Tag: Sneakers

5 Pieces Every College Student Needs to Make Going to Class Easier

It’s that time of the year again… the fun first few days on campus before classes start are officially over. Now, the harsh reality is beginning to set in that there are classes to go to and long hours of studying ahead. I’m the first to admit that despite my love for fashion, looking cute for class can be hard (especially for that boring 8 a.m. lecture). However, I’ve noticed that I am so much more productive and confident when I’m not dressed like a total slob. Here are five of my closet must-haves to make going to class a little easier on those days when you feel like you can’t get out of bed. (Spoiler alert: you still get to be comfy!)

PHOTO: Maddy Haller

1—A comfy and cool sweatshirt

The days when sweatshirts were seen as frumpy or lazy are gone. In fact, you can look to almost any of your favorite celebrity fashion icons for comfy street style inspiration (shout-out to Gigi Hadid). You can even layer your sweatshirt with a cool jacket for an even more fashionable yet laid-back look.

2—Fashionable sneakers

As a self-proclaimed sneaker addict, I’ve found that a cute pair of sneakers can elevate your entire outfit like no other accessory. I like to throw on a clean pair of classic white sneakers that automatically make me feel more put together.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

3—Leather leggings

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Leather leggings for class? Trust me on this one. Once you try on a pair, you’ll realize that not only are they super comfy, but you’re also guaranteed endless compliments when you are wearing them. Leather leggings truly are the epitome of effortless cool girl style.

4—Bomber jacket

Bomber jackets aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. A chic bomber jacket is arguably my favorite piece to throw on over a simple white T-shirt or a comfy sweatshirt. It instantly adds an element of style to a simple outfit.

5—Denim jacket

Finally, this list would not be complete without every Fashionista’s go-to piece in her closet: a denim jacket. Personally, I’ve been obsessing over my oversize jean jacket, which always instantly makes me feel a little more fashionable. Pair your favorite denim jacket with a T-shirt dress or leggings for the perfect class outfit.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

What are your go-to outfits for class? Let us 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!

Beating Heat in the Streets

As I have emphasized in previous articles, there is nothing I find more difficult than trying to put together a comfortable and trendy outfit while dealing with sweltering summer heat. I spent the first month of summer struggling with trying to find heat-friendly fabrics that also match my preferred style.

I realized that guys tend to have way fewer options at hand than us girls do when it comes to fabrics and style. This Fashionisto, however, has found a way to incorporate comfort and style in a look that can be worn every day.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, graphic T-shirts are the perfect way to make a statement with any look. This Fashionisto wore a vintage-inspired black and white graphic T-shirt that depicts the late rapper Tupac. He complemented the top with a simple pair of Champion black athletic shorts, a perfect piece for guys to achieve comfort in the heat.

To add to the sporty vibe of this street-based look, he added a pair of green acid-washed Nike sneakers. The bright and bold sneakers make this simple look stand out in a crowd. To top off the look, this Fashionisto added a hand-crafted wooden necklace, which he says he wears with every look. Often times guys will stay away from jewelry, especially with casual looks. However, pieces like this add so much personality and character to any outfit.

What are your favorite tips on staying stylish and comfortable during the summer heat? Let us know in the comments!

Is a Confidence Game-Changer Hiding in Your Closet?

With social media making it terribly easy for online trolls to spread their negative vibes everywhere, self-love and body positivity seems to be in short supply. Combined with the pressures of everyday life, harsh criticism can easily impede your happiness and self-esteem. Shaking off the negativity and walking with your head held high can be easier said than done. True confidence starts from within and translates to how you carry yourself. What’s the best way to bring out your confident side? The answer is simple, just wear whatever you want. No, really!

Though the answer might sound completely cliché, it could really be the game changer you need for a little confidence boost. We all know that looks aren’t everything. But when you wear what you feel good in, it comes across in all your actions. I can name countless times where I’ve left the house in something that I was not so sure about, like that one itchy sweater, or super uncomfortable pair of shoes. Even if it may have looked okay, feeling unsettled or like I constantly had to readjust my clothes broke my focus from what I really needed to get done and made me feel way too self-conscious. Therefore, I’ve become so certain that it’s not what you wear that matters, but how you feel in it. The extra boost of confidence you get when you love what you’re wearing adds a little swag to your walk and makes you feel like you can handle any curve ball thrown your way.

For example, this Fashionista’s every move absolutely radiates positive vibes. Julissa is wearing one of her favorite clothing combinations: a button-down shirt tucked into mom jeans paired with a necktie and old school Adidas sneakers to create a simple and tomboy-inspired look. Yet, she’s giving off a red-carpet ready glow while wearing it.

We often spend so much time trying to work around our insecurities, we forget what we love about ourselves. So, whether it takes dressing up in that LBD that hugs every curve, your favorite distressed jeans that elongate your legs, or those super on-trend sneakers that match everything in your closet to make you feel unstoppable, throw it on! You owe it to yourself to walk out of the house feeling amazing. Feeling confident in your clothes is just the first step to empowering yourself to put your best foot forward.

What’s your go-to piece for feeling confident? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

5 Airport Essentials to Help You Survive a Layover

I have a love/hate relationship with airports. I love them because every time I step in one it means that there’s an exciting adventure ahead of me. However, airports aren’t always full of wonder and adventure. They’re crowded, dirty, and for the most part pretty boring. If you’re traveling this summer the chances are high that you’re going to be spending at least a few hours in an airport. As someone that often flies often during the summer and the school year, I have become a self-proclaimed pro at navigating airports. There are five airport essentials to help you survive a layover.

1—Backpack. The first and perhaps the most important in my eyes is a backpack or tote to carry all of your flight essentials. Personally, I prefer a backpack because I feel that it’s easier to carry throughout the airport and keeps me completely hands-free.

2—Books/magazines. Inside of my backpack, I always have a book or magazine with me. If you’re anything like me then you’re always low on data and can’t afford to scroll through Twitter and Instagram for a long period of time even though you’d love to. While most airports offer wifi that you can connect to, you sometimes have to pay for it. I feel that a good book not only saves me a little bit of money, but it also allows me to disconnect from the world for a little bit. This summer I am reading Diary of An Oxygen Thief by Anonymous and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

3—Charging phone case. My third airport essential is a phone case that also charges your phone. I cannot begin to tell you how many times my phone case has saved my life while in the airport. Even though I always keep my charger with me, sometimes outlets are a hard thing to come by. A charging phone case saves you from an outlet scavenger hunt and you don’t have to deal with any cords that inevitably become a giant knot in your bag.

4—Face mist. My fourth airport essential is a face mist. Airports are fairly dirty and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to control that. However, you can make sure that you feel clean and refreshed throughout the duration of your airport stay. Nothing makes me feel more refreshed than a nice cool spritz of a face mist. My personal favorites are the Tea Tree Water and the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water.

5—The right shoes. My final airport essential is a super comfy pair of shoes. I always wear sneakers on a flight for a few reasons, the first being that they’re insanely comfortable. You never know when you’re going to be running late for a flight and might have to bust into a jog. When that happens you’ll be happy you wore the sneakers and not those super cute sandals. The second reason is that when you have to take off your shoes at the security check they’re easy to get on and off and you won’t have to touch the ground with you bare feet because you’ll have socks on.

If you find yourself in an airport in the near future I hope these little tips and essentials helped you. Tag @Cfashionista in your vacation pics!

Critical Carry-On Contents

My summer is always travel-oriented since I am from a military family. For years, I have under and overestimated the needed contents of my carry-on. This summer, I compiled a list of critical items for a successful flight. You need a lot less than you would expect! Here are my critical carry-on contents. 

1—Camera. Even though iPhones have amazing camera quality now, I still find it critical to bring a real camera. I always bring my little Nikon Coolpix s9700. It is about the size of a deck of cards but has incredible zoom capability. When I have space, I love to bring my vintage Polaroid 600. The photos are instant and create irreplaceable memories! A camera is always among the contents of my bag.

2—Headphones. No carry-on is complete without a pair of headphones! Whether you are listening to music or watching a movie on the plane, headphones are a must-have. They also come in handy for tours and audio sets on your trip. Keep them in the change compartment of your wallet for easy access and fewer tangles. Hint: If you ever forget headphones, most airlines sell them for two dollars!

3—Book. If you have not read Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur yet, I strongly urge you to buy a copy. This is the ultimate girl power book. Its content is a collection of poems, separated into four chapters. It is a great read for travel because you can pick up and leave off at any point, and read it over and over. Milk and Honey has been in my carry on for three trips now!

4—Sneakers. Let’s be real, no one likes walking through airport security barefoot… yuck! I always have my slip-on sneakers when I travel. They are super easy to take on and off for a security check point. My favorite slip-ons are by Steve Madden and Vans Off The Wall.

5—Sunglasses. I always make sure my sunglasses are with me! My trick is to pack two pairs of sunglasses. My Quay cat eye sunglasses are my nice glasses that I wear for walking around a city or going out in the evening. In addition, I have my $10 sunglasses from CVS that I wear on the beach. I always end up getting sunscreen and sand all over my favorite glasses, so I find it critical to bring two pairs!

Am I missing anything in my carry-on? Let me know what you bring below!

2 Rejuvenating Summer Retreats Every Student Should Go On

School is over, and you have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful summer weather. It’s time to get yourself outside of the urban city, disconnect yourself from the daily grind, and rejuvenate your soul from the stressful yet rewarding school year by going on a summer retreat. Here are two ways to get you in touch with nature that are also Instagram-friendly.

1—Stroll through a lavender field. Ontario, Canada, is home to many beautiful nature spots, especially lavender farms. Visiting a lavender farm such as Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, located 45 minutes from Toronto in Milton, during their blooming season for your summer retreat will bring you on a magical adventure that calms your soul in the sea of purple flowers.

At this farm, there are eight varieties of lavenders in colors ranging from light pink to dark purple. As a Fashionista, I recommend wearing a comfortable outfit for photo shoots at lavender fields, such as a denim shirt and a simple white top, and finish your outfit with a pair of black distressed jeans and my favorite clean white sneakers from Wills Vegan Shoes. A black leather backpack is also the perfect bag to carry your camera. As you stroll along the endless rows of flowers, the infamous yellow door is also a go-to spot where you can take the perfect travel candid shot.

As you finish exploring the different lavender fields, don’t forget to enjoy their lavender-flavored ice cream that tastes floral and creamy. Also, be sure to shop around at their gift shop for products that are amazing for your skin, your cravings, and your sleep.

2—Fish on a lake. If land adventures don’t excite you, then why not try something on water? Hastings, Ontario, is just two hours from Toronto and has been named Canada’s ultimate fishing town.

Whether you are renting a canoe, a speedboat, or a pontoon, you will surely enjoy the breathtaking view surrounded by the calming white noise of the waves. Some of the common fish species that I came across are freshwater bass, catfish, perch, and sunfish.

Sometimes water splatters when you reel in a fish. To prevent my phone from getting any water damage, I carried a waterproof phone case from Catalyst Case that has a rubber bumper and silicone seals to keep my phone watertight. The transparent, slim, and strong material ensures the phone case protects while still being fashionable.

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t catch any fish in the end—enjoying the sun and the cool breeze in the middle of a calm lake are also a great way to relax and contemplate about life during your summer retreat.

What is your ideal summer retreat? Let me know in the comments below!

The Trend You Need to Add to Your Wardrobe

Ruffle details for summer are extremely popular and can be seen on nice cocktail dresses or a more casual outfit. I love taking simple pieces of clothing and having one element that stands out; in this case, it’s the ruffles. Search your favorite stores for garments with something extra and fun.

Casual Outfit

This outfit is perfect for a day of classes or simply shopping at the mall. It can be worn in almost every season. Swap these adorable shorts out for jeans or leggings and this ensemble can carry you into fall and winter. The sneakers add a touch of cool combined with the sleeve details of the sweater.

Dressy Outfit

Onto my favorite outfit, the dressier of the two. I love this for a fancy date night, summer wedding, or even a night out with the girls. This is an easy dress silhouette to either dress up or down. Throw on a jean jacket and sneakers or sandals to make it more casual, or add heels and a clutch purse to make it a little bit fancier. Lace-up heels are also a huge trend and work perfectly with this dress, especially with the light pink color.

Another intricate part of this dress is the back detailing, which looks awesome with a lace bralette underneath.

The silhouette is very flattering on any body type with the ruffles drawing attention to the bottom of the dress.

Keeping up with trends can be difficult and at times exhausting. But the ruffle details are here to stay! They are great paired with multiple pieces of clothing, and give the impression that your outfit is more put together than you intended—which is never a bad thing if you ask me! Be on the lookout for sleeve details and ruffles when you are out shopping.

What is your favorite way to wear ruffles? Let me know in the comments below. Be sure to share your style inspiration with @CFashionista on social media.

Finding the Perfect Patriotic Outfit

Finding the perfect patriotic outfit can be tough, especially when you’re expected to be festive. Anyone who knows me knows that my style consists of mainly monotones. However, I like to spice things up with the accessories I wear, whether that be an all-black outfit with a bold lip color or a fun hair accessory. Personally, I believe a plain canvas to start with makes accessorizing that much more fun and interesting.

July is one of those months that everyone wears bright reds and blues, which normally isn’t my style. That being said, for this look, I kept my outfit very simple and let my accessories to do all the talking.

To start off this outfit, I kept it very simple with blue jeans and a white off-the-shoulder crop top. However, it’s not as simple as it first appears to be, because the jeans I chose for the outfit have a star stitched onto the back of them. I felt these were very festive and added a little something to what would otherwise be just a plain pair of jeans. You can find these jeans made by the brand Revice Denim.

To continue the outfit, I went for a more casual vibe with a pair of platform sneakers. I thought these were perfect for the outfit, because they are white and also have stars on them.

To add to the otherwise plain outfit, I incorporated some red accessories to give it some color and to really put me into the patriotic theme. I decided to carry a red purse as opposed to a black one that I would usually use, and then threw on a headpiece with a red bandanna effect. These were the perfect accessories to add a festive statement without going overboard.

For me, this is the perfect patriotic outfit. It keeps me festive and fun without straying too far from my own style.

Are you more of a monotone dresser like me, or is color something you play into your everyday style? Let me know in the comments below!

The Everyday Statement Purse

Who says that your everyday purse has to be a solid color or just plain black? Exactly, so my everyday purse I have been wearing has a combination of red, green, and black. It sort of has an Aztec print on the strap that I usually don’t go for, but the style and color of the purse made me fall in love with it. The reason I like the colors so much is probably that they are the Gucci colors and anything that reminds me of them needs to be in my closet immediately.

So with this purse, I paired the classic Air Force Ones, which are a must in everyone’s closet. You can definitely class it up by wearing a dress with them or exactly how I wore it in this look. I also wore these two-tone jeans, inspired by Vetements, from H&M for only $10! I was the happiest girl around when I swiped my card and the cashier gave me the shopping bag. I walked out of the store feeling like I just conquered the world! Don’t you also feel that way when you snagged an amazing deal? Then last but not least, I wore this nude mesh bustier top from the Zara sale with a basic white T-shirt underneath.

I definitely like how this overall look gives off neutral color-blocking vibes (except the purse, obviously.) So I dare you to go out and get an everyday statement purse, or even just a cool strap to add to your existing black purses, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. A majority of the times I try a new style, I end up loving it!

How do you wear your statement purses? Show us on Instagram! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista !