MollySteckler – CollegeFashionista

3 Fall Jackets To Spice Up Your Wardrobe

Ladies and gentlemen, fall fashion is finally back! After a summer of cut-off shorts and fun times, it’s time to return to the cozy trends of layering scarves, jackets, and socks. With cooler temperatures comes the need to layer on a jacket or two, especially when transitioning your summer pieces into a more fall-appropriate look. Jackets have to be my favorite way to do that. Here are three essential jackets that make your look stand out.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

1—Denim jackets

This is the most quintessential piece for transitioning summer looks into fall. A denim jacket goes well with brighter pieces and helps to tone it down a bit for the season. There are a wide range of fits and washes for any look. I love pairing light wash, cropped denim jackets with a summer dress, a scarf, and booties for an ultimate fall-chic look. If I would rather wear pants, an oversize medium wash jacket adds a cool, edgy look to any basic T-shirt. Don’t be afraid to wear denim-on-denim, either! Embrace the ’90s trend and all its glory this fall.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

2—Trench coats

Trench coats are the hidden gem missing from a lot of closets. Whenever I imagine a woman wearing a trench coat, I also picture her as very confident and smart. Take advantage of that! Feeling under the weather one day? Throw a trench coat on to remind yourself of how strong and beautiful you are. It’s an instant confidence booster. Trench coats can look extra chic paired with black skinny jeans and top. They are also great for layering over chunky sweaters.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

3—Statement jackets

Nothing makes more of a statement than a cool patterned or embroidered jacket. Who says all jackets need to be basics? They can be statement pieces too! The great thing about statement jackets is that you can wear the most basic outfit and it will still stand out with a statement jacket. Throw it over your go-to jeans and T-shirt look or a simple dress. Use the jacket as an accessory when you style it. You can wear it normally for a more functional purpose, drape it over your shoulders for an instant chic vibe, or tie it around your waist for a slimming affect.

How do you style your favorite jackets in the fall? Comment below!

Your First Half Marathon Will Be No Sweat With This Runner’s Advice

If you had asked me four years ago if I could ever see myself running a half marathon, I would tell you “no way.” It wasn’t until the summer before my freshman year of college that I decided to start running… and I haven’t stopped since. After running my first half marathon in May, there were a lot of things I learned from it. Here are a few tips for your first half marathon!

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

Wear the right shoes.

One thing I especially regret from my race is not wearing and training in the right shoes. My favorite Nikes just did not seem to cut it. They were already a year or so old and were not supporting my feet and ankles well enough, causing some very annoying pain while training and especially during my marathon. Before you start your training, spend some time doing research and get a reliable pair of shoes. Your body will thank you. No expensive clothes needed; just a supportive pair of shoes and a little motivation.

Be consistent with training.

Consistency is key when training for anything, but especially when training for a half marathon. I was already a consistent runner before I started training for my race, but I still needed to focus on my training once the race date approached. No matter how far you run, being consistent will significantly help you to improve cardio and get your body used to running. I honestly believe anyone can run a half marathon if they focus on their training and are consistent enough.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

Having a training partner helps.

I trained for my half marathon with a good friend of mine, and that was one of the best decisions I made. Having an accountable person is a great way to keep consistency. It also made the dreaded longer runs less boring when I had someone there to talk with. If you are considering doing a half marathon, ask around to see if anyone wants to join you so that you can be accountability buddies.

Don’t stress.

I know that 13 miles can sound daunting at first, but it is an incredible feeling after you accomplish it. As long as you try to stay as consistent as possible, you will be just fine. I find running to be so therapeutic. Though the training process seemed rough, it was all worth it in the end to cross that finish line with a smile on my face and an accomplished feeling in my heart.

Have you ever run a half marathon before? Comment below with your tips for new runners!

5 Tips to Master the “Barely There” Makeup Look

Makeup is fun to play with and experiment with, but you don’t always want everyone to know you are wearing it. Sometimes, like for work or school, you just want something light and fresh that will highlight your best features and cover up any you aren’t as big of a fan of. The “barely there” makeup look can be a go-to all year long, and it is perfect for whenever you are in a rush. Here are several tips for achieving this simple, flawless look for yourself.

1—Use your fingers. The most unappreciated makeup tool, your fingers, are great for “barely there” makeup looks. The warmth from your fingers blends products more flawlessly into your skin than any other makeup brush. Plus, you can get your makeup done a lot faster!

2—Don’t apply foundation everywhere. It can be tempting to just blend your foundation all over your face when you want to cover up imperfections, but try to shy away from that because it can look like you have caked on your makeup. Instead, apply only to any problem areas. Have some acne or acne scars on your chin or forehead? Dab your foundation lightly just on those areas.

3—Use cream products instead of powder. A powder can easily be spotted on the face by makeup experts or rookies. Instead, go for cream or liquid products. To add some color and dimension, use a cream bronzer lightly around the perimeter of your face. To add some glow to the top of your cheekbones, dab on a liquid highlighter with your fingers.

4—Match your cheek and lip color If you want to add some color back to your face, multitask and use the same color on your cheeks and lips. When the two match each other, it looks like more of a natural flush to the face. Take your favorite Your Lips But Better lipstick and dab it onto your lips. Then dab a little on your cheeks and blend it out.

5—Use a lengthening and separating mascara instead of a volumizing one. I never skip out on lashes when I do my makeup. I think it adds the biggest difference, but it can look so natural. To keep with the “barely there” theme, hold off on your super, extra volumizing mascaras and opt for a mascara that lengthening and separates instead. This will brighten up your eyes and make them not look too intense.

What are your favorite “barely there” makeup products? Comment below!

One Outfit, 4 Summer Trends

With every summer, comes new trends for the eager fashion lover to take a swing at. This summer brings layered jewelry, block-heeled sandals, unconventional denim, and more. In this one look, I combined four of my favorite summer trends. Take on one new trend at a time or tackle them all at once—your choice! Here are a few of my favorite trends for this summer.

1—Layered Jewelry

This summer, there is no such thing as too much jewelry. Stack on your chokers, long necklaces, and every length in between. Pile on the rings and bracelets, too! Gone are the days of a single necklace around your neck. Mix and match as you please to turn your simple blouse and shorts look into an epic and put-together look.

2—Bold Mirrored Sunglasses

Sunglasses are always fun to play around with in the summer. This year, trade in your broad-framed, neutral ones for a colorful mirrored pair of shades. They add a bit of a music festival vibe to a look, and they are a fun way to play with color. The mirrored effect adds a unique cool-girl vibe to any of your summer looks. You can take photos with really cool reflections, too!

3—Unconventional Denim

What do I mean by this? I am referring to denim dresses, rompers, soft shorts, and the many other pieces denim can be sewn into. Tight denim shorts are for the past. Instead, take on the girl-next-door look with a structured denim dress or romper. These unconventional denim pieces can make any look unique, but still all-American.

4—Block-Heeled Sandals

Need a lift but don’t want to deal with the pain of walking in heels? Pick up a pair of sandals with just a little heel. Pair them with shorts and a blouse or your favorite summer dress. Either way, they are a super comfy way to rock heels this summer.

What are your favorite summer trends? Take a photo and tag @CFashionista on Twitter or Instagram!