Fashion Feature: Hook&Stylit

Today's fashion feature is on a dear friend whom I met in college. Maggie always looked so chic while in class, wearing maxis, bermuda shorts, whatever it was she looked cute and classy. Now, she has her own personal style blog, Hook & Stylit: the style of my life. 

Meet Maggie.

This full time fashionista always looks great. Whether it's going to work or going to the beach, Maggie knows how to dress herself and others.  She has a quote on her blog from Drew Berrymore that I think a lot of girls can relate to: "My whole life I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin, it's like the most liberating thing in the world." Maggie's down to earth personality matches her style perfectly, showing she IS comfortable in her own skin. 

Here are a few sneak peaks of outfits from Hook & Stylit. 

"I LOVE wearing black and brown (and now cream) together! This outfit definitely fits my personality, my lifestyle and the office environment that I work in everyday!"- Maggie

"My absolute favorite thing in the world to wear is a MAXI dress! I'm obsessed! I wear maxis basically anytime I am not in work clothes. I'm convinced that they are the greatest alternative to pajamas that has ever been invented!"-Maggie

I 100% agree, gotta love those maxis! They're so comfortable yet oh so stylish. 

I've always loved Maggie's style, and these photos are prime examples of just how stylish she is! Remember to check out Hook & Stylit for more fabulous fashion posts from this fashionista! Enjoy xx 

Remember,  fashion is fun. It is uniquely you. ♥

Fashion Feature: Polka dot with me

As I continue my week long feature of my wonderfully fashionable friends I come to Carrie. She was my teacher my last semester of college but she was more than that. The young, vibrant fashionista always had a chic style walking into the classroom. We would swap style stories and comment on bad fashion. We ultimately became friends through it all and now, even though I graduated, we keep in touch, especially when it comes to fashion. 

Meet Carrie. 

As one of the editors in charge of the school newspaper, Carrie helped out a lot. Though I never met her until my last semester, she was one of the people that gave me the go ahead to start the fashion column for Flagler.  Once I was in her class, she gave me great positive feedback, letting me know that the way I wrote worked, and I would (hopefully) go far with my writing.   

After graduating, we would trade emails here and there about fashion and before I knew had started her blog, Under $50 Fashion. This is such a great resource on how to look cute at a low cost. A definite must visit blog. 

This outfit was a recent post on her blog where the total cost was only $45.95! And even better, the skirt was a DIY project. 

I will let Carrie tell you a little more about her low cost look...

❝Today’s outfit is definitely not one of my least expensive outfits, but if I had chosen different shoes, it might have been. Still, I’m pretty impressed with my ability to throw together something out of almost nothing. 

• Shirt - Lifted from my stepdad’s closet 15 years ago 

• Belt - Dollar General $3  

• Skirt - DIY from $17.96 worth of fabric 

• Necklace - Thrifted and Lifted - My mom upcycled this necklace from some costume jewelry and I “borrowed” it indefinitely 

• Shoes - Target $24.99❞ 


Total = $45.95

Awesome outfit for this frugal fashionista! Thanks Carrie, hope you guys enjoy and check out her blog, Under $50 Fashion.

Remember, fashion is fun. It is uniquely you. ♥

What’s Haute: Diary of a Flagler Fashionisto

By Jody Marich 

Photos by Victoria Grace Choeff and Michael O’Hara 

Michael O’Hara always has two things with him; his fashion sense and his Canon Rebel XSi camera.

The 20-year-old photographer can be found at almost every St. Augustine hot spot taking photos of Flagler students and other interesting people. His passion is photography but from the looks of his style, fashion is a hidden passion for O’Hara. I recently had the chance to talk to the communication student about his unique style.

Marich: What inspires you when you dress? 

O’Hara: “I am inspired by unusual patterns in fabric, as well as a signature article of clothing or accessory to pull the entire outfit together. I am also inspired by underground LA style, as well as looks being worn throughout London. Colorful, dark tones, and a serious edge.”

 

JM: Where do you get your fashion sense from? 

MO: “I feel as though I received my fashion sense from one person in general. Mary Kate Olsen taught me that there is definite order to chaos, and chaos can be trendy.” 

JM: How would you describe your style? 

MO: “I would describe my style as grunge chic. Anything that is tattered or black is hot in my eyes. I feel as though my style pushes the boundaries, for instance, a Looney Tunes black “Taz” t-shirt worn under a black leather jacket or tattered light wash denim vest is perfectly acceptable to me. As long as my style makes a statement, I’m happy.”


(Photo to the left is a self-portrait taken by Michael O’Hara) 

JM: Where do you like to shop? 

MO: “I have a couple of stores/designers I cherish most. [One] local clothing store I love is American Apparel. I love basics! [Some] stores nationally I admire are Blood is the New Black, Rag and Bone and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Thrift stores such as GoodWill and Betty Griffin are also hot spots for good eyes and good finds.” 

JM: What is your fashion accessory you can’t live without? 

MO: “A fashion accessory I cannot live without are bracelets. I really love finding unusual and unique wrist candy and it’s the perfect way to compliment an outfit.” 

JM: What is the one thing you can’t leave home without? 

MO: “One thing I cannot leave home without are my contacts. Like it or not, contact lenses are a huge part of my fashion. Deciding to sport glasses or contacts is just as important as deciding what top would go right with what bottoms. There is a system to my madness.” 

The 20-year-old is making a name for himself in the photography world but also the fashion world. With his grunge edge, people remember who Michael O’Hara is. 

Check out his photography on his blog, Ice Cream Social.

Walking down the graduation runway

By Jody Marich 

Today I was talking to one of my dear friends, Jill,  about having blogger's block. I told her I just couldn't get out of the funk I have been in. Maybe it's because I am graduating from college and have SO many other things on my mind. Whatever it is/ was she helped me come up with a brilliant idea for anyone who is graduating this December or anytime for that matter.

What to wear to graduation?

First and foremost, I think it depends on what type of school it is. If it is a public, state school or college, the dress code can be a little more lenient. 

Attending Flagler College, a private school, my dress code mandatory. If we don't follow the rules, we don't get to walk:

"DRESS FOR COMMENCEMENT: Men are to wear a dress shirt (preferable white) and tie, dark slacks, and dress shoes. Women are to wear a dress or dark dress slacks/skirt and blouse, and dress shoes. Students not adhering to this dress code, will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Caps and Gowns must be ordered by the graduate with Jostens, Inc. at www.jostens.com or with a Jostens rep on campus on various advertised days . They will be delivered to the college for pickup during Graduation Clearance Week."- Flagler College website.

Remember, always to factor in:

❤weather- check the 10 day forecast to see if it's going to be cold, hot, or rainy, in case you have to make changes.

❤where the ceremony takes place- is it inside or outside? That should always be in the back of your mind when choosing what to wear.

❤what color your gown is - you don't want clothing to show through.

You want to look professional and polished, since you are officially moving into the "real world." Just remember the acronym: KISS - Keep it simple, sexy - I replaced stupid with sexy because this is your day to shine!

With all of this said, here are a few different choices on how to look perfect for you "graduation runway" debut. 

Vintage Graduate by littlemissjojo featuring stiletto heels shoes

I Like to Mauve It Dress
$45 - modcloth.com
Party dresses »

Chic Leatherette Stilettos
$16 - forever21.com
Stiletto heels shoes »

low wedge suede flat
$17 - gojane.com
Rounded toe shoes »

Jessica McClintock Flowers Clutch with Rose
$20 - endless.com
Jessica McClintock clutches »

Vintage Collection Gold Tone Rose Motif Locket Necklace
$32 - 1928.com
Vintage style jewelry »

Tan horseshoe buckle belt
5 GBP - dorothyperkins.com
Tan belt »

Fabulous Former Student by littlemissjojo featuring a peep toe heel

Miso One Shoulder Dress
30 GBP - republic.co.uk
One shoulder dress »

Peep Toe Bow Pump - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal
$30 - wetseal.com
Peep toe heel »

ASOS LUCKY Ballet Flats
$38 - asos.com
Asos shoes »

Faux Patent Wallet
$9.80 - canada.forever21.com
Wallets »

Boma Sterling Silver Diamond Shaped Marcasite Earrings
$48 - amazon.com
Diamond shaped earrings »

$2.99 - scrapbook.com

Polished Professional by littlemissjojo featuring a brown cardigan

Button-Up Basics Cardigan in Brown
$35 - modcloth.com
Brown cardigan »

Pink Pleat Chiffon Neck Top
28 GBP - missselfridge.com
Chiffon tops »

Gap Perfect trouser pants (brown pinstriped)
$60 - gap.com
Pinstripe pants »

Pierre Dumas Women's Cora-1 Pump
$22 - endless.com
Low heel shoes »

Dune Jerica Platform Shoe Boots | Littlewoods.com
1.50 GBP - littlewoods.com
Platform shoe boots »

ASOS Leather Push Lock Purse
$28 - asos.com
Leather bag »

ASOS Pack of Three Floral Embossed Metal Bangles
$17 - asos.com
Metal jewelry »

A Little Sip Necklace
$14 - modcloth.com
Heart jewelry »

With this outfit, you could put the shirt and sweater together or just pick one piece to wear.

Angelic Alumna by littlemissjojo featuring a shift dress

Womens Beige Burn Out Shift Dress - Dresses - desireclothing.co.uk
30 GBP - desireclothing.co.uk
Shift dress »

Monique-4 Nubuck Round Toe Bootie
$24 - urbanog.com
Rounded toe shoes »

ASOS LOTTIE Stud Ballerina
$41 - asos.com
Leather shoes »

Black Feather Clutch Bag
25 GBP - missselfridge.com
Black handbag »

Floral Hair Pins w/ Faux Pearl and Stone
$2.50 - canada.forever21.com
Floral brooch »

Facetted Faux Gem Necklace
$11 - canada.forever21.com
Gemstones jewelry »

72" Pearl Necklace
7.50 GBP - missselfridge.com
Pearl necklace »

For each outfit, I chose a pair of flats and heels. If you wear heels be careful. You want to have something comfortable, so you can walk in them, maybe even do a little practice walk before hand.

These are just some outfits that could work for the big walk but a few things to remember when shopping is:

❤Find something that is versatile- something you can be comfortable in for the ceremony and then take pictures in afterwards, even go out for a celebratory meal in. 

❤Choose a piece or outfit that won't look weird under your gown- you don't want a dress giving you a strange figure (even though the gown usually makes us look like we are wearing a potato sack!)

❤Keep jewelry to a minimum- one or two little pieces works but like I said, keep it simple, there's nothing like getting an earring caught in your tassel or bangles jingling. 

❤Keep your ceremony venue in mind-  you don't want crazy shoes that sink into the grass or uncomfortable fabrics bringing you down. 

❤Remember, this is your big day. It's a day to celebrate with family and friends. Don't wear something that will make you feel uncomfortable around these people. 

With graduation comes a whole new chapter in life. It's a time to celebrate your achievements with the ones you love. The biggest thing to remember is HAVE FUN! This is your day to shine. Walk with pride and be the little superstar that you are. 

Congrats to all that are graduating! I know I'm excited about it!

xo

Plus size, the media, and fashion industry

I attend Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida for communication, specifically journalism and media production. It's my last semester and I am in Advanced Reporting. This is my most recent news package. It is about the struggle between being plus size and being able to relate to magazines and fashion. 

I focused my piece on the St. Augustine area, but the plus size void is something that is happening throughout the world. 

There is a definite gap and a lot of people would like to see a change. 

Enjoy!

Plus size and the media. from Jody Marich on Vimeo.



A special thanks to my interviewees Rachel Bruce and Erin Healy. 

Diary of a Flagler fashionista

Flagler junior, Chiara Cortesano, is passionate about fashion. Everyday she wears an outfit that expresses her own individuality while still looking chic and stylish.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the 20-year-old and get to know her style.

1. What inspires you when you dress?

"Everything. It could be a movie I just saw, a magazine I just read, a song I just heard or even other people I see out. I take inspiration from everywhere and add my own touch."

2. Where do you get your fashion sense from?

"My parents. My mother is way more stylish than I could ever be. Half of the amazing pieces I have she found for me. I steal from her closet every time I am home. My father is from Italy and you can definitely tell by his style. They both have an appreciation for fashion which has rubbed off on me."

3. Who is your fashion icon?

"This is a tough one. I would say between Margherita Missoni & Sienna Miller."

4. How would you describe your style?

"I would describe my style as a duet between vintage, feminine, classic pieces & edgy, bold accents."

5. Where do you like to shop?

"I like to shop at The Closet, Goldfinch, American Apparel, Off Saks and a few thrift stores on the island when I am in Saint Augustine. I also like to shop online at Top Shop."

6. What is your fashion accessory you can't live without?

"I cannot live without lip stick. I keep reserves of my favorite colors in case one runs down. I like soft shades of pink for all day and coral reds for night"

Check out Chiara’s Blog:
SaintAugFog.tumblr.com

5 fabulous Spring dresses under $50

While looking at my Google alerts, I stumbled upon Marie Claire's 108 Spring Dresses. After looking through their choices I decided to write a post about my 5 favorite spring dresses under $50. Since a lot of college students, don't have deep pockets, I am hoping this post is useful for the fashionistas out there.

Each spring, super cute dresses pop up. Every girl should have at least one spring dress in her closet. These 5 fun and flirty dresses are my top choices.

1. Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Strapless Knit Dress: $48
This feminine dress includes two fabulous trends. It has a ruffle top & a floral print. My suggestion is to add a chunky belt to increase the boho/vintage look. Pair it with a cute wedge or gladiator sandal to complete the look.







2. Forever 21, Twelve by Twelve, Pearl Trim Military Dress: $32
This military style dress is right on trend for spring. The military trend that sprouted up last fall has only gotten bigger with spring and summer trends. This dress will give you a sleek edge while staying uber stylish. To add extra edginess to this look switch the belt out with a studded belt.




3. dELiA*s, Jade Floral Dress: $44.50
This floral dress is fun and flirty while still being very girly and fashionable. The print gives the dress a vintage feel yet it's still very stylish keeping up with the floral trend. This is a perfect little dress for a night out with friends or a fun filled day, like Easter!



4. Modcloth, Halter Monitor Dress: $44.99
This adorable lightweight chambray dress is stylish and chic. AND the best part about it is it has pockets! Chambray is one of the most popular trends this spring. This dress is super fabulous and can be dressed up with wedges, heel clogs, or strappy sandals. It can also be dressed down by wearing ballet flats, gladiator sandals, or cowboy boots, my personal fave. I would also suggest finding a fun belt to wear so you can break the color up. Use it as the focal point in your outfit.

5. Alloy, Erika Studded Dress: $46.90
This fabulous dress is perfect for spring and summer. The gold studded detail throughout enhances the boho chic look. You can dress it up with lots of bangles,a long chain necklace with charms, and boots or keep it simple, just wearing a cute pair of sandals. Embellishment and detail is a huge trend right now, so this little dress is a perfect choice.

Hope you like my picks! HAPPY SHOPPING :) & remember,
Fashion is fun. It is uniquely you!
♥