Back to School – 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!

How Goal Setting Can Lead to a Successful Semester

Heading back to school after a relaxing summer can seem chaotic and overwhelming, and settling back into a daily routine sometimes takes a while. Whether you’re juggling a job with clubs and classes, or just focusing on academics, it’s important to consistently keep your 20/20 vision in check with goal setting and planning.

Planning

Using a planner is extremely helpful for organizing daily, weekly, and even monthly events and deadlines. Writing out your schedule of classes, work, and clubs helps to visualize how much free time you have. It’s suddenly much easier to make time for school work, friends, and most importantly, yourself, once everything is laid out.

Some great planners can quickly get on the expensive side, but that shouldn’t deter you from organizing and planning your little heart out. You can always create your own scheduling or to-do list templates on a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or even Google Sheets. Creating your own planner will encourage you to keep up with it, and even allow your creative juices to flow every once in a while. All it takes to create your dream planner is a few clicks and colorful pens.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

Goal Setting

While using a planner is great for the smaller picture, goal setting is just as important. Planning for the future can be intimidating and overwhelming, but setting up a plan for achieving your dreams makes it much easier. The most important step in goal setting is writing them down. Whether you keep them on your computer, journal, or hang them up in your bedroom, it’s important to be able to look at them on a daily basis. Whenever you’re struggling, simply think back to your goals to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing and give yourself a little pep talk.

Breaking down your goals into manageable bits makes them much less intimidating. Your goals should always be specific, measurable, challenging, and timely. For example, if you want to work towards an active lifestyle, challenge yourself to exercise at least three days a week. Once that becomes too easy, start working your way up to six days a week, or simply increase the amount of time you spend working out. Always keep a record of your progress to remind yourself how far you have come from wherever it is you started (and don’t be afraid to occasionally reward yourself.)

PHOTO: Madison Paloski

Above all, your goals should be achievable. Don’t try to make the big leap at once because it’s easier to lose motivation that way. Start with the smaller steps and create a schedule for yourself, no matter how long it takes. Once you set your goals, write them down, plan your timeline, and you’ll be able to take on this (and every) semester with a clear vision and a new dose of productivity.

What goals are you currently working toward? Tell us all about them on social media by tagging @Cfashionista.

Additional photos by Emily Truong

10 Ways to Cope with the New Semester Blues

We’ve all felt it: that anxious pit in our stomachs as we transition from the carefree days of summer into the jam-packed school days of a new semester. How will I manage to finish all my schoolwork while also planning for post-grad life and maintaining a social life and keeping up with my extracurricular activities? Even if I can do all of that, how will I keep my sanity?

So, I’ve compiled a list of 10 great ways to deal with the new semester blues that’ll help you de-stress whether it’s your first semester of college or your last!

1—Perfect your bedroom décor

First, whether you live in a dorm or commute from home, make your bedroom a calming space by taking the time to add décor that inspires you, whether it’s twinkling lights, fluffy pillows, or pictures of your friends and family!

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

2—Organize a super cute planner

Planners don’t have to make you feel super stressed out! Check out a store that you like and see if they have any planners that motivate you, or choose a plain notebook and totally customize it!

3—Go on adventures in your city

Before classes pick up, take the time to go on a few spontaneous adventures in your city. It’ll be a fun way to kick off the semester, and it’ll be perfect bonding time with new roomies or friends you haven’t seen over break.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

4—Link up schedules with your friends

Compare schedules with your pals, so you can figure out the perfect time to grab lunch or hit Starbucks together.

5—Set goals

Make this semester your semester by writing down a few #goals you hope to accomplish. Then, go out and make them happen!

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

6—Make time to journal

While your mind is on overload, you should take time to unleash your thoughts into a journal, or paint or draw if that’s more your style.

7—Unwind with music/movies

If the stress of imminent classes sets in, then plan a movie night with your girls or simply pop in your headphones and unwind to your favorite songs.

8—Update your wardrobe

Go on a back-to-school shopping trip or simply re-purpose some clothes you already have; a fresh wardrobe will have you feeling ready to take on the new semester in style.

9—Cleanse your life of negative vibes

Negative friends? A toxic relationship? A major or extra-curricular activity that totally stresses you out? Then leave those behind! Start off this year on your terms, leaving anything that weighs you down in the past.

10—Take care of yourself

Finally, put yourself first! Schedule time to eat right, get enough sleep, and be active. Most importantly, have fun, because you have your whole life ahead of you to work; college is a time to enjoy yourself, find out who you are, learn, and grow.

How do you deal with the stress of a new semester? Tell us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

3 Back-to-School Hacks That Will Keep You Healthy and Energized

It’s that time of the year again—back to school has begun! With the start of the semester comes new classes and new routines. Getting back into the swing of things can be tough, but these three hacks will make getting back to school a breeze. These back to school hacks are all about keeping you healthy and energized, all while saving you money. What more could you ask for?

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

1—Cold brew on-the-go

Caffeine is necessary for college, specifically coffee. If you are in college and don’t drink coffee, what are you doing? Seriously, get on board! Brewing coffee and trying to get out the door before 8 a.m. can be tough, and normally results in a stop by Starbucks on the way to class. However, if you plan ahead, you will avoid spending $3 a day at your local Starbucks and save money by prepping your coffee at home. Simply brew a full pot of coffee and let it sit out until it is room temperature. Pour the coffee into a pitcher and place into the fridge. Once chilled, this coffee is now cold brew that you can enjoy whenever you need your coffee fix. I love pouring this in a to-go cup when I’m racing out the door and need a pick-me-up.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

2—Free workout classes

When life gets busy, it’s often hard to always get that workout in. However, working out gives us energy and boosts our overall mood, so it is essential to squeeze in while at school. Getting in a workout rut is easy to do if you do the same thing every day. Trying different types of workout classes is a great way to mix it up and try new things. Plus, you can bring all your friends with you and make it an outing. Almost all workout class studios offer a free week trial or at least a free class. Take advantage of this and try out all the studios’ free options. You are guaranteed to not get bored if you have a variety to try out. Some of my favorites are yoga sculpt, kickboxing, and pure barre.

PHOTO: Rachel Zuckerberg

3—Backpack snacks

I know what you’re thinking. Backpack snacks? But trust me, this is a lifesaver! With a full day of classes, it’s tough to find time to run home for a snack or sit down for a meal in the middle of a busy day. Just taking a few minutes in the morning to throw a few snacks in your bag will save you from making a vending machine purchase when you’re hangry. You will save money and have healthier options if you have something packed. Some of my favorite snacks to pack are mixed nuts, RX Bars, and carrots with hummus.

Which hacks are you trying this semester? Comment below with your tips!

Five Easy Steps for Successfully Moving Back to School

As the summer comes to an end, the thought of moving back to college and actually going to class can be a little daunting. While there is so much excitement surrounding moving in, reconnecting with friends, and being back on campus, the actual act of waking up early and going to class is a little less exhilarating. To help you get back into the hang of school, here are some steps to help you start off the semester strong.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

1—Go to sleep. I know you do not want to go to sleep early the first week back at school, but you might want to start going to bed earlier the week before school starts. If you can come to college with a healthy sleep schedule, you will hopefully revert to it, or at least know you can get up at a decent time in the morning. Trust me, once you start waking up every day at 11 a.m., it’s hard to get out of bed to do homework or go to morning classes. Start the year off with good habits!

2—Buy cleaning supplies Aside from your basic soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries, know that you’re going to need extra supplies to keep yourself and your room clean. Especially when you first move in, you want to have a clean and fresh space to work in. You can store these supplies in cute boxes, but you should always have them in case you need to clean.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

3—Organize your room. Now that your room is clean and you’re prepared for future disasters, you need to get organized. It’s hard to work and focus when your room is a mess. You can always use unpacking as an excuse not to study. Make yourself a space that you’re comfortable in, and then focus on your studies. Get to school as early as you can so you have time to move in and set up before classes start.

4—Buy food. You’re going to get hungry at some point while you’re studying, and you are then faced with the dilemma: Do I go out and get food or do I stay here and study while hungry? While it’s important to take study breaks, you can also waste a lot of time and money going out to find food. Keep some healthy snacks in your room so you can eat in without interrupting your research or essay writing.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

5— Get a planner. When you’re trying to juggle classes, social events, club meetings, deadlines, and tests, you need to have a central place to write everything down. Some people might like using Google calendar or their phones, but I’m personally a big fan of physical planners. Planners can be really cute, and you can color code, highlight, and cross off the tasks you’ve finished.

Have more tips or fun stories to share about moving back to college? Let me know in the comments!

4 Essential Work Pieces Every College Student Should Have

Summer, you will sincerely be missed—but now it’s time to take on new adventures. As we continue to settle into our fall semester of school, time management can become quite difficult, especially if you landed your dream job or internship. Finding the perfect work wardrobe should not be an additional stress to your schedule. Here are four essential work pieces every Fashionista should have.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Kitten heels

High heels are practical for special occasions, like dates and weddings, but not for the office. Spare yourself the pain and discomfort from wearing high heels and buy kitten heels instead. These shoes have thin, low heels and come in handy if your job or internship requires you to run several errands throughout the day. While you are shopping for kitten heels, try on each style, and see which fit is best for you. If your foot is slender, I suggest searching for kitten heels that have straps. Straps provide extra comfort and help prevent your feet from slipping out of your shoes. Pair these heels with a pencil skirt or a pair of slacks, and you’re set for a chic and comfortable day in the office.

2—Pencil skirts

Pencil skirts are fabulous pieces to have because they offer a wide range of possibilities for your work wardrobe. Colored pencil skirts add a great pop of color to your outfits; however, make sure you buy at least one black pencil skirt. Black pencil skirts offer more wardrobe possibilities and will help you save time. Another great thing about pencil skirts is that they can be styled into casual outfits after work. Swap your blouse and kitten heels with a T-shirt and some Converse, and you’re ready to go have lunch with your friends.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

3—Blazers

Since blazers are so versatile, they make great basic work pieces. They can help you create tons of cute outfits while also saving money. You should buy at least one black blazer, and don’t forget to make sure it is the same shade of black as your pencil skirt.

4—Button-down shirts

Last but not least are button-down shirts. Button-down shirts are classic pieces that pair perfectly with fitted pencil skirts or sleek work pants. Select an array of colored shirts, and have fun creating endless amounts of outfits. You can tuck in your button-down shirts for a more polished look or leave them out for a casual work day outfit.

What are your essential work pieces? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Additional photo by Lex Kelly.

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!

Finding Balance in the New School Year

With school starting again, it’s easy to get swept up in the endless sea of homework, work, and extracurricular responsibilities. Let’s face it, everyday college life can often leave us feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve compiled a list of four ways you can help keep your physical and mental health in check and find balance in a world full of pop quizzes and eight-hour shifts.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

1—Find time to exercise

Exercise can quite literally help you find your balance. Even if you only have thirty minutes to spare, make sure you squeeze in some sort of workout. Whether it’s just going for a long walk or completing a complex workout at the gym, make sure you get that heart pumping and those muscles moving so you can reap the multiple mental and physical benefits exercise has to offer.

2—Try to cook as much as possible

Look, I get it; we’re all immensely busy, so cooking three square meals a day isn’t always practical. But I find that when I find the time to make myself an omelet rather than just tossing a protein bar in my bag, I tend to feel fuller longer and I feel a small sense of accomplishment knowing that I can do adult things like feed myself. When you cook for yourself, you also know what goes into your meal, unlike those tasty yet mysterious cafeteria and restaurant dishes, which often hide added fats and sugars. Along with your health, your wallet will also thank you for those home-cooked meals because fewer trips to McDonald’s (sadly) means more coins in the bank.

3—Make time for friends

Make time for friends.Even if it means just walking Catherine to stats, or grabbing a coffee with Sam when you have a second. Laughing with friends is one of the best ways to keep your sanity in this crazy college life. Although we’re all super busy, let’s make sure to occasionally put down the textbooks for a girls night out.

4—Find hobbies that interest you

I’m learning to play the guitar, and it has become a massive stress relief for me. While I’m playing, I clear my head so I’m not thinking about anything except how everything sounds. After, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges may come my way for the rest of the day. Find time to do something you enjoy each day, whether it’s meditating, reading a book, or painting.

I’m sure we’re all planning on studying hard this semester and getting those As. Taking the time each day to practice self-care will keep us in the right headspace and physical shape to do just that. Here’s to the new school year; let’s crush it!

How do you find balance in everyday life? Let us know on social media @Cfashionista!

Additional photos by Kelly Rogowski and Valerie Cammack.

Can We Stop Thinking of “Routine” as a Bad Thing?

Some people dread going back to school; but to be honest, a lot of people (including myself) love this time of the year. While, I must admit, I will miss the luxury of sleeping until 2 pm, there is something comforting about the structure that comes with a new school year.

With the start of school, a new routine is set for the semester. Routine sounds negative, but it can actually be a beautiful thing. Routine creates a rhythm for school days. By having a class schedule, you can know what time you need to wake up in order to have your morning coffee in order to make it to class on time. Having a daily procedure can help decrease anxiety, worry, and can establish confidence in knowing what the day will most likely bring you.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

Having a agenda or schedule makes it way easier to plan. Being back in the classroom means that we have a very solid idea on when we will have time to go out for brunch, schedule work shifts, and more. Maybe the school season does not allow for sleeping in really late or spending the whole day sitting by the pool, but it does make it a lot easier to know what you are doing or where you will be at a certain time. Schedules make it easy to write down your plans in that cute new planner you bought for the school year!

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

I know it’s hard to trade in those lazy summer afternoons spent by the beach for sitting in a boring and plain classroom. However, going back to school and back to a routine is not as bad as it seems. Routines have a lot of beauty—so go out and see the beauty in your routine this school year!

How do you see the beauty in your daily school routine? Comment below or show us on social media. Be sure to tag @CFashionista.

4 Easy Ways to Balance School and Your Social Life

After two full years of college, I have gained a tiny bit of college gal wisdom. One of the hardest things about college is balancing your time. We are in college to get an education, so school should always have priority. But at the same time, college is supposed to be the best time of our lives, right? How are we supposed to meet our lifelong friends if we’re studying all the time? How are we supposed to get a degree if we’re out socializing all the time? Finding the balance between school and your social life can be hard, but I have a few tips to help make it a little bit easier.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

1—Get a planner

This one seems obvious, but learning to use a planner every day will help you stay more organized and more relaxed. I recommend looking at the syllabus for each of your classes and writing in all of your upcoming due dates for the entire semester. This seems a little excessive, but if you have all your important school dates written down, you can plan your social events a lot easier and you won’t have anything surprise you and cause you to bail on any plans. Say hello to a planner and goodbye to cancelled plans!

2—Eat at home most nights

I love to eat out, but I recommend eating at home because it saves you money that can be used for things like birthday gifts, travel, or shopping with your friends. Eat at home when you can, and save that money for social events! When you eat at home, you can also work on homework or study while you’re cooking and eating, giving you even more free time to socialize!

3—Meet up with friends when you have a break

Even if you only have a 30-minute break between classes once a week, ask a friend or two to meet you for coffee. Standing in the Starbucks line for 15 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s a quick, easy way to catch up with your pals when you have a busy schedule. Incorporating your friends into your daily activities can give your brain a break from school and help you stay connected with everyone.

PHOTO: Maddy Haller

4—Plan a weekly dinner date

My friends and I plan a weekly family dinner on Sunday nights and everyone brings a dish or ingredients to someone’s house, we bring out our cutest wine glasses, and we eat together. It only takes about two hours and is a great way to start the week and catch up after the weekend. If you just dedicate one night a week to dinner with friends, you will have a refreshing social evening every single week, and eventually it will start to become routine.

How do you balance your social life with school? Let me know in the comments below!