Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Evan!

Hello friends! For today's Fashion Forward Fridays is a reader who I think has loved this "segment" of my blog since it's first post. Which I appreciate, Evan! I met him in my first year of grad school when MJ and I were giving a presentation about student leadership at an annual conference in Pitt Greensburg. He was on point from the moment we met and I instantly loved him because he is very much like MJ. From their goals, their student background and their ability to to dress well. And while neither of them would agree that their style is "similar" because they both are very unique but come-on...every body loves a well dressed man, no matter what his style.

All photos provided by Evan.

How would you define your style?
My style is very unique. I never stood in the crowd to blend in; it was a must that I stood out like a sore thumb. I love bright colors and my style is to accent them with other medium tone colors. I consider myself to be a well-dress individual. Fashion labels do not define what my style is; it surely is an attribute to my style.

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Express, Macy's (various locations other than PA). H&M, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's, and Buckle.

Where did you get the pieces you're wearing in the photos?
I have not a clue. I buy too many clothes to keep track, but ironically I remember these particular clothing pieces. Pants and shirt are from Burlington Coat Factory, shoes are from a flea market in Delaware, my suit jacket is from Macy's my sunglasses are from Lenscrafters.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
This is funny, this was the same question I was asked in an interview at Macy's. Well it depends whether it is a male or female. I'll stick with a female. I would want to know what makes her feel comfortable and what is out of her comfort zone. You never want to "give advice" you suggest it because if it fails, the blame is on you. Figure out her style, and get measurements and a feels for her financial background. After all of that, I would go over some colors with her to see which matches her complexion well.

What is your favorite trend right now?
My favorite trend is mine. I do not follow what other individuals are doing! That has never been my style.

Pittsburgh was recently called the 3rd worst-dressed city by GQ, do you agree/disagree and why/why not?
I totally disagree. I would like to know what demographics the researched, what parts of Pittsburgh, etc. - Pittsburgh is a well diverse city and it fosters a lot of the arts. Many college students have their own form of fashion that many won't understand. People have to understand that fashion is not made to be understood that is why it is always trending. When I drive into Pittsburgh, I love seeing men and women in the professional attire heading to work. Of course, you have some who do not follow the "Professional Colors" and those are the individuals that I like taking pictures of. You can still be professional and wear bright and loud colors.

Anything else that you'd like to add...
A little about me - I am a graduate student at Edinboro University with a focus in Student Affairs. I am a very spontaneous and I believe that my clothes can speak on that behalf.

I don't know about you, but I totally agree that loud colors can be professional! 

So I'm glad others have that opinion too - what do you guys think? 

Hope you all have a fashionable weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Autumn!

It's always have stylish friends, and today for Fashion Forward Fridays, you're meeting one of them! I met Autumn while we worked at Victoria's Secret together and was always so jealous of how she was able to make our dress code of 90% black 10% white attire look amazing time and time again. And if you follow her style board on Pinterest, you'll easily see that she has impeccable taste, so I knew she'd be the perfect person to ask to be today's fashionista! Trust me, you'll be jealous of her too after reading her interview. She's the total package of beauty, brains (she's currently a law student), and style. After all, I only pick the best for these things, enjoy!

All photos provided by Autumn.

How would you define your style? 
Classic with a touch of glam. I usually stick to clean lines and neutrals (black, white, gray, navy, cream) and add some flair with a little bit of sparkle or unexpected color (like neon).

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
Because I am a law student, I have to spend most of my money on school instead of my wardrobe. My goal is to look expensive without actually being expensive. H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 are places to go for trendy fun pieces that aren’t very expensive. Express, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited are my go to’s for classic pieces and work staples. 

Where did you get the pieces you are wearing in your pictures? 
High waisted vintage inspired shorts – Urban Outfitters
Chiffon shirt – Urban Outfitters 
Wedges – Target 
Earrings & ring – Forever 21
Handbag – Louis Vuitton 

Close up photos of Autumn's ring and earrings from Forever 21.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
Invest money on key timeless pieces like a beautiful wool coat, a pair of stilettos, or a designer handbag. These kinds of wardrobe staples never go out of style, so you won’t feel like you wasted your money.

GQ named Pittsburgh the 3rd worst dressed city - do you agree/disagree and why/why not? 
I would have to say that Pittsburghers are certainly more comfortable in a Crosby jersey as opposed to Prada, but that laid back take on fashion is exactly what makes Pittsburgh so wonderful. The unassuming casualness that people may mistake as sloppy is really just iconic Pittsburgh approachableness. 

Keep it fashionable, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Lindsay!

So I didn't have a fashionista last week for Fashion Forward Fridays because I was running around town looking for the perfect shoes to wear during graduation. But then my bestie, Lindsay, and I went to the opening night of Clybourne Park at the Pittsburgh Public Theater and of course my girl was looking fabulous, so here she is...a week later.

Clutch: Urban Outfitters | Hot Pink Peplum Top: Express | Black Skinnies, Flats and Belt: The Limited

Lindsay is one of my favorite "fashion icons." She's right up there with Jackie O in my mind, but like I said, she's one of my best friends so I may be biased. She likes to shop at Target, The Limited, Express, and Francesca's and has style across the board.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet David!

After I have been pulling all-nighters and working hard all week for my grad school classes, it has finally taken it's toll. And today, when I woke up with a severe sore throat and no desire to find a fashionista/o I texted MJ to find one for me. So nice to have good help! I told him which questions to ask and how to take the photos and my little helper did a bang-up job. And of course, he picked a fashionisto, because he thinks Fashion Forward Fridays lacks men, which is true.

David in his office, wearing the causal/professional attire.

David is an Admissions counselor at Robert Morris University and the lead singer and guitar player for the band Identity X and he has a clear sense of style. While he likes to shop at places like Express, Marshall's and Macy's, he considers his style to be casually professional. As he is clearly doing in today's outfit, he says that mixing patterns is a way to amp up your personal style. (I agree!) David says that although he thinks it's now okay to do this mixing of patterns because it is currently on trend, but he thinks that you should not mix patterns of similar shapes, like argyle and checks because it's too much of the same thing.

Mixing argyle and stripes - great trend for guys (and girls!)

He also said something that I don't think anyone could ever stress enough. David said that he never wears a full outfit from one store and that the real key to finding your own style is finding the right pieces from different places and brands and bringing them together for one clean, unique and cohesive look. He also mentions that tailoring is a must and makes a huge difference.

As for Pittsburgh being the third-worst dressed city, according to GQ, he thinks that Pittsburgh does have some of the worst-dressed people, but the city as a whole is actually pretty trendy. So just a few bad apples ruining our bushel. Let's fix that, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!