The Trump, Ivanka

Sometimes it’s nice to try out new ideas for fun. Not because it will enhance a resume or generate clicks for an online presence, but simply to try it. I approached this Ivanka Trump “Hopewell” shoulder bag with the same mentality, and with an eye on pre-fall styles and a set already built to mimic the fluffy pink afternoons of August, I just went with it.

The forest green handbag, with its smooth scaly leather and golden hardware, sits squarely in front of a mannequin veiled by brown shades and a downy wool hat. The Sun sets on summer as these accessories, with their thick textures and dark, woodsy hues, usher in the autumn season.

Mary the mannequin represents the Fashionista who is brave enough to wear the unusual floppy hat. The young lady who is ready to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and say hello to the unknown opportunities that fall may bring. Opportunities that can come along with having fun, taking chances and going with your gut as you pursue your goals.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Are you ready to discover what wonders the new season has in store for you?

Always Deviate,

Jen

Killer Queen

She’s a cheeky young lady. She buys bold red handbags and blows kisses at the boys across the street. Her exotic floral scarf dances in the breeze as she makes her way through the promenade to an appointment. “Sorry I’m late. I didn’t want to come,” she says, a wide grin stretching under a light-weight straw fedora.

Every encounter is concluded with her signature flirtatiousness. A quick glance at her watch lets her know she must be off to her next rendezvous. The mystery of this girl grows behind the darkness of her shades. How is she so chic? Can anyone achieve that level of fabulousness?

She’s a modern classic, like Lolita or maybe Lana del Rey. In the end, when she and all her ultra rad accessories have moved on to the next adventure, the heat of her sizzling style still lingers in the air.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Grad Pics

Today I took my graduation photos. The experience was similar to what I imagine Joan Smalls or Karlie Kloss feel when they strut their stuff during a photo shoot. Rapid-flashing light bulbs, quick camera clicks and theatre-worthy scene changes. I felt like a glamazon.

The shoot was most enjoyable because I had complete control of the art direction. The photographer was kind enough to work closely with me to get the theme just right, instead of just telling me what to do. I aimed for classy college grad with subtle hints of the Gator spirit, and I appreciated that everyone around me (my mom and the photographer, aka, the glam squad) respected my vision for these photos.

I wore a lapis dress from H&M, an orange and blue necklace from Charming Charlie, my favorite Kate Spade leather watch and black leather flats from Steve Madden. The look was simple and casual with a few hints of luxury. I wanted to fill the French salon-inspired room with joyous colors because after four long, arduous years as a college kid, I’M GRADUATING!

Whether you want to capture the end of an important era in your life, or you’re just snapping some fun photos to update your professional profile, make sure you create an environment that makes you feel pretty and confident.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Barbara’s Business

Let’s take a moment to analyze the typical college office job. Most of the time, it’s boring and stressful. Offices are usually horribly lit, which leads to the saturated feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you beg for a Sprite. And then there’s 2 p.m., the time of day that seems to drag on all afternoon.

But what if you got up every morning, putting those nauseating aspects of your job aside, ready to seize the day? Could this be easily achieved by dressing optimistically?

Barbara’s look says, “Today, work will be awesome!” A soothing beige blazer over a calm striped blue shirt. Comfortable kohl leggings. Campus-friendly suede wedges. A banging gold watch and, of course, thick rimmed glasses to make you look like a boss. Work can’t be that bad if you pretend you run the whole thing.

Whether you’re going from class to a part-time job or from an association meeting to an interview, sneak in these comfortable pieces into a statement business look to stay confident and cute (and maybe even excited about your tasks!) throughout the day.

Always Deviate,

Jen

What’s that jacket? Margiela?

Fall marks the new year in fashion. The crisp wind signals the unpacking of the cozy cable-knits, the wedge-heeled booties and, of course, the coat you’ll be towing everywhere.

Bundling up in our favorite pieces this year might not mean layering. A look at my favorite fall/winter designers, like Burberry, Celine and Maison Martin Margiela, (photos courtesy of Style.com) tells me that this season structured jackets and thick coats will have to do. Minimalism is in.

One statement coat that generates enough heat to keep you warm isn’t so bad. When I have too many layers, the clothes feel too tight and my arms start to ache. It’s also so tedious to throw a million things on before leaving the house and have to peal them off when you get back, and then you forget certain pieces…Let’s just say one stylish jacket will be a nice change.

Bumble bee yellow, seductive burgundy and tasty pink offer more than enough optimism to get you ready for fall!

Bottega Veneta

Burberry

Celine

J.Crew

Maison Martin Margiela

Always Deviate,

Jen

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Photo courtesy of Target

Hey Fashionistas and Fashionistos!

I wrote a piece on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection for The Alligator’s Avenue, the lifestyle section of my local student newspaper. See what some North Florida college students have to say about the collection, what one lad thinks about the inclusion of men’s pieces in the line and why dressing well on all occasions is important.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Marc Jacobs Beauty

Photos: Fashionista.com

The Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection is already in stores and you can browse its entirety on Fashionista.com. Like everything else in the MJ world, he’s presented a classic selection of fashion-forward products that look unlike anything we’ve already seen.

Being a nail polish addict, my attention was immediately drawn to the vivacious colors. I’m obsessed with Sally, Ultraviolet and Lola (pictured above). Full of enthusiasm and energy, no two shades are alike. The polishes are very representative of Marc’s designs in the present and past. You can almost automatically picture them on popular ready-to-wear accessories. Here are some of the ones I spotted.

Packrat Backpack and Lux

 

Bifold French Wallet and Snap

 

Amy watch and Le Charm

 

Lola and Oui

 

Core Pretty Tate and Glinda

 

Always Deviate,

Jen

Summer Selection

Photo: Polyvore

Summer is all about the sunny, sweet style. We’ve shed the layers of winter and spring, and we dare to be bare. Keep it simple this summer with high-quality, minimalist products that will boost your beauty.

We all know the saying, “You can catch more boys with honey,” and Marc Jacobs is capitalizing on it. He’s managed to encase the enchanting, balmy sense of summer in “Honey,” an adorable bottle with a scent that is light, fresh and not too sweet.

Pierre Hardy presents a collection of complementary nail polish pairs for NARS. “Sharks,” (pictured above) features pastoral, ladylike shades that will suit any bold outfits you decide to through on this season. I loved the yellow, which looks almost nude but with a kick of cream.

You’ve probably already seen Cara Delevingne’s eyelashes spread all over the pages of top-tier magazines, but have you tried the mascara? Baby Doll by YSL is all it’s cracked up to be. It leaves your lashes looking luscious and long, without using too much product.

During a season when the sun makes you want to keep it light, your favorite essentials will make you shine day and night.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Let it Pour

I will admit that the recent rain in South Florida has got me all shook up. Gloomy grey all day has characterized most of what I’ve seen this summer. However, a little bad weather is no excuse to dress like a frump or get your toes wet. If the weather in your town is as drabby as that of SoFlo, use it to your advantage! Put your best boot forward and get ready because it’s going to pour.

Take note from these Fashionistas whose impeccable tastes in footwear have been featured on TSD.

Alexa Asendorf in Hunter

A simple black pair of Hunter boots if there is torrential rain and you need to go to work.

Ana Gomez in Crocs

A fun yellow pair of Crocs if it’s torrential and you need to go to play.

Kathryn Varn in Doc Martens

An edgy pair of Doc Martens if chunky rain boots aren’t for the girl living on the wild side.

Jennie Clark in Shoe Mint

A Southern style from ShoeMint if you need a little extra height and a bit of flare. (Better suited for light rain.)

Unknown

A chic, red Chloe-like pair that will  make you pop in the dreary weather (sneak peek of something I never posted).

Alissa in mint

Take a fresh step with popping mint pastel rain boots.

The Library Look

Like most college kids around this time of year, I have been spending more and more time at the library. Why? I think you can take a guess. Finals…

You may be surprised to hear that, although I am a sophomore, this is my first year going to the library. I had never done any work there before, I’d just slightly peeked my head in. When I took a whiff of the smell of nerd, I quickly peeked out. However, I have always had this strong feeling that cute guys hang out at the library. I do not know why, but I have realized that I was completely right.

This is why I find library looks so important. You never know whom you might meet there. This look, created on Polyvore, was chiefly inspired by a person very close to me who spends most of her time at the library.

Chloe cashmere sweater, printed knit leggings, Alexander Wang tank, Nina Ricci boots and Nixon watch. The bag I found randomly on Polyvore.

I love the look because it is so simple yet so composed and elegant. It is very important to be comfortable at the library because it’s always a mistery how long you will be there and what the temperatures will be like. If it’s deserted, then it will probably be chilly and the sweater will come in handy. If it’s packed, like it tends to be, then you can wear your tank and drape the sweater around your shoulders.

Printed leggings are very a la mode right now, and the boots are just adorable.

Use simple accessories, such as the watch and headband, to add a little femininity and style. A fancy headband is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while you read or try to focus on the material at hand.

Finally, always remember you never want to smell like you were wrestling with the books all afternoon, even if you were. I suggest a light scent, like this Chloe fragrance.

Your fashionable self does not have to suffer just because you are cramming for that Bio exam. Deviate from all of the other students at the library by showing that you are smart and chic!

To view more sets, check out my profile on Polyvore.

Always Deviate,

Jen