GennyRojewski – CollegeFashionista

The Perfect Bronzed Summer Makeup Look

When I think of summer makeup, three words come to mind: fresh, glowy, and bronzed. For my 20th birthday, my best friends got me something all aspiring makeup gurus want—the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. Since then, I’ve been creating makeup looks for day and night. After lots of trial and error, I think I’ve finally come up with the perfect, bronzed, summer makeup look.

A fresh, dewy face is very popular during the summer months. Around this time last year, I was looking for a long lasting foundation from the drugstore. After reading multiple reviews, I finally found my holy grail foundation. For the past year, I’ve been using the Revlon Colorstay foundation. This foundation is long lasting and gives my skin a natural glow. Although advertised as full coverage, I find it is very lightweight on the skin making it perfect for summer.

Bronzer is crucial to any summer makeup look, especially when you get an unsuspecting tan, and you don’t have a dark enough foundation color. My favorite bronzer to use is the Rimmel Natural Bronzer in the shade, Sun Shine. Personally, I prefer to use a bronzer that has little to no sparkle (I like to save the sparkle for my highlighter).

As for my eye look, I used a handful of colors from the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have the palette to recreate this look. The drugstore has lots of close alternatives that match the colors in the Urban Decay palette. For this look specifically, I mixed Foxy and Bootycall for my base shadow. Next, I applied Tease in my crease to add definition. On the outer corner, I placed Busted to give the look more depth. To get that bronzed goddess look I mixed together Chopper and YDK and applied it to the center of the lid. The final step is to blend it all out. My favorite blending brush is from Real Techniques and it has been a lifesaver. To finish off the entire eye look, I added a light touch of black eyeliner and a few swipes of mascara.

No makeup look is complete without blush and a highlight. A few months ago, I walked into Ulta searching for a replacement for my Physician’s Formula highlighter. I ended up purchasing the Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in the shade Radiant Lights. I add this to my cheekbones, nose, brow bone, and cupids bow.

Until next time, you can find me rocking this summer look, trying to convince my friends to let me do their makeup.

What’s your favorite summer makeup product? Let us know in the comments below!

4 Must-Have Pool Day Essentials You’ll Need This Summer

Since I was young, I have always wanted a pool in my backyard. But, despite my never-ending pleas, I have yet to convince my dad. So until I get one, I pack up my bag and head to my friend’s pool. After years of having pool days, I have come up with a few key essentials to have the best pool day.

Sunburn is not cool, ladies. I’ll be the first one to admit that I feel more confident with a little bit of a tan. But, getting sunburnt is not the way to achieve the bronzed goddess look. Sunscreen is my number one pool and summer essential. I make it a note to always use SPF 30 or higher when I go outside. Contrary to popular belief, you can still get a nice summer tan while wearing sunscreen.

Those sweltering summer days can dehydrate a person pretty quickly, which makes water my next essential. One of my favorite things to drink in the summer is fruit infused water. I’ve tried strawberry, cucumber, and lemon, but there are a bunch of flavors to try. When I’m headed to the pool I always make sure to pour my water into an insulated water bottle. There are so many cute summer themed water bottles in the stores at the moment, it’s hard not to find one you like.

A cute pair of sunglasses is a must for any pool day. Sunglasses are important for the obvious reason of blocking out the sun, but they can also serve as a lifesaver in some situations. For example, they’re perfect for when your friends want to have an impromptu photo shoot and you forgot to wear waterproof mascara to the pool. That has happened to you, right? No? Just me? Okay, well this is awkward. Nevertheless, sunglasses serve a useful purpose and can complete any pool day look.

What’s a pool day without some good tunes? Music is by far my favorite pool day essential. Spotify is my go-to place for some amazing summer playlists. I tried Spotify premium last summer; in my opinion, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Until next time, you can find me lounging on a pool float, drinking my fruit infused water, still trying to convince my dad to get a pool.

What’s your favorite pool day essential? Let us know in the comments below!

4 Tips to Avoid Overpacking

The first step to dealing with a problem is admitting you have one. So here it is: I am a chronic overpacker. I’ve been on countless vacations and have yet to learn my lesson. But, in my defense, sometimes a girl needs five pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway, just to have options. I used to find packing for vacation a daunting task, especially when I have the tendency to overpack, but I’ve discovered a few tips that make the packing process easier.

My first tip is to write a checklist. This will help narrow down the essentials and ensure that you don’t forget anything. Having trouble deciding what to bring? The Internet is a great source to look up vacation lists. I often find myself checking Internet lists first before tailoring my own to fit my closet. Plus, lists on the Internet sometimes include items you may have forgotten. Having a list helps me keep track of everything that goes into my bag and helps me resist the urge to throw in a few extra items that if they aren’t on my list.

My next tip goes hand in hand with your packing list. I find it very helpful to plan outfits ahead of time. Take the time to look up the weather and figure out what you will be doing each day. Once you do your research, you can modify your vacation wardrobe accordingly. Having planned outfits for each day will cut down on the amount of extra clothing you bring.

My third tip is to invest in a toiletries travel bag. I finally got around to purchasing one last year, and it has made a huge difference. Before I purchased this one from T.J. Maxx, I used to just throw my toiletries into plastic bags and call it a day. By using plastic bags, I could bring every face wash or shampoo I owned for vacation. But, with a travel bag, I can make sure I bring just my essentials. The bag itself comes with a hook at the top making it easy to hang the bag in the bathroom, keeping everything more organized.

My final tip is, in my opinion, the most helpful. In the past, I used to waste time trying to cram everything into my suitcase. I would sit on my suitcase, sometimes praying in vain that I would be able to get the zipper closed. But I have since discovered a technique that has changed my packing routine. Instead of folding my clothes, I roll them up. By rolling them, I found that I am able to fit more things in my suitcase, and I have noticed that rolling my clothes helps decrease the number of wrinkles they get.

Until next time, you can find me dragging my overpacked suitcase into the airport because let’s face it, I still need those extra five pairs of shoes.

Where are you traveling this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

STYLE ADVICE: Cheetah Girl

With the academic year winding down, it’s time to start preparing our wardrobes for the summer internship season. Whether your workplace has a business professional or casual dress code, I think we can all agree it’s important to look cute everyday. A simple way to change your everyday work wear is to mix prints. This Fashionista’s outfit shows just how effortlessly mixing prints can be.

The key to mixing prints is to make sure all of your prints share the same color scheme. The fastest way to have a fashion flop is by mixing too many prints with too many colors. The goal is one cohesive look not a mix of five different ones. This Fashionista for example kept it simple with a neutral color scheme with the colors black, tan, and white.

Her striped shirt is originally from Mango, but was purchased at Buffalo Exchange. The quarter length sleeves are perfect for those times when the office gets a little chilly. Black dress pants are a must for any internship.This Fashionista’s pair, purchased from Target, fits her perfectly.

Some internships have you running circles around the office for hours. And while a cute pair of heels sounds like a good idea in the morning, your feet will not be happy with you by the time 5 o’clock rolls around. This Fashionista made the smart choice and opted for a pair of flats for her workday outfit.

Cheetah printed flats have become a staple piece in a lot of people’s wardrobes. It is so easy to dress them up or dress them down. Plus, they look fierce no matter what. You can find cheetah flats almost anywhere at almost every price. These flats were purchased at Target for only $5. In this look this Fashionista’s patterned flats mix perfectly with her striped shirt. The black stripes of the shirt tie in the black from the patterned flats nicely.

When you’re mixing prints it’s sometimes best to let the clothes speak and have the accessories take a back seat. This Fashionista kept it simple by adding a pair of pearl earrings and a silver chain-linked necklace from H&M. To add a fun pop of color for spring, this Fashionista applied her favorite bright pink lipstick from CoverGirl.

Until next time you can find me strutting into the office rocking a pair of cheetah flats ready to take on the work day.

STYLE ADVICE: Best of Both Worlds

Spring weather is finally upon us in Happy Valley, and that means it’s time to pack away those parkas. Personally, I find dressing for this in-between weather the hardest. The mornings are chilly, but then the sun comes out to warm everything up. This Fashionista had no trouble dressing for the day. In my opinion, her outfit is the perfect spring transition look.

The statement piece of this Fashionista’s look is her neutral colored Timberlands. I personally find Timberlands somewhat hard to style, but this Fashionista did an effortless job. Despite their masculine appearance, this Fashionista manages to balances them out by pairing a simple white sweater and olive vest.

In my opinion, vests are the perfect clothing piece for college especially during this transition period from winter to spring. I purchased my own during my freshmen year of college and it is by far the most worn thing in my closet. This Fashioninsta’s vest was purchased on sale from Sears. The vest itself has a very feminine cut, which contrasts nicely with her boots.

Accessories can add so much to a look like this. One of my favorites from this Fashionista’s outfit is her purse. This Michael Kors bag is so simple, but adds a nice touch to the look. The neutral tones complement the rest of her outfit and the purse itself is the perfect size to fit her phone and wallet.

Keeping with the feminine look on top, this Fashionista added a neutral statement necklace from Francesca’s. The necklace gives the look a preppy vibe and complements the sweater as well as the vest. Her last accessory to complete her look is a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Until next time, you can find me sporting my own vest and Timberlands, while also hoping I don’t run into this Fashionista because I’m definitely stealing her look.

STYLE ADVICE: No Boyfriend, No Problem

Boyfriend jeans have been all the rage for the past couple of seasons. The best thing about them is that you can style them in a million different ways. You could dress them up by adding a chiffon tank and a pair of strappy heels or you could dress them down by throwing on an oversize T-shirt and a pair of sneakers. This Fashionista creates a happy medium of dressy casual with her look.

Her boyfriend jeans from Levi Brand Jeans are the perfect pair for her. They have just the right amount of distressing to them. Sometimes jeans will either have too much distressing or barely any, making these as great find. Her jeans also have a slight acid wash appearance to them giving them a cool urban vibe.

She paired her jeans with a gray and white striped turtleneck from French Connections. Over the past couple of years turtlenecks have regained their popularity. I remember when I was growing up my mother would always have turtlenecks for my sisters and I to wear, but I always found them to be way too uncomfortable. Nowadays, I can’t get enough of them and I’m probably going to buy more.

Over her sweater she added an army green military jacket that she bought at a thrift store. The jacket adds warmth as well as another color to the look. Another piece that is definitely on trend right now are thin scarfs. This Fashionista’s effortless gray wool scarf adds interest and a simple layer to her look.

It seems like almost everyone has a pair of white Superstar Adidas. This Fashionista decided to switch it up and go for a pair of black Campus Adidas sneakers, because the shoes are black they don’t draw attention to them like a pair of white ones would. Instead, they complement the look and keep the focal point on the jeans.

And now, last but not least, the jewelry: this Fashionista’s earrings drew my attention right away. Her double hoops, both pairs from H&M, give an interesting twist to the look.

Until next time, you can find me sporting my own pair boyfriend jeans swiping through Tinder to find an actual boyfriend!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Beige Baby

Picture this, it’s Friday morning and you woke up late for class once again. You’re rifling through your closet to find something, anything, to wear. Then you see it, your ultra soft oversized cardigan. It’s the perfect thing to wear when you want to be comfortable and stylish.

Spotted on the steps of Old Main this Fashionista is killing the casual Friday game. Her long oversize cardigan is what initially caught my eye. I’ve been looking all over for the perfect one, and I think I might have to buy this one from her.

Cozy oversized cardigans are a must for the winter season. They keep you warm while also keeping your style game on point. This Fashionista’s cozy cardigan from American Eagle keeps her looking warm and stylish for a day of classes. She kept the focus on the cardigan by pairing it with a basic white shirt underneath. The knitted designs on the actual cardigan help give interest to the otherwise simple outfit.

Like I always say, no outfit is complete without a little jewelry. This Fashionista chose to layer three gold necklaces. She also threw on her favorite pearl and crystal earrings to finish the look off.

This Fashionista topped off her simple Friday outfit by adding a pair of booties. A good pair of booties can totally transform an outfit. And, to be honest I just feel like I can rule the world when I have a little bit of a heel. These booties in particular, by the brand Mix No. 6, complement her sweater and the neutral colors giver her look a laid back style. Paired with her distressed blue jeans, this Fashionista looks like she walked out of a photo shoot for American Eagle.

Until next time you can find me scouring the rack trying to find my own perfect cardigan.

STYLE GURU STYLE: Shoulders and Stripes

One of my all-time favorite fashion icons is Lauren Conrad. Her outfits are feminine, classic, and laid-back. Today I felt like channeling my inner LC with a flowy top paired my favorite pair of jeans and booties.

Like I mentioned in my last article, I’ve been loving the cold shoulder trend. My go-to place for these tops is T.J.Maxx, which is where I purchased the one above. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not that big of a fan of stripes (I prefer to wear solids). But this top is a game changer. The exposed shoulders and simple black and white strips give it a “classy with a twist” vibe that I absolutely adore!

I love my neutrals just as much as the next girl. I found these sweet beige booties at Primark for just 11 dollars! They are such a versatile piece that completes any look. Another plus to these booties is the heel height. One of my fashion pet peeves is buying a cute pair of booties only to then discover the heel is too uncomfortable to wear everyday. But the heel on these booties is just high enough to make me feel stylish and stay comfortable.

My outfits never feel complete until I add some jewelry. In this look I paired a simple necklace with an engraved “G” (surprisingly not many places sell things with “G’s” on them) as well as my go-to ring.

Until next time, you can find me channeling my inner LC by blasting Natasha Bedingfield in my Toyota 4Runner with all the windows down.

STYLE GURU BIO: Genny Rojewski

Hello all you beautiful Fashionistas/os! My name is Genny Rojewski and I am so excited to be a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista this semester. I am currently a sophomore at Penn State University where I am planning on majoring in public relations. Ever since I was little, I’ve always known I wanted to do something with fashion when I was older. I started to make my dream a reality in high school when I was able to take courses on clothing, textiles, and fashion merchandising. In these classes I learned everything from today’s fast fashion industry to distinct fashion trends of the past. In the midst of learning all these new things, we also learned how to sew. Our final project in the class was to sew and style an outfit to wear at our annual fashion show. Now in college, I am a member of the social media team for the Fashion Society of Penn State. As a member of the group, I help create and publish posts for all our social media sites.

It’s hard to pick one or two adjectives to describe my personal style. My outfits are usually a reflection of my mood that day. When I’m feeling fun and flirty, I’ll throw on a dress with a playful pattern. When I’m feeling mature and modern, I’ll grab my favorite pair of black booties. And when I’m feeling a little stressed out and tired, I’ll dig out my beloved sweatshirts.

In my opinion, jewelry is one of the best/fastest ways to make a dull outfit more styled and put together. Ever since they started popping up in my favorite stores, I’ve been loving these boho inspired coin necklaces. The one pictured above is from Forever 21 and it is by far my new favorite. The layered appearance of the necklace helps give dimension and interest to my plain gray sweater. Although I’m a little late to jump on the bandwagon, I’ve recently been obsessed with cold shoulder tops. I am aware it is the middle of winter and buying a sweater with giant cuts on the sleeves is kind of hard to justify. But, this sweater from T.J Maxx is by far the softest sweater I’ve felt, and it would have been a fashion sin if I didn’t buy it. If I could give anyone one piece of fashion advice though, it would be to buy a pair of good black jeans. I have gone years without having a pair and I finally picked up this high-waisted pair from American Eagle. They have changed my life.

I cannot wait to see where this fashion journey takes me and I am so excited to share it with all of you!