V-neck – CollegeFashionista

Rock the Romper

What comes to mind when I think of summer style—shorts, tank tops, crop tops, sandals, sundresses, and most importantly, rompers! Rompers are a great solution for looking cute, but feeling comfortable too! Rompers come in all styles and colors, but what’s trending this summer?

Velvet, velvet, and more velvet. Velvet is seriously in this summer, so you can’t go wrong when you grab this piece from your closet. With a simple velvet romper, you have options—you can dress it up with all kinds of accessories: necklaces, rings, bracelets—the possibilities are endless! Throw in a matching handbag and you can’t go wrong! If you’re really looking to dress up your look, you can even match your nails to your romper.

Another trend in the romper world is a plunging V-neck. With this kind of cut, stay away from necklaces… they distract from the dramatic V. Instead, dress it up with some dangle earrings, bracelets, or a watch.

The shoes that you pair with your romper can also get you major style points. The type of shoes you choose should depend on where you’re going or what you’re doing. Are you going on a date? Spending the day hanging with your gal pals? Or are you doing something more extravagant to enjoy the summer weather, such as a scenic daytime boat cruise? If it’s a date you’re headed out the door for, a good option would be to lace up a pair of gladiator sandals or grab a pair of small heels. If it’s the girls you’re tagging along with for the day, simple sandals or a pair of cute Keds could do the trick. But, if it’s a daytime boat cruise you’re sailing off to, wedges are a solid choice!

I love the many different ways you can dress up a romper and the numerous occasions you can wear them for.

What is your favorite romper trend this summer and what is your favorite way to dress up your favorite romper? Let me know in the comments below and share your look with us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Bananas For Bandanas

I’m sure most people would agree that it’s always great to have an accessory in their wardrobe that is versatile. As someone whose personal aesthetic changes so frivolously, I love having clothes that can work for various different styles. One of my go-to accessories that I can change the style of quickly is a bandana.

Bandanas are one of my favorite things in my closet because they come in so many different styles and can totally enhance an outfit. One of my favorite style trends right now is overalls. They’re such a quirky fashion piece, and I love to pair them with bandanas. It’s a great way to take simple articles of clothing and make yourself stand out in a stylish way.

The outfit I put together is simple. I wore a basic black V-neck T-shirt, acid-washed denim overalls, a pair of Converse, and a blue paisley bandana. I chose blue because I wanted to highlight the blue in the denim, but any color or design would work well and still complement each other.

One of my favorite ways to wear bandanas is simply tying it around my neck like an ascot. It reminds me of the neck choker trend, but with more boy scout vibes. It’s a simple way to enhance the look of the overalls, much like all of the looks I tried.

Another way I like to wear bandanas is sort of in a faux-collar style. I take the bandana and tie it around my neck and tuck it under the color of my shirt. I like this style because it makes the look so classic.

Another look with bandanas that I like to sport is wearing it wrapped around my head. This is one that I typically wear when I don’t know what to do with my hair or if I’m having a bad hair day. It keeps your hair together and serves modern pirate realness.

Bandanas and overalls are super retro and are one of my favorite throwbacks, ’90s-esque looks to serve. Bandanas are such a fun accessory to experiment with to create different looks for different aesthetics. There are so many different ways to wear them.

What are some of your favorite ways to style bandanas? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Habits of a Girlboss

If you haven’t seen the new Netflix drama Girlboss, you need to binge watch it while eating pizza. Tonight. Girlboss is loosely based on the life of the Nasty Gal founder and entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso, who transformed her eBay shop into an online fashion empire. A girlboss, according to Sophia, is “a feeling, a philosophy, it’s a way for women to reframe success for ourselves, on our own terms.” Sounds pretty badass, right?

Here are some habits of a girlboss that you can incorporate into your everyday routine!

Wake up early

A girlboss knows exactly what she wants and is motivated to get things done while everyone else is still asleep. Do something that you are passionate about so waking up in the morning to go to work doesn’t feel like a chore.

Dress for success

Wear an outfit that makes you feel like you can conquer anything. Hannah loves this black deep v-neck dress with bell sleeves. She paired it with a layered gold necklace and edgy oxfords. This habit is essential to being a girlboss because if you wear something you are confident in, you will exude confidence!

Have self-confidence

Success is based on how you value yourself, your work, and the impact you make on the world. Get rid of the negative thoughts and change your mindset to a positive one to be confident in your own skin!

Always wear a power product

Every woman needs what I call a power product. This is something that makes you feel like you could run the world the minute you put it on. Hannah chose this bold lipstick, which is perfect to give yourself that extra boost of confidence before a presentation!

Self-care

Continue to hustle but take some time to wind down every once in a while. Whether you write in your journal, take a bath, or watch HGTV reruns with ice cream, it is necessary for your well being to de-stress.

Know more habits of a girlboss? Let me know in the comments below!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Springing Into Spring

Let’s all take a moment to finally appreciate the fact that spring has sprung. The warm weather is quickly approaching us and that means we are one step closer to… summer! Only 36 days until Memorial Day Weekend, but who’s counting. Spring weather can be a little unpredictable, but this Fashionista is going with the flow and looking absolutely amazing.

This Fashionista is embracing the warm weather with one of her favorite fun and flowy sundress. Sundresses are a super cute and casual way to stay cool and comfortable during the day, especially spring and summer. She is rocking a white, V-neck long sleeve shift dress with tiered lace trim and tassels from Old Navy. She pairs the dress with an amazing gold statement necklace that she got from Francesca’s. Now for the shoes. She is wearing cattle-colored faux suede ankle lace-up heels from Forever 21. She is also obsessed with her shoes. I have to admit, Forever 21 can either be an amazing experience and you can find awesome trendy clothes inexpensively or be a complete miss and not find anything leaving you sad and dissatisfied. That is one of the major problems with fast fashion stores these days. She also completes the outfit with her favorite pair of sunglasses. You can never go a day without your sunglasses during the spring and summer—they are a necessity. She chose warm colors to go perfectly with her complexion, and she is absolutely killing it! Lastly, she can’t forget her beautiful smile. It brightens up everyone’s day and is a great accessory to every outfit she puts on.

This outfit is perfect for class, brunch, or a casual backyard family party. Adding the right accessories is key because it can dress up or down an outfit depending on the event. The best part about this entire outfit is that it was under $30. You can’t get a sweeter deal than that. Spring is a time to dress fun and comfortable because the weather can be a little unpredictable. This Fashionista has mastered the transition from winter to spring and is absolutely crushing it!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Ballin’ on a Budget

With all of my money being spent on Chipotle and Starbucks, it’s hard to find cash to keep up with the latest clothing trends. Over my many years of shopping, I’ve learned a few tricks and tips on how to stay up to trend while saving cash. My four tips for savvy shopping are thrift stores, clearance racks, T.J. Maxx, and DIY projects.

The key to being thrifty is having an open mind to trying new (and old) things, in this case. That’s right, we’re talking about a thrift store. Thrift stores are the holy grail of hidden gems and classic garments. Fashion is a constant cycle of styles going in and out and once a style goes out, they end up at the thrift store or consignment shop, where you can pick them up when they’re back in style. The best part about thrifting is that you can find things for insanely cheap and it’s an original piece.

The coat I’m wearing is a $5 thrift store find. Score! I layered it over a white V-neck, that I found for $10 on Urban Outfitters sales rack. That takes us to money saving tip number two. Whenever I go shopping, I always check out the sales rack. Most of the garments you’ll find on the sales rack are out of season, but the best part of that is you can shop for next season and get things for a discount. Under my V-neck I had on a halter top, lace bralette from American Eagle Outfitters.

For bottoms, I kept it simple with black skinny jeans. These jeans are the brand Levi’s, which are originally expensive, but I snagged them from my local T. J. Maxx. Anyone who knows me will confirm that I am obsessed with T. J. Maxx, because it’s hands down the best place to find high end brands for budget prices. These Levi’s were only $16 on the sales rack. What a steal! Ripped black skinny jeans are totally in trend right now, so when I got home with this pair, I cut the knee holes. Doing DIY projects saves so much money, plus you can customize garments exactly to your liking.

For accessories, I added a gold, spike necklace and a studded over the shoulder purse. Both of these pieces added an edginess to the simple look. I pulled the outfit together with a pair of studded booties, which I snagged for $15 at T. J. Maxx (of course).

Now you know where and how to find the best deals, so good luck Fashionistas/os.

WHAT TO WEAR: Girl’s Night Out

Whether it’s staying in for a night of movies and snuggles or hitting the town, nothing is better than having quality bonding time with your gal pals. One of my favorite things to do with friends is getting a little dolled up and trying new restaurants. It’s like a date with all your best friends, what could be better?

In this Fashionista’s case, the perfect girl’s night out consists of dressy casual attire, meeting some girlfriends at a yummy food place, taking lots and lots of pictures, and seeing where the night takes her. What is great about the outfit she put together is how versatile it is, making it easy to go from a day to a night look by dressing it up or down.

This GNO ensemble brings her coastal, boho style into a simple and contemporary look. Her Billabong dress is the key focal point of the look, comprised of a mix of a subtle paisley pattern and a bolder, darker pattern around the bust and midriff. She decided to pair a maroon bralette with the dress for extra coverage and to add a bit of lace to the look.

For accessories, she kept it simple with a beautiful gold necklace from Chan Lu. This is a great piece that completes the look and complements the V-neck dress very fittingly. For shoes, she chose some brown suede chunky heels with gold detailing from Alter’d State. These dress up the look enough to go out, but are casual enough to keep the look relaxed.

This Fashionista looks like she’s ready to take on the night!

WHAT TO WEAR: Fashion on a Budget

As the new semester rolls in, you may realize you need a little revival to your wardrobe. Being a college student makes this difficult for most because of our limited budget, but now is the perfect time to snatch great sales and discounted winter items as the spring and summer collections begin to come out. It is also time to take advantage of those pieces you shoved in the back of your closet. Pull them out, restyle them or do some DIY to create a completely different garment. This Fashionista took full advantage of sales to create the perfect outfit. It is great for class, great for lunch, but especially great with a restricted budget.

Ever looking for those perfect pair of jeans? Well this Fashionista found them at T.J. Maxx! This Fashionista was excited to share her great deals with us. These high-waisted denim jeans that are slightly cropped are perfect for all seasons. A small cuff helps them lay perfectly at the top of these adorable brown booties. Along with the jeans, these booties were found at T.J. Maxx at a discounted price, which helps make you feel a little less guilty about spending money. These booties are so versatile. This Fashionista suggested wearing them with her favorite floral sundress in the warmer months.

The deals continue when it comes to the upper layers. The white shirt with detailing pairs perfectly with a maroon flannel and were both found in the American Eagle Outfitters sale rack. She was able to maximize her shopping time and budget with deals like these. On cold winter days, it is essential to have your winter coat, so why not make it fashionable? This Ralph Lauren jacket also found amongst the sale racks gets the job done. Warm and stylish, this Fashionista said it is her favorite jacket. Accessories are a must when finishing off your outfit. Whether you grab your favorite scarf and gloves to keep warm or some jewelry, everything adds to the outfit. A layered necklace adds dimension and follows the V-neckline of the shirt. A simple rose gold watch finishes off the look.

Each item in this outfit was found at a great deal, making it all the better. Each piece (except the jacket) can easily be converted for other seasons. This Fashionista explained how she put this outfit together on a budget and made it look as if she spent a lot. Who knew what a rewarding feeling you would get from a trip to the sale rack!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Basic to Statement

What makes an outfit stand out from the crowd? It’s simple—it’s the little details. It’s easy to take an outfit from underwhelming to a look that everyone is coveting with just a few additions.

This Fashionista caught my eye with her simple, yet put together look. Starting with the basics, she paired an olive green shirt with distressed white jeans. Already she is making a statement with her outfit, wearing white denim in the winter. This small color choice makes her outfit stand out from those who stick to their darker pieces. Next she adds a bomber jacket which gives the outfit a bit of an edgy look. The small details, like the zippered pockets, add texture and interest to the outfit. This Fashionista takes her look beyond the basics, adding a bandana. The bandana is having a moment in fashion right now, and is a great way to add dimension to an otherwise simple outfit. Choosing to carry a small backpack is both practical and fashionable. The black bag is just one more small accessory choice that adds the look. A final detail that I noticed was her vintage-inspired watch. Choosing to pair the watch and bomber jacket evokes nostalgia from the look, while the ripped denim and V-neck shirt have a modern, chic feel.This Fashionista demonstrates just a few of the many ways that adding small details can take a look from drab to RAD.

It’s easy to make your basic outfit a statement outfit. Breaking fashion rules, like mixing prints or whites in the winter, helps make an outfit standout. Switching a simple sweatshirt or cardigan for an interesting jacket is a small detail that makes a large difference. Finally, the easiest way to add to a look is by adding some accessories like a purse, backpack, or scarf. Remember, it’s the little details that make an outfit great.

–As Arthur Conan Doyle says, “…The little things are infinitely the most important.”

STYLE GURU BIO: Mandi Rodery

Hello Fashionistas! My name is Amanda, but I typically go by Mandi. I have already received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and youth studies from Central Michigan University, but decided to return to school to get some training and a certificate in graphic design! I believe that my main purpose and goal in life is to, “Help to develop others through the creative arts.” Which is why I originally majored in sociology (development), and am now furthering my education with graphic design. I am a photographer for Springhill Camps and I would definitely say that photography is my favorite medium of art to create. I also enjoy drawing, painting, and ceramics. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to write for CollegeFashionista this semester!

I greatly enjoy fashion because for me, as a creative type, it is a way in which I can express myself. Putting together a great outfit can be very similar to composing a great art piece (plus the right outfit tends to boost confidence and inspiration too). Choosing colors that flatter you, silhouettes that match your body type, and being able to choose the right pieces for specific occasions—it is all very similar to choosing the elements of a graphic design piece. A graphic designer wants each element to be in proportion to the graphic as a whole. There needs to be variety to create visual interest, but not so much that the graphic looks cluttered or confuses the viewer. The designer gets to decide if they want their piece to be symmetrical or asymmetrical; they decide the lines and shapes, where the focus is, etc.

For this look, I started by choosing my favorite skirt. “Bright Pop” by City Chic is a plus size brand. I absolutely adore this skirt because of the floral design, watercolor-like features, and it’s functionality (it has two side pockets!). This skirt looks like a painting and it is full of color! Because I want the skirt to be the main focus of the outfit, I chose to pair it with a plain black long sleeve v-neck T-shirt. Because I frequently wear this outfit to work (and it’s winter so it’s cold), I had to find a good pair of closed-toe shoes that I could wear with it. I chose this neutral pair of faux suede shoes because the color matches everything, and they don’t distract from the skirt. My final touches to this outfit were my two main accessories. Again, because I wear this to work, I dress it up a little bit by adding a pearl bracelet and a pearl necklace.

I hope you all love this look as much as I do! To get updates on my latest posts, make sure to follow my social media!

STYLE GURU BIO: Taylor Silva

Hello fellow Style Gurus! My name is Taylor Silva and I am so happy to be back this semester interning for CollegeFashionista. I am currently attending Harrisburg Area Community College in Pennsylvania as a communications major. I have always had a passion for fashion and photography. Being an intern for CollegeFashionista lets me explore these passions and I love that about this internship!

I love all of the different aspects of fashion—from elegant, to rocker chic, to preppy; it’s all so intriguing! Fashion is one of those things that you can just have fun with. If you like an outfit or an article of clothing, then you will most likely want to try it on or channel your inner stylist and pair it with some pants or shoes. My favorite thing about fashion is being able to be comfy and still look good. Let’s face it, as a college student the budget is tight. So, one specific place I love to shop at and that is college budget friendly is Forever 21. They have really comfy and stylish clothes and for affordable prices! Over the years of buying clothes I realized that fashion doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be affordable. It just has to feel good on your skin and make you want to flaunt it to the world.

For this look, I threw on some stretchy, high-rise jeans. It was a little warmer than usual outside, so I decided to skip the jacket and put on a comfy, gray sweater from Forever 21. I love this sweater because it can go with anything and has that lovely V-neck to pair with a choker or just a simple necklace. For shoes, I put on some light brown booties from American Eagle Outfitters (super comfy). I was having kind of a bad hair day so I tossed it into a high bun and wrapped it up with a fuzzy scrunchie. To accessorize I wore a my gold bracelet from my best friend and my ring. Lastly, I brought my black wristlet along from Michael Kors.

This outfit would be great if you were going out for a coffee date with the gals or even a quick lunch. For a colder day, I would definitely add a simple vest to this look. I hope you all enjoy this look!