Tag: Gold

How to Use the Versatility of Fashion to Your Advantage

A very special power that lies within fashion is that it gives people the power to be whoever they want. You can decide to be a bohemian, punk chick one day and a hip hop, vintage Barbie the next. Many people have a certain category of style they fit under, but fashion gives you the potential to be versatile and rock any and every style. I encourage everyone to dive into a fashion trend or category they aren’t familiar with; so of course I had to take my own advice. Lately, I’ve been bored with clothes so I decided to try out a style I’ve been neglecting.

I’ve been wanting to go for an edgy, sophisticated, girlboss look. So when I stumbled across this faded, black denim overall dress in Forever 21, I knew it was fate. It gives off an edgy, summer street style vibe. The patches and straps of the dress give it a hint of color, allowing you to match accessories or makeup. Patches are a popular trend that has been taking over in the fashion world. They instantly can take a piece of clothing from drab to fab, and they come in all different shapes, designs, objects, and colors. The dress is comfortable and loose, allowing you to take advantage of the summer breeze and beat the heat. This dress is definitely retro ’90s and reminds me of Tommy Hilfiger denim carpenter overalls.

To keep the edgy look, I traded in my usual style of Old Skool Vans for a pair of clear strap, lace-up heels from Fashion Nova. Nothing says girlboss like your favorite pair of little black heels. I paired this outfit with gold accessories to add a little street flare. I added gold accents to my ears, neck, and wrist to complete this outfit. I’m wearing giant gold hoops to match my giant Afrocentric hair, a gold star choker from Forever 21, and a dainty, feminine gold Casio watch.

Of course, your outfit isn’t complete without hair and makeup. These are your two most noticeable accessories. I fluffed out my curls with a pick to add volume to my hair. The bigger the hair the harder they stare! For makeup, I went with light coverage on the face and dramatic eyes. I used the Take Me To Brazil palette from BHcosmetics to add the pop of red on my eyelids and I used NYX Electric Blue liner for my waterline.

I absolutely love this look I created. I inspired myself to use the versatility of fashion and beauty to my advantage. Always try new things and find new ways to express yourself through fashion. You have a whole platform in front of you and you are the canvas. Ready. Set. Create!

How do you use the versatility of fashion to your advantage? Show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista!

3 DIY Projects to Personalize Your Space for Fall

When you move into a new place, whether it be a dorm room, apartment, or house, you want to make it your own. It needs to be a space you enjoy walking into. If it’s a dorm room, it’s nice to have it relaxing, yet motivating, since you will be sleeping and possibly be doing school work in it. Same goes for a bedroom.

For me, I love having a simplistic room with additions and decor that I can interchange if I decide to. My walls are taupe and my comforter is white. This leaves room for decorative pillows, funky mirrors, fun pictures, wall hangings, or whatever, really. Currently, I’m really into the whole muted tone thing. I love the colors mustard, olive green, and rose. I also am slightly addicted to shopping around thrift stores, spending as much time as I have carefully looking at everything, and trying to think of how I could use it in a unique way or add to it.

Here are some ways I chose to decorate my room in my apartment. Use these ideas to bounce off of and create your own, or even do the same!

One golden thrift store find is my mirror. This thing is exactly what I was looking for. The outline adds so much detail and brings in the color gold, which is so warm and welcoming. I like to accessorize it with some of my favorite pieces, such as hats and wall hangings.

A quick and easy DIY I did was pressing a flower and putting it into a picture frame with a gold lining I found at the thrift store as well. I just picked up a flower from the grocery store, stuck it in between the pages of a heavy book, added some weights on top of it, and let it sit for about five days. After the five days, I carefully removed it and put it into the picture frame. You can do this with any flower! I even thought it would be cool to stick some herbs in and hang it in the kitchen.

Yet another find from the thrift store; this simple wall hanging. It really may be a fancy scarf. When you see things at the thrift store, you have to get creative. I just used two tacks to hang it on both ends. You can always get a piece of fabric and cut it or tie it how you would like and hang it above your bed or desk.

And last but not least, the simple nail with a garment you love hanging from it. It’s an easy way to add your own personal touch. I chose this purse I picked up at a boutique in Illinois, but you could also hang a hanger with a favorite jacket or blouse.

Let me know what you think of these projects in the comments below, and share your own DIY projects with @CFashionista on social media!

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A White-Hot Look for the Summer

Currently, I’m abroad in Greece visiting family and eating way too many chicken gyros. I’m also taking notes on some of the best upcoming fashion trends from Europe. My inspiration for this outfit comes from the white and blue scenery that makes Greece so famous. I decided to add some personal touches as well.

For my look, I chose a breezy white cotton shirt that provided protection from the afternoon sun. This is what I consider one of my classic shirts, which can be used for almost any occasion. The breathable fabric is especially ideal for warm days. This pair of high-waisted blue jean shorts is one of my favorite items in my closet because it fits me like a glove and is a staple to have during the summer days. With these shorts, all I need is a couple of tank tops and I have several outfits ready to go.

I bought this white embroidered backpack in Greece, and I’m already in love with it. The stitch work is gorgeous and on trend with the embroidery craze this year. The backpack is also big enough to fit my water bottle into for impromptu nature walks in the Greek countryside or afternoon shopping in the outdoor marketplace.

I try to make most of my wardrobe interchangeable (so I can save both time and money), and these sunglasses are a perfect example of that. They are chic, simple, and versatile. The gold necklace is from my cousin’s jewelry shop in Crete and features an ancient Cretan depiction of two honey bees. Gold hoops help to round out my outfit and make my white-hot summer ensemble look even hotter.

What’s your summer look? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

How to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Goddess Glow This Summer

It’s summertime, which usually means minimal makeup… says who? It doesn’t matter what season it is because, with this look, you will be looking like a sun-kissed goddess without having to bask out in the sun. With golden hues and pops of blue, your makeup will be flirty, fun, and glowy. The best thing about makeup is that there are no rules.

In the summer, it’s very important that your face makeup withstands the heat. To ensure your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts, first apply a primer. For foundation, a dewy, lightweight formula is the way to go. It’ll seem like you’re glowing from within.

This Fashionista used the Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, a very affordable product, to achieve the dewy look. A great concealer to use is the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer because it does not crease. If you are using any liquid products, it’s important to apply them before using powder so that it doesn’t get patchy or cakey. This includes a liquid highlight, which is a personal favorite for summertime. A golden glow looks amazing with a bronzed summer tan. A great highlighter is Benefit Cosmetics’ Sun Beam. Since it is liquid, it blends easily into the foundation. I even like to apply it before foundation for a subtle glow.

Next, set your concealer and foundation by lightly dusting setting powder over your face so that your makeup lasts all day without looking shiny. For this look, the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer was used. The best thing about bronzer is that you can skip the sun and fake a tan easily. This Fashionista filled in her eyebrows lightly by brushing up her brows and penciling them in using small stroke motions. Then, she set them with brow gel.

A colorful eye look for summer is always fun to do. Who doesn’t like a pop of color? If wearing bold colors is outside of your comfort zone, there’s a way to do it subtly. This Fashionista put blue eye shadow on her lower lash line to complement her gold lid. To intensify your shimmer eyes shadow, you can wet your brush using any setting spray. It makes any shimmer shadow even more stunning.

These sun-kissed goddess eyes were created using the Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Eye Shadow Palette. It is such a versatile palette and is a must-have for any makeup beginner or expert. For her lips, she chose a subtle nude pink. To finish up the makeup look, this beautiful Fashionista added highlight above her brow-bone and on the inner corners of her eyes. Lastly, she popped on some mascara and falsies.

A great way to complete this sun-kissed goddess look is to add some beachy waves to your hair. This Fashionista did just that by Dutch braiding the top of her hair. For her outfit, she chose an off-the-shoulder romper, since they are very trendy this season.

What is your go-to summer makeup look? Show us on Instagram and tag @Cfashionista!

Must-Have Summer Beauty Essentials

Trying to wear makeup in the sweltering heat is every girl’s nightmare. No one wants to deal with putting on a full face of makeup only to have it melt off your face within minutes of being outdoors. Having sweat mixing in with your freshly powdered face is not a pretty look. Wearing heavy makeup is a no-go on these days, so check out these summer beauty essentials which will keep you smelling incredible and your skin glowing all day long.

1—Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion. Skincare is crucial if you are planning to be out in the sun all day. Protect your face, but also the rest of your body from those harmful UV waves. A quick and easy way to ensure you are covered is slathering on that sunscreen. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion is perfect. Right after a couple minutes of application, you won’t even realize it’s there. It instantly absorbs into your skin and you won’t have to worry about looking like a grease ball.

2—Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. If your skin is feeling a tad dry after sunscreen application, consider spraying a mist to rehydrate and bring some moisture back to the face. Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a personal favorite for those of who have dry skin.

3—Becca Prosecco Pop. A pigmented golden highlight is an absolute must-have this summer. Dust it on the high points of your cheekbones, bridge and tip of your nose, and a little on your chin. Who doesn’t want to look like a glowing goddess?

4—Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer/Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. A matte cream bronzer paired with a powder bronzer is a powerful duo. Use two products to enhance your natural skin tone and bring out that sun-kissed radiance. Setting your cream products with a powder is a must for summer days to avoid makeup from sliding all over your face.

5—Chanel Perfume. A spritz of any energy filled floral fragrance is the perfect addition to your summer routine. Chanel Chance is a blend of pink pepper, jasmine and amber patchouli that brings out a playful floral scent you can use during the day and transition into the night.

Did we leave out some of your favorite summer beauty essentials? Let us know in the comments below.

A Golden State of Mind

This summer’s style forecast looks so bright!

Forget being mellow in yellow and add what Elle magazine shares as, “Cheerful yellow, this season’s runaway runway trend” into your wardrobe heading into summer.

This sunny hue is nonetheless one of my absolute favorite pops of color as we slide into the summer break. Allow some sunshine into your outfits with perfect pastels and pops of your favorite shade. With the weather warming up, there is something simply perfect about adding simple pieces together that transition so seamlessly from daytime to nighttime.

I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of this cool girl whose confidence was radiating all around her as she went from her shift at work to a night out with the girls. As we began to chat, she shared how she loves to pair basics together. I couldn’t help but agree that this gorgeous yellow tank complemented her features so well with her favorite light wash denim, and gave her a warm look to her outfit.

Ditching the black flats and adding some height with a peep toe heeled sandal was a seamless touch. Pairing simple gold accessories gave this Fashionista a minimalist vibe keeping it clean and simple. Throwing on a knit cardigan or lightweight bomber jacket was an ideal touch to turn this bright daytime look into a charming evening look keeping the pastels still in play.

As summer comes in full strides, I cannot wait to see all these gorgeous Fashionistas interpret their own version of this runway trend to brighten up their wardrobes. Whether that be a simple pastel pom pom earring or blush-toned clutch, this delicate detail is so easy to incorporate.

Admire those beautiful summer skies and draw inspiration from those soft-hued sunsets because long summer nights are ahead, and we are so ready!

Where do you draw your summer outfit inspiration from? Let us know in the comments below or by sharing a picture with @Cfashionista on Instagram!

Outfit Idea for Sunday Brunch

Every now and then, the females of my family take an afternoon to “chillax” at our local country club. It’s a bit ritzy, so we glam it up a little—just enough to reveal our “inner swag.” Here is what I chose to wear for Sunday brunch. I hope you will be inspired by this look.

I layered my look with an eggshell-colored sleeveless vest on top of a basic white tank top.  The crop pant is “the business” for spring/summer, and let’s not forget that they accentuate the positive!

My signature metal is gold, gold, and more gold. I adorned myself with a Michael Kors gold-tone watch and buckle bracelet. Also, seen in the featured picture, I rock gold hoop earrings.

When it comes to handbags, they always have to be interesting. Pictured is an ostrich print handbag that I found at a local thrift store. The handbag’s hardware is stainless steel. To complement my gold accessories, I chose the latest nail trend—gold chrome gel nails. They are chip-resistant and the color is long-lasting. The bonus is that your time at the nail salon is virtually cut in half! The gel dries instantly after a few minutes under the LED nail dryer.

To match my ostrich print handbag, I slipped on a pair of leather pumps with an ostrich print bow and heel. 

I chose to add a little flair to this look. If you want, you can easily dress it down by switching the bling for stacked wood bead bracelets, or slipping off the heels and relaxing in a more comfortable shoe like a classic white sneaker. If you’re not a handbag gal, you can pair this outfit with a cute little backpack.

Show me your Sunday brunch looks on social media and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

How To Wear Black Denim in the Summer

Black is probably the easiest color to style because of how versatile it is. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be a bit more difficult to style. Dark shades attract heat, so we are told to avoid black in the summer as much as possible. I’m sure we don’t all listen to that rule (and maybe regret it later). Denim is also hard to style in the heat, so many Fashionistas avoid black jeans when the temperature rises. But I think I have mastered how to wear black denim in the summer, and with these three tips you can too!

1—Go for a high-waisted pair. I know this may seem like a minor detail, but it really makes a difference. Having high-waisted jeans means that you can wear crop tops, and you have the option of tucking shirts in a flattering way. Crop tops are a staple in the summer. With high-waisted jeans you can wear crop tops and still be a bit more covered, and it creates better proportions for a pleasing look.

2—Pair with light tones. Again, this may seem obvious as well, but it’s something worth mentioning. All black is always super chic, and if you can handle it in the heat, then by all means do it. But to make your dark denim more summer appropriate, look for light shades when choosing tops. This creates a nice contrast and breaks up the look, giving the eye something interesting to look at.

3—All gold everything (accessories that is). I love gold jewelry and brown accessories in the summer. When the sun hits them just right, they look so effortless and cool. Brown shoes and bags aren’t what you typically think of when it comes to black and white outfits, but in the summer it works. The brown and tan shades can soften the harsh contrast, and they look great with a tan!

With these three tips, you can rock black denim effortlessly this summer. It may seem intimidating at first, but when you do it right, it is oh so very worth it!

If you try any of these tips, be sure to show us on social media! Remember to tag @Cfashionista.

How to Wear Gold Eyeliner

Summer is finally here and that means it’s all about having that sun-kissed, bronzed, and gold makeup look. I went bold and added a touch of gold eyeliner to add to this summer vibe makeup look. This makeup is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to dress it up for a night out or keep it cute and casual. It’s even perfect for a music festival. Follow the steps below if you want to know how to achieve this look.

Step 1: Primer is one of the most important steps if you want your makeup to last all day. I used the POREfessional Face Primer and applied it all over the face.

Step 2: During the summer, I like to use as little makeup as possible. I used the Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer under my eyes, the bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin. Concealer will help cancel out any discoloration and redness.

Step 3: Set your concealer using your favorite loose powder. This will help your concealer not crease and make it last all day.

Step 4: Moving on to the eyes, I used the Hoola Matte Bronzer on the crease. Any brown shade will work. This will keep your eye shadow very neutral but also give it some definition.

Step 5: The most important step for this look is the eyeliner. I used the Tarteist Clay Paint Eye Liner and winged it out to create that cat eye effect. Then, using a light hand and short strokes, I applied the NYX Cosmetics Studio Liquid Liner in the color “Extreme Gold” right on top of the black one.

Step 5: Finish off your eyes using mascara to make your eyelashes longer and fuller.

Step 6: To bronze up the face I used the Hoola bronzer and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer and applied it on the forehead, the cheekbones, and the jawline. To add some glow and shimme,r I used one of the best highlighters, BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured, on the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and cupids bow.

Step 7: Moving on to lips, I applied the ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in the shade “Point Zero.” It is a very subtle shade and perfect for the summer because it really completes the look.

Step 8: Don’t forget to set your makeup with setting spray so your makeup lasts.

This Fashionista decided to keep her outfit very simple and wore a basic striped T-shirt and paired it with some denim shorts which really complemented the makeup look. This look would even look great if you paired it with a nice dress for a night out. I love that the gold eyeliner and neutral eyeshadow really made her brown eyes pop.

Will you recreate this look? Show us on social media and tag us @Cfashionista!

The Denim Trend You Are Sure to See This Summer

We’re jumping into summer, and with that being said, there is one trend that you must keep your eye out for. Denim jumpers are back and better than ever! From hanging out at a backyard BBQ to killing it at your interview, this piece is a must-have for every closet. Match it with the right accessories and you’re ready to take on a sunny June afternoon.

With a certain Jennifer Aniston 1996 vibe, denim jumpers are a comfortable alternative to your average jeans and tank top look. The Fashionista I spotted rocking this look on the street added a gold accent to her look with a pair of detailed feather earrings. Underneath this look she added a lacy black bralette for a touch of contrast and added color. She finished it off with a pair of brown strappy sandals. My favorite detail of this jumper is the added belt and cinched waistline. Not only does this help to accentuate the hips and give you those fun feminine curves, but it also adds a touch of detail to this minimalist look. As well as the detailing around the waist, the mid-shin hem length also adds to the outfit by highlighting its boho feel.

Jumpers are popping up everywhere. Almost every store I’ve walked into this summer has a jumper proudly displayed in their front store window. I love this look and hope it is here to stay!

How do you feel about this trend? Let me know in the comments below.