It’s time to ditch the cardigans and jackets and break out those sleeveless tops we’ve all been longing to wear. I decided to pair this gorgeous beaded top with a contrasting pair of white skinny jeans and tan gladiator sandals to allow the red detailing of the top to really pop. I kept the accessories simple and opted for a few bangles and a simple gold bracelet to add some subtle sparkle to the springtime look.

Top, $246.00
Jeans, $159.00
Sandals, $76.00
Bangles, $3.50 each
Bracelet, $22.00

Ashley’s Pick

This ‘Free People’ dress is one piece to invest in to transition you from a spring to summer with a laid-back vibe. It has a loose, flowing fit, so I chose a vibrant belt to cinch in the waist and add a bright pop of a color. These boots can be worn nearly all seasons because they look great with jeans or with a light summer dress. Their studded detail gives this feminine outfit more edge and ties in the gold accessories.

Dress, $98.00
Belt, $84.00
Boots, $129.00
Clutch, $22.00
Necklaces: short: $34.00, long: $40.00

Megan’s Pick

Mimicking this bohemian look will have your style reading summer-concert ready. When shopping for a new denim jacket this season, look for unique elements like this jean-jacket in the silhouette of a bomber jacket. Pair flowing maxi skirts with light and feminine tops for an effortless, free-spirited look.

Jacket, $148.00
Top, $192.00
Skirt, $264.00
Sandal, $66.00
Belt, $38.00
Necklace, $132.00

Annie’s Pick

This beaded taupe top is the perfect option for spring. With a scalloped neckline, the piece is feminine yet edgy with the pewter beading. The sleek black skirt adds volume to the overall look and balances out the body conscious top. Simple jewelry such as these stacked leather bracelets are all that is needed since the top is embellished. Metallic sandals complete the look and bring out the beading in the shirt.

Top, $156.00
Camisole (underneath top), $48.00
Skirt, $108.00
Sandals, $66.00
Bracelets, $38.00 each

Photos by Jenna Watson

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Although many of us who hope to have a job in fashion journalism dream of interning at a top magazine, these fantasies are sometimes difficult to make reality because many of the most reputable fashion publications are based in New York City. It’s a good idea to start off your fashion writing ventures by interning for a fashion blog. While some blogs only allow you to work for them if you live in the area they are based, it is possible to find remote internships with blogs so that you can write for them from where you currently live. Interning for a blog means writing fashion stories on a deadline, promoting what you and your coworkers write (usually via social media) and keeping up with fashion industry news in order to create content that will appeal to the reader. When you have to write one or more stories a week you’re able watch your progress, learn from your mistakes, and find your voice as a fashion writer.

— Cassandra

Product Management Intern, Jewelry Company

An internship in product management deals directly with the product from the sample-receiving stage to the possible implementation of the product itself. My duties at my internship primarily include tagging samples, entering product information into the database, completing required documents and packaging to return samples back to vendors. An internship in this area may allow you to directly see how buyers and merchandisers choose and weed out potential products they may be interested in selling. These types of internships may be slightly repetitive, but handling a variety of different merchandise keeps it interesting. If you want an opportunity to work closely with products but don’t have an interest in buying or product development, an internship in product management may be a good fit for you.

— Ashley

Visual Merchandising; Apparel and Home Retailer

If you consider yourself to be highly creative, visual merchandising might be a great field for you. Typical duties of a visual merchandising internship include: determining product placement by analyzing sales data, concept brainstorming, creating trend reports and executing the general aesthetic direction of the brand. An internship in visuals will provide you with the skills to create a compelling store experience while also requiring you to practice customer interaction and develop customer service skills. If you are looking to advance into retail management or retail store design, a visual merchandising internship will provide you with the experience you need to jump-start your career!

— Megan

Fashion Closet Internship

A fashion closet internship is perfect for those wanting to take a step in the editorial side of fashion. Interning in the closet provides the opportunity to work alongside fashion and accessory editors, while gaining an insight into the operations of producing a magazine. Being constantly surrounded by apparel and accessories helps you learn quickly about brands you may have never heard of before. You also to see the next season’s looks before anyone else. The environment is fast-paced and ever changing. From navigating the city collecting products from PR agencies to organizing aisles of shoes, a fashion closet internship is a great learning experience for those looking to break into fashion magazines.

Where to find fashion internships

Freefashioninternships.com – Tons of fashion internship postings from numerous top fashion companies. No matter your area of interest – design, public relations, buying, social media or more – there are plenty of options! Also check out their sister site freebeautyinternships.com.

Current listings include: Derek Lam, Marchesa, Thakoon

Ed2010.com – A great site for those interested in editorial and fashion closet internships at magazines. Ed2010 also has great postings for internships at top fashion blogs.

Current listings include: ”W Magazine,”  ”Seventeen,” Refinery29

Fashionista.com – The top blog has an excellent internship section for budding fashionistas.

Current listings include: Black Frame, Socialyte

Alumni – Put your best networking skills to work and reach out to Kent State’s Fashion School Alumni.

— Annie

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The stylists pick their favorite fashion books to dress up your coffee table!

Annie’s Pick

Vogue: The Covers

A collection of more than 300 covers of the classic magazine’s history, this book is organized in chronological order, beginning with Vogue’s origin in 1892. The most fashion-forward, provocative covers are featured, photographed by legends like Helmut Newton, Bruce Weber, Annie Leibovitz and Mario Testino. Vogue: The Covers captures the drama of this fashion magazine for decades and would be a perfect addition to the library of any fashion addict.

Vogue: The Covers by Hamish Bowles, foreword by Dodie Kazanjian- $31.64 at Barnes and Noble

Cassandra’s Pick

Chanel: Collections and Creations

This book about Chanel’s iconic suits, jewelry, perfumes, make-up and, of course, the little black dress is a keepsake of mine. Its stunning visuals allow you to dive deep into the world of Chanel and learn how the brand’s timeless pieces came about.

Chanel: Collections and Creations by Danièle Bott- $29.18 at Barnes and Noble

Ashley’s Pick

The Sartorialist

Thesartorialist.com is a fashion blog by Scott Schuman that features street style photos he takes in New York City. His philosophy is to “shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration.” After amazing success with the blog he started in 2005, he launched a book with some of his favorite photos four years later. If you spend a lot of time looking at fashion blogs or have an interest in street style, grab a copy of this book for inspiration.

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman, $16.89 at Barnes and Noble

 Photos | MCT

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