Author: HannahClarke

5 Ways to Ensure You Are Work-Ready

Sitting on the couch, flipping through the latest Vogue, and sipping on tea seems most pleasant for a lifetime ahead. But, there comes a point in life when reality sets in stone and things get oh-so-serious. September is a month of reflection and transition. Reflecting on the joys of summertime but pondering in thought about your career. Well, if you’re sitting there twiddling your thumbs and worried about how to tackle this next chapter of your life, here are five of the best ways to ensure you’re work-ready and be more than ready to apply, interview, and succeed with confidence!

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Appearance is everything

An initial impression is everything. The way you present yourself will show a lot to your employer. Be sure you know what the dress code is and whether it’s smart casual or professional attire. A statement piece for every wardrobe is a tuxedo blazer. You can pair this with anything, whether it’s with a pair of jeans and boots or with a pair of tailored slim pants, a classic heel, and a white shirt with a collar.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

2—Have your résumé up to scratch

A professional résumé is essential. This is what you will give the employer when applying for the job, so an engaging summary, proof of expertise, education highlights, and relevant past experience must be listed on your résumé. A cover letter is always a great thing to have as well, so you can target the job and employer in a very specific way, outlining that the job is attractive to you and why. Get creative and stand out. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.

3—Organization is key

The key to staying organized is having a good diary or planner. Whether you’re old school or tech-savvy, this should be your go-to bible. Make checklists, write down what you need to do for the week, and take note of important dates, ideas, and thoughts. This will guarantee that you will not miss or forget a thing.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

4—Don’t forget about time management

Plan wisely before any interview. Plan your outfits, your work schedule, your departure times, and your alarms. Having a good grasp of time will help you make conscious choices, enabling you to work smarter even when time is tight and the pressure is high. Have a watch on every day. Not only can you look stylish with a rad watch, but you will never be late.

5—Be prepared for anything

In any interview, questions are going to be posed to you, so you may as well be one step ahead of the team. Research, read, repeat. It’s so important to be confident in your answers, and, above all, be you.

Comment below any helpful ways to get ready for your next career move, whether it be a dream internship or job aspiration. What is an essential way for you to be work-ready?

5 Healthy Habits to Swear By

It seems the trend of walking around in exercise gear on a day-to-day basis is yet to fade away. Some say it’s a look women uphold to pretend they are doing exercise when they’re really not. But if this means ladies are feeling comfortable in their skin, then bring on the Lululemon leggings! Keeping fit and feeling good is hard because everyone has different healthy habits that work for them. This Fashionista not only rocks her matching workout clothing, but she also shows off five of her favorite ways to keep in shape.

1—Regular exercise. Boxing, yoga, running, or weights—any form of exercise is good exercise. Factoring in at least 30 minutes of some sort of physical exercise a day will not only make you look better and feel better, but you’ll find yourself in a happier mindset. Mixing up your workouts each day is always a great way to keep you interested.

2—“Me” time. Eat, sleep, workout, repeat—the cycle is never-ending. With busy schedules at college, we can often forget to do things for ourselves. This Fashionista’s favorite thing to do is to take a few minutes each day to meditate, allowing her to clear her head from the load of work she has to complete and any other stresses in her life. Find what works best for you to clear the waters. Even just a few minutes each day can make all the difference to your overall well-being and happiness.

3—A balanced diet. The constant fads and diets that people come up with can be thrown out the window, according to this Fashionista. Listening to your body is the key. If you feel like a little sugar, this probably means your body needs some to keep you going, but this doesn’t mean go and eat a whole packet of lollipops. It’s all about balance, and a green smoothie is a great way to get those natural sugars, vitamins, and sources of vegetables and fruits blended together.

4—Comfortable and stylish workout gear. This Fashionista finds that when you wear a cute matching set or comfortable sports gear, she finds herself feeling confident in her natural, beautiful skin. Like any outfit, if it looks good you will feel good. Her patterned, fun leggings and crop top from Lulemon go hand in hand and are partnered with her Adidas Sneakers and Nike Hoodie for when she is going for a walk in the park.

5—Stay hydrated. The recommended daily water intake is about two liters—this isn’t as much as you think! If you carry a water bottle with you, you will find yourself drinking more without even realizing you are. You will never see this Fashionista without a bottle in hand.

Post your favorite exercise outfit and healthy habits on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

Doughnut Miss This New Social Media Trend

The doughnut craze seems to be drowning social media and the streets of our world.  Instagram posts, Snapchat snaps, tweets, and never-ending queues outside stores— doughnuts are taking over! Whether cinnamon jam, Nutella-filled, Oreo-glazed or covered in M&M’s, it seems people all over the world just can’t get enough of these epic creations.

This Fashionista, dressed comfortably in her rad look, found herself immersed in the addictive case of doughnuts. The infamous shop in Melbourne, Australia, Doughnut Time, is the perfect treat to accompany your everyday coffee on the way to school, one hand for each. Each week the flavors change, pleasing all dietary requirements. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free, they have you covered. You will be sure not to get sick of them on your daily journey to school. In her cropped slim-fit trousers, oversize sweater, old school Vans, and an awesome black cap, this Fashionista definitely fits into the trendy equation.

Always on the hunt for a good doughnut, she enjoys her daily dose of the glazed beauties, this one being the “Fairy Godmother” with vegan cheese frosting. Not only did the rainbow color of the doughnut make her whole outfit look even more sensational by complementing the red sweater she wears, but so did her beautiful, accessorized hands of assorted rings, holding up the item that represents love at first bite. It appears these fluffy wonders are so photogenic, doughnuts have well and truly taken to social media—it is almost as if they’re designed for photos.

If you haven’t tried one of these magical creations, next time you’re on your way home from school, be sure to stop by one—they’re almost on every corner these days.

It’s a social craze, so post your favorite doughnut flavor with your outfit of the day to fit into the new trend, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

BEAUTY BAR: Be Bold in Bronze

Have you ever walked past someone and wished you could do your make up like them? Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you could do more than slapping on a bit of foundation and mascara? Well, it’s time to stop wishing and take action. If you take some tips from this gorgeous Fashionista, you’ll be sure to catch the eye of everyone as you walk down the street like it’s your runway.

Whether it’s for an everyday look, a hot date, or a night out with the girls, you can never go wrong with a beautiful bronzed look. A bronze smokey eye suits any skin tone and eye color, lifting the skin to may you glow and shimmer… it’s an all rounder for anyone and everyone.

To start off, it is essential that you prime your skin. The Hourglass primer is one that minimizes pores, redness and controls oils, so if you’re one to have oily skin, this is the primer is the one for you. It will make you glow, especially if you use a dewy foundation, this can be a lifesaver when you want your foundation to last all day and night. If you enjoy an illuminated look that moisturizes and nourishes the skin, then the Ellis Faas foundation is your go to. With SPF in it for ultimate protection in the sun to avoid freckles and wrinkles while also smoothing your skin it just takes a small pump and a thin layer on top of your primer.

It is all about what products you use, not necessarily how good you are at applying them. The Stila Soul Palette has all the bronze, brown and neutral tones you need. Pairing this with the Nars eyeshadow duo will brighten up the eye, especially if you are one with blue or green eyes, like this Fashionista, this allows for a gold bronze smokey eye to really stand out. To make it even bolder, finish your bronze eye with the volumizing mascara from By Terry, no more fake lashes or extensions ladies! It’s time to let your own lashes grow. Using three coats of this long-lasting waterproof mascara will give you just the same volume length and curl you love from fake lashes… it even activates lash growth! Pairing this natural bronzed look with a white blazer really brings out her eyes even more. Remember it is not only the make up look you go for but how you pair it with accessories and your outfit that will make it even more bold.

This Fashionista’s savior is her finishing powder from Hourglass. After applying the Nars Bronzer on the cheek bones, to complete her look and be sure it will stay looking fresh and glowing, she uses a finishing powder to set the foundation.  This maintains the radiance and recreates the amazing flattering light sources on your face.

Now you know how to make your face glow by using the right products, it’s time to put it to the test. You don’t need to go to make up school or watch a million tutorials to get that perfect bronzed application. Just be sure you have the right products for your skin type and skin tone and if you take on board these tips, you’ll be sure to have your make up on fleek everyday!

WHAT TO WEAR: Fur for Her

That summer heat on your face is a mere memory in the Southern Hemisphere. The cooler change has swept under our feet without us even knowing, and, most importantly, without our wardrobes “winter-ready.” In a time of seasonal change when you want to rock your everyday jeans and singlet combo but it’s a touch too cold to wear alone, there is one thing you can always rely on.

A fur jacket is the perfect blend of comfort and beauty. Fur is in the history of fashion. The many ways you can wear it exceed any satisfactory level. Fur turns up in every season and collection, whether it be in clothes, on throw pillows, earrings, key chains, heels, slides, luxe handbags, pom poms, scarves, purses… you get the point.

This Fashionista shows how this one piece can add a whole lot of warmth and style to an outfit—something that you can have and keep in your closet forever. On top of her raw-hem black jeans and mesh singlet top, she shows off how cozy she is in this black rabbit fur swing jacket. Just when you think that’s all the fur for her, this rad look is finished off with some beautiful pony hair loafers. Wearing fur is an individual choice, and while some may not agree, there are many faux fur jackets for a cheaper price that can give off the exact same look!

Rugged up in an all-black look, some may search for the color in her outfit. Her natural look starts with Ellis Faas foundation, which defines her complexion and skin. It is a more dewy foundation, meaning that it hydrates, smoothes, and leaves a naturally luminous finish rather than matte look. To brighten up the natural makeup look and the whole all-black outfit, this Fashionista wears a Bobbi Brown red lipstick to tie together the fierce fur look.

When you’re in doubt about what to wear during the confusing months of changing seasons, just remember you can always clear the blur with a touch of fur.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Adding is the Key

Dressing for a specific event can often be easier than for an everyday outfit. It can be challenging trying to find that medium between feeling comfortable and casual but also stylish and confident. I have recently discovered that it is the attention to detail, which is the key when trying to find what to wear on a day-to-day basis. While plain colors and lack of patterns are the easy escape route, your outfit has no life to it.

It’s time to sweat the small stuff. Stop saying less is more and start thinking the more the better! Sometimes over-accessorizing does work. Even adding a hint of detail makes you look and feel 10 times better, whether that means teaming your favorite striped skirt with some colorful accessories or a graphic print—that is all it takes.

This Fashionista was spotted behind campus in a popular lane of Melbourne’s inner Central Business District. Her attire was chic and daring. The base of the outfit starts with a black dress, nothing “oh so special,” until I saw the detailing on the back. It flattered her in all the right places. With a chained strap link on the back of the dress, this was more than just another little black dress. She embraced a Japanese graphic design bomber jacket with red lining on the inside of it. The touch of color and graphic print adds a fashionable element to the predominately black outfit. This eye-catching combination of the dress paired with the bomber jacket and leather ankle boots made her really stand out on campus. This Fashionista wasn’t afraid to be bold with her outfit choice. The most interesting and drawing detail of all is the beautifully crafted ankle boots. The cutout heel encased in shiny silver is a small yet effective feature of the whole outfit, adding that extra something instead another boring old black boot. Not only was the addition of three minor details the key to her stylish look but also an appropriate one to dress for all four seasons in one day.

So to all my Fashionistas out there, March calls for a month to forget the rules for a moment and have some fun with what’s in your wardrobe. Next time you go to wear another simply plain outfit that lacks detail, let this Fashionista inspire you and get creative. Take on board her tips with how to work an outfit detail—or two, or three, or more—into your next look!

STYLE ADVICE: Better in Black

Whoever said orange is the new black is clearly hung up in the year 2013 because this year, everything is better in black.

We have all made that New Year’s resolution to ourselves at least once before: to steer away from black and buy more color. But every time we find ourselves falling into old habits, purchasing another pair of black pants, a third little black dress, and a 10th black bag because who are we kidding, we can never have enough black.

While many think black is boring, bland, and blunt, and we get shamed for wearing it time after time, this is not the case—well at least not in my books. Let me tell you why. Black is versatile. It is bold. It goes with everything. It is long lasting. It is slimming. It is chic. It is simple and easy to accessorize.

I spotted this Fashionista in her simple day-to-day outfit wearing Rag & Bone black jeans, a black Comme des Garçons round neck T-shirt and a pair of Adidas sneakers—a style I definitely wouldn’t label dull. Her natural makeup choice perfectly suited the overall appearance, as nothing was too heavy for the all-black outfit and her hair simply flowed over her shoulders to complete her natural beauty. This Fashionista added some simple but powerful touches of detail to her all-black get up to take it to a new level, including a burgundy studded crossbody bag paired with a double gold necklace (a choker and a chain) and round Ray-Ban sunglasses. With the touch of these small details, like the widened leg of the jeans, this Fashionista looks so chic as she flares up her look with effortless detail.

So the next time you think black on black is too boring, think twice and let this rad Fashionista inspire your style to accessorize and walk confidently in your all black everything.

Twenty-seventeen is the year black is the NEW black.

WHAT TO WEAR: Be Wise With Oversize

School break season—the best season, am I right? It brings out our inner style when our relaxed attitude from lounging around in tracksuits and oversize clothing brightens our mood before another chaotic semester. So, when it’s time to finally escape the Netflix and chill scenario and your bed hair, I’ve got the perfect outfit of comfort and style for you.

We’re all bound to have an oversized shirt floating around in our wardrobe, whether it’s an old school uniform, your dad’s old shirt, or one your mom gave you for your first job interview. I’m sure you have one tucked away in the back of your cupboard, forgetting that it exists until it’s time to get it out for your next waitressing job—well at least I do. Little do you know, they are good for a lot more than you think; this one piece of clothing can leave us with endless outfits, making you a watched Fashionista on campus.

This Fashionista spotted in a Melbourne street nearby campus wears an oversized white shirt dress, with an inspired Moschino print on the back of it. The length of the sleeves can alter the style completely; a longer sleeve offers a neat look while a rolled-up sleeve creates a more unfinished look. To glam up this frock, she simply wears a chauffeur cap and metallic silver sneakers, which makes this an A-list outfit for a holiday gathering, first day back on campus, or a day in the sweltering heat.

The right pair of shoes can change the feel of an outfit in an instant, and it can even change the way the Fashionista feels. This awesome pair of Acne sneakers lends her outfit some edge. This is only one of the multiple ways to wear a trendy oversize shirt. You can easily tuck it in, leave it out, pair it with a belt at the waist, or wear it over a pair of leggings.

As you plan to dress for the next warm day of the holiday season, take into account all of the pieces I mentioned above. Any oversized shirt dress will keep you comfortable from nine to five, and it will never go out of style. All you have to do is accessorize it correctly, and you’ll turn that simple old shirt into a jaw-dropping piece.

Follow this advice and you’ll be set for the summer because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good oversized garment? It’s simply wise wearing oversize.

STYLE GURU BIO: Hannah Clarke

To all my Fashionistas out there, hello! I am Hannah, a junior studying journalism at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, aspiring to be an iconic fashion journalist. It is an absolute honor to write for CollegeFashionista this semester, and I am thrilled to share all my fads, trends, and styles through my personal writing and photography.

Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Boy is she right. From the fashion queen herself, this is something I live by daily because who are we kidding—we see fashion everywhere!

My love and interest for fashion came about when I was 13 years old. I would sit down religiously after school and read Vogue Australia or Elle magazine from my overflowing, nine-year collection. With my love for fashion and desire for freedom, I got a casual job so that I could fund my wardrobe by myself. Working hard for my clothes makes me appreciate it all the more. I believe having respect for your fashion and style is an absolute necessity. I am a ring hoarder and a shoe lover, and you will grow to understand this in my future articles. Shoes can change and make a look completely; they can boost a woman’s self-confidence just like that, whether it’s adding a little height or a touch of color.

For my look in this post, I wore a gorgeous Zimmerman playsuit, paired with a denim jacket, basic platformed sandals, and an essential accessory for summer, my hexagonal Ray-Ban sunglasses. I am all about my rings, as you can tell from the photos; you’ll never see my hands naked. Fashion is the best way to express who we are. It is limitless, and as a Style Guru, I can be nothing but confident in this beautifully accessorized outfit that is so simple for a warm day. The best part of all, when the jacket comes off this cute summer look, turns into a hot nighttime outfit.

I hope that this inspires your next summer look. I can’t wait to share my #RAD styles with the Style Guru community, so be sure to follow me on all my social media pages!