Author: Kelly Stone

Four Backpack Essentials to Keep You Going This Fall

As I pencil in the last available spot in my planner, it is evident that the school year is in full swing. Packing my schedule with classes, assignments, club meetings, work, and yoga classes leaves me perpetually on the go. Having a perfectly packed bag with all the right essentials is necessary to survive a day that starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Here are my top backpack essentials to make it through the semester.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

The Perfect Pair of Headphones

Headphones are essential for tuning out the multitude of different sounds and maintaining focus while studying in your dorm, at your favorite local coffee shop, or at the student union. While living in a college town is great for going out, the distractions make it nearly impossible to stay on track when work needs to be done. Always keeping a pair of headphones makes it easier to get work done no matter where you are, even if it is just 15 extra minutes toward that chapter assigned for your American government class.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

Colored Pens

This may seem like a silly tactic, but I always carry a variety of different colored pens. Why? Researchers think that color-coded notes can increase efficiency in learning. Furthermore, color-coding notes during class requires greater attention to detail. Forcing yourself to focus on what color pen to use for different materials requires further analysis instantly, as well as a greater level of focus. Get more out of your class time by utilizing colored pens.

PHOTO: Jordan Wissert

 

A Planner 

Always, always, always keep your planner with you. Professors often make last minute announcements as class is getting out with a change to the original date for assignments, study session times, and department events. Ensuring that you always have your planner increases your ability to remember those announcements. After all, you are proven to remember something better if you just write it down.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

 

Healthy Snacks

Y’all, the freshman 15 is real. Staying healthy on a college campus is not always easy when your meal plan options include Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and Steak ‘n Shake. Not only does keeping snacks provide you with well-rounded, healthy options, but it also allows you to skip those long lines in the cafeteria. Keeping snacks handy will keep you ahead of your busy schedule and fueled for class all day long.

 

What are your backpack essentials? Share with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

The Risqué Trend Every It Girl is Loving

This summer our favorite starlets are stepping out in something most of us would never dream of. From Kendall Jenner to Bella Hadid, wearing lingerie as outwear is the latest It Girl trend. Toned down with jeans, simple with a sports bra, or unapologetically sexy and bearing it all, this trend can be showcased in a multitude of ways. Not only does this trend offer plenty of variety to match every girl’s style, it is the perfect way to elevate your go-to Friday night outfit. No doubt, this trend will have you updating your end of summer wardrobe with something you likely already have.

For my version of the trend, I drew from a more modest version of Bella Hadid’s sheer lace bodysuit and black jeans. I chose a thicker black lace bodysuit, making the look more wearable for something simple like dinner or girls night. I found mine at Forever 21 for less than $30, putting this It Girl look in a typical Fashionista’s budget!

While I have seen the lingerie trend often paired with heavily destroyed denim, I wanted to keep my look subtle with slight rips in the knee. To spice your outfit up a bit, either add a pair of heavily distressed high rise black jeans or a leather skirt. Finally, due to the nature of the outfit, I chose to keep accessories to a minimum with just a long, layered necklace.

While this look is often styled for a night out, it can just as easily be dressed down. Wear it Kylie Jenner style with a sports bra or flirty in baby pink. With the sheer versatility of this trend, it is perfect for every summer occasion (even brunch!).

Ready to take the lingerie as outerwear trend for a spin? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

I Tried Spending More Time Outside, Here’s What Happened

As the weather begins to heat up here in the Midwest, I find myself outside more and more. When life seems to take its toll, focusing on yourself can be important. Whether it be surviving your first year far from home, losing a best friend, or not getting the internship you dreamed of, we all suffer a loss here and there.

While we all experience bad times, we can also all benefit from something simple: nature. Scientists are increasingly coming to the same conclusion: that going outside can lower stress levels and leaves us feeling more alive. In the United States, most Americans spend most of their time indoors and in vehicles, decreasing our connection with nature. Spending countless hours this past semester indoors studying, working, and being an active member in campus organizations, I decided to take this experiment for a spin.

For the past week, I have done everything I can to spend an extra hour of my time outside. To help keep track of how I felt before and after my time outside, I kept a journal on my overall outlook. From time laying in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen!), a trip to the rose garden, weeding my mother’s garden, and walking the many trails of my local arboretum, I think science may be onto something. Not only has more time outside made me feel rejuvenated and happier, but it has led me to spread that happiness to my friends, family, and coworkers. A simple boost in positivity can go a long way. For such a simple experiment on happiness, spending more time outside has made a major difference in my overall mood and mentality in just one week!

If you decide to try my simple happiness experiment, show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.