Scandinavian Street Chic

During my downtime today between classes, eating and homework, I can't help but drool over the street style pictures coming straight from Stockholm Fashion Week. From August 12-18th, top designers from the icy climates brought their own personal touch to each show put on. Noticing the trends the designers focus on, as well as seeing their own personal style interpretation, are the primary purposes of Fashion Week. But, the thing that catches my eye during fashion week are the styles of the viewers. The street style of the onlookers from each city Fashion Week's shows are put on in, really highlight the personality of each city.  The minimalistic and simple style of Scandinavian fashion draw people from around the world to their style. Check out Fanny Lyckman, a personal favorite Scandinavian fashion blogger, as she covers the street style straight from the show herself. Take it from these girls: simplicity at it's best. Sometimes basic fashion pieces are a way to look the most high fashion (future blog post, perhaps?) I'll leave you with some street style pics below!

xo,

Raechel

Welcome to the Comfy Life

New & Improved Sweatshirt by thecollegeclosets featuring a white bodysuit

Who honestly would've thought that a sweatshirt would be such a fashion trend?! *Raises my hand* I, for one, definitely didn't think that a simple item could become such a staple for every woman (and man's) wardrobe. The new and improved sweatshirts come in all different prints and go fabulously with a pair of moto jeans and booties. It's effortlessly chic and incredibly comfortable. Personally, I love getting a size bigger in the sweatshirt or even a man's sweatshirt (yes, I bought one from Urban Outfitters) so it is a little "baggier", more comfortbale and not so tight. But, make sure that if you are wearing a more "baggy" sweatshirt pair it with a pair of skinnies so you can still see your shape.
Go ahead and check out some of my favorites below.

Xo,
Erin 

Alice Olivia black top
bloomingdales.com

Wildfox Couture long sleeve top
bloomingdales.com

Sweatshirt
thereformation.com

BOY London white bodysuit
asos.com

Reason printed crew neck sweatshirt
asos.com

Just Female grey sweat shirt
asos.com

ASOS RECLAIMED VINTAGE embroidered sweatshirt
asos.com

OBEY Clothing crew neck sweat shirt
urbanoutfitters.com

Crew neck sweat shirt
urbanoutfitters.com

Le Shirt graphic shirt
urbanoutfitters.com

Pretty, Preppy, & Plaid

What are Fall 2013's biggest trends? Leather and plaid. Plain. Simple. Since grunge is having a major moment (uh, obsessed), I am writing this post for the girls out there that don't exactly like to style their daily outfits with studs and leather contrasts. There have been countless blog posts and articles written about how to wear plaid in a grunge style, but few about how to rock the top trend in a more sophisticated, simple way. Think "Blair Waldorf meets Victoria Beckham" and that is the idea I am heading towards. You don't just have to buy a plaid button-down to fit in this fall; Pairing a sleek plaid skirt or trousers with a basic top and jewelry becomes an instant success. I searched through Zara, Asos and Topshop to find my favorite picks for a "pretty" plaid look and was pleasantly surprised at finding out that I am craving a few of these pieces for my wardrobe. Like always, check out our Polyvore to find the links to all the items, as well as my favorite from the bunch.

xo,
Raechel

Cut It Out

I'm going to sound like a broken record here when I say that once again, this post was inspired by a picture that I saw on Tumblr. I saw this gorgeous picture of Cara Delevingne pop up on my dash and couldn't help but look straight to her shoes. The cut-out style shoes that have been all over Europe are finally making a statement in America. Thanks to the growing popularity of the trend, the versatility and styles of cut out shoes have been growing. From boots, booties, flats and heels, cut out shoes are a great way to change the basic look of an outfit, or compliment an edgier look. Can anyone guess my favorite of the bunch? (Top Left *cough cough*) If you would like to find the links to the shoes above check out our polyvore!
xo,
Raechel

Cuddle Me In

cuddle me in by thecollegeclosets featuring a boatneck sweater

Fall is quickly approaching and the main go-to item is of course a sweater (or as Europeans like to call them "jumpers"). I personally own all different colors and styles of sweaters. They are single handily one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. When fall finally rolls around, all anyone will see me in is sweaters. I plan on wearing them to all of classes...maybe even a few parties. Another fab thing about sweaters is that they are so versatile. Above are some of my favorites, so definitely take a look at those and even go look at your own favorite stores for your perfect fall sweater. Plus, a girl can never have too many sweaters.
Xo, Erin.

Pumped Up Kicks

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting down on my bed and mindlessly scrolling through my Tumblr dashboard. Between fashion, make-up and celebrities, my Tumblr is one of my key pieces to fashion inspiration. Today, I came across what may/will become my new shoe obsession. Being a shoe lover myself, whenever I can find comfortable and fashionable shoes to wear, I treat it as a win-win. Comme des Garçons, also known as one of most successful and iconic fashion labels in Japan, can be seen walking Paris Fashion Week, as well as Paris Men's Fashion Week. Their newest (and most exciting) collaboration was with none other than Converse. I'm surely not the only one freaking out here, right?! The collection features the brand's design in multiple patterns on high AND low tops. I'll leave you guys imagining how you're going to style these fabulous shoes by showing you my favorite from the collection! Because these are a high-end designer collab they about double in price from the usual chucks. Looks like I'm going to have to start saving!

xo,
Raechel

Oversized & Over Styled

FINALLY! My first post in what literally has been 13 days.. I know I know, I was very busy, but I actually did miss posting. Which shows me that I truly have found something I love to do, so for the people out there that read this I would like to say a huge "Thank You!" (Insert crazy smiley face). Just to update you on what has been going on in my life: I moved into college 13 days ago and for the first 7 days I went through recruitment week for the 15 sororities at my college. Greek life is big at my school and I really am happy with my decision for going Greek! It was a crazy, stressful week and then on top of that I just finished my first week of classes. I decided to go on hiatus for the first 2 weeks to focus solely on school and I am more than excited to start my journalism classes. So for the first 2 short weeks, I would say college has been a success.

If you walk around my campus and you see someone "dressed up" in jean shorts and a nice top, that is very, VERY rare. I've quickly come to notice that an oversized t-shirt and running shorts is a typical staple for any college student at my campus. Living in the Midwest, the outfit choice is very understandable considering it's not exactly the fashion capital of... well, anything. I'm content with my comfy, oversized t-shirts to wear to class, but what I'm loving more are the oversized trends in fashion now. Oversized clothing pieces are a bit daunting at first but, evening out the baggy look with tight pieces is key, while also being comfortable and high fashion. I posted 2 outfits with all pieces either from Urban Outfitters (Oversized Blazer) or Topshop (Boyfriend Jeans). This is how I would personally style each spotlighted piece. Once again, I am sorry for my long absence from the blog, hope you guys love this!

xo,

Raechel

Look of the Day: Miranda Kerr

Hello, can you say fabulous?! I stumbled upon this picture on my tumblr dashboard and I could not believe I haven't seen it anywhere before! I'm not sure when this picture of Miranda Kerr was taken and even after a few google searches, I still am at a lost. But, I still had to share this picture of her with you guys because she is pulling off fall's staple pieces to a T. Her army green blouse and dark wash jeans are timeless when paired with black leather accessories. My favorite part of her outfit would definitely have to be her black satchel because, as you can see, they pull together any outfit and instantly give it a sophisticated vibe. And her black booties...all I can say is everyone needs a pair. I don't want to pointlessly ramble on, but my main point behind this picture was that EVERYTHING she is wearing is a must-have for this fall!

P.S. Check out my wish list black Satchel from Mulberry (Someday, I hope!).

xo,
Raechel

Fall Transition Piece: Cargo Utilitarian Jacket

For the first time in a few days, I'm sitting on my couch watching ANTM re-runs while ACTUALLY having some time to relax. With move in day quickly approaching, my return from vacation days ago was hastily greeted with boxes and packing tape to haul my life from my house to my dorm room. Running from store to store, I can now successfully say that all my shopping is done! But, there is one more little thing to do: pack it up. Staring at my closet, right now my biggest question is "What should I bring for the first few months of school?" Since the weather won't cool down for a month or so, I'll be able to be wear shorts into September (much to my disappointment). Toward the end of that month it turns into the "awkward" weather time of not being hot enough for shorts, yet jeans and a jacket is too much. I'll be packing up and bring my leather jackets with me this weekend, but won't be able to wear them for a while. A great transition piece for the warmer days of fall is a utilitarian jacket, or simpler  put: an army jacket. Pairing the khaki oversized jacket with high waisted shorts and a lose tee gives a casual, put-together look. While for an edgier look, pair an army green cargo jacket with booties and a beanie. Whatever your style is, this piece is so versatile for fall and you be able to truly make it your own. Being a jacket addict myself, I'll have to get one! Ranging from high to low prices, you'll always be able to find this piece in your price limit. Let me know if you'll be having one these jackets in your closet this fall!

xo,

Raechel

Revlon & Vanity Fair: Beauty Through the Ages

With fashion and writing being two of the most important things in my life, it will come to no surprise when I tell you that I spend a lot of my time reading fashion blogs. And when I say "a lot" of time, really, I mean A LOT of time! As a writer, I know first-hand that a way of evolving and maturing your style of writing comes from learning from others. I take inspiration from my other favorite bloggers when writing this blog, and I stumbled upon a post from WeWoreWhat and knew I had to share what I read. Vanity Fair and Revlon created a video series, "Beauty through The Ages", using popular fashion bloggers and Revlon make-up. Each video highlights a decade in time, as well as an interview with the blogger and their styling of clothes from that era. I am a girl who has loved make-up for years because I believe that, just like fashion, it is a way of highlighting your personal style and portraying who you are. Vanity Fair and Revlon have already covered a few decades so far, and I will leave you with my favorite make-up look video in the series below (but make sure to check out the others!):

Revlon's Beauty Through the Ages: Nany's Klozet

xo,

Raechel

Fall Fashion: Bomber Jackets

Fall Fashion: Bomber Jackets by thecollegeclosets featuring a zipper jacket

What jacket style will be having a moment this fall? Bomber. This originally sporty jacket style has evolved over many seasons and now you can find them in ANY pattern or color you like. The versatility of the style of this jacket is what I believe makes it so appealing to buyers with different styles, meaning you can easily dress them up or down. What makes the bomber style so iconic is the fact that it does not have a collar, and I absolutely love the casual look. Erin showed me her favorite picks for the styles and she is loving the patterned bombers (i.e. first row), while my favorite look this fall are the leather quilted bombers. With all different fabrics and patterns, the bomber jackets will be seen rocked everywhere on the street this fall! Grab a graphic tee, black jeans and booties then throw a quilted bomber on and you have the PERFECT fall outfit. If you check out our polyvore, you can find the specific links to each of our favorite jackets above!

xo,
Raechel & Erin

Summer Festival Fashion 2013

If there is one thing you may know for certain, it is that there is a difference between a "concert outfit" and "festival fashion". I have had my fair share of concerts this summer, but nothing compares to music festival fashion season. Music festivals fill the calendar year-round, but most fashion bloggers don't start to pay attention to the festival fashion until about April. And YES, I am obviously speaking of Coachella when I say this! Even though it takes place in the spring time, I'm going to label Coachella as the summer festival fashion trend kick-off of the year. Being one of the most famous music festivals in the world this can only mean one thing: the most dynamic fashion out there. If you are a girl with boho flare like myself, you must get SO internet obsessed once Coachella rolls around because; let's be honest here... most college girls can't afford to go. So for now, I'll just stick to the music livestream and HQ pictures of our favorite celebrities attending (Vanessa Hudgens anyone?!).

Not counting any other festival out, I am going to go through my favorite festival fashion trends of Summer 2013. My idea for this post came from the countless pictures and tweets straight from Lollapalooza in Chicago, and I can't help but notice the similar trends from festival to festival. Luckily, rocking these fashions can easily be transitioned into your day to day outfits; I know this personally. So to kick off the ending to summer music festivals, here are my 6 favorite summer festival trends from 2013:

1. The Flower Crown:

ASOS flower crown pick for Lollapalooza

This once "hipster" trend has become so mainstream now, to where it's almost becoming worn out. But, I am still one of the many girls to still rock this feminine trend. It automatically adds an earthy feel to any outfit, as well as being the cherry-on-top of perfectly wavy hair. Hands down the most popular festival trend of 2013.

2. Fringe Tops

What can you add to a typical top for a boho feel? Fringe, fringe, and more fringe! Fringe bralets, crop tops, and shirts have been hitting stores everywhere this summer. Lately, I have been buying a few crop tops with fringe (i.e. photo above), and I find this to be an easy way to have a unique look to a typical crop top. Check out my personal favorite pick for this trend from Topshop! 

3. Rain Boots

Millie Mackintosh sharing my love of trends 1 &3 during Glastonbury

When trudging through the UK mud at festivals such as Glastonbury and the V festival, rain boots are a must. I personally have never been to a music festival, but from friends that have gone I always hear the same phrase: "Don't wear nice shoes!". I've noticed it is definite MUST for most UK festivals, and I personally think rain boots can be very fashionable when worn with the right outfit. My own pair of Wellies are from Hunter Boots.

4. Headpieces

         

Fun Fact: Perrie Edwards is my fashion idol!

From head scarves to turbans to jeweled bohemian head pieces, this trend has taken over festivals and day to day style. At Coachella I noticed a bigger range of jeweled headpieces, but never count out Wireless to have the cutest head scarves and turbans!

5. Jersey Tops

Danielle Peazer at Wireless

From performers to onlookers, athletic-like jersey tops were in this summer. I love the sporty feel of the top with a baseball cap and sunglasses, as well as girling it up with high waisted denim and tall socks. This shirt is very comfy for warm festival days and goes with practically anything.

6. Backpacks

Danielle from WeWoreWhat wearing a Chanel backpack at Lollapalooza

If you are anything like myself, I almost never bring a purse with me unless it is a must-have to complete an outfit. I never bring a purse with myself to concerts, but when at all day music festival, it must be annoying to have to hold a wallet. So, why not invest in a cute leather or canvas backpack for the festival?! You now have a cute, fashionable backpack, as well as free hand-space to rave; I say double win. 

If only festival fashion could be worn all year round.. sadly, we'll just have to wait until next summer!

xo,

Raechel

Adding to Raechel's favorites, I also have a few of my own. My favorite festival trends are: military jackets, kimonos, combat boots and fedora hats! All of these trends can add to a look to give it more of an edge or just complete the look! Below is just two pictures on how to style a few of my favorite trends!

Fedora's & Kimono(middle)

Military Jacket

Xo,
Erin

Grunge is Back

The grunge look is back in full swing and everyone is rocking this look. So how can you add a little grunge into your wardrobe? Plaid. Plaid is one of the main staples to any grunge look. You can rock the plaid with high-waisted jean shorts and a basic white tee or to make it more edgy pair it with black jeans, white tank and black booties. A plaid shirt can also effortlessly go from day to night. Simply put, a plaid shirt is a must for the fall/winter.

Xo,

Erin

Topshop Check Shirt Multi Bright 4 (see more checkered shirts)

Zara Hit List

Zara Hit List by thecollegeclosets featuring slip on shoes

All of my closest friends know that Zara is one of my go-to stores. They have everything-from basics to leather to printed trousers to loafers. You name it, they have it. They're new Autumn/Winter 13 collection is now online so of course I had to check it out. The clothes above are some of my favorites for the new season.

Xo,
Erin

Adding onto what Erin said, I think it's becoming really clear what this fall will be taken over by! Printed trousers and leggings, as well as leather bomber jackets are hitting stores world-wide. If you are looking for any cheaper options for the checkered pants and bomber jacket trends check out my F21 post for these pieces on sale. Pairing the items I just mentioned with loafers or pointed flats (the white ones above!) could give the edgy outfit a more luxury feel. Let us know if you are planning on trying any of these trends out!

xo,

Raechel

H&M U.S. Online Shopping!

H&M U.S. Online Shopping! by thecollegeclosets featuring short boots

For myself, one of my all-time favorite stores in my mall is H&M. The store's collections are so timeless and high fashion, while still managing to stay extremely affordable.  And when I woke up yesterday and checked my twitter account I was over-extactic about the news that H&M is FINALLY opening their online store for the U.S.! And when seeing this news it wasn't possible for myself to not go stalk the website as soon I could! To celebrate this news I have picked out my favorite pieces from the fall collection, as well as some older favorites I would still love to grab... and by this I'm secretly hinting towards the ankle boots. 

xo,

Raechel

Fall Hats: Sneak Peak

After I overanalyzed the styles from 2013 Fall Fashion Week (to get in the spirit!) for what seems like the millionth time, I have decided I want to follow the trend and branch into different styles of hats other than beanies this school year. If you know me well enough you have definitely heard my motto, "Beanies tie an outfit together" WAY too many times to count. But, after seeing other bloggers and celebrities rocking anything from bowler to baseball hats, this only made my online search for hat inspiration larger! I then came across this fabulous picture on tumblr and decided I NEED a faux leather baseball cap like this one below:

Only downside: I haven't found a hat like this yet. I will be still be happily searching the web tonight until I find a baseball cap like this, as well as other styles of hats to add to my "Fall Hat List" on my laptop. And as I am writing this post I am coming to the conclusion that I will HAVE to do a post on hats for the fall season sometime soon for my own sanity! Too many ideas are just flowing through my head right now and if a post on ALL styles of hats for fall is something you would want to read, just let me know! Also, if you haven't gotten the hint that yet I can't wait for fall fashion... well, I can't. If you have any links to great hats you love just leave them in a comment below! Talk to you later.

xo,
Raechel

Raechel's Pick: Steve Madden Boots

Steve Madden 'Monicaa' Boot (see more side zipper boots)

I'm already gearing up for fall time by adding to my list of boots on my laptop! I literally have links and links of all the booties I'm wishing for in a note. (Maybe someday this note may actually turn into a post...wink wink!) The 'Monicaa' boot from Steve Madden up above are the PERFECT mix of girly grunge. The gold embellishments tone down the biker feel, yet the boot still looks sophisticated instead of totally rugged. I also need to mention a SALE ALERT these boots are now $126.90 instead of $189.95 because of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale! Only 4 days left of it too ;)

xo,
Raechel

Sale Alert: Forever 21 'Threebies'

As much as I love going to the mall and mindlessly roaming through the racks of clothes, I usually don't end up leaving the store with anything. For myself, online shopping is my way of life. There is no better feeling than adding multiple clothing items into your cart and then pressing "checkout". As much as I hate to admit it, I think that this "feeling" occurs when I have no time to feel buyer's remorse as I hastily type in my credit card info. But nonetheless, online shopping is my go-to when it comes to my favorite stores, especially Forever 21. For the past year or so, I have been steering clear of the actual store because usually for myself it is a hit or a miss. The company itself has so many different clothing pieces that each store never holds all the same items. I can't even remember the last time I actually went into the nearest Forever 21, yet I have been keeping up with the website's lookbooks when a new set comes out. If you aren't aware, Forever 21 has started a new campaign titled 'Declare Your Style' and I am in LOVE with this lookbook. The whole purpose for this lookbook is to show girls to embrace their individuality for back-to-school season and the clothing ranges from girlier, classic styles to edgy, rocker chic. The lookbook is not the only thing I am loving on the website right now either; To promote the new clothing they are having a sale titled 'Threebies' which lasts for three weeks, with different deals on different pieces every week.

My FAVORITE part of all this is that the website is highlighting 6 successful bloggers rocking the clothes! Each blogger represents a different country, and WeWoreWhat's Danielle is our NYC girl. For Week 1 the deals feature printed leggings and loafers, as well as the bloggers modeling them with a Q&A. So, if you get anxiety when you walk into a Forever 21 like myself, you definitely need to head over to the store's website and check out the 'Threebies' sale and the blogger's advice!

Let me know what you think of the lookbook!
xo,
Raechel


My favorite items in Week 1:

Heartbreaker Loafers                                                                                    Standout Plaid Leggings