budget-friendly styles, which makes us cash-strapped college girls very happy.
The d’orsay flat style features a covered toe and heel with no sides. These flats are more casual than a traditional loafer, but more intriguing than a typical ballet flat. D’Orsay flats are quite versatile, which makes them a stylish yet comfy footwear choice that can work with a variety of different outfits. Try pairing them with boyfriend jeans, a pencil skirt, or denim shorts for early fall.

Stuck on styling ideas? We would wear them like this…

Now we want to know your thoughts!

Are you a fan of the d’orsay flat? Would you wear them? If not, why not? If yes, how would you style them? Leave us a line below and let’s discuss this shoe trend!