5 Thrifting Tips for the Fashion Girl on a Budget

I’ve always loved going to Goodwill and searching through racks upon racks of clothes to find the hidden gems. I bet you would never believe that I bought this velvet dress or this eccentric white clutch from Goodwill! Many people simply do not see the potential that lies in secondhand clothing from thrift stores or even the clothing they already own. So here are five tips to remember when thrift shopping to help you score high-quality pieces for a fraction of the cost.

1—Shop in the right area. To get the most bang for your buck while thrift shopping, scope out the higher-end neighborhoods. Thrift stores in these areas are more likely to have clothes from big-name labels and made of quality fabrics due to the location of their donation center.

2—Hunt for quality brands and fabrics. The low prices of thrift stores can make it tempting to fill up your cart with impulse purchases. But before you buy that faux fur coat, remember that in the long run, high-quality clothes last a lot longer than ones made of cheaper fabrics. Be picky!

3—Look for stains and holes. Give each garment some serious eyeball for stains, tears, snags, or signs of over-wear. When I was a newbie, I came home to find my fair share of stains on clothes that I’d purchased from thrift shops. I know how disappointing it can be to discover after leaving the store!

4—If it grabs your attention, grab it! Do a loop around the entire store, grab anything that catches your eye, and try it on. (You never know what might surprise you.) What you see is what you get, and you never know if it’ll be there one moment and gone the next!

5—Wash your clothes as soon as you get home. Before you wear clothes from the thrift store, you should always launder them carefully. Pay special attention to details like the armpit areas of a blouse and make sure to add plenty of fabric softener!

Thrift shopping is my favorite kind of shopping because it is environmentally friendly, affordable, and ultimately the most personally satisfying because I feel like I defeated a challenge every time I walk out of there. When shopping secondhand, quality is always better than quantity. By taking your time and shopping for the best items, you can come home with items that look (or are) brand-new. The best part? Thrift shopping is almost always in your budget.

What are you best thrifting tips? Let me know in the comments below!

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.

I Shopped the Nordstrom Sale at 3 A.M. To Make Your Life Easier

I’m somewhat of a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale fanatic. After shopping it last year for the first time, I was counting down the days until it came back around. With a full credit limit and an excitement that woke me up at 3:30 in the morning, I went deep into the items available for early access shoppers. I came out on the other side with some rad fall pieces and these two trends you need to know about when shopping for your back to school wardrobes.

Velvet Revival

Just when you thought velvet was so last year, it’s back and better than ever for the sale. Slipdresses, T-shirts, and accessories are all being done in this fabric for fall. If you didn’t grab any velvet pieces last year, here’s your chance.

BP. Velvet Sport Tee ~~($35)~~ ($22.90)

The perfect top to wear for that first tailgate back at school.

CRISTABELLE Crystal & Velvet Choker ~~($38)~~ ($24.90)

The perfect on-trend accessory to add a small touch of velvet to all of your fall looks.

Topshop Crushed Velvet Midi Slipdress ~~($55)~~ ($35.90)

Your new go-to dress for everything from class to parties this season.

Rebecca Minkoff Medium Julian Velvet Backpack ~~($245)~~ ($163.90)

Rebecca Minkoff comes out with an exclusive iteration of her Julian backpack every sale. Trust me when I say that this pink velvet version will sell out fast.

(Faux) Leather Lover

Leather is always an essential for fall. The sale is chock full of leather pieces at every price point to add to your wardrobe. Grab a piece or two to add some edge to all of your looks.

Trouvé Faux Leather Leggings ~~($79)~~ ($52.90)

Ditch those basic black leggings in favor of this faux leather pair. They will make every swear and T-shirt you own look that much cooler.

Leith Faux Leather Longline Bralette ~~($59)~~ ($38.90)

One of the most versatile pieces you can pick up for fall. Layer over a T-shirt for class or pair with high-waisted jeans for a night out. Everyone will want to copy your look.

Levi’s Faux Leather Moto Jacket ~~($150)~~ ($89.90)

Do you really need another faux leather moto jacket? Of couse you do, especially at that price.

Rosanna Girl Boss Leather Card Holder ~~($30)~~ ($19.90)

Because you’re a girlboss and everyone should know it.

The sale opens up for everyone on July 21 and runs until August 6, so be sure to grab some brand new fall pieces before they all sell out.

What do you think of these trends? Will you be picking them up during the sale? Let us know in the comments below!

The Intergalactic Trend That’s Sweeping the Runway

We all saw it. It was almost impossible to miss the life-sized rocket ship blasting off at Chanel’s fall 17 show. The collection infused classic ’60s trends with the excitement and thrill of the Space Race that played a huge cultural role in that era. While Karl Lagerfeld’s spaceship idea was certainly new, the idea of incorporating all things galactic into fashion was anything but.

A reemerging interest in space has taken over popular culture in last few years. Science fiction space films have been making a big comeback, with massively successful blockbusters like Gravity, Interstellar, and The Martian dominating the box office and winning countless awards. There have also been some incredible achievements and discoveries by NASA as well. New galaxies, life on Mars, dark matter—the list goes on and on.

It’s clear that designers have also been swept up in the cosmic trend of fascination with space. Their interest is reflected in silver metallics, intricate embroidery, and sparkling embellishments. Space is an edgy, colorful concept that can be taken in so many different directions and has been seen in streetwear and high fashion.

One of the most recognized collections of recent years is Valentino pre-fall 2015. The collection features a whimsical depiction of different aspects of nature and closes with nine looks that spotlight constellations, planets, stars, etc. Like Chanel fall 17, a little bit of the ’60s can also be found in this huge 98-piece collection. Knee-high go-go boots with constellations printed on them are paired with dresses made of the same print. Some stand-out pieces include a navy cape coat covered in geometric constellations and planets, a mini dress smothered in galaxy motifs, and of course a few classic Valentino gowns that feature thousands of intricately hand-stitched stars that would make the night sky envious.

It’s easy to integrate a more subtle and affordable version of this trend into a wearable outfit. For example, this Fashionista paired her outrageous, out-of-this-world statement shades with a navy velvet top and a pair of booties embellished with Valentino-esque tiny embroidered stars to complete the look.

Are you already incorporating this trend into your summer wardrobe? Show us on social media! Be sure to tag @CFashionista!

The Mystery Behind the Shades

“The magic is in the mystery,” has been one of my favorite quotes since I was younger, and what creates an exciting mystery in this case is your hidden eyes behind those new designer shades. Summer is just beginning and everyone’s trying to select the best pair of designer shades whether for the beach, music festival, or just simply relaxing by the pool.

One can never go wrong with a pair of Ray-bans, especially their newest release, the Blaze collection. The flashy, one colored lens that reaches over the rim are very eye-catching especially with that mirrored glare. The best part is they come in various shapes including round, club-master, shooter, and cat-eye. If the Blaze collection isn’t really your style, I’d recommend a classic round metal pair of sunglasses to add a little vintage fun to your day in the sun.

Now let’s beat the heat! Pac Sun has the perfect selection of mini dresses and rompers to keep keep cool in the sun. Since velvet is in right now, the LA Hearts line in Pac Sun has a crushed velvet romper that comes in multiple colors to find one right for you.

Lastly for those who love to accessorize, rings on all fingers have been in. The Pandora rings offer a quality ring that won’t break your bank. They add a fun touch especially when your reaching to reveal the mystery behind those shades.

How are you wearing your shades this summer? Show us on Instagram, and be sure to tag @CFashionista.

3 Reasons Why You Need This One Book

Lets rewind back to January. I was in the Cleveland airport waiting to get on a plane that would take me to Riviera Maya for a week. Who wouldn’t want to be escaping the snow for a beach in Mexico? However, I only had a few magazines on my phone and a book I surely did not want to read with me. I walked into the airport bookstore and staring back at me was that pale pink cover of Sophia Amoruso’s New York Times bestseller, #GIRLBOSS.

So, why exactly do you NEED to read this book?

1—NOTHING is left out.

Sophia keeps it real on how she got to where she is today. The whole girl boss movement has taken the world and our millennial generation by storm and contrary to belief, this movement does not seek instant gratification. The whole idea of being a girl boss or boss babe is working for what you want!

2—You can feel the engaging content rolling off of the pages.

We all have our weaknesses and it is refreshing to learn about Sophia’s timeline of events that led up to becoming the founder and CEO of Nasty Gal. She makes you laugh at her one-of-a-kind personality, then on the next page makes you reflects on your own actions and what you are doing to be successful in your personal endeavors.

3—Pure motivation.

Lets be honest here, we are all a little uncertain about something at this point in our lives. Sometimes, we need motivation to kick us in the butt and get us going on the right path. We just need enough motivation to do something as small as showering and getting to class (Shout out to dry shampoo on those rough days.) The tricky part is it takes the RIGHT motivation. #GIRLBOSS is more than a “you can do it!” testimonial. It’s how someone became successful and made something of them. Sophia urges us to “not stop chasing after something even after finding success.”

Fast forward to June, #GIRLBOSS is now a Netflix series that I binge watched in a few days time and a much-loved book I still refer to when I need to feel inspired. In the closing of #GIRLBOSS, Sophia sends a fresh reminder, “Remember, I touched every piece of clothing in those thrift stores. You have to do that with your life.”

Will you be reading #GIRLBOSS this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

STYLE GURU STYLE: I Do It My Way

I’ve always been a little more out there with pieces I let float into my closet. My thoughts, ever since I was younger, were if I felt good I would wear it. Of course, I stayed updated on the latest fashion trends, but at the same time, it never mattered to me what everyone else was wearing or if everyone else was not brave enough to jump on a trend. Fashion trends have to start somewhere, right? Fashion is like art to me, a way to express myself, so I took the words of the great Frank Sinatra and, “Did it my way.”

Today’s outfit is definitely one of my favorite looks ever. I wish I could personally thank whoever made off-the-shoulder tops a reality because they are the best. What I love about this top the most is the bell sleeves. They are so fun and scream summer. I can definitely say I turned heads. I am also appreciative of the straps. Being a member of the small boobs club sometimes brings troubles when trying to find a strapless shirt that actually stays on. However, this tropical top provides a cute alternative to the completely off-the-shoulder top and I love it!

My jeans were inspired by one of my favorite brands: Gucci. I admire the way they push boundaries and aren’t afraid to revive the past. When they brought back the embroidered denim, I was thrilled. I couldn’t afford the collection (a girl can dream), but it inspired me to seek a more affordable option. Combined with a solid top, these embroidered jeans with a cut hem are a subtle statement Harry Styles aka the King of Gucci would be proud of.

Lately, mix-and-match has been a solid trend. Don’t get me wrong. I love mixing and matching patterns with different accessories, but my one weakness is being completely matching. I took directions from my top and went with all white for my accessories. I channeled my inner retro Hollywood and adorned my outfit with white sunglasses and a purse. As for my jewelry, the hints of sterling silver and gold give the outfit a delicate touch that doesn’t distract from everything else. Finally, I finished off my look with velvet heels. I am obsessed! They are very chic and comfortable! Who says you can’t wear velvet in the summer?

A word to the wise: rules are made to be broken, and luckily, fashion has no rules. I fully encourage you to wear what makes you feel beautiful because you are amazing Fashionistas ready to conquer the world one heel at a time.

STYLE GURU STYLE: Date Night

Goodbye classes and hello summer! Now that we survived the long spring semester, a little bit of a celebration is in order. Whether that will be going out with friends, taking a relaxing vacation, or sleeping in and watching your favorite shows, we can all agree that summer is much needed. My celebration of the end of the spring semester consisted of an amazing dinner with my boyfriend to commemorate our two years together! I had to make sure to piece together the perfect outfit for the night, which can sometimes be a struggle. I either feel that nothing looks right, or that I’m trying too hard to put an outfit together which makes me stress out even more.

Whether you are going on a date with someone you have known for just two weeks or even two years, the pressure to look your best is always around. One good way to avoid stressing out before a date is to think of a couple outfit options the night before the big day to relieve yourself of some of the butterflies that are already in your stomach. If you are like me and enjoy doing everything last minute, then I wish you the best!

In these pictures, I am displaying my own STYLE GURU STYLE. When trying to figure out what the best outfit would be for the night out, I first had to consider the weather. Luckily, it was warm enough to wear something that wasn’t a pair of jeans and a sweater. My favorite part of my outfit is the mini, button-down skirt! I based my look on this piece of clothing and then figured out the rest from there. I love the silver buttons up the side because they add the slightest bit of detail. I have seen the sheer top plus bralette trend going around for a little bit now and really wanted to try it out. I love floral patterns with big flowers and thought this top would be the perfect fit with my skirt. I added a cream-colored bralette underneath. Another favorite of mine is a shoe with a chunky or block heel. I love how you can either dress them up or down. I chose to wear all-black shoes to match my top but to contrast with my pink skirt. I accessorized with silver as well as a small touch of gold jewelry, which is rare for me because I usually like to match completely. My choice for a purse was a small Michael Kors crossbody.

I really love this outfit and will definitely wear it again in the future. I took a small step out of my comfort zone to try out the sheer top trend, but I am super happy and even more confident that I tried something new!

STYLE GURU STYLE: Embroidery, Leather, and Velvet

It’s the final month of the school year and you’re either beyond excited for summer break or to finally graduate. I am definitely of the latter, but I have to admit that I am devastated that after three years, my time with CollegeFashionista is coming to an end. Many of us seniors have big plans for after graduation, like moving to a new city, but students everywhere will have plans that include traveling for the summer.

Summer means exploring new places and adventure, and I kept this in mind when I styled today’s outfit. Lately, I’ve been really into embracing my Japanese side (I lived in Japan for 20 years), and I fell in love with this white T-shirt. Embroidery has been a major trend, and since we’re used to mainly seeing embroidered florals or words, I liked the uniqueness of the cranes. They give a very clean, mature vibe to the simple T-shirt. I tied the top and wore it as a crop top which is one of my favorite types of clothing to wear during the warmer months. The crop top transformation makes the outfit more casual and adds an effortless touch.

I channeled my inner #girlboss with a black leather skirt. This gives some edge to the look and is a great piece to have in your closet because it’s so versatile. The skirt is also a really good length for many different occasions and is comfortable enough to wear all day. I know I walk around a lot when I travel, so I paired it all with my Fenty x Puma creepers that I am still obsessing over. These are the ultimate street style shoe if you ask me, and the velvet adds another texture while the deep red adds a splash of bold color. For accessories, I’ve been really liking this mini backpack. It holds everything I need and is perfect for traveling because you’ll have both your arms free! Mini bags in general are also another trend. I used this backpack recently and it really made a difference, especially at the airport.

Style a T-shirt and skirt with a pair of killer shoes (flat of course!), ditch the oversize handbag for a trendy mini bag, and you’re set for a day’s worth of exploring a new city. Mix and match different textures to make things interesting and make your look unique while keeping the foundation of your outfit really simple.

Slay in your outfits, take lots of pictures, and have an amazing summer!

FASHION FROM ABROAD: A Touch of Texture

While abroad during the Easter holiday, I came across this Fashionista. Her outfit immediately caught my eye for its fabulous mixing of trends and monochromatic color scheme. For this Fashionista, shades of gray were the way to go. She perfectly added metallic pieces to play up and complement her outfit’s tone.

Velvet has been a coveted trend in recent seasons as have skirts in general. Velvet is an ideal material to add a bit of texture to any outfit. It looks great whether the skirt be long or short, or even as an accessory like a choker. This Fashionista wore a flowing velvet skater skirt that was soft to the touch and gave off the prettiest shimmering effect.

She continued the texturized feel with a fur tank top. Fur is also one of those trending elements that have been making their way into all sorts of pieces. In this case, her fur tank top will keep her cooler during the warmer months that are thankfully approaching. My personal favorite fur clothing item is actually an accessory. I have been obsessed with slides, but even more so with fur slides. I’ve been eyeing a few pairs and I cannot wait to get my hands on them! I love the playful vibe that fur slides give off, but I’m even more excited for the comfort that comes along with it.

This Fashionista topped off her outfit with a silver choker, continuing the metallic pattern and tying the whole look together. I think it’s safe to say that chokers are a trend that are here to stay. I’m totally okay with that because chokers serve dual purposes in my wardrobe. They can supplement an already killer outfit with a touch of jewels or act as a statement piece with bold coloring or fringed texture. I’ve been loving elaborate chokers with beads, feathers, and texture of any sort this season. They have a tendency of instantly making every outfit cooler.

With summer approaching, I dare you Fashionstas and Fashionistos to experiment with some rad, trendy, texturized pieces and make them the statements of this season’s fashion!