Author: NiaFrancis

How to Run a Half-Marathon for the Girl Who Hates Running

Running. Some people love it, some people hate it. I happen to fall under the category of those who hate it. However, I can admit that it’s one of the best forms of exercise out there. It doesn’t require any equipment (except for a pair of sneakers), it can be done wherever you go, and it’s a full body workout. I decided to run a half marathon this past January as a way to avoid the dreaded freshman 15. Here are a few tips on how to complete a half-marathon, even if you hate running.

1—Invest in quality shoes. When running a half-marathon, the number one item that you need is a good pair of running shoes. Since you’ll be running a lot of miles over the next few months, you don’t want to skimp and buy a low-quality sneaker. Not only will these shoes wear out quickly, but they’ll also put your health at risk by causing more pain to your feet and making you more susceptible to injury. I have a pair of Nike Free Runs that I’ve used the past few years for light exercise and running, but I decided to get a new pair of sneakers specifically made for long-distance running. I bought another pair of Nikes and I love them so much. Not only do they provide good support, but they’re also very cute and comfortable.

2—Dress to impress you. It is scientifically proven that when you’re confident in your outfit, you can take over the world (scientific source: me). If you’re going to run a half-marathon, ditch the drab, baggy middle school T-shirt and unflattering basketball shorts. Not only are these items not proper running attire, but they also won’t make you feel like you’re at your best. Instead, opt for a pair of running leggings and tech shirts. These come in a variety of different styles, colors, and patterns, and they are also designed to make your body feel it’s best throughout your training.

3—Make a training schedule. Training is the most important part of running a half-marathon. Attempting to run 13.1 miles with zero experience is a bad idea, especially if you aren’t in shape. The Internet has a wide variety of training plans that are only a click away, so spend some time researching which one is right for you. Some training plans are for people who are already in running shape, and others are for those who have never run a day in their life. I used a 12-week plan that had me running five out of seven days of the week, with longer runs landing on the weekends. I wrote down when I was going to run each week in my planner, which helped keep me on track. I admit that I wasn’t as on top of my training as I should’ve been (I missed a whole week once), but I promise you’ll be fine if you miss a few days here and there!

With these tips, you’ll quickly be on your way to completing a half-marathon. Do you have any other tips for first-time runners? If so, leave a comment below!

BEAUTY BAR: Ready for the Warmth

Summer is right around the corner, which means warm weather, sunny days, and good vibes are almost here. This Fashionista not only chose an outfit that matched the weather, but she made sure to pair her beauty look with the mood of the season as well!

One thing I love about this beauty look is the focus on the eyes. Gone are the smoky eyes that are often associated with the gray and dreary days of winter; instead, this Fashionista opted for a warmer eye shadow color to match the warm colors of spring and summer. She finished off the look with a winged eyeliner and a pink lip tint.

As for her outfit, this Fashionista went with a black and white color scheme, mixing in a few natural shades to complement her eye makeup. The floral, soft fabric shorts are my favorite part of this outfit. The painted gray and white flowers are a nice contrast to the black color of the shorts, and they add a nice classy feel to the outfit. I also love the material of the shorts because they aren’t only comfortable, but they are also light and airy, making them perfect for the summer heat. The basic gray crop top and black cardigan accent the color scheme of the shorts, making for an aesthetically pleasing outfit. What I love about this Fashionista’s cardigan is that it’s breathable design makes it ideal for the days where it may be warm outside, but cool inside the classroom. To finish off the outfit, this Fashionista added a pair of strappy sandals that feature a brown base and black straps, making them the perfect addendum to this spring outfit.

STYLE ADVICE: Keeping It Casual

Spring has sprung, and someone should inform Mother Nature because the weather hasn’t exactly matched up to the season. Even though the weather outside is still a bit frightful, this Fashionista decided to embrace the new season with a cool, casual ensemble. Using basic pieces from her wardrobe, she was able to create an outfit that still stood out.

Since it’s still a bit chilly outside, this Fashionista opted for a long sleeve crop top instead of a shorter sleeve. This basic teal green top can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion. This Fashionista went for a more casual look, and added a simple choker necklace to accessorize her outfit. I love this necklace because it features a silver flower charm in the center. This flower is designed like a mandala, with intricate studded details in its design. At the center of the charm is a bronze bead that resembles the middle part of a flower. This necklace, along with the teal green top, brings the feeling of spring to a dreary day.

Our Fashionista paired her crop top with a pair of high-waisted jeans. These light wash jeans are perfect for the spring because they keep the outfit light and airy, and the shade of blue goes perfectly with the teal crop top.

To finish off the outfit, this Fashionista added some weather appropriate Hunter boots. These rain boots are stylish, yet effective, and their black color allows them to be paired with any outfit. With a pair of oatmeal colored boot socks to add some depth, this Fashionista is ready for a casual spring day on campus.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: A Slightly Gray Day

It isn’t always sunny in Philadelphia, contrary to popular belief. Sometimes we get a gray, gloomy day, and this Fashionista decided to match it by choosing an outfit full of black and gray. She chose an all black outfit, starting with a black sleeveless sweater. The black theme continues with her black skinny jeans and a pair of black ankle boots. These boots are slightly pointed at the toe and feature a small block heel that doesn’t compromise comfort for style.

Her black sleeveless sweater is cozy enough for a chilly day, but since this winter’s weather has been so unpredictable (snowflakes were spotted while we were shooting!), she paired it with a long gray cardigan. I love this cardigan because it isn’t a monotone gray, but rather it has different shades of gray mixed in throughout the sweater. Additionally, the fabric is super soft, making it a perfect comfortable piece to wear on a cold, winter day.

My favorite part of this outfit are this Fashionista’s accessories. She opted for a crystal and gold statement necklace that really pops on her black mock turtleneck sweater. She also added a small, clear oval ring with a silver band. This minimalist ring really pairs well with the grayscale theme of the outfit. Along with her exquisite jewelry choices, this Fashionista also added a large black tote to her outfit. I love this tote’s raw, frayed edge because it gives the bag a very industrial feel. The rust colored strap of the bag really stands out compared to the otherwise grayscale outfit, though it’s neutral enough not to disrupt the aesthetic of the outfit.

Focus on detail if you want to take your minimalist outfit to the next level. Simply adding some jewelry and a splash of color can instantly improve your ensemble!

WHAT TO WEAR: A Comfortable Christmas

The end of 2016 meant an abundance of holiday events at school, work, and everywhere in between. While evening functions are typically more sophisticated in the dress code, daytime functions call for something casual yet festive. Instead of opting for an ugly Christmas sweater and leggings, this Fashionista put together a cute and comfortable outfit that still says “tis the season” with a red turtleneck.

Since December weather can get a little chilly, a jacket of some sort is a must. Though New Jersey winters are usually colder, today was a bit warmer than usual, so this Fashionista opted for a basic black faux leather jacket. The jacket adds a bit of edge to her otherwise soft, laid-back outfit. 

My favorite part of this Fashionista’s outfit are her brown lace up boots. I love the work boot trend that’s sprung up lately, and she takes it to the next level. These boots can be worn normally, or the sides can be folded down to expose white fur and a red and blue plaid print. This small splash of color perfectly ties together the outfit, from the red turtleneck down to the blue jeans. I also love how the print plays homage to the holiday season that is among us.

This outfit works for almost any festive get-together because it is chic yet relaxed, exactly in line with how most holiday parties feel. The red and black combination on top meshes well with the holiday theme, and jeans and brown work boots make this Fashionista ready for any daytime gathering.

STYLE GURU BIO: Nia Francis

Hey there! My name’s Nia and I’m stoked to begin my first semester as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista. I’m currently a freshman at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and I’m planning on majoring in finance and marketing. In the future, I would love to work as either an investment banker or as a senior marketing manager for a fashion company. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a fascination with fashion, and I’m excited to explore it in this internship!

I’m a sports fanatic and athlete at heart, and I spend my time either playing soccer or doing long-distance runs to train for a half marathon. Since I’m always either getting ready for or coming back from a workout, I like to keep my style comfortable and laid-back. I spend a lot of my time in athleisure clothing, such as leggings, colorful sneakers, quarter zips, and I especially love anything Nike. When I’m not in sweats, I like to go for a more minimalistic style. The majority of my wardrobe consists of basics in neutral colors like black, white, gray, and navy blue. I love wearing fitted V-necks, like the one in this outfit, paired with some layered necklaces.

My favorite item in my wardrobe is my olive green J. Crew field jacket. It’s comfortable yet stylish and can be paired with jeans, leggings, a dress—basically anything! The jacket is lightweight and perfect for keeping warm on a brisk day. 

I’m so excited to begin this journey, and I can’t wait to share all the great looks that I find on campus this spring!