Empowerment – CollegeFashionista

Can’t Figure Out Your Personal Style? We’ve Got You Covered

Every person you interact with, follow, or are friends with has one thing in common: deciding what to wear every morning. Whether we know it or not, we all make fashion choices, and those choices solely depend on how we view ourselves and what we want to show the world. However, deciding what to wear and figuring out what our personal style is isn’t always an easy task.

There are so many possibilities that it can be overwhelming sometimes, and, with all the existential crises we have on a daily basis, I can’t blame you for wondering who you are on any given day. I plead guilty to asking myself that question way too much. But hey, luckily for us, fashion doesn’t have to be a uniformed and mandatory thing. There are, however, ways to help discover your personal style; here are three I live by.

1—Experiment

There’s so much you can discover about yourself if you are willing to try all kinds of pieces and style. If you don’t allow yourself to experiment, you are robbing yourself of a fun and possibly life-changing experience. The beautiful thing about experimenting is that you can figure out what you like and don’t like. It’s also a fun way to get creative and really play around with pieces.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

2—Say yes

It is really easy to remain in our comfort zones, but it it’s an awful thing to not know. If you like something you normally wouldn’t wear and are a little on the fence about it, just say yes to trying it on! There is literally no harm in doing so. You may be surprised at how many times you think you wouldn’t like or be into something until you actually try it and see for yourself. Your imagination can only take you so far. And if you don’t like it, that’s totally okay; you no longer have to wonder and imagine what it would’ve looked like on.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

3—Trust your gut

This is the most important one in my opinion. Newsflash: no one knows you better than you. If you try something on and you really like it, then this is a perfect way to learn something about your personal style. Sometimes I’ll look at a piece and automatically know that it’s me because I can feel it in my gut and I’m able to see myself wearing it. If there’s a piece of clothing that calls out to you and grabs your attention, trust your gut. Most likely it’ll be something you’ll love and wear multiple ways.

PHOTO: Anna Coke

Discovering your personal style doesn’t have to be tedious or a hassle. It can be fun, as long as you’re willing to give it a try. What will be the new trend you’ll say yes to? Let us know in the comments below!

How Setting Aside Time for Yourself Benefits You

So often we find ourselves overwhelmingly wrapped up in everything we need to do, want to do, and wish we could do. FOMO is a very real thing, and I admit, I’m guilty. I often find myself filling my schedule to the brim and even doubling up plans on during the weekend to get to see my friends or just join in on plans.

Over the past couple of years, I naturally learned the importance of me time. I often would find myself wandering the lovely parks and cute neighborhoods my city has to offer me. Time set aside for you means that you have no other distractions or commitments in the moment. No phone, no book—nothing. You let your mind wander, and you are one with yourself.

We live in an age that when we’re alone, we’re all still connected through social media. Putting your phone down gives you the opportunity to talk to yourself. While at first, it might seem kind of lonely not having company around, you’ll soon be able to realize how clear your thoughts become. Maybe something has been bothering you or there’s an important decision you need to make, but you have been putting it off because you haven’t given yourself the time or the right environment to think about it.

Spending time with yourself has been proven to boost your creativity and productivity, like giving your brain the chance to refresh itself. It gives you the opportunity to do exactly what you want, when you want to, and leaves you more energized and aware of your surroundings.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your me time, I hope you learn to embrace it and learn more about yourself. Adjust your schedule, even if it’s just a little bit at first, and know that after you take your mind-cation; you’ll come back even more capable of conquering whatever challenges come your way!

How do you spend your me time? Let me know in the comments below!

School Year Already Stressing You Out? This Will Help.

The new school year is right around the corner, and it’s only natural for a lot of us to feel stressed or anxious. It is so important to go back to school and start the semester feeling refreshed and ready for classes. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to unwind in time for the new semester.

1—Light some candles and take a bath. This is my go-to whenever I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Light your favorite scented candles, make the bath warm, and throw in some Epsom salts or a bath bomb. Epsom salts are great to relieve any muscle tension due to working out or stress.

2—Write it out. I highly recommend keeping a journal to write out any thoughts, goals, or ideas you have. This is a good thing to do not just before school starts but year-round. It’s also good to keep a separate planner for all things school-related. I find that by keeping one for my personal thoughts and one strictly for school, it keeps my mind and life organized and on track. This will really help your mind stay at ease and make it so that you are less likely to stress out.

3—Read a self-empowering book. I recently picked up Style Your Mind by Cara Alwill and it’s given me so much inspiration. School can get overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on yourself and keep your goals in check.

4—Make a back to school playlist. I love Spotify for making different types of playlists. I recently made one for back to school and I included all of my current favorites and old favorites that really get me pumped. Music to me is a form of therapy, so having playlists for different moods is essential to me. A back to school playlist should definitely be a must before the semester starts.

What do you do to prepare for back to school? Let me know in the comments below!

4 Must-Read Summer Memoirs

If you are an avid reader like me, then you have most likely read a lot of books over the course of your life. I work in a library and am always looking for new books to read. I want something that stands out, and separates itself from the rest. In this search, I have discovered a newfound love for memoirs. It can be eye-opening to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and hear about their experiences. Here are the four memoirs that I think everyone must read!

1—Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham. For starters, you may know Lena Dunham as the star and director of the hit HBO series Girls, or as an outspoken feminist during the election. In Not That Kind of Girl, she becomes much more than the labels she already adheres to. Dunham shares stories about her childhood, body image, and relationships. Written in the same witty satire as her controversial show, Dunham’s memoir will have you both laughing and crying.

2—My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach. In this tearjerker, Mark Lukach highlights the struggles he endured during his marriage. Out of nowhere, his wife Giulia’s anxiety spirals beyond normal. Being deemed schizophrenic and then bipolar, Giulia’s life moves into a psych ward after sporadic psychotic episodes. After recovering and returning home, Giulia returns to the terrifying instability she endured years prior. Lukach’s devotion to his wife and strength through the struggle that tests their marriage forms a book that tugs at your heart strings.

3—It by Alexa Chung. Style icon and It Girl Alexa Chung’s novel is a must read for all fashion lovers. More than just a book on what to wear, Chung shares personal writings on various topics alongside her own photographs and drawings. It provides an insight into the life of a model, television presenter, and fashion designer. For anyone who is a fan of the fashion world, this memoir is a perfect fit.

4—A Work in Progress by Connor Franta. Before Connor Franta was a YouTuber with millions of followers, an entrepreneur, and founder of his brand Common Culture, he was just an ordinary teen. Growing up in Minnesota, Franta struggled with his sexuality. After coming out as homosexual, Franta became the person he was keeping under wraps. His creativity is depicted through his writing as well as in his beautiful photography that lines the pages. Franta’s decision to showcase his artistic passions and private struggles will resonate with each and every reader.

I hope you all are ready to jump into your coziest pajamas, grab a blanket, and open up one of my book suggestions! Whether it’s a rainy day or a relaxing vacation, there is always space for a good book.

If you read one of these, or find a page turner of your own, be sure to tell me in the comments below!

5 Mantras to Keep You Going

The end of summer/beginning of school is an exciting time. But it is equally exhausting. Having to work and finish up your internship during the summer can be a bummer for most, especially when we would much rather be out soaking up some sun. Add the fact that the school year is just around the corner, and you may be a little stressed.

Don’t let the pressure of jobs, school work, getting ready for school, or other people weigh you down. Instead, have a few mantras at hand to keep yourself going, even when the days are tough.

1—The future won’t wait for you. The future comes at us just as quickly as we breeze through the present. One day you start college, and soon enough, you’re graduating. Make every day count so that your future can be even better than your past.

2—Kill the noise.

In a day and age where social media consistently influences our lives, a little bit of unplug time can be necessary. Turn off the phone, shut the laptop, and take some time to experience your life right now, hashtag free.

3—Match my words.

Take the extra time to consider everything you are about to say before you say it. Let your words be positive and empowering, then match those words with your actions. Strive to ward away the negativity and stress that tries to come your way each day.

4—It’s okay to leave now. If you are in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, stressed, or angry, then do not be afraid to get out. Whether it is a job gone wrong or a relationship that has more bad days than good, you deserve to be in an environment that will help you be your best and happiest self.

5—You are more than what they see. No one knows the real you better than you. So do not let the opinions of others direct how you live your life. The choices are yours because you know what you want and what you need.

Do you have any daily mantras to keep you going? Share with us in the comments below!

5 Habits of the Mindful Millennial

As millennials, we tend to get so caught up in the hustle of working toward our goals. Because of this, we don’t often remember to pause, to be mindful of our surroundings, and to enjoy where we are in that moment. As much as I respect the hustle, I think taking a step back from the chaos and taking some time for mental health is just as important.

Mindfulness is a practice on the rise. The concept is simple: to be mindful is to be fully present and in the moment. The mindful person is aware of the present and actively engaged in what’s happening. Practicing mindfulness can help you become more focused in the classroom or at work. So here are a few habits that you can use to stay mindful.

1—Take a hike. No, seriously, do it. Get up and get moving! There’s something about the fresh air, sunshine, and exercise that boost your mood no matter what. In my opinion, the best time is in the morning, when you can watch the sunrise and take the time to ground yourself or meditate before you start your day. I take my favorite pair of leggings and boots for hiking.

2—Pick up a pen. Start a journal or at least a list of things that are in your life that you are grateful for; whether it’s the people in your life, the things you have, the goals you are working toward, or the opportunities that have come your way. I love writing in this classic leather journal. Making a list of positive things gets your mind off of whatever is stressing you out. Be sure to call the people on your list and let them know how much they mean to you.

3—Connect with a friend. When a friend is talking, how often do we really listen? While in conversation, my mind is often guilty of wandering off to the next thing on my to-do list or thinking about the next topic I want to bring up. So next time you’re catching up with a friend, really listen to what they’re saying and ask more about it. Genuinely listening lets a person know that you care about them and that they are important to you.

4—Read a good book. Reading engages your mind and stimulates creative thought. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, a book might be the key. While you want to pick one that’s interesting, try also one that could be a little challenging for you. Mary Oliver’s poetry is one of my favorites because she practices mindfulness in such a vibrant, deep way.

5—Put your phone on airplane mode. You knew this was coming. The biggest enemy to mindfulness is distraction, and the biggest distraction to a millennial is a smartphone. So silence your phone for a little bit and go forth.

What do you do to stay present? Did you try any of these tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Is a Confidence Game-Changer Hiding in Your Closet?

With social media making it terribly easy for online trolls to spread their negative vibes everywhere, self-love and body positivity seems to be in short supply. Combined with the pressures of everyday life, harsh criticism can easily impede your happiness and self-esteem. Shaking off the negativity and walking with your head held high can be easier said than done. True confidence starts from within and translates to how you carry yourself. What’s the best way to bring out your confident side? The answer is simple, just wear whatever you want. No, really!

Though the answer might sound completely cliché, it could really be the game changer you need for a little confidence boost. We all know that looks aren’t everything. But when you wear what you feel good in, it comes across in all your actions. I can name countless times where I’ve left the house in something that I was not so sure about, like that one itchy sweater, or super uncomfortable pair of shoes. Even if it may have looked okay, feeling unsettled or like I constantly had to readjust my clothes broke my focus from what I really needed to get done and made me feel way too self-conscious. Therefore, I’ve become so certain that it’s not what you wear that matters, but how you feel in it. The extra boost of confidence you get when you love what you’re wearing adds a little swag to your walk and makes you feel like you can handle any curve ball thrown your way.

For example, this Fashionista’s every move absolutely radiates positive vibes. Julissa is wearing one of her favorite clothing combinations: a button-down shirt tucked into mom jeans paired with a necktie and old school Adidas sneakers to create a simple and tomboy-inspired look. Yet, she’s giving off a red-carpet ready glow while wearing it.

We often spend so much time trying to work around our insecurities, we forget what we love about ourselves. So, whether it takes dressing up in that LBD that hugs every curve, your favorite distressed jeans that elongate your legs, or those super on-trend sneakers that match everything in your closet to make you feel unstoppable, throw it on! You owe it to yourself to walk out of the house feeling amazing. Feeling confident in your clothes is just the first step to empowering yourself to put your best foot forward.

What’s your go-to piece for feeling confident? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

3 Simple Lifestyle Changes to Boost Your Confidence

We all know old habits die hard. Improving your health will enhance your mood and how you feel about yourself. I’ve seen this after switching to a plant-based diet. I’ve also cut my time watching TV and scrolling through Instagram to build my self-confidence. I like to think of confidence and comfort as the final accessories to an outfit. Here’s a short list of three simple changes you can make to boost your confidence.

1—Eat more fruits and vegetables. I don’t mean to sound like our parents when we were kids, but it’s true! I recently switched to a plant-based diet after being inspired by the book How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger. This book encourages a diet with fewer animal products and more whole, plant-based foods because meat and dairy are proven to have depressive qualities. I have seen a substantial boost in my confidence by eating at least one cup of vegetables and one and a half cups of fruit a day. This change has not only made me feel slimmer, but it has given me more energy throughout the day. I also feel less weighed down by not eating heavy animal products. Eating Purely and The Book of Greens are great books for healthy meal inspiration.

2—Stop comparing yourself. This change is critical for building and sustaining your self-confidence. Two of my major negative influences are television and Instagram. I would often find myself comparing and wishing I was more like characters until I realized I was competing against a fictional person. To help me stop comparing myself, I cut my TV time, and I now pass the time by doing things that improve my mood such as listening to music. Instagram has been harder to cut out because it’s so accessible at any time. I’ve started new beauty regimens to keep me busy. I like doing a facial mask such as the I’m Real Sheet Masks to keep me off the phone and make me and my skin feel good.

3—Comfort is key. Out of all the changes, this has been my hardest to conquer. I’m the girl who will wear shoes that give her blisters all night just because they’re super cute. One way to ensure confidence is having a few go-to comfortable pieces in your closet. Fashion sneakers are big right now and a must for mastering comfort. I’m wearing the Steve Madden Hilda Fashion Sneaker in gray (the Gills Sneaker in mauve is very similar). I’m also wearing the super stretchy Great Heights Frayed Skinnies from Free People. I basically live in these jeans because they are so comfortable and feel more like leggings than jeans. My comfortable Steve Madden shoes and Free People jeans give me the confidence to wear more trendy pieces such as a fisherman hat and a polka dot top.

What do you do to boost your confidence? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Speak Out With Political Fashion Statements

I have always known that I believed in equality. It seemed like such a simple decision to me. Why wouldn’t everyone want to promote love and equal rights? Who would want to stop anyone from embracing their complete selves? Over the past couple of years, I have realized that this type of acceptance isn’t everyone’s reality. There are people that believe that someone is unworthy because of their gender, sexuality, or race. We need to change that. I have started my journey to learn about these issues, and hopefully you will too.

I started by doing some research about the causes that I want to support. I came across websites like feministing.com and theestablishment.co and immediately related to the women that ran these websites and their stories. Many of them took their passion for gender equality and, similarly to fashion, used their creativity to connect and inspire their audience. Something about a group of creative women working together to make an impact made me spiral into a never ending google search to learn about the cause that I feel so connected to.

After the election, I knew that a lot of the causes that I supported were going to be put on hold at the very least, but after seeing my LGBT+ friends struggle I decided that being a silent ally wasn’t going to be good enough anymore. I always supported the community in conversations but I had never posted anything on social media or gone to any of the ally events on my college campus. I genuinely want to learn about the community, gender, and sexuality. I know that I will never be able to relate but I want to try and understand. I wouldn’t want a man who supported feminism to be quiet about it, so why should I be quiet about the other people that I support? I know now that by being quiet and standing back while the damage is being done, I am just a part of the problem. I want to take action. I want to talk to my senators. I want to understand.

Why can’t I use my passion to bring light to these causes? Fashion is one of the most influential medias on the planet—before you even speak to someone you notice what they are wearing. Trends can be started and spread all over the world overnight through social media. Fashion can start a movement without saying anything. So go support the causes that you love with a T-shirt or button and start conversations about these issues. We need to show that our determination to be heard will not be overshadowed by laws and distractions. They can’t take away our right to speak out with fashion.

If you know more information about these topics, let me know in the comments!

How Fashion Channels Creativity and Confidence

Since birth, I have been immersed in the fashion industry. My parents have owned numerous clothing stores, and now they run a highly successful clothing company. Overall, I have learned so much from being surrounded by the industry my whole life. The most important thing I’ve discovered? Fashion is power, and it is one of the best ways to express yourself.

I love having the freedom to choose what I want to wear and how I want to wear it. Furthermore, I channel my creativity into my outfits. And the best part? You get to change it up every day, if not more than once in a day. Some days, sweatpants or joggers are the only way I’ll be able to semi-function. I might pair them with my Adidas sneakers and a crop top or sweatshirt for a comfy, yet not slouchy, look. Other days, I wake up on the right side of the bed and want to dress up. I might want to channel a cute and flirty look, be it in jeans with a blouse, or a dress and sandals.

The beauty of it all is that you don’t have to consistent, you can wear one trend on Monday and a completely different one on Tuesday. Additionally, it’s all about how you want to dress that day or night. No pressure, no rules (events excluded). Just you and your creativity. So, dress how you love, and feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. That confidence will give you the power to conquer your day, night, or even week.

Thus, the power of fashion is real. Trends sweep the nation. People convey messages and feelings through it. Think of all the graphic T-shirts you own. For example, I have a ton of feminist T-shirts, and about four months ago, I wore one on a plane. Three different women came up to me complimenting me on my shirt. I felt so confident in my shirt, and all the girl power it inspired. That shirt quickly became a favorite.

So, make a statement and don’t be afraid to dress how you want. The happiness and inspiration it produces are so important. Individual expression is necessary in a world filled with billions of people. Here’s to fashion and all the amazing ideas, confidence, and power it creates!

How do you express yourself through fashion? Let me know in the comments below!