Tag: Coachella

Suitcase Slimming 101—Styling Skirts as Tops for Travel

Have you ever found yourself really struggling to cram all of your travel necessities into just a carry-on bag? Fashionistas, cram no more. Next time you adventure abroad, take clothing repurposing to a whole new level by wearing your skirts as tops. You will definitely show the world that you are bold, stylish, and creative. Simply pull the waistband of your skirt above your favorite strapless bra. (Depending on the waistband of the skirt, sometimes you may need to fold it under so it does not show). Your new resulting top will perfect for the bare-shoulder trend this season.

In this look, I styled a white pleated skirt with a pair of vintage acid wash skinny jeans. For extra detail, I added a colorful necklace.

Each time I travel, I make sure to bring several tennis skirts with me in various colors. Tennis skirts take up very little room in my suitcase, and I can use them to create a multitude of different looking outfits once I reach my destination. I’ll wear a tennis skirt as a skirt one day, and later on during the trip, I’ll rework the same skirt as a top. Sometimes, I’ll even wear one tennis skirt as a top and one as a skirt to create an interesting, layered dress effect.

So, Fashionistas, planning to wear your skirts as tops is a must when it comes to making room in your suitcase. You know you want lots of extra space in case you have a new shopping haul to bring home! Any a-line skirt you have in your closet, not just a tennis skirt, will make the perfect chic and unique travel outfit.

Show us your favorite skirt as a top look on social media by tagging @CFashionista! 

My Guide to Festival Style on a Budget

If you’re like me, then your dreams are bigger than your wallet. This is especially true when it comes to fantasizing about the closet I wish I had. When the festival season comes around, I find myself drooling over the Instagram posts of blogger’s outfits at Coachella. I excitedly click the link to their clothes only to be hit with sadness when I see that my dream romper is way out of my price range. Luckily, I’ve found ways to dress to impress on a college budget. Here’s how I do it:

Unique Pieces

I found this denim dress on Missguided recently and instantly fell in love. It gives off major ’70s vibes while still being on trend. Denim is usually casual; however, since it is all one piece, it stands out. But the best part is that it was on sale for less than $50! You can get a piece similar to it here.

Accessories

I’ve found that the best way to make an outfit look more expensive is to add accessories. My favorite accessory as of late is a printed scarf. It’s such a versatile piece that you can wear on your head, around your neck, or even tied to your belt loop. This scarf was less than $10 at Forever 21, but you can find one like it here.

Trending Pieces

The best thing about clothing stores like Forever 21 and Topshop is that they make trendy pieces for a fraction of the designer price. The top on the right is a perfect example of looking good on a budget. The simple pattern doesn’t overwhelm the style of the shirt, and this makes it look more expensive than it is. You can find a top like this one here.

How do you dress for a festival on a college budget? Tag @Cfashionista on social media or leave a comment below!

Festival Fashion—How to Keep it Cool and Comfortable

Music festivals have grown to be an extremely popular summer getaway with the millennial generation, and it seems that more and more are popping up around the world each year. However, these multi-day events have become more than just a gathering for music. Following in the footsteps of Coachella in Indio, CA, music festivals have become a fashion runway of their own. Attendees can dress out-of-the-box without judgment by mixing different styles, colors, and textures together. With the prime season for these concerts soon coming to an end, and the return of textbooks and exams slowly creeping on us, now is the last chance to catch one before they’re gone. That being said, here is how to turn heads at your next music festival and still beat the heat.

Although your inner-Fashionista might be piecing together crazy, sparkly outfits in your head, it’s important to make sure your outfit is two things: comfortable and cool. Though a great time, music festivals are hot, crowded places, so finding an outfit that keeps you cool and is moveable is crucial.

The best shoes to wear to a festival are closed-toe shoes like Converse, Vans, or other slip-on shoes to protect your feet from getting crushed or dirty in crowds. Though something lightweight like a sundress might seem like a good idea, it could actually end up restricting your movement during shows (what if you want to crowd surf, am I right?). If you still want to wear that dress, try putting shorts or spandex underneath. Try a mesh dress for an edgy but breathable look. As far as tops, anything goes (crop tops, bralettes, bikini tops, etc) as long as you’re comfortable. Shorts can be denim, soft, or any other texture you’d like; although the lighter the better.

When it comes to your accessories and makeup, go crazy. Festival-goers will use hair chalk, glitter, paint, hennas, jewelry, bandanas, body chains, and just about anything else to add more flair to their look. Sunglasses are a necessity to get through each day, so hunt for a fun and colorful pair to complete your outfit.

Music festivals are a one-of-a-kind experience filled with great music, new people, positive vibes, and amazing food, so it’s only appropriate to wear something just as unique. Step out of your comfort zone and try something different at your next summer festival, and I promise you’ll be glad that you did. However, don’t forget to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen!

How do you turn heads at summer concerts? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

Wearing Your Best at a Music Fest

Summer is the time for freedom, thrilling activities, and fun with friends. One activity fills all three of these elements: a music festival. Music festivals are a time to let your hair down and feel the music from artists on a whole new level, but with this comes a different and unique style that people look forward to seeing on others and wearing themselves. Add zest to your music fest wardrobe by following these simple steps.

1—Don’t be afraid to raid your mom’s closet.

Your parents were also at one point pretty hip (I know, hard to believe!) and grew up with some of the most iconic artists in music history. Look for any old band or logo T-shirts they may have saved or even some vintage patchwork or distressed denim they probably paired their old Morrissey T-shirt with. We normally get our body build from our parents, so odds are that your 19-year-old self will fit their once-19-year-old self. Take advantage of that and you will be sure to stand out and rock the true vintage look you are going for.

2—Find statement pieces.

Whether it be metallic pants, tassel earrings, or a skin showing crop top, make sure you add a piece to your outfit that draws the eye. This pulls the attention of anyone who passes you and makes your outfit interesting to look at. Not only will you feel like a trendsetter, but you will also catch the eye positively of everyone around you and make them say, “Wow.”

3—Keep things simple but interesting.

How do you do this you may ask? You pair solid colors with your statement pieces. Say you have a really intensely patterned vest (which is totally a statement piece). Grab a plain blouse and some solid colored shorts to pair it with. This makes the viewer attract their eyes to what you really want people to see: your statement piece! Not only are you balancing your outfit but you’re also keeping people from seeing your outfit as too overwhelming or nonsensical.

4—Add some interesting jewelry.

When it comes to jewelry, there are pretty interesting rings, earrings, and necklaces. Top your look off with a lacy choker, turquoise earrings, or even an intricate armband. Adding jewelry really pieces together your look and adds that perfect finishing touch.

By following these steps, your outfit is guaranteed to catch the eyes of those around you while jamming out to your favorite up-and-coming artists. Take these steps and choose pieces and outfits that represent you because that’s what fashion does after all. Let those around you be inspired by your sense of style and creativity and be a trendsetter for music fests to come!

How do you style yourself for a weekend full of rad music? Let me know in the comments below!

The Ultimate Guide to Music Festival Essentials

When it comes to going to a festival, it’s not as simple as just showing up. Although, that is the most important part. There are a few essentials you definitely need and will want to have when getting yourself ready for the party.

I recommend bringing a small backpack, instead of a purse! For starters, pack your pass. By putting it in your bag prior to the event, there is no way you will forget it! You also want to be sure to pack a few snacks. Some festivals are stricter than others, so be sure to look up the rules before you go in. But, if you’re allowed, I definitely recommend bringing some granola bars or fruit snacks.

Another thing I recommend is bringing a water bottle! I love my S’well bottle; it is sure to keep your drink nice and cold. There are likely free water refill stations around the festival, so this is perfect to have! You also want to be sure to bring some Advil or Tylenol. Throughout the day, it can definitely get a little tiring and hectic, so having this just incase you aren’t feeling too well is super helpful! Be sure to check the rules at your festival! Some only allow unopened bottles of pills, so I recommend going for that anyways!

When it comes to planning your outfit for the day, check the weather! You want to know if it is going to rain or not, as festivals tend to get very messy and muddy when it rains. Once you know the weather, just plan your outfit around it. I decided to take some denim shorts I up-cycled from a thrift store and pair them with a Victoria’s Secret bralette. I then decided to wear a floor length kimono. For festivals, I always love to add lots of accessories, so I decided to add a belt and bandana. I then topped the outfit off with my gold choker and hoop earrings. Of course, I couldn’t forget my sunglasses either! When dressing for a festival, remember to have fun and be playful!

The last thing you can’t forget is your phone and a camera! You want to be sure you can capture every moment and save all of your amazing memories! So, be sure to pack all of your essentials this festival season!

If you go to a festival this summer, make sure you have fun and share all of your memories on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista; I would love to see all of your perfect festival moments!

Staying True to Bonnaroo and Surviving It Too!

With summer comes free time, warm weather, and most importantly, music festivals. Because every festival is different, it is important to learn about the atmosphere to properly prepare yourself for one of the best weekends of your life. Although I have attended many music festivals, there is one I treasure more than all the others. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, brings together a diverse group of people for a truly unique experience. If thinking about attending this music festival, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of your weekend!

1—Anything goes. When it comes to your festival attire, nothing is off limits. Styles range from complete comfort to full blown Coachella worthy designs to the bare minimum. Wear what makes you confident, comfortable, and content!

2—Make your shoes a priority. Your feet will thank you. A full day on the farm causes you to walk an average of ten miles a day, which can create some pain after an entire weekend. Choose your shoes based on durability, comfort, and support. Don’t forget that the ground will change from dust to mud depending on the weather, so they will get dirty!

3—Try something new. One of the most cliché pieces of advice ever to be given, but never more true than at Bonnaroo. On the 700-acre farm, there will always be things you have never seen, tasted, or heard. Although you will want to rest between acts, make time to try a new food truck, dance at the Silent Disco, or listen to the band no one has heard of.

4—Hydration is key. Mid-June in Tennessee leads to high temps and high humidity. Start hydrating a few days before the festival, and make it easily accessible with a water backpack or a refillable water bottle. Not only will this fuel you to make it through the long weekend, it will keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.

5—Radiate Positivity. The motto all Bonnaroovians live by. Keeping a positive outlook, no matter the circumstance will make Bonnaroo (and life in general) better than you ever imagined!

What are some of your music festival tips? Let me know in the comments below!

The Perfect Festival-Chic Look

Festival season is finally falling upon us as the summer temperatures rise, and our favorite outfit inspiration comes to life! As April passed, the talk of the town was clearly the infamous Coachella. Every year, social media blows up with the latest festival fashion, and there’s absolutely nothing better. The music rising at this time is wonderful, but I’m certain that us Style Gurus live for throwing together our best outfits to show off to the world. What’s better than listening to your favorite bands, all while dancing around in the cutest bohemian-inspired clothing?

When I hear the word “festival,” I immediately think of Vanessa Hudgens. For years I have gotten my fashion inspiration from her beautiful bohemian-chic style—after all, she’s the queen of Coachella. I have yet to step foot into the gates of Coachella, but that doesn’t stop my inner Fashionista from styling the most beautiful festival looks! There are plenty of different festival looks to choose from, but I’ve found that the most popular is the desert trend. The look I have put together is on the fresh floral side. This beautiful blue dress is filled with different flowers and a gorgeous peacock bird design. It works perfectly for your desired bohemian look.

This dress is from Free People, one of my favorite stores. I love Free People because they bring the prettiest boho styles to life. The best part of this dress is that it is a very thin material and feels very light on your body. It’s perfect for the hot summer sun! The dress flows beautifully, and it looks so graceful as you walk. It’s so easy to throw on and spice up with all your favorite jewelry. I styled it with bracelets that I decided to transform into arm cuffs, which was so simple. I absolutely live for gaudy rings, so I thought these beautiful turquoise beauties were perfect.

When I first purchased this dress, I pictured it with a chic pair of booties, but then I thought my feet would thank me at the end of the night if I chose a pair of sandals instead. Booties are great for the festival grounds, but you want to take comfort into consideration.

How do you rock the festival chic look? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

Add a Pop of Color to Your Summer

Summer is just around the corner…which means endless nights with friends and spontaneous adventures. Fortunately, summer also means sunny and warm days all around! In this case ladies, it is about time we bust out our bikinis and start heading to the beach. Now that it is getting brighter and livelier in the greater Los Angeles area, it is time to start dressing like it.

Nowadays, the trends seems to be more simplistic and minimalistic. Well, it’s time for a change! I believe that everyone needs a pop of color in their life. It is always a fun idea to add a bright colored blouse, shorts, and even a pair of shoes to your wardrobe based on your type of style.

My outfit for this month is a bohemian look. It is casual, but still has that free, flowy, wild feel to it. This look is usually my summer everyday style. I paired this bright pink peasant blouse with some denim high-waisted shorts. This pink blouse is the perfect staple for that upcoming SoCal sun! Plus, it gives incredible airflow so you don’t feel the need to rip your clothes off from all the heat. For shoes, I wore my go-to pair of khaki, matte, snake leather booties to make my outfit a bit more chic. However, if you are planning to go on a crazy adventure with your friends, then I suggest switching the pair of booties with some awesome, comfortable slip-ons. You can never go wrong with wearing too many accessories. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets are an absolute must to complete this look! Find whatever accessories you feel fits you the best, so you can feel your best.

Wearing a fun, bright color never hurts! More so, trying something different can be a good thing. You don’t have to try a completely new style, but altering different garments into your wardrobe and style is always fun to do.

What pop of color would you style for the summer? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

 

FASHION FROM ABROAD: Coachella Style

Being from New Jersey, I never thought that I would ever make it out to the infamous Coachella Valley Music Festival. I also never thought that going to Penn State would introduce me to so many amazing people and opportunities. Weekend one was taken by storm with the fashion, the Ferris wheel, the music, the food, and California. If no one was able to tell by my countless Instagrams, the fashion was my favorite part.

Trying to find the perfect balance between not trying too hard and managing to comply with the weather was somewhat of a struggle but safe to say, we killed the game. Coachella fashion is very unique. It combines all of the latest trends being fringe, mesh, and even metal tops and they are worn by the coolest people and shown at the best of the best parties. The highlight of my week was being posted on the LF SoHo Instagram, but I don’t want to brag.

This outfit is where I brought out my desert and ranch vibes. To start off, my black bandeau is from Urban Outfitters, the neutral vibe really showed throughout the whole weekend with outfits focusing around black tops. Fringe, fringe, and more fringe. I LOVED this fringe skirt, Revolve killed the game this year and helped me have a little fun when dancing, singing, and running around. The trend this year was belts, I bought a big cowboy belt from ASOS to add a little something to the outfit along with my two necklaces. To protect me from the grueling desert heat, I paired the outfit with this black brimmed hat and black booties—and voila!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Fauxchella

Guess who’s back, back again… music festival season is back, so let the outfit inspiration begin!

It’s finally festival season again and it has the world inspired with bohemian vibes and subtle retro touches. Whether you’re pinning pictures of Vanessa Hudgens in her iconic Coachella looks, online stalking Free People, or eyeing a crochet crop top, the laid-back gypsy look is at its annual peak.

Even if you’re not attending a festival this year, the fashion of it can play a large role in any spring or summer wardrobe. For this specific look, I’m rocking an outfit perfect for a day on the town, a concert, or even just a trip to a photo-op destination.

Palazzo pants are currently my favorite bottoms. They’re light, cute, versatile, and comfortable. These striped, high-waisted palazzo pants from Forever 21 are my go-tos for a warm, sunny day. Virginia weather is still on the cooler side, so with shorts out of the question, these bottoms are a spring essential. These fun and vibrant bottoms go perfectly with any cropped top, band T-shirt, or bralette!

For my top, I’m wearing a burnt orange bralette. Wearing a bralette as a top is bold, but the lace adds a bit more detail to the outfit. This pop of color gives the outfit a little jazz and complements the simplicity of the pants. The bralette also elaborates on the festival vibe of the look. Crochet bralettes are a festival staple, so I chose a lace bralette to make it feel closer to home.

To accessorize, I decided to mix silver and gold. Though it’s a bold and uncommon move, I think it worked nicely for the outfit. I chose a silver statement necklace that brings a bohemian feel to the ensemble. To complement the necklace, I added two silver statement rings with an opal center. The shoes are a fun platform sandal featuring gold metallic details. These give the outfit a retro touch, which is also a popular trend of modern festival fashion.

To put the outfit together, I’m wearing a pair of plastic cat-eye sunglasses. These shades are a peachy color that aid in bringing in the spring palette while also accenting the burnt orange bralette. Cat-eye sunglasses are very in right now and complete the retro aspect of this look.

You don’t have to go to a festival to dress like it. The recipe for a perfect fauxchella outfit is a dash of retro, a tablespoon of fun, a teaspoon of comfort, and a spoonful of boho. You, too, can bring any festival flavor to your favorite spot.