Article and Photos by Dejeanne Doublett
Online syndicated collegiate fashion website College Fashionista has had quite the year. Now expanded to over 150 schools, students everywhere are showing off their street style on the magazine’s website. The Quad caught up with founder Amy Levin and CF style gurus from BU and Brandeis at their “Not On A School Night” shopping event at Juicy Couture on Newbury Street to talk style, entrepreneurship, and having fun with fashion.
Amy Levin: College Fashionista Founder
The Quad: What inspired you to start College Fashionista?
AL: I studied Business and Apparel at Indiana University, and during my junior year I went abroad to London. It was my first time street reporting. We would go around the city taking photos of people and compiling projects. I loved seeing what ordinary people were wearing on the streets. I created a personal blog my senior year where I would take photos of what people around my campus were wearing. It got a lot of attention and I eventually expanded it into a website that I built myself. I just wanted to see where it was going to go. Eventually, it grew to include the Big 10 Universities. Now we have more than 150 schools represented and more than 200 style gurus.
Since you created College Fashionista, what have you learned about college fashion and its trends?
I’ve learned that there are some trends that carry across schools and different regions but for the most part each school has its own flair. The website shows a melting pot of different stlyes that vary greatly from college to college.
How do you select your style gurus?
Everyone has to go through an application process. We look for students who share our same vision and who have
experience writing and taking photos.
What do you expect for the future of College Fashionista?
I’m in such a new space right now, I really have no idea what to expect for our future. Where we have come in a year I would have never predicted so I could only imagine where we’ll be in the next year.
What is your favorite style trend?
I love vintage style. You can never go wrong with it.
What is your number one style advice to college students?
You have to find what works for you and not be afraid to be different. I was in a sorority in college and would try to dress like my friends. I’ve recently learned how important it is to be unique and have your own voice. If you show who you are and are true to that people will notice!
Asya Bashina: Brandeis Junior & College Fashionista Style Guru
The Quad: How did you become involved with CF?
AB: I’m interested in fashion journalism and I read a lot of fashion magazines, so when I found out about College Fashionista I thought it would be a perfect opportunity.
What is your best fashion advice?
It’s really not that hard to be fashionable. A lot of fashion comes from the street and can be pretty inexpensive if your looking at thrift stores and exchange stores. Keep your eyes open for a good buy and don’t be afraid to try new styles. Dressing up is a good way to make yourself feel better and more confident. Plus it is a fun and easy way to express yourself.
What are your favorite go-to brands or stores?
Anthropologie is my go-to store. It’s where I draw my inspiration from. I also love Rugby, it’s classic and preppy but also edgy.
Alexa Aldrich (SMG ’13): College Fashionista Style Guru
The Quad: How did you become involved with CF?
AA: I want to work for a fashion magazine in the future so I thought this would be a good way to get my foot into the industry. I found out about College Fashionista last year and contacted Amy. I’ve been writing for the magazine since last fall.
What have you learned from your time at CF?
This is my first writing experience so I’ve been able to learn the structure as well as gaining experience with deadlines and making sure I hand in quality work that’s publishable.
What have you noticed about BU’s style?
It’s interesting to see the diversity of style that people at BU have. Everyone here has their own unique style.
What is your best fashion advice?
Get dressed everyday. Seriously, though I’m a big fan of people who put some effort into getting dressed in the mornings and don’t just wear sweatpants to class. Personally, when I’m put together I feel much more productive and ready to face the day.
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