Alexandra

Florida is most popular for its sunshine tendencies. Everyone believes the Sun is always gleaming in our state, but the truth is the weather here can be just as gloomy as anywhere else on the globe. Recent scattered showers, gray skies and palpable humidity have made it difficult to dress well, so it’s great to see a Fashionista taking a risk with a beautiful outfit on an ugly day.

The sweet pastels and simple elegance of Alexandra’s outfit stood out against the afternoon’s cloudy background. On a day where most people opted for leggings and Hunter rain boots, this Fashionista sported a casual black  T-shirt dress and polished beige penny loafers. The outfit tapped into the ease of college life, but it was respectable and appropriate enough for meetings with a professor or announcements at a club event.

Alexandra called on the themes of spring in a gorgeous sea-foam green scarf. Her vintage style pink leather backpack matched the scarf’s flowers, and a green stone ring also played into the earthy tones. Her sleek black leather Daniel Wellington watch juxtaposed the organic flow of the look .

You can stay stylish no matter what the weather looks like if you create an outfit that is  practical and pretty. Remember that April showers bring May flowers, and who knows what the spring season has in store for you if you’re rocking cool threads and a cute smile!

Always Deviate,

Jen

The Francophile

I found a needle in a haystack: a University of Florida male with the accoutrements of a stylish urban city model or a hipster artist. It’s rare to find a guy at this school who isn’t wearing khaki shorts and a polo shirt, but to find him in garments that indicate knowledge of high fashion and a sense of confidence in daringly original apparel is unheard of. I found a true deviant.

When I saw the words “Céline Paris” scribbled on this young man’s shirt, first I did a double take, then I ran after him for a photo. He agreed excitedly, flashing a gorgeous 100-Watt smile as he posed for pictures. In a matter of minutes, I noticed there was something else. The small details in this guy’s get-up, implemented by only the most stylish human beings, further certified that he was a raging Fashionisto.

 

Notice the muscle-enhancing cuffs on the black T-shirt, which mirror the fold on the hems of the retro-wash jeans. Feast your eyes on the clean and nifty Nikes that get this dude to class quick and the wicked gold watched that keeps him looking cool upon arrival. Don’t you dare miss the classic Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses, an essential item to combat the central Florida sunshine, and the neon yellow details on the stylish backpack. Too cool for school.

Can someone please get this man a runway?

In the midst of whatever guys think about, many of them forget that they are just as responsible for leaving a good impression as women are. To change up a look this spring, take note from this UF hot rod and try on some French fashion. And in true deviant form, never forget your sparkling smile.

 

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

 

Katie’s Office Outfit

Katie Campbell is the image of the college professional. She writes, edits and curates content for a major online news organization. She breaks news on TV and informs listeners on the radio. Most notably, she always shows up in style.

On this Florida afternoon, Ms. Campbell kept it fresh and profesh in an all-black outfit. She matched a simple V-neck blouse with soft pants and added a light-weight blazer with ruche sleeves. But an all-black get up would be blasé without bold accessories, so Katie donned a transfixing necklace with indigo stones, which matched her sapphire blue sandals.

However, Katie’s best accessory was, and always is, her dazzling smile. She’s always ready to help fellow journalists with story or research ideas, she has a wealth of knowledge on just about any topic, and her alluring positive attitude always makes her the first person I greet when I get to class.

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

Alyona

This is one of my professors, Russian family psychologist Alyona Prikhidko. She’s impressively intelligent and unconsciously hilarious. She’s the kind of person that will say, “Excuse me, I’m speaking,” if you interrupt her while she’s talking, but in the most elegant and inoffensive way. Also, there’s the whole effortlessly fabulous aspect of her persona that is incredibly alluring. She’s basically my role model.

Alyona always brings her A game when it comes to her attire, even if it’s for a class at 8:30 a.m. Recently, she wore this striking red blouse with a subtle gray cardigan and ferocious leopard-print trousers. The whole outfit really suits her zealous personality and also parallels her fluffy red hair.

Adorning the look was a gold medallion, a simple watch and a charm bracelet. She wore a brown leather backpack, which she says isn’t her favorite but is actually quite cosmopolitan, and nude, patent-leather smoking slippers.

Whether you’re a student or a professor, it’s important for the Fashionista to redefine what dressing professionally means in the fast-paced life of the university world. No longer do women have to wear a blazer and a pencil skirt to look feminine and respectable. Covering up doesn’t have to mean looking conservative. By incorporating colorful and comfortable pieces to a wardrobe, the career woman can break free from the rigid (and boring!) social norms of “officewear.”

Always deviate,

Jen

The last look of summer

Sixty degrees has finally shown its face in the north central Florida area, so we’re packing away the mini dresses of summer and unleashing the North Face jackets. But before we officially say “so long” to the shorty shorts and the flowing tops, there’s just enough time for a final summer look.

Kelsey Martinez, a Style Deviant favorite, knows how to glam up for a bye-bye-summer party. Decked out in a geometric black cropped top and wide-legged printed indigo pants, this Fashionista waved goodbye to the warm October days in style.

We accessorized the look with a gorgeous gold bracelet and earrings, added a feathery black necklace and packed a few necessities in a monogramed clutch. Even if you have to throw on one of the aforementioned fluffy jackets, this outfit is totally worth enduring the chilly fall breeze.

The moment for midriff-revealing tops and comfortable palazzo pants may be fleeting, and it might already be too cold in your town to brave an outfit like this, but it’s never too late to accessorize like a goddess!

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

 

In the Moment: Sitting Pretty

We’re well into October, and while most people in other parts of the northern hemisphere are making sure to grab a jacket before leaving the house, we’re lounging around in tank tops here in Florida.

Warm days with a light breeze create the perfect setting for flirty skirts and dresses. When I ran into these Fashionistas, I knew I had to let the world know what the University of Florida girl is wearing in the early days of fall. It might as well be springtime over here.

Both of these ladies opted for gorgeous floral styles matched with strappy sandals. On chillier days, it’s also smart to pack a thin long sleeve, like a denim shirt or a soft cardigan. I also found them taking it easy with beautiful smiles on their faces, a nice surprise during midterm season.

Whether you’re enjoying what’s left of the glorious weather of early fall, or you’re starting to bundle up in winterwear, don’t be afraid to incorporate some optimistic flowers into your look. Most importantly, don’t forget your optimistic smile.

 

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

In the Moment: Simple and Chic

Walking around campus in the early days of a new semester always reminds me of my first morning as a university student. I hopped off my 8 a.m. bus, excited to meet all of the other well-dressed college kids, only to find everyone dressed in T-shirts, gym shorts and Nike Frees. The average attire was disappointing, but UF steadily redeems itself every time I catch beautiful faces looking effortlessly chic in the morning.

This Fashionista, outfitted in a beige, embroidered blouse with a navy skirt, is the epitome of elegant college youth. She’s ready to take on the day in tan leather ballet flats, a cream messenger tote and a leopard-detailed bracelet. A look that suits her ready-for-class attitude.

This gallantly fashionable gentleman really caught my eye with his minty-fresh pants, a look we’ve seen previously and one that never seizes to surprise me. He contrasted the radiant, resort green with a subtle orange polo to create a pre-fall look ready for the changing seasons.

In college, I’ve learned that not every experience will turn out how you create it in your mind. You have to put your best, most fashionable foot forward and work to make things happen, whether it’s a series of excellent outfits or a series of excellent grades. Put on a smile and be prepared for changes.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Spring in Your Step

“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”

These are a Fashionista’s favorite lines to utter as we enter the season of flower buds and blossoms (The Devil Wears Prada brought our world many gifts), but after wearing puffy down coats and fleece through the treacherous winter months, beautiful floral patterns really are groundbreaking.

I met this Fashionista on my early walk to class in the first days of spring. She wore a cozy knit cropped-sleeve cream sweater to keep her warm in the morning chill, a beautiful navy high-waist skirt with a daisy pattern and stylish Oxford booties. She decorated the look with Ray Bans wayfarer sunnies, a circular owl pendant necklace and a nude watch, and toted a black Longchamp bag.

New Look

Nasty Gal

Dorothy Perkins

 

Note that the outfit is predominantly light, which is something to look forward to in spring, as we often wear grungier colors in the fall and winter. She did a great job with incorporating natural tones, like black, brown and nude, into the look, which can be difficult at times.

Spring means that it’s time to put away those dark pants and worn-out leggings, and vamp up the girly look. Be sweet and dress like a princess. Think Kate Middleton.

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

Style in the Polar Vortex

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighborhood keeps playing in my head, but I’m certainly going to need more than just the holes of a tattooed punk-band member’s sweater to keep me warm in 30-degree weather with high chance of obnoxious sprinkling.

It’s winter. It’s cold. We get it. However, what some ladies on campus forget is what an excellent opportunity this is to toss the fleece pants and to style it up. Show winter who is boss.

That’s why I admired this Fashionista, who put the dark jacket trend to rest and deviated with a livening red down coat. This hue is especially eye-catching when you step out of the house and you’re greeted with a gray sky that looks no better than the sights of an arctic tundra.

Instead of going for plain navy blues and mourning charcoal blacks, opt for a spontaneous ruby red or mustard yellow piece. I’ve found that investing in high-quality designer coats really pays off when you wear them every single day of winter, and they remain in tip-top conditions. Maybe a cute pom-pom hat to accessorize? This way, even if your hands turn to icicles on the walk to class, you’ll still radiate warmth.

Always Deviate,

Jen