Graphic T-shirt – CollegeFashionista

How 20 Dollars Can Thrift You a Style for School

Those dreaded back to school signs are starting to appear everywhere and your first reaction is probably the constant flinching from the money signs flashing in your brain. While getting ready to go back to school usually means buying expensive textbooks and figuring out how many loans it takes to be in forever debt, dressing for a new semester doesn’t have to be added to your financial build up.

What… what… what… Macklemore shouldn’t be the only one getting deals at a thrift shop! These stores can be packed with fashion trends that you can’t find cheaper anywhere else! You can find popular store label pieces for half the price! Just pair it with any kind of vintage brand to get your own personalized look.

Flannels have become my ultimate weakness over the past years, and every single one that I own has come from a thrift store—more specifically, from the men’s department! My personal style finds me constantly in the men’s section of the store where I believe the best deals can be found. The material is usually much more comfortable and looser, more preferable than the noodle tight fit that you can find on many of the women’s flannels on display.

I found my red flannel in perfect condition on one of the racks for only $5.99! Any flannel can’t be finished without pairing it with a graphic T-shirt which I found here for a smashing bargain of $1.99! It was also a bonus because who doesn’t love New York?

My denim mini skirt was from Abercrombie and Fitch for only $3.99! This was definitely a steal! A mini skirt like this can go perfectly with any kind of leggings or tights which can give it an edgier look.

My favorite pair of Sag Harbor wool shorts comes from the thrift shop as well, with a price of also $3.99! These shorts are great because you can dress them up or dress them down. Here they’re displayed with a graphic T-shirt for a casual look. You can dress it up by pairing it with a fancy, solid color top if preferred!

Turns out you really only need 20 dollars in your pocket!

Find any other thrift shop deals as good as these? Let me know in the comments below! Or show us on social media! Remember to tag @Cfashionista.

Beating Heat in the Streets

As I have emphasized in previous articles, there is nothing I find more difficult than trying to put together a comfortable and trendy outfit while dealing with sweltering summer heat. I spent the first month of summer struggling with trying to find heat-friendly fabrics that also match my preferred style.

I realized that guys tend to have way fewer options at hand than us girls do when it comes to fabrics and style. This Fashionisto, however, has found a way to incorporate comfort and style in a look that can be worn every day.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, graphic T-shirts are the perfect way to make a statement with any look. This Fashionisto wore a vintage-inspired black and white graphic T-shirt that depicts the late rapper Tupac. He complemented the top with a simple pair of Champion black athletic shorts, a perfect piece for guys to achieve comfort in the heat.

To add to the sporty vibe of this street-based look, he added a pair of green acid-washed Nike sneakers. The bright and bold sneakers make this simple look stand out in a crowd. To top off the look, this Fashionisto added a hand-crafted wooden necklace, which he says he wears with every look. Often times guys will stay away from jewelry, especially with casual looks. However, pieces like this add so much personality and character to any outfit.

What are your favorite tips on staying stylish and comfortable during the summer heat? Let us know in the comments!

How to Style Your Favorite Graphic T-Shirt

Graphic T-shirts are, hands down, the number one staple item in my wardrobe. They’re super comfortable, you can style them an infinite number of ways, and most are relatively inexpensive. On a serious note, if you don’t have a solid collection of cute and trendy T-shirts in your wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping.

Here, I style one of my new favorite T-shirts three different ways to prove just how versatile it can be.

Trendy and Polished

Take your favorite graphic T-shirt and pair it with a simple pair of slacks. Add a belt for a stylish and functional accessory and tie the look together with your favorite pair of shoes. I decided on a sleek pair of black sandals, but white tennis shoes or a pair of derby shoes would look great as well. Keep it as simple as this, or you can add a few additional pieces such as a watch and purse to truly complete the look.

Biker Chic

Embrace your inner rebel with this totally killer look. Take your favorite graphic T-shirt and tuck it into a groovy pair of flare jeans. Drape a leather or suede jacket over your shoulders and throw on an edgy pair of shoes. Complete the look with the coolest pair of sunglasses you own. My choice was an all-black pair of aviators. All you have to do from here is hop on your bike and ride off into the sunset.

Girly and Playful

A major trend this season is wearing a basic shift dress over a plain or graphic T-shirt. It’s so simple, yet totally adorable and ideal for these hot summer days. For this look, I wore a denim shift dress over my graphic shirt and paired it with a pair of nude slides. Once again, you can keep it as simple as this, or choose to include your favorite accessories to spice it up a bit.

There are a million other fashion-forward ways to style a T-shirt, which is why they truly reign supreme. Don’t be afraid to switch it up and try a look that’s a little out of your comfort zone! Fashion is all about taking risks.

Next time you’re rocking your favorite graphic T-shirt, make sure to snap a picture and tag @CFashionista on social media!

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How to Wear Borrowed From the Boys Trends

Every wonder if you could rock the styles of menswear but were too nervous to make the big leap? Now you can with a trend gaining popularity in the fashion world, opening the doors for women to try the looks of menswear. This trend is all about borrowing clothes from the boys. From graphic T-shirts, baggy shorts, and suit sets to rugged outerwear, Birkenstocks, sneakers, and masculine watches, the possibilities of rocking this look are endless and easy to achieve. This Fashionista I found on the city streets added her own flair to this style by combining refined accessories with more masculine pieces.

The inclusion of masculine pieces in the look were noted in her graphic T-shirt, dark denim, long shorts, olive Birkenstocks, and gold-plated leather watch. Her graphic T-shirt was emblazoned with the logo of the popular skater magazine, Thrasher. The red and oranges in the flames on the shirt were complemented by the Fashionista’s eye makeup look. The dark denim long shorts complemented the gray and black color palette of the look and added an ease to her outfit. The gold-plated leather watch was a nod to more a manlier style and tied in her accessories as well.

The Fashionista’s accessories added a tone of minimalism and structure to the relaxed vibe of the outfit. Her black leather, dual buckle belt perfectly matched her black leather mini backpack while her round silver sunglasses, thin silver hoops, white gemstone ring, and silver star choker, were a feminine touch to the more masculine outfit.

Menswear trends and clothing are no longer difficult to incorporate into your wardrobe. You can mix rugged, masculine pieces with feminine, refined accessories to make the trend more wearable. You can also keep a simpler color palette, as seen in the gray and darker hues of this Fashionista’s outfit, to sophisticate your look. Now go out there and put your own twist on this popular trend!

Be sure to let me know how you add your own flair to menswear in the comments below!

3 Different Ways to Rock Graphic T-Shirts

Graphic and band T-shirts have always been a major staple in my wardrobe because there are so many different ways to style them, and they hold a unique opportunity for me to be able to express myself. Today, I am going to show you three different ways I like to wear my favorite T-shirts!

1—Dress it up. People sometimes tend to think that graphic and bands T-shirts are typically more on the edgy side of fashion, but with the right accessories, anybody can rock them and make the trend their own! For this look, I paired my Breakfast Club graphic T-shirt with these adorable floral capris and wedges—a perfect look for the typical girly-girl! My favorite part about this look would have to be the floral accents on my capris. The key to any perfect outfit is uniqueness. Never be afraid to stand out!

2—Ripped jean queen. The most simple look of them all, yet one of the cutest and most classic looks of all time! All you have to do is throw on that band tee, your favorite pair of Vans and ripped jeans and you are good to go! Don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite choker necklace!

3—My favorite look. You can absolutely never go wrong with the ever-so-adorable overalls! I always like to unhook one of the overall straps for a chic, vintage feel. Make it edgy with your best combat boots and for that extra vintage flair, some round sunglasses are the perfect addition!

What are your favorite ways to style graphic tees and band tees? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Style Thrift Store Finds

Let’s get thrifty friends because as college students we are always trying to save money, but as Fashionistas our goal is to create outfits that people wish they were wearing. So instead of going to the mall this weekend for your back to school shopping trip, try stopping by the thrift store first. Take your time to look around, watch out for patterns and colors that catch your eye. Don’t be afraid to buy items that make you think of your grandma because you can always make them work for your style. Here are some ways I am saving money, and styling my thrift store finds!

Vintage Shorts

You know those pictures in the family photo book of your mom in those shorts that are high-waisted and a little too long? Well, the shorts isle is full of those and you shouldn’t be afraid to snatch them up. Roll them up, or keep them down, it’s almost like magic shorts, they can be as long or as short as you want!

Not Your Grandma’s Shirt

Hawaiian shirts, dad shirts, sweater cropped shirts. These are all shirts that probably remind you of that guest bedroom closet in your grandparent’s house. But, just like the shorts, you can take the shirts and create a masterpiece. Choose the solid colors so you can pair them with patterned bottoms, or grab the fun colorful shirts and pair them with jean cut-offs. The options are endless and so is your beauty!

Cut-off Shorts

One more tip for your new closet. Jeans are all over thrift stores and they always vary by brands and washes. Grab a pair that you like, take them home, and tear them apart. Pull, rip, cut, create!

Now that I’ve shown you how I have been styling my thrift store finds, it’s your turn. I have a challenge for you. Take $20 out of your wallet and go see what you can find at your local thrift store.

Create an outfit and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista so we can see your masterpiece. Good luck and have fun!

3 Summer Pieces to Beat the Heat

Spending over two months in Italy for my study abroad has made me quite good at dressing for the heat. On any given day, the temperature in Florence hovers around 95 degrees. And that’s just on average—I’ve experienced highs of 106 in abominable humidity that makes you feel all kinds of nasty.

It’s hard enough just to survive in this heat, let alone stay stylish. When I was still getting used to the weather here, I turned to basic T-shirts, tanks, shorts and even workout gear to stay cool. Those who know me know that I’m not a fan of minimalism, so it was extremely hard to give up my usual colors, accessories, and textures in order not to pass out or be completely soaked in my own sweat. Over time, however, I’ve found ways to bring back the elements I love into outfits that will still keep me cool. Whether it’s through accessories or fabric types or just one really smart piece of clothing, these three pieces are proof that fashion and function can go hand-in-hand.

1—Bandanas and neck scarves. These come off as restrictive but are truly hidden gems. A bold print like the one on my Urban Outfitters UO Steer Skull Bandana ($8) makes a basic outfit instantly vibrant. You can mix up the prints as well as the way you tie them, and each combination will produce a different result. I have three others in red, black, and blue pinstripe (it might be an obsession). Plus, they’re great at catching sweat. Just make sure it’s 100 percent cotton!

2—Printed rompers. This Choie’s Blue Cut-Out Back Bohemian Romper ($15) is pretty much the whole package: it’s colorful and beautifully printed, it’s 100 percent cotton and features an open back, and and it’s just one piece of cloth to put on and take off. The print also allows you to go bra-free (which is truly the best feeling in the world on a scorching hot day).

3—A good graphic T-shirt. When styled correctly, a T-shirt will allow you to stay comfy, cool, and fashionable. I’m a huge fan and collector of street brands, so I always love incorporating streetwear into my outfits. This Stussy 8 Ball Flower Tee ($49) is 100 percent cotton (seeing the pattern yet?) and is super versatile for any style. For an edgier, tomboy look, I paired the T-shirt with crinkled drawstring shorts, striped socks (a staple for every season!), and white Vans Old Skool Canvas Trainers ($55). To soften up the look, swap out the shorts and the sneakers with an embroidered skirt and colorful lace-up espadrille sandals.

These three pieces are just a few of the essentials that help me beat the heat every day and have saved my style this summer. What are some of your beat-the-heat summer pieces? Let me know in the comments below!

3 Tips On How to Live a Positive Life

If someone had told me a few months ago that I was going to be a Style Guru on CollegeFashionista I would have laughed so hard because of how negative I used to be.

Back in high school, it felt like I used to take in negative comments from people every day. I let people and social media tell me who I should be and what I should look like. The negativity also came from my thoughts. I was not positive toward myself and my life.

This summer, I decided that even if I don’t go out with my friends I would still try to get myself engaged. That made me apply for a job at school, I applied to be a Style Guru on CollegeFashionista, and also applied to be a member of a women’s empowerment team.

I applied with the hope of getting chosen but that did not change the fact that I did not think I was going to be chosen for any of them. I did not think I was good enough. So you can imagine how surprised and excited I was when I got accepted to be a Style Guru, then I got the job and shortly after I was chosen to be part of the women’s empowerment team.

So, if you are interested in having a positive mind, vibe, and life, here are three important things to consider.

Work On Yourself

This is the most important tip. You can’t live a happy and positive life with a negative mind. Start by freeing your mind from worries; stop hating yourself for what you aren’t and start loving yourself for what you are. Instead of constantly saying “I can’t,” try telling yourself you would do your best. Saying only positive things to yourself and also believing it would help you go about your day.

Surround Yourself With Good Friends

I remember when I just got my job, I was a bit skeptical to tell my friends because I was thinking of who was going to get mad about my progress. Surround yourself with people that would be happy for you always. Try to avoid people that try to draw you back or try to discourage you. Positivity is contagious, so associate yourself with people that lift your spirit and encourage you no matter how difficult whatever it is you are trying to achieve. I have a friend that always believes I can achieve everything I pursue and that positivity rubs off on me.

Keep Pushing

You need to understand that along your path there will be some roadblocks. They are not necessarily there to stop you but to ensure that you really want what you are trying to get. Never let yourself quit pushing whatever you want.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t let negative thoughts or friends stop you from pursuing what you want.

Have you ever pursued something you thought was impossible to achieve? Share your stories in the comments!

4 Outfit Ideas to Help You Style Graphic T-Shirts

Graphic T-shirts have maintained their place in everyone’s wardrobe year after year as a piece you throw on when you are in a rush or just don’t know what to wear. Often, T-shirts are simply worn with just a pair of jeans and sneakers. But, an outfit incorporating your favorite graphic T-shirt doesn’t have to be that boring. You don’t even have to take extra time to layer on a bunch of jewelry to make it more interesting. I created four achievable looks to help you step up your outfit game when you just want to throw on a T-shirt.

For my first look, I styled this cool graphic T-shirt that has a tiger on the front. I knew I had to wear it with my favorite Jeffrey Campbell boots from Free People to complement the blush pink accents. I also wore a floral head band for a bohemian touch and some frayed hem denim shorts to keep it casual.

This second look is my ideal outfit perfect for going to brunch. Any plain conversation T-shirt you have should be worn with a more fun piece like the cheetah print shoes I have on. I’m also wearing brown paper-bag shorts to stick with the neutral colors, but they make the look more interesting. Plus, they are super comfortable! Throw on a lieutenant hat, which is super trendy right now, and the look is complete.

A third way to style a graphic T-shirt is to pair it with a patterned skirt for an effortless but dressy look. Coordinating the right pieces will make the outfit fun but not too busy. Keep your shoes very simple, and you’re ready to go.

There’s no such thing as being “too cool for school” when you style your college graphic T-shirts with more than just a pair of athletic shorts. My fourth outfit is a look I will definitely be wearing at sporting events this coming school year. Layering a lace tank top underneath and wearing a denim skirt creates a girly and flirty look that normally isn’t associated with T-shirts. I also wore some Steve Madden tennis shoes to incorporate the athleisure trend. A pair of leather slip-ons is a trendy but still comfortable alternative to running shoes.

Post a picture on Instagram of how you style graphic T-shirts and tag @Cfashionista!

Day-to-Day Changes

Lola is low-maintenance. She is also dramatic. She’s a beautiful young woman who goes sans makeup most days. Her style shows that she really could care less what anyone thinks—which is true. Life is art in her eyes, and the clothes she wears are no exception. They aren’t just haphazardly thrown on. They’re thought out and have the perfect amount of coolness to them.

Her style is a mix of many influences. “I get a lot of inspiration from my mom and also the ’70s,” said Lola when I asked her how she’d describe her style. “A lot of what I wear just depends on my mood.”

Some days may be a flirty floral mini dress while other days it’s a cropped tube top and bell bottoms. Today, it’s a cute Levi denim mini skirt and vintage graphic T-Shirt. Her outfit is casual and effortless. What brings it up a notch, is her yellow suede jacket and red platform sandals from Anthropologie. This whole package gives off major cool vibes without looking like she tried too hard.

The final touch on Lola’s everyday look is her crazy sunglasses. They’re erratic and unusual, but typical Lola. They’re my favorite part about her outfit because it takes it from cool and collected to fun and playful. Instead of being an untouchable Fashionista, she becomes your best friend that you can laugh with while eating Thai food—and that’s the best kind of friend in my book.

Like Lola’s look? Show us by recreating the look and posting it on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista