One of our favorite things about CollegeFashionista is how it brings together Style Gurus from around the country who would have otherwise never met. They form true friendships, unique bonds and connect on a level that can only be described as inspiring.
In this new series, “Style Gurus Chat,” two Style Gurus from different schools, who have found major #StyleGuruLove through CollegeFashionista, catch-up, share their insights on a topic and, well, chat.
We asked two super #RAD Style Gurus—Melany Rodriguez from Rutgers University and Cece Giglio from FIT to discuss the most important thing happening right now—NYFW. They caught up and shared their must-haves for fall (hint, hint leather jackets) and talked about the buzz about NYFW with each other (and you the CollegeFashionista reader)!
Melany Rodriguez: “Hi Cece! It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Cece Giglio: “Hey Mel! Same here.”
MR: “Yes, yes. I always love when you know everyone from their Instagram and then it’s like oh hey! So let’s get right to it. Now that NYFW has fully bloomed, tell me your favorite go-to look for the season.”
CG: “I would have to say my favorite look is always street style. I see it as almost the sidewalk being the runway. I love to be super accessorized and funky, while at the same time keeping it cool
MR: “Definitely! I feel like the street look has become so prominent in the fashion industry, which couldn’t serve better to us college students.”
CG: “How I do it is I always take bits of inspiration from runway and high fashion looks to make my everyday outfits.”
MR: “So would you say you prefer to stick more with the street style, or do you like to dress it up and show out once in awhile?”
CG: “Honestly, I live by street style. Especially now in the fall where I just throw on a T-shirt, jeans and a leather jacket and I’m ready to go.”
MR: “Do you think that’s influenced more by being a college student constantly on the go and that’s what is more accessible and comfortable, or do you feel like once you have a more established career it’ll change up?”
CG: “I think it will change once I graduate because right now casual wear is so easy. It’s much more comfortable to leave your house in an all day class look versus being in an office.”
MR: “Totally! I know when I wake up in the morning one of the first things I think of in regards to my outfit is how many classes I have for the day and what tasks I have to complete, while of course still keeping it trendy.”
CG: “Same with me. One of my favorite fashion tips for the fall is to dress in layers. Where you can pop off your sweater and have a cute blouse if you have to meet your friends for dinner at night.”
MR: “Yes! That is so key. You know what trend I love now that makes the night to day look so effortless? The dressing up a sneaker with a skirt or dress look.”
CG: “Totally. This fashion week I’ve seen pleated knee or ankle length skirts with a clean tennis shoe. I think that looks so trendy, I love it.”
MR: “It’s so funny how I can think back to middle school and earlier high school days where wearing sneakers would be considered tom-boyish.”
CG: “Yes! Or the fashion faux pas was to never wear ‘gym shoes’ out.”
MR: “Tell me about other trends you’re totally loving this fall.”
CG: “There are so many I can think of! Ok let me see—definitely can’t get enough of the frayed and fringed denim look and bandanas and headscarves.”
MR: “Oh! Me too. I am completely obsessed with bandanas. So what store would you say is your absolute go-to? Whether it’s from their trends to how accessible they make themselves to college students.”
CG: “I can honestly say this is everyone’s favorite, definitely ZARA.”
MR: “I was really hoping you’d say that!”
CG: “The fact that their trends change every two weeks and it’s so affordable to college students makes it all the better. I like to go there at least once a week.”
MR: “Yes, I can definitely sympathize with a little dose of weekly shopping. Tell me—what’s one statement piece that is both super versatile and you can’t go the day without?”
CG: “Two words: Leather jacket.”
MR: “Oh my god in my head I was thinking ‘please say leather jacket.’”
CG: “That’s literally it for me. All I need.”
MR: “Also the perfect pair of sunglasses.”
CG: “Yes! I can’t go without my classic Ray-Ban Aviators. I feel like they’re so timeless.”
MR:“I feel that! Who’s one beauty or fashion blogger you’re keeping up the most throughout this fashion week?”
CG: “So I actually have been following magazines rather than one specific person so I can get the full experience from a general view.”
MR: “That’s actually a great tip because magazines will showcase events while at the same time featuring beauty and fashion bloggers.”
CG: “Yea! I’m always on Instagram and Snapchat following the latest news.”
MR: “Snapchat is one of my absolute favorites, I must say! Well Cece, thank you so much for catching up with me on your favorite NYFW looks and tips! Let’s grab coffee and meet soon!”
CG: “Of course! This was so much fun! We’ll meet soon!”
