Author: Courtney Flickinger

Multimedia Journalism major with a minor in Dress, Culture & Society and International Studies. Working towards a goal to write for a fashion magazine one day. Clothes, food and crafting make up my entire existence. "You have to get dressed every morning, so you might as well make it fun." - J.Crew

Next Time You’re Feeling Blue

Hello Fashionistas, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! Today, I want to talk about something that is super important to me: the power of positivity.

If there is one thing I have learned throughout my life, it is that your happiness should always be a priority. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to be happy when you are going through some of the toughest times in life. When life gets you down and makes you feel blue, remember that it is almost always temporary.

Three years ago, I was about as negative as it gets. With almost every situation that happened in my life, I always saw the bad in it. I was constantly reminded by my dad to try and not let things bother me because, in the end, it just does not matter. So, after realizing how badly negativity had affected my life, I made a positive change.

In everything that happens in my life, I attempt to find the good in it. This is not easy, but it is completely worth it. When you try to see the good in the blue times, you end up happier and feeling brighter. Being a positive person is a lifestyle that has overcome my life and made me a better person. I have been able to help others the same way my dad helped me years ago.

During my sophomore year in college, I worked on my positivity a ton. I found a journal in my bedroom that I decided to write in each day. My writing consisted of three things; how I was kind to someone that day, how I was kind to myself, and how someone was kind to me. This helped me to find the good in my day-to-day interactions. It got to a point where I was going out of my way to go and find these acts of kindness each day. My advice to you is to find something that makes you want to be a better person and focus all of your energy into that. The outcome will be worth it and you, in turn, will become a better person.

This Fashionista is radiating with happiness. Though her clothing may be blue, her attitude is surely nothing close. Blue is represented as the color of sadness, but it doesn’t seem like this Fashionista feels that way at all. Being positive shows in every way. It brings a fresh look to your face that makes you brighter.

Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity.

What are some ways you stay positive on a day to day basis? Let me know so I can try them out!

Why Accessories Seal the Deal

Accessories are like the cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae. The sundae is fine without the cherry, but after adding that little detail, it cannot get any better. Accessories are more than just an object, they are a lifestyle. Opening your eyes to the world of accessories will spark a whole new outlook in showing your inner Fashionista. Accessories are a must, they add spice and dimension to an outfit in a way that nothing else can. This Fashionista has the world of accessories wrapped around her finger.

Anyone can stare at a person’s outfit, but what really catches the eye is the statement of a well put-together look. Accessories prove that you took the time to perfect your outfit and you take pride in what you are wearing. Her statement pieces flow together perfectly to give us this flawless summer look.

There is nothing more simple than a monogram necklace. For ages, Fashionistas have rocked their monogram on almost any item you could think of. For me, a necklace is all you need. Monogram chain necklaces can be worn with almost anything because it adds a touch of elegance that every preppy Fashionista needs! Kendra Scott earrings were the perfect pair for the timeless look that she is going for. The gold rim of the earrings flows with the necklace and allows for a pop of color to be added. The cream coloring of the earrings offsets the white in her shirt and pants but ties nicely with the shoe choice.

To complete the look on top, this Fashionista added an accessory that knocked it out of the park. My favorite part of this look is the bold sunglasses. These full-mirrored sunglasses add the perfect amount of drama to the otherwise classy look. This Fashionista is showing us just how attitude can change the look!

Now that we have the accessories up top covered, we can head down! This Fashionista paired her simple jewelry and her bold sunglasses with a stack of Alex and Ani bangles. The subtle mix of gold and silver allow for a broadened color palette for the rest of the outfit. Knowing when enough is enough is important when accessorizing. Sometimes, bracelets can be overdone and can actually draw too much attention away from the overall aesthetic of the outfit. Take notes from this Fashionista—she has it perfected! Lastly, she added a gold and brown watch along with a delicate light blue ring. 

To finish it up we have shoes! Who would have thought that a simple bow detailing could tie everything together so perfectly? This Fashionista definitely has it all together.

It all started with white jeans and an oversized off-the-shoulder top. This Fashionista has transformed this basic look into something worth talking about—all thanks to the finishing touch.

In what ways do you turn an under-rated outfit into a show-stopper? Let me know in the comments below!