New York City – CollegeFashionista

Here Are 7 Ways to Keep Up With New York Fashion Week

Store your one-pieces and get ready to break out your fall mules, New York Fashion Week is upon us! If you are like me, it’s the most amazing party that you’ve never been invited to (yet). The good news is that no matter where you are, you can be a part of the madness. If you have a computer or phone, you can keep up with all of the shows, looks, and events without leaving your bed or changing out of your PJs. Here are seven of my favorite ways to stay updated on NYFW.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Nyfw.com

Check out the show schedule, full list of designers, label profiles, and previous collections on the official New York Fashion Week site. The site also features videos of the shows, venue information, and a blog featuring both fashion and beauty content.

2—Vogue.com

The magazine giant has an extensive library of every collection ever shown during any fashion week, dating back to 2000. Vogue posts every collection as they are being shown on the site in addition to full reviews and details on who’s in the front row.

3—Vogue Runway App

The Vogue Runway app brings all of the perks of Vogue.com to your phone. The app also makes it easier to share your favorite looks with all of your Fashionista friends. So go check out every grand finale dress and bold beauty look you need for fall here!

4—Eonline.com

E! is the official media sponsor of NYFW and has been for many years. While they have some online coverage, E! also hosts a TV special at NYFW where they usually interview designers, review collections, and tell us all about what’s hot on the runway.

5—NYFW Snapchat Story

For a super behind-the-scenes look, the NYFW Snapchat story always comes through. Also, front row guests will snap the shows while you follow along so it’s like you’re sitting right next to them!

6—POPSUGAR Fashion Week App

POPSUGAR has always been my go-to for finding new trends in fashion, beauty, and fitness. Now they have a new app that offers instant coverage of shows. Find interviews with designers and models for the full New York Fashion Week effect.

7—Follow Fashion Insiders

Finally, one of the best tricks I have for keeping up with New York Fashion Week from my cozy dorm in North Carolina is following the right people. Keep up with Snapchat stories and Instagram posts from designers, bloggers, magazines, editors, and models to get the inside scoop on the shows and events of the week. It’s almost like you’re hanging out with all of fashion’s most elite.

How are you keeping up with fashion week? Sound off in the comments below!

Additional photos by Maddy Haller and Valerie Cammack.

Why Interning in a New City Alone Is So Important

Every college student knows the stressful feeling of searching for a summer internship. From revamping your resume to perfecting your cover letter, to finding a listing for a potential employer that you like, the entire process requires hard work, determination, and a ton of faith in yourself.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

Then, you finally get an interview which leads to the wonderful moment when you open the email that has a job offer in it. However, now you have to figure out housing and roommates if your internship is somewhere other than your hometown.

Working in the journalism industry, especially in the fashion or beauty side, it is more likely than not that your internship won’t be right next door to your university or hometown.

This exact process is what happened to me this summer and, fortunately, I was able to spend my summer interning about 500 miles away in New York City. However, I moved there and started working at my internship, despite only knowing two other people in the entire city.

Besides moving to college two years ago, I had never really left home without a family member or friend by my side, so starting over in the biggest city in America for a summer was something that terrified and excited me since I confirmed my trip February of last year.

I can’t say it wasn’t hard or that I didn’t get lonely at times, but I can say the creativity, the fast paced work life, the scenery, and the incredible amount of opportunity in New York overshadowed a lot of the little bad moments with a ton of experiences that have shaped who I am today.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

One of my favorite aspects was seeing the incredible fashion, obviously. The trendy summer slides, statement earrings, off-the-shoulder tops, and everything in between made it hard for me to think about returning to normal suburban life.

Going into this internship, I wanted to reassure myself that living in New York City was the path I wanted to go down post-graduation. So I made a conscious effort to push my own social boundaries and talk to other interns and experience the city itself, whether it was with one of the two people I knew or alone.

This mindset allowed me to really dive into my internship and focus on being the best public relations intern I could be. It was really interesting how much work excited me and how little distractions I had when all that was required of me was going to work and experiencing New York.

Overall, I left New York knowing that the work culture there was exactly what I wanted, that the city was what made me feel so inspired, and that public relations fascinated me. Having the opportunity to experience New York in this way made me understand how important it is for a young professional to push themselves outside of their comfort zone, and take the opportunities that force them to grow and gain confidence.

Have you had a life-changing experience like this? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Additional photo by Jordyn Wissert.

Why the Streets of New York City Are Like a Runway

The streets of New York City are like a fashion runway. They are shameless, vulnerable, and brave. The city’s members wear their outfits like a suit of armor, where people reveal—and conceal—their lives.

Fashion is more than accessible in the city, even when it comes to the more well-renowned events like New York Fashion Week. Simply observe the street style from the people who inhabit them. Skip the shows and take to the boulevards to see why I treat New York City’s streets like a runway.

I think street fashion is why I fell in love with New York City in the first place, but that wasn’t always the case. Being born and raised in the English countryside meant that small shops, roaming livestock, and golden fields of grain that went on for miles were all I knew. This left me intimidated by most urban settings. When my family decided to emigrate to New York, the city became somewhat of a challenge for me. Now I see it as something attractive and exciting, but there was a time where it was all too aggressive and intense. The cement streets of New York changed all of that for me.

If you are anything like me and find bravery in those around you (some call this being nosy), New York is the city for you. I respect how unafraid New Yorkers are when it comes to how they dress. They have a habit of taking risks in how they present themselves to the world; this confidence is something I’d like to see more in college fashion.

Since I started treating the streets like a runway, picking out an outfit has become somewhat of a ritual. When I choose an outfit there are five items in my wardrobe that I cannot take on the city without.

1—Sunglasses

No matter the weather, sunglasses are necessary. There is a reason Anna Wintour is always wearing them.

2—A white top

I don’t think I have ever not worn a white top out (I have a washing machine).

3—Anything the color blue.

You’ll never catch me not wearing something blue—it’s my color. That’s it.

4—Denim.

I’m always wearing some sort of denim. There are so many choices.

5—Ankle boots.

I’m a firm believer that I can accomplish anything in a pair of ankle boots. Plus, they go with everything.

As the fall semester begins, the streets turn into hallways and they become my catwalk. Remember, fearlessness surrounds us; it’s in the people, the clothes they wear, and of course, the streets we walk on.

Show us how you dress fearlessly! Don’t forget to tag us on social media at @Cfashionista.

All photos by James Chamberlain.

Brooklyn Bound—A Look Perfect for Summer in the City

Even though I’ve lived in New York City for over a year, I still enjoy finding new places to explore and returning to old favorites. This weekend, I made a trip to DUMBO, Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Flea and take in the Manhattan skyline. I recently purchased this Free People red maxi dress from a sample sale and this weekend seemed like the perfect opportunity to take it out for a spin.

I paired the dress with my favorite sunnies, a pair of circular, silver reflective shades. To match the sunglasses, I also wore silver jewelry including a few vintage bracelets and my staple rings and watch. Everyone needs a handbag to carry all of their stuff; I opted for this Chanel one, but you can find similar ones that don’t break the bank. To finish off the outfit, I wore a pair of black espadrille sandals complete with little silver studs to match the rest of the look.

It’s summer in New York CIty and this outfit kept me perfectly cool in the heat. Although, sitting on the subway with a bare back was less than ideal!

If you’re coming into New York City during the weekend, I definitely recommend making the trip to Brooklyn to explore the flea markets and food fests. The Brooklyn Flea features tons of vintage and antique items including cameras, clothing, knick-knacks, and so much more. Hungry? Choose from a wide selection of food stands featuring dishes from local vendors and restaurants.

What’s your idea of a perfect summer outfit for a weekend in New York City? Leave a comment down below or post on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

We Can’t Help But Love This Trend That Takes Friendship Bracelets To The Next Level

If I had to choose the most valuable thing that I’ve learned from the two plus years that I’ve been interning with CollegeFashionista it wouldn’t be how to frame a street style photo or the key to increased Instagram followers. After all, these are skills that I could’ve picked up anywhere. The greatest asset that I’ve gained from my experience with CF, however, is the knowledge that common experiences, challenges, and interests can bring even the most distant people together. Sounds cliché right? “CollegeFashionista connected me with my best friends” sounds like a tagline written by a mediocre marketing team; but, in all honesty, some of the most important people in my life wouldn’t be there without the help of CollegeFashionista.

So what does this have to do with tattoos? Well, it just so happens that sparking new friendships isn’t all that interning at CollegeFashionista can lead to. In this case, it also caused these four former interns (hint: one of them is me) to get matching ink, and yes, I mean the permanent kind. So here goes:

Tattoos by @jason_tat2 at Black Fish Tattoo (39 W. 32nd St. #1205, New York, NY)

Emily Ciavatta (@emilyciavattaa) and I met about a year ago when we were both marketing interns at the CollegeFashionista offices. Despite being from totally different backgrounds and having completely opposite personalities, we clicked pretty much right away. We both ended up back in NYC interning this summer and basically made a pact to do as many spontaneous things as possible. We had planned this big, eventful Saturday one week and had an open time slot that needed to be filled, so naturally, tattoos popped into both of our minds. Deciding to get a tattoo isn’t the hard part, it’s figuring out what to actually get that can be tricky.

We ended up getting matching champagne cork tattoos. I have this weird thing about champagne corks. I always save them. Since champagne is usually a celebratory drink, it seems fitting to try and remember the event at which you are drinking it. When we were trying to think up tattoos to get, corks seemed fitting. The corks turned out so cute and we’ll always have CollegeFashionista to thank for bringing us together and celebrate our friendship forever.

Tattoos by Juan Ortega at Mischief Tattoo (329 6th Ave. New York, NY)

“Cece and I met while interning together at the CollegeFashionista offices last fall. We didn’t talk much at first. But then one day, we were sent on an errand together and after an hour in, we were ranting about our boy problems. From then on, we’ve been super close. We were sitting at work together on a Friday, deciding what our plans for the night should be but weren’t sure what to do. Cece brought up getting matching tattoos—super spur of the moment—and she chose the design and everything. We walked into Mischief near West 4th and got them.” – Megan Sharp (@n_agem)

“I’ve always loved the look of small, simple tattoos, and that’s something that Megan and I always bonded over. We decided one day that we’d get matching ones just for fun. We were working together one Friday and just thought of the idea to both get the word ‘doll’ on the backs of our necks. So, that same day we went and got them done. I love all my little tattoos because they each have their own meaning. Megan is one of my dearest friends, she’s my doll for life.” – Cece Giglio (@cecegiglio)

Would you ever get matching tattoos with a friend? Share your thoughts (or photos of your matching ink!) in the comments below.

The Places You Must See in Brooklyn, According To Your Instagram Feed

There’s no denying that New York City is the fashion capital of the U.S.; so naturally, for those of us who dream of working in the industry, it’s the end-all, be-all place to end up post-grad. What no one tells you is how absolutely impossible it is for anyone to live there on an entry-level salary. Not only is rent shockingly pricey, but so is everything else. Basically, every after-work activity that us 20-somethings enjoy doing is outside of our price range. So where do us normal people live and hang out when you work in NYC but don’t have a six figure salary – or a salary at all (shout out to all the unpaid interns out there)? Help us, we’re poor.

Living in Brooklyn is moving its way up the where-to-live totem pole for Millennials and Gen-Zers stationed in New York. Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene have all the cute photo-op spots, coffee shops, and under-the-radar vintage boutiques that the city has, all at a fraction of the price. While I’m aware that the occasional trip to Manhattan is a must, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the other side of the East River. Below, I’m spotlighting the best and brightest of Brooklyn, NYC It-Girls approved.

THE BREAK

Not into sifting through racks and racks of junk just to find one or two good finds at Goodwill or Unique? The Break offers a highly-curated collection of vintage pieces ranging from 50s dresses to 90s band tees, all at a reasonable price. Check out their Instagram for updates on sales and special events.

Where: 82 Dobbins St. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

FREEHOLD

This massive restaurant-bar-outdoor escape is located a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge and can satisfy every single one of your cravings whether you need a Sunday brunch spot, a quick coffee-croissant combo, or an after-work cocktail. Make sure to check out Freehold’s website to stay in the know on their daily deals.

Where: 45 S. 3rd St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

BLESSINGS CAFÉ

If you’re in need of a new brunch spot, you’ve found the right place. Sit out back in the outdoor patio or inside to enjoy the staff’s impressive music selection. Need another reason to check out Blessings Café? They host a Record Night every Wednesday from 8-10pm.

Where: 663 Flatbush Ave. in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

SWORDS SMITH

For those of you who crave the knowledge that you found something first—whether it be a trend, a designer, or even a new store (!!), Swords-Smith is for you. Founders Briana Swords and R Smith moved into Williamsburg long before it was the “it” place to live and wanted to create a space that held onto the Brooklyn they know and love. The inventory is ever-changing, but expect to see a range of designer rags from Samuji to MM6 Maison Margiela. Can’t make it to the store, check out their online website.

Where: 98 S 4th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

MIRTH VINTAGE

Greenpoint has its fair share of vintage shops, but Mirth is at the front of the herd. Whether you’re looking for a fitted vintage suit for the office or the perfect pair of vintage jeans, I guarantee that Mirth should be one of your first stops. Coming from Manhattan? Take the ferry – the view is to die for.

Where: 606 Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

DOBBIN ST. VINTAGE CO-OP

After buying way too much (in the best way) vintage from The Break, head around the corner to Dobbin St. Vintage Co-Op for even more. While the store also has vintage clothing, the real finds here are furniture. Say you’re looking to recreate Don and Megan Draper’s mod apartment or live in a Wes Anderson flick, Dobbin St. has something, somewhere that you’ll fall in love with.

Where: 37 Norman Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

SYNDICATED

Not really an IMAX person? Check out Syndicated for a rather unique movie theatre experience. Whether your parents cut you off their HBO account and you need a place to watch Game of Thrones on Sunday or just want to see your favorite old-school flick somewhere other than your couch, Syndicated is the place to go. Keep up with their Instagram for what’s on the agenda.

Where: 40 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

CARTHAGE MUST BE DESTROYED

Be “in the know” and go to Carthage Must Be Destroyed, which despite its rather intense nomenclature, is actually very pink and very aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a place to go on a Saturday for a morning yoga class and post-sweat brunch, this is the place for you. Just downstairs is an equally lovely yoga studio, Like a Prayer Yoga. Basically, this is the place to be.

Where: 222 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Any other must-sees in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments below!

Style in New York City

If you want to see and to be seen, New York City is the place to be. Sublime architecture, inspiring street art, historic monuments, and so on fills every corner of Manhattan and makes it an incredible image worth seeing. In addition, this city’s hustling diverse population plays an integral role in upholding its aesthetic. New York City has contributed to my own taste in fashion immensely, which led me to write this post dedicated to style in the city.

With a plethora of neighborhoods to explore and to use as my destination, I chose SoHo because of the trendy ambiance. Home to a variety of stores, like Chanel and Saint Laurent, SoHo manifests fashion.

Black is a true New Yorker’s uniform hue. Chic, slimming, versatile, and more, black is a color that must be in every Fashionista/o’s closet. With this in mind, I decided to put together this head turning look which makes a statement on a night out (and even a spontaneous photoshoot) in Manhattan.

This black lace bralette is a wardrobe necessity since it can be layered or worn as a crop top like how I styled it. City nights can be chilly, so I went with this black and white satin robe trimmed with black lace as a cover up. I love that it is light-weight and has a beautiful draping effect, especially when it is slouched down to your elbows. I decided to pair it with this pleated black leather high-waisted midi skirt to emphasize elegance as well as create a unique silhouette. It’s the perfect skirt for swirling, dancing the night away, and for making Boomerangs! Another great quality about these pieces (worn together or as a set) is that they are comfortable and trendy for any occasion all year round.

In regards to jewelry, I kept it simple and to a minimum. While shopping, I came across this beautiful charcoal silver diamond encrusted cuff bracelet. Luckily, I was able to turn it into a trend favorite of mine, a choker. To add a pop of color seen frequently in graffiti art, I chose this fierce, magenta leather, Mongolian fur clutch. For shoes, I opted for edgy black suede open toe heels. The extra height is a great confidence booster, plus they are easy and comfortable to walk in (especially on cobble stone!).

Whether you’re in SoHo, Chelsea, the Upper East Side, or another neighborhood in Manhattan, always stay true to who you are and express your individual style to be seen!

What do you wear in New York City? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

Girls’ Brunch Out

Whether you went to bed early and made it to 9 a.m. yoga or stayed out late the night before, brunch on Saturday morning with eggs, pancakes, and mimosas are necessary.

In New York City, it is the one meal that rules them all—which means your look should rule, too. It can be challenging to put together the perfect outfit that looks fabulous yet effortless. Here are three different summer outfits that will make your brunch egg-stra special!

1—Boho prints. Brunch was practically invented so you could have fun so why not experiment with some prints? Sara wears a flowy, printed dress that gives off a casual vibe paired with neutral color-block wedges. She gave the look a bit of edge with a silver jewelry, including a long layered necklace, teardrop earrings and a combination of large and small rings. This unexpected brunch look will make the people at the table next to you do a double take!

2—Bold yet functional. If you want something on trend but also comfy enough to hide the food baby you are about to get from all the pancakes, a jumpsuit is the way to go! This bold red one is a showstopper for the girl that wants to stand out. Paired with nude wedges and a tan floppy hat, this look gives you instant glam to sip those mimosas. Pick one you love and prepare yourself for compliments!

3—Soft florals. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Florals for summer? On point. This floral sundress is girly and almost as sweet as the french toast on the table. The cap sleeve and the button-down front add subtle details that go a long way. With natural face makeup and a pair of shades, it will take you no more than 10 minutes to get ready for brunch with the squad.

Share your own brunch look on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

My Go-To Places in the Big Apple

New York has, and will always be, one of my absolute favorite places to travel to. I love being able to throw on my favorite pair of boots and explore the city. Have you ever felt like you just didn’t have enough time to experience all that the Big Apple has to offer? Well no need to fret—if you love to shop, eat, and see the sights, then I have some go-to places for your next trip to New York!

1—Brooklyn Bridge. Each time I get the chance to make my way over to Brooklyn, I take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge was the first steel wire suspension bridge constructed and has a span of 1,595.5 ft. The view is beautiful during all hours of the day, and it’s amazing to see how many cars travel on the road right below you!

2—Central Park. On July 21, 1853, the New York State Legislature set aside more than 750 acres of land to create America’s first major landscaped public park, known today as Central Park. It’s always nice to escape the city for a bit and be surrounded by nothing but nature. Central Park is the most popular park in New York, getting more than 40 million visitors each year. Not only can you enjoy a picnic or run through the park, but you can also find lots of great food vendors and even go canoeing! If you’re traveling during New York’s winter it can be a little chilly, so make sure to grab your favorite coat.

3—Chelsea. Located on the west side of Manhattan, Chelsea has become one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York. Chelsea is home to one of the most popular parks, The High Line, an old railroad line that was transformed into an above-ground park for people to enjoy. Chelsea is also home to Chelsea Market, an enclosed food court and shopping mall located on Ninth Avenue. If you want the best grilled cheese or just a shopping trip to Anthropologie, Chelsea Market is the place to go!

4—Prince Street Pizza. The first meal I eat in New York is always a good slice of pizza. Nothing beats being able to get a slice and a soda for under $5! You can find a variety of toppings and unbelievable homemade ingredients at this pizza shop. Be sure to also look for the wall of photographs of all celebrities who have visited the store.

New York truly is a world of its own and can be a little overwhelming if you don’t have your trip planned out. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, take the time to step outside of your tourist comfort zone, throw on some Nike sneakers, and venture to some of the places I mentioned.

Do you have any go-to places in NY? Let me know in the comments below!

A Guide to the Best Gelato Shops in NYC

New York City during the summer comes with endless hot days in the sun. Floppy hats and sunglasses are just some of the stylish summer fashion must-haves when it comes to beating the heat. But if you are looking for a sweeter solution to chill out, gelato is the perfect summer treat for you! Gelato is an Italian dessert which is a smoother, lighter, and denser form of what we call ice cream. Gelato contains less fat than ice cream, which makes it a better dessert option if you are on a diet or trying to lose weight this summer. Check out four of my favorite gelato shops in Manhattan!

1—M’O Il Gelato. With their three locations in Manhattan, reaching from the Upper East Side to Nolita, M’O Il Gelato is always my first option for gelato. While offering over 20 flavors of gelato and sorbet made with all natural ingredients, this shop also serves gelato panini (warm brioche filled with gelato or sorbet), frappè (gelato blended with 2% milk), and affogato (gelato topped with espresso).

My favorite flavor is Bacio (meaning “kiss” in Italian) and is named after a famous Italian candy. This flavor is a combination of chocolate and hazelnut with real pieces of hazelnuts added in.

2—Grom. Grom has a shop located in Greenwich Village and another near Columbus Circle. Grom’s menu features gelato, fruit sorbet, hot chocolate, granita siciliana (Silician shaved ice), milkshakes, and ghiaccioli (frozen fruit bars).

My favorite flavor is cioccolato (chocolate).

3—Il laboratorio del gelato. This shop is located on the Lower East Side with an open kitchen, where their frozen desserts are made. With almost 200 flavors, il laboratorio del gelato (meaning ‘the gelato lab’ in Italian) is simply just that. It’s a custom lab that creates custom gelato and sorbet flavors every day. Although this cafe mainly sells gelato, I frequently visit to try their custom sorbets. During my last visit, I ordered papaya and lemon ginger sorbet (pictured below).

My favorite flavor is lampone (raspberry).

4—Amorino. Amorino has four shop locations ranging from the Upper West Side all the way to Greenwich Village. They offer gelato, sorbet, granitas, waffles, crepes, macaroons al gelato (gelato macaroons), coffee, hot chocolate, and a variety of pastry options. While offering multiple flavors of gelato and sorbet, Amorino’s signature menu item is the Amorino rose. The Amorino rose features as many flavors of gelato and/or sorbet as you like, along with the option of adding a macaroon on top!

My favorite flavor is Amorino rose including cioccolato (chocolate), Caffé (coffee), and nocciola (hazelnut).

Go and visit one of my favorite gelato shops in NYC for an instant cool down in the summer heat. But if you want to avoid the heat altogether, stay inside and make your own customized gelato for dessert!

If you’ve been to one of the gelato shops I mentioned, let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to mention your favorite gelato flavor!