Author: Caitlin McKissock

Look Smart and Chic in All-Black This Fall

The college life can hit you hard; assignments, deadlines, and tests all just flood in and it’s so easy to give up on personal appearance and go for leggings and baggy hoodies. But it is so important to continuously put that little bit of effort into your appearance, even if it means getting ten minutes less of sleep daily. It’s easy to forget that your lecturers and tutors can possibly aid you in getting a job or advocate for you in getting into a course. Ensuring that you’re dressing in a smart yet casual way can be the make or break factor for their opinion of you. Dressing smart always portrays an image of not only sophistication but also that you take things seriously. It can also make you memorable and stand out from the crowd. One of the simplest ways to do this is to wear all black.

All black is simple, classy, and sophisticated as well as flattering on every body type. Black is an essential color for everyone’s wardrobe and is so easy to both dress up and dress down for any occasion.

A pair of plain black jeans always looks smart and classy and, better yet, is always flattering. A pair of jeans without any rips or distressing is always a safer option when trying to impress faculty as plain jeans look more sophisticated and are much more appropriate for someone aspiring for a specific career path.

A plain black leather jacket is always a great addition to your wardrobe and to any outfit because it makes the plainest outfit look more put together. A black leather jacket is an essential for everyone’s wardrobe no matter what your style or prospect. A leather jacket is also a way to maintain dressing for your age.

Top off the outfit with a pair of black boots, a must have in everyone’s fall wardrobe. Comfortable yet chic, a basic pair of heeled or flat boots are the perfect way to tie an outfit together and to make it cohesive and smart.

So make an effort, dress up, feel amazing and look even better. Don’t be afraid of all black; it is a flattering, classy, yet simple and easy option to turn heads and create opportunities for yourself.

What’s your favorite look to put together with black? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Make This the Summer of Yes

Before every summer starts, you make lists, goals, and plans with your friends to make this “the best summer ever.” But, for most people (myself included), this hype lasts for approximately two weeks of summer, and then your money dries up, you just can’t be bothered, or you need to watch all of the seasons of a show. But you have the power and the ability to turn this summer into whatever you want just by saying yes.

Saying no is easy, and there are always a hundred reasons why you couldn’t or you shouldn’t. Saying yes is much harder, but the rewards are much greater! Just start saying yes, live your life, and experience everything. I know sometimes it isn’t possible to say yes to things; money doesn’t grow on trees. But if you categorically can’t say yes, then provide an alternative. Here are some of my favorite things to do during my “summer of yes” on a budget:

Have a picnic. Although this may seem like an odd one to start this list off with, a picnic is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends. Go to the grocery store, buy some fruit and some sweet treats (or just raid your pantry), grab a beach bag, and go to a park or a beach and just be present in the moment. A picnic is a great setting to enjoy quality time and the beauty of nature.

Go on day trips. This is one of my favorite things to do with my family or my friends. Pack up some food, throw on some cute swimwear and a sundress, throw on some sunscreen, and road trip to a beach or to a park. Go on an adventure, hike to a waterfall, swim in the sea, and just explore the beauty that is nature. You can see so much in a day!

Have a photoshoot. I don’t know about you, but I always find that when my friends and I say goodbye, we remember that we totally forgot to take any pictures all summer. Because of this, we are in a perpetual cycle of never having any nice pictures with each other. So be that annoying friend always pulling out the camera or your phone, and always say yes to taking tons of pictures to commemorate life. Go to the beach or even into the city and have cute photoshoots together that will become life-long memories.

This summer, and in life in general, don’t be afraid to take risks and say yes. Your time during summer and in your youth is short, and you don’t want to be looking back in 10 or 20 years and think, “Wow, I wish I had taken more chances and lived more when I was younger.” Take the chance, say yes, and live your life and your summer to it’s fullest.

How do you like to spend your summer? Leave your summer activity inspiration down below!