Black – CollegeFashionista

The 3 Items Every College Girl Should Splurge On

You may be a broke college student, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve nice things. I have always lived by the motto that less is more. In this case, buying less that is higher quality is more important to me than purchasing more for less. Besides the obvious school necessities such as a waterproof backpack, laptop, and notebooks, I’ve curated a list of items that are worth the splurge.

1—Fall jacket or winter coat. First of all, I always splurge on is coats and jackets. A quality fall jacket or winter coat is essential when walking from class to class. My most worn winter coats consist of a long down coat from North Face, a navy wool and black leather BCBGMaxazria trench coat, and white and pink fur coats from Free People. My go-to fall jackets are my black leather jacket and my Sanctuary camo bomber jacket. These are all a little more money than a college student would most likely care to spend, but I promise you won’t regret it when you’re warm walking from class to class or out to dinner when it’s below freezing and snowing.

2—Skincare products. The second to splurge on is skincare products. Skincare is essential in college because of the increased stress. Being a college student is stressful. Keeping up with school work, finding internships, being involved in clubs, staying fit and healthy all while trying to maintain a social life can cause breakouts due to stress. Having the right skincare products and using them is key. Three products that I deem as necessary to a skincare routine is a cleanser, moisturizer, and a mask. I use iS Clinical cleanser and moisturizer. For a mask, I use the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Mask. When I get overwhelmed with stress, I know I won’t breakout if I use these three products. Skincare products are expensive, but it’s worth a clear face.

3—Black heels. Lastly, splurge on that go-to pair of shoes. If you are going to splurge on a pair of going out shoes, black is the way to go. Black goes with everything, and always makes an outfit look put together. When I wear heels I wear the same two pairs. I wear basic black heels to formals, and I wear my Marc Fisher black booties to everything else. Since feet don’t usually grow once you’re in college, a pair of shoes is an investment that can last many years.

How do you “treat yourself” and splurge as a college student? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

Look Smart and Chic in All-Black This Fall

The college life can hit you hard; assignments, deadlines, and tests all just flood in and it’s so easy to give up on personal appearance and go for leggings and baggy hoodies. But it is so important to continuously put that little bit of effort into your appearance, even if it means getting ten minutes less of sleep daily. It’s easy to forget that your lecturers and tutors can possibly aid you in getting a job or advocate for you in getting into a course. Ensuring that you’re dressing in a smart yet casual way can be the make or break factor for their opinion of you. Dressing smart always portrays an image of not only sophistication but also that you take things seriously. It can also make you memorable and stand out from the crowd. One of the simplest ways to do this is to wear all black.

All black is simple, classy, and sophisticated as well as flattering on every body type. Black is an essential color for everyone’s wardrobe and is so easy to both dress up and dress down for any occasion.

A pair of plain black jeans always looks smart and classy and, better yet, is always flattering. A pair of jeans without any rips or distressing is always a safer option when trying to impress faculty as plain jeans look more sophisticated and are much more appropriate for someone aspiring for a specific career path.

A plain black leather jacket is always a great addition to your wardrobe and to any outfit because it makes the plainest outfit look more put together. A black leather jacket is an essential for everyone’s wardrobe no matter what your style or prospect. A leather jacket is also a way to maintain dressing for your age.

Top off the outfit with a pair of black boots, a must have in everyone’s fall wardrobe. Comfortable yet chic, a basic pair of heeled or flat boots are the perfect way to tie an outfit together and to make it cohesive and smart.

So make an effort, dress up, feel amazing and look even better. Don’t be afraid of all black; it is a flattering, classy, yet simple and easy option to turn heads and create opportunities for yourself.

What’s your favorite look to put together with black? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

An Edgy Day in NYC

Here’s a scenario: you have one day to experience the New York City lifestyle. You will get to tour the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan while trying out multiple food spots. Your day in NYC will end with a fun night out in Soho. You start thinking of an outfit but you soon get stumped. You don’t want something that is too flashy but also one that isn’t too dull. Well, luckily for you, we are here to help you out with a comfortable but trendsetting look for your day!

This fashionista has created a look that is comfy enough for you be able to walk around but chic enough to be able to go out in. Inspired by the ’90s, this outfit will have people turning heads for your first debut in NYC. First, this Fashionista is wearing a graphic T-shirt that is cut off on the shoulders. She has then paired it with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans. Lastly, she has added a pair of black strappy heels to complete the look. Adding heels gives this look a nice feminine touch and makes it more acceptable to go out in.

As for accessories, you can begin by adding a cute pair of sunglasses for day time. The best thing about sunglasses is the fact that you can find a pair that is best for your face shape. From thick frames to thin silver ones, the options are endless! Next, a trendy gold watch can update any outfit with sparkle and add a little pop. Lastly, gold studs are the last item to complete this look. The beauty of a stud is a must in any woman’s wardrobe.

Now you have a great outfit to enjoy for your time in the city. Take pictures of your outfit and share them on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

4 Reasons Why One-Piece Swimsuits Are the Best

It seems like everywhere you look this summer, one-piece swimsuits are taking over. But, who can blame them? Cut-outs, loud patterns, and simple designs make these swimsuits flattering for every shape and size. There was a time where I refused to be caught dead in something other than a strappy, ill-fitting bikini. Now, this hot “old” trend has every college girl hurting their bank account just to have one or two. Plus, it is a nice break from having to be “bikini body ready” by the time summer rolls around. Here are four reasons why one-piece swimsuits are simply the best thing ever!

1—Simple yet stylish. This one-piece black swimsuit is so simple it almost does not even look something you could possibly swim in! It is simple in the mesh material design but the black top underneath it makes very fashion-forward. This mesh material look is also another trend that has been seen everywhere this year.

2—Body flattering. Rather you are size 10 or size 00, one-pieces are made to look flattering for every shape and size. They can accentuate the parts of your body that you love, (i.e cut-outs) or hide parts that you are not overly confident with, especially with a bold pattern to show off your personality!

3—Swimsuit or bodysuit? Going back to the first reason why these swimsuits are the best. Brands are very good at making these suits so nicely made and very on-trend that it looks like your average college girl bodysuit. These light wash jean shorts really bring this look from lakeside to dinner time in no time at all.

4—They actually never left. Yes, the one-piece suit is definitely high up on the list of latest trends this summer. However, they have been around longer than when we know. Of course, the different modifications from the 1800s until now are prominent, we can conclude that this trend is something that will never go out of fashion!

Never feel like you have to show some skin to look and feel your best, that is why the one-piece swimsuit is here for you!

Are you team one piece or team bikini? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us living it up in your swimsuits this summer @Cfashionista.

How You Can Easily Wear Black Clothes in the Summer

Black is an essential color in fashion. It’s elegant, it’s simple, and it’s slimming. I can pair black with anything, which is why a large portion of my wardrobe is made up of it. I have accumulated tons of black clothes without even realizing it. My passion for black clothes runs deep, and just because we’re in summer doesn’t mean I’m going to let that love fade away.

One way to wear black in the summer is to get pieces that are on-trend in black. Here I am wearing an off-the-shoulder top, which seems to come into trend every single summer. The shirt is a little cropped as well, though you can’t tell because I am also wearing high-waisted pants. Because it is off-the-shoulder and cropped, it is a perfect piece for summer. On hotter days, you can pair the top with a denim skirt or black shorts. In the summer, you don’t want to spend a long time thinking about what to wear, you just want to get out the door. Having an easy top like this makes finding something to pair it with simple and saves you time in the morning.

Speaking of trends again, another way to make black summer clothing appropriate is pairing your outfit with trendy summer shoes. Currently, I am obsessed with mules. I wish I could have a pair in every color. Something about the mix of a sandal and a chunky heel makes me want to wear them every day. I paired my black outfit with beige mules so I could stay neutral without wearing head-to-toe black. You could also wear colorful mules, such as pink or red mules, to add a pop of color.

To complete the look, I added some dainty jewelry. I can’t be bothered to wear statement jewelry in the summer. I just want something simple that won’t get in my way. Here I wore a small gold necklace. The dainty necklace matches the simplicity of the look. I tend to wear gold with black more because I like the contrast.

Though many believe black is a color that should stay in the winter, I think otherwise. The simplicity that black offers makes me constantly reach for it, no matter the season.

Do you feel the same way about black? Let me know in the comments below.

These Dark Elements Will Revamp Your Summer Beauty Routine

Summer beauty is an area where pretty much anything goes. People can wear everything from yarn to rhinestones to accentuate their natural features. There aren’t restrictions for an acceptable daytime makeup look anymore (although a red lipstick and dark shadow never go out of style). Though some of us aren’t avant-garde enough to wear appliquéd eyebrows or green mascara, there are ways to make bold looks more contemporary. This is what this Fashionista has done with her natural look, accentuating its soft, dark elements flawlessly.

Her look began with a clean base of foundation, post-moisturizer. After contouring her naturally strong cheekbones, she added concealer and a touch of powder bronzer to give her skin a faint glow. After using eye shadow palettes to touch her eyes up, she applied waterproof mascara to make her lashes pop and prevent any makeup mishaps.

This Fashionista’s strongest statement is her black lipstick. With many makeup aesthetics, darker lips can translate to a “goth” vibe and possibly project the wrong image. This isn’t the case with this look; using lip primer made her application of the lipstick smoother and the color more prominent. Paired with the shades of her dark and semi-dark products and silver slip dress, the created effect is more ethereal and romantic than “I’m with the band.” There’s a heightened element of edge, but it doesn’t overwhelm the look. Rather, it complements it to ensure it contains a variety of qualities. Its coordination with her shoes doesn’t hurt, either.

This is a makeup look that most people, with a variety of the same, similar, or different facial products, can wear from day to night. It has the perfect amount of boldness that it can be worn out to lunch, or when paired with the right outfit, a regular work day. When it’s paired with a more casual “going out” outfit, it’s ideal for adding an element of mystery to your ensemble whether you explore nightlife with others or on your own. Overall, it perfectly combines neutral elements to form a bold, current, and transitional look for everyone.

What fresh, new elements are you adding into your summer beauty routine? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Incorporate Matching Sets Into Your Summer Wardrobe

Sometimes picking the perfect outfit can be extremely time-consuming. Or maybe you’re just having one of those days where you don’t have the energy or the time to put together a head-turning look. It’s lazy moments like those that the latest spring and summer trend—matching sets—can be a lifesaver. In a matter of minutes, you can throw one on and look instantly put together, chic, and seem like you put some effort into your outfit without having to go through the hassle of having to combine a top and bottom.

As the fashion trends change, designers are bound to alter the styles and cuts of matching sets. And as the new seasons roll in, the colors, fabrics, and prints also tend to vary in order to match the color pallet and characteristics of the current season. At the peak of summer, it’s difficult to miss the bright colors and lightweight fabrics on the shop windows as the new trends hit the stores. And I am sure you have seen a few mannequins rocking matching sets on the windows of your favorite stores.

But the best thing about matching sets isn’t the colors and fabrics that they come in. If we are going to be honest here, my favorite thing about matching sets is that it’s a two-for-one kind of deal. Not only can you wear the set together, but you can also mix and match it with other items in your closet. Whether you’re dealing with a skirt, pants, or shorts, you can pair it with a variety of tops to create a casual or dressy look. Meanwhile, the top is just as versatile and can be worn with anything from denim to leather pants to your favorite shorts.

Whether you are looking to dress up or dress down your matching set, it’s all about the shoes you pair it with. It can be paired with sandals for an everyday casual look, or the latest trends in heels for work or a dressier look. It’s all up to you!

Keep matching sets in mind next time you’re out and about at the mall looking for a cute new outfit. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

How would you style your matching sets? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

4 Ways to Wear a Little Black Dress

Since the late 1920s, the LBD has been the epitome of elegance, chicness, and sophistication. It is an essential piece capable of being unraveled in a myriad of different styles. The most famous of all LBDs is Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy design in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This timeless, classic piece serves looks just as fashion icon Audrey Hepburn.

Black as a fashion statement has a long history. In reality, black is the new black! As Dior said in 1954, “You can wear black at any time. You can wear black at any age. You may wear it on almost any occasion. A little black frock is essential to a woman’s wardrobe.”

The Little Black Dress is the perfect combination of elements; it’s an “all-in-one” piece. Predominantly, the LBD is practical. It is the essential clothing item to complete every woman’s fashion collection. An LBD can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It’s pretty versatile.

This dress ranges from a multitude of styles. The simplest of them all, and easiest to conform to any occasion, being the straight-cut LBD as worn by the model. Be it a cool night out or a casual day, a formal occasion or a morning in the sun, this dress can do it all. Call it a superhero, if you will. LBD to the rescue!

1—A Cool Night Out. Grab your girlfriends for a night on the town. Is your city breezy? Warm up while simultaneously killing the game. Try these add-ons to your look: hoop earrings, a leather jacket, and lace-up sandals. The ensemble would look best with wild lashes and loose hair.

Style achieved: cutting-edge, stylish, and edgy.

2—A Casual Day. Dress down your LBD with these accessories fit for day to day activities like summer strolls in the park and even errand running: a denim jacket, a choker, and a pair of sneakers. Finish with braids and a swift cat-eye.

Style achieved: confident, comfortable, and sporty.

3—A Formal Occasion. Need an outfit for a business meeting? A fancy dinner in the city? A Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Or maybe you just want that extra pizazz for the day. These pairings are perfect to dress up your LBD: pearls, heels, and a bralette. Complete this look with a slick up-do and apply red lipstick for a bold touch.

Style achieved: classy, sophisticated, and Hepburn-esque.

4—A Morning in The Sun. Do I hear coffee date? A trip to the beach perhaps? Look fun and flirty with these must-haves: a floppy hat, sunglasses, and a neck scarf. Style the hair in a low bun.

Style achieved: elegant, fun, and girly.

Oh, the possibilities of an LBD; they’re quite literally endless! It is truly an essential, classic piece.

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and share your rendition of an LBD on social media. Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

If You Wore Black All Winter, This is for You

When you think about summer, you think fun, bright colors, right? Well, some of us, including me, have spent the past fall, winter, and spring wearing black and really don’t see a change happening in the near future. We all know black is considered a “don’t” during these warm months, as it attracts heat and does the opposite of keep you cool. Black is the best color (or anti-color) to wear with almost anything. It can be dressed up, dressed down, and is easier to get away with than wearing white. However, wearing too much of it on a sunny day can leave you with either a nasty sunburn or a nice tan (if we’re staying positive). That being said, here are four ways to make black your new summer color without looking like Wednesday Addams.

1—Make it fun. Who said black can’t be feminine? Mix up your usual dark palette with some girly pieces that still use black as the main color. Try something like these patterned overalls, a lightweight floral dress, or soft shorts. When assembling the outfit around your patterned piece, stick to other solid colors and simple accessories.

2—Wear it with white. When done right, black and white pair together nicely in the summer. Wearing the two together creates a bold statement with little effort. Try a solid lettuce edge or smocked top with some white pants for a comfortable yet trendy post-beach outfit. You can also switch it up with white on top and black o the bottom. Keeping your colors simple allows you to play with accessories more!

3—Dress it up. Luckily, it’s easy to dress up black for any season, including summer. Whether you’re going out to a nice dinner or enjoying a night out with friends, black can still be your color of choice. Try finding a silky black tank top and wear it with shorts of similar material for a sleek and stylish look that still allows you to move with ease.

4—Wear it with denim. Black and denim have always gone hand in hand, as they look very good together. Try either a solid or patterned black top with jeans, cut-offs, or a denim skirt for an effortless look for all occasions. I’m a firm believer that less is more with denim, so keeping the accessories simple is important.

How will you keep cool while wearing black this summer? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

Oh Chic, What Do I Wear This Summer?

Summer is my favorite season—the warm weather, cool vacations, and of course, the fun fashions. It is the time to say goodbye to flannels and scarves and hello to sundresses and sandals.

This season try something new, stray away from the typical bright colors and bold prints and wear the chicest combination: black and white. It is a classic combination that never goes out of style.

I know what you are thinking: who would want to wear black in the summer? Fear not, I know it may be hot, but adding subtle pieces of black into your outfit adds the chic element to any of your summer looks.

This Fashionista’s look is very simple. She is wearing a white lace sundress that is off the shoulder, which makes it perfect for any summer outing. She paired it with black gladiator sandals that tie up. The fringe on the end is a fun little addition. A summer outfit would not be complete without a pair of sunnies to go with it. She chose classic black sunglasses to finish the outfit off. The lace detail in the dress does not call for many accessories, but this Fashionista chose to wear cute little flower earrings. Simplicity is essential this summer.

Black and white pieces are super easy to work with. They always leave room for a pop of color, so try a bold lip to really make the outfit stand out. So bring on the concerts and barbecues because you are summer ready Fashionistas!

Show us how you keep it classic and chic by tagging @CFashionista on social media!