Tag: Accessories

5 Ways to Rock Denim Jackets and Jeans this Fall

Denim is such a tried and true fashion trend that I genuinely believe it will never go out of style. However, denim is constantly evolving. Because of the constant evolution of denim, Fashionistas are always finding new ways to rock denim jackets and denim jeans. Here are five innovative ways that you can rock denim on your campus this fall.

1—Denim on denim. While denim on denim was once considered a fashion sin, denim on denim is now considered trendy. The rise of denim on denim is primarily because of the other various trends from the 1990s that are making a comeback! When wearing denim on denim, it is best to wear two different shades of denim. For example, wearing a light wash jean jacket with dark wash denim jeans. By wearing two shades of denim, you can create a trendy two-toned look.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

2—Patterned denim. If you want to add a little flair to your denim, patterned denim is the way to go! Patterned denim has been popping up at a variety of stores. One way to wear patterned denim is to wear a denim jacket with a floral pattern. This look combines two major trends, floral and denim, for a cool and casual vibe.

PHOTO: Ali Bell

3—Fringed denim. While distressed denim will never go out of style, one of the latest denim trends I have noticed is fringed denim. This trend involves denim jeans or a jacket that is fringed at the edges. This trend first became popular in Spain, but it has made its way to the United States. Fringed denim jeans with a pair of heels are the perfect look for a fall day.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

4—Patched denim. A new street style trend that I have noticed this fall is patched denim. This fresh look adds different patches to a regular pair of denim pants. A pair of patched denim jeans and a cool band T-shirt would create a hipster look for a chill day on campus.

 

How do you plan on rocking denim this fall? Let me know below in the comments your favorite way to rock your denim! 

3 Small Ways to Rock Fall’s It Color

We now find ourselves at the start of another season, and with that season comes new trends. While spring and summer were ruled by millennial pink, fall’s It color is red. This hue can sometimes be intimidating to wear head to toe like millennial pink, especially when you’re heading to class. The key to pulling off this shade with ease this season is incorporating it in small ways for your everyday looks. These three tips may be subtle, but you’ll be looking like the street style stars on campus in no time.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Paint your nails

Nail polish is always a great way to incorporate a color into your look. It’s also an easy way to test drive a shade before wearing it in the form of an accessory or a piece of clothing. Just grab your nail file, a base coat, your chosen red—my favorite is a bright, fire engine hue—and a top coat and paint away.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

2—Swipe on a red lip

This is another easy and quick way to add some red to your look. This is by far my favorite way to add some of fall’s It color to my neutral wardrobe. The great thing about this method is that you can tailor the lip product to your liking. I personally enjoy a matte lip, especially for the fall and winter, but reds come in everything from glosses to stains. With so many options, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

3—Accessorize

By far the easiest of the three ways, accessorizing is a 10-second way to add red to your jeans and T-shirt uniform. I’ve been obsessing over a pair of boots from Zara, but jewelry, bags, scarves, and belts can also add a pop of color to your neutral looks.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

The great thing about these three tips is that they can all be combined in one look. Just be sure your shades match so your look doesn’t clash.

How will you be rocking fall’s It color? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

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!

Fashion Girls’ Favorite Fall Color Will Surprise You

From color-blocking to graphic embellishments, sidewalks everywhere are overflowing with youthful, brightly colored looks. Industry insiders are putting away their usual all-black ensembles and stepping out in unique denim, accessories, and coats. Although the typical vision of the It girl includes an all-black ensemble and major attitude, it seems as though this same It girl is evolving into someone who won’t allow her style to be limited by traditional expectations set on her by the industry. 

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

When thinking about this re-imagination of what street style can look like, color is key. Last year we saw the rise—and continued reign—of millennial pink, but this fall, It girls are going to be pushing the boundaries by wearing powerful shades of red. Whether it’s leather, faux fur, or Chanel-style tweed, get ready for your Instagram feed to be flooded with the fiery hue.

This up-and-coming trend follows the large amount of red-centric looks seen in some of last winter’s major runway shows such as Givenchy, Fendi, Max Mara, and Armani. Showing up on boots, coats, and other accessories, the color red got fashion lovers excited for fall. They made such an impact in these shows that industry insiders have even dubbed it the “color of the season.”

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

Never fear, Fashionista/os. Embracing the color red is definitely not just reserved for fashion A-listers. Harness the power of red to pack a punch on your campus this fall. Try ditching the sweater and riding boots model and step outside of your comfort zone. Use bold colors to create contrast with solids, wear a bright red lip, or experiment with accessories to join the ranks of fashion girls everywhere trying the hottest trend of the season.

How are you incorporating red into your fall wardrobe? Let us know by tagging us on social @CFashionista!

These Are the Vintage Accessories You Need for Back to School

Back to school season is here, whether we like it or not. For many of us, the new school year is a time to prepare for another semester of lectures, assignments, and stress. However, while there are some bad parts, there’s also the best part of preparing for the new year—back to school clothing shopping. While you’re at the mall, consider visiting thrift and vintage stores to look for old classics to add to your new threads for a fresh and one-of-a-kind spin on your ensemble. Having trouble figuring out which vintage pieces to pick up? No problem! Here’s a list of some of the vintage accessories you need for back to school.

1—An everyday bag. Let’s face it, college students are busy. Many of us not only have classes to attend, but work and/or internships as well. Through all of the hustle and bustle, it’s good to find an everyday bag you can use as a steady constant. I picked this vintage satchel by Liz Claiborne off of the thrifting app, Depop (all the original tags still intact), and it’s my go to bag for busy days.

 2—A unique belt. Sometimes, it’s the little things that shout the loudest. Belts are no exception. Not only are they functional, they also can be a great styling piece if you find the perfect one. Pair a unique belt with jeans and a button down, and you’ve got the perfect outfit to wear for the transition from summer to fall. The belt I’m wearing is another vintage gem I got from Depop. I love the brown leather and the gold alligators on the buckle.

3—Statement earrings. If I were an accessory, I’d be earrings. Statement earrings are my favorite thing to look for, and they’re the perfect thing to wear to bring any outfit together. Vintage ones are pretty easy to find at the thrift store, and are usually fairly cheap. I picked these earrings up from a little boutique near Portland, and they only cost me a dollar. Wear statement earrings with a T-shirt and jeans and you’re all ready to sit through those long, two-hour lectures.

4-Bold footwear. Shoes are an essential for everyday life, so why not make them beautiful? These mules are presumably from the ’90s, and I love them because they’re on trend, but they still have that vintage flair. The leopard print and the gold detailing on the heel make these perfect for spicing up any outfit.

What are your favorite vintage accessories? Let us know in the comments down below, or post a photo on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @cfashionista!

Creating a Signature Scent Had to do With More Than Smelling Good For This College Student

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t find the right perfume? What if the alcohol content of a perfume just rubs you wrong? Additionally, being Muslim meant I couldn’t use alcohol-based perfumes, and while there are alternatives, I’ve never connected with them. I wanted to explore the world of scent-making and make something that would remind anyone, with one whiff, of the essence of me. Which is why I turned to making my own scent:

1—A base note. This is the musky and heavy, long-lasting scent that remains on you. Essential oils used as base notes are usually characterized by having a large molecular structure and high density.

2—A middle note. This is considered the heart, or bouquet of the scent. It is what will really come through as your scent. It remains for a few hours, and there are a wide variety of them.

3—A top note. This is the first scent that hits your nose. This usually goes away after the first few minutes so make sure you don’t base your entire scent around that first whiff!

You will also need a dropper or pipette, a small jar to mix the product in, a perfume bottle, and a notebook to record your steps and measurements. As a general rule of thumb, follow the 100 drops rule to easily split up how many drops of each oil you add. Too little or too much can completely unbalance your scent!

Fragrances usually follow a 20/80 ratio. 80 drops of the carrier oil and 20 for the essential oils. Within these 20 drops, you can create your own ratio of how many drops of which you want to add!

1—My palette. I used coconut oil as my carrier oil. My middle note comprised of lavender, and my top note was peppermint. I was going for a floral and slightly warming scent, something that reminds me of home but also has an adventurous side to it.

2—The base note. I added in 13 drops of rosemary total. After putting in an initial 10 drops, I adjusted it later on as I added the other oils in.

3—The middle note. I wanted to balance the middle and top notes as peppermint and lavender could both be used as top notes. However, lavender had a slightly more deep and settling smell so I decided to use it in the middle.

4—The top note. The top note was peppermint, as it had a sharp initial smell that soon faded away. I wanted to have the perfume perk up and then settle, so the order was perfect.

In the end, I had a warm spicy smell I call Spicy Lavender, as the sharp smell of peppermint fades into a lovely, warming coconut and herb mixture. The scent, more than jolting or intoxicating, is a calming and happy scent that works perfectly with my personality.

Do you have a particular scent you want to make your own? Share with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

4 Tips to Enhance your Casual Style—Fashionisto Edition

Often, guys have the misconception that the only way to look nice and fashionable is if they dress up. However, you can be stylish in anything from joggers to suits. It doesn’t matter what you wear as long as you pay attention to the details. Focusing on small details will go a very long way and sharpen your casual style. Here are four ways to enhance your wardrobe.

1—Cuff your jeans. Rolling up your straight-legged jeans is a simple way to show extra details you miss when they are all the way down. It focuses your attention on a nice pair of shoes matched with fashionable socks. When the jeans are rolled, it allows you to show personal style and let a pop of color show underneath with stylish socks.

2—Men’s bags. The days of thinking it’s only socially acceptable for women to have handbags are over. Any gender needs a bag to carry essentials around in, so guys its time to trade out that old beat-up book bag for a leather satchel bag. Choosing a bag to carry gives you the chance to reflect your own style while looking professional. Remember to select a bag that’s durable and water-resistant!

3—Footwear. The key to any successful outfit is to always put your best foot forward. The “desert boot” is a staple shoe all guys should have in their closet. The boot is interchangeable and can be dressed up or down. Here, the boot is paired with the cuffed jeans to sharpen the casual look while keeping it comfortable. I recommend getting this boot in a versatile neutral color.

4—Watches. Add some arm candy to your daily wardrobe! Let’s be honest, everyone hates that one person who always shows up late to everything. Never be that person and add a watch to your daily outfit. A watch is a small detail that makes a huge impact on your look, and it easily enhances any outfit. If you prefer wearing light colored clothing, I recommend you choose a brown or gold watch. If you prefer dark clothing, go with a black watch.

Paying attention to the small details can make any drab outfit become fab. The four tips listed above will help you enhance any simple outfit while keeping your own style.

How do you embrace casual style? Show us on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista. 

How to DIY Your Own Embroidered Beach Hat

As a college student on a budget and a DIY queen, I always say, “Why buy when you can DIY?” In other words, why spend tons of money on something that is incredibly easy to make yourself, for half the price?

One of this summer’s must-haves is beach hats with bold statements or words embroidered on them. They’re all over social media, fashion blogs, online, and in stores. Of course, being a Style Guru, I just had to have one, but I thought that they were a little too expensive. I tried finding one on sale, but I had no luck. Finally, I decided to make one myself because not only would I save money but I could personalize my hat. I wouldn’t have to worry about it looking  “cliche.”

Here’s a simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create your own embroidered beach hat:

Materials

1—A canvas or straw wide brim hat. I bought this one at Target, for just  $12!

2—A pencil or Sharpie.

3—At least one foot of thread, twine, or yarn (you may need more or less depending on the size of your letters and the length of your word).

4—An embroidery needle.

Steps

1—Think of a word or phrase that you’d like to put on your hat. I came up with the phrase “Shell Yeah!” to express my enthusiasm for the beach. Begin by lightly writing the words with the pencil or Sharpie in big letters, on the far right side of the back of your hat. For a shorter word or phrase, start the beginning of the word closer to the center of the hat.

2—Using your needle and thread, hand-stitch each letter.

It’s that simple! Now, go to the beach and rock your hat on with confidence!

The beauty of DIY fashion is that you can give your project a sense of originality, personalize it, and make it your own.

If you create your own embroidered beach hat, I’d love to see it! Share it on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

Bagging the Beach Essentials

Growing up on an island, I qualify as a certified beach bum—if that were a position. I have learned from my own firsthand experiences, and people watching at the beach, that there is certainly a right and a wrong way to do a beach day. With the last weeks of summer upon us, it’s not too late to re-evaluate what you wear and what you bring to the beach. Whenever I am at the beach, I see women lugging huge beach bags that makes me imagine they are prepared for the apocalypse, but I have realized there is a happy medium in packing a beach bag. You can ensure that you are not forgetting anything, but don’t need to pack everything.

To pack the perfect beach bag, one first needs a great beach bag. I prefer a beach tote in a neutral color so that it matches all my cover-ups and swimsuits. I have been using this straw bag for years and one of the bonuses is that if you just shake it a bit, it gets all the sand out. If you want to dress it up, you can add a pom-pom key chain or a tie a silk scarf around the handles.

What’s Inside? 

I like to use a smaller subset bag to hold all of my sunscreen and beauty supplies. Transparent bags are ideal because you can see exactly what is in it.

When it comes to sunscreen, as I am fair, I have tried and tested almost every sunscreen under the sun. My go-to is Australian Gold because it has bronzer in it, so it gives my skin a nice shine while protecting it. When constantly hopping in and out of the water, it is easier to not wear makeup, but I like to have a little color on my lips and I swear by this lip balm. After I get out of the water, I like to brush out my hair with this comb to eliminate any knots and then put it up with this clip. I try not to tie my hair up with a hair tie when it’s wet because it always seems to pull out so much hair.

Some other things I make sure to have in my bag are whatever sunglasses are the current favorite in my rotation, my Kindle (loaded up with some new books), and a big fluffy towel. I also like to throw a hat in there whenever I have had too much sun.

What are your beach essentials? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

Must Have Trends for This Fall

School is coming in hot. Say goodbye to relaxing afternoons by the pool and a wide open schedule. Instead, it’s time to get hyped for snoozing alarms, color-coordinated notes, and all nighters. There is one thing that really gets me motivated to head back to campus besides seeing all my best friends… and it’s shopping! Seriously though—I’m one of those people that sits online for days shopping for all the latest trends and comes up with an exact list of all the must haves for the year… I suppose that’s just expected from a girl who dedicates her whole college career to researching and designing clothes. This is definitely my “thing.”

After quite a few miles logged walking from one end of the mall to the other and stalking some Italian women while in Italy this last semester, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the most popular trends for Fall’17 below. Please check it out and strut through campus if you dare… here’s what you need to find.

1— Grab some of your spring florals and add them to the cycle this fall. Layer them with subtly patterned jackets and dark colors.

2— These loafers came out of nowhere. Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair. They are so comfy, easy, and look great with any type of pant leg.

3— Bring on the cropped, wide leg trousers. Zara has many variations of this style. Also, every single Italian woman was wearing these last semester. Trends hit Europe first and these Italian ladies know what they’re doing. These pants are more comfortable than sweatpants.

4— Find some fringe. I made these earrings myself (super easy and cheap).

5— Red, red, red! Taylor Swift was just a few years early for this trend. Whether it’s just a pop on your lips or your entire shirt, you are definitely going to want this color to be part of your wardrobe.

Make sure to tag @cfashionista in all your posts showcasing your own fall style!