7 Fall Beauty Trends That Are Perfect for Your 8 A.M.

We all know how hard it is to wake up for that early morning class since studying and homework keep us up at night. This makes trying to do your hair and makeup seem almost impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. These seven beauty trends, straight off the fall runways, are perfect for when you just can’t deal with that early morning class.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Vampy Lips

Probably always a given for fall, vampy lips are still trending. The great thing about this look is that it requires minimal makeup on the rest of your face. Just grab a berry shade of your favorite lip product and swipe away. Only 10 seconds or less of your time and you look like you actually tried to get ready for class this morning.

PHOTO:  Julia Michael

2—Deep Side Parts

Early classes mean that sometimes there’s just no time to wash your hair. Deep side parts are here to rescue you and your greasy strands. Just smooth your hair down with a brush and tie it into a messy chignon or low bun.

3—Monochrome Makeup

Millennial pink ruled spring and summer fashion and now it’s ruling fall beauty trends. Monochrome makeup is a great way to quickly do a look that appears like it took much more effort than it really did. Trendy multi sticks are perfect for applying a wash of color to your eyelids, cheeks, and lips in a matter of seconds. Smudge out with your finger and you’re out the door and on your way to class.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

4—Braids for Days

The messier, the better when it comes to braids this fall. Just braid your hair however you like before bed, sleep on it, wake up, and head to class. Add some texturizing spray before you head out the door to play up the texture.

5—Clean Complexions

Heavy face makeup for fall? No way. The focus this season is on skin care. Good news, right? Just sticking to your normal routine and having clear, glowing skin is enough to get you to class in the morning without all the fuss. If you can’t leave without at least a little concealer, pick a natural one to spot conceal any problem areas like under eye circles or blemishes.

PHOTO: Madison Paloski

 

6—Statement Hair Accessories

Another way to disguise that second—or third—day hair is with statement accessories. Headbands, ribbons, scrunchies, you name it. Just throw one in your hair to hide the grease. People will think you really put in some effort before that 8 a.m.

7—Highlighted Inner Corners

Finally, highlighting your inner corners is an instant way to make it look like you actually got more than a few hours of sleep last night. Skip the rest of the eyeshadow and just focus a brightening color on the inner corner of the eye. Add some mascara and you’re ready to go!

 

Which beauty trends are you trying out this season? Let us know 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.

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.

Fashion Inspiration from the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition

I recently attended the Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style exhibition in Richmond, Virginia. Yves Saint Laurent was a trendsetting designer that became a global phenomenon for his original and creative style. As he so wisely stated, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” He was a pioneer for models of color, and he wasn’t afraid to play with gender representation in his designs. Saint Laurent also popularized ready-to-wear high fashion. Here are some ways you can get fashion inspiration from his designs and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

PHOTO: Kristi Mukk

1—Primary colors. This trend is making a comeback, so get ready for bold and confident looks. If you’re afraid to play around with color, try bringing it into your wardrobe gradually by experimenting with accessories such as red shoes or a blue bag. I also love the look of a primary color paired with denim or black. For a more dramatic take, try scarlet or cherry red looks as they are trending on the runways this season.

PHOTO: Kristi Mukk

2—Embroidered and jeweled statement pieces. Embroidery has been around for a long time, but it has become a huge trend again recently. Choose an embroidered piece as the statement of your outfit and build the rest of your look around it. Whether it be an embroidered shirt, shoes, or jeans, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple. If you like making a statement, try jeweled or metallic pieces that will make your outfit shine.

PHOTO: Kristi Mukk

3—Color blocking. This mod shift dress is an iconic style from the ’60s. There are two ways to create color-blocked outfits: you can either choose complementary colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, or you can choose analogous colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Choose hues that are complimentary to your skin tone, and complete your look with neutral accessories.

PHOTO: Kristi Mukk

4—Menswear-inspired fashion. Saint Laurent created pantsuits and tuxedos that were tailored to women. Don’t be afraid to incorporate menswear looks into your style. When wearing a pantsuit, wear a feminine blouse underneath like the polka dot bow blouse pictured above. You could also experiment with a pantsuit in a feminine color such as the pinkish-beige ensemble above. Don’t forget to finish off the look with a stylish heel and feminine accessories.

PHOTO: Kristi Mukk

Which designers inspire you? Let me know in the comments below. 

Athleisure—The Do’s and Don’ts

Athleisure is one of my favorite trends. There is nothing better than looking cute and being comfortable at the same time. Clothes that were once only for the gym have become acceptable to wear out and about when we all know you have zero intentions of working out. For someone who loves athletic clothes, but does not love to workout, this is the perfect trend for you.

Athleisure is a broad category that many different brands have created their own lines of. While some are more casual than others, others tend to be nicer than your average gym clothes. With such variety available, it is easy to wander astray. Since you can either buy actual athletic clothes or specifically athleisure wear, there are some key do’s and don’ts of this trend. I have compiled these guidelines into two simple lists that will leave you rocking the athleisure look this fall.

Do

1—Find what fits you best (i.e full-length leggings vs cropped leggings).

2—Keep it simple.

3—Cute sneakers.

4—Wear sports bras or bralettes.

5—Rock the athletic look when it is appropriate (class, errands, shopping).

Don’t

1—Wear two loose fitting items.

2—Wear too many bright colors.

3—Flip Flops or sandals.

4—Let your socks show.

This Fashionista followed all the do’s of the athleisure trend. She has long, slim legs, therefore the full-length leggings make her legs looks even longer, and fit her perfectly. She kept the whole outfit very simple by pairing black and white, which is always a great decision. She is wearing a simple white tank top with a sports bra to match. When it comes to athletic tank tops, many of them make your bra very visible, which is why it is very important to make sure whatever you are wearing underneath is not only cute but also matching. She paired her super simple outfit with all-black Nike sneakers. While I think you can absolutely pair a simple outfit like this with a colorful sneaker, it is always a safe bet to go with black.

Going out in athletic clothes to anywhere but the gym is a more recent trend, but it is a pretty awesome one because who doesn’t want to be comfortable when they are going to class or the grocery store?

What’s your favorite way to wear the athleisure trend? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

You Need to Add These 3 Runway Trends to Your Fall Wardrobe

We all know that ready-to-wear can sometimes be far from actually ready to wear, but we can still find plenty of inspiration in the themes we see across several shows. Sometimes, these themes can be a little more out there than others. For example. a full metallic look is definitely not for day and pantsuits to class are a risk. Nevertheless, these outrageous trends can be incorporated into your fall wardrobe with just a few simple tricks.

1—Sci-fi style. Now you don’t want to look like you stepped out of the latest Star Wars movie, but metallics can add some extra shine to your fall style. When you wear that outfit full of maroons, blacks, and olive greens, try to add in one metallic piece. Boots are always an easy option but go outside your comfort zone this season with a metallic top. Just layer it under a chambray shirt and oversize cardigan for a more relaxed daytime look.

2—Out there outerwear. For those of us in colder climates, we know that warm—and fashionable—outerwear is a necessity. It’s normal to want to stick to black, gray, and tan for your outfit toppers, but it’s all about taking fashion risks this season. Try a pastel coat instead of a basic one. Just be sure to keep your bottom half neutral so the look isn’t too overwhelming for that walk to class.

3—Cool corduroy. Don’t play it safe in a corduroy mini this fall. Instead, play up the ’70s influence with a pair of flared pants and an off-the-shoulder blouse. Finish off the look with some platforms. Be sure to keep everything neutral so your look is modern instead of dated.

What trends are you going to incorporate into your fall wardrobe? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

These Trends Are Taking Over This Summer

Summer has finally arrived and everyone knows want a new season brings: new trends! I always look forward to every new season to see all of the fun, new styles. Two trends that can be found in all the stores right now are off-the-shoulder pieces and denim. The off-the-shoulder top is a must-have this summer in any Fashionista’s wardrobe. Whether it is paired with shorts, boyfriend jeans, or a denim skirt, it pulls any look together. Denim is also everywhere! I can’t go into any store without seeing an outfit including denim, so I must say I am on the denim trend.

Off-the-shoulder tops and denim are a perfect summer essential. They can be worn casually and both pieces are very easy to be dressed up. If you want to feel chic in an outfit, those two pieces are the way to go. I always feel that some tops aren’t for everyone, but this type of top is flattering on and works for anyone because it is so universal.

If you don’t have a denim skirt or anything denim, make that a goal this summer. In my opinion, denim will never go out of style; these two trends have been around for a while. In the ’90s, Saved by the Bell was a popular TV show; Kelly Kapowski was so stylish and anything she wore she looked amazing. In so many episodes she has denim paired with a cropped off-the-shoulder top. This Fashionista found her inner Kelly Kapowski with her outfit.

This trendy Fashionista paired her go-to denim skirt with her pink and white striped off-the-shoulder top. Her outfit is so simple yet so chic. To pull together the whole outfit, she slipped on her black and tan leather espadrilles. This Fashionista is practicing color blocking by pairing the pink and white top with the black and tan shoe. Espadrilles are another must-have for summer 2017; there are so many cute styles out there. Trust me, once you find an espadrille that works for you, there will be no regrets with that purchase. To finish off the look, she wore her staple tie-up choker that goes with any outfit.

What do you Fashionistas think about these trends? Share your comments below! If you have any of these pieces and want to show us your outfit, post on your social media account! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Street Style Across Europe’s Most Fashionable Cities

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to study street style. This summer I took it to the next level and actually photographed some of my favorite outfits. In the process, I got great style inspiration, met foreign Fashionistas, and garnered more than a few weird looks. To any aspiring street style photographer, I recommend three things: shoes you can run in (hey, when you see a great outfit you’ve got to hustle!), shameless self-confidence, and the largest sunglasses you can find in case things get awkward. Here I am rocking mine at the first stop of my street style tour: Paris.

1—Paris, France.

After this trip to Paris, I can definitively confirm that the “Parisians love stripes” stereotype is in fact justified. However, this goes far beyond the simple striped T-shirt. Locals rocked stripes on dresses, bags, skirts, and more. I also noticed that everyone wore sneakers with everything. Converse sneakers and a Gucci bag may seem like an odd combo, but Parisian’s pull it off so effortlessly you don’t even notice.

2—Florence, Italy.

Florence is known as an art history capital and that creative flair extends into the street style. I loved the contrast of pairing flowy, bohemian fabrics with tailored pieces, using layering to give an edge to otherwise basic pieces, and inspired pops of color. Florence also wins the award for the city with the best boutique window displays; if you don’t want to wait in line to see the Uffizi Gallery, the window displays are free works of art!

3—Santorini, Greece.

The main street running through the neighborhood of Oia in Santorini is more than a street: it’s a runway. I live in the fashion capital of New York City and had never seen so many killer outfits in one place. Given the heat of the Greek islands in June, tourists opted for flowy fabrics in summer-inspired prints. Blue and white, Greece’s signature color scheme, were popular color choices. Romantic off-the-shoulder tops and ruffled silhouettes mirrored the fairytale-like beauty of the island.

Which city’s street style do you dig the most? Let me know in the comments below! 

The Back to School Trends You’ll Be Seeing This Fall

As summer winds down and August is upon us, it’s crazy to think in just a couple weeks we’ll all be heading back to our respective colleges. I like to think of the start of each school year as a way to debut an updated version of myself—including my wardrobe. When doing your back to school shopping, keep in mind the trends everyone will be wearing this season.

1—Sheer.

I’ve always loved sheer pieces for their playful yet sophisticated design. A sheer midi skirt or cute long sleeve top can make a tasteful statement out of even the most basic outfit. For that first night out back on campus, a sheer piece is elegant and heat-friendly for those summer temperatures.

2—Gold/shades of nude.

Whether you’re wearing a gold bangle, a tan crop top or a cream leather skirt (or all of the above), shades of nude are big this season. Ranging from soft yellows to chocolate browns, nudes are a versatile and stylish way to match fall tones. If you’re looking for inspiration, think Yeezy Season 4.

3—Bold red.

Hands down, red is the essential “it” color this season. By adding a pop of red to any outfit, you can get a loud and sleek look effortlessly. Also, wearing a sea of red makes for an attention grabbing look wherever you go.

4—Satin/silk.

Lingerie-style pieces were huge last year, but this season is moving on with satin and silk for long dresses, dressy rompers, and formalwear. Rich neutral tones are an amazing way to complement your eye color or skin tone, which can make for a perfect piece all season long!

5—Plaid.

Cher Horowitz from Clueless is one of the style icons I idolize most, so it’s safe to say plaid is one of my favorite prints. Checkered blazers, long scarves, and mini skirts are the must-have looks for back to school this year. Black and white, red and gray, blue and cream… the outfit options are limitless. Whether you’re donning simple modern or retro plaids, go classic, clean, and classy and you can’t go wrong.

How will you wear each trend this fall? Show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista! 

How to Wear Borrowed From the Boys Trends

Every wonder if you could rock the styles of menswear but were too nervous to make the big leap? Now you can with a trend gaining popularity in the fashion world, opening the doors for women to try the looks of menswear. This trend is all about borrowing clothes from the boys. From graphic T-shirts, baggy shorts, and suit sets to rugged outerwear, Birkenstocks, sneakers, and masculine watches, the possibilities of rocking this look are endless and easy to achieve. This Fashionista I found on the city streets added her own flair to this style by combining refined accessories with more masculine pieces.

The inclusion of masculine pieces in the look were noted in her graphic T-shirt, dark denim, long shorts, olive Birkenstocks, and gold-plated leather watch. Her graphic T-shirt was emblazoned with the logo of the popular skater magazine, Thrasher. The red and oranges in the flames on the shirt were complemented by the Fashionista’s eye makeup look. The dark denim long shorts complemented the gray and black color palette of the look and added an ease to her outfit. The gold-plated leather watch was a nod to more a manlier style and tied in her accessories as well.

The Fashionista’s accessories added a tone of minimalism and structure to the relaxed vibe of the outfit. Her black leather, dual buckle belt perfectly matched her black leather mini backpack while her round silver sunglasses, thin silver hoops, white gemstone ring, and silver star choker, were a feminine touch to the more masculine outfit.

Menswear trends and clothing are no longer difficult to incorporate into your wardrobe. You can mix rugged, masculine pieces with feminine, refined accessories to make the trend more wearable. You can also keep a simpler color palette, as seen in the gray and darker hues of this Fashionista’s outfit, to sophisticate your look. Now go out there and put your own twist on this popular trend!

Be sure to let me know how you add your own flair to menswear in the comments below!