College Makeover.

So, it's been a few months since my first post.  Unfortunately, the reality of college hit me hard and I got busy. The 24-hour Starbucks became my best friend while I was up late studying late and writing papers. Sure, sometimes for my GE classes, I had to memorize arbitrary dates in California's history or learn to regurgitate the life cycle of a paramecium, but I also got to write a research paper on the Beach Boys and go on a surf music bender for a week as "research." ;) To be punny, my finals are finally over, and I hope to devote more time to blogging.

Plus, after a quick reminder in Glamour magazine's Women of the Year 2012 issue of how early the young Tavi Gevinson rose to fame in the fashion blogging world, I have renewed inspiration to focus on my passions and blog about what I love. I mean, the girl founded a magazine at age 15 and was a guest judge on Project Runway All Stars. The least I can do is get back to blogging.

One of the first things I've done: I got a college makeover! College is all about discovering and reinventing yourself, and I decided to take the leap. My style has been starting to change lately, and a new hairstyle seemed fit. I've gone through phases with edgy and artsy, and it seems my college wardrobe is starting to settle into a theme with a slightly more preppy and at times equestrian influence. As the LA weather has started to become chillier and cozier, I've begun to turn to loose, comfy sweaters, structured longsleeves, and prep-school inspired blazers, all often paired with a mini and tights or black skinnies (skinny jeans) and boots.

So, to complement my new-found change in style and the new me, I took the ultimate hair risk, and got blunt, straight-across bangs! It was terrifying to watch my hairdresser close her scissors literally right in front of my eyes and hear them snip with such finality. Fortunately, they turned out exactly as I hoped - dramatic, a little bit edgy, and a little bit retro.

Which brings me to my new obsession. I'd like to think that when properly styled, my bangs are a throwback to the way some girls cut their "fringe" in the 60s in London. Thus was born my preoccupation with all things mod.

Luckily for me, according to InStyle's January 2013 issue, fashion-lovers can look forward to a "nod toward mod" in Spring 2013, including retro florals and layered sheers. Even better, the glamorous 2012 trend of embellished collars will continue into a girly, flirty spring, as demonstrated by the lovely, ladylike designer pieces included in the InStyle spread of actress Adelaide Clemens.

With my new obsession now approved by my discovery this lovely spread, I've caught the mood for mod. I was already obsessed with Twiggy back when I watched the early ANTM cycles (okay, let's be serious: I still watch, even though its gotten to cycle 19 and they are now themed, for God's sake). In the first place, my style leans towards structuration, solid colors, and sometimes a strong eye, so I'm off to a good start. To expand my horizons, I've been googling away at fashion blogs and history sites alike, learning about Carnaby Street and Kings Road from gems like this yummy little video below, which I found on CollegeFashion's article on how to achieve a mod look.

Image source: NSMBL.com

My infatuation has only heightened my excitement over my plans to study abroad in London, England during spring semester my junior year (see #72 on my first post). Now, I'm not usually one for bold patterns, as pictured in some shops in the video. I also don't think I'll be going all out on the dramatic makeup and attempt to imitate Twiggy's iconic look on a daily basis. Still, a dose of a 60s inspiration could do spring some good.

As for the 60s trends I do want to revive in my wardrobe, I'm always a fan of mini-skirts. When paired with tights for winter, a dramatically short hemline can make a statement without getting too cray-cray.

Image source: blog.forever21.com

For those less comfortable with showing thigh, a classic and flirty A-line skirt or dress is a great choice for spring. I plan to go for bright colors and geometric, structured styles. If you're feeling especially bold, you could go all-out mod with a "Mondrian" dress, the unique rectangle-patterned dresses originally by Yves Saint Laurent.

For an everyday 60s-inspired look, layer a sweater or tee with a peter pan collared shirt. To bring it more up to date, don a metallic, bejeweled, pearly, or even western collar - either as an embellished collar on a shirt or a necklace separate.

For my upcoming family holiday party, I'll be giving my own "nod to mod" with a colorblocked, almost candy-colored dress, some sheer tights, and a classic cat eye. The dress is pictured at left - and it's my first contribution to what I'll be calling "collegiate cut-rates." This particular deal a special find from H&M's crazy ten-dollar rack. I love the exposed, faux-leather zipper and the simple silhouette. I'll be pairing it with some fabulous shoes I got for a steal, which I'll reveal to you in a later post. They're the generics of a very famous, architectural shoe designer many fellow Lookbook fans would recognize (Hint: not one of my NSYNC crushes, JC, but the same initials ;))

Super-serious confession time, audience - whoever you are. I love to talk and I love to write. Some of my posts will be this long - but,  this one is an update on my life in the past two months. Hopefully, writing more often will keep me from dishing out any snoozers.

For now, I wish you fellow college fashionistas good luck with any last-minute Christmas shopping, whether you're buying for friends and family, or getting a few things for yourself! ;) For my second collegiate cut-rate, I suggest you check out ASOS - they have free shipping! If you're looking for something to do when you're curled up with your computer and hot cocoa, they offer some amazing discounts on Savvy Sunday. I know online shopping is one of my favorite rainy day activities!

Happy Holidays to everyone, and happy shopping ;)

Love,
hercollegecouture.