NYC – CollegeFashionista

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.

Best Places for Summer Treats in NYC

Appetizers are nice and entrées are delicious, but I absolutely adore dessert. When coming to New York City to intern this summer, I actually set aside a whole separate budget for desserts. If that doesn’t tell you how much of a foodie I am, I’m not sure what will.

Whether you’re visiting temporarily or are an NYC native, here is the ultimate New York City dessert bucket list (in no particular order):

1— Momofuku Milk Bar. Momofuku Milk Bar has been an NYC classic that I was dying to try for the longest time. It serves products like crack pie (not sure what’s in it but it’s incredible), cereal milk ice cream, and my absolute favorite, birthday cake truffles.

2—Levain Bakery. These insanely photogenic and Instagrammable chocolate chip cookies are anything but boring. Levain Bakery has grown famous for the ooey-gooey insides of their chocolate chip cookies as well as their lines that go out the front door. My advice is to go early on a week day to avoid the long lines, but even if you have to wait for it, you’ll be happy that you did.

3—Morgenstern’s Ice Cream. Morgenstern’s has the best coffee flavored ice cream, hands down. I got the hazelnut coffee flavor and it did not disappoint. Although their super unique flavors like rose vanilla and green tea pistachio may sound funky, you’ll have to trust me on this one and try it for yourself.

4—Dominique Ansel Bakery. The classic cookie shots from Dominique Ansel Bakery are a must-try when visiting NYC. When ordered, a beautiful cookie shot glass is filled with cool milk poured in right before your eyes.This dessert is most certainly an experience and worth every penny.

5—Kith. Kith Treats is known to be NYC’s first cereal bar where your ice cream can be infused with over 20 choices in cereals and tons of toppings. When I first found out about this place it sounded like a dream and most certainly tasted like one when I made a visit. Why just have plain cereal when you can blend it into your ice cream?! Pure genius if I do say so myself.

6—Il Laboratorio del Gelato. When I visited Il Laboratorio del Gelato I was amazed by the plethora of flavors available to choose from such as mascarpone, beet, peppercorn, olive oil, lavender-honey, and black sesame. This is one of those places where you can just tell that the ingredients are fresh and of high quality.

I hope that this little dessert list of NYC keeps your sweet tooth satisfied! From decadent ice creams to pies and cakes, there are so many delicious dessert places in the city that it’s hard to know where to start or what to choose. You can work your way through this list and thank me later! Don’t forget to enhance your Instagram feed with a Polaroid snap of your sweet treat.

What are your favorite desserts? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Finding a Summer Adventure Without Breaking the Bank

While this lovely season often makes us want to spend our days on the coast of some tropical paradise, that can often become a little difficult when we’re busy with internships or on a student budget. FOMO becomes a reality with all those Instagram stories of white sandy beaches. Even if you do have an exciting trip coming up, it may seem years away while waiting for it to come around.

Perhaps it’s time to break out of routine for a bit, take a little adventure, and fulfill some of that wanderlust. There’s so much around us that we often don’t think about. So pack a backpack and get out there. You’d be surprised what you can find close by when you just search for things to do. For trips like these, it can be best to dress light, along with some comfy sneakers for walking.

If you’re in the New York City area, one of my favorite places to visit is Old Westbury Gardens. It’s a historic mansion surrounded by a hundred acres of fields and gardens. You can take a tour, but we chose to just walk around the home and gardens as we liked. We walked through rooms of classic decor and bright maze gardens. There was so much to see that it’s easy to get lost, and it was exciting to explore the place with that in mind. It was so entrancing that I would often forget to take pictures.

It was comforting to know that I could get so much of an adventure out of something that was “right in my backyard,” without having to spend all I had saved up. So don’t be afraid to get outside in order to get the most out of your summer. It’ll be gone before you know it!

Do you have any summer adventure tips? Let me know in the comments.

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!

Making the Most of Your Internship in NYC

Now that we’re in the thick of everyone’s favorite season, I’m sure you’ve settled into wherever you’re working or interning (if you’re not doing either, and traveling instead, make a little extra room in your suitcase for me please). This is my first summer interning in New York City, and despite the crowded trains (where literally everyone manspreads 24/7), and the alarming lack of sleep I’ve been getting, I absolutely love it! Since working eight hours every day and adding a three-hour overall commute on top of that leaves me little time once I get home, I’ve gotten into the habit of making the most of my time in the city while I’m there.

There are a ton of things I love about interning in the city besides the internship itself. For example, the streets of New York may not necessarily be paved with gold. However, there are filled with lots of exciting things to look at. Even my 15-minute walk to work is jam-packed with culture. Taking in the fashion and art on the streets is really a conscious decision. I think a lot of people simply want to get from point A to point B as fast as they can which creates a deficit of appreciation for all there is to see in the city. Keep your eyes open, and find the beauty that runs rampant throughout the Big Apple. I personally love the abundant, incredible murals!

Making the most of being in the city every day means ShakeShack, people. It’s everywhere in Manhattan, so you’ve got no excuse to try it if you’re ever there. Just the other week I met up with a friend at ShakeShack after work, and I can confirm that it never fails to satisfy!

Lastly, one of my favorite things about working in the city is that I’m forced to get an unlimited monthly train pass… seems like a downer if you only factor in the cost. However, having the unlimited monthly pass makes me want to squeeze every drop out of it. It makes me feel encouraged to go into the city and explore on the weekends and days off. There’s always something to do there, whether it’s finding little markets that sell über trendy cacti (someone please tell me what that’s all about), or going to drool-worthy churro joints in Soho. So get out there, and make the most of your time in this amazing city!

Any suggestions for my next “after work adventure?” Comment below!

Career Clarity Comes When You Least Expect It

As I prepare to enter my final year of college, all I can think about is how fast time has gone by. I’m curious and impatient about what’s to come. If anyone else is overwhelmed by the uncertainty of post-grad life, read on!

For so long, I have struggled with finding a career path that I am passionate about because I’m interested in a variety of creative outlets. I refuse to settle for a desk job that has me counting down the minutes until I can go home every day. Being in school for the past twenty years, I have always had someone tell me what to do to succeed. But my career choice is one that’s all mine, and I don’t want to choose the wrong one.

This brings me to where I am today. I’m a girl from California, who goes to college in California, who always thought she’d stay in California, working a 10-week summer internship in New York City. My world in the West versus the East Coast could not be more different, but I am loving every moment of being here. Most importantly, it took coming to New York to finally find what I am passionate about and the industry I hope to break into.

CollegeFashionista has hosted some great events for its writers at the CF Clubhouse in New York City. The CF Clubhouse is a pop-up space where CollegeFashionista writers can meet up for career-focused events. Just last week an editor from Vogue.com spoke about what she does and how she got her start in online publishing. As an entertainment media editor, she comes up with content for Vogue.com and knows the trends before anyone else. Everyone in the room wanted to be her, including me.

In the past, I had an inkling that online publishing would be a good fit for me but couldn’t wrap my head around being a writer. But online media is so much more than writing because the writing is dependent on avid trend-spotting, captivating content, and stunning presentation. After taking the leap to come to New York and taking advantage of new resources, I found that breaking into digital media is the perfect way for me to have a creative outlet in a modern industrial space.

Now that I’ve determined my passion, here is my best advice: When feeling restless or confused with what the future might hold, step way out of your comfort zone. I would have never known the potential for a digital media career had I not gone to New York this summer and attended The CF Clubhouse events. So go out and do something that is out of the ordinary for you—at best you’ll come out of it with a new perspective, at worst you’ll have an amazing story to tell.

Share in the comments or on social media anything—big or small—that you’ve done to get out of your comfort zone. Let me know! Be sure to tag @CFashionista.

Overall, This Trend is Sweeping The Streets

Summer is finally in session and you know what that means: new trends! Overalls, among other trends, have taken the world by storm. Whether they’re shorts or pants, denim overalls have become a fan favorite. Now, Fashionistas are pushing the envelope with patterned overalls that are perfect for weekend adventures.

Overalls are the perfect outfit to throw on. They are an effortless, yet comfortable, way to look chic and stylish, which is why so many people love them. People in the ’90s were big on wearing denim overalls, but since their modern makeover, they have made a comeback. From Rachel on Friends to my mom’s old college pictures, I have noticed how stylish they can be if they are paired correctly. They can be perfectly paired with crop tops, off-the-shoulder shirts, simple T-shirts, colorful tank tops, and the list goes on.

This Fashionista decided to take this overall trend and turn it up a notch. She created an eye-catching look by pairing camouflage overalls with a simple white T-shirt. Camouflage is the pattern used to blend into backgrounds, but this Fashionista used it to stand out in a crowd. Even though the overalls are the center of this outfit, my favorite part of this look are her slip-on sneakers. These simple white shoes with silver stars captured my attention and really pulled this outfit together. During the warmer months, lighter colors brighten up outfits and make them pop. With the addition of simple pink sunglasses and a bold, blue crossbody bag, she dominated the streets in style. This outfit is perfect for roaming around the Concrete Jungle; from Madison Square Eats to the Whitney Museum, this Fashionista had all eyes on her.

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

5 Tips to Take Your Look from Coffee to Cocktails

After a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is put more work into reapplying my makeup before I go to happy hour. With such a busy schedule, it seems like there couldn’t be enough time in the day to primp before a night out in NYC. So, what’s a girl to do? Here are some tips I have picked up along the way to keep your makeup looking perfect from day to night.

Goodbye Grease

Oil blotting sheets are a must. I love the small packaging because they are super easy to fit in my bag. While we all love a little glimmer, I don’t need the shine that clogs my pores! So, when I feel myself getting a little greasy from this summer heat, I blot my T-zone quickly and throw the sheet away.

Daring Eyes

After blotting off the oil from the day, blending a darker matte eye shadow in the crease of your eye can really add drama. By adding shadow on top of what you had before, you can blend easier and save time doing your makeup.

Pro tip: You can also use the darker shade to fill in your brows. If you want to add a little more va va voom, you can also vamp up your look with a simple liner.

Spray the Day Away

I then move on to my face. During the day, my foundation can get that muddy look and feel, especially when I am running around the city in the heat. Don’t feel like you have to reapply your foundation! Carrying a small rose water spray from Mario Badescu or Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Mist will save you time and have you feeling super refreshed before leaving the office. After misting your face, gently dab using a small Beauty Blender or makeup sponge. Your foundation will look good as new! I also like carrying a rosy toned blush to bring back some color into my face after being so drained from the day.

Vamp Up Your Lips

For those of you who like a little more pop and really want to amp it up from day to night, adding a bold lip will definitely recharge your look. I usually opt for Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Lip Color or Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Carmello. Both lip paints are matte but moisturizing and long lasting.

Shimmer and Sparkle

Lastly, for that night-time shimmer, don’t shlep your Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette. I carry a small pearly eye shadow and apply it to the high points on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose.

And, voila! You have just gone from day time drab to smokin’ night. What are some of your tips for changing your look from day to night? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

Outfits that Beat the Heat in NYC

There’s nothing like direct advice from a native New Yorker about how to beat the heat during these hot summer days in the city while remaining true to your style. So stop worrying about the hot summer days, the sticky, and humid air ruining your summer style because the outfits I’m about to point out are as cool as it gets. The photographs all incorporate iconic New York City culture in order to further highlight my origins to New York. The New York City yellow taxi cab isn’t the only yellow we should be spotting in the city. Hues of yellow in your summer wardrobe will help you stand out amongst the bright colored days.

Show off those shoulders and catch a tan as you walk the streets of New York City with a yellow string crop top. Pair the top with your favorite pair of white denim shorts or a white denim skirt. The simplicity of the colors will not only highlight a confident and trendy look but will keep you cool from the burning sun and humid air. Accessorize the look with your favorite glasses and velvet choker. And if you’re feeling daring: top off the look with a bold rep lip. The outfit calls for attention yet simplicity all at once.

For the next outfit let’s work a bit backwards. Starting with sneakers, because in New York you are either hopping subways, hailing at cabs, or walking to every destination. Stan Smiths by Adidas are amongst one of the most commonly used sneakers because of their versatility, comfort, and style. Bring out those stylish high-waisted shorts you’ve been wanting to flaunt. Sport your hair up in a bun or in a low messy bun; personally one of my favorites, it allows you to appear graceful yet remain casually sporty. Although we can try to beat the sweat with dozens of products, try to embrace the natural you. Makeup in the heat can get messy so try to highlight your lips and eyes, parts of the face that tend to sweat less. You can either top your look off with a natural or bold lip. Mascara and eyeliner are more likely to stay on, so don’t be afraid to create attention to those eyes.

How do you avoid the summer heat? Show us how you beat the NYC heat with style on social by tagging @Cfashionista.