Author: Kierra White

5 Fashion Pieces That Will Elevate Any Back to School Outfit

The time to head back to college has officially arrived—there’s coffee in one hand, school books in the other, and a chic outfit to top it all off. The crisp air is creeping up on us, and all the newest fall pieces are hitting your favorite retail stores. First of all, overthinking an outfit in the morning while getting ready is awful and time-consuming. So, with a new semester here, look out for these five items that will make your mornings easier and elevate any outfit.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Raw hem denim

Having a go-to bottom to reach for in the morning is going to make your life ten times easier. Raw hem denim is the perfect piece to spice up a somewhat basic outfit! You can pair your denim with so much: a plain white T-shirt, a chic off-the-shoulder top, or even a silk cami! Raw hem denim will help you elevate any outfit easily.

2—Loafers

Shoes are everything! Your shoes can make or a break an outfit. As a college girl, I love the combination of being stylish and comfortable for a long school day. Loafers are the perfect in between. They are stylish, look good with almost any outfit, and are definitely comfortable. I love being able to pair loafers with something as simple as jeans. The raw hem denim and loafer combination is to die for!

3—Denim jacket

The infamous denim jacket is making its rounds all over again, and this time the lust for it is even bigger. Denim jackets can enhance a look in so many different ways. You can go for the oversize look with a denim jacket and a dress, or you can go with the notorious denim-on-denim vibe. Denim jackets come in so many different textures. I love the oversize, distressed denim look.

 PHOTO: Stella Fanega

4—Hoop earrings

Let’s talk hoops. Hoops are definitely making their way back, and I hear no complaints. They are simple, easy, and modish. Remember the denim-on-denim look I just mentioned? Picture that with a slick back ponytail and hoops. Furthermore, those little pieces of jewelry just elevated that outfit another notch.

5—Button-ups

Please tell me you’ve seen all the dashing ways that you can enhance your button-ups? First of all, you can make it into an off-the-shoulder piece. Second, you can tie at the bottom of your top into a bow. There are so many blog posts out there showing you how to elevate your button-ups. Adding a button-up with a twist to it is the perfect way to take your outfits to the next level.

You can find all these styles in some of your favorite stores like Zara, Forever 21, and Nordstrom. Having these go-to pieces will help you mix and match many different items and seriously make your outfit planning so much easier.

Are you going to add any of these pieces to your wardrobe and start elevating your looks? Tag @Cfashionista in your posts when you do!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly and Kelly Rogowski.

Bringing Back The Denim Skirt

Denim skirts used to be all the hype when I was a fifth grader. I remember wearing my denim skirt with a shirt from the Mary-Kate and Ashley’s line that they used to sell and a pair of flats that probably didn’t even match. Fast forward to sixth grade through the end of high school, you wouldn’t catch me in a denim skirt to save my life! Of course though, like everything else, denim has made its way back and it’s bigger than ever. I now want all the denim skirts, light shades, dark shades, and all the in between shades.

Bringing It Back: The Denim Skirt

I snagged this denim skirt on sale and I fell absolutely in love. It has the perfect snug fit on my hips but also is extremely flattering toward the bottom of the skirt. For being a denim skirt, it is also very comfortable. Also, talking about bringing things back, I paired my the skirt with one of my favorite white off-the-shoulder tops. Off-the-shoulder tops are also my favorite and it instantly elevates any outfit. If you are wearing just plain jeans and add an off-the-shoulder top, your outfit will look instantly more put together.

Now onto my slides. Like everything else in this outfit, I’m obsessed with them. Slides are the easiest thing to put on and they look extremely chic with any outfit. I have probably bought about five pairs of slides this summer in so many different colors. If you are looking for a practical, comfortable, and chic shoe, grab a pair of slides!

What are some of your favorite items to wear this summer? Are you loving denim skirts, too? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Non-Touristy Locations You Must Visit When in New York City

New York City is truly the city of dreams, it’s one of the most magical places. Tourists are always awestruck with Times Square, which leaves me so confused. The city is filled with so many extraordinary places besides Times Square. Quite frankly, if you are a New Yorker, you despise Times Square and try to avoid it at all costs. There are just way too many people, too many dressed up characters trying to get you to take a picture and it makes your anxiety skyrocket. There are so many non-touristy locations in the city that are most definitely Instagram-worthy, won’t have you in full panic attack mode, and will leave your heart filled with so much joy!

1—DUMBO. Okay fashion lovers, bloggers, and Gossip Girl addicts, this is your place, and I say that with no hesitation. This area is a fashion blogger’s paradise. DUMBO is filled with cobblestone streets, the perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge as a backdrop, and the most delicious food. Every time I step foot in this area, I immediately feel like I am in an episode of Gossip Girl. Grab your favorite pair of shoes, and don’t forget your camera to capture an Instagram-worthy picture!

2—Tribeca: Want to feel like a million dollars? Go to Tribeca. First of all, Tribeca has the cutest boutiques, greatest brunch places and perfect alleys for photo shoots. I swear, every time I walk to Tribeca with my camera in tote, I come back with enough content for two weeks. You will see the chicest Fashionista here with the cutest button-down shirts or edgy leather jackets! Finally, Tribeca is one of those places with constant avocado toast on deck and the cutest puppies!

3—Flatiron: The Flatiron District is the best when the weather is warm. The little park area right in front of the Flatiron building is often times filled with the best food trucks. They have everything, from tacos to burgers to mojitos and pizza! In other words, when I am there I eat about ten pounds of food with absolutely no regrets!

4—Central Park: First and foremost, Central Park is somewhat magical. No matter what, Central Park will always have a huge place in my heart. It’s so nice to “escape” the city for a bit and be surrounded by trees. Take a ride on a canoe, lay in the grass, or unexpectedly run into a rollerblading dance party. (Yes, this actually happened to me.) Go visit and I promise it will fill your heart with joy.

Seaport: Seaport is way downtown, right near the Brooklyn Bridge and it is such a cute area! There are cobblestone streets, a huge deck that overlooks Brooklyn, and delicious food, which if you can’t tell by now, I love food. At Seaport there is Smorgasburg, which is an outdoor food market. They often times showcase some amazing food vendors and have great music. It’s like a big party in the city with an extraordinary view!

New York City is a world of its own. New York is a place full of dreams and there is so much more to it than Time Square. The places I mentioned will all have you feeling preternatural. Next time you’re in the city, step out of your comfort zone and venture to some of the areas I mentioned. I promise you that you won’t regret it.

Have you ever visited any of the places mentioned? If not, which one would you like to visit? Leave a comment below and let me know!

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STYLE GURU STYLE: Spring Transition Outfit

The weather over hear on the east coast has been blessing us with some absolutely incredible days! I live for 60 degree weather where you don’t need a jacket and you can finally wear a skirt without stockings! This magical weather was accompanied by avocado toast and iced coffee while city outside and being able to stare at the beautiful New York City skyline. One of my favorite things about the weather getting warmer is being able to do brunch outside with the sun shinning down bright on you!

Of course with the weather we were having my day was going to be spent outside exploring; so my friends and I went to every fashion girls favorite shooting destination: Dumbo, Brooklyn! The second we stepped into the cobble stone streets Gossip Girl memories flooded my mind and I went straight into blogger mode, taking pictures and posing for them. This little section of Brooklyn is such a cute area and I see why all the fashion girls love it. The lighting was amazing and so were the vibes. I was so excited to be able to put on a skirt so I immediately reached for my black faux leather skirt from Forever 21 that I have been dying to wear! I love the silver zippered details on this skirt. Along with the skirt, I’ve also been dying to wear my striped off the shoulder top and I thought it went perfectly with the faux leather skirt. The skirt is slightly high waisted and the top is cropped which ended up pairing perfectly.

I also had my long grey cardigan lightly draping off my shoulder just in case the weather started cooling down when the sun went down. Loafers and slip-ons are seriously my favorite type of shoes at the moment so when I was able to pull out my black, no back loafers I was ecstatic. I have been wanting to wear these since I picked them up from my mail room two weeks ago. They are super comfortable and very practical for a day of exploring.

If you live in New York City or plan on visiting, definitely make your way over to Dumbo, you won’t regret it. You can literally walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and land on the phenomenal cobble stone streets and instantly feel like your in your own personal episode of Gossip Girl.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Gold Accents

If you live on the East Coast you probably already know that we never truly know what we are getting ourselves into each day when it comes to the weather. One day it might be a booming 50 degrees in the middle of January, and then the next day it might be snowing. One day we can head out in just a simple leather jacket, but the next day we need a full blown winter coat, hat, and gloves. The weather over here is just so unpredictable. When we do get one of those good days though, we take full advantage. As I’m typing this I’m watching the snow fall from my bedroom window, but when we took these photos the sun was shining ever so brightly; a very clear example of what I mean by unpredictable.

This Fashionista took on a look with very chic gold accents. She paired her Ann Taylor high waisted denim jeans with the perfect neutral cropped sweater. Cropped sweaters a such a simple piece that can give your outfit such a different look and feel; they are also very versatile, you can do so many thing by adding a cropped sweater to an outfit. You can layer longer shirts underneath, put a cool bomber over top or even ad a sophisticated duster jacket over top. Or you can go simple, like this Fashionista did! She kept her top simple but added her knee high boots which are still practical for everyday wear as the heel is chunky and not too tall. The knee high boots balance out the cropped sweater perfectly. She added small details with her simple Tiffany & Co. chain and her burgundy and gray cross body. 

It’s all the little details that this Fashionista added to her outfit that brought the entire look together; from her dainty necklace, simple cross body, and her practical everyday shoes. This in between weather makes dressing so difficult but this fashion babe was able to pull together a cute, minimal, everyday look!

 

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Off The Shoulder

It’s officially 2017 Fashionistas and I’m claiming it! Going at it with full force and chasing my dreams. I hope my and your 2017 is filled with amazing coffee, good company, and 100% happiness because we all deserve it. One thing I am definitely ready for this year is spring! I’m over the cold and I want warm weather with cute off the shoulder tops, faux leather minis without stockings, and open toe booties! The first day of spring is also my birthday! The cold weather in New York has been so brutal that you really can’t leave your house without five layers of clothes, but this Fashionista braved the cold weather to get some amazing pictures up on the Brooklyn Bridge at the perfect time of golden hour.

Wearing off the shoulder pieces in the winter can definitely be a task in itself. There is contradiction around it because will anyone truly even see your cute off the shoulder top or dress? I say, go for it! Us Fashionistas are in college, so bundle up as your walking to school and let your outfit shine while you’re in class. Let the shoulders out! This Fashionista is wearing an all black off the shoulder dress, which is absolutely stunning. She snagged it from a small boutique here in New York City for an amazing price. New York City boutiques are my favorite! You can find such incredible hidden gems for even better prices. She paired the dress with the classic New York shoes, Timberlands. She chose all black Timberlands to pair perfectly with the black dress.

This outfit is very minimal and simple but the details in this Fashionista’s hair brings this look to another level. She chose to wear space buns which is such a fun and cute look! The space buns bring this outfit together in such a unique way. She pulls them off so well and they take her look to the next level of chic.

STYLE GURU BIO: Kierra White

Hi Fashionistas, I’m Kierra! You’ll probably find me drinking coffee, scrolling through my favorite blogs or trying to get the perfect Instagram picture! I admit it, I’m an Instagram addict! I’m a huge lover of the season of autumn, fresh flowers, and faux fur anything! I’m currently a sophomore at Pace University in New York City. I’m studying marketing with a concentration in fashion marketing, something I always dreamed of studying in a city that I absolutely love. I have so many dreams and goals that I am working towards that it’s so hard to narrow them down to just one. Ultimately, I want to work in the fashion industry, focusing on creative directing and social media!

Studying in a city that never sleeps is a dream in itself. I’ve always wanted to be apart of the fast paced, door opening city and it’s so exciting that I get to chase my educational and personal dreams here! New York City has also shaped my style tremendously. In a city full of so much culture and individuality, you truly are able to find your personal style. My style ranges from both minimal to edgy. I live in neutrals. I love simple pieces that you can pair with many different items; I also love a good leather jacket and some deep black booties! Simple chic is what I strive for. I get inspiration from everywhere. As cliche as it sounds, the world around us is full of inspiration. Some of fashion icons are Jacey Duprie from Damsel in Dior, Vanessa Hong from The Haute Pursuit, and Chriselle Lim from The Chriselle Factor.

Fashion is truly a lifestyle and something that I love. For as long as I could remember I wanted to be apart of the magical world of fashion and I’m so excited that College Fashionista is allowing me to take some steps forward.

WHAT TO WEAR: When You’re In A Fashion Rut

Hi Fashionistas, I hope you all are having an amazing week and not stressing too much about finals. Who am I kidding though? We’re all stressed but take a deep breath, drink some good coffee, put on some good music and ace your finals! The weeks are fast approaching for Christmas break and a lot of us might be in a fashion rut. When life is hectic, make getting ready your one easy thing throughout your day. When you look good, you feel good, so today I’m going to share a look with you styled by one amazing Fashionista that can be easily recreated if you are in a fashion rut!

This Fashionista took a play on the classic jean skirt. Jean skirts recently have been more and more popular and I am all for the trend, especially this distressed denim look. The distressed denim jean skirt adds a bit more edge to the look. With her jean skirt she added a slightly graphic white T-shirt and her camouflage jacket to pull the look together. The camouflage and the distressed denim are the perfect match. This look is chic with a touch of edgy. To finish the look completely she added her Stan Smiths. The sneakers top off her ensemble. They add a more sporty vibe to go along with the touch of edginess. For a day of classes, the sneakers were the perfect choice for this outfit.

I hope you enjoyed this outfit inspiration styled by this chic Fashionista and I am wishing you all the best of luck on your finals, you got this!!

WHAT TO WEAR: A Day of Exploring

What’s better to do than explore when you have classes that end before 12 on a Monday? Exploring is definitely on the top of my list, especially when New York gives us a day warm enough that you don’t need your big winter coat. New York City has recently been blessing us with warm weather here and there and I’m taking them all to the fullest extent  before the snow starts to fall and it’s a struggle to go outside even in you coziest coat.

You can never go wrong with a black look and pops of other neutral colors, and that is exactly what this Fashionista did. Wearing black and neutrals instantly makes you appear a bit more put together even in very minimal outfits. This Fashionista grabbed her high-waisted, black Guess jeans and a her cropped black sweater to achieve a black on black look. She added nude booties, which are one of my favorite fall/winter items to elevate the look a bit. Sneakers or flats could have been worn with this look but booties gives it a touch of chic. Lastly, she paired her olive green Forever 21 bomber jacket to pull the entire look together.

Whether it’s exploring in the city or just grabbing a bite to eat, this outfit is perfect for almost anything you decide to do for the day. The combination is comfy and chic, which I know all Fashionistas can appreciate. Plus the colors are so minimalistic so it will be easy to match with whatever accessories you want. So next time you want to explore your city, grab some inspiration from this look!

STYLE GURU BIO: Kierra White

I’m Kierra, big dreamer from a microscopic town in Maryland. I am a Pace University Fashion Marketing and Public Relations student by day, and a fake it till I make it blogger by night. Lover of life, style, the season of autumn, coffee and fresh flowers! You will most likely find me trying to take the perfect Instagram picture, reading my favorite fashion blogs or curled up binge watching netflix.

Pursuing a career in fashion is something I have always wanted to do. I remember being in 6th grade and wanting to move to the city that never sleeps to pursue my dream. Finally, I am taking the steps, moving to the Big Apple and running towards my dreams at full force. Ever since I first saw 13 Going On 30, I had a dream of working for a fashion magazine. Being on a team full of creative people just seems so magical but my dreams and goals don’t stop there. I hope to one day even have my own fashion magazine that can inspire people all around the world.

My personal style is so hard to describe. One day I’m full on edgy and the next day my feminine side takes over. I love the minimalism side of fashion. I take loads of inspiration from Alexa Chung, Joyce Croonen, Julia Dang and Caroline Joy Rector! I love being able to express myself through the clothing I wear and inspire people through the words I write.

I love that I am able to combine my love for fashion, writing and photography all in one through CollegeFashionista. I am so excited to get started on this journey and to see where it leads me. Come and stick around for the ride, I promise it will be worth it. Talk to you soon, Fashionistas!