Loafers – CollegeFashionista

5 Fashion Pieces That Will Elevate Any Back to School Outfit

The time to head back to college has officially arrived—there’s coffee in one hand, school books in the other, and a chic outfit to top it all off. The crisp air is creeping up on us, and all the newest fall pieces are hitting your favorite retail stores. First of all, overthinking an outfit in the morning while getting ready is awful and time-consuming. So, with a new semester here, look out for these five items that will make your mornings easier and elevate any outfit.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Raw hem denim

Having a go-to bottom to reach for in the morning is going to make your life ten times easier. Raw hem denim is the perfect piece to spice up a somewhat basic outfit! You can pair your denim with so much: a plain white T-shirt, a chic off-the-shoulder top, or even a silk cami! Raw hem denim will help you elevate any outfit easily.

2—Loafers

Shoes are everything! Your shoes can make or a break an outfit. As a college girl, I love the combination of being stylish and comfortable for a long school day. Loafers are the perfect in between. They are stylish, look good with almost any outfit, and are definitely comfortable. I love being able to pair loafers with something as simple as jeans. The raw hem denim and loafer combination is to die for!

3—Denim jacket

The infamous denim jacket is making its rounds all over again, and this time the lust for it is even bigger. Denim jackets can enhance a look in so many different ways. You can go for the oversize look with a denim jacket and a dress, or you can go with the notorious denim-on-denim vibe. Denim jackets come in so many different textures. I love the oversize, distressed denim look.

PHOTO: Stella Fanega

4—Hoop earrings

Let’s talk hoops. Hoops are definitely making their way back, and I hear no complaints. They are simple, easy, and modish. Remember the denim-on-denim look I just mentioned? Picture that with a slick back ponytail and hoops. Furthermore, those little pieces of jewelry just elevated that outfit another notch.

5—Button-ups

Please tell me you’ve seen all the dashing ways that you can enhance your button-ups? First of all, you can make it into an off-the-shoulder piece. Second, you can tie at the bottom of your top into a bow. There are so many blog posts out there showing you how to elevate your button-ups. Adding a button-up with a twist to it is the perfect way to take your outfits to the next level.

You can find all these styles in some of your favorite stores like Zara, Forever 21, and Nordstrom. Having these go-to pieces will help you mix and match many different items and seriously make your outfit planning so much easier.

Are you going to add any of these pieces to your wardrobe and start elevating your looks? Tag @Cfashionista in your posts when you do!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly and Kelly Rogowski.

The Style of a Retro Beach Town Gal

Salty air and offbeat record stores. The sound of skater boys swishing around the streets and Tame Impala blasting from a passing car on the 101. Admiring the waves crashing from the meditation gardens and the aroma of food grilling on the barbecues. Thrift shops and boutiques galore with unique finds and quaint coffee joints. Encinitas brings out the retro bohemian and eclectic in you and there’s no place else quite like it. Not only has this town influenced my everyday life, but it’s helped develop my personal style along the way.

After finishing my morning meditation and yoga session, I received a group text from my friends asking to grab brunch and explore our little beach town. I’m always game for a good acai bowl and an adventure. So I quickly threw an outfit together, made myself an almond milk coffee to go, and hopped in my beloved blue VW bug I call Luna.

Despite it being a beautiful and sunny day here in California, I decided to throw on my go-to denim jacket and Levis as living on the coast calls for slight winds and unexpected overcast weather. As we were making our way to one of our favorite coffee hangs, Pannikin, we couldn’t help but feel inspired by the cute little neighborhood we were walking through. This one house, in particular, glistened in the hot sun with its salmon pink exterior and black and white striped awning matching my button-down top, which was obviously a sign from the universe manifesting an impromptu photo shoot. Can’t waste an opportunity, am I right? The cherry on top was the El Camino parked in the driveway as a final retro touch teleporting us back in time.

Channeling my inner Kurt Cobain through my retro white oval sunglasses, I completed my look by styling a black and white striped button-down top tucked into a pair of dark wash gray Levis cinched at the waist with a simple black belt. I also threw on a medium wash denim jacket with a faux sherpa lining to give it a more casual look. My finishing touches included my holy grail black loafers (these bad boys go with everything), my new favorite summer handbag from Kayu Design (Stars and fringe… what more could a girl want?), and my trusty Brixton engineer hat.

After wrapping up our mini photo shoot, we finally made our way over to the coffee shop where we snagged a bench on the grass overlooking passing cars on the 101 and Pannikin’s quaint yellow facade. In between sips, we discussed our plans for the remainder of the day while holding onto our oversize mugs filled to the brim with frothy chai lattes.

How do your surroundings affect your everyday style? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Add a Vintage Touch to Your Summer Outfit

Rome is such a breathtaking city where every corner has a long history. Since I am studying abroad here, I decided to put on some vintage clothes and dive into this wonderful summer journey in Rome.

Wearing something light in such hot weather is always a good choice. In this outfit, I chose one of my favorite pink dresses paired with white loafers and a pair of round sunglasses. This pink dress is very special and unique in terms of its design. You can also choose other little, light-colored dresses that can add a touch of femininity and sexiness. The loafer is one of the recently popular must-haves. This white loafer is very simple, so it just complements the outfit perfectly. A pair of simple white or black heeled sandals is also a great choice.

For the accessories, I choose a round, vintage-looking earring. This type of big, round metal earring will look even better on you if you have short hair. It’s summer, so a pair of sunglasses is a necessity. I bought these sunglasses the minute I saw the. Their retro, round shape with the gold metal material makes the look more classic and elegant.

This look suits a lot of occasions, from a regular school day to even a special occasion. The colors pink and white keep the look clean and fresh. So, when you don’t know what to wear during the summer, just pick a little pink dress with white heels or sandals!

If you love the look, don’t forget to leave a comment below!

Color Craze

Coming home for the summer after spending my first year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, I have noticed my style has changed. After moving to New York, I inevitably found myself wearing mostly black, edgy pieces and experimenting with a variety of different trends and styles. However now that I am back in my hometown Cleveland, Ohio, I am making some adjustments to my new style. One of my favorite things about fashion is how you can change your style at any given time. For me personally, I am always traveling and finding myself in a new city, so I like to make tweaks based on where I am and the atmosphere around me.

For this outfit, I have stuck to my staple black jeans, but decided to add more color. During the summer months, I like to incorporate bright colors to my typically dark wardrobe. However, one of the problems with color is incorporating it into your outfit without it becoming too overpowering. With this in mind, I chose this hot pink blouse in a solid color. The black hat adds to the look by making it more casual. Hats are a go-to for me in the summer and perfect for any bad hair day or even just to add a trendy touch to any outfit. The hot pink against the black hat and black jeans gives the outfit fun, summery vibes while keeping the outfit looking polished. My favorite aspect of the look is my floral printed loafers. Loafers are currently a huge trend and are said to be this summer’s sandal. Having the rest of my outfit solid and basic, the loafers give the outfit the colorful kick it needs.

This is a look that could be worn on a variety of occasions. The loafers could be dressed up and worn to work or another formal setting with a basic skirt or dress. The outfit that I have formed with them is perfect for lunch with friends or even a casual date.

How are you guys styling your loafers for the summer? Let me know in the comments below.

10 Items Every Intern Should Have in Their Closet

As summer break begins, many people will be interning, including myself. It’s important to experiment with internships, whether it’s to discover what you want to major in or the different paths that you could possibly take within a major. Many may be starting internships for the first time this summer and have no clue what to wear to them; I know I didn’t at my first internship! First, ask the person you are in contact with at the company what their dress code is and what people typically wear to work; that way, you can plan your wardrobe around it. Regardless of dress code, below are ten things that I believe are an essential to any intern’s wardrobe that can be dressed up or down!

1—Shirt Dress. I love dresses in the summer, especially at work. They are a quick one-piece outfit perfect for busy mornings. I especially love shirt dresses for a more put-together look. Not professional enough for your internship? Just add a blazer.

2—Blazer. A blazer is a major staple in any workplace. Throw it on top of a dress or blouse to look more professional.

3—Large Purse. A large purse is a necessity for work. Ditch the college backpack and go for a stylish tote that will be able to fit your laptop, a planner, a notebook, and more.

4—Pencil Skirt. Skirts are essential, especially in the summer in order to keep cool. You can never go wrong with a pencil skirt; just make sure it’s an appropriate length.

5—Simple Necklace. I personally love jewelry because it shows off personality. At work, tone down the jewelry with a simple necklace like this pearl one for a classy, feminine look.

6—Peplum Shirt. A peplum shirt is a great staple that’s easily transitional from professional to casual. It’s a classy twist on a casual shirt that looks great with both skirts and pants. Again, throw a blazer on top if it’s too casual for your workplace.

7—Watch. A watch is an absolute must for style and practicality. You most likely will not be able to use your phone at your internship, so a watch is perfect to keep time to make sure you are on track with your work. I especially like this small watch because it’s perfect for everyday use.

8—Dress Pants. Dress pants are staples in any woman’s wardrobe. Dress them up for work or dress them down for a more casual but classy vibe. Instead of plain black, try out colored or printed ones, like these green ones.

9. Loafers – Loafers are a great addition to a work wardrobe that many women don’t have. They are a more professional alternative to flats that make you look ready for business. I love white ones, especially in the summer.

10. Flats – Flats are another shoe staple; they are easily transitional between work and play. Opt for a more comfortable pair with support if you will be on your feet for most of your internship.

What are you wearing to your internship this summer? Show us on social media. Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Classic is Always In

Congratulations on finishing classes! To end my time as a Style Guru for spring 2017, I wanted to show a timeless outfit which is also a bit androgynous—shoutout to the Fashionistos! Here I took some foolproof pieces in my wardrobe like this boyfriend-fit white button-down and blue denim jeans. These two pieces have withstood the test of time and have seen many trends pass by. Classic is timeless!

This brings me to my next point: it is okay to splurge on classic pieces. Like my mom told me, if it is well tailored for you and can be worn for any season, it is worth the price.

I’m not saying more expensive pieces are always better. Sometimes I find wonderful pieces from Gap or H&M. My secret is to look at the tag with the fabric details on it. I try to aim for 100% cotton or denim pieces. As much as I love those trendy polyester pieces, it wears out after a few washes. You’ve got to get the best bang out of your buck!

Back to my outfit, my methodology starts with the essentials in my closet. Once I have a foundation down, I add accessories to give some character to the outfit. Every season, I update my closet with new accessories or shoes. For spring and summer, cat-eye sunglasses are in! Personally, I buy my sunglasses cheap so I do not feel bad if I lose them at the beach or pool (which happens every summer). Also, another trend has been statement earrings, so I had to throw on these silver links. I love adding an edgy element to all my looks. Last are shoes. A neutral-colored shoe is perfect for transitioning into the warmer months. These, in particular, have subtle western detailing.

With that, I wish you guys and gals a happy summer! Most of all, remember to wear SPF!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Secondhand or Bust

I grew up thrifting. As I got older and learned more about the fashion industry, I learned that I was actually helping the environment by thrifting my entire life. For those who don’t know, the fashion industry is the second most destructive industry in the world right behind the oil industry. For a better explanation, I encourage everyone to watch The True Cost or at least do a simple Google search. With that being said, thrifting helps combat its effects, which is one of the numerous reasons I encourage everyone to thrift.

From what I’ve gathered from friends, people who don’t thrift do so because they can never find anything. My advice to anyone with this problem is to really look. Most of the time thrift stores have thousands of every type of item, and you have to take the time to search for those one-of-a-kind finds. Location can be hard as well, but it’s not like I live in LA or New York. I live in Florida, so I honestly believe that anyone can find great things anywhere. You just have to try out different places and see which one you find the most items at. Instead of buying cheap, cute clothes at fast fashion stores, which is supporting what they do and keeping them in business, you can buy cheaper, cooler clothes at thrift stores while reducing pollution and waste.

Alright guys, the rant about me trying to save the world is over now. Most of my wardrobe is secondhand, including what I’m wearing in this look. My beret and earrings are the only exceptions. I chose to wear this fitted summer dress with loafers. I’m definitely not a girly girl, but sometimes I like getting dressed up and putting on a nice dress. I made it more me by adding the rest. Green loafers were a must because I like to always incorporate color into my looks. The beret, belt, and earrings tied the look together with the black leather and matching gold hardware. Simplicity with edge is usually the vibe I go for, so I try to wear unique pieces, hence why I foolishly wore a beret in Florida summer. In addition, I’m a big fan of hoops but chose these funky, circular earrings instead.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Classy Past to Grunge Present

What goes around definitely comes back around with this current fashion trend. Walking around campus you’ll find the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and even ’90s are back! So it’s time to hit the vintage stores and do a little digging through mom’s closet because “backstreet’s back, alright!”

The vintage ’90s grunge movement has never looked better. Combine it with a chic Chanel look and you have the perfect outfit! Simple sweaters are definitely a top item right now. To kick your sweater up a notch you can get innovative with a striped, polka dot, or jean shirt to wear underneath! Oversize jean jackets are a great topper to any outfit, and adding some flare will make it one of a kind. The classic Chanel look back and painted jackets are so in and Fashionistas are getting creative and painting them on themselves!

This Fashionista has brought all aspects of past to present in her own unique style that is amazing. She found the perfect fun-sized vintage Levi’s jean jacket, with an incredible hand painted Chanel skull design on the back to add an extra attribute to the look! Her simple sweater from Forever 21 complements the jacket, but the detail stripe undershirt makes the outfit pop! Not to mention her fashion forward straight leg jeans from Zara are plain and subtle, yet keep the outfit sophisticated and focused on the trendy details. I love her black loafers, which add a touch of voguish ambience to her look allowing the outfit to become perfect to wear to class or an interview! The best touch yet is her addition of modern chic flare with her Chanel sunglasses that go perfectly with the jacket. This look can’t go wrong when the sun is out!

Turning the oldies into new goodies is what I love best. Stay tuned for more of my ideas on the rad new trends of this year!