Sunday, August 25, 2013

Back to School Essentials: Must-Have Tops & Shirts



There's always a few go-to pieces in everyone's closet. They're the type of clothes you find yourself reaching for all the time, that go with most of your wardrobe, and that are good all throughout the season. They never seem to go out of style. These "must-have" items are the basis for any good closet. Here is a collection of tops and shirts that everyone should have a version of in their closet. These tops are good for mixing and matching and make great foundations for outfits. Enjoy!

Black V-Neck, H&M (similar). White V-Neck, Victoria's Secret. Burgundy V-neck, Forever21.

"The Basic Tee"
T-shirts in basic shapes and solid colors.

Basic t-shirts make great foundations to outfits. You can dress them up with a statement bag, leather jacket, and heels or down with jeans, converse, and a scarf. Either way they're a good staple so it's nice to have a few in your wardrobe. A basic white and black t-shirt is important to have in your collection along with one in a fun solid color. It doesn't matter if they're v-necks, scoop necks, etc. as long as they fit you right and are comfy. T-shirts are not an item to spend a lot of money on they come in many different price ranges and qualities. Buy what's right for you. 

*STYLE SECRET - Tees look surprisingly chic when worn with glam jewelry, dark wash jeans, and a blazer or tailored jacket.*

Cami, Target (similar). 

"The Basic Cami"
A tank top for layering under sheer clothes or tops with a low neckline. 

The basic cami is a must in any wardrobe. They're perfect for sheer tops or shirts with deep necklines. Whether you prefer ones with lace or without camis are an essential. Stock up on ones in black and white, they go with more.

*STYLE SECRET - Camis can work sort of like spanx at times when layered under other shirts. They'll suck in a bit of tummy. This doesn't mean that you should buy them in way smaller size then what you normally wear.*

Top, Kohl's (similar). 

"The Casual Blouse"
A top that is dressier than a tee but just as comfy.

Casual blouses are good for everyday outfits. They'll make you look put together but you'll still be comfy and not over-dressed. A feminine casual blouse is perfect for your first day of school or any other day of the week too. 

*STYLE SECRET - You don't need many accessories when you wear a casual blouse.*

Blouse, H&M (similar). 

"The Dressy Blouse"
A blouse that is perfect for more formal occasions and parties. It's fancier and more detailed than the casual blouse. 

The dressy blouse looks great tucked into a pencil skirt or dress pants and is appropriate for formal occasions. Dressy blouses usually have embellishments that make accessorizing a cinch. It's good to have a few fancy blouses in your closet for events where you don't feel like wearing a dress or where a dress is too formal.

*STYLE SECRET - Outfits including dressy blouses don't require a lot of jewelry or accessories in order to look special. A simple necklace, bag, and pair of heels or wedges is all you need.*

  Plaid Shirt, American Eagle (similar). 

"The Plaid Button-up/Flannel"
An easy and casual plaid button-up shirt.

Flannels and plaid button-ups are great for many reasons. They can be worn buttoned up opened over another top (sort of like a cardigan). They're easy, comfy, and practical. Flannels are particularly good for the cooler months. They'll provide warmth especially when layered. 

*STYLE SECRET - Steal a plaid button-up or flannel from your dad, guy friend, or boyfriend. A shirt that's a bit oversized will look effortlessly cool and edgy when paired with the right outfit. Plus it will be super comfy.*


"The Denim Shirt"
A button-up denim shirt.

This denim shirt is one of my favorite pieces. Denim shirts are great because they can be worn buttoned up and tucked into a pair of jeans or opened like a denim jacket over a t-shirt. I like styling mine with scarves and boots for fall. You can even dress them up with  a big necklace and heeled boots. 

*STYLE SECRET - If you're going to wear a denim shirt with jeans make sure that they are different washes in order to avoid the denim tuxedo look.*



These are just suggestions as to what make good wardrobe basics. Feel free to adapt these suggestions to your personal style and body type. 

Thanks for reading! 

What's one of your must-have tops? Let me know in  a comment!

- BL


Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
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*This is NOT a sponsored post.*

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Back to School Essentials: Jeans for You & Your Body

One of the most difficult things to shop for is jeans. We've all spent a good amount of time in the fitting room trying to find the perfect pair. To help decrease the denim stress I created this all in one jeans guide. Here you'll find tips on finding the right style for your body, what wash is best for you, what pockets can do for your bum, and how to make jean shopping less of a challenge. I hope you enjoy.

When shopping for jeans it can be helpful to know what body type you have.
Here's a quick & simple run-down of body types:

Apple - Larger bust than hips, rounded stomach, waist measures more than hips/shoulders.
Pear - Smaller bust and larger hips, thighs, or bum, shoulders smaller than hips.
Hourglass - Larger bust and hips and a slim waist.
Boyish- Small bust & broad shoulders, sometimes lanky or muscular.

Everyone's body is different and that's OK! If you don't completely fit into one of these categories you may be a combination of two or more. I just chose the most common shapes to define.

Now that you know your body type find your perfect fit.
Refuge Knock Out Skinny Boot - Short, Charlotte Russe 

BOOTCUT
Become wider at the knees and continue to get gradually wider down to the ankle.

Bootcut jeans are the most universally flattering type of jeans. They are especially good for girls who have a boyish, hourglass, or pear figure. Boyish figures will benefit from a bootcut pair of jeans because they will help give the illusion of a curvier body. Hourglass and pear bodies look good in a pair of jeans with a slight flare at the bottom because it balances out curves that are all ready there and evens out the body. Because bootcut jeans are universally flattering, if you're not sure what cut is right for you they're a good place to start.

BOYFRIEND
Baggy, usually cropped and distressed jeans.

Boyfriend jeans can be flattering when done right. Paired with a fitted top they'll look super cute and casual. If you're not sure whether or not they'll work for your body try on a few pairs and see what you think.


HIGH WAISTED 
Vintage inspired jeans with a tall waist. 

High waisted shorts were a huge trend this summer and I think high waisted jeans will be popular for fall. Don't be afraid of these bad boys. Their high waist works sort of like a belt when you tuck in a top. It will highlight your waist (your smallest part) and make you look more slender. They can be super flattering when you choose a leg that's right for you whether it's skinny, bootcut, or straight. 


Classic Skinnies, Forever21

SKINNY
Snug through thighs, legs, and ankles.

Skinny jeans are always a popular jean choice. They are good for petite girls because baggier cuts can be overwhelming on a small frame. Skinny jeans are good for enhancing curves but not so good for concealing them. If you're looking to enhance curves look for a pair of skinny jeans with stretch to really highlight your body. Skinny jeans are awesome but not great for every body type. If you have wide/hips/thighs/or butt that you're looking to minimize they might not be the best option. 

High-Rise Jegging, American Eagle

JEGGING 
The legging of jeans

Jeggings are pretty much the leggings of jeans. They're like a super skinny, skinny jean. Just like with skinny jeans they'll highlight curves. Jeggings look particularly good with longer tops because these jeans are so similar to a legging.

Perfect Pockets: You'd be surprised what pockets can do for your body. 

For the most flattering look find jeans with pockets that are centered and medium sized.
Side Note: Fading under the bum = more curves

You found the perfect style of jeans, now find the right wash.

White- Crisp and clean but sometimes tricky to wear. If you're planning on picking up a pair of white jeans for school make sure that the fit is correct for your body type otherwise they could be unflattering.
Light Wash- Super casual and laid back. Same as the white jeans for light wash jeans to flatter your shape they have to be the perfect style for you. For my petite girls light wash will make your legs appear longer.
Medium Wash - You can't go wrong with a pair of classic blue jeans. They look good on everyone and come in a bunch of different styles so you can find the one that's right for your body. Medium wash is easy to style and dress up or down. 
Dark Wash - Super slimming. If you have curvy hips, thighs or bum dark wash jeans are perfect for slimming you down. They are the most universally flattering. For tall girls dark wash jeans will make your legs look like they go on forever. 
Navy - Super dark jeans are great for night time and are on the dressier side. They look good on pretty much everyone. Just like dark jeans they are very flattering for curvier bodies. 

From Right to Left: White Jeans, Hollister. Light, Medium, Dark, & Navy Jeans, Abercrombie. 

Shopping for jeans can be a very stressful process so here are some quick tips to make it easier:

- Don't pay attention to the size on the tag. All brands are different. You may be a different size in every brand you try on and that's normal.

- Don't be afraid to get a pair of jeans that is one or more sizes than what you usually wear. The only person that will know this is you. The only thing that matters is that the jeans fit and flatter you. If you get a size down just to get a size down chances are your body will look bigger stuffed into a pair of jeans that are too small.

-If you try on a pair of jeans with stretch that are a tad bit snug it's OK. They'll most likely loosen up over time. If they're extremely tight originally they're not going to stretch out an entire size.

A great pair of jeans are essential to anyone's wardrobe. Finding them can be a tricky process but when you do it will feel so rewarding. If you really like a style pick up a couple pairs so you never run the risk of not being able to find them again. It's OK to splurge a little on a pair of good quality jeans. They'll last longer so in the end they will be worth the money.

Good luck shopping for your perfect jeans!
What is your favorite type of jeans? Leave a comment and let me know! 

Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
Email beverlylorrainefashion@gmail.com for more info or click here

*This is NOT a sponsored post.*

Friday, August 9, 2013

Back to School Essentials: Saving Money While BTS Shopping

It's that time of year again guys! I know, I can't believe that summer is almost over either! You know what that means, back to school shopping is in full swing. Don't drain your wallet on a few purchases. Get the most out of your money with these thrifty tips.

- Shop for clothes a season or two ahead of time. It may still be warm when you return to school but if you're at a store and see an awesome jacket for a great price that you love, pick it up! Stash it away until cooler weather and then bring it out. Stores will usually put last seasons coats, jackets, and sweaters on the sale rack, so see what you can find. Look for classic pieces that way they'll still be on trend when they're finally season appropriate.
Score this Faux Leather Bomber Jacket from Forever21 for only $18 (orig. $27.80) and then stash it in your closet until cooler weather. Paired with a good pair of skinny jeans and combat boots it would be perfect for a football game in the brisk fall months.

- Update what you already have. Whether you alter an old tee or throw on some jewelry it's super easy to update pieces hidden in the back of your closet. Crop a t-shirt or add some studs to a bag or pair of jeans.

Add some studs like these ones from H&M to your fave moto jacket, jeans, or t-shirt for a quick update that will make you fall in love with your old clothes all over again.

- When you go shopping visit the clearance rack first. There is nothing wrong with buying clearance merchandise. I've found some of my favorite clothes on the clearance rack (like a pair of designer wedges for $7!). If you have an unpopular size or shoe size you may really luck out!

Checking the clearance rack (or tab for all you online shoppers) could help you score an awesome vest like this one for $29.99 (orig. $159). 

- Shop at stores like Marshall's and T.J.Maxx. These stores always have great designer name products like Michael Kors, Betsey  Johnson, Steve Madden, and Juicy Couture. Try it out you may be surprised what you'll find. I've scored great shoes and bags here for awesome deals!

Before splurging on that designer bag you want stop at T.J.Maxx or Marshall's and see what you can find. You may get a great Steve Madden bag like this one for less.  

- Check your receipts for surveys. Lots of stores ask for your feedback at the bottom of  receipts in return for a coupon or money off your next purchase. For instance, Victoria's Secret usually gives you the link to a survey website at the bottom of receipts. Once you answer a few questions you'll receive $10 off a $50 purchase.


Filling out a quick survey could help you get $10 off of this sweatshirt  from Victoria's Secret. It's perfect for gym or a casual day look. 

- Sign up for mailing lists for you favorite stores. Most stores have an email list that you can sign up for. They'll send you email alerts when there's a good promotion going on, a new product comes out, or sometimes even a coupon for money off or a free item! Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Aeropostale, & Victoria's Secret all have email lists. Charlotte Russe even has a service that will text you when they're having a sale. If you don't want emails from stores clogging up your email make an account just for stores.

Know when promotions start or when new pieces, like this jacket, come out by signing up for email alerts from your favorite store. Camo and military inspired clothes are going to be HUGE for fall this year. This Camo Utility Jacket is from F21.  

- Sign up for rewards programs. Some stores have programs that you can sign up for where you earn rewards whenever you buy something. American Eagle and Ulta both have programs like this. All you have to do is swipe your rewards card after each purchase. It's a simple way to save!

Stocking up on your favorite AE jeans can help save you money later on as long as you swipe your AE Rewards card after each purchase. You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend. 100 points = 10% off. Sign up here! 

Stay tuned for more in my Back to School Essentials series.

-BL

What are your favorite money saving tips? Leave a comment & let me know!


Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
Email beverlylorrainefashion@gmail.com for more info or click here

*This is NOT a sponsored post.*

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

MAC Lip Products











Over the weekend I visited my local MAC store in search of the perfect nude(ish) lipstick.  It was suggested to me by a salesperson that the shade Creme Cup may be what I was looking for. I tried it on and fell in love. It was the perfect color. Personally, I like my nude lipstick to be on the pinker side and Creme Cup was just that. After that I looked around the store and picked out a Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed. I was immediately drawn to it's shimmery color. I thought it would look perfect over Creme Cup.

After wearing these two products for the past few days I have noticed that they are long wearing and both have great finishes. They look amazing by themselves or worn together. 

I love both of my purchases and I will definitely be visiting MAC again soon. 

-BL

What are your favorite MAC products? Let me know in a comment!


Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
Email beverlylorrainefashion@gmail.com for more info or click here

*This is NOT a sponsored post.*

Monday, August 5, 2013

I’m just now realizing that Freshmen Fashion is now over 1 year old. It is crazy to think that a year has passed. I have learned so much since starting this blog and it has introduced me to some awesome things and people. The fashion blogging community is very supportive of all of it’s members and I am happy to be one of those members.
It’s amazing how much can happen in a single year. I can’t believe that I will never be a high school freshman ever again. It's insane! Freshmen Fashion has been a place for me to talk about all of the things that I love and to share them with people who love them just as much as I do. I started this blog last summer to document my Freshmen year in fashion and to intermix my two greatest loves fashion and writing. I set out to showcase attainable fashion that was chic and affordable. I truly hope that my readers find inspiration from Freshmen Fashion. 
I want  to say thank you to everyone who has visited Freshmen Fashion, read a post, left a comment, and followed. I love reading your feedback. It makes me feel great to think that people appreciate the things that I write about. 
Personally, I believe that I have grown as a writer since my very first post written all the way back on June 12, 2012. I can only hope to better my writing and fashion knowledge in the future through this blog.
Thank you to everyone that has supported me over this past year. I greatly appreciate it. 
I hope that Freshmen Fashion will introduce to me to even more amazing blogs, people, and opportunities over the next year.
Thank you so much,
BL

Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
Email beverlylorrainefashion@gmail.com for more info or click here

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Shark Week 2013 Inspired Picks

As many of you may already know Shark Week starts tomorrow on Discovery Channel. 
Celebrate Shark Week with some of these fun shark inspired picks from Forever21, Wet Seal (oh, the irony), and more! 

Forever21
$13.80
Wet Seal 
NOW $10 
Hot Topic
$12.50
Macy's
NOW $18.99
Target
$12.99
ModCloth
$34.99
Discovery.com
$9.95
Forever21
$14.80

What's your favorite shark item? Leave a comment letting me know!

Enjoy Shark Week!
Happy August!
-BL


Looking for more exposure for your fashion website or clothing company? 
Advertise with my blog Freshmen Fashion!
Email beverlylorrainefashion@gmail.com for more info or click here

*This is NOT a sponsored post*