Finding the Right Guru for You

Are you looking to improve certain areas of your life but just don’t know how? Summer is ending, school is starting, and we’re all looking for ways to improve ourselves for the upcoming year. Whether it be makeup, fitness, beauty, or food, there are an endless amount of gurus to give information and encouragement. When setting new goals, I realized I had so many lifestyle improvements I wanted to make but I had no idea how to make them happen… that is, until I found gurus in each aspect that helped turn my goals into a reality.

Makeup is something that a lot of individuals aspire to be great at.

People think it’s a quick and simple skill that has no artistry but they’re wrong! After realizing I had no clue what to do when it came to makeup, I went to YouTube for inspiration and found some of the best gurus out there. Jaclyn Hill sparked my true passion for makeup. She’s an amazing makeup artist who creates videos on all aspects of makeup. With over 4 million subscribers, she has collaborated with big-time makeup brands to create some of her own products such as the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe eyeshadow palette and the Champagne Pop highlighter with Becca Cosmetics.

Aside from makeup, “beauty” includes many sub-areas.

These areas include clothing, hair, skin, and even décor. Another guru I came across was Alexandrea Garza. She started her channel in 2010 and now has over 700,000 subscribers. Alexandrea creates videos that will help you keep up with the latest trends in fashion. She shares where she finds some of her best pieces, from designer items to local store brands. She also creates tutorials on hairstyles and different ways to manage and style hair, depending on your hair type. Lastly, she creates videos on the dos and dont’s of fashion to help people find the right style for them.

Fitness is a lifestyle aspect that many people struggle with.

It’s hard to do without the right information and people guiding you through the fitness journey. I chose to make my journey with gurus Karena and Katrina and their “Tone It Up” YouTube channel. They provide a wide range of informative and encouraging videos. They post daily workouts to give their followers variety and options when it comes to working out. They also follow up on nutrition and the best and worst foods to make or break your body.

Who inspires you to live your best life? Share on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

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The Truth About Stripes

Over the years, stripes have been one of the most controversial topics in the fashion community. Some critics say that they make the female body appear larger, others say that the right kind of stripes can be extremely flattering on the fem-figure, with the ability to create a flawless shape. This debate has led to many women steering clear from all stripes for fear they will make them look larger than they are. But who’s to tell us that horizontal or vertical stripes can’t make us look our best?

Recently, stripes have made a huge comeback. Thick, thin, horizontal, and vertical stripes are all seeing a significant reappearance. Many different fashion companies, ranging from high fashion to local retailers, are releasing new lines of striped clothing. Versace and Louis Vuitton recently released new summer lines with striped pieces. Local retailers such as Windsor, Charlotte Russe, and Express have also focused on incorporating a variety of striped attire to create a casual and appealing look. The progression of the trend has given both men and women the ability to create looks ranging from business casual to sexy, preppy, and even punk.

Finding the right stripe style for you can be difficult, but once you do, it can take your style to a new level. The effect of stripes depends on your body type and the shape of the stripe. Horizontal stripes create an unbroken line, which makes for a continuous shape. Verticals, on the other hand, create contrasting views between the black and white, which can distort the visual appearance of the body. This doesn’t mean that vertical stripes can’t be worn to make a desirable shape; it’s important to find the right thickness and spacing between the stripes that compliment your body.

There are endless options for striped clothing. Almost every fashion company releases items that will fit your style and body type. Personally, I find a variety of chic pieces at companies like Windsor. They sell a striped clothing line that has extreme variations between stripe size, color, and style. I’ve found numerous pieces suitable for my body type and created several different looks. Never listen to those who say stripes aren’t for you, find your stripe and rock it!

What tips do you have for those looking to find the right stripe? Show me your favorite striped looks on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Summer is here! It’s time to put away the sweaters and jackets and bring out the tanks and shorts. As we dive into the season, I always make it my goal to find the most fashionable pieces for the most affordable price. It can definitely be difficult to keep up with the hefty prices that retailers are putting on their products, so here ere are some tips on what you can do to keep the prices low and the quality high!

  • Find your style.
    Finding your style is key to maintaining an affordable collection whether it be clothes, makeup, etc. Are you the kind of person who wants to spend $100 or more on a couple of T-shirts…or $25 for similar items? Either style preference is fine, but I prefer to spend less and still find amazing items. It is possible to have a high-end, expensive taste while wearing affordable pieces and products.

 

  • Choose a store.
    When trying to shop on a low budget, there is an endless variety of stores to choose from. Thrift stores such as Goodwill are perfect to find vintage and chic clothing items. If that is not your style, try stores such as Plato’s Closet, which have in-style and season-appropriate clothing for the best prices. As far as makeup, it is not necessary that every product comes from stores like Sephora or Ulta. Drugstore makeup has improved and is giving high-end brands a run for their money.

 

  • Realizing your true value.
    This is the most important thing to do when finding your true style and how you want to present yourself. Often times we want the newest and most popular items. Why spend more and get less when you could spend less and get more? People assume that shopping at low-cost stores decreases the value of a fashion piece. Value does not always have to come with a price tag; value is determined by what makes you feel the best, regardless of the money spent.

As a college student, I am always shopping on a tight budget. Finding bargain stores makes it so easy to achieve a flawless wardrobe for half the price. Personally, Plato’s Closet is my go-to store—I can find anything and everything there! In one trip, I purchased a floral orange tie top (perfect for the summer) and a black, layered maxi skirt for only $15 all-together. There are so many opportunities to get the most out of your money, you just have to know where to find the best deals.

Finding your style, choosing your favorite stores, and realizing your true value are great tips to finding your perfect fashion style!

What do you do to find the best deals and bargains to save money? Comment below and let me know! Or show me your finds on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!