Tag: Platforms

Puma’s Comeback

Typically, my go-to shoes are either Nike or Adidas. I needed something different and new to complete my back-to-school wardrobe. That being said, I decided to be adventurous and explore different companies. I was going to stay strong no matter how badly I wanted to buy another pair of Adidas Superstars or Stan Smiths. I decided to give Puma a shot, and I couldn’t be any happier with my decision. I’m so thrilled that I bought not one, but two fabulous pairs of Puma shoes. What made me buy my new sneakers from Puma?

I remember Puma was popular in the early 2000s but lately, I see that Puma is making a significant comeback in the latest fashion trends. Ever since Rihanna and Kylie Jenner began endorsing Puma, the company’s reputation and success skyrocketed. 

When I think of Puma, platform sneakers come to mind. I adore how they are edgy, yet classic at the same time. I believe Puma’s platform sneakers are one of the hottest shoes out there on the market, and a huge trend nowadays. So, I quickly purchased a pair of black Vikky platforms. They’re super comfortable so you could wear them all day long and have no trouble breaking them in. I love them even more because they give me an inch or two height boost. I’m only five feet tall, so it’s a bonus for me.

The second pair I bought are these classic and retro tennis shoes. The first thing that caught my attention was the color: it was bright pink, called “love potion.” I thought it was a fun, simple, and colorful detail to add to a minimalist shoe.

Anyone can wear these pairs of shoes with shorts or even a skirt or dress. The possibilities are endless with what outfits you can wear with these Puma shoes. If you’re searching for a pair of fashionable sneakers to kick off the new school year with, I highly recommend purchasing a pair from Puma.

What sneakers are you rocking back to school? Let me know by commenting below!

Professional Wardrobe Must-Haves

Having the summer off from school, usually means getting a job to relieve the burden of debt from the previous year at college. I know for me, having extra money around is always an excuse to go shopping so why not make practical purchases while doing so? Many of us have already had an internship or are looking for one in the upcoming school year so I asked this Fashionista for her top tips on how she shopped smart when building her professional wardrobe.

1—Invest in a few neutral blouses that can be mixed and matched with many outfits:
Thrift stores are always a good way to find classic blouses for a great price! This one was thrifted from Eddie Bauer. You can always add a cami under any top too, if you are worried about it being see through.

2—Find some well fitting pants that can be worn year round:

These gingham pants are super trendy right now but they will not be going out of style anytime soon. They can be dressed up or down which makes them a great transitional piece for any season.  Loft has a ton of great options and they always have sales going on!

3—Add a watch for some sophistication:

A watch can instantly make any outfit look a lot more put together. Check out Target and Asos for some watches that look a lot more expensive than the actually are. Add some fun bracelets for some personal flair and your jewelry is all set.

4—Find a few pairs of comfortable yet stylish black shoes:

Flats are a great staple because of their comfortable fit and professional look. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, add a pair of mules instead to make your outfit a little bit more trendy. Forever 21 and H&M always have tons of cute shoes for under $25.

Before hitting the stores to shop for these items, always see what brands are having sales at the time. Building your professional wardrobe does not necessarily have to break the bank! Making practical purchases and investing on items that will be around for many seasons is a great way to save yourself a lot of money.

Where have you found some of your professional staple items? Leave a comment below!

Summer Abroad Must-Haves

For the past six weeks, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, through a study abroad program. Although the city itself is known for its ancient ruins, architecture, and art, fashion is a pivotal part of the everyday lives of those living in the city. From the food to the fashion, my experience has opened my eyes up to new trends as well as new ways to style trends I was already familiar with back home, so I decided to incorporate a few into this look.

Gingham is a classic pattern that is more favorable in menswear for button-down, but this summer this trend has blossomed into women’s wear and is a must have this season. From dresses to skirts to tops, this trend is one that is easy to accessorize with due to its classic color scheme. This embroidered and tassel top from Zara is the perfect way to incorporate this trend into an everyday look.

Take your shoe game to the next level, literally, with this killer pair of canvas platforms. Throughout Rome, women of all ages and heights are sporting this trend this summer. Whether it be sneakers or a pair of sandals, platforms are an easy compromise for the height of a heel, but the comfort of a sneaker. With my five foot ten stature, I was timid to try this trend. However, as soon as I tried these shoes on I knew they were a casual and convenient way to rock this look this season.

For my outfit, I paired these two trends with one another on top of a distressed pair of skinny jeans. I accessorized with my favorite brown leather tote, which is perfect for summer classes, markets, and all that Rome requires.

How will you rock these trends? Together or separate? Post your look on social media and tag @CFashionsta!

How to Stay Chic This Summer

It’s all about perfecting that chic neutral look.

Most Fashionista/os have the urge to explore the vibrant side and deter from the neutral color palette during the summer months, but I disagree, and I am here to tell you why. Neutrals are our friends when it comes to staying chic especially during the most colorful time of the year. Chic is simplistic, and by being simplistic, we are able to hone in on details, which is what truly matters when it comes to a perfect outfit. Details are what make a simple color palette pop.

Here’s how to achieve that ultimate summer chic look.

A Light Colored Top

This Fashionista has found the perfect shade of crème and top to go with the color. She has decided to wear a flowy crème top that has just a hint of darker shades to offset the neutral tones. Look for a solid color top, and dress it up with feathers, gold, and a little sparkle.

Envelope Skirt

Wear a skirt that is under the right color palette but has a unique look. When wearing an envelope skirt, the eye is looking at all of the different angles. As a result, it’s a show stopper because of the many levels put together.

Powerful Pair of Platforms

For this Fashionista, most of her outfit consists of the idle classic look but her platform heels add a bit of edginess. By using elements of class and edge, you will always be a trendsetter. Because of the combination, these super tall heels incorporate an idle look for anyone.

How do you wear your chic neutral look? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Maxi Dresses Are Life

It’s finally summer and I couldn’t be happier. Florida is extremely hot and humid during the summer. I tried wearing an Adidas jacket the other day and almost died of a heat stroke, but with the right outfit, you’ll be fine throughout the day. This Fashionista wore a perfect outfit for a summer day.

This Fashionista is wearing a blue and white maxi dress from Earthbound, a little store in St. Augustine, Florida. The side cut outs and the self-tying straps really accentuate her curves. The slit made the dress even cuter. My favorite thing about this dress is the buttoned placket. She then wore a pair of platform sandals with gold straps. Before I met this Fashionista, I didn’t really like platform sandals but seeing how cute they looked on her, I just may go buy a pair. Plus, they add a couple of inches to your height, to whoever likes to appear taller.

For her accessories, she wore a gold choker, a layered necklace, and a pair of hoop earrings. Hoop earrings have always been in, but I’ve seen a lot more girls wearing them lately. Definitely something you should buy if you haven’t yet. As for her makeup, she did a burnt orange eyeshadow and a nude lip. Her outfit is very bohemian, so you should always keep your makeup neutral.

No one wants to be all sweaty during a summer day, and that’s why maxi dresses are the perfect way to go. Are you a fan of maxi dresses? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Dress Like a Londoner in the Summertime

Rainy and cold even in the summer months, London fashion has adapted to the chiller air and unpredictable weather. Spending my summer abroad in England, I have started picking up on the differences between American and English fashion. While similar, London summer style sticks to layers and adds pops of color to liven up the overall muted color palette seen on many of the locals.

This American in London brought her love for patterns and textures with her abroad and has blended her style in with the local look. Taking a striped camisole such as this one from Madewell, this Fashionista layered her look to add another dimension to her outfit while keeping herself warm in the rainy weather. Pairing strappy shirts and dresses with white T-shirts underneath has been one of my favorite spring and summer trends. Straight out of the ’90s, this look has me falling in love with layers all over again. Sticking with ’90s inspiration, this Fashionista opted for a pair of platform sandals and a minimalistic choker. Known to rock edgy looks, many Londoners can be spotted in vintage-inspired outfits with statement-making accessories.

As a final touch, this Fashionista topped off her look with a textured denim jacket such as this one from ASOS. Screaming cool-girl chic, this American in London has perfected the art of blending in with the locals this summer by sticking to layers with small pops of color. While I do miss the colorful wardrobes of Americans in the summertime and clothing articles like shorts, London in the summertime has taught me to get creative with pieces in my closet I wouldn’t think to layer together.

Do you have any experience with dressing to a different style while traveling abroad? Let us know your tips on staying stylish while abroad in the comments below!

The Perfect Girlfriend Jean

It’s time to take a trip back to another decade this summer. That’s right, the ’70s are back and better than ever! I have been seeing this trend everywhere lately and I love the effortless individuality in these looks. No matter where you are shopping this season, you can bet you’ll find beautiful prints and flowy tops that are perfect for the summer heat. Bring on the warm weather!

I caught up with this Fashionista in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a day of exploring and restaurant-hopping. Embroidery is making a comeback this season and I am obsessed with her ’70s-inspired embroidered denim from Free People. To me, embroidery really personalizes the piece you are wearing and overall makes the outfit more interesting to look at. The light wash girlfriend style combined with bronzy florals is perfect for casual wear this summer.

To pull the entire look together, she paired her trendy jeans with a flowy spliced tank and complementary blue metallic platform oxfords. Now, let’s talk about these shoes—they are so fun and truly are a statement piece. The added platform to the oxford makes these timeless shoes so unique and trendy. I wasn’t able to find the exact matches in this look but I have linked similar products that would still pair nicely with these amazing jeans.

The accessories in this look are minimal with dainty hoop earrings. Hoops are another big trend this season and I love the way she paired them with her outfit. She opted for a natural face of makeup to finish off her look seamlessly.

Now that it’s officially summer, it is the perfect time to raid your mom’s closet, find inspiration at local thrift stores, and experiment with your personal style. Try out the funky patterns that you normally wouldn’t go for, embroidered jeans, and make the ’70s look your own.

How do you style embroidered denim? Let me know in the comments below.

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!

Cherry Reds for Summer

One color that screams summer to me is cherry red. While I’m definitely guilty of owning a turtleneck in the same shade, it reminds me of melting cherry popsicles at the beach while lifeguards roam in their matching uniforms. It’s the perfect hue to complement a tan (which I, sadly, do not have yet) and is always an eye-catching, flattering choice.

This bodysuit was a steal at Forever 21 for around $10, which I paired with some high-waisted, navy striped trousers from Brandy Melville and—a new addition—a pair of nude, patent-leather, oxford platforms from ASOS.

Bodysuits have definitely become a wardrobe staple, and they save you from the annoyance of trying to tuck a shirt into pants without making it look awkward (or like a dad). Skinny jeans seem to be barely holding on as trends transition into culottes, bell-bottoms, straight leg jeans, and trousers. Another plus about trousers is they’re dress-code friendly for jobs or events where denim isn’t appropriate. These platform oxfords are a much more comfortable way to boost your height—plus who wants to be struggling in heels when you’re already focused on trying to stay cool?

Simple, gold accessories are cute and dainty ways to add a little extra detail to any of your outfits this summer. Aviators have made a comeback from the ’70s in tinted shades as well as readers like the ones I picked up from Urban Outfitters—where my tiny gold hoops that I wear every day are from too! There are so many fun variations of the name plate necklace, always a great gift if anyone has a summer birthday coming up. I customized and ordered mine on Etsy, but they aren’t hard to find.

A simple, effortless outfit like this is a go-to on those perfect 70-degree days when you can spread out a picnic blanket in the grass and enjoy some fresh fruit or a good book. Grab some friends and a portable speaker to lounge in the summer sun together.

What’s your favorite color to wear as it heats up? Show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista! 

3 Summer Trends Every Girl Needs to Know

It is finally here, what we’ve all been patiently or not so patiently waiting for…summer! Which means lots of summer trends to play around with. Every summer I get so excited to see what crazy trends are going to hit the stores. This season the market did not disappoint. So if you’ve been waiting to revamp your wardrobe now is the time! There are so many popular trends right now but were going to talk about the three hottest on the market. Whether you’re more girly or have a chic casual style, I’ve got you covered this season!

First, let’s talk shoes. Who doesn’t love a great pair of shoes to throw on with just about any outfit and run out the door? I have been seeing platforms in just about every style of shoe out there. Platforms are perfect because they give you the height we all need without the physical pain of heels. For me platforms are a win-win. They go with jeans, skirts, shorts, and even dresses. I love to be super stylish and cute but also as a girl on the go I need to be comfortable!

Up next we have the denim skirt! I have been LOVING the denim trend in general but something about a denim skirt makes me so happy. Denim skirts are so versatile, they can be street chic with a pair of sneakers and a graphic T-shirt, or dressed up with platform sandals and a blouse. The options are really endless.

Lastly, we have the distressed dermuda short trend. My all time favorite trend so far this season! This is definitely a bold trend that will take time for a lot of people to get on board with but, just like the choker trend I know it is going to be big this summer. As overwhelming as they might seem they are so easy to style with a simple tank, belt, and sneakers. Distressed bermudas are the perfect trend for all of my girls out there who are into “street chic” and “off duty model” wear. Not only are they super cute but they are so comfortable and easy to wear. To me life is about being cute and stylish but also comfy and these are just that!

How do you feel about these trends—are you loving them? Leave a comment below of your favorite trend this season!