Major fashion moment from J. Lawrence in Prabal Gurung. Saw this number on the runway and died of excitement…my NYFW posts will be coming soon as with my updates on me being in NYC — crazy, right?

Take A Chance

“And with that, I leave you with my final parting words: take chances. Take a chance on the bright red lipstick you didn’t think you could pull off, take a chance in submitting your resume to that position posted on Media Bistro that seems unattainable, take a chance on the boy you think of as “just a friend.”  Take a chance on your dreams. Take a chance on yourself. If you make one resolution for 2012, let that be it.” - Mary Ann, nycprgirls.com

"Sometimes it’s worth getting dolled up for evening plans, even if they fall through. There’s something special about eating take-out in a sparkly dress with no plans to leave the house."

Cupcakes & Cashmere

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Spotted: Me adoring Blake Lively’s look from head to toe on tonight’s GG. From the loose side braid, fitting dress, structured shoulders, metallic heels and statement necklace, S can do no wrong!

(Source: flamingcocofairy)

Peter Som perfection.

(Source: up-raquelprates)

NYC bound this Thursday! Let’s just say I hope to learn more about what life has in store for me after this trip. Will be sure to update when I return. In the meantime, here’s the anthem in addition to “Empire State of Mind” of course…wish me luck!

xo,

syma

Fabulous clothes from the ALEXANDER WANG Fall/Winter 2011 collection and Nicki Minaj “Did It on ‘Em” is in this runway mix…what more could you want?

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Been eyeing this Nars shade since it came out in the summer! My perfect autumn blue hue!

I’m Back!

Hello fellow Fashionistas!

Unfortunately I have been tweeting my CollegeFashionista.com Trend Reports but not adding them to my Tumblr! I hope you have some time to catch up on them below and will explain my new role with the site as well as a summer catch up with my internship with Victoria’s Secret corporate! I am now the Head Style Guru for CollegeFashionista.com on my campus for the newly launched column “All About Beauty”. What is awesome about this column is that only a few Gurus got picked to launch it and it will be co-written with leading beauty experts in the industry! Stay tuned to learn more, I am taking 18 credit hours and graduating in December so learning the art of time management and balance with everything going on! Can’t wait to share with you all soon! Have a fashionable week!

Xo,

Syma

TREND: Showstopping Shorts

Shorts just got cooler. Getting tired of your usual denim and khaki basics? Add some feminine flair with scalloped bottoms like this Fashionista! These detailed shorts were seen all over therunway ,  A-list celebs and have luckily been tailored down to the “real way” for us!

I spotted this Fashionista wearing these neutral gray scallopped bottoms (my favorite) with a basic black tank and looks totally put together. Her canvas Keds are the perfect casual shoe to wear to class to be cute and comfortable. Not to mention, her tortoise frames (which I’m basically an ambassador for) adds some intrigue to her look! She can easily tuck in her black tank, add a pair of cognac wedges and go out with her girlfriends for post-class fun.

When it comes to wearing shorts like these, you want to make sure they are the focal point of your look. Wearing a solid neutral tee with a statement necklace, I’m thinking House of Harlow is a perfect match! Feeling bold? Take notes from my previous post and add some color blocking! This Fashionista can easily pair a navy tank or even seafoam green to elevate her outfit and stay on trend.

To find a similiar look, these Free People shorts are a great compromise, and even a bit dressier with the lace detailing! You can add an oversized blazer with shorts like these if you’re currently interning or searching for a fashionable interview outfit. Shorts like these can surprisingly be more versatile than you think! Keep in mind that they are very similiar to a embroidered skirt, but way more functional - win-win!

How will you showstop in these shorts?

Style On,

Syma Raza

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

TREND: Any Season For Sequins

Like most of my fellow Fashionistas out there, I’m drawn to sparkle.  However, some may feel sequins can only be rocked when the ball drops for NYE – but this just in, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is! Sequins can be worn all year long! This fun fabric may be even more versatile than you think!

I found this Fashionista wearing sequins in style. She paired her gold skirt (obsessed) with a neutral black top. These shades look flawless together and are completely fall ready! Gold is a metallic that can pair with just about anything, think of it as a neutral beige with some edge. This skirt can be dressed up and down. She can easily add a pair of platform heels, oversized boyfriend blazer and be ready for a night out! A skirt like this can be worn dressed down with a chambray denim shirt, dressed up with a chiffon crop tank, and even paired with opaque black tights in the winter with ankle boots.

As you see my fellow Fashionistas, possibilites are endless. Her sandals are also a great touch. They are a basic gladiator style, but the back has some awesome studs that really elevate the look. Mixing different textures and accents keep your outfit interesting, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

To wear this skirt on campus, I suggest wearing it with the wardrobe staple, a basic white tee. Let your skirt be the focal point of the look. This same outfit can be going-out ready in no time, with the right pair of heels, how easy is that?

To find a skirt similiar to this one, I suggest one from Express. As we get into the cooler months, you’ll see many of your favorite retailers embracing the sequin trend. I even love a full on sequin dress. French Connection always has amazing embellished dresses that I fall in love with everytime, this gold dress is to die for.

Take note that not all sequin silhouettes are investment worthy. You want to make sure it looks like a quality find. Be sure to stick with smaller sequins to give more of a designer look. Larger sequins can seem over the top and inexpensive - something to shy away from. A line to keep in mind when thinking about this trend is Alice + Olivia, they do an outstanding job when embellishing their pieces, I am always in awe when I see them, like this full sleeve bronze dress I found, what more could you ask for? Just beautiful.

As I always mention, when we pick a trend to be the main statement of the look, be sure to keep your accessories simple. It’s the sequins time to shine, literally but how will you choose to sparkle? 

Style On,

Syma Raza

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

TREND: Rock The Color Block

The block is hot – color blocking, that is! This trend is in full swing for fall and is a great transition for your summer brights as we head out of the warmer months (sad I know). 

I spotted this Fashionista taking on this trend full force by pairing two brights together, and even a neon belt! She pairs these three colors effortlessly. The warm tone of her orange top pairs beautifully with a muted mint green. Her yellow belt adds separation and waist definition between the two hues and doesn’t take anything away from her look. Note that this belt is a skinny style that simply complements the look. It is important when trying out this trend to keep your accessories simple to not look overdone.

If you’re not feeling as daring as this Fashionista, you can ease into the color blocking trend. A great way to do this is by pairing either a nude skirt with a bright-colored top or vice versa. You can then add a statement colored-shoe or bag and you’ll turn your campus into your runway! We already know I’m a fan of the pleated skirt in my previous posts, but see how this accordian trend can add the perfect amount of femininity to an outfit? To try this trend, I found a pleated skirt similar to our Fashionista’s at American Apparel. Add this chiffon tank from Forever 21 and you’re ready to make an entrance! H&M has also introduced this trend with its latest assortment, and you can get a few more ideas here in their lookbook!

However, I am sure you Fashionistas have a wide variety of colors in your closet you could easily mix to achieve this look! Think of random colors to mix; this trend is all about mixing it up and trying something new! You can even color block neutrals. I love mixing nude, black and gray. When I’m feeling bold, I love cobalt blue and orange together! Whatever colors you decide, be sure to keep your accessories to a minimum unless that is your focal point. Take note from this Fashionista: her classic black vintage bag and black sandals keep this look effortlessly cool.

How will you rock the color block?

Style On,

Syma Raza

INDIANA UNIVERSITY