Ellie Telander – CollegeFashionista

3 Back-to-School Hacks That Will Keep You Healthy and Energized

It’s that time of the year again—back to school has begun! With the start of the semester comes new classes and new routines. Getting back into the swing of things can be tough, but these three hacks will make getting back to school a breeze. These back to school hacks are all about keeping you healthy and energized, all while saving you money. What more could you ask for?

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

1—Cold brew on-the-go

Caffeine is necessary for college, specifically coffee. If you are in college and don’t drink coffee, what are you doing? Seriously, get on board! Brewing coffee and trying to get out the door before 8 a.m. can be tough, and normally results in a stop by Starbucks on the way to class. However, if you plan ahead, you will avoid spending $3 a day at your local Starbucks and save money by prepping your coffee at home. Simply brew a full pot of coffee and let it sit out until it is room temperature. Pour the coffee into a pitcher and place into the fridge. Once chilled, this coffee is now cold brew that you can enjoy whenever you need your coffee fix. I love pouring this in a to-go cup when I’m racing out the door and need a pick-me-up.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

2—Free workout classes

When life gets busy, it’s often hard to always get that workout in. However, working out gives us energy and boosts our overall mood, so it is essential to squeeze in while at school. Getting in a workout rut is easy to do if you do the same thing every day. Trying different types of workout classes is a great way to mix it up and try new things. Plus, you can bring all your friends with you and make it an outing. Almost all workout class studios offer a free week trial or at least a free class. Take advantage of this and try out all the studios’ free options. You are guaranteed to not get bored if you have a variety to try out. Some of my favorites are yoga sculpt, kickboxing, and pure barre.

PHOTO: Rachel Zuckerberg

3—Backpack snacks

I know what you’re thinking. Backpack snacks? But trust me, this is a lifesaver! With a full day of classes, it’s tough to find time to run home for a snack or sit down for a meal in the middle of a busy day. Just taking a few minutes in the morning to throw a few snacks in your bag will save you from making a vending machine purchase when you’re hangry. You will save money and have healthier options if you have something packed. Some of my favorite snacks to pack are mixed nuts, RX Bars, and carrots with hummus.

Which hacks are you trying this semester? Comment below with your tips!

Products You Need This Summer for Glowy and Natural Makeup

When summer comes around, I find myself needing to switch up my makeup routine to cooperate with the weather that summer brings. I’m not complaining, but no one wants their foundation dripping off their face while they’re sweating, am I right? Minimal makeup is so popular right now and I am embracing it with arms wide open. Less is more in the summer and time is money. So, I love a makeup look that I can do in 15 minutes so I have more time for coffee.

These products are my go-to’s during the summer as they create the most glowy, dewy look while giving you bronzed goddess vibes.

Base

Starting with a good base is so important. I never used to prime or moisturize my face before applying makeup and my foundation never went on smoothly. Ever since I started applying Mac Strobe Cream before my foundation, it has made the biggest difference and my foundation goes on so smooth. Not to mention, it gives such a gorgeous natural glow.

The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation stick is a dream. It comes in a stick so you don’t have to use your hands to apply; I simply swipe it onto my face and blend with a damp beauty sponge. It is full coverage but it also feels like you have nothing on. There’s nothing worse than sticky, thick foundation. This is also a dewy and glowy product. See a pattern here?

Next, I go in with the Milk Makeup Highlighter in the shade Lit. I apply this generously on the high points of my cheeks and up around the outsides of my eyes. It gives you the most effortless, natural glow. Finally, I set my face with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. If you’re into makeup at all, you’ve heard how good this stuff is.

Bronze and Highlight

I love looking like I just came home from vacation, so naturally, I have to use two bronzers. One just isn’t enough! First, I go in with the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow to contour and powder highlight. Then, I go in with my favorite bronzer of all time, the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in the shade Give Me Sun. This product does just that—gives you sun and makes you look like you came straight from the beach!

Eyes

All I do for eyes is use the Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow in the shade Bad to the Bronze. I use my finger to blend it all over my eyelid. It’s the easiest eyeshadow look ever and gives such a gorgeous all over bronze and shiny glow. How many times can I say bronze and glow? A lot, apparently.

Finally, I use the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara mascara and the NARS Brow Perfecter.

What is your favorite product to use that gives you a bronzed glow? Let me know in a comment below!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Denim on Repeat

Denim is so hot right now and I am loving it. Who wouldn’t want to wear denim head-to-toe? Count me in! With the many washes and colors of denim is it easy to pair two denim pieces together without looking like Brittany Spears and Justin Timberlake circa 2001.

I love denim because of its versatility. In college, versatility is key as you have to be strategic about the pieces you choose to buy. The college budget is real. Selecting a couple key denim items to add to your wardrobe is a great investment because those pieces will soon become staples in your closet and you will reach for them constantly. Trust me, I could sleep in this denim skirt.

The two denim items I think everyone needs is a denim jacket and a denim skirt. For summer, these pieces will become favorites. Right now I’m loving distressed denim, especially on jackets. A relaxed fit, ripped denim jacket is the ultimate “cool girl” essential. Throw it on over a band T-shirt and you are instantly on trend. So simple, easy, and stylish!

No outfit is complete without shoes, let’s be real. And these shoes cannot go unnoticed. I mean, I drool over these. Studs and block heels are so in right now and they pair perfectly with denim. These shoes could go from day to night with a quick top change. Run to the mall then out to dinner in these and the compliments will keep coming.

Denim is always a good decision. Find a couple denim pieces that you absolutely love and make them a staple in your closet. I guarantee they will become some of your go-to’s.

STYLE ADVICE: Closet Staples

There’s some clothing pieces that you just need in your wardrobe. These pieces stay in style year to year, and will be worth investing in to have stick around in your closet. Versatility is huge for me as a college student who can’t buy new clothing every week, so I look to staple pieces that can be wore in a variety of ways, such as items that can be dressed up for a night out, or dressed down to run to class.

Styling the pieces differently is the way you can fit the piece into a current trend. Season to season, there’s always those few items that you wear again and again, and here are four more that you should add to that list.

A chunky black sweater. I mean c’mon, who doesn’t want to wear this 24/7 and never take it off? It’s cozy, easy, and can look trendy buy adding just one other clothing item. Plus, you will always be able to wear that black sweater you have in your closet from season to season and year to year because it is that basic. Pick a sweater that you love the style, fit, material, and look of so that you don’t have 10 black sweaters and one that gets worn. Admit it, we’re all guilty.

I can’t say enough about leather vests. If you don’t have one, run, don’t walk to get yourself one. My leather vests are what I reach for when I’ve tried on 20 outfits and I “hate all my clothes” and “have nothing to wear.” Leather vests never fail to make you look chic and put together with minimal effort. I throw mine over dresses, chunky sweaters, printed blouses, you name it. Go get yourself one and it will soon become a part of your must-have pieces.

A good pair of jeans is essential in your wardrobe as a staple. Search until you find a pair that fits you like a pair of leggings that you never want to take off. Having a go-to pair of jeans that you actually like to wear will help you so much when dreading the thought of taking your sweats off for real pants. I like to go for a light wash denim that doesn’t have many rips or embellishments so that they are as versatile as can be.

The final staple item that you actually must have is a classic pair of black booties. And make sure it’s a pair that you can wear all day from class, to coffee with friends, to work, and then to go out with the girls. The day I found my perfect black booties, I wore them literally everyday after that. They were that comfortable and made my sweatshirt and leggings groutfit look semi-acceptable.

Find these items, and make sure they are items that you love wearing. You will reach for them and thank them every time you’re having a wardrobe meltdown.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Chokers and Ripped Jeans

Chokers have continued to stay trendy, and I love to see the new ways people are styling them and the new designs that we are seeing! There really is a choker for everyone now. Chokers feel a little edgy, so styling distressed jeans along with them is a cool way to complement an outfit. Ripped jeans are something I will always love, they never seem to go out of style.

This Fashionista took the distressed denim trend, along with the choker trend, and made in into an easy, effortless look. The denim jacket is what I love most about this outfit! Throwing denim in with an all black outfit looks so edgy and on trend. This is a perfect outfit to throw on for a day out shopping or coffee date. The black booties bring the outfit full circle, and reassure that laid-back, cool girl vibe. You could also throw on some Adidas or any pair or sneakers to make this look more casual.

Don’t be afraid to layer chokers with other necklaces! It can add so much to your look. This Fashionista put on a longer necklace in addition to her choker. It just brings a little extra detail to the look. Also, this look would be fab with an oversized distressed denim jacket, to bring a more grungy feel to the outfit.

Make it your own! It’s so fun to see what other Fashionistas are wearing, and then taking that style and coordinating it with your personal style! I love to take ideas from what I see on the street, and then tweak it to fit me and what I like.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Oversized Sweaters

Fall is finally here! YAY! Sweaters are my go-to in the fall because they are so versatile! With the change of your bottoms and shoes you can go from day to night in two simple steps. Sweaters can be worn in so many ways whether you’re going to class or to dinner with the girls. And they are the most comfiest piece of clothing ever!! And of course that’s a huge plus.

I love the look of chunky, oversized sweaters paired with a slimmer bottom. This chunky black sweater looks so trendy paired with a light wash denim skirt. It is such an effortless look but it makes you look so chic. Denim skirts are such a great staple to have in your wardrobe. I reach for mine way more than I thought I would! They can be worn through many seasons as well, as long as you pair them correctly with outfits. The chunky heel trend is something I’ve currently been dying over. I’m obsessed! These booties can be worn with almost anything. Jeans, a dress, a skirt, pants—you name it. Finding a good pair of black booties that you like is essential for fall. I guarantee you’ll be reaching for them all season.

This is such an easy outfit to throw on and wear out for any occasion. Not feeling like wearing heels? Thrown on some flat boots and your set! It’s that easy. Next time you feel like throwing on leggings, think again! Making one small change and wearing a skirt or dress underneath will make all the difference. Turn your look from boring to fab in one simple change!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Sweater Weather

It’s fall y’all! And you know what that means….SWEATERS! Fall is my favorite time of year, but the best part of it is fall fashion. I just can’t get enough! Sweaters, boots, scarves, you name it. I’m obsessed.

I love the versatility with sweaters and that you can dress them up or down depending on what you’re doing! In this outfit, she is styled up a little, but still remaining casual. I’m in love with over-the-knee boots and they pair perfectly with an oversized sweater. I love the dimension of the outfit with a skirt, but you could rock jeans instead if that’s more your style!

Suede is so in for fall and I’m loving it! Suede can be used in almost any piece of clothing. In this outfit, the clutch, choker, boots and skirt are all suede! It gives the outfit a smoother vibe. These boots are so versatile and you can wear them in so many ways. Throw on a pair of jeans, or even shorts and they would still look amaze.

I’ve been loving statement rings and I throw them on with almost any outfit! It just adds so much. I love this bold black ring paired with the wrap bracelet. It’s only two pieces, but it brings in the details of the look. I’ve also been loving chokers, and I literally do wear them with everything. I made this choker just by wrapping suede rope around to get it to look like this. This is such an easy DIY and you can change up the style of the choker however you want! Accessories are a great way to dress your look up or down, and they really make a difference!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Sneaker Frenzy

Can we just talk about sneakers for a moment? I can’t get enough! Each day I see a new pair to swoon over. I just can’t help it, I’m sort of obsessed. Sneakers are the ultimate guide to a comfortable, practical outfit that still looks chic. You can go from the subway to lunch and back in these without suffering a bit. This look features a way to rock some sneakers for a casual, laid-back look. Perfect for grabbing coffee with a friend, running errands or just hangin’ out.

Pairing soft blue colors with denim is another trend I love. This blue tube top paired with these denim distressed jeans creates the perfect mix. Naturally, I added a choker because I just can’t help it. The choker obsession is real. This choker is a suede rope that I wrapped around twice and tied in the back. Extremely easy way to DIY your own choker! Minimal accessories for this kind of look is essential. You don’t want to overwhelm the outfit. Let it speak for itself! This is a laid back, “I got ready in five minutes,” kind of look. Own it girl!

Sneakers are so versatile and can seriously be worn with anything, even dresses. Try it yourself! Reach for your trendy sneakers next time you’re throwing on an outfit and see what you come up with! As fall comes around the corner, throw an oversized chunky sweater on with some jeans and you’re set. Easy, comfy and chic. What more could you ask for? Leather jackets also pair nicely with denim and sneakers for an edgier look.

If you don’t have some already, go out and grab yourself a pair of sneakers that suit your style! Play around with them in your wardrobe and see what outfits you can create. Trust me, the options are limitless.

STYLE GURU BIO: Ellie Telander

Hi style lovers! I am so excited to be back as a Style Guru this semester! I am currently a sophomore attending the University of Missouri-Columbia! I am studying journalism with a minor in textile and apparel management in hopes of working in the fashion magazine industry. I love absolutely everything about fashion magazines and they inspire me and my style choices daily.

Naturally, I gravitate towards black, my color of choice. You’ll see the ways I like to style black clothing in my everyday life! I just can’t get away from it. I love it! My go to look of the moment is an off-the-shoulder top, leather skirt and a choker! I’m obsessed with off-the-shoulder tops and chokers right now, how couldn’t you be? I love to stay with the trends and try them out for myself! I’m constantly reading up on blogs and searching for the latest must-haves.

You can find me online shopping, drinking coffee and dreaming of the next time I will travel. New York City has my heart and I hope to end up there after college! The city is my favorite place to be, as I’m always so inspired by the many different kinds of people I see. The hustle and bustle of a city is so exciting to me.

I am looking forward to this semester as a Style Guru! Fall is my favorite season for fashion so I can’t wait to show you my latest finds! Find me on social media and follow along with me as I continue the fun at CollegeFashionista!

WHAT TO WEAR: Girl’s Night Out

Who doesn’t love a girl’s night out?! For me, it’s one of my favorite things to do with my girl gang. Nothing’s better than trying out new trendy restaurants with your besties all while catching up with each other! But the best part, of course, is getting ready for it all! This is chance to your wear your latest additions to your closet and get to take some cute pictures with your girls!

All black everything works for any occasion if you ask me, but it is perfect for a GNO. This outfit adds some grey to soften it up, but still sticks with a darker color palette to keep the look edgy. Accessorizing when wearing a simple outfit is essential. Adding a statement ring, a wrap bracelet and some bangles make such an impact on the look. Finish the look off with a fringe clutch and you’re set!

Staying cool in the summer can be a challenge with leather, so keeping the look sleeveless and wearing a mini skirt will keep you from being uncomfortable. Leather vests are a must in the summer! They are a perfect alternative to your favorite leather jacket that you can’t wear until fall. Chokers are everything right now, and this double layered leather choker is one my favorites at the moment. It ties the look together and gives it an edge.

One Simple Change: Want to take this look from night to day? Just swap the skirt for some black ripped jeans, and throw on a pair of slip-on sneakers! Now you’re ready to hop on a plane or hit the mall!