Chronicles Of Campus Fashion

As the blog world only continues to grow more influential, it seems only fit that Boston College claims a sphere within it. Savvy seniors Lesley Burr and Lucy McBride, both A&S '11, couldn't agree more, and began their final year of undergraduate studies with the launch of their new blog, Rusted Revolution (rustedrevolution.blogspot.com). Mainly focusing on fashion, RR covers a range of topics from music to National Yoga Month, and relates them all to the BC lifestyle.

KK: Where did the idea for RR come from?

LB: I actually intern at a fashion magazine and started my own blog a while ago (biasedcuts.blogspot.com) and so Lucy and I got to talking about blogging. Within a half an hour we came up with the concept. At BC, there's not a lot of emphasis on high fashion, so a goal of the blog is to make it a bit more accessible and give a young person's perspective on runway style.

LM: Lesley and I actually didn't know each other very well until this year and within the first week of school, we instantly connected through our love of fashion, music, art, travel, and blogging. I had expressed my inability to maintain my personal blog and she suggested we do one together.

KK: In summation, how would you describe it?

LM: RR is essentially a blog of many colors. While fashion is our primary focus, we want to provide our readers with all things we find interesting and inspiring – all things that we ourselves would want to read in a blog.

KK: Care to share any upcoming posts?

LB: We're actually going to the Ra Ra Riot concert on Friday, so we'll probably do a review on that. I think we'll go into the city soon, and that might include some street style posts. We've been hoping to do a post on thrifting soon, too.

KK: Any favorite Boston vintage locations?

LB: I love the Garment District. The dollar-per-pound pile is a total disaster and so dirty but I've stumbled on great things. Once I found a DVF sweater and this oversized leopard print t-shirt that was probably made for a 200-pound woman; it's one of my favorite pieces.

LM: I adore a good thrifting excursion – growing up in NYC, I discovered the world of vintage shopping. New York is a goldmine in terms of used clothing. In terms of Boston favorites, Buffalo Exchange and Goodwill.

KK: Favorite blogs?

LB: I'm obsessed with Fashiontoast and Knightcat. Bleach Black, too.

LM: Nitrolicious, Fashiontoast, The Sartorialist, and Pandora. I also can't resist WhoWhatWearDaily.com.

KK: What are your first memories of fashion? Is there a story behind your personal style?

LB: I love Halloween, and my mom used to make all my costumes when I was little. So, I accumulated a lot of dress up clothes over the years. I'm not the best, but I learned to sew a bit and I actually made my own Bjork costume last year. [Note: Lesley had four designs in Slam Fashionation last spring]. Also, going through my mom's old clothes from the '70s and '80s is a favorite pasttime of mine.

LM: I can remember going through my grandmother's walk-in closet at age 5. I was always conscious of what I wore, but I would say my personal style really developed in high school. I was really inspired by my surroundings in NYC. I had very eclectic influence from punks around St. Mark's Place to the Park Avenue Princesses in their Burberry trenches.

KK: What about style icons? Who inspires your day-to-day style?

LB: Wow, it's so hard to say. Kate Bosworth and Clemence Posey – she has really great street style. Alexa Chung, also.

LM: As for vintage icons, Brigitte Bardot. As for current icons, Rachel Bilson, Erin Wasson, Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, and Olivia Palermo. Also, I'm often inspired by the styles of my co-workers at Free People.

KK: Favorite designers?

LB: We both love Alexander Wang. Alexander McQueen, too, he's such an artist.

LM: Marc Jacobs, the Olsens (Elizabeth & James), Jeffrey Campbell, Zac Posen

KK: What are some pieces you're lusting for right now?

LB: I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes, especially wedges. I just ordered some from Urban Outfitters this morning so I'm so excited for them to come. Also, the Sam Edelman clogs.

LM: Jeffrey Campbell "Pixie" wedges, Alexa Chung for Madewell "Billie" velvet shorts and "Iris" blouse, Anthropologie's camel cape coat.

KK: Favorite current looks in your closet?

LB: Maxi skirts – dark and slim-fitting. Also, over-the-knee socks and military jackets.

LM: Maxi skirts, lingerie-inspired pieces, and the equestrian look. I also love my safari jacket with girlie dresses or just jeans and a plain tee.

KK: NYFW Spring 2011 highlights?

LB: I'm really excited for the '70s revival. All the spring runways seem a lot more clean cut even though they're still a bit grungy.

LM: Definitely check out Rusted Revolution's post on NYFW. I like the Minimalism trend. You can create a stunning look with a single, well-tailored piece such as a body-con dress or a blazer.