Author: LexaKrajewski

Back-to-School Style for Girls Who Are Always Running Late

School is starting up again, and we all know what that means: the dreaded 8 a.m. classes. For those of us Fashionistas who are always hitting snooze, putting together a stylish outfit while we’re rushing out the door can be a struggle. Luckily, there are a few ways you can still look rad in back to school style, even if you’ve only got a few minutes to spare.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

One of the most versatile pieces of clothing that every girl needs to incorporate into her back to school style is a cute, lightweight jacket. Jean and bomber jackets are some great go-to staples to start with and can be paired with pretty much any outfit, from a floral romper to a T-shirt and black jeans. Layering a trendy jacket over your ensemble instantly makes it seem like the outfit you put together in five minutes was carefully styled the night before, without costing you any extra time.

Another tip to keep in mind is that accessories can be your greatest asset. No time to deal with a bad case of bed head? A baseball cap paired with a low messy bun is a cute and effortless solution. Not satisfied with just throwing on a white T-shirt and jeans? Layer on a blanket scarf for a dynamic pop of texture and style. Even just grabbing a few bangles and slipping them on while on your way to class instantly adds a little personality to your outfit, taking your look from basic to chic in a snap.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

Now that you’ve nailed your back to school style with a killer outfit and you’re glancing at the clock wondering if you have enough time to grab your morning coffee before class, there’s only one thing you still need: shoes. When you’re already in a rush, the last thing you want to do is rummage through your shoe collection for a pair that complements your outfit and doesn’t have too many buckles and straps to wrangle with. If you’re someone who’s eternally late to class, having a pair of basic and easy to slip-on shoes is essential. Check out the Steve Madden Glenda Sneaker Mule in Black Suede ($80) for an easy-to-slip-on shoe that’s not only on-trend but also comfortable and versatile. Now that you’ve completed your ensemble, you can get to class on time and in style.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

What are your go-to outfits for class when you’re running late? Show us on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

4 Tips to Help You Beat the End-of-Summer Blues

Even though the end of summer might have you listening to the melancholy melodies of Lana del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness,” don’t let the fast-approaching fall keep you from soaking up the last few weeks of the season. Instead, use these dwindling days of August to get in your happiest and most positive state of mind so you’ll be ready to transition to September with ease.

Indulge in the Little Things

Everyone has that one little thing that automatically brightens their day, whether it’s your morning latte or an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. Doing the things that you love in these last few lazy days of summer will ensure that you’re making the most of the season. So enjoy a picturesque bike ride or an iced coffee on your morning commute, that is, before pumpkin spiced lattes become your one and only drink of choice. After all, it’s the little things that add up to a summer well spent.

Create an Upbeat Playlist

Music is one of the easiest ways to brighten your mood, especially when it’s a mix of all the best upbeat summer jams. Make a playlist of your favorite summer songs and blast them when you’re hanging out with friends or even just packing up your dorm room essentials. Looking for new artists or songs? Check out Spotify for some of their energetic, up-to-date playlists packed with all this summer’s hits that will keep you singing along into September.

Get Moving

Best said by our favorite Legally Blonde Delta Nu, Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t.” Okay, so maybe that last part isn’t so relevant, but Elle does make a good point. Working out and staying active is a big part of living a healthy, well-balanced life, and can help you get in your best shape before heading back to school. Whether you take an early morning yoga class, hit the pavement for a run after work, or try something completely new, getting your body moving can help you reach your ultimate fitness and wellness goals before the end of summer.

Wear Outfits That You Love

Every Fashionista knows that a good outfit can make or break your day. However, it’s not always being on-trend that counts. It’s all about wearing pieces that you love. For some girls, it’s wearing their coziest and cutest sorority sweatshirt that makes them feel most confident, while for others, it’s a trendy outfit from head-to-toe, complete with accessories and the perfect pair of shoes. Before the end of summer, enjoy wearing your favorite rompers, dresses, and shorts before bundling up for the chillier months of fall. Look good and feel good in your favorite summer pieces and don’t forget to share a few OOTDs on Instagram.

What are your go-to tips for beating the end-of-summer blues? Let us know in the comments below. 

How-To Solve Your Summer Beauty Dilemmas

Summer is arguably the most anticipated season of the year. Its arrival marks coming months of tanning on the beach, sporting your signature sunglasses, and lounging on Insta-worthy pool floats. While it’s hard not to love the sunshine-doused months of summer, every girl knows that the season comes with its beauty-related downfalls. Sweat, humidity, and sunburn can leave your hair and skin looking less than their best. The good news is, there are solutions out there for all your summer beauty dilemmas, so you can confidently snap those rad poolside selfies.

First things first, ladies, we’ve got to break down the myth of the beachy waves. Sure, the idea that a quick dip in the ocean’s salty water can twirl and tousle our tresses into perfectly mermaid-esque waves sounds great in theory, but the fact of the matter is that those elusive beachy waves are about as close to reality as mermaids themselves. At least in my case, I tend to emerge from most bodies of water with a tangled mane in serious need of a brush and a deep condition. So, if we can’t rely on the salt water to leave us with the perfect summer hairstyle, what’s the solution? It all starts with making a leave-in conditioner your new beach buddy. Try It’s a 10’s Miracle Leave-In Product ($19), which, as its name implies, works in ten different ways to protect your mane. Not only will it repair dry or damaged hair, it prevents frizz, protects hair color, detangles, and even offers thermal protection from the sun’s summer rays!

Next up, let’s talk about makeup. It’s no secret that it’s almost impossible to maintain a full face of makeup in the summertime when sweat, humidity, and pool party invites are working against you. However, there are ways to adapt your look for the season. The first step is to ditch some of your daily products and rely instead on accentuating only a few features with a handful of tools. I use a clear eyebrow gel to keep my brows in shape and emphasize my lashes by pairing L’Oréal’s Voluminous Lash Primer ($9) with Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara ($9). Finish off the look with some lip gloss and you’re ready to hit the beach without the bulk of heavy makeup!

As for my nighttime routine, I rely on exfoliation to prevent peeling post-tanning and to give my pores a good scrub, cleaning out any residual sweat and makeup. An exfoliating brush and your go-to cleanser work wonders for your face, and I love to keep an exfoliating scrub in my shower for my whole body, particularly Soap & Glory’s Sugar Crush Body Scrub ($15). Updating my skincare routine for the summer keeps my skin looking healthy, plus, it makes it so much easier to feel confident with less makeup, even without a Snapchat filter.

Do you have any go-to hair and skincare products for the summer? Let me know in the comments below!