Saturday, November 17, 2018

Curly Cue

Cue the curls; it’s time for those bad boys to make an appearance!
In the past, the trendy thing to do was flat-iron, straighten and level out all waves present. Stick straight was the way to go. Hence the uproar of the Brazilian Blowout, where maintaining low frizz, canceling the kinky curls and achieving maximum smoothness was the ultimate goal. But lately, as this Fashionista already knows, curls are making a comeback. Naturally curly hair worked much of the runway for the reveal of many spring 2016 collections this year. From the models wearing Tommy Hilfiger’s Bob Marley-inspired beachwear to the gloriously feministic pieces adorning the models in Diane von Furstenberg’s collection, designers displayed curls for days. Each of these designers understood the significance of their actions when they held a place for curls to be presented, strutted and ultimately loved by everyone watching.
This Fashionista did the same when pairing her curls with a faux fur collared burgundy coat and a bright blue and black printed winter crop top. The inconsistency of patterns exudes a sense of relaxed trendiness that we all wish we could obtain on a daily basis. Her knee-high black leather boots continue to emphasize the edgy vibe she is aiming for with this look. The streak of bronzy blonde across the front of her mane is an excellent indication that she knows exactly what she is doing when it comes to accentuating the natural perfection of the kinky curl. 
Curl envy is becoming a widespread epidemic, and we’re all catching the fever!
What’s on the BEAUTY BAR: This curl fanatic suggests using any type of shea moisture cream and LottaBody Curl & Style Milk for the kinkiest and most flawless of curls. She also says that contrary to popular belief, adding a little spritz of color on your locks won’t noticeably affect your curl pattern, so if you’re looking to spice things up, don’t hesitate to go for it head first.
Style On®,

Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

A Stylish Summer

What’s up, party people?! I’m back with CollegeFashionista for a summer of fun, fashionable things. 
Here is my new Style Guru Bio for the summer semester!
 If you ask anyone who knows me what I like to do, you would most likely get answers ranging from shopping, getting a manicure, laughing with friends, drinking coffee and going on road trips. But, if you asked anyone who knows me what I love to do, there is no doubt in my mind what each person would say, and that is: write. This is typically something people assume as soon as they hear that I’m an English major, and something that furthers their assumption when hearing that my minor focuses on journalism. To which their next question is usually, “What do you like to write about?” This is where the fun part starts. As I have always loved to write, I have also always loved fashion. I currently live vicariously through my favorite fashion bloggers on the daily, but especially in September and March during fashion week when I find myself going shopping the very next day searching for tops, bottoms and shoes similar to what my favorite models strutted down the runways the day before.

 Flipping the pages of Vogue magazine feels like medicine to my soul and tends to inspire me to no end. A huge part of what I do and how I live is directly effected by the fashion that surrounds me, whether I discover it in my Instagram feed, in a magazine or adorning the bodies of my classmates in my literature classes. CollegeFashionista has provided me with a means of combining my two favorite things into one, and it has been the best ever.
My own personal style changes by the day and my mood. Some days I find myself leaning towards an all black, sleek and chic Kardashian-Jenner ensemble, while other days I feel as if I can’t get enough of an eye-catching, colorful print or pattern. I’m all about a good trend, especially a comfortable one, so I was pretty pumped when jogger pants made their way into the fashion world recently. They can easily be dressed up or down and perfect for on-the-go wear.
I’m a firm believer that pain is beautiful when it comes to a steep, stiletto wedge, but I owe my everything to all of the little platform wedges out there that have finally given ‘comfortable’ and ‘wedge’ a way to be said in the same sentence, while also remaining just as fashionable as ever. Pair the joggers and platform wedges with a simple tank, just the right choker necklace and an everyday cross-body bag and you have what I call my “Go-To.”
This is my second semester as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista and needless to say, I’m so ready to bring all of the most stylish summer trends right to the table! Stay #RAD.


Style On®,
Maggie Dillard

Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

Simple to Superstar

Oftentimes when searching to find the perfect accessories combination to put over an outfit, I catch myself thinking, “Wait, is this too much?” But when I found this Fashionista, I was inspired by how naturally she had turned a simple, neutral tank top and jeans mix into a high quality, stylish outfit due solely to her brilliant way of accessorizing.




This Fashionista chose a black tank and white ripped jeans as the base of her outfit. Pairing a top with a bottom on opposite ends of the color spectrum adds a nice element to any outfit. She enhances the look with a bright red flannel for a pop of color, and it works well to also add a sense of liveliness to the outfit as a whole. 
Whoever says flannels can only be worn in the fall around a bonfire didn’t know about all the other ways you can actually wear one. Tying it around the waist is another effortlessly cool way to rock it. She layered a significant amount of necklaces at all different lengths to create a pattern over her plain top. Next, she slipped on several bracelets, rings and a watch because the more the merrier, right? Also, as seen here, any type of chic cross-body purse makes for a practical, yet still fashionable, way to to wear a bag across campus. For shoes, she stuck with a simple black ankle bootie in an effort to not take away from all of the other accessories within the look. She topped it all off with a pair of sleek reading glasses that, not only make reading books for class a little easier, but are truly another perfect accessory to make any outfit complete!
How to: Challenge yourself to use at least one of each kind of accessory to dress up your plain outfits. There’s no need to question the power of good accessories. Throw them all on and watch your look go from simple to superstar in a matter of seconds!


Style On®,
Maggie Dillard

Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Risky Business


Taking risks is a necessity within the fashion industry, and it’s the risks that Jeremy Scott takes each season that shock and inspire audiences. His looks in the Fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection were nothing short of extravagant. The mix of leather, patchwork, and fur with the diversity in the tights, boots, and vibrant jewels made this line unique and memorable, much like his styles every season.



Similarly, for this look, the tie-up detail on the shirt and lace texture throughout adds consistency to the top. The buttons on the skirt add a simple detail that goes a long way. I went with minimal jewelry, except for this jeweled choker that ties in the colors of the rest of the outfit.
My personal favorite piece of this ensemble is the light pink leather vest. It mimics Jeremy Scott’s theme of leather in unexpected shades within his newest collection. The light color of the vest and bag are an easy contrast of colors. Just as in Jeremy Scott’s line, despite the differences in the hues of the ensembles, they all blend and complement each other perfectly.
Another significant decision that must be made when putting together an outfit is the shoes. Marilyn Monroe once said:

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she’ll conquer the world.” 

I finished this look with a sparkly pair of booties. The combination of black with the shiny silver brightens the entire outfit, and makes quite a statement!

Take a risk, like Jeremy Scott, this spring. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and designs to create looks as brilliant and unforgettable as his.



Style On®,
Maggie Dillard
Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

Join the G-Force

If you know anything about high fashion, you know that Gigi Hadid is basically dominating the fashion industry completely on her own. Okay, maybe along with her sis, Bella, and Kendall Jenner—with a little help from Tommy Hilfiger. On the third night of New York Fashion Week in September, Gigi unveiled her highly anticipated fall 2016 ready-to-wear collection that she created with the one-and-only Tommy Hilfiger. The collection still incorporated the beloved original nautical theme but with an incredible Gigi flair that sent fashion fanatics totally frantic.

Because of its casual, cool vibe, I’ve been copying the many looks of this collection ever since Gigi hit the runway with them. Leather pants are always a good idea to pull back out when the weather starts cooling down. There’s no doubt that they add sleekness to any outfit. Several of the other looks in the collection were completed with the ever-popular slip-on sneaker. These are a go-to for an everyday shoe look.

The bandana choker has always been a major key, and when Gigi stepped on the runway adorning one in a similar fashion, the popularity of the bandana trend shot through the roof. I decided to create a necklace that brought the bandana choker trend and Gigi’s fringe bandana together into one with a fringe frayed bandana choker. The best types of fashion come from mixing inspiration from one style with another and making it completely your own. Add a simple strip of bandana to an already trendy bag for an extra flair to incorporate the theme of your outfit. 

Also like Gigi with the tailored sailor jacket, I topped my outfit off with a utility jacket for an extra hint of edge. Don’t be afraid to strip the jacket when the fall temperatures warm up mid-day. I chose to integrate the typical Tommy red with this high-neck tank top. Any tank with a tie down the side would work to add just the right amount of femininity to a casual look. The reveling hardware of the tie down the sides adds additional texture for a refined look. You could also opt for Gigi x Tommy’s cropped T-shirt to rock a modern take on the sailor look.



The G-Force is out in full force this fashion season; 
cop her style and be in on all the trendiest looks this fall!
Style On®,
Maggie Dillard
Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

A Summer of the Saint

When scouring the Internet for fashion tips and trends, it’s always inevitable that my searching will lead me to a designers website, then to a video of the runway show of another designer, then to an article about a different designer’s newest collection and so on. The other day, my hunting led me to a recap video of the Saint Laurent spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection. I remember this collection being one of my favorites during fashion week. Ever since this line was released, I’ve been incredibly inspired by the beige trench coats and leather and denim jackets thrown over the dresses, and the bomber jackets and blazers over the skirts. There’s just something about the camouflage army jacket atop a sparkly gold mini dress complete with a crown on messy, wavy hair that speaks to my feminist soul. It’s as if these outfits themselves confidently proclaim to any woman wearing them, “You got this!”
Here, I started with one of my favorite graphic animal T-shirts. Mine features a gentle elephant, a few daisies and a little Aztec print design, but I would definitely suggest spicing it up with a fierce animal for a more hardcore statement piece of the outfit. I’ve always loved a good gladiator sandal. I purchased these specific ones several years ago, but because they are currently so trendy, there are so many beautiful pairs out there to choose from. If you know me, you know I also love a good cross-body bag, especially if you can rock a brightly colored one to add the perfect pop of color to any neutral based outfit.
Another must-have staple item is a simple plain black skirt and the reason for this being because it can be mixed and matched a million times over. Finding a few pieces that can effortlessly be absorbed into your wardrobe and worn many times without being recognized is a precious piece of clothing in the eyes of any Fashionista. If it’s as hot where you are as it is where I am, you probably can’t even fathom the thoughts of topping your outfit off with a jacket in this summer heat. But I always find myself a little chilly around the office during my work days, so I try to remember to grab some kind of lightweight coat on my way out the door. Saint Laurent proved with this collection that a light jacket still makes for a fabulous accessory even in the warmer weather.
Therefore, Fashionistas, go forth and be inspired by the slip dresses, silk, fur, patchwork denim, sequins, grunge and glitter even in the midst of the warm sunshine. Well done, Saint Laurent. Well done.



Get My Look: 1. A graphic animal T-shirt. 2. A simple black skirt. 3. Light jacket.
Style On®,
Maggie Dillard
Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com

March into Spring

Spring is currently in full swing and I’m not sure if I’m more excited about the weather getting warmer, or finally being able to order an iced latte without it causing my hands to go numb. Obviously, another perk of the warmer season is being able to pack away the heavy coats and tights, and bring out the lighter jackets to pair with our booties and dresses. Being someone who particularly loves this look, I got lucky when Versace reinvented it during fashion week in September through the reveal of her spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection.
Donatella Versace paired colors of neutral black, brown, green and burgundy with feisty animal printed patterns, lace, fur, suede and leather in order to create the ultimate ensemble that is the epitome of girl power. She has already revealed that the goal she had in mind when creating these looks was to “do something strong.” So, I decided to try it out for myself.
I started with a statement piece that every girl who adores dresses should own: a little black dress (LBD). It can be worn just about as many times as one heart could desire because of the many ways it can be sported. I added a lace black bralette under mine to add texture and maintain the girly vibe. Next, I wore a lighter suede jacket for color and warmth when that spring sun goes down. I paired this with metallic ankle boots to bring in the combat feel that Versace was aiming for. Then, I added a cheetah print and fringe cross-body bag to resemble the colorful animal patterns that embodied the feisty zest that her collection radiates. To top it off, I added a touch of my own personal style with the chunky stone necklace and beaded choker.
Not only does Versace represent a brand of phenomenal fashion, but she is truly an inspiration to all women. “I know fashion is not something that can change the world, but it can change the woman. It can empower the woman. It can make her strong, in herself, and to believe in herself more,” Versace said.
Although my look was only a mimic of the Versace couture, I still felt the empowering feminist spirit as I pranced around in my little black dress and metallic boots while proudly holding my iced vanilla latte.
Get My Look: 1. Any casual LBD. 2. A pair of ankle boots. 3. Suede jacket. 4. A printed cross-body bag.


Style On®,
Maggie Dillard
Content originally created for and published on CollegeFashionista.com