Tag: Metallic

Getting the Most Out of Your Wardrobe When Dressing for Work

When it comes to picking out an outfit for work, each day I find myself aimlessly staring at my closet thinking that I have nothing to wear. I always feel as though I am constantly repeating outfits and that all my coworkers will notice. I tend to invest more in my purchases, which makes it feel as though I have less to wear. While still keeping up with the current fashion trends, I like to make sure I have staple pieces throughout my wardrobe. To create this look, I mixed basic pieces with trendier pieces.

For this outfit, I chose a pair of black pants and a white top. This alone could be considered basic. However, the style of these two pieces is very trendy. The black pants are culottes which are on-trend for spring and summer. These pants can be worn with many different tops. I feel that they are going to be a staple item in my wardrobe this summer, especially for work. The fullness and layered effect on the sleeves add detail to the top. They are the key factor in turning a basic white T-shirt into a trendy top. This top fits boxy and was a little too long in proportion to the culottes, so I decided to tuck the shirt in which helped to defined my waist.

The silver sandals are perfect for summer. The combination of the white platform soles and the bright silver make them pop against the black culottes. Metallic colors are also on-trend for spring and summer. Incorporating this into shoes or accessories is the perfect way to do it. These sandals are also very versatile. They would look great with a pair of jeans as well.

I chose to keep my accessories minimal since I had a lot going on with the detailing of the sleeves and my shoes. All of the pieces in my outfit I can wear separately and style to make three different looks for work. This will help me to expand my wardrobe possibilities while still staying on-trend.

This look I styled would be perfect not only for work but for brunch with friends or a day out in the city. All of these pieces could be individually worn for day or night and dressed up or down. The pieces in this look are all trendy yet staple items in my wardrobe that will help to expand my possibilities for my work outfits.

Does anyone else feel as though they are stuck in a clothing rut when it comes to dressing for work? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Stand Out at a White Party

White parties are a summer classic. I love nothing more than all my friends getting together on a beautiful summer day for drinks and snacks dressed in all white. But there’s one problem with white parties… everyone looks the same. One of my favorite things about fashion is how we can use it to express ourselves, but when there’s a strict, all-white dress code, this can be tricky. However, if you get creative, you can totally be the star at your next white party.

Let’s start with this white romper. It is one of my favorite things in my closet right now. It’s lightweight and has a drawstring at the waist so I can wear it loose or rock it fitted at the waist with a pair of cool sneakers and a ponytail. It’s perfect for a white party because, well, it’s white. It is unique and trendy because it has a subtle embroidered bird print on it, rather than a solid white dress or simple white pants.

Rather than white shoes, I decided to rock light, metallic wedges that won’t completely stand apart from the all-white theme, but still pop a little bit. I love a wedge in the summertime, and I really think there isn’t a better shoe to wear to an outdoor party. The shiny gold straps let my personality shine through while allowing me to bring in some other gold accessories, like my stacked bracelets.

Now on to the fun part… that metallic lipstick. I love bold lipstick with white, but for a white party where literally everything down to the smallest toothpick is white, a more neutral lip might be a good call. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring, though. Try a gold metallic lipstick to put a shimmery twist on a basic nude. I love this lipstick because it ties in with my sassy shoes and looks great on a variety of skin tones. Layer it over a lip primer and it will stay all day, no matter how many mimosas you have. It’s awesome for summer, but I’ll definitely be sporting it in the fall and through the winter (hello, my new favorite holiday shade). It’s just bold enough to be the perfect conversation starter.

Next time you receive a little white invitation in the mail, remember to get creative and let your personality (and metallic lips) stand out in a crowd.

What’s your summer party style? Tag @CFashionista on social media or comment down below your go-to style!

Print Mixing and Other Playful Styling Tricks

One of the biggest dangers of the forthcoming adulthood is so simple but astounding. We forget how to play. We forget how to run on the streets, how to laugh loudly and to not care what that grumpy old lady thinks of us, how to act, how to tell our teddy bear about our day, and how to believe that Toy Story actually could happen and that one day we will grow wings.

“You, adulthood, my darling who is sneaking toward me,” you vainly roar and shout, “I’m not afraid of you!” I slowly developed a weapon which helps me foist the playfulness into my days, no matter how hard you fight against it. In the morning when you are still stretching and yawning, I slide into my wardrobe and I hide from you. When I finally wriggle out from there you can’t do anything, I’m ready to hit the road! Today I start my journey wearing a striped skirt, a white blazer, and, most importantly, my silver shoes.

The shoes are the subjects of a lot of jokes. All four of my roommates fooled around in them and they used them as a mirror. Print mixing is another characteristic of my look which is hardly accepted. Although this trend is already widespread in the world, here the women around me are still trying their wings on this topic. To make my outfit complete I imagined a white blouse with a V-neck, which adds sophistication to this playful look, and embodies an overall charm and self-assured presence. My wardrobe may be huge, but it’s not endless, so I had to create this piece myself: I transformed my white blazer into a blouse using a safety pin and I tucked it in my skirt.

The feedback on my style can be very different, as people comment ‘I would not wear it that way,’ and ‘It’s interesting, but meh.’ At first they discouraged me, but over time I realized that as many people stand against it and dismay me, as many will appreciate my style one day. Our society hardly accepts new ways, we tend to stick with the traditional. If we go on untrodden roads, who knows what could happen, but this can also be the best part. We are a blank canvas and we can choose any color and brush to doll ourselves up. Compliments, of course, caress our soul, and after a while I got a lot of them. These outer influences, though, will be neither my engines nor my fences. What’s more, if I hear now the negative opinions, I’ll wear my playful print, color, and shape combinations even more proudly. I feel like playing with them raised me to a balanced and self-confident state of mind. Adulthood, my darling, is that you on the corner? Don’t be so impatient, I’m coming.

How do you make your outfit more playful and brave? Tell us in the comment section!

Accessorizing with Metals

Florals, pastels, bold prints, and other colorful options always make their way into spring and summer fashion. While I love a good floral sundress on a hot summer day as much as the next girl, my everyday outfits are much more neutral. Maybe it’s the gray Wisconsin winters that inspire me, or simply a preference for minimal and monochrome (all-black outfits? Guilty!).  Either way, if you’re like me, then opt for a cool alternative to summer frills and flowers: metals.

The metal look is great because it works like any other neutral and can be mixed and paired effortlessly. I paired a basic gray tee and black pants with metal-heavy accessories like my zippered bag and chain choker. The cool metal tone and sheen add a dimension of texture and luster. For added shine, I used a shimmery eyeshadow. These metal accents provide a little glam while remaining true to my neutral palette.

To incorporate some hardware into your wardrobe, look for jewelry sets and statement pieces. By letting your shining accessories be the focus, you don’t have to worry about your neutral outfit feeling flat. Layered chains, dangly earrings, and chunky bracelets are the way to go. Don’t stop at jewelry: Wire rimmed sunglasses, studded jackets, and flashy phone cases are also great ways to keep shining.

There are also tons of metals out there to mix up your look. I recommend getting a variety so you are prepared for any outfit and any mood. Gold is classic and adds luxury to a look. Rose gold is popular and a good choice for a sweet, modern look. Coppers and bronzes are perfect for summer with their warm hues. Silvers, nickel, and stainless steel read as cold and tough and are my personal favorite.

What’s your favorite metal accessory? Show it off on social media and tag @CFashionista.

Trend Testing: Topshop’s ‘It’ Boots

I will be the first to admit that I have a “uniform.” I am constantly reaching for the same style of jeans and pairing them with simple tops and old, beaten-up trainers. That’s not to say that I don’t love trends, new and old, I just never considered them for myself. Scrolling through my Instagram feed, it’s hard to ignore what the models and fashion bloggers are wearing and loving. My interest was immediately drawn to the dazzling new Topshop metallic boots worn by Bella Hadid. Everyone was raving about them, and I thought if I were ever going to try a trend, it would have to be this one.

I decided to step out of my comfort zone, much to my feet’s despair, and buy a pair of the Topshop “It” boots. I have not been disappointed. Probably not something that you can wear every day, but once I learned how to walk in heels I did not want to take them off!

They are a fantastic accessory to any going-out outfit—they immediately become a talking point and turn heads as you walk. Even when I tried them on in the shop I received compliments from both men and women, and the shop assistants swooned over how much they loved them.

Despite their popularity, I haven’t noticed anyone else wearing them, which is refreshing for a Topshop “It” item and makes them feel special to me.

When I wore my new boots out, I decided to style them with another trend I’ve noticed to be very popular. Wearing a bandeau over a plain white T-shirt is something I’ve seen bloggers worldwide wearing. It’s an easy way of styling that bandeau you’ve had in your wardrobe but have been too afraid to wear on its own. It also makes a plain T-shirt more interesting and adds variety to your wardrobe.

This experience of trying out new things has definitely encouraged me to try more new things and experiment with the way I dress—something I will endeavour to do in the future!

What trends have you been testing? Show us on social media by tagging @CFashionista!

Shimmer and Shine are Today’s Tied and Dyed

Tie-dye was the visual voice of America’s youth at the time, defying everything having to do with the Vietnam war. In a desperate attempt to lift the nation’s “vibes” and rebel against the becomingly “drab” fashion of past generations, tie-dye quickly took over our country’s wardrobes. The bright colors and unconventional patterns also helped bridge the gap between the “risqué” world of drag queens, cross-dressers, pop stars, etc. and the majority youth of 1960s America. This gave our country a new sense of inclusion and went along with the time’s popular slogans pushing for “free love.”

With a historical presidential election having just passed, shootings in the everyday news, and countless debates/protests, our current-day society has clearly been in a desperate need of something to lift the mood. Something similar to tie-dye in the ’60s.

Currently, when someone invites you to a ’60s or ’70s themed party, tie-dye should be expected to monopolize the attire outfit worn at the party. So, one might ask, in 30-40 years, what type of clothing is expected to dominate the 2010’s decades’ parties hosted by future generations? That’s right, shimmer and shine.

From highlighting face makeup trends, shimmering and metallic dresses on every runway, to even going as far as gluing glitter and sequins directly to one’s body, our generation is making a very bold statement through “shiny things”. Walls have been broken down, for example; men now being worldwide famous for their use and knowledge of beauty makeup. Worlds have been brought together, via music festivals, new laws, protests, and most importantly, the push for all-inclusive love in a world full of hate. Glitter and sparkles shout to the universe that, “We are not backing down! AND we’ll look fabulous while changing the world!”

The future seems increasingly unclear to many and in a time of such uncertainty, it makes sense that our current fashion trends would reflect our undying dedication to choosing happiness above all else. How do you plan to jump on board with this decade’s fashion trend equivalent to the ’60s tie-dye?

Here are three easy yet dazzling ways to join in and add a little sparkle to your life:

1—Glittery Makeup:

Featured here is the burnt orange from the Revolution “Mermaid” palette. Makeup is a great, quick way to add a little sparkle to your everyday routine and it can really make your features pop!

2—Shimmering Suede:

It’s no secret that icons like Hailey Baldwin and Bella Hadid are bringing back large, hooped earrings. Pair these statement hoops with a shimmering suede top or dress and all of a sudden, your Sunday casual can double as your Friday night out attire.

3—Reflective Shoes:

Looking to stop traffic when you walk by? Reflective shoes shout to everyone you pass that you are pushing fashion boundaries; making a statement that says “I will not be ignored!”

How do you wear these trends? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

How to Overcome Your Fashion Fears

“I love that, but I could never pull it off,” you say as you walk into your favorite retail store, your eye immediately drawn to the metallic wide-leg pants hanging in the corner. You walk up to the pants, hoping to muster up the confidence to take them to the dressing room, but it never comes.

We are all guilty of saying it. Whether it is in our heads or to our gal pals, every Fashionista has regrettably muttered the phrase, “I could never pull that off.” But why? Why are we so scared to wear something that may be unconventional or out of the ordinary? Why do we let what others think dictate our style?

Here are three tips to help you conquer your biggest fashion fears.

1–Try it on. This tip is the easiest and most overlooked. In the safety of a dressing room, you have the freedom to try on anything you like with only one critic: yourself. If something catches your eye, try it on. Strike a pose. Watch your confidence soar as you fall in love with an article of clothing that once held so much apprehension.

2–Imagine where you would wear it. When in the fitting room, one of the most important steps is to picture where you might wear this outfit. Can you see yourself walking down the streets of Manhattan or at the newest rooftop bar with your squad? If you cannot shake this image, take a leap, buy that bright floral jumpsuit, and show off your signature style.

3–Put it on hold. If you try it on and are still unsure, try putting it on hold. Have an employee put it in the holding area and go about the rest of your shopping trip. This will be a test for how much you really like the apparel. If throughout your day you cannot stop thinking about and compare everything else you like to that mesh dress you saw earlier, you should buy it.

The next time you start thinking you can’t pull something off, ask yourself, “Why the reluctance?” You should wear what you love and love what you wear and never hold yourself back from showcasing who you are.

What fashion fears have you overcome? Show us on social media and 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! 

City Intern

Whether you scored an internship in the Big Apple or another fashion capital, how you dress is important. Interning in a city gives you leeway to step outside your comfort zone and try something daring. However, it’s important you make sure it stays professional. The Fashionista pictured mixed sophistication and sass, giving her the perfect look for a summer internship.

If you find yourself in the city this summer, you’ve probably noticed the array of dark hues, so it’s easy to be weary of color. The street-style is mainly made up of a lot of black and navy, but don’t be afraid to add a pop of fun. This Fashionista chose a metallic, satin apricot-colored blouse to brighten up her look. To keep it clean and professional, she paired the fun top with a pair of slim black trousers. A pair of nice black pants should be a staple for any intern’s wardrobe. They’re sleek, conservative, and very functional all of which are important factors when choosing your outfit.

For her footwear, she kept functionality in mind yet again and chose a low-heel black patent leather bootie. Patent leather shoes are another versatile item and can easily go with any look. Their shine makes them pop against the black pant without being too over-the-top, and their low-heel makes them both wearable and fashionable.

Lastly, it’s important to be prepared for any weather, so a black leather jacket is a great addition. For a normal day in the office, a leather jacket is a great go-to and most likely an existing part of your wardrobe unlike a blazer.

Strut into your internship radiating confidence and style. Even if your outfit may consist mostly of blacks and basics, don’t be afraid to stand out with an occasional pop of color…even in the city. Show it off on social media and tag @CFashionista!

 

 

Glitter, Sparkles, and Shiny Things 101

School is done for the semester, and regardless if you’re taking summer classes or not, the summer is the perfect time to learn and refine those skills that serve a more personal interest. The topic for today’s lesson is beauty on anything that twinkles or shines. When the concept of face highlighter first started popping up, it didn’t take much convincing for me to get on board. As someone who has been saying her favorite color is silver since she was three years old, I’ll take any excuse to add extra shimmer wherever I can. This is how I became a highlighter connoisseur and self-proclaimed expert. However, while most people were complaining about certain products containing glitter that was too chunky, I was scoping out the market because I couldn’t find one whose glitter was chunky enough.

Highlighter is great because most people love to glow. My approach to it is to go big or go home. I love all things sparkly, glittery, metallic, etc, so as I was testing out tens of different highlighters, I kept thinking that there had to be some way to step it up. My coworker used to always wear gold star stickers on her face, and that’s when I started to realize all that cosmetic glitter I had for my eyes could easily work as very sparkly highlighter on my face. All I needed was a glitter glue to adhere it, and bam, I was in business. After a while basic glitter became blasé, and I did a big glitter haul at the craft store, which is where I got the jar of these fabulous little stars.

I want to always make a statement with my appearance. Sometimes my clothes get plain (as I love basic striped shirts and these girlfriend jeans so much) and I need some other catharsis to brighten up my day. Some people give me weird looks, but tons of people compliment me while I’m at work. I mainly do it for myself, though, because glitter is very nostalgic to me. It reminds me of happiness and purity and that everything just might be okay if you sprinkle a few more sparkles on it.

Are you rocking the glitter look this summer? Share your take on social media and tag @cfashionista!