September – CollegeFashionista

5 Reasons You Should Incorporate Yoga Into Your Workout Routine

As we start the new school year, everyone is eager to hit the gym and sweat out their stress. The workload is crazy, and we all need time to ourselves to release some of that energy. Read on to see why you should incorporate yoga into your daily routine:

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—De-stress yourself

We all need something to give us a little break. Maybe you have three tests coming up or you’re preparing for a big interview—whatever the case, you need to unwind and relax. That’s where yoga comes in. Whether you have time for an hour-long class or only a 10-minute video, that’s all it takes to feel calmer, relaxed, and ready to take on anything the day throws at you!

2—Get a sweat session in

Some of you may read this and think, “Yoga, as a workout?” Well, I’m here to tell you that you can very well break a major sweat during a yoga session (my sweaty mat during hot yoga is proof enough). Simply look up the class schedule at your gym to see the different variations of classes. Vinyasa, power flow, hot yoga, etc. are some examples. Then just pick which one works best for you! All you have to do is go, be present, and sweat it out!

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

3—Meet some new friends.

Joining a fitness class is a great way to make friends. Maybe take some time before or after class to get to know the person on the mat beside you. Your yoga teacher is almost always very willing and excited to talk after class about anything, from constructive criticism to just getting to know you a little bit better! If making friends on the fly isn’t your thing, you can always grab a buddy or two to take with you and make it a shared experience. The more, the merrier!

4—Embrace the zen

A yoga practice is your time—and your time only—to get in touch with what you’re feeling that day and clear your headspace. This can be achieved in a class or on your own. Shavasana (also known as corpse pose), often done at the end of the class, is the perfect time to appreciate your body’s abilities, and to reflect on yourself and your attitudes. Even five minutes can really brighten your outlook!

5—Wear cute workout clothes.

You didn’t think I’d end this post without mentioning the endless array of yoga leggings, did you? Attending a class is the perfect excuse to wear leggings all day and own the athleisure look. With plenty of cute and comfy options for everyone out there, you’re sure to rock the yoga studio all day long!

Lastly, yoga is not about judgment or comparison. It’s about self-improvement and getting in touch with your mind and body. So I encourage you to attend a class, and see for yourself how amazing it is!

What’s your favorite way to break a sweat? Let me know in the comments below!

The Athlete’s Guide to Going-Out Attire

When you’re an athlete, you’re constantly on the go. Whether you are literally running to class or finishing up several sweaty (and smelly) hours at the gym before a night out, freshening up after workouts is not easy. In fact, our busy athletic schedules sometimes deter us from socializing afterward.

Being the Fashionistas that we are, however, we shouldn’t have to choose between working out and going out! Here are some quick and simple tricks every athlete should use when transitioning into going out attire.

PHOTO: Rachel Zuckerberg

1—Dry shampoo

While taking a full post-workout shower is ideal, time does not always allow for this to happen. Depending on how sweaty you are, you may want to rinse off your body—but, keep your hair dry! This is where the dry shampoo comes in. Rather than waste time drying your hair, spritz some dry shampoo over your tresses instead. To use, shake the bottle and hold it a couple inches away from your head before applying. If you hold it too close, your hair may look powdery. Aim the spray towards your roots, and try to get under the different layers of your part. The dry shampoo will soak up the grease from your hairline, and give you the volume that your workout took away.

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

2—Comfy shoes

There’s nothing worse than jamming your aching, post-workout, toes into a pair of pumps or stilettos—except maybe dancing in them afterward. Thankfully, there are many comfortable (and fashionable) shoe options that can be worn going out instead of heels. Athletes can opt for supportive shoes, such as lace-up booties or stylish sneakers. Depending on where you are partying, these may be better options anyway! Parties are known for being shoe-destroyers, so regardless of your athletic status, it is best to leave your favorite heels at home when attending a party.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

3—Sleek ponies

The ponytail is every athletic girl’s best friend. Chances are, you were wearing one during your workout—and, with a few tweaks, you can reuse the style at night. A ponytail is a great style for going out because it smooths away flyaways and even masks the appearance of greasy hair. Ponytails are a particularly trendy look at the moment and have even been worn on the red carpet by multiple celebs, including J-Lo, Blake Lively, and Reese Witherspoon. Additionally, pulling your hair back gives you more opportunities to accessorize. Try fun earrings or a bold lip color for some flare.

Whatever you put on, don’t forget to wear it with confidence! You’ve worked for it (literally).

How do you get ready on-the-go? Let us know in the comments or tag @Cfashionista on social media!

4 Easy Ways to Start the Semester Off Right

Summer is over, and classes are back in session. As much as I would love to still be spending hours at the beach or staying in my pajamas all day, I have to change up the pace. Starting the semester off right will better the chances for a productive and a less stressful school year; here are a few tips to help get back into the swing of things!

1—Get organized and stay organized

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

Let’s be real, we have all gotten a planner or calendar and only used it once before finding it again at the end of the semester in the bottom of a drawer. Start this semester off by not only getting a planner to map out your days but organize your space as well. Creating a more relaxing environment can help you take on every task that comes your way.

2—Balanced diet

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

You can’t be great if you don’t feel great! I often use the excuse of being too busy to prepare a proper meal or eat more than once a day, but maintaining a balanced diet will allow you to have more energy and fuel your productivity. Remember to stay hydrated; water is an essential part of your diet.

3—Set a sleep schedule

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

College can get hectic, resulting in some serious sleep scarifies (procrastination can have a lot to do with it). Setting a sleep schedule and sticking to it will keep your body on a routine and ensure that you are well rested. If you stay organized, procrastination won’t win this semester, and you can focus on your beauty rest!

4—Don’t forget to have fun

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

Yes, school can be stressful, but don’t forget to have fun too! Pencil-in fun days with your girls or even some one-on-one time. “Treat yo’ self” to a day out with your friends or a relaxing day of self-care with your favorite skincare products. No matter what mood you’re in, it’s always important to schedule-in some regular time to unwind and enjoy!

What are some additional good habits to practice this semester? Let us know in the comments below.

5 Thrifting Tips for Every Student on a Budget

Thrifting is the perfect way to shop for students who are on a budget. If you love the idea of thrifting but aren’t sure how to do it successfully, you are not alone. Learn how you can get the most out of your thrifting trips and money with some of these helpful tips. I always keep these things in mind when I am shopping.

1—Go thrifting with an open mind

After years of thrifting, I have found that entering the store without expectations will yield the best results. Have fun and embrace the eclectic collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories waiting to be found. Thrift stores tend to have merchandise that changes quite often, so you never know what you might find on any given day.

2—Deals are everywhere

Beyond offering already deeply discounted merchandise, many thrift shops will have a special deal for each day of the week. Keep an eye out for these! Try to go on student discount days or attend early bird specials to save even more. Others may have colored tags that correlate to markdowns and rotate by day.

3—Thrifty is trendy

Thrift stores house many hidden gems. A second-hand, silk, lingerie top could actually become a staple in your wardrobe. Some current trends that I have found at my local thrift stores include embroidered tops, velvet tanks, mom jeans, and more! At this point, I would say the majority of my closet is thrifted. So, it is definitely possible to accumulate classic pieces over time!

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

4—Embrace all sizes and labels

Clothing sizes are not universal, so the thrift store is no different. But, this is actually positive news! A top that you would typically not consider because it may be too big, could turn out to be an adorable oversize shirt with endless styling possibilities. It is also helpful if you don’t focus on labels when thrifting. Sometimes you can find high-end clothes. Other trips, you may not spot any, but don’t let that keep you from exploring new (and old) brands that you may not have heard of before.

5—Donate

Shopping second-hand is great for the environment. Since the retail industry has been largely wasteful with the rise of fast fashion, thrifting is a great way to make a positive impact on the fashion industry and environment. You can take it a step further and try donating your own used clothes. Each time I go thrifting, I try to donate the same number of items that I purchased. It is a nice rule to make for yourself that will keep your closet decluttered and make a difference in the world. Imagining others up-cycling your own pieces is so exciting and inspiring, too!

Hopefully, you are able to take these tips to your nearest thrift store and discover unique new pieces for your wardrobe. Tag @Cfashionista on social media so we can see your thrifted purchases! Don’t forget to comment below your favorite part of thrifting as well!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly and Maddy Haller.

7 Backpack Essentials Every College Student Should Have

Don’t you just hate being unprepared for school? As much as we like to joke that all we need is a pencil and one notebook, there’s something about being unprepared that makes us uncomfortable—we try to avoid it as much as possible. I’ve got you covered with seven backpack essentials that will carry you through the school year.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Chapstick/lip gloss

This one’s a no-brainer. Don’t you just hate it when you don’t have chapstick so you have to lick your lips instead? I know, gross. Make sure you always have some chapstick or lip gloss in your backpack.

2—Lotion

This is also a necessity, and lotion gives you soft hands throughout the day.

3—Hand sanitizer

There are germs everywhere, so hand sanitizer comes in handy all the time especially when eating food.

4—Earbuds

I didn’t realize the beauty in having earbuds when walking to class until a couple weeks ago. It’s great to listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook as a way to get your mind together.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

5—Snack and water

We all love food and get hungry, but with all the schoolwork and extracurricular activities, sometimes we forget to eat. Having a snack handy is always a must, and with this summer heat still in full play, you can’t forget to have water. Water bottles like this can keep your water nice and cold for hours!

6—Small journal

I don’t know about you, but things are always flowing through my head. It might be due dates, reminders, quick poems, or drafts, but I like to have a small journal in my backpack so I can jot down my thoughts.

PHOTO: Anna Coke

7—Pen and pencil

Don’t be that kid who forgets to bring a pencil and pen to class. My rule of thumb is this: make sure you have enough pencils and pens for yourself and one other person. Not only will you be prepared for class, but you’ll also be helping someone else out.

What do you absolutely have to have in your backpack? Let us know what your backpack essentials are in the comments below!

Five Steps To Identifying Your Personal Style

The term “personal style” has overshadowed “trends” quite recently. Personal style is exclusive to a person’s admirations whether it is clothes or beauty products. Surprisingly, we often notice that people find this topic intimidating. They’ll say, “I don’t really have a personal style.” The truth is, personal style is an irrepressible law. It’s there with you; you just have to define it. It keeps evolving with time, but it’s always there. Knowing your personal style is integral to triumph your fashion game. Here are a few steps to help you recognize your personal style and begin to define it.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Understand your body structure

The foremost step to attain a niche with your outfits is to understand your body. Are you skinny or curvy? Are you curvy with a tiny waist? There is a way to dress every silhouette. For instance, horizontal stripes can make you look broad while vertical stripes will make you look comparatively petite. Also, a person with a petite waist should try to accentuate it and not hide it by wearing belted tops.

2—Examine your wardrobe

Your wardrobe speaks your personal style. Try to analyze which pieces you don’t wear from your wardrobe anymore. Figure out the styles and colors that have a majority in your wardrobe. Declutter your wardrobe accordingly and make a list of all the styles you admire for your next shopping spree. Make sure your wardrobe contains all the necessary staples for your style.

3—Follow trends that suit you

Every year, the fashion weeks define trends that will mark a statement in the following seasons. There will be trends that you like and trends that you would defy. You don’t have to follow the trends blindly, though! Always stay true to your personal style. For instance, we have seen Anna Wintour wear the same Manolo Blahnik pumps almost every day since they were designed for her. Many shoe trends come and go every year, but Anna is seen wearing the same style of shoe to fashion shows and red carpet events from the past two decades.

4—Find your signature accessories

Look for accessories that will uniquely define your style. You don’t need to buy bags and shoes excessively. Your signature accessory can be anything from bags, shoes, sunglasses, watches, etc. You have to make sure that this signature accessory will almost become your trademark. The ageless beauty, Angelina Jolie is known for wearing black. On the other hand, Gwen Stefani almost always wears a red lip. This is how these women have owned their personal style.

5—Identify your confidence cult

Always wear clothes that will make you feel comfortable. Identify the clothes in your wardrobe that would make you feel like they are your A-game. Your confidence will be your best accessory.

What is your personal style? Let me know on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

Additional photos taken by Kelly Rogowski and Valerie Cammack.

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.

5 Denim Trends Every It Girl Is Trying This Fall

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is shifting gears and so are the seasons, but maybe your style is lacking the same motivation. Take something tried-and-true and put your own spin on it! This season, give your denim looks a facelift. For some inspiration, here are five denim trends It girls are rocking everywhere.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Cropped denim

Cropped denim pants are on trend and in even higher demand with the popularity of ankle boots. Cropped jeans are not just a way to highlight your shoes but also a way to show some skin and stay cool in the transitioning weather. Plus, if you hate cuffing your jeans but you can’t find a pair to fit your height, then cropped denim should fit perfectly.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

2—Belted denim

I’m sure everyone’s seen that iconic Gucci belt on Instagram making a comeback—and for good reason. Even if you don’t want to commit to Gucci (I’d rather pay my tuition), adding a belt to your jeans adds polish and even professionalism to your outfit. Belts also define your waistline and provide a more defined silhouette. Basically, belts are the overlooked structure to any basic jeans and T-shirt combo.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

3—Double denim

It’s been debated whether the double denim trend is cool or not, but Style Gurus across the globe have settled that debate with the right styling and mindset. Double denim is transcendent to trends because denim doubles as a neutral. You’d pair a black shirt with black pants, white on white, tan on tan, etc. It’s the same idea, except there’s more freedom with denim because of the different washes, textures, colors, and fades. Unlike other neutrals, you don’t need the exact same color on top and bottom. In fact, pairing different types of denim adds flair and dimension to your outfit.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

4—Raw hem denim

Within the last year, people have taken their jean hems and torn, frayed, and feathered them with full force. Whether it’s an act of rebellion or you just really like the texture of raw textiles, it adds variation and an element of distress to your jeans without making any holes.

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

5—Denim jackets

The vintage and throwback vibes are real, and they’re really here to stay. Throw on a denim jacket to channel your favorite ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s stars. It’s perfect to throw on as a layer with any outfit because of its neutrality.

Would you try any of these denim trends? Let us know on social media and tag @Cfashionista!

Featured photo by Cassidy Clark.

The September “Rally” Moodboard is Here!

September hits and suddenly the reality sets in: summer is o-v-e-r. How can it be? Your bucket list isn’t complete. The temperature is still in the 80s. Heck, your tan hasn’t even faded. How, then, can you possibly come to terms with the fact that it’s time to head back to school?

This month is full of opportunities to rally in every sense of the word. Sure, summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean your world is. It’s the start of the school year; beginning of a new season. Pull yourself up and use these fresh starts as opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, embrace everything around you, and rise to the occasion.

The concept of rally also means coming together. In this moment and political climate, we can all use an excuse for an everyday “pep rally.” Show support for teams, causes, and people in your life that you are passionate about. Laugh. Cheer. Celebrate your friendships. Enjoy all that college life has to offer.

Let’s bask in the memories of summer, but not sulk or mourn them. Prepare and commit to making this the best school year yet, knowing that we’re all rallying behind you.

To kick-off this month, check out our September Mood Board on Pinterest to get you in the playful mood!