Athleisure – CollegeFashionista

5 Reasons You Should Incorporate Yoga Into Your Workout Routine

As we start the new school year, everyone is eager to hit the gym and sweat out their stress. The workload is crazy, and we all need time to ourselves to release some of that energy. Read on to see why you should incorporate yoga into your daily routine:

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—De-stress yourself

We all need something to give us a little break. Maybe you have three tests coming up or you’re preparing for a big interview—whatever the case, you need to unwind and relax. That’s where yoga comes in. Whether you have time for an hour-long class or only a 10-minute video, that’s all it takes to feel calmer, relaxed, and ready to take on anything the day throws at you!

2—Get a sweat session in

Some of you may read this and think, “Yoga, as a workout?” Well, I’m here to tell you that you can very well break a major sweat during a yoga session (my sweaty mat during hot yoga is proof enough). Simply look up the class schedule at your gym to see the different variations of classes. Vinyasa, power flow, hot yoga, etc. are some examples. Then just pick which one works best for you! All you have to do is go, be present, and sweat it out!

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

3—Meet some new friends.

Joining a fitness class is a great way to make friends. Maybe take some time before or after class to get to know the person on the mat beside you. Your yoga teacher is almost always very willing and excited to talk after class about anything, from constructive criticism to just getting to know you a little bit better! If making friends on the fly isn’t your thing, you can always grab a buddy or two to take with you and make it a shared experience. The more, the merrier!

4—Embrace the zen

A yoga practice is your time—and your time only—to get in touch with what you’re feeling that day and clear your headspace. This can be achieved in a class or on your own. Shavasana (also known as corpse pose), often done at the end of the class, is the perfect time to appreciate your body’s abilities, and to reflect on yourself and your attitudes. Even five minutes can really brighten your outlook!

5—Wear cute workout clothes.

You didn’t think I’d end this post without mentioning the endless array of yoga leggings, did you? Attending a class is the perfect excuse to wear leggings all day and own the athleisure look. With plenty of cute and comfy options for everyone out there, you’re sure to rock the yoga studio all day long!

Lastly, yoga is not about judgment or comparison. It’s about self-improvement and getting in touch with your mind and body. So I encourage you to attend a class, and see for yourself how amazing it is!

What’s your favorite way to break a sweat? Let me know in the comments below!

4 Trends Every Fashionista Will Be Rocking on Campus This Fall

We are back in the swing of things at school, and it’s officially fall! That means breaking out the pumpkins, Halloween candy, and our favorite fall sweaters. While a classic sweater and leggings combo is a great fall outfit, there are so many new trends to try this season. Whether you keep it casual for class or dress up to go out, there is a trend for everyone this fall.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Denim

Whether it’s a funky denim jacket or a classic pair of Levi’s, denim is one of this season’s staples. Fashionistas can keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt or experiment with the trend and pair denim on denim. There are so many ways to style denim, so every Fashionista will be wearing it this fall.

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

2—Red

Red is the color of the fall. From burgundy to cherry red, every shade is in style. For Fashionistas who usually steer clear of bright colors, try sporting a darker shade or a pop of red on your shoes. For any trendsetters out there—do you dare to wear a monochromatic red look?

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

3—Loafers and Mules

Now that we have established a few clothing trends, every Fashionista needs a shoe to complete her outfit. Loafers and mules are the perfect transitional shoe from summer to fall before it gets too cold and you need two pairs of socks layered under your warmest boots. These styles are versatile, so there is a pair out there for every style from preppy to bohemian.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

4—Athleisure

Finally, this trend is perfect for Fashionistas who like to keep it comfortable or try to squeeze in a workout between classes. Athleisure is back again for another season, and I am so excited to sport some fun printed leggings everywhere from running errands to the yoga studio. As a result, wearing cute workout clothes might inspire you to come up with a workout routine for the semester.

Denim, red, athleisure, loafers, and mules are just a few of this fall’s biggest trends. Fashionistas can even combine multiple trends in one outfit! I’m thinking a red blouse, your favorite jeans, and a great pair of mules.

How are you planning on styling these trends? Show us on social media and tag @CFashionista!

5 Fall Athleisure Outfits to Get You Through the Semester

We’re all sad another semester has begun, bringing more stress and even less free time. There is some good news though, chunky sweater season is almost here! Fall fashion is one of my favorites; however, sometimes it takes too much energy to put effort into an outfit while going to class. The athleisure trend, seen on models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, is a lifesaver. Athleisure is a broad term that refers to any type of athletic wear worn in normal settings, such as work or class. There are many ways to be fit and fab, which include wearing items such as track pants all the way to tanks. Here are five pieces you need in your closet to dress down while still being trendy.

1—Distressed graphic shirt

When you see distressed clothing, you might think back to all of the things your mom said when you asked for your first pair of distressed jeans. However, these edgy and worn-in clothes aren’t leaving the fashion scene anytime soon. The best type of distressed is DIY so go get a large T-shirt or sweatshirt and start cutting.

Outfit Idea: Make your look a little bit edgier by pairing a distressed sweatshirt with a choker and biker shorts for those warmer fall days.

PHOTO: Julia Michael

2—Sports bra

Sports bras are an easy way to style a look and can be worn under a cut out T-shirt or jacket. They’re a better alternative to wearing a real bra and come in different designs and colors, so they are the perfect addition to any look.

Outfit Idea: Pair your favorite sports bra with a zip-up jacket, leggings, sneakers, and your favorite sunglasses.

PHOTO: Katie Yang

3—Denim jacket

The best athleisure look includes one non-athletic wear item. My go-to is a denim jacket because they are casual and comfortable. They also add a vintage vibe to your look. Distressed denim jackets will also add even more brownie points with the fit fall fashion community.

Outfit Idea: Pair a denim jacket with a light sweatshirt and leggings to create the perfect fall look.

PHOTO: Ali Bell

4—Track pants

People have been wearing track pants on runways and throughout offices because the item has been in style for a few seasons now. They are a cute and comfy option for those wanting to dress up their sporty look. You can wear normal track pants or get a tailored pair to spice up your business casual work outfit.

Outfit Idea: Track pants fashioned with a solid T-shirt and jacket.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

5—Sneakers, sneakers, sneakers

The best item to top off any athleisure outfit is sneakers. No matter where your brand preferences lie, every company is stepping up their sneaker game. Go shopping and find the pair that best expresses your style! Everyone knows an outfit isn’t complete until you find the right shoes.

Outfit Idea: You can pair sneakers with your favorite leggings and an oversized T-shirt.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

How do you wear athleisure? Show us on social media. Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

Dreading Your Early Morning Class? Try These 3 Outfit Hacks

Oh, the joys of an early morning class. I was such a morning person before I came to college. It was no problem to wake up at 6 a.m. and get ready for school. But when I came to college, it was a whole different ballgame. It was not as easy as walking downstairs to eat breakfast and driving to school. You have to walk to the dining hall, and then still walk across campus to class—basically waking up 30 minutes earlier.

PHOTO: Michelle Szczech

My first semester, I did not willingly take an 8 a.m. class—I had a mandatory University Perspectives class. As if it wasn’t hard enough getting up and getting dressed, it was also an eight-week class that started in the middle of the semester. But don’t worry: I learned that you can still wake up early and dress cute and comfortably. Here are a few outfits even you can throw on at 7 a.m.!

1—Athleisure. This is my favorite trend. The athleisure style is when you dress like you’re going to the gym, but you don’t actually go. Nice, right? All you need is a pair of leggings and some tennis shoes. By now, almost every major store carries some type of athleisure attire.

2—Mom jeans Mom jeans got their name because you got them from the best store—your mom’s closet! These are my favorite kind of jeans because they aren’t super tight. You can wear these all day without dying to take them off. I love mom jeans because they give me more mobility than skinny jeans, but they are nicer than leggings. These high-waisted jeans were popular in the ’90s.

3—Boyfriend jeans. Boyfriend jeans are similar to mom jeans in that they are looser than skinny jeans. However, in some cases, they are tighter than mom jeans. They first came on the scene in the ’60s. They’re very baggy and they are usually made with a harder type of denim.

Leave your super tight leather pants at home, because chances are you’ll opt for something more comfortable on those early mornings before class.

What do you like wearing to class? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

Athleisure—The Do’s and Don’ts

Athleisure is one of my favorite trends. There is nothing better than looking cute and being comfortable at the same time. Clothes that were once only for the gym have become acceptable to wear out and about when we all know you have zero intentions of working out. For someone who loves athletic clothes, but does not love to workout, this is the perfect trend for you.

Athleisure is a broad category that many different brands have created their own lines of. While some are more casual than others, others tend to be nicer than your average gym clothes. With such variety available, it is easy to wander astray. Since you can either buy actual athletic clothes or specifically athleisure wear, there are some key do’s and don’ts of this trend. I have compiled these guidelines into two simple lists that will leave you rocking the athleisure look this fall.

1—Find what fits you best (i.e full-length leggings vs cropped leggings).

2—Keep it simple.

3—Cute sneakers.

4—Wear sports bras or bralettes.

5—Rock the athletic look when it is appropriate (class, errands, shopping).

Don’t

1—Wear two loose fitting items.

2—Wear too many bright colors.

3—Flip Flops or sandals.

4—Let your socks show.

This Fashionista followed all the do’s of the athleisure trend. She has long, slim legs, therefore the full-length leggings make her legs looks even longer, and fit her perfectly. She kept the whole outfit very simple by pairing black and white, which is always a great decision. She is wearing a simple white tank top with a sports bra to match. When it comes to athletic tank tops, many of them make your bra very visible, which is why it is very important to make sure whatever you are wearing underneath is not only cute but also matching. She paired her super simple outfit with all-black Nike sneakers. While I think you can absolutely pair a simple outfit like this with a colorful sneaker, it is always a safe bet to go with black.

Going out in athletic clothes to anywhere but the gym is a more recent trend, but it is a pretty awesome one because who doesn’t want to be comfortable when they are going to class or the grocery store?

What’s your favorite way to wear the athleisure trend? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

How to Balance Fitness and College

Finding time for regular workouts has always been a priority in my daily routine, but being a college student and balancing a healthy and active lifestyle can definitely be challenging. A little bit of exercise is beneficial for everyone, but most people, especially students, don’t have two hours to spend at the gym every day. If you’re a busy college student who just doesn’t know how to balance fitness and college, you’re not alone. Here’s how I’ve adjusted my healthy and active lifestyle and to fit into my college schedule.

Like everything else in college, planning ahead for your workout is so important. I’ve learned that if I don’t plan a time to go to the gym or to work out outside, I usually don’t end up exercising. I add my workout time into my daily planner or set a reminder on my phone. It’s also a good idea to plan your actual workout. If you’re new to exercising and need a plan written out for you, there are an endless amount of fitness Instagram accounts and online e-books available for purchase that will provide you with workouts right on your phone. My two favorites are Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide and Tone It Up. If you don’t want to spend the time or the money with that, here is my favorite short workout that I do multiple times every week.

High-Intensity Interval Training

Warmup: 5-minute jog

Sprints: 30-second sprint, 2-minute walk, repeat 10x (or as many as you can do!)

Cool down: 5-minute jog

High-intensity interval training workouts are my favorite because they are usually pretty short, but get your heart rate up and release stress. They’re also perfect to squeeze in on a busy day while still maintaining an active lifestyle. Along with doing high-intensity workouts, I love yoga and pilates. Most campus gyms offer free yoga classes for students, or you could explore the city your campus is located in and attend an off-campus yoga studio. Yoga has been so beneficial in releasing stress and lifting my mood, so I definitely recommend trying it out to any stressed out college Fashionistas.

Now that you have your workouts in your planner and some new ideas on how to workout, all you need is some new athletic apparel, which also serves as the perfect motivation to head to the gym and learn how to balance fitness and college in your own unique way. My favorite athleisure brand is Alo Yoga, and this black crop top is the perfect option for a high-intensity workout or a night spent on my yoga mat. So grab your favorite leggings, your running shoes, and a cute water bottle and start your favorite workout today!

How do you balance fitness and college? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

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Let’s Be Honest—Here’s What You’ll Really Be Wearing To Class This Fall

Back-to-school season is upon us. Besides reuniting with your besties and trying to get out of the 8 a.m. lecture, the thing you are most looking forward to is wearing the perfect fall wardrobe you have been curating all summer. In your head you decided that this was going to be the year you would “get dressed” for class. So you’ve been buying as many blazers, feminine blouses, and vintage Levi’s your summer paycheck would allow for.

While applaud your ambition, let’s get real. Once the first few weeks of class have settled in and your alarm goes off after four hours of sleep, the thought of sitting in class all day in tight high-waisted denim will make you want to crawl back under the covers more than you already do. So you’ll scour your closet, which is beautifully curated with chic pieces that are not practical. See the problem?

Photo: @sarahdewald

The good news is there is a way to be both stylish and practical In an effort to smoothly and stylishly transition you to the realities of college life. Leggings have solidified their status as actual pants and a staple of any athleisure/model off-duty/college student wardrobe.

I know what your thinking: Does this mean I have to give up on my dreams of having a fashionable school year? Check out the best leggings on the market right now, and trust us, you won’t have to give up anything.

Splits59 Tempo 7/8 Leggings, $88, Available at Shopbop.

Outdoor Voices 3/4 Warmup Leggings in Oatmeal, $80, Available at Outdoor Voices.

Alala Captain Ankle Leggings, $110, Available at Shopbop.

Old Navy Go-Dry High-Rise Leggings, $35, Available at Old Navy.

Live the Process Geometric Leggings, $148, Available at Shopbop.

The Upside Yoga Stretch Leggings, $95, Available at Net-A-Porter.

Lululemon Wunder-Under Hi-Rise 7/8 Tight in Night Tide, $98, Available at Lululemon.

Calvin Klein Performance Logo Cropped Leggings, $40, Available at Calvin Klein.

Athleta High Rise Paradise Floral Chaturanga Tight, $79, Available at Athleta.

Victoria Sport Anytime Cotton High-RIse Leggings, $45, Available at Victoria Sport.

What are your trusty go-to leggings? Share your picks in the comments below!

5 Airport Essentials to Help You Survive a Layover

I have a love/hate relationship with airports. I love them because every time I step in one it means that there’s an exciting adventure ahead of me. However, airports aren’t always full of wonder and adventure. They’re crowded, dirty, and for the most part pretty boring. If you’re traveling this summer the chances are high that you’re going to be spending at least a few hours in an airport. As someone that often flies often during the summer and the school year, I have become a self-proclaimed pro at navigating airports. There are five airport essentials to help you survive a layover.

1—Backpack. The first and perhaps the most important in my eyes is a backpack or tote to carry all of your flight essentials. Personally, I prefer a backpack because I feel that it’s easier to carry throughout the airport and keeps me completely hands-free.

2—Books/magazines. Inside of my backpack, I always have a book or magazine with me. If you’re anything like me then you’re always low on data and can’t afford to scroll through Twitter and Instagram for a long period of time even though you’d love to. While most airports offer wifi that you can connect to, you sometimes have to pay for it. I feel that a good book not only saves me a little bit of money, but it also allows me to disconnect from the world for a little bit. This summer I am reading Diary of An Oxygen Thief by Anonymous and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

3—Charging phone case. My third airport essential is a phone case that also charges your phone. I cannot begin to tell you how many times my phone case has saved my life while in the airport. Even though I always keep my charger with me, sometimes outlets are a hard thing to come by. A charging phone case saves you from an outlet scavenger hunt and you don’t have to deal with any cords that inevitably become a giant knot in your bag.

4—Face mist. My fourth airport essential is a face mist. Airports are fairly dirty and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to control that. However, you can make sure that you feel clean and refreshed throughout the duration of your airport stay. Nothing makes me feel more refreshed than a nice cool spritz of a face mist. My personal favorites are the Tea Tree Water and the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water.

5—The right shoes. My final airport essential is a super comfy pair of shoes. I always wear sneakers on a flight for a few reasons, the first being that they’re insanely comfortable. You never know when you’re going to be running late for a flight and might have to bust into a jog. When that happens you’ll be happy you wore the sneakers and not those super cute sandals. The second reason is that when you have to take off your shoes at the security check they’re easy to get on and off and you won’t have to touch the ground with you bare feet because you’ll have socks on.

If you find yourself in an airport in the near future I hope these little tips and essentials helped you. Tag @Cfashionista in your vacation pics!

Tips for Your First Half Marathon

As my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. I woke up thinking to myself, “Am I really about to run a half marathon today?” This past June I ran my first half marathon. I would have never thought when I started that I would be able to run 13.1 miles because truthfully, I struggled to run even one mile. When I decided to register for the half marathon, I began to research some helpful tricks and tips to make my experience much more enjoyable (as much as it could be at least)!

Every blog and article I read told me to drink lots of water. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference it made in my training. I felt so much better running when I had water in my system before my run. I struggled with remembering to drink water often throughout my day, so I highly recommend the app called “My Water.” It reminds you every two hours to drink more water, and I lived by it.

Another thing that I found to be super helpful was to buy new athletic wear before I started to train. It motivated me to run because I wanted to wear my new clothes. Plus, it’s really hard to resist a good reason to buy new clothes. Some stores that I purchased my athletic wear from were Forever 21, Gap, Nordstrom, and Ross. These stores always seemed to have the best deals.

Lastly, this is the tip that I found to be the most helpful. Running and training for a half marathon is purely a mind game. When I first started I would have never believed that I could have run 13.1 miles, but once I began to train and I could see the way my body was progressing and getting adjusted to the training, I was able to believe in myself. When you start to train, remember to just take baby steps because you will eventually get to where you need and want to be. Running a half marathon takes a lot out of you, but it’s more mental than physical. Just remember to push toward that last mile and reach that goal that you’d been striving for, because, in the end, you will feel amazing about yourself.

Running a half marathon is something that is such an amazing accomplishment, and with these helpful tips, I hope that I can encourage you to sign up for a half marathon and challenge yourself.

Do you have any tips for running a half marathon? Let me know in the comment below, and be sure to tag @Cfashionista while you train!

Be Workout Ready With Confident Skin and Clothes

Going to the gym has become a part of many people’s daily routine, and whether you’re getting fit in or outside, you want to prepared and, of course, stylish for any workout. It is not only important to be comfortable when exercising, but it is also vital that you have a skin care routine for before and after you break a sweat.

What I wear to work out is a vital part of getting myself prepared and excited to exercise. I admit that I am not in love with going to the gym, but what I do love is athletic wear. A lot of people would argue that because you are going to sweat in the clothes, you shouldn’t even bother with looking good. I think the clothes you work out in are what boosts your confidence! When I leave my house and I feel good, I am much more ready to walk into the gym and say, “I can do this!” For this outfit, the sheer leggings are a comfortable, slimming, and breathable staple for working out. The tie back top is ideal for any relaxed workout; whether you’re doing yoga or taking a walk, this top can be tied or untied for a new look. The baseball hat is great for outside, and with the embroidery, it is very on trend. The athletic bag is a nice durable bag for holding all your fitness essentials and paired with a relaxed pair of sneakers, they are perfect for an athleisure look, in case you do not want to walk around wearing your gym sneakers.

In my fitness bag, I always keep a cute pouch that holds my beauty essentials for when I work out. I always have a travel-size deodorant; I prefer travel-size products because you never need full-size products when you’re working out. Next, I have my Wet Brush which folds compactly and is great for taming sweaty hair. Speaking of hair, never leave without dry shampoo! The last thing you want is to be rushing to work post-gym with dirty hair. My next essential for exercising outside is Coola sunscreen. It is specifically for the face and completely natural. If I am inside I will use the Keihl’s facial cleanser which has sunscreen but is much lighter. My next product is face wipes to clean your face after you break a sweat! This brings me to my favorite beauty product right now, rosewater facial spray! This Mario Badescu spray is ideal for hydrating and refreshing all skin types. I love it because my skin gets dry after I workout and I can use it several times a day. Lastly, I always have a smooth chapstick for my post workout cracked lips which reminds me don’t forget to hydrate with the help of your S’well Bottle! Now go get fit!

What do you wear to work out? What are your fitness beauty essentials? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashonista!