Tag: Shoes

Espadrilles: The Must-Have Shoe of the Summer

There is one summer shoe that is perfect for everyone. Yes, I really do mean everyone. Espadrilles are summer’s must-have shoe. But wait, what are espadrilles? Espadrilles are the iconic canvas or leather shoes that have a woven esparto rope sole. This gives them a Mediterranean beach vacation look. The multiple styles of espadrilles such as the classic slip-ons, mules, wedges, sneakers, or lace-ups, make it the shoe for everyone.

My favorite espadrilles are from Soludos, a brand that uses their travels as inspiration for their shoes. Their Instagram feed gives me a serious case of wanderlust! What I love about the Soludos brand is the price. These shoes will not break the bank. They appeal to Fashionistas because they allow you to express yourself with different patterns, colors, and styles. Every Fashionista should have at least one pair of espadrilles ready for that summer getaway. Even if you’re on a staycation, you will feel like you are walking the streets of St. Tropez in your espadrilles.

For an easy summer look, I paired French Bulldog embroidered Soludos Slip-ons with distressed Rag & Bone jeans and a white ruffle-sleeved Current Elliot T-shirt that I tucked in my jeans. This simple outfit allowed my shoes to be the statement piece.

Espadrilles are awesome because you can dress them up or down. This makes them a great shoe for wherever your summer adventures take you. Imagine these shoes with a simple linen sheath dress. Any classic look can be made young and fresh by these flirty shoes!

Where will you be wearing your espadrilles this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Style Pride Looks

June: the month where the sun is shining and summer emerges. The month full of love and joyfulness. Where rainbows flourish and happiness fills the air; also known as Pride Month. As with any festival-esque event, I enjoy seeing the fashion and how everyone expresses their own style! I figured for this year’s Columbus Pride I would get a little bit crafty and DIY a few pieces, but you can shop similar items throughout this article.

My inspiration for these two outfits was cool and comfortable with a hint of rainbow. You can never go wrong with pairing a bralette and high-waisted shorts. They’re a summer staple! This way you can stay cool in the blazing summer heat but also look super cute. The other look is a basic cotton T-shirt with high-waisted shorts as well. I also paired few fun accessories to complete the looks. Try adding bracelets or layering necklaces to give them the old razzle dazzle.

Along with pairing fun accessories, shoes are key. Ever had a boring outfit but then the shoes are what make the look? Me too. Anyway, since you’ll most likely be doing a plethora of walking, find shoes comfortable enough so you can last the whole day. Converse are a classic that you can spice up with unique socks; in this case, I tie-dyed them.

If you not feeling the tennis shoe vibe, try out slides or sandals instead. You could make your look chicer by adding fur slides. Slides have become a huge trend anywhere from the tried and true Adidas slides to Rihanna’s Puma/Fenty fur slides. It’s a fun and comfortable way to add texture to your look as well.

Have fun with your summer style whether you’re attending an event or not. Be bold and try new things!

What are some of your go-to items for the hot season? Let us know in the comments below or on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

Print Mixing and Other Playful Styling Tricks

One of the biggest dangers of the forthcoming adulthood is so simple but astounding. We forget how to play. We forget how to run on the streets, how to laugh loudly and to not care what that grumpy old lady thinks of us, how to act, how to tell our teddy bear about our day, and how to believe that Toy Story actually could happen and that one day we will grow wings.

“You, adulthood, my darling who is sneaking toward me,” you vainly roar and shout, “I’m not afraid of you!” I slowly developed a weapon which helps me foist the playfulness into my days, no matter how hard you fight against it. In the morning when you are still stretching and yawning, I slide into my wardrobe and I hide from you. When I finally wriggle out from there you can’t do anything, I’m ready to hit the road! Today I start my journey wearing a striped skirt, a white blazer, and, most importantly, my silver shoes.

The shoes are the subjects of a lot of jokes. All four of my roommates fooled around in them and they used them as a mirror. Print mixing is another characteristic of my look which is hardly accepted. Although this trend is already widespread in the world, here the women around me are still trying their wings on this topic. To make my outfit complete I imagined a white blouse with a V-neck, which adds sophistication to this playful look, and embodies an overall charm and self-assured presence. My wardrobe may be huge, but it’s not endless, so I had to create this piece myself: I transformed my white blazer into a blouse using a safety pin and I tucked it in my skirt.

The feedback on my style can be very different, as people comment ‘I would not wear it that way,’ and ‘It’s interesting, but meh.’ At first they discouraged me, but over time I realized that as many people stand against it and dismay me, as many will appreciate my style one day. Our society hardly accepts new ways, we tend to stick with the traditional. If we go on untrodden roads, who knows what could happen, but this can also be the best part. We are a blank canvas and we can choose any color and brush to doll ourselves up. Compliments, of course, caress our soul, and after a while I got a lot of them. These outer influences, though, will be neither my engines nor my fences. What’s more, if I hear now the negative opinions, I’ll wear my playful print, color, and shape combinations even more proudly. I feel like playing with them raised me to a balanced and self-confident state of mind. Adulthood, my darling, is that you on the corner? Don’t be so impatient, I’m coming.

How do you make your outfit more playful and brave? Tell us in the comment section!

6 Ways to Incorporate Florals in Your Wardrobe

Florals are everywhere these days. Whether the flowers are embroidered or all over the fabric, you can’t go anywhere without seeing florals! Florals aren’t just for spring anymore. I’m going to show you a few different ways to wear floral as the main focus of your outfit or as an outfit detail. I’ve created six different looks that involve floral, and they are perfect for a day out with friends or a night out on the town!

1—Mesh floral bodysuit. For my first look, I styled a floral bodysuit with a pair of high-waisted jeans and embroidered floral sandals. This look is easy and fun and would be perfect for brunch or an afternoon out with friends. Pair this look with skirts or shorts to give it a more dressy or casual look.

2—Black floral bodysuit. This bodysuit is a great night look and is perfect for a party. I paired it with jeans, but the bottoms are interchangeable depending on the look you want to achieve.

3—Floral kimono. The floral kimono is another way to make florals the main focus of your outfit. It is perfect for a day at the beach or hanging out with your friends.

4—Embroidered dress. This dress is simple and the perfect outfit for date night or cocktails (or mocktails) after work.

5—Floral booties. Wear these booties with a monochromatic outfit that will make these eye-catching boots the statement piece of your outfit!

6—Embroidered leather jacket. Summer isn’t the ideal jacket weather, but when the temperature drops, throw on an embroidered floral jacket that will make your outfit stand out!

If you want to get creative, hand-paint or add floral patches to a leather or denim jacket for your own unique DIY jacket!

Comment below your favorite way to wear florals! 

Why Accessories Seal the Deal

Accessories are like the cherry on top of a hot fudge sundae. The sundae is fine without the cherry, but after adding that little detail, it cannot get any better. Accessories are more than just an object, they are a lifestyle. Opening your eyes to the world of accessories will spark a whole new outlook in showing your inner Fashionista. Accessories are a must, they add spice and dimension to an outfit in a way that nothing else can. This Fashionista has the world of accessories wrapped around her finger.

Anyone can stare at a person’s outfit, but what really catches the eye is the statement of a well put-together look. Accessories prove that you took the time to perfect your outfit and you take pride in what you are wearing. Her statement pieces flow together perfectly to give us this flawless summer look.

There is nothing more simple than a monogram necklace. For ages, Fashionistas have rocked their monogram on almost any item you could think of. For me, a necklace is all you need. Monogram chain necklaces can be worn with almost anything because it adds a touch of elegance that every preppy Fashionista needs! Kendra Scott earrings were the perfect pair for the timeless look that she is going for. The gold rim of the earrings flows with the necklace and allows for a pop of color to be added. The cream coloring of the earrings offsets the white in her shirt and pants but ties nicely with the shoe choice.

To complete the look on top, this Fashionista added an accessory that knocked it out of the park. My favorite part of this look is the bold sunglasses. These full-mirrored sunglasses add the perfect amount of drama to the otherwise classy look. This Fashionista is showing us just how attitude can change the look!

Now that we have the accessories up top covered, we can head down! This Fashionista paired her simple jewelry and her bold sunglasses with a stack of Alex and Ani bangles. The subtle mix of gold and silver allow for a broadened color palette for the rest of the outfit. Knowing when enough is enough is important when accessorizing. Sometimes, bracelets can be overdone and can actually draw too much attention away from the overall aesthetic of the outfit. Take notes from this Fashionista—she has it perfected! Lastly, she added a gold and brown watch along with a delicate light blue ring. 

To finish it up we have shoes! Who would have thought that a simple bow detailing could tie everything together so perfectly? This Fashionista definitely has it all together.

It all started with white jeans and an oversized off-the-shoulder top. This Fashionista has transformed this basic look into something worth talking about—all thanks to the finishing touch.

In what ways do you turn an under-rated outfit into a show-stopper? Let me know in the comments below!

4 Tips to Breeze Through the Gloomy Summer Months in Style

When it comes to the month of June and for those living near the coast, the weather often can be nothing super-summery at all. Take California for example, locals take pride in their “golden state” year round, but for the main month of June and some months following there is a slight exception in sunshine. Picture brisk mornings with a light mist, and afternoons that can get warm, but the wind never seems to withdraw. In other words, figuring out what to wear to be comfortable in the climate can get a rather tricky.

With rain or shine, love or hate, for June gloom and the windy times to trail, I have you covered in the outfit department. Keep reading on to find out my four favorite fashion tips that are simple, and stylish to incorporate into your everyday ensembles so that you too, can be one step ahead of the June gloom.

1—Give them the cold shoulder. Cold shoulder and off-the-shoulder tops are a perfect way to dabble in the spring and summer style feels, but still stay slightly warm. For those days where the weather can’t decide if it is hot or cold, these types of shirts are a great go-to. Not to mention, the shoulder exposure on both the cold cut and the off-the-shoulder tops are so sassy.

2—The blazer for the savior. When it comes to dressing for the gloomier summer days, the ultimate lifesaver is a lightweight blazer. I put emphasis on the lightweight while shopping around, because these blazers are comfortable, cute, and perfect for many different occasions worn year round. Layer it up or wear it simple, either way a light blazer is key to breezy summer weather, and cute for just another day of work.

3—Get the best of both worlds. A long sleeved dress is so ideal when it comes to staying up to trend while still being able to take on some chill factor. The best part is, your arms are covered, and legs are free to be, making for a wonderful ‘all in one’ outfit ensemble. Whether it is three-quarter sleeve or full length, this cut of dress seems to be the perfect fit and coverage to beating the gloom in glam.

4—Walk the wind in style. With the weather forecast calls for sunny with a slight chance of wind all day, it can be a bit tricky to know what shoes will work best. My tip: be covered but still comfy. Coverage is key when picking out the right shoe to last all day as the weather varies so often. Whether it is a flat or heeled mule, lace-up sandal, or a cut out bootie these shoes all make for the perfect mix of summer and spring.

What’s your favorite look to beating the gloomy summer months in style? Show us your favorite outfit ensemble and tag @Cfashionista!

 

Why Shoes Make the Outfit

I could be considered your average college-aged female. I absolutely love, adore, crave, and thirst for that magical pair of shoes. I stalk through Nordstrom and Target hunting for the perfect set of heels for my next formal. I click through pages online, searching for the best sale on those high-end leather boots. Some, especially my wonderful boyfriend, say I have an addiction that needs to be stopped for the greater good of our wallets. I have one response for him: “The shoes make the outfit.”

Picture your favorite dress, maybe one you have worn for a night out on the town. Now imagine standing in front of the mirror, as I am sure you have many times, with a different shoe on each foot. The black high boots scream sassy, but the orange strappy sandal whispers cute. Each item brings an entirely different feel to the outfit, with just one small change.

My philosophy is that a shoe will make or break an outfit. Even further than that, it can change the attitude of the outfit or the attitude of the gorgeous model showing that outfit off. My challenge to you is to look at people’s feet more! Admire how every piece of clothing matters from the head to toe. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like a shoe expert quite yet. I have a few pieces of advice on how to rock the best shoe look possible from my (unofficial) experience involving my many pairs:

1—Match material amount from top to bottom. Or don’t! If you’re wearing layers and warm clothes, boots are great, and the opposite for summer clothes. You can also shake it up and wear an overcoat in spring with strappy sandals.

2—Bright shoes can make the loudest statement!

3—Small heels are a great way to combine fancy with comfy.

4—Some of my personal favorite shoe companies are Steve Madden and Sperry. They make some amazingly long lasting shoes!

5—My very favorite shoe type is the duck boot. Trust me they work in all season weather!

6—Lastly, spend the money for great shoes! Trust me, they will last!

Just think about how awful wearing tennis shoes with a dress looks. Now think about how amazing that pair of red pumps looks with the same dress. I love fashion, but I love shoes even more, and they have proven to me time and time again how important of a piece they are to an outfit.

What is your best piece of shoe advice? Please, help feed my shoe addiction and comment below!

5 Essential Shoes for Every Broke College Student

You’re in your closet once again staring at your shoe rack and you’re at a loss of what to pair with your outfit. Do you feel as if nothing ever seems to match? Well, here are five staple shoes that every Fashionista ought to own (plus they’re all under 100 dollars!). These different shoes will set you up to be prepared for every occasion for any outfit.

1—The Everyday White Sneaker. White is a color that goes with just about every outfit and keeps you looking classy along the way. Sneakers are functional, and essential for a well-rounded wardrobe. They are the perfect way to make a dress more casual and give your outfit a more laid-back vibe.

2—Simple and Clean Loafer. Loafers are necessary to complete a chic or business casual outfit. Loafers are great because they can be worn all year round and look good. In the winter add fun socks to keep you feet warm and create a bundled aesthetic for the season. In the summer lose the socks and pair them with some jean shorts or a flowy dress.

3—Classic Black Heel. While most of us secretly despise them, heels are shoes that we all need when you want to be a bit more dressed up than normal. Black is the smart choice if you only want to own one pair because much like white, black pairs great with most dresses. These shoes are more night time friendly than other colors too, and will keep you looking classy while being a few inches taller.

4—Black Ankle Boots. Boots are another all year round shoe. They give you a dressed up feeling, especially if they have a small heel, while still being comfortable. Fashion is important but so is comfort and boots provide that without making you feel too dressed up if you aren’t trying to.

5—The Statement Shoe. This shoe is less reasonable and you won’t wear it as frequently as the others, but they give you a very big sense of joy when you are strutting down the street and everyone is complimenting your shoes. These are shoes that are meant for the days where you need an extra pep in your step and we all should have at least one pair of shoes that make you feel like the coolest chick on the block.

Let me know in the comments below what shoes are an essential in your closet! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

Summer Daytime Looks

Sweet summertime afternoons are unlike anything else. The feeling of sunshine on your face is one that can’t be duplicated. While this scenery is beautiful, this gal’s outfit is even better. This is a perfect daytime look for a get-together with old friends, having a picnic or just running errands around town.

The white based floral print top gives the outfit a lighter feel. Not only is it a good contrast with the dark denim, but it also is a beautiful contrast to her skin tone. The material of the shirt is airy so that even though the top is layered with the denim, it won’t create too much additional body heat while wearing it. The floral print is also beyond appropriate for this blooming season.

Overalls are a classic wardrobe piece. Short or long, dark or light wash—overalls are so versatile and comfortable. They are practical but also make a statement. A lot of times lighter colors are used in the warmer seasons, but I am loving the dark wash here. It’s a nice breakup from the basic “light and white” theme that summer time fashion has to offer.

Nothing says “stepping into summer” like a good ole’ pair of espadrilles. They have always been popular but have lately become all the rage. From flats to wedges, these shoes are definitely making an appearance this season. This pair is so fun because of the lace-up style in the front; it adds some character to the shoe. The color is versatile and can be worn with so much!

This outfit is a fabulous example of a summer daytime outfit. It is a fun take on some classic pieces. Try mixing up your summer style with a pair of cute espadrilles or overalls!

Shoes as Versatile as You

Shoes! What can I say about them? Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world,” and I completely agree. As the ladies we are, we need the right pair of shoes for our everyday lives. Obviously, this means that they not only need to be comfortable, but they must also be fashionable enough to give us the kind of confidence boost you get when you know you are rocking an outfit.

Today, I’m here to say that that I believe white sneakers are those shoes.

As college students, we definitely face the fact that we need to walk almost everywhere. As women who love looking nice and being comfortable in an outfit, one of the greatest things of having sportswear trending right now is the incredible coziness these clothes give (and don`t forget how bomb they look)!

So with that said, sneakers are trending enough to find them available in your nearby mall at a great range of prices. I know I wear them almost every single day. But with so many available color choices, why white?

Ever since I saw the Vetements X Reebok InstaPump Fury sneakers from the S/S 17 collection, I have found myself leaning towards my white Nike sneakers almost nonstop because they remind me of the vibes this collaboration tried to give with those shoes. Plus, adding fun socks gives them a pop of color. The white in them makes almost every outfit pop effortlessly, which is what I`m looking for—especially when I want to give an extra something to a casual outfit.

So with that said, I think that if you add a pair of white sneakers to your closet, soon they will become your must-have, too.

I’d love to know about your must-have shoes! Let me know in the comments below.