The College Fashionista // budget-friendly fashion

According to their Instagram bio, College Fashionista is a fashion website for those who are passionate about the latest college fashion styles and trends on campuses around the world... *raises hand* yep, that's me!

My earliest fashion memory happened when I was in the first grade. It was Christmas time and I had just received a surplus of the standard pastel-colored dresses from Gymboree and The Children's Place among other countless outfits for a mini-fashionista. What did I choose to wear first? Not those dresses. I distinctively remember pairing a red and navy striped shirt with turquoise corduroys. I was even rocking the half-tucked look. I remember thinking that this outfit was the epitome of awesome. I couldn't wait to wear it to school. Although my mother may not have been the biggest fan of this ensemble, she let me wear it. Even at that age, it felt exhilarating to put together my own outfits from what I had in my tiny-person closet.

Fast-forward a few years to the start of my freshman year at George Mason University. It seemed like centuries had passed since my stripes-on-courdourys look in the first grade. One thing that remained constant as I grew up was my relentless love of fashion. I remember choosing my outfit on the first day of college classes, still feeling the very same exhilaration that I felt in the first grade. Fashion is not merely a way of expressing myself, fashion IS my ENTIRE self.

Forever 21 Denim Shirtdress ($29.90)

Needless to say I was ecstatic when Style Guru Jenny Fotang found me on Instagram and asked if I would like to be featured on College Fashionista. Deciding what to wear for the photo shoot was a no-brainer. In my mind I thought, "college blog, college budget."

I am well aware that college students don't always have the means to rock Alexander Wang t-shirts and Acne jeans. This is what inspired me to scour through Forever 21 to find a swoon-worthy look that pleases a tight budget.

To be honest, I don't typically shop at Forever 21. In high school I had far too many bad experiences with their clothes. The clothes are made with virtually the cheapest fabrics on the market and not designed to last longer than one season. HOWEVER. Yes, my friends, there is always a however. If you are longing for an affordable, on-trend look, Forever 21 is the place to shop. You are guaranteed to find the latest trends and styles for a next-to-nothing price. Just don't expect whatever you purchase to last very long.

Now that we've gone from Christmas of 2002 all the way to my freshman year of college, go shop the looks below from my CF photo shoot. Read the full story by the fabulous Miss Jenny Fotang right here.

Forever 21 Crossbody Bag ($14.90)

Express Wedge Sandals  ($29.99)

J.Crew Cuffs ($29.90), Express Cuff ($16.90)