The Style Diaries Alyssa Sage Moda’s Fashion News Correspondent, Alyssa Sage, talks personal style and fashion necessities as she walks you day-by-day through a week of ensembles plucked straight from her own wardrobe.
monday: denim accents
As Moda Magazine’s Fashion News Correspondent and an honored member of the publication’s Fashion Team, I’m always conscious of the latest styles and collections of my favorite designers. I love watching how runway trends become implemented into the everyday-wear of college students. Most importantly, I love putting my own unique spin on a trend before adopting it into my closet. Personal style is all about creativity. Although I spent much of the last decade loathing the ‘90s denim craze, the trend’s re-emergence has quickly become one of my guilty pleasures. I laid eyes on this denim vest – the last one in stock – on an Urban Outfitters mannequin last summer and instantly knew it was worth the price tag. Finding a piece that adheres to the varying lifestyles of every season is difficult, but this splurge-worthy item does so easily. It is without a doubt one of the staple items of my year-round wardrobe.
tuesday: the go-to accessory
Free People is hands-down my favorite brand. While I love burying myself in their monthly catalogs, their clothes and accessories generally extend far beyond my college shopping budget. I got this Free People beanie for Christmas and have become obsessed with putting together new outfits to wear with it. Slouchy beanies are so in right now too, so refraining from collecting the other styles has been a challenge this winter. I’m also overly-prissy when it comes to my hair so wearing a beanie is an easy way to keep my hair contained during my walks around campus.
wednesday: casual versatility
On a trip to New York City last fall I fell hopelessly in love with the department store Zara. My cousin is a fashion student at FIT, so naturally we designated a full day of my weekend visit to shopping. When we came upon Zara, my eyes lit up and money suddenly became no object – namely because I was so shocked with how much better the physical store was than the online version. I was hesitant about buying these pants because I hadn’t done much exploring with the harem style, but since “saying yes to the pants” they immediately became a staple clothing item in my closet. Again, I love when clothing pieces can be dressed both up and down. Harem pants are the ample way to look stylish while still being comfy.
thursday: the night-on-the-town necessity
For some reason, appropriate going-out wear for winter temperatures tends to take a back seat when I shop. Rocking the skinny jean and cute top combo becomes dull and overdone really quickly. As I mentioned previously, creativity is the most important component in my personal style and expressing creativity in what I wear going out is often a struggle for me. Cue the leather leggings. They’ve been a go-to item for me this winter. As long as it’s too cold for dresses and skirts, it’s highly likely that you’ll see me out wearing my staple leather leggings. I love pieces that can effortlessly dress up any look. These bring edge to nearly every ensemble, no matter which top they’re paired with, and they can easily be worn with an oversized sweater for a more casual look.
friday: style throwback
A part of me will always be a fan of the ‘90s punk/ grunge phase. Since I was a kid I’ve told my dad that I belong on the west coast, so I think my admiration for this style plays off of that childhood dream of wanting to have a carefree, California-esque lifestyle. In middle school I always preferred shopping at Zumiez and Pac Sun over Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch. My fondness of grunge spurred my love of the cropped graphic tee/lipstick combo. Throw in a pair of red plaid pants – also a Zara find – and this outfit just screams product of the ‘90s.
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