Introducing ... Fashionista of the Week by College Fashionista

Our new column from this campus-based street style blog kicks off this Friday, and founder and editor Amy Levin tells us all about it

By Amanda Hughes
Published: October 6th, 2010 | 10:40am

Remember that girl back in college who used to show up to your 8 a.m. economics class scrubbed, showered, and put-together, looking like she just stepped off a runway? Amy Levin sure does. The founder and creative director of CollegeFashionista.com has made a career for herself by tracking campus fashion trends. Her street style blog, which she started at Indiana University in 2008, showcases daily looks from the freshest and most fashion-forward collegiates at campuses all over the country.

Running the site has given Amy a nose for fashion trends on both local and national levels. Which is why we’re excited to present Fashionista of the Week, our new street style column presented by College Fashionista. Every Friday, we'll feature Amy's favorite look of the week pulled from photos captured at campuses across the U.S.

To kick things off, we spoke with Amy to get to know the brains behind College Fashionista. Here, she gives us a peek at some up-and-coming micro trends, muses on the importance of stylish boys, and tells us what it’s like to know what people are wearing all over the country—every day of the week.

College Fashionista's founder and creative director, the stylish Amy Levin.

Venus Zine: Is your site just for college students?

Amy Levin: While the articles and photos are done by and for college students in particular, the concept of being fashion-forward and up with current trends is universal and applies to all fashionistas/os!

VZ: What inspired you to start CollegeFashionista.com?

AL: During my junior year of college, I studied abroad in London. It was then that I was first exposed to street style reporting and the concept of trend forecasting. I loved the idea of taking fashion inspiration from the street and recognized the influence it has on designers’ collections and even what corporate buyers purchase for their stores. I spent the following summer in L.A. working for a trend reporting company. While exploring the city and capturing what west coasters were wearing, trend reporting became more of a hobby rather than just an internship. I launched a personal blog at Indiana University that focused solely on the style of my peers.

As the blog gained momentum, friends at other Big 10 schools were begging me to expand my blog to their campuses. We are now at more than 80 campuses worldwide with over 200 fashion contributors.

VZ: Was it hard getting people to pose in the beginning?

AL: When I first started my trend reporting internship, I was extremely nervous to approach random people. After a while I got more comfortable with the camera and with approaching strangers. When I first started out I would just take a person’s photograph and part ways. Now I actually like chatting with the people I shoot and learning about who they are and what they are wearing. I have met tons of interesting people through street style reporting. I have yet to have someone turn me down for a photo. People are flattered that you would take a second out of your day to compliment a total stranger.

VZ: Do you see trends happening across individual campuses, or do all campuses seem to trend together?

AL: While there are overarching trends that are at all college campuses (like flannel shirts), I think styles vary a lot from school to school. For example, Indiana University gets a lot of East Coast and West Coast students who bring in their own sort of flair to the student body, whereas Ohio State University generally has a lot more Midwest influence. Throw in the U.K. students and you quickly see that while trends start locally, fashions are global.

VZ: What are some recent trends you've seen at particular schools?

AL: Right now the revival of backpacks is huge on a lot of our campuses. Mainly vintage-inspired leather bags worn by both girls and boys. Also, socks with boots or oxford flats is another popular trend being worn at a lot of schools. One of the most impressive things to me is how much effort boys are putting into their wardrobes. I always love seeing fashionistos on the site and what they are wearing!

VZ: What do you look for when you're putting together your own outfit in the morning?

AL: It all depends on the day. Some days I am strictly at my computer blogging so I’ll throw on my go-to white Wang T-shirt and mix it up with either black skinnys, trouser pants, a maxi skirt or something that is comfortable while I sit all day.

Other days I am in a million places throughout the day so I dress accordingly, layer my look, and throw jewelry in my bag so I can transform my outfit into whatever I need it to be for that day. And I love wearing heels—they give me that extra boost of confidence that we all want!

Check venuszine.com/fashion every Friday for Amy's pick for "Fashionista of the Week," pulled from CollegeFashionista.com.