Handbag – CollegeFashionista

Is the Wicker Basket Summer’s It Accessory?

The wicker basket is no longer solely reserved for Sunday farmers’ markets. It’s now one of the hottest accessories of the season. This extremely charming item has been a key piece in the wardrobe of many celebrities and bloggers as of late. So, you may be wondering; how do I pull off this trend like Jane Birkin or Brigitte Bardot?

The first step, clearly, is finding the perfect basket. There are many options out there, but the ones that many of Instagram’s globetrotters carry are usually pretty pricey. Luckily, there are lots of affordable choices that are still extremely fashionable, functional, and perfect for the summer heat.

But how do you wear this accessory without looking like a toddler at a tea party? That’s easy! The straw basket can be worn in a variety of ways. It goes well with feminine tops, which you can then pair with jeans or a skirt. It also complements flowy dresses and casual sandals. Feel free to choose a basket with color, as it’s always nice to liven things up and add a pop of color to your look.

The ideal wicker basket can be used for so many occasions: a day out shopping with friends, a sunny beach day, or even a night out. Make sure to pick a bag size that’s comfortable for you, so that it allows you to easily fit all your necessities.

Picking out the perfect summer bag can be difficult, but the affordable, chic, wicker basket makes the choice so much simpler; all while allowing you to feel like a movie star lounging on the French Rivera!

This is my favorite summer accessory! Is it yours? Show us how you’ll be wearing your wicker bag on Instagram by tagging @CFashionista.

It’s All About The Stripes

I found a long lost love for this summer: stripes! Bold stripes are always a statement as they have been worn everywhere from the runway to the street.

Stripes are an amazing go-to. I chose this romper because it’s comfortable for the hot weather and it’s summer, the more relaxed season of the year for college students. You can take advantage of the fewer credits hours by wearing outfits that help you de-stress and feel self-assured. You could also wear this attire to hang out with friends right after classes. This outfit is so versatile and could be worn for different occasions.

To go to class, you could pair it up with a pair plain of sneakers or sandals. While to go out with friends you could use the same or pair it with heels. The pair of glasses, necklace, and bag add a vintage and sophisticated feel.

I have a few tips that I learned from this styling. First, love and be confident in your wardrobe; it will be much easier to create looks that you’ll feel beautiful in since the clothing and accessories in your wardrobe are based on your style. When you add little elements, it should result in a stunning look. Second, create the look you have in mind. For example, the purse had a long strap but tucking it in was a much better for the look I imagined. Third, wear stripes; tops, rompers, jumpsuits, skirts, dresses. You’ll clearly look chic and feel très chic like this Fashionista!

How do you rock stripes? Comment blow or show us on social media by tagging @CFashionista!

How to Style the Hottest Dress of the Summer

Summer is officially back, which means it’s time to break out the maxi dresses. The maxi dress has been a summer staple for the past few years, and it’s definitely here to stay. You can rock a maxi dress just about anywhere you go! You can use it as a swimsuit cover-up with a floppy hat at the beach, pair it with a blazer and heels for an interview, or dress it up with a statement necklace and wedges for your best friend’s wedding. From a chic, white clutch for brunch with the girls to a leather jacket and platform heels for a night out at the club, the possibilities are endless. Versatility, comfort, and chicness are what make the maxi summer’s favorite dress.

Here’s how I styled a maxi dress for an effortless day of shopping with friends!

1—Accessories. Don’t ever be afraid to accessorize! Whether it’s a hat, sunglasses, or jewelry, accessories can turn a simple outfit into a stylish one. I chose to pair my black maxi dress with a standout spiky diamond and gold necklace to add some edge. I wanted the necklace to match the bracelets, so I wore two Michael Kors bracelets and one from Alex and Ani. All the jewelry had a gold and white color scheme with diamonds. I personally love black and gold, so I always try to pair the two together.

2—Purses. Purses are another great way to spice up a maxi dress while having a place to carry all your small belongings. A fancy clutch can turn a maxi dress into a beautiful evening dress, and a big, colorful handbag can add some boldness to an otherwise neutral outfit. I chose a medium sized handbag with all neutral colors: brown, white, and black. The black and white on the bag matched well with my maxi dress, and the size of the bag allowed me to fill it with all my belongings, while not being overly bulky. There was even a strap which allowed me to place it over my shoulder.

3—Sandals. Strappy sandals are a hot trend this summer. I decided to wear dark brown, short, strappy wedged sandals. The dark brown meshed well with the light brown on my handbag, and the gold dots on my sandals matched my gold jewelry. I opted for wedges since they’re easier to walk in, and I was on my feet for most of the day.

4—Denim Jacket. Denim is one of my favorite trends for every season because there are so many ways to wear it. I chose a dark wash denim jacket that matched well with the black maxi dress. I went shopping well into the evening, so the light denim jacket was a great way to provide some warmth during the summer evening.

How do you style your favorite maxi dress? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

Top 5 Travel Must-Haves

Summer is finally here which means vacation time! If you are anything like myself, packing is the hardest part of travelling. I never know what to take and I always end up over packing. So, in order to help out my fellow traveling Fashionistas, I have composed a list of my top five travel must-haves for this summer.

1—Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter. I love this lip balm. It has the perfect consistency and texture, and tastes and smells amazing. It instantly makes me feel like a summery, beach goddess with the hints of coconut and acai berry. Wherever you are traveling to, it is important to keep your skin, including your lips, hydrated. Whether it be the beach or the city, soft lips are important! The thing about this lip balm that makes it great for travel is its size. It is bigger than your average lip balm, so you have plenty to use throughout the summer!

2—Sephora Collection Sweet Perspective The Weekender. This makeup case is an absolute must-have for travel. Even If you’re just going to a friend’s house for the weekend, this case is amazing. It is not overly large in size, but can hold just about everything. There are convenient sections for your makeup, toiletries, jewelry, brushes, and everything! There is even a hook to hang it in a hotel or even your own bathroom. The print on the outside is adorable and the case itself is an essential for me. Cute and convenient, a winning combination!

3—Steve Madden Softey Slides. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you know that slides have been on trend for a while now. Rihanna’s Puma Fenty slides kicked off the craze that other retailers have been quick to pick up. I consider myself a slide connoisseur, and I must say, Steve Madden’s are the best. They’re true to size, adorable, durable, and way more affordable than the Puma Fenty ones. Having to take off your shoes at the airport, or having constricting shoes on in a plane or car is no fun, so these slides would be perfect for being on the go and still being able to look cute.

4—Kipling Art S Handbag. Kipling Bags are extremely durable and useful. They have an easy-to-clean material that makes them perfect for traveling. This particular bag is big enough to hold lots of stuff for a carry on or just a day bag! It comes in various colors, but my favorite has to the be the bright Very Berry!

5—Quay Sunglasses in Cherry Bomb. Honestly, buy any of Quay’s sunglasses. They are fantastic quality, for a reasonable price. All of their designs are incredibly cute, and many retailers carry them, making them easy to find! Remember to protect your eyes and skin this summer!

Now that I’ve shared with you my travel favorites, comment down below some of yours!

4 Tips for Looking Fab in a Heat Wave

When the first major heat wave of the year hits, getting dressed in the morning can feel like a drag. All I want to do is kick my feet up on the couch and enjoy the air conditioning with a lemonade in my hand. Sometimes, putting together a fashionable look can be the last thing I feel like doing. This Fashionista gave her top four tips on how she developed her go to summer look for the hot weather.

1—Find a staple dress and wear it whenever you can! Having a piece that can be dressed up or down is key in a summer wardrobe. This Fashionista came across this gorgeous dress from For Love and Lemons and finds herself styling it many different ways. She loves the way it makes her feel confident while also staying cool.

2—Add a pair of clogs for some height! When you find a pair of shoes that speak to you and it can change your entire mood for the day. This Fashionista discovered these gems at Free People and finds herself wearing them all the time. She loves the height it gives her while still being comfortable enough to walk around the city!

3—Top the outfit off with a simple handbag! This Fashionista added a vintage coach bag she found at the Fairfax Flea Market in Fairfax, Ca. This bag is one of a kind and really adds a nice touch to the outfit. An item with a story always makes for a great conversation starter!

4—Keep the jewelry elegant yet simple. Sticking to some simple and refined gold jewelry can give your look the extra sparkle it needs! This Fashionista found some gorgeous rings at Free People that have become a staple in her everyday wardrobe.

What are your summer go-to’s? Leave a comment below!

5 Vintage Gems in Paris You Must Explore

Even with globalization, there are several things you just can’t find online. The vintage stores in Paris are the city’s best-kept secret with the mystery je ne sais quoi of the French fashion forward. Paris being a fashion capital is a must visit for any fashion lover. If you are looking to add some prize possessions to your closet, then these boutiques will certainly convert your average closet into sartorial gold mines.

So bookmark this article for your next visit to Paris. Thank me later.

1—Les Merveilles de Babellou. Situated in the vintage haven of Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, this boutique feels like a little girl’s dreamland—if said fantasy involved rare gems from Courrèges. In addition to those searching for special pieces to spice up the mundane, many French brides come here looking for unique wedding dress alternatives.

Les Merveilles de Babellou, 18 Rue Paul Bert, Saint Ouen 93400, Stand 13 et 77 Allée 1

2—Valois Vintage Paris. Tucked away on Rue des Saussaies, right around the corner from the President’s residence on the prolific Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, lies one of the best vintage boutiques, Valois Vintage Paris. Many of the clients are boldface names: actors, or their stylists, who come seeking special pieces for galas and red carpet events.

Valois Vintage Paris, 8 Rue des Saussaies 75008, Paris

3—Pretty Box. Rock ’n’ roll vibes pervade this trademark Marais vintage hut, which overflows with ’70s suede and fringe that looks like it was handpicked from Jane Birkin’s closet. The selection is also perfectly au courant with seasonal trends, curated to offer its insider clientele modern looks at the fraction of the runway price. You will find eclectic pieces by the likes of Chloe and Yves Saint Laurent which will amp up your style quotient instantly.

Pretty Box, 46 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris

4—Nice Piece Vintage. This small Haut-Marais boutique doubles as a secret weapon among Parisian couture houses, frequented by designers like Oliver Rousteing who come to seek inspiration for their own collections.You will come across incredible craftsmanship and tailoring at this store. From vintage Chanel dresses and blazers to Dior, it’s a shoppers dream come true.

N.ice Piece Vintage, 76 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris

5—Mamie. Need to rent an outfit for a retro ’50s party? Looking to splurge on a pair of aviator sunglasses or a ‘bibi’ hat? Then head to Mamie. Don’t be fooled by its tiny storefront decked out in pastel colors: inside, the shop has three levels, each filled with treasures from the ’30s to the ’60s – hats, jewelry, glasses, handbags, miniskirts, military jackets, and polka dot dresses. There’s also good news for shoe lovers with the basement entirely devoted to shoes.

73 rue de Rochechouart 9e Paris

What’s your favorite city? Let me know in the comments below or tag @CFashionista in a social media post!

How to Leave a Lasting Impression at Your Next Interview

You are filling out endless job and internship applications, feeling a never-ending despair slowly creeping up your spine when suddenly, your phone starts to ring. Finally, your perseverance has paid off; you have been selected for an interview with one of the top companies you applied to. You are feeling great until it suddenly hits you: what do you wear to an interview?

When thinking about professional attire many think of bland and boring ensembles, but with this outline, I am going to show you how to look trendy while still being professional.

Your face and your fashion choices are among the first things that are observed when you enter the room for an interview and can leave a lasting impression, so you want your first impression to be a great one. I derived my look from the current trend of cut-out shoulders, shift dress silhouettes, and light fabrics for summer. Finding the company policy on what workwear is appropriate can also prove to be a helpful guide when deciding between business casual or more formal attire.

The black cold shoulder dress is a very fashion-forward item in this moment. This piece does not need much in the way of jewelry and the hemline is not too short, which is one of the reasons why I like it so much. The ruffle detail around the upper chest and at the top of the sleeve with the higher neckline gives the dress enough detail in the front that large necklaces would clutter the neck. I did, however, add the silver watch with small crystal details as my chosen jewelry statement piece. You can never go wrong with a good timepiece. Black Coach flats provide the finishing touch from head to toe while also adding another flash of sparkle with the metal logo across the top.

Walking into an interview with a bulky backpack or pulling a ruined résumé out of a small purse is never an ideal situation. My go-to choice for a handbag that will still allow me to bring what I need for the interview is a black leather tote. This bag is large enough to fit a folder comfortably inside along with a planner that I like to take notes in during my interviews. This bag looks sleek and is my modern and feminine spin on the briefcase. My outfit is monochromatic because the company policy where I was interviewing has work attire set for three colors and black is one of them. When you are styling your interview outfit feel free to add a colorful statement necklace or colored sweater to bring a little pizzazz to your ensemble.

How will you give the professional interview attire a trendy update? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista

5 Must-Have Accessories That Don’t Have an Expiration Date

When it comes to fashion, styles are constantly changing. It can be hard to know what to pair with your outfits to make them trendy and complete. Whether you are going to brunch in a nice dress, or running errands in a t-shirt and jeans, here are 5 must-have accessories that will fit your everyday wardrobe and not go out of style!

1—Versatile Earrings. Everyone has a go-to pair of earrings. These are a must have! Whether they are simple studs, or larger colorful ones, simple earrings make it easy to effortlessly dress up and tie together an outfit!

2—Trendy Necklaces. Different styles of necklaces can come and go, but having a currently hot one on hand is always a life saver! Chokers and chains—don’t be afraid to layer them!

3—Metallic Rings. Don’t have your nails done? No problem! Throw on a couple of rings to dress up your hands. Don’t be afraid to mix and match metals—silver and gold go hand in hand.

4—Classic Handbag. Everyone loves a good, classic purse. Opt for a neutral color that looks nice against patterns, bright colors and other neutrals!

5—Statement Sunglasses. If you have cool glasses, you’re ready to take on anything. With so many different styles, metals, and colors to choose from, you’re destined to find the perfect statement pair.

With these five accessories, you’ll be set for whatever your day entails! They’ll always be in style, no matter how long you have them for.

What are your favorite go-to accessories? Let us know in the comments below!

What’s In My Bag This Summer?

Whether you’re off to an internship, getting dinner with friends, or just trying to make it to class on time, you’re going to need all of your summer essentials in one place: your go-to bag. Personally, my go-to bag is a Longchamp knockoff that my lovely roommate bought for me in Vietnam. I take it everywhere and it’s big enough to hold my whole life. That being said, here are the best things to keep on you at all times while juggling a social life, work, and school this summer.

I could not go anywhere without my phone, headphones, or laptop. Mainly because they are my vital sources of entertainment, but also because I need them for homework and more important work-related activities. On my Spotify app, I am currently listening to a mixture of Khalid’s American Teen album, lots of Frank Ocean, old and new Kendrick, and Anderson .Paak. When I’m not doing homework on my laptop, my favorite Netflix/HBO shows to binge watch are The Office, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Aside from social media sources, I always keep a plethora of beauty products in my bag. Michigan summers are humid; therefore, I sweat and my face gets oily. For that, I need a constant source of hydration and Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray is my absolute favorite. I also carry sunscreen for my pale, freckled skin, men’s deodorant (smells better/works better), my favorite lip balm, mini perfume, nail polish (for those awful chips), and mascara.

Since most college students tend to have busy summers, it’s nice to have something to take your mind off of your hectic schedule. For that reason, I carry a good book like To Kill a Mockingbird around (find more great reads here), plus some markers, a notebook, and a little makeup pouch that I use as a pencil case.

Lastly, I never go anywhere without my beloved Ray-Ban Clubmasters; a present from my mom on my sixteenth birthday that I have cherished and managed not to lose since. Next to that, I like to keep a baseball hat, an extra jacket, and sneakers in case the weather changes on me, which tends to happen most days here in East Lansing.

All of these items are essential when it comes to keeping me in check, looking good, and being prepared for what the day throws at me. I wouldn’t survive my busy summer schedule without them!

What sort of things do you keep in your bag at all times? Comment and share photos like mine on Instagram and make sure to tag @Cfashionista in your posts!

How to Wear Neutrals Without Looking Basic

As a lover of classic, effortless style, I’ve been asked many a time how I manage to find inspiration from such a limited color palette. Now, neutrals (think: beige, ivory, black, and white) may not translate on the runway as glamorous, but they can be your best friend when mastering the art of street style.

My latest look, dubbed simple with a twist, is fun to look at and easy to follow. See what inspiration and advice you can gather from my step-by-step neutral-wearing rules!

1. Choose contrasting pieces.

Nothing says boring more than matching colors without a purpose. For this reason, you’ll have to put a little more thought into your dress-up time—think about what fabrics would photograph together nicely and which ones clash.

In my case, I paired structured Ink Denim jeans with a loose-fitting top while accentuating a textured Adrienne Vittadini handbag with synthetic fibers and felt from the shoes and accessories. Though the colors stayed plain, the look was anything but.

At the same time, don’t forget to edit your outfit. In the words of Coco Chanel, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Follow Mademoiselle’s minimalist style rule to hit that sweet spot between humdrum and noisy!

2. Mix it up.

You don’t have to take this as literally as mixing silver accessories with gold, but don’t forget to have fun with your clothes. Fashion is nothing if not experimental!

One thing I did to transform my look from cliché to slay was to roll-up my long sleeve Olive & Oak button down and tie it at the waist. High enough to raise interest but low enough that your 70-year-old grandmother wouldn’t judge, this refitted top now looked casually undone. I also wore a wool cloche hat from Target (pronounced Tar-jay by the cool kids) because I’m clearly still not over Downton Abbey.

3. Add a statement shoe.

Repeat this after me: Statement shoes are fun. Statement shoes never hurt anyone.

As for the shoes themselves, I highly recommend that you scour out pack-a-bag sales at your local thrift store before you even think about going near a Nordstrom or, heaven forbid, an actual designer store. These sold out Steve Madden leopard print wedges were originally priced at $119; I got them for roughly $2! (Granted, I had to squeeze them in a bag shared with two friends, but it was totally worth it.)

3. Go for gorgeous.

Whether you choose to go barefaced or bronzer-conscious, make sure that you step out of the house feeling confident, sexy, and proud of what you’re wearing! While you are always beautiful, a classy, neutral look can help to bring out that natural grace.

That said, I used Essence Cosmetics’ All About Chocolates eye shadow palette. Ranging from matte to shimmery tones, it was just what I needed to take my look to the next level.

Are you rocking the neutral look today? Snap a picture, and don’t forget to tag us @CFashionista on social media!