AlexisCrouse – CollegeFashionista

4 Decorating Tips to Make Any Dorm Your Own

Moving into your own place is always exciting, whether it be a dorm or a new apartment. It can also be a bit nerve wracking, though. The first step to transitioning into this new place in life is figuring out how to decorate your new space, which is definitely my favorite part. I’ve chosen four dorm or apartment must-haves for creating a space that is uniquely yours.

1—Canvas. These are the perfect way to make any new space more personal. There are many different ways to choose which canvas you’d like to decorate with. If you’re artistic, you may choose to design or paint one yourself. If you’d rather get one that’s already finished, they can be customized with pictures you’ve already taken. You can also purchase one from a store or get one online. The one I put in my dorm is made with a picture I took on a cruise at a stop in Puerto Rico.

2—Tapestry. If you live in a dorm, you’ll more than likely have some plain walls. Tapestries are the perfect way to change that. My favorite part about buying tapestries is that there are so many different ones to choose from. Dorm hack: attach command strips to the back of clothes pins and hang your tapestries that way. There will be no mess to clean up at the end of the year.

3—Seating. This is the most important part of any new living space. Chances are you’ll want to entertain and you’ll need proper seating to be able to have friends over, and if you live in a dorm your bed can’t possibly be the only option.

4—Photos. This décor item is probably the easiest. You’ll just need to print photos from your phone or camera and arrange them in your room however you’d like. If you’d like you can get them framed, but even just making a simple photo collage on your wall will make your space feel more personal.

What are your favorite ways to decorate your dorm or apartment? Let us know in the comments below or share pictures with us on social media by tagging @CFashionista.

A Curious Case of Stripes—5 Ways to Wear Striped Pants

In case anyone was unaware, patterned pieces are in. One of the patterns I always seem to reach for is vertical stripes. Not only are they stylish, they are also flattering on the body. A vertical stripe will make you look longer and leaner. I’ve found five different ways to style a striped pant, no matter the occasion.

1—Beach bum. The first way to wear your striped pants is over your bathing suit. These are perfect to pair with a one-piece bathing suit so you can hit up brunch with the girls, then make your way to the pool afterward.

2—Fashionably Formal. The next place to wear a patterned pant is to a job interview. Pair them with a nice blouse and a black blazer to look polished and put together, while still being stylish.

3—Trendy. A third way to rock striped pants is to pair them with some of the latest trends. Off the shoulder tops are a staple of summer 2017, so why not rock them both together. Throw on your sunglasses for an effortlessly chic vibe.

4—Sporty chic. Pair them with a pair of casual shoes and a ball cap to pull off the “I just rolled out of bed, but I still look good” trend.

5—Casual. The final look is simply casual. For this look, all you’ll need is a band shirt or any graphic T-shirt and some classic sandals to complete the outfit.

There’s never just one way to wear an individual piece of clothing, and part of fashion is being able to experiment with different looks.

What is your favorite way to rock striped pants? Let us know in the comments below! Share your favorite looks with us on social media by tagging @CFashionista.

5 Products to Slay the Summer Makeup Game

Summer makeup looks are all about that sun-kissed glow all of the makeup gurus are raving about. Summer is always about random trips with friends, staying up way too late, and being outside whenever possible. If you’re anything like me, you still want your makeup to look great while running on limited sleep. I’ve found five essential makeup products you’re going to want to pick up this summer.

Estée Lauder “The Estée Edit” Beam Team Hydrate + Glow: The first step in my summer makeup routine is a moisturizer. The Estée Edit Hydrate + Glow ($29) is like a tinted moisturizer and comes in two different shades—a bronze and a sheer beige shade. It can stand alone, or be used under a foundation if you want a really sun-kissed look.

Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Primer: A primer is essential if you want your makeup to last all hours of the day. I like the POREfessional ($12) primer because it really keeps my foundation from melting, even in the summer heat. It also covers your pores to give you a flawless finish.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($15): A bronzer would be the next step in the makeup routine. This is how you really get your sun-kissed glow, rather than looking one-dimensional. Use your bronzing brush to sweep the bronzer just under your cheekbone up towards your ear. This will help to give your face structure. Also, blend it along your hairline to create a natural tan, and along your jawline to help carve it out.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sundipped: Now for my favorite part of any makeup routine—the highlight. The Sundipped Glow Kit ($40) comes with four different highlighters, so there’s a shade for everyone. You’ll brush it along the parts of your face that the sun hits naturally, like your cheek bones, the tip of your nose, and brow bone, and this is where the glow really comes to life. If you’re a bit extra like me, you can also brush it on your shoulders or along your collarbones for an all-over shine.

Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray: The final product I have gathered is this facial spray ($7). I use the one with rose water. It can be used to set your makeup so that it doesn’t melt away in the heat. This facial spray can also be used on your hair or face throughout the day if you just need a bit of a refresher.

Make sure to enjoy the summer sun knowing you’re slaying the makeup game with a sun-kissed look.

What are your summer essentials? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to share your summer looks with us on social media by tagging @CFashionista.