This was my fifth semester with CollegeFashionista and I can’t imagine where I would be without it. Writing for CollegeFashionista has inspired me to pursue a career in the fashion editorial field and it undoubtedly solidified my passion for writing about style. I’ve gotten the chance to be a Style Guru not only here in State College but also abroad in Seville, Spain and in New York City over the summer. I’ve been exposed to so many different styles through my internship with CollegeFashionista and that exposure and awareness has definitely shaped my own personal style and helped it to evolve as I matured. Writing every week about clothing and trends for the past year-and-a-half has helped me polish my writing abilities immensely and because I enjoyed what I was doing, I never even noticed I was working and improving! That little extra bit of practice each week has really transformed my voice and I’m confident that I can use my skills I’ve obtained with CollegeFashionista in my professional career. I couldn’t have stumbled on a better internship than this one and I’m so thankful to have been a part of the team as a Style Guru.

My plans for the future involve a move to New York City and hopefully landing an editorial assistant position at a major fashion and lifestyle site. I can’t wait to see where the future takes me and wherever that may be, one thing I know for certain is that CollegeFashionista will have helped me get there.

Throughout my college career, I had numerous internships in hopes to discover what it is I truly want to do for the rest of my life. It all started out the summer going into junior year as I miraculously landed an internship with Michael Kors. Michael Kors not only taught me what it’s like to work in a corporate atmosphere but also reassured me that I belong in the fashion industry, as I couldn’t picture myself working anywhere else. My love for fashion and street style photography continued with the help of CollegeFashionista.

I have interned with CollegeFashiona for the past three semesters. It has been an amazing opportunity to be able to continue my passion for fashion in the comfort of my own home while getting my fellow classmates excited about dressing up and being featured on such a well-known fashion site. It has opened my eyes to the blogger world and recently inspired me to write my own fashion blog, featuring myself and my everyday looks. CollegeFashionista has also helped me connect with so many fashion bloggers, who constantly inspire me to become a better blogger as well as fashion worshipper. These girls are seriously great and it will be so sad to say goodbye!

As of right now I am unsure of what I am doing post-graduation. I am still in the application process but have high hopes to obtain a job in New York City working for a fashion house within the marketing or sales department. My ultimate dream is to become a buyer or personal stylist.

On May 19^th, I will receive my diploma as well as my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. It’s somewhat overwhelming to think that I will not be coming back to Connecticut in the fall, as I must permanently move back to my little hometown in New Jersey upon graduation. But on the bright side, I am walking away with a different outlook on life and what it takes to continue to become the woman I aspire to be. So, so long CollegeFashionista, it’s been a great ride! Thank you for all you have done for me. I also want to wish my fellow graduating Fashionistas and future CollegeFashionstas all the best! Here’s to the graduating class of 2013; may we forever Style On!

It is my passion for corporate communications that then lead me to CollegeFashionista, where I have been so proud to call my internship for my senior year. I am so sad to be leaving College Fashionista after it has guided me in creating a presence in online blogging. I remember looking online for internships and reading the description for the internship. It was the one opportunity that fit best for me and help mold who I wanted to be. I will never forget receiving this internship and how happy I have become for accepting the offer. The internship has helped me grow in the means of fashion as well. I would like to thank all the Fashionistas I have interviewed weekly that have helped me better find myself in the world of fashion. Getting to know people through the connection of fashion has been really enjoyable. It has helped me with my communication skills and finding a common ground with people I may have not had the opportunity to meet.

This coming summer I will be working again for ERP International, LLC., where I will be putting my strategic communication skills to the test. I am excited to once again be working with them as I have grown to understand and appreciate the cultural atmosphere they have to offer to their community. Who is to say what my future holds, however, I hope my job opportunities’ lead me in the direction of public affairs and/or the advertising industry.

Although my time with CollegeFashionista has only been for a semester, my gratitude is truly beyond words. I have loved contributing as a Style Guru and only wished I discovered it earlier! CollegeFashionista has given me opportunities, challenged me and made me confront my strengths as well as weakness. I’ve grown to realize my capabilities as a writer and fashion enthusiast, as I am reassured that this is the field where I am meant to be. I appreciate CollegeFashionista for offering a platform for people to come together to grow, share and support each other— to take risks and constantly feel inspired. Where fashion addiction is appreciated and celebrated in all aspects. It’s nice to know I am not alone in the struggle of deciding what I’m going to wear the next morning rather than last minute cramming for my exam.

As for my plans for the future, I’m not quite sure yet. But I have a dream for myself and I certainly won’t give it up. I know that fashion is my calling and I am determined to find my place in the industry. In the meantime, I’ll turn to every episode of GIRLS as my virtual comfort food, as I dream of Olivia Palermo’s closet and continue to read my Horoscope until it tells me something I want to hear. My advice to anyone in need of encouragement is to never limit yourself. Exceed your own expectations and whatever your dreams may be, remember to dream big. Until then, Style On my friends.

Fashion will continue to be a strong interest for me, brightening the mundane. Sparkles, bright colours and shiny patterns will always attract my eye and resonate affectionately with me. I have thoroughly enjoyed noting all the fashionable looks at the University of Toronto that continue to boost the moral of all Canadian Fashionistas country-wide. From the bohemian neighbourhood of Kensington market to the upscale class o fBloor Street West, Toronto is doing well to uphold its position as a fashionable city.

As this chapter of my life closes and I move onto the next section I will continue to keep writing and dressing well—hopefully Audrey approved. The future is bright and I will march on forward lipstick on, heels high and a smile on my face. All the best fellow Fashionistas look good where ever you are!

I spotted this Fashionista sporting an ensemble perfect for any festival. Her high-waist, daisy skirt paired with a cropped white tee screams summer. To add structure and a little pizzazz, she throws a denim vest overtop creating a casual, laidback feel. She complements the outfit with a pair of classic Converse sneakers, perfect for exploring the festival of your choice. To complete her look, she accessorizes with a simple watch and fingers full of different style rings. With her hair left down blowing in the breeze, this Fashionista shines in the summer sun.

To encompass the laidback vibe, opt for fabrics that will dance in the breeze, such as a chiffon maxi skirt or dress. Follow this Fashionista’s style and pull a denim vest over your look in order to add structure and style. Choose a pair of sunglasses that suits your taste to protect your eyes while you enjoy the festival. A pair of aviators gives off a chill, summer feel while a pair of funky cat-eye shades can add a playful, quirky touch to your look. Despite the clothes you choose, make sure it exposes who you are and see how many heads you turn at the festival.

One Simple Change: With a few substitutions, this look goes from festival to casual date night. Swap the Converse for a cute pair of wedges, sandals or flats and replace the jean vest with either a neutral blazer or simple cardigan. Add a little color to the lips and let the date begin.

As a freshman, I had huge dreams I wanted to see through. I planned to live and work in New York over the summers and I strove to break into fashion/beauty journalism. Thanks to CollegeFashionista, I was able to achieve both. I was a sophomore when I was first introduced to Sammy Luterbach, who helped me with a student designer article for a class. Through our conversations, she then put me in touch with Amy Levin. Since that moment, I’ve been lucky enough to form not only a professional relationship but also a friendship with one of the most fabulous people I know.

I started writing and editing for the site in my junior year and I couldn’t believe how much I learned, and how quickly. I realized writing, taking pictures, editing and being a part of the various campaigns I was lucky enough to participate in all for the world of fashion and beauty was more than work, it truly was my passion. Because of CollegeFashionista I was able to secure a six-month internship with American Salon in New York as well as really tweak my editing and writing skills. Furthermore, having Amy and Melissa to use as a resource for anything and everything CollegeFashionista and non-CollegeFashionista related has been a relationship I’ll forever cherish.

Now as a senior and with my final stint with CollegeFashionista over, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly grateful. This site was my first shot in the realm of fashion and beauty when no one else wanted to take a chance on me. It didn’t matter I was inexperienced and a little clueless. What did matter was my enthusiasm and determination to do well, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I don’t know where I would be now if it weren’t for CollegeFashionista and I’m thrilled I never have to find out. I owe so much to this site as everything I do from here on—the opportunities I’m given, the companies I work for—I know I couldn’t have done without CollegeFashionista.

There are many careful details that make this look work for both day and night. The sweater today’s Fashionista chose is a more casual piece that you would normally wear during the day but when paired with this mint pleated chiffon skirt, the whole outfit is given a bit of a dressier nighttime vibe. While the look might be a little too nighttime-ish if the skirt was a darker hue, the spring pastel color of the piece does the trick for making it daytime appropriate.

The next important aspect of this outfit is this Fashionista’s adorable pair of Sam Edelman sandals. The low wedge of the shoe makes them perfect for brunch or any other daytime activity while the natural leather color of the ankle strap also give them a daytime feel. However, the metallic band and buckle give these sandals the perfect amount of pizzazz for any nighttime activity and the heel also amps up the glam factor in a way a flat sandal wouldn’t.

When combined all together it is clear that achieving the perfect day to night look relies on balance when piecing together an outfit. Today’s Fashionista added a pair of chunky, mod sunnies, a gold watch and some oversized pearl earrings to finish off her polished look.

One Simple Change: Trade in the sweater for a slim fitting tank and this look would be ideal for a heat wave. You could most definitely keep cool while also looking it!

Name: April Kim

Major: Medical Anthropology/Global Health and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies

Year: Senior

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing today?

April Kim: I’m wearing Kelly & Katie boots from DSW, Jessica Simpson tights, a Free People skirt, a thrifted velvet shirt and a jacket from Aritzia. 

CF: How would you describe your style?

AK: I guess I like to mix it up a lot. Sometimes I wear all dark clothes and sometimes all light. Mostly I just love mixing all sorts of different patterns and colors. 

CF: Is there a certain piece of clothing in your closet that you wear all the time?

AK: I always wear tights. I have a whole bunch of really cool patterns. I wear them a lot with shorts and cropped tops, which I think is really comfortable. Also, I wear a lot of long skirts from Goodwill. 

CF: Is there anywhere you go to find fashion ideas?

AK: There isn’t a specific place I go to for fashion ideas. To be honest, I’ve stopped following trends and magazines lately.

CF: That’s interesting. Do you go thrifting a lot? What’s your favorite store?

AK: Yes, I go thrifting a lot. I love it. I really like Value Village, but Goodwill has been great for long skirts and floral print lately. 

How To: Some exciting elements of this Fashionista’s outfit are her velvet top and awesome denim skirt. I love American Apparel’s version of the velvet cropped top here—great to try dressing up and down for different occasions. Also, this chambray circle skirt from Urban Outfitters is great for incorporating into spring outfits.

With a girly palette of colors and the right, confident attitude, this Fashionista has definitely turned around the gloomy exam atmosphere. She is seen mixing and flaunting two separates together with complete ease while combining them with fitted washed denim jeans. A hot pink tank with a loose and comfortable purple sleeveless tank top never goes wrong. It’s ideal for any outing to the beach, street shopping or even to the gym.

She carries minimal accessories and a simple style of wearing her hair down. The powder pink cross-body leather bag and the textured belt look extremely attractive, while the pink Converse are a popular choice this summer! They seemed to have caught my eye at the very first instance. It’s always nice to see a fresh young look stand out amongst the others, especially in a rather tense campus atmosphere.

In the end, you know that your look is complete with a brush of makeup. The Fashionista loves attention to detail and has a cute shade of purple eyeliner on her upper eyelids. Her style reflects vibes of ease and stress-free exam pressure.

As a Style Guru, I will have to agree that sometimes it’s really impossible putting two and two together, because exams can take away the happy side of you. But being fashionable doesn’t require too much time. The way you carry yourself matters as it reflects on how you behave with others and perform in the exam as well. It’s always advisable to go ahead with that unique piece in your wardrobe that comforts your mind and body, and honestly, they are all your clothes and accessories out there. Pick any, but always make sure that they speak out your style and not your mind.

Fashion and finals need no soul searching; the mantra is to keep it simple, always!

One Simple Change: Substitute the cross-body bag to a cute backpack. It’s more functional with space for all the textbooks and notes. You need nothing better for your finals.