Tag: Shoes

4 Trends Every Fashionista Will Be Rocking on Campus This Fall

We are back in the swing of things at school, and it’s officially fall! That means breaking out the pumpkins, Halloween candy, and our favorite fall sweaters. While a classic sweater and leggings combo is a great fall outfit, there are so many new trends to try this season. Whether you keep it casual for class or dress up to go out, there is a trend for everyone this fall.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Denim

Whether it’s a funky denim jacket or a classic pair of Levi’s, denim is one of this season’s staples. Fashionistas can keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt or experiment with the trend and pair denim on denim. There are so many ways to style denim, so every Fashionista will be wearing it this fall.

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

2—Red

Red is the color of the fall. From burgundy to cherry red, every shade is in style. For Fashionistas who usually steer clear of bright colors, try sporting a darker shade or a pop of red on your shoes. For any trendsetters out there—do you dare to wear a monochromatic red look?

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

3—Loafers and Mules

Now that we have established a few clothing trends, every Fashionista needs a shoe to complete her outfit. Loafers and mules are the perfect transitional shoe from summer to fall before it gets too cold and you need two pairs of socks layered under your warmest boots. These styles are versatile, so there is a pair out there for every style from preppy to bohemian.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

4—Athleisure

Finally, this trend is perfect for Fashionistas who like to keep it comfortable or try to squeeze in a workout between classes. Athleisure is back again for another season, and I am so excited to sport some fun printed leggings everywhere from running errands to the yoga studio. As a result, wearing cute workout clothes might inspire you to come up with a workout routine for the semester.

Denim, red, athleisure, loafers, and mules are just a few of this fall’s biggest trends. Fashionistas can even combine multiple trends in one outfit! I’m thinking a red blouse, your favorite jeans, and a great pair of mules.

How are you planning on styling these trends? Show us on social media and tag @CFashionista!

The Must-Have Shoe for Back to School

With summer winding down, there comes the exciting time of picking our back-to-school wardrobe! In addition to some new clothes, I like to pick out a pair of shoes that will be my back-to-school staple. More often than not it is a boot, but this year I have been drawn to a different style of shoe: the flat mule.

From high-end designers to more budget-friendly brands, mules are everywhere. Moreover, they come in all sorts of styles, prints, and colors. Additionally, they are available at a variety of prices, so it is easy to find the perfect pair. When I saw these Sam Edelman Studded Mules, it was love at first sight; I knew they were going to be my fall staple. I went for this black pair with a subtle stud detail for multiple reasons.

1—They can go with pretty much everything. The flat mule is an incredibly versatile style of shoe. You can wear it casually to class with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a graphic T-shirt, or maybe on a date with a midi skirt and an off-the-shoulder top. You can even wear them in a professional setting with a slim-leg trouser and a blazer!

2—I love a black shoe with a pointed tip. While my pair is understated, another more detailed style of mules I love look like loafers but in mule form, like this pair. Moreover, the loafer detailing, which often includes tassels, can add more flair to the outfit and make more of a statement. Therefore, mules are a wonderful addition to a fashionable return to your campus.

What are some your must-haves for back to school? Let me know in the comments below!

The Struggle is Real for Female Sneakerheads

Growing up, society tells girls that women are meant to wear heels. If a woman wears sneakers after a certain age, they are considered a tomboy and somehow less feminine. This was a very hard concept for me to overcome, as I was more self-conscious growing up and always tried to fit in with what was normal. At events like school dances, I would force myself to wear heels because that was what everyone wore. No matter how much my feet ached, I would wear heels because that was what I was supposed to be wearing.

 

As I got older and started to come to terms with my personal style, the idea of fashion norms started to become foreign to me. Why should I be restricted to a certain footwear just because of the gender I happen to be? Once I began questioning the standards society put on women’s style, my eyes opened to new forms of fashion regardless of the gender they were meant for. This is when my love for sneakers started to flourish, and I grew into the sneakerhead I am today.

Being a female sneakerhead is not easy, and comes with its fair share of problems. The biggest struggle all women face when going sneaker shopping is the idea of “shrink it and pink it.” Sneaker companies are stuck in the mindset that all women want to wear exceedingly girly apparel. Do not get me wrong—I love almost anything pink and sparkly— but that doesn’t mean that I also won’t rock a pair of classic Air Force 1 Sneakers. The main problem is that there isn’t the same selection for women when it comes to sneakers. Although buying shoes made for boys is an option, they do not always have the same craftsmanship at a lower price.

It is also extremely intimidating shopping for sneakers as a woman. The sneaker community is male-dominated and therefore can come across as slightly domineering when shopping at a store with an all-male staff and clientele. As stated before, many sneakers are made for men, therefore when a woman shops at a store made solely for sneakers, most employees cannot help but come across as more condescending.

Although the sneaker game is not as accepting of women, it has started to change over the years. With collaborations such as with Rihanna and Puma, the door has opened for women creators and lovers of shoes who have not felt as respected in a male-dominated world. Rihanna designs shoes for women while still being able to maintain comfortable, chic attire, something male designers seem to forget.

It is time for women to leave behind the judgment placed on their style and enter a world full of comfort.

What are the sneakers that made you fall in love with the culture?  Show us on social media and tag @CFashionista!

Travel Essentials for Your Next Vacation

This month I will be traveling to Cartagena, Colombia, where I will be shopping, exploring, dining, and just indulging in Colombian culture. In preparation for my trip, I have decided to share my top travel essentials.

Sunscreen and Skincare

Sunscreen and skin care are extremely important especially when soaking up South American rays. It is imperative to wear sunscreen not only so you don’t get fried, but also to preserve your skin, long term. A hat and a pair of sunglasses are always a good idea, too. Getting a bad sunburn can speed up your skin’s aging process causing premature wrinkles. This is where skin care comes into play. Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated will help to slow down or maybe even undo the effects of sun damage. I use The Body Shop skincare products because they are made with natural ingredients and are great for keeping my skin looking and feeling healthy.

Dresses, Skirts, & Perfect Shoes

Now that I’ve scared you into slathering on sunscreen, let’s talk about something more fun!  I always make sure to pack comfortable shoes, a statement shoe, and then a pair that will go with everything. If you can get all three categories in one pair, that’s awesome, but usually not the case. So I find that a pair of Nikes, strappy fun sandals, and a neutral heel is the way to go.

When I’m on vacation my wardrobe typically consists of dresses, skirts, and all things flowy.  Pairing a basic dress with the right shoes is the key to having a fabulous outfit every day of vacation.

Camera and Passport

Your camera and passport are definitely the most important thing to have in your carry-on bag. If you don’t have your passport, you can’t get into whatever extraordinary country your adventuring to. What is the point of going on a trip if you don’t have your camera to document it?

So before whisking away to your next destination make sure you have these travel essentials in your suitcase. Oh, and enough room to take me!

What are your travel must-haves? Let me know in the comments below. 

The Perfect Outfit to Stay Comfy and Cute

Now that it’s officially summer and everyone is enjoying their breaks off from school, it is time to experiment and try new trends and styles. Summer is all about experiencing new things and meeting new people. Luckily, I am living in Charleston, South Carolina for the summer which has a mixture of great food, the beach, and wonderful fashion. Personally, I love to be bold when putting together my outfits. With it always being hot in Charleston, the selection is a little more difficult.

Two of my favorite things to do during the summer is going to brunch with friends or walking down King Street and shop. While looking cute, you also need to be comfortable as you can because you’ll be out and about on your feet all day. It is summer in the south meaning it is extremely hot and being by the ocean it can even get very humid. Wearing something lightweight is key here. Your feet may start to ache from all the walking and shopping so you want to be wearing a good pair of shoes.

You can never go wrong with anything black, so I chose for my outfit of the month a black T-shirt graphic dress. For shoes, I wore a pair of pom-pom platform sneakers that can make any outfit a little more casual. You can never go wrong with having too many accessories! Add some necklaces, rings, or bracelets to make your outfit more fun. Personally, for me, the finishing touch to a perfect outfit is a funky pair of sunglasses.

This outfit is perfect for any occasion. It can be dressed up with some jewelry or dressed down and thrown over a bathing suit for a beach day. Figure out whatever you like best so that you can rock it and feel your best!

What’s your go-to comfy cute outfit this summer? Let me know in the comments!

The Summer Shoes Everyone Should Own

No matter the season, my favorite fashion item will always be shoes. This summer I have come to fall in love with the platform espadrille. In the summer heat, simple outfits tend to be the norm and platform espadrilles are the shoes you need to literally elevate your outfit to a new level. Here are three unique styles of the platform espadrille that are sure to become the perfect addition to your summer closet.

Sneaker Platform Espadrille

The sneaker style is both comfy and cute. The casual look of the sneaker is a good compliment to any summer outfit. A dress, shorts and a simple shirt, or a romper, like the one pictured above, are all possible outfits one can use with this type of shoe. There are several colors available in this style, but the white color makes it an easy shoe to match your outfits with. This light color will also add those summer vibes to any outfit you decide to put together.

Sandal Platform Espadrille

When I think of summer shoes, I think of sandals. This sandal style of the espadrille has summer written all over it. The best part is that this shoe can be worn with the summer outfit of your choice. If you add this style to your closet, you’ll have extra height and an edgy alternative to the classic sandal.

Slide Flatform Espadrille

Like the popular slide shoes, this espadrille is both easy and comfortable to wear. This shoe will let you take part of the slides trend and will also give you a unique look, which is always important. Like the previous versions of the platform espadrille, the slide version can be worn with almost any summer outfit making them the perfect shoe for the season.

What’s your perfect summer shoe? Let me know in the comments below! Better yet, show us on social media and make sure to tag @Cfashionista.

Men’s Business Casual Must-Haves

What does business casual mean to you? You would assume it would be a pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt, considering the word “casual” is thrown in there, right? Well, it is not so in this case. But have no worries, I am here to help!

First thing first, ditch the tie. A suit jacket and a tie is not the business casual I mean. Perhaps consider a blazer, or go without a blazer and just wear a pressed button down shirt, leaving the top button undone, as in this look (below). Along with a navy blue undershirt to go underneath, but be cautious and don’t wear a white undershirt, that displays more of a raggedy look rather than an office-ready look. So always stick with darker shades underneath.

Need a place to carry your laptop and folders? I recommend instead of using a colossal briefcase, expand your options and go for a leather backpack. It is very sleek, out of the way and comfortable.
Jeans are a sticky topic when it comes to business casual, so I would stick to buying a pair of slacks or khakis. To add more of an aesthetic look, I would go for a pant that is a different color to that of your shirt. Here we have navy blue slacks, with a classy leather belt (it is always nice to have that extra hold on your waist—no one wants to see your boxers!).
Since you are already dressing down your whole outfit, make sure your shoes pop. Shoes tie together the whole outfit, so they are very important to your ensemble. Shoes with hues of brown or navy are often a great match to any outfit. Dark brown leather Oxford shoes offer the perfect balance in this case.
Business casual is meant to reflect a professional, yet relaxed setting. It is the 21st century’s new way of saying “Life is less formal.” So remember that quote when you’re standing in front of your closet that Monday morning before work.
Now that you have more of an idea of what business casual really means—Are you a fan of it? Let me know in the comments below!

How Statement Shoes Can Take Your Outfit From Casual to Cool

I love summer fashion as much as the next girl. Sometimes it can be hard to make my outfits pop though, especially when all I feel like wearing is a bikini and an oversized T-shirt. Also, as the temperatures rise in the summer, the need for extra layers ceases to exist. This can sometimes leave summer fashion feeling too casual or plain since we can’t rely on a cute jacket or layered sweaters to heighten our looks. Not to fret, though, because I found the perfect way to spice up any “plain” summer outfit. Two words: statement shoes.

Summer statement shoes come in all styles and varieties, from colorful platform sandals with pom-poms to patterned wedges and everything in between. My statement shoes of choice to pump up my casual summer outfit on this warm June night were some boldly embroidered clogs. Yes, clogs. When I first heard clogs were back in style, I cringed a little thinking back to the fluffy tan clogs that I wore back in fourth grade. But, once I gave this embroidered pair a chance, I found out what the hype was all about. I love the patterned embroidery and the chunky heel and they’re surprisingly comfortable to walk in. I also love the versatility. They can spice up a simple outfit but also go perfectly with something more formal (I actually wore these same clogs to a wedding recently!).

While the shoes are obviously the stars of this simple summer look, the other pieces to this outfit are basics that every girl should have in their summer wardrobe. My cropped black tube top is open in the back and goes well with any skirt, a pair of shorts, flowy pants, or jeans. I love my floppy felt hat because it’s a chic way to keep the sun off my face in any season. The two-toned jeans are my personal favorite pair because they’re super unique and I love that they’re frayed at the ankles.

So, don’t shy away from bold statement shoes this summer because they’ll take any look from boring to fabulous. Show us your summer statement shoes of choice on social media! Be sure to tag @Cfashionista.

The Only 4 Shoes You Need This Summer

It’s summer and it feels like if we’re not working, we’re trying to have as much fun as we can before school starts again. This means brunching, going into nature, attending concerts, and days at the beach. This also means that you’re going to need the perfect pair of shoes for each adventure that you’ll go on. As we all know, good shoes take you to good places. I’m sure we all own a ton of shoes, but I’m going to tell you the four shoes that are absolute must-haves for this summer.

1—Espadrilles. This pair of shoes is non-negotiable! They are the perfect summer shoe for every outfit. That summery dress or pair of linen pants will look amazing with these shoes. They’re super versatile and you can get them into so many different types. You could get wedges if you’re dressing up or mules if you’re dressing down. My pair is from Target’s DV line but you can get a similar pair from KAANAS here.

2—Cute flip flops. This one seems like a no-brainer but you wouldn’t believe the amount of worn out and ugly flip flops I see at the beach. Flip flops are cheap and you can get so many different cute ones. Throw on some vintage shorts and an old T-shirt with them and you’re ready for a great beach day! Mine are from Forever 21 but you can get an even cuter pair from Havaianas here.

3—Worn out Converse. Adventures and concerts are the best in the summer, but they can definitely ruin your shoes. All of that dirt is the worst and can make a cute pair of shoes ugly. That’s why you should have a pair of beaten up shoes for these days! My Converse Chuck Taylors are not clean anymore and that is why they’re perfect for wearing to Lollapalooza or Warped Tour.

4—Embroidered shoes. Embroidered shoes are absolutely my favorite trend of 2017. There are so many different types of shoes to pick from. Personally, my favorite is the embroidered mule because of the extremely popular Gucci shoes. However, not everyone can afford those, which is why we are blessed with similar shoes from Forever 21. These shoes will also step up for your Instagram when you take a photo with a cute floor. What’s not to love about that?

I can’t wait to see how you incorporate these essential shoes into your summer looks. Make sure to show us how this post inspired your outfit and share with us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

5 Don’ts in an Interview

As a recent graduate, the idea of starting a new career is terrifying. The most difficult part of the job hunting process is the interview. As I have learned from countless professors and personal experience, there are a few things you should not do in preparation for your interview. Below are five suggestions of what not to do in an interview.

1—Don’t wear anything too revealing. Even though it seems obvious that it is not wise to flaunt your stuff when attempting to advance yourself as a professional, sometimes college students simply are not aware of what is appropriate to wear to an interview. To increase your chances of getting that dream job, avoid wearing clothing with cut-off sleeves, low-cut tops and dresses, short dresses and skirts, see-through clothing, or open-toed shoes. A nice button-down top is always a good go-to, especially in your most flattering color, paired with some slacks or a skirt, and a chic blazer. This look is quick, easy, and professional.

2—Don’t be late. The worst thing you could do on your interview is show up late. This automatically decreases trust and reliability from your potential employer. One major cause of tardiness to an interview is that the person does not know the location of the interview prior to the date. Most likely, your interview will be in an area that you are unfamiliar with. Looking up the location of your interview ahead of time will ensure know exactly where to go, where to park, and how long it will take to get there. This way if you get lost finding the location, you can contact the appropriate people to find the exact location of your interview.

3—Don’t make a bad impression in the waiting area. Employers will often seek the opinion of the receptionist or secretary about the interviewee’s behavior, gestures, and where their attention is directed. Actions such as fidgeting, slouching, pacing, and staring at your cell phone are being noticed and considered when reviewing you as a candidate for employment. As you patiently and nervously wait for your interviewer to call your name, read over your resume again, observe flyers or pictures the company has in the area, or even make pleasant small talk with the secretary.

4—Don’t underestimate the power of a quick Google search. A little research on the company can make a huge difference in your appeal to an employer. Employers expect applicants to be knowledgeable of the company’s mission and reputation. Simply being informed about a couple of the organization’s key unique traits could give you an advantage as they consider candidates.

5—Don’t be nervous. It is never easy to get those nerves calm prior to an interview. Nervousness can lead you to stumble, rush, and forget important points that you want to reach your potential employer. Smile, make eye contact, and take your time.

Have any other tips or insights about do’s and don’ts in an interview? Let us know in the comments below.