Fall/Winter Outfits Featuring Faded Days Sunglasses

I have to start this blog post in the most journalistically ethical way possible — by fully disclosing the fact that I was given these featured sunglasses for free. But I’ll also fully disclose the fact that my opinions are 100 percent true and unbiased. Alrighty, that’s out there on the table. Are you happy, FTC? My Ethics of Journalism teacher would be so proud right now.

I’ve never been much of a sunglasses connoisseur. I always prefer the Forever 21 knockoff Ray Bans rather than the real thing. Why? Well, for one, I’m a college student, so dropping $100 on sunglasses isn’t in the cards if I want to fulfill my Big Apple dreams. Aaaand secondly, I’m a college student, so things are bound to get lost or broken among my hectic day-to-day schedule. That’s why Faded Days sunglasses are so dope — they’re well made so it doesn’t feel like they’ll break when I shove them in my backpack, and they’re affordable enough to warrant me buying another pair in case they do break.

I’ve wanted to get back into blogging, so I figured the best way to showcase these beauties would be to pair them with some fall/winter outfits. I know, I know… fall is nearly over. But when you live in Florida, the seasons seem to sort of just blend together. Though cool breezes and rain showers come and go throughout the year, one constant in the Sunshine State is — you guessed it — sunshine! These rad tortoise sunglasses provide great UV protection and pair well with just about any outfit. With an eclectic wardrobe like mine, what more could I ask for?

Outfit #1: Shorts and a Sweater
The upper half of my body always tends to get colder than my legs in the event that Mother Nature graces us with temperatures below 70 degrees. Pairing a sweater with shorts may seem absurd in any other state, but in Florida it’s totally commonplace. This outfit looks cute with knee-high socks that are either worn above the knees or scrunched down with combat boots. The brown hues in these tortoise sunglasses mesh really well with the warm fall colors in this look.

Campus style spotlight: “Hell yeah,” it’s flannel time

While most choose to walk around campus listening to music or talking on the phone, I am perfectly content with walking around and just observing everyone I pass by. I am so thankful that I attend one of the most diverse, unique colleges in the US, the University of Florida. With about 50,000 students, I come across so many differing fashion senses on a daily basis. It’s safe to say I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly in my year and a half here thus far. Most days, I am lucky enough to run into a handful of true fashionistas that catch my eye in the Starbucks line or at the bus stop.

I love inquiring about others’ fashion choices and learning about what inspires them to dress how they do. That is exactly what this post is about – it’s the first of many “campus style spotlights” as I like to call them. I chose to do this first one about my friend, Kristia, whose style I absolutely adore. She took this somewhat basic red flannel button-down and made it her own by pairing it with an edgy graphic T-shirt and unique zipper combat boots, both of which I had never seen before today. For me, it’s all in the details, and the zipper accents on her boots take this look to the top in my book.

Check out Kristia’s blog about alternative music, and keep reading to learn more about her style!

Name: Kristia Watkins

Age: 19

Year: Sophomore

Major: Public Relations

Q: Where did you buy the items that you’re wearing in this outfit?

A: “My jeans are from Hollister, the boots are Steve Madden, my graphic T-shirt is from PacSun and I borrowed the flannel from a friend. I think it’s from Forever 21.”

Q: If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?

A: “Mine. [She laughs.] Just kidding! It’s hard to narrow it down to one word because I always base my outfits on my mood. If I’m feeling really laid back and relaxed, I’ll throw on a maxi skirt. If I’m feeling a little bad ass, I’ll wear my black zipper boots. Lately I’ve been into dresses with combat boots.”

Q: What are your favorite items in your closet?

A: “My American Apparel denim circle skirt and my camouflage harem pants.”

Q: Who is your style icon?

A: “I don’t really follow stylish celebrities so I have to go with my friend, Rafaela Sanchez.”

Q: What are your go-to stores in the mall?

A: “Zara, American Apparel and Urban Outfitters.”

Q: If you could raid any celebrity’s closet, whose would you raid?

A: “Definitely Emma Roberts; I’m obsessed with her.”

Q: What is your favorite type of outfit to wear?

A: “Anything that doesn’t require a bra! [She laughs again.] I’m way too lazy sometimes, and it’s so comfortable to not wear one.”

Q: If you could bring back one trend from the past, what would it be?

A: “Overalls! I love American Apparel’s sunflower overalls.”