Boyfriend Jeans – CollegeFashionista

Distress Jeans to De-Stress From Life

One of my favorite timeless trends is distressed jeans. As a millennial, I am sure I am not the only one who has been mocked by the older generation when I wear them. They say, “Why do you pay for holes in your clothes?” I would always just roll my eyes at this, but then I started thinking… I do pay a lot of money for holes in my jeans. I should just do it myself!

I picked up a pair of Levi’s for only $5 from a thrift store in New York City. They were oversize and had no holes in them—so I had some fun with them. And let me tell you, it is fun—and relaxing!

I had seen a bunch of different ways to distress jeans, but I used a combination of techniques that I found worked the best for me. Here’s how I was able to achieve this classic grungy look.

Step 1—Get yourself a pair of slightly oversize jeans with few or no holes in them. Try your local thrift store, or even a Marshall’s or T.J.Maxx. These are the best places to find a cheap pair of good quality jeans.

Step 2—Cut slits in the jeans that are about one inch wide. Start out with just two, and then you can build your way up.

Step 3—Grab a pair of tweezers and start pulling out the blue strands of denim that run vertically so that only the white strands that run horizontally are left.

Step 4—Cut another slit above or below the first one. Make sure it’s parallel to the other one, but don’t end it in the same place so the rip doesn’t look like one big box. You can pull on the edges of the holes to make them less boxy and more rounded.

Your first pair may not be perfect, but hey, ripped jeans aren’t supposed to be perfect! You get the hang of it the more you do it. You might even find it extremely relaxing like I do. Last semester, during finals week, I started working on a pair of Bermuda shorts, and every time I needed a break during studying, I would make a new hole in them. I was distressing jeans to de-stress from school and ended up with an adorable pair of shorts that no one else has.

Did you try this distressed jeans DIY? Make sure to share your unique jeans with @CFashionista on social media.

How to Dress Like a Fashion Blogger

Women always wonder how fashion bloggers manage to look a cut above the rest when it comes to everyday style. We do have a carefully honed ability to put together intriguing outfits, but I’m going to share a few secrets that you can use too. Check out these five easy tips to make yourself feel like Chiara Ferragni or Amiee Song!

1—Look for pieces that are ‘funky.’ Instead of searching for yet another pair of basic blue jeans or plain white tennis shoes, the next time you’re out shopping, look for pieces that have some character. Buy jeans that have embroidery on the hip, or look for pink velvet sneakers to give your outfits more visual intrigue.

2—Never wear the same outfit twice. Fashion bloggers look as though they are always wearing something new, but in reality, they are just good at mixing and matching their clothes to make them feel fresh. If you have a favorite embroidered mesh top, don’t wear the same bottoms or accessories with it every time. Try out new combinations and mix it up!

3—Add something. Coco Chanel used to say, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” We are going to have to disagree. Especially in the summertime, it’s easy for outfits to look drab and boring, so top off your ‘classic shorts and a tee’ outfit with a lightweight cardigan, a beachy hat, or some on-trend, yellow sunglasses.

4—Always put in the effort. No matter if you are going to your 8:00 a.m. class or making a quick trip to the grocery store, always put in a little effort. You don’t have to put in a lot, but you do have to put in a little. Instead of throwing on a headband and wearing baggy sweatpants, quickly put your hair in some braids, pair track pants with a soft T-shirt, and swipe on some tinted lip balm.

5—Clean out your closet. It’s difficult to create great outfits if you are still hanging on to a bunch of pieces that you do not love. Donate every piece of clothing you have not worn in the last year, and you will find that it’s much easier to throw together an effortlessly amazing outfit when you love everything in your closet.

The primary thing to remember is that you need to push your creativity. Look for inspiration everywhere—Pinterest, Instagram, people walking down the street! Try everything; you never know what top with what skirt will take your breath away. And finally, just have fun with it!

How do you manage to keep your style fresh and fashion-forward? Let us know in the comments!

Thrifty and Thriving—Finding High Fashion at Low Prices

To be a college student in this day and age has many meanings: you’re young, you’re getting an education, possibly working a job, and you have the whole world at your feet. This is the time to learn about subjects you love, subjects you hate, yourself, and the people around you. And chances are, you’re also beginning to explore your independence and the slim budget that comes with it! But, have no fear! There are still many ways to keep up your Fashionista lifestyle without cringing every time you check your bank account balance.

During my first year as a college student, I fell in love with thrift shopping and clothing swaps. One of my good friends also introduced me to a Facebook page where girls in my area were reselling their fabulous clothes for dirt cheap. Finding cheap gems to add to my wardrobe is always the highlight of my day, however, I will admit that it does require some patience. There are definitely some duds that hang on the racks at some thrift shops. However, if you try hard enough, you can leave with the perfect item without burning a hole in your pocket!

In her first look, this Fashionista rocked the boho vibe in an Anthropologie top, Calvin Klein shorts, and a brown fringed backpack, all of which came from her favorite thrift store. She also sported a scrunchy on one wrist, a gold necklace, and her mom’s vintage bandana around her hair. Both her top and shorts could easily cost over $50 each at retail value, but she was able to walk away with that outfit having spent less than $25! This cute combo is a perfect everyday look, whether you’ve got a class or a coffee date!

In the second look, she used a Free People top with Calvin Klein jeans. This soft, burnt-orange top had a netted overlay and crops just above the belly-button. This was re-sold to her from a page on Facebook for only $10. Her high-waisted Calvin Klein jeans go perfectly with any top and only cost her $8. She ended up throwing on some lipstick and re-purposing her mom’s vintage bandana as a neck scarf. Her tan booties were not thrifted, but they were too cute not to mention! This look is perfect for a night out or an outdoor concert.

Buying pre-loved clothes is an amazing way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. There’s such a wide array of clothing out there that it’s easy to find what you need for any type of look!

Do you like to thrift for your clothes? Let us know in the comments!

The Perfect Trendy Summer Outfit

I think it’s time for us to update our summer wardrobe by now, either by buying new clothing or just creating new outfits with what you already have. Don’t know what to wear? Find out what the summer trends are first. As we know, trends come and go, so it’s important to remember to wear whatever you actually like, and not just what’s popular. Here I put together the perfect outfit full of summer trends that you can try out if you haven’t already!

Statement Sunglasses

Starting from the top, the accessory that everyone should have is a pair of statement sunglasses. Of course, everyone needs a pair of sunglasses for the summer. I recommend buying a few different pairs of cheaper statement sunglasses so you can alternate them with your outfits.

Crop Top

A summer staple is a crop top. There are so many different styles to choose from, you’ll want to get them all! I think everyone should own a neutral colored one. Neutral colors are definitely easier to match to your bottoms. Crop tops are so versatile; they can be worn with shorts, skirts, or jeans!

Boyfriend Jeans

Here, I chose to wear slim fit boyfriend jeans with my crop top. Boyfriend jeans are classic for summer. They can be styled casually or they can be dressed up. With so many different styles of boyfriend jeans, it’s hard to pick which one you want to buy. I love these jeans because of the unique pearl details. Definitely wear boyfriend jeans on those cooler summer nights.

Block Heels

Finally, for shoes, I wore block heels. What’s great about block heels is that they are both comfortable and fashionable! These shoes look especially chic with the wraparound suede ankle laces. Wear them to dress up any outfit.

Try out these trendy pieces together or separately to create your own perfect summer outfit.

How would you wear these trends? Let me know in the comments below!

Remembering Jellies, A Modern Rendition

Remember jellies? Yeah, that strange fad in the early ’00s where people would slip sparkly plastic onto their feet. Well, that fad is back, but instead of pairing them with fluorescent pink Bermuda shorts and a graphic T-shirt, we are modernizing (they have heels now)! This is one of the most unexpected yet exciting fads to resurface. A great way to think of fashion, and keep an open-mind about it, is that it is like a pendulum. It is constantly swinging, reaching back into an era, only to revitalize and transform that era in the present.

Jellies have actually been around since the ’80s, but the early 21^st century was when high-end fashion designers began to reinterpret them. For the most part, we can agree that it didn’t work out that well at first. I remember elementary school was loaded with them, and looking back, they had to go. But thank goodness, they’re back. After making that first big appearance in the early 21^st century, crashing, and burning, designers have found a way to make them the perfect staple piece for any outfit, and here’s why:

1—They’re something different. You probably have about four pairs of suede shoes, and six pairs of leather shoes, but why not add in an eccentric new style to your wardrobe. Shoes already have the power of making or breaking an outfit. Jellies have that power with an additional pinch of uniqueness and guaranteed attention. Which brings me to my next point:

2—They’re an attention grabber. Their ability to stand out is not hindered by the fact that they are a mere plastic shoe. They sound underwhelming when represented that way, but their impact on an outfit is certainly far from it. When scanning a room full of people wearing similar shoes, jellies will be your wingman. They will make sure you get the attention you deserve.

3—They’re a conversation starter. Jellies can be the spark to a conversation with both those who know about them and those who don’t. If someone doesn’t know what they are or hasn’t seen them before, then this is uncharted territory! A whole new world of shoes that you just opened the doors to. Now you get to talk about them and perform the deed of sharing jellies with the world. However, if someone does know jellies, then they will appreciate the fact that you have brought back that style. Jellies have the ability to induce a sense of nostalgia, once childhood shoes, now matured.

4—They’re versatile. These are not a one-time-wear purchase. Jellies have many different attributes, which are brought out within different outfits, bold and casual. Its translucent appearance makes it an “unclashable” shoe, meaning you will never have to worry about patterns or colors. Whether you are going to class and wearing boyfriend jeans and a vintage T-shirt, or going out with friends and wearing a little black dress, jellies will make your outfit. Any outfit you think might be a bit too out there, jellies will give you that extra push of confidence to wear it. You will look that good.

5—Anyone can wear them. As much as this is a college-aimed website, do not limit yourself if you are younger or older. These shoes, as versatile as they are with clothing, are just as versatile with people. There is no age limit to what you can wear. Embrace that confidence, and show it to the world with your bold shoe choices.

How do you like to show off your personal style? Let us know in the comments below!

Back to Back (to School Again)

Unfortunately, summer is ending fast, and school is right around the corner. In retail, fall trends are already starting to pop up, and sweaters and jeans have already started magically appearing on shelves. I know you always want an excuse to shop for new clothes, so start school shopping early this year. I decided to use an old look I saw last fall to bring us back around into back to school shopping time.

Back to school shopping is my favorite time of the year because you are able to buy brand new clothes and stationary. Just pretend that you don’t already have enough. I love the excitement of new backpacks and planners, simply buying new things for your dorm. The excitement of the coming semester is honestly magical with planning new outfits and matching new shoes and purses. This outfit is a great back to school look, cute, casual, but still just dressy enough. My favorite part is the boyfriend jeans with the suede Chelsea-style booties—a great combo. They give off a casual look while still looking good to accentuate the length in your legs. I personally would wear a different top with this, maybe a plain T-shirt or a bodysuit underneath for a more “cool girl” look. This look is great if you want to wear heels, but not look super dressed up. This Fashionista wore some loose curls with this and I think it really works with the casual but dressy look. Her glasses work as a super cute accessory!

What do you guys think about this look? Would you wear something different? Would you wear something like this to class? Let me know that you think and look out for my next article!

I Wore the Same Jeans For a Week and Lived To Tell About It

If you’re a vintage shopper like me, you know that finding a great pair of used-but-not-too-used, vintage Levi’s is the ultimate achievement. While there are thousands and thousands of pairs in the world, only a rare few will find that one perfect fit. I’ll admit that over the last four years, I’ve exhausted my thrift shop resources and have tried on give-or-take a hundred pairs of jeans, all with no prevail. Let’s just say that hope was dwindling.

A few short weeks ago, with the last bit of will that I had left, I set out to a flea market that I’d perused for denim just a week prior. Under the glare of Brooklyn’s June sun, I spotted a pair of light-wash jeans mixed in with a dozen too-dark, too-stiff pairs of denim. I slipped them on, ignoring sizes as many thrifters know to do, behind the vendor’s makeshift dressing room, and even without a mirror, I knew that I’d finally done it. That was the day my wardrobe changed.

Okay fine, I’ll cut the theatrics, but in reality, finding my now-favorite pair of vintage Levi’s has significantly altered my everyday dress. Prior to that fateful day, I was a one-top shop with about ten different pairs of jeans, trousers, skirts, and shorts that I switched in and out depending on my mood or the weather; however, now that I have one great pair of denim, there’s a new challenge at hand. If I wanted to wear the same jeans multiple times a week, I’d need to find some other way to express myself and maintain the diversity in my wardrobe.

My solution: tops, tops, and more tops. No longer am I forced to spend all my time and money in the denim section of every vintage boutique, thrift shop, or flea market; so naturally, to fill the void, I’ve begun spending all my time and money with the endless array of blouses at every vintage boutique, thrift shop, and flea market. I may have found my happy-ever-after jeans, but I will always have to get my vintage fix. Below, find the ways in which I managed to wear the same pair of vintage Levi’s six days in a row while still seemingly wearing something completely different.

I’m kind of addicted to wrap tops.

Sometimes I just roll out of bed with my pajama shirt still on and then slip on these jeans.

Other days, I make them more formal with a blazer.

If it’s above 80º, you can almost always find me in some kind of camisole.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my ever-growing collection of white tops.

But every once in a while, I go for bold colors.

So I survived in style. Have any trusty pieces of clothing that you would (and have) rocked for more days than you care to count? Show us your ride and die look on Instagram—don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

2 Grunge Gems for Summer 2017

Quite frankly, I have been looking forward to writing my first post for CollegeFashionista and becoming a Style Guru for summer 2017. Just to tell you a snippet of myself, I am majoring in fashion at Ryerson University in Toronto, where I study art direction, typography, graphic design, illustration, and so on. I couldn’t be more excited about getting inspired and taking pictures of my friends who share the common love for fashion. Christie, a Fashionista with beautiful ombre hair and bold red lips, had pulled together a contemporary grunge look here—she was spot on with two major summer revivals: the fishnet and the choker.

Fishnets were made popular by the flappers in the 1920s, who were looking for stockings that allowed a wider range of motion so they could dance more freely. Today, the fishnet stockings don’t have to be shown in its entirety, and Christie seems to know their game. She was playing with the peek-a-boo effect by pairing her fishnets with a pair of stonewashed, ripped boyfriend jeans, so you could see the fishnets showing through the ripped holes and her waist, but were still present enough to make a statement and add a feminine twist. Style is all in the details.

Another piece that brings the grunge look together is the self-tie choker. The two tiny white pearls on the dangles add another layer of polish to her outfit. She pulled off a black crop top underneath the choker—black on black is the soul of grunge. She also accessorized herself with a set of black cuff earrings and rings and a metal-trimmed clutch. The look was finished off with a pair of black patent Dr. Martens boots that gleamed under the summer sunlight.

Mornings and evenings were still a bit chilly in the past few weeks in Toronto, so it was always a safe bet to bring a light jacket with you. Christie wore a dark blue crimped shirt that was a perfect fit to her color palette. Once buttoned up, she was ready to go on a late afternoon date. Versatility is your friend.

Got some exciting grunge look ideas for the summer? Let me know in the comments below or post a photo on social media. Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista in your photos!

4 Denim Pieces That You Need This Summer

Denim is a thing right now. I just moved to New York and I have never seen such a variety of denim in my life. Below, you can find the four denim pieces everyone should add to their collection.

The Denim Jacket

I will say, I believe that everyone should have a denim jacket hanging in their closet. Adding a denim jacket can give any outfit a little personality. This pink denim jacket is my life. I try to justify wearing it with almost every outfit I put together. Denim jackets do not need to be boring or basic by any means. I do feel it is important to buy trendy pieces that are timeless or that can be paired with multiple pieces in your closet. With denim, there are so many options, colors, cuts, fits etc. To me, this pink denim jacket shouts personality and that is what is I focus on when I get dressed every morning; that I am staying true to who I am.

The Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend jeans are just like having a boyfriend without really having a boyfriend. They are fun and yet still give you comfort and support. It took me a while to hop on this train, but once I found the right pair, I was instantly hooked. I am in love and will probably never let them go. If you’re anything like me, you tend to stick with the styles and brands you love. I always wear (and by always, I mean rarely because I would rather wear yoga pants) dark denim with a skinnier leg. I made the jump to these boyfriend jeans mainly because of the stitch work on the side. It’s like the dark eyes on that cute boy—it really is the little things that make your heart stop. These little flowers, I am sure, were added just to give them that little something special; the perfect spark.

The Oversized Overalls

I almost made it out of the store empty-handed, but my mom was like, “you really do need those.” I looked down at these oversize light wash denim overalls and was like, “I look like a mom.” Granted, I set myself up for that look when I paired it with my Birkenstocks, but that’s a price I am willing to pay. I am all for comfort. I could sleep in these. The denim is so incredibly soft, and when I want them to be trendy and look a little nicer, I will grab my mules as I run out the door.

The Denim Skirt

A denim skirt is a must-have. What I love the most about denim skirts is they can be so simple, yet very trendy. What I look for in denim is a little trim or closure that will add to the personality of the garment, and for this skirt, it was the buttons that grabbed my attention.

What denim pieces can you not live without? Let me know in the comments below!

How To Style Your Favorite Vintage Pieces Like a Pro

I am so into thrifting one of a kind pieces these days, so I am going to share few tips on how to search for and style vintage clothing. Vintage pieces are key to completing your own unique look. It is easy to combine vintage clothing with new clothes to create a whole new look.

My wardrobe consists of jeans and T-shirts on most days. Thrifting T-shirts makes it easy to have funky and fun tops to go with my jeans. While I am always on the search for the perfect fitting shirt, it is easy to find lots of other goodies in vintage shops.

Anyone can style vintage into their wardrobe. I am wearing a Mickey vintage T-shirt with some thrifted cropped wide leg black Levi jeans. I have my T-shirt tied up, but they also work perfectly tucked into high-waisted jeans or skirts.

With a funky, bright colored T-shirt, I opted for minimalist jeans and accessories. The black jeans contrast the pink of my shirt well and the jeans keep it casual for daytime wear. I added a belt as an accessory to give my figure some shape. Keeping the belt black to blend in with the jeans, but also having the silver details on the belt helps add the extra touch. If you are opting for the tucked in look, a thin detailed belt will also help bring the outfit all together.

Living in California, sunglasses are a must for every daytime look. I grabbed some retro frames with tinted blue lenses to pull the look together. Mine are from Urban Outfitters, but you can find similar ones here. As for my bag, I went for my trusted Madewell crossbody. This bag is always my go-to because it fits everything I could possibly need. Also, if I am not feeling the crossbody, the straps are removable and you can carry it by the small handles. Finally, the shoes! Going with a funkier look, I choose some white booties for summertime to complete the look. I think the white boots are a great contrast to the black jeans and can brighten up your whole look.

Overall, styling vintage pieces are simple. Combine new and old for a great new look.

Tell us your favorite thrift stores in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your best vintage looks and tag @CFashionista.