1. How did the idea strike you to start Collegefashionista?

It started as a personal blog that I was using to enhance my resume and establish my voice in the industry then turned into an actual company and full-time job.

2. What does your day as the creative director/ founder of Collegefashionista.com consist of?

A great part of my job is that there is no typical day as an entrepreneur! One day I will be working with our social media team on a new Facebook app and the next day I will be around town shooting a video series with influential leaders in the industry. It truly changes day-to-day and that’s what leaves my job extremely thrilling. One thing that is consistent on a regular basis is connecting with my Style Guru team and making sure all 200 plus members are on the right page. I have a very intimate relationship with my writers and they are always my top priority each day. And, of course, there is also loads of editing, writing features, photographing subjects for my column, connecting with our readers through Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr and meetings with brands and other partners thrown in there as well. CollegeFashionista is a 24/7 job and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

3. What is your most favorite part about being the Editor of such a well known street style site?

The impact I have on my Style Gurus is the most rewarding and my favorite part of my job as editor. I love interacting with my team and seeing the effect my Web site has on them. They’re enthusiasm and dedication to the site is invigorating.

4. Did you always want to work in fashion?

While I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, I was never quite sure what aspect of the industry I necessarily gravitated to. CollegeFashionista has been that niche I had been looking for.  It combines so many aspects of the fashion industry, which, for me, makes it the perfect, perfect job. You can’t plan what you think you will do because chances are that isn’t where you will end up!

5. What was your first job in the fashion industry?

My first internship was for a PR firm in London during my Junior year in college. I have never worked full-time for anyone other then myself since I started CollegeFashionista right after I graduated in 2009. Pretty luck girl

6. What makes a good intern?

Someone who is driven, self-motivated and can figure things out for themselves. I know as an intern how stressed out my supervisors were. They needed me as the intern to create my own projects and didn’t have time to hold my hand. A successful intern is one who can navigate the office and figure out what needs to be done without being asked.

7. What is the best advice you can give to an aspiring fashion editor?

Be nice. I can’t begin to tell you how often that is overlooked and how far that will get you.  There is very real stereotype that people in the fashion industry have a hard edge. But I firmly believe it’s those who are kind that rise to the top. We all need other to succeed. Don’t forget that!

Equally important is networking. Develop relationships with people in the fashion industry, people in other industries and everyone you meet in general. You never know who that person may know that could help you get your big break.

8. What is your favorite fashion statement piece?

A white silk blouse. I think I own 10 plus white silk blouses and never get sick of them. They are my go-to piece. My sister calls the look my uniform.

9. Who do you consider your fashion Muse to be?

Iris Apfel- she’s such a cool, elegant lady. And the Olsens. I mean, you can’t get much better than that.

10. What are some of the brands that you have worked with

Juicy Couture, Bop, Ray-Ban are a few.

11. Who are your top 3 favorite designers?

Alexander Wang, Jenni Kayne, The Row.
12. What is your perfect summer outfit?

A sheer maxi skirt, loose white T-shirt, strappy sandals, my go-to Dries Van Noten sunnies, and a Chanel bag.
13. What blogs do you read the most?

Ah there are so many!! I always read TheCoveteur, WhoWhatWear, JakandJil, The Selby and, of course, CollegeFashionista. I usually read loads more but those on a regular basis.

14. Who are your favorite “tweeps” to follow on twitter?

@DKNY and @OscarPRGirl both crack me up and I love following our Style Guru team and seeing what they are up to!

15. Where do you see Collegefashionista 5 years from now?

CollegeFashionista has gone from a personal blog to a website and now a brand. Out of all the aspects of CollegeFashionista my favorite part is empowering young women and helping them shape their careers, which a lot have through writing for the website. I want to continue to hone in on this mentorship type relationship and really develop that aspect out.  I hope CollegeFashionista can continue to be that outlet for more and more young adults with a passion for writing and fashion.

Let’s just say the Fashion inspirations are everywhere, and what better place to star on the runway than the surroundings in your very own campus, and by following Amy Levin and the Style Gurus on twitter @Cfashionista.

Yale University

Boston University

St. John’s University

New York University

Penn State

*Don’t forget to follow me on twitter: @nicolevardo

I’m interviewing Joe Karban, the Sourcing and Production Manager behind the brand, and getting a glimpse into his side of the fashion business.  I walk through two large antique doors to The Row design studio and take a seat in a floor-skimming, espresso brown leather chair.

Mr. Karban welcomes me warmly and introduces me to the entire team on the way to his office. A thirty-year veteran of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and luxury brand Ginny H, he certainly knows his way around the industry.  We chatted about his views on creating the perfect collection, on building the design vision of the Olsen girls, and what qualities it really takes to succeed in the competitive fashion industry.

What is the perspective of the production side of the small luxury house?

The Row works very tightly. It is a close-knit team and a design driven company.  There are no formal rules.  We develop procedures and processes that help us produce the vision of the design team, Mary Kate and Ashley.  The aim is to create processes that give design the ability to support the vision of the brand. Everything is done in tandem so Production’s role is to create processes that marry back to what everyone needs. Everyone here owns their job and every role is crucial.  From the interns to the directors, The Row is established so that everyone is as fulfilled as possible.

In terms of developing a collection, walk me through what it is like coming from your point of view as the Production and Sourcing side.

The Row is different because it is small and very high end.  First, we sit and analyze the current collection, we look at how last year sold, and what things are trending against the current season.  Then, we build a score card. The score card is made by merchandising, production, and sales.   It determines how much to sell, how much of everything to order, and determines how the line is divided between fashion pieces, foundational pieces, and image/aspirational pieces.  Once the scorecard is developed it is given to the design team and they take it to buy all the fabrics and establish the fabric delivery schedule.  Then, styles are designed, tech packs and patterns are made, it really is a process that is somewhat mathematical, somewhat inspirational, and somewhat trend.  Design marries back to the fabrics that they inspire.

READ THE REST of Sam’s interview on LookBooks HERE.

Here topmodel Caroline takes over the cover of Elle Danmark’s December issue.

Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen pose together wearing head to toe black at the opening of Lend Me A Tenor at the Music Box Theatre. Loving the long sheer dresses and matching white bags.

I really had no idea that celebrities got paid to sit front row at Fashion Week! You’d think that it was more pleasure then business for them, but I guess I was way wrong, getting photographed at the tents IS just as publicity worthy as a club opening! Here is a list of famous people and how much they get paid to attend:

A-List:

Rihanna ($100,000 or more)
Beyonce ($80,000-$100,000)
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ($80,000 each)
Julianne Moore ($60,000)
Maggie Gyllanhaal ($60,000)
Chloe Sevigny ($60,000 or more)
Jennifer Lopez (circa 2005: $80,000; circa 2010: $30,000)
Lindsay Lohan (circa 2006: $60,000; circa 2010: UNINVITED)
Colin Firth (pre-A Single Man: $5,000; post-A Single Man: $15,000)
Check out the B and C list after the jump…
B-List:

Blake Lively ($50,000)
Leighton Meester ($40,000)
Hilary Duff ($40,000)
Other Gossip Girl cast members ($25,000 a piece)
Jared Leto ($25,000)
Clive Owen ($10,000)
Kristen Bell (unpaid, but airfare, makeup and clothing are taken care of)

C-List:

Kim Kardashian ($35,000-$50,000)
Amanda Bynes ($25,000-$30,000)
Eliza Dushku (unpaid, but airfare, makeup and clothing are taken care of)

D-List:

Paris Hilton (free or uninvited)
Jersey Shore cast (uninvited)
America’s Next Top Model Winners (free)

LINK LOVE: Envy/ Fashionista / Marie Claire U.K.

JCPenney is offering aspiring designers an opportunity to win a trip to NYC to meet Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen. The contest invites young designers between the ages of 13 and 21 to design an original apparel item. Enter for a chance to win:

· Grand prize trip to New York City

· Meet Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen

· $1,000 JCPenney style shopping spree

· Nine runners up each receive $500 JCPenney gift cards

· A chance to have your design included in a future Olsenboye collection

Enter the contest February 2, 2010 through March 14, 2010. Public voting to decide the winners begins late March.

Young designers can enter the Olsenboye Design contest by visiting jcp.com/olsenboyecontest. Following conclusion of the entry phase, Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen will select their favorite 15 designs.

A public vote will be held to choose 15 finalists in March. The winners will be announced in April.

Braids are here to stay! They started a few seasons ago with the Olsen Twins, became mainstream after Alexander Wang/Prada’s runway last season, and are now everywhere, from the red carpet to casual Fridays. Check out some of these recent braid looks. My fave is Diane Kruger’s thick side french braid.

Thanks Glamour!

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen attend the premier of ‘Nine’ and couldn’t look more different, one wearing all black while the other choose a more colorful route.

Image via ICYDK

Cuz 1 Hermes Kelly Bag is never enough!

Image via Just Jared

Steve Madden has finalized a deal with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to manufacture shoes and accessories for the pair’s new Olsenboye JC Penney’s brand.

LINK LOVE: Jezebel via Crains

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will be launching a new Junior’s brand exclusively at JCPenney called Olsenboye. To gear up for the launch of the new line, New Yorkers will have the chance to get an early peek at the new collection.

Starting today (10/26), JCPenney will be parking a “treat truck” for three days in three locations in NYC, for a sneak peek at some Olsenboye product, the Olsen’s will be making a surprise appearance at one of the three locations.

Treat truck locations (from 2:30pm-6:30pm):

Mon., Oct. 26- Union Square

Tues., Oct. 27- Herald Square

Wed., Oct. 28- Washington Square Park

Check out http://www.olsenboye.com for more info.

The duo known as Mary-Kate and Ashley are expanding their high-end fashion line, The Row, to include a collection of sunglasses. They’re said to be teaming up eyewear designer Linda Farrow and the line is expected to be ready in time for next spring.

They’re said to be creating only four looks, which would include aviators, oversized, vintage-inspired, and round rims– all of which reflect both of the girl’s personal taste in shade-wear.

Complaints about celebrities starting fashion lines are ever-present and extreme: although slighting annoying and definitely to blame for the lack of young American designers getting press celebrity designers really aren’t that bad. Some of them are actually really good, like the Olsen twins who were recently praised by Cathy Horyn, New York Magazine’s Fashion Critic. That said, Al Roker’s potential line of rainwear for Weatherproof seems to have absolutely no potential. He may be popular as a weather man, but I can’t think of any American who yields him as a fashion icon. The above mixture of a baseball cap and a suit is proof enough that the man lacks fashion sense. This seems like a collaboration failure to me.

SOURCE: Stylelist

SO cute. MKA showed up at the Opening Ceremony flagship store opening in Tokyo wearing Maison Michel ears made from lace. These are absolutely fabulous, and as if I didn’t already love everything that the Olsen twins did, they surprise me again! Must have these…

LINK LOVE: Nitrolicious

I’ll admit it, when I was a little girl I absolutely loved the ‘You’re Invited’ series, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s party videos, where they’d invite two of their friends over and call it a party, then sing ridiculous songs (complete with dances!) about things that were completely embarrassing. Well, I just remembered that these were the best things ever, and found their performance of ‘Fashion Jr. High.’ Please watch, you will not regret it at all.

Celebrities-

Rihanna- Ri’s been really stepping it up lately. She’s got a wide range of looks, and is starting to find a world of her own when it comes to her style.

Lady Gaga- Everyone knows she’s crazy. Lady Gaga is definitely changing the views of fashion right now

Taylor Momsen- Are you surprised? You know we love her.

Emma Watson- The young HP actress is growing up! And looking hot at every event, if we do say so ourselves.

The Olsen Twins- They’ve been in the fashion eye for awhile now, and now that they’ve got some of their own lines, they always look awesome.

Zoe Kravitz- Lenny’s daughter! This teen has been making a lot of appearances lately, and looks good!

–

Models-

Chanel Iman- Our favorite model to follow on Twitter. Chanel is so adorable, and has really awesome style

Tallulah Morton- She’s all over the Cobra Snake (in a Cory Kennedy way), and always looking fly.

Cole Mohr- This is for you Kirby.  Cole brought boyish and grunge to the fashion forefront, for models anyway. Plus he’s incredibly handsome, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.

Ethan James- Ethan is being seen more and more on the fashion scene (Milan fashion week, H & M, tons of editorial spreads), and has a similar look to Cole. I actually went to high school with this Ford model, and he’s been the most stylish guy I know since he was 15.

Jethro Cave- Pioneered the half-shaved head. LOVE those hanger tattoos.

–

Fashion Personalities and Party People-

Alexa Chung- Whether she’s dressed to kill or wearing denim cutoffs, Alexa Chung is always on top of her game.

Chloe Sevigny- Great designer, great style icon. I’m in love with her buckle booties, which she is seen wearing a lot, paired with skinny pants or cute dresses. Definitely a hipster style icon.  We know she isn’t exactly under 25, but she’s been around for so long as a stylish designer to know, and like our moms, is one of those women that turn 25 every year for the rest of their lives.

Peaches Geldof- This social always looks gorgeous (as do all the Geldofs), for events or on the street with her fake fiance.

Aaron Kolfage- Fashion Indie’s favorite party host and dear friend, Aaron always looks fierce on Friday nights at Ruff Club. He dresses with such creativity, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere else. This weekend, Aaron was wearing a giant tulle bowtie with a brooch in the middle, and I was mad jealous. Aaron gives us Midwesterners hope for being incredibly stylish, he’s from Michigan!

Fashion Bloggers-

Pelayo of Kate Loves Me – This guy, and his girlfriend, both have killer style. He wears some of the craziest things I’ve ever seen (including Louis Vuitton mesh tights!), and has perfectly coiffed hair at all times.

Lovisa The Intern- Lovisa Drever is all over Lookbook.nu, but I know her from Waffles + Falafels (who even briefly carried a shirt with her photo on it). She’s got a killer sense of style and can pull anything off, plus adds to the crazy personalities of W + F, who are some of my favorite people.

Six Six Sick Girls- These hosts and bloggers DIY matching outfits for their events, which include everything from red wigs to elbow gloves. They not only have a crazy (and matching) sense of DIY style, they also post some (literally) sick stuff on their blog.

Kirby Marzec- Fashion Indie’s own managing editor, Kirby not only knows everything about every designer, and what’s going to be hot next season, but she also isn’t afraid to pull it off. Whether it’s drop (to the knee) crotch pants, DIY ripped tees, or metal vests, you can be assured that Kirby will wear it, and she’ll wear it damn well.

Jazzi McG- We had a half hour long talk the other day about how much we love Jazzi’s blog, and her style.  A queen of DIYing and always dressed perfectly for the occasion, she’s definitely one to watch.

Tavi of Style Rookie-  Tavi is no rookie, maybe in the way that ‘Rookie of the Year’ becomes a professional baseball player, Tavi dresses better than some veterans of fashion.

Camille of Childhood Flames- Another not-even-legal fashion blogger showing that you don’t have to have a career to be fashionable, this sixteen year old is a pro at mixing designer goods with things we can afford, and is also taking advantage of the DIY world.

Lucas Logan- This 18-year-old from LA is all over the internet, model/blogger (Stylish Kids In Riot)/designer, Lucas is California’s newest ‘It’ Kid, braces and all.

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Musicians-

Uffie- I mean look at her, in.sane.

The Veronicas- I’ve followed The Veronicas since I was in high school, and their style has definitely evolved into rocker chic. They always look good separately, and even better together, on stage or off, and aren’t afraid to take risks.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been added to the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s list of America’s most renowned designers. Joining over 350 clothing and accessories geniuses, the Olsen twins have finally crossed the line from celebrity designer to an established brand. We knew it would happen, putting them in first place on our ten best celebrity designers list. Congratulations are in order for Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Chris Benz too!

SOURCE: My Fashion Life

Those Balenciaga heels are insane, but I love them.  Just like the photo, this look does scream Olsen twin, but to me there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Check out this look and DANI ZE FLYING LEMON!’s other looks on Polyvore

And side note: ATTENTION ALL POLYVOYEURS, comment with your Polyvore links or your other favorite Polyvoyeurs to get featured on Fashion Indie!

The Olsen twins have announched that they are launching a menswear collection under their label The Row and are determined to make the garments in the U.S.

“That’s our thing — an American brand made in America. When we looked in the men’s market, we couldn’t really find basics you could wear with designer — the same concept as our women’s. So we started the process with pants and blazers, because we knew it would take time to get that right.”

LINKAGE: Just Jared via WWD

The Olsen twins’ line, Elizabeth & James, is doing quite well, from a celebrity following to big name retailers.

The Olsens have attracted big name celebs such as Heidi Klum, Beyonce and Rihanna, all spotted wearing button-ups from the line.

Both Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Kitson in Los Angeles have reported phenomenal sales for the twins’ rags, with the senior VP fashion director at Neiman Marcus calling the line a “bright spot” in dismal season for sales!

Ashley and Mary-Kate are now in talks with footwear giant Steve Madden to design a shoe line as well as a menswear line planned for the fall.

Elizabeth and James’ lowest priced item is a one-shoulder cotton tank for $95, with a leather jacket going for $775 and dresses ranging from $225-$475!!!

LINKAGE: Perez Hilton

LINKAGE: Olsens Anonymous

And if swimming in excess fabric weren’t bad enough, swimming in excess designer fabric is worse! Ok, cool, you’ve got a $800 Zac Posen blazer, but who in their right mind would make such an investment on a size 10 if you wear a size 2! The Olsen twins may have the money to throw around for their XL attire, but at the end of the day, fitted is more professional, more elegant and more chic! So, go give that 3XL tee of yours to that homeless family to sleep in. 

Thanks Fashionista!

If you remember correctly, PETA threatened the Olsen twins with an anti-fur campaign, featuring the twins decked out in dead animal parts and looking rather drab. Well, the Hairless Halloween turned into the bashed book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square. While the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen contently signed their new book, Influence, PETA supporters protested outside in their Hairy-Kate and Trashley Halloween masks…just a few days early! The next time PETA gathers to protest, I think they should tell their supporters to avoid wearing fake fur (see middle)…it just isn’t getting the anti-fur message across. 

Sorry PETA, you may have started this war, but it looks like you lost your first battle. Fur is fur and fur is fashion. You’ve got other issues to worry about…like the meat purse…

Thanks NY Mag and Popgloss!

This is one of the cruelest things I’ve ever seen, Peta, has devoted an entire website to “The Trollsens” dedicated completely to the Olsen girls in order to make complete fools out of them.

From a statement made by Peta:  “Mary-Kate and Ashley are old enough now to know that fur doesn’t grow on trees. We hope that on their birthday, they will take a moment to think about the many animals who won’t live to see another birthday thanks to the twins’ abominable taste in clothes.”

Just in, the designer discovery I just did below on jewelry extraordinaire Robert Lee Morris is teaming up with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen to create a jewelry line for Elizabeth & James. Due to come out within the next few months.