We Get Inspiration from the Media

A lot of our fashion trends come from movie characters.  Movies inspire fashion in so many ways.

Serena van der Woodsen- Gossip Girl

Blair Waldorf- Gossip Girl

Cher Horowitz- Clueless

Elle Woods- Legally Blonde

Holly Golightly- Breakfast at Tiffany's

Andy Sachs- The Devil Wears Prada

Carrie Bradshaw- Sex and the City

Fashion Trends in College

We all know that there are universal fashion trends that we follow.  Maybe everyone is wearing white jeans.  Or floral kimonos are in style.  My favorite was back in high school when yoga pants became a trend.  First couple week you see people starting to wear them.  Then, all of a sudden, BAM! Yoga pants are everywhere! It was like the entire female student body went out and bought a pair.

There are many trends out there that get started, but have you ever thought of college fashion trends?  Each campus, besides wearing their school logos and spirit wear, develop a campus trend.  I guess being in close quarters with people in your own private community results in the creation of trends.

Let's take a look at some major universities.
These trends are based on how the students dress, so if these school were a store these are the stores that they would be...

Princeton University would be J. Crew.  Here the student like the wear argyle and pearls.  This is an Ivy League school, and it's Princeton...what else should we have expected.

The University of California would be American Apparel.  These people aren't too concerned with fashion because they are living by the beach.  They are more into the colorful shorts and fun tanks.

New York City Art Schools would be Urban Outfitters.  Here you will see students with their scarves, tanks and skinny jeans.  You will also catch them wearing sunglasses, even indoors.

Marquette University would be American Eagle.  People at Marquette are very laid back.  The campus isn't too trendy and dresses more simple in t-shirts and jeans.

Villanova University in Pennsylvania would be The North Face.  Majority of campus is seen in North Face coats and light jackets.  Rain is a huge factor so students always have their bright colored umbrellas and rain boots.  

Have you ever noticed a trend at your school?

I personally feel that the people at my school have such a diverse style that I wouldn't even be able to classify my school as one store.  I feel like that is a good thing because it shows that everyone has their own style and you don't see people dressed the same walking around campus.

Songs to Get You Pumped for Going Out

When I am getting ready to go out I like to turn up the music and listen to songs that pump me up and get me ready for going out.  Whether your sitting in your chair applying your make up or running around the room looking for your clothes, here is a playlist to get you motivated to look your best.

Fancy- Iggy Azalea

Louboutins- Jennifer Lopez

Fashion!- Lady Gaga

Supermodel- Taylor Dayne

Beautiful- Christina Aguilera

Sexy and I Know It- LMFAO

Vogue- Madonna

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)- Beyonce

Suit & Tie- Justin Timberlake

   

Picture Perfect- Chris Brown

Check out YouTube for more songs and videos.

Also, my personal favorite is Spotify.  Spotify is perfect for listening to playlists that will fit the mood you're in and the type of songs you want to listen to.

Spring Break Style

It's almost here, the week that has been on our mind and distracting us from our studies.  Yes, I am talking about spring break! Sprangggggg breakkkkkkkkk!

You have probably already been seeing the pictures on Instagram and the videos on snapchat.  People are living it up in PCB, Cancun and other beaches around the country.  If you happen to be one of these lucky people you are going to need to know what to bring with you on your adventure.

Here's a quick packing list for you all...

1.  Swim suits

You cannot go to the beach without a good bikini, or a few.  If your are going to be on a week you can expect to be wearing one everyday.  Victoria's Secret swim collection has  a wide variety of stylish swimsuits to choose from.  They are definitely worth the investment.

2.  Cropped tops

    Nice weather means its time to break out the cropped tops.  March weather can be hit or miss, but       you can pair them with high waisted pants, shorts or skirts.

3.  Crew necks

   At night, especially on the beach it gets colder when the sun goes down.  If your hanging around        outside or sitting by the sand you are going to want to stay warm.

4.  Dresses/Rompers

   
Warm weather means we can finally wear dresses.  We wear dresses for a day at the beach or a night out for dinner.  When I go on vacation I will wear a dress almost everyday.

    

      

Campus Sidewalk or College Runway?

When we think of stereotypical college fashion, we think of sweatshirts, sweatpants and hair in a bun.  This may seem like the best option when you're coming off of 4 hours of sleep and have a bio lab to get to, but we don't have to follow the stereotype.  Let's prove to people that college students don't live in sweatpants.

Campus is a place to show off your style and show that you care about getting ready in the morning.  Everyone has their own style whether its skirts and blazers, floral dresses, loose fitting sweaters, leather jackets or colored pants.

I can tell you that people notice when you come to class dressed up or even just to the library.  I remember my first week of college, a couple people in the bookstore told me that they appreciated the fact that I have been dressing up everyday instead of throwing on some comfy clothes.  People take notice of these things!

There is a lot of energy is seeing a girl in a pair of high-heels.  Trust me its not always because they are comfortable to wear.  We see a lot more people now upping their game and showing off their style.

An outfit can say a lot about your personality and set you apart from others, while also inspiring others and setting trends.

Kiss Me I'm Irish

I am actually not Irish so I guess no kisses for me on St. Patrick's day.  But, the phrase "Kiss Me I'm Irish" happens to be a fashion statement on this holiday.  You will see girls wearing these shirts, even guys sometimes.

There are also the shirts for the people like me "the pretenders" that pretend to be Irish for the day.

 The phrase comes from the legend of the Blarney Stone that was set in the wall of the Blarney Castle Tower in Ireland.  Kissing the stone was believed to bring the kisser a gift.  A woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who had saved her.  When the king kissed the stone he was given the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly.  It was crazy what people used to do to kiss the stone.  Kissing the Blarney stone brings you good luck so if you can't kiss the stone the next best chance of getting good luck is "kissing an irish person."

Let's just take a minute to think about the number of lips that touched the stone over those 500 years...

It is interesting to see where this fashion trend originated from and to know that it isn't just something that a bunch of girls made up to get kissed.  It still is the main reason most people wear these shirts though.

If you really want to show you St. Patrick's Day spirit and dress in all green, then you should bring your shamrock pride downtown Chicago to the St. Patricks Day parade this Saturday March 14th.
Put together your craziest outfit because in Chicago there are no limits on how far people are willing to go when it comes to St.Patty's Day fashion.

I have made it a tradition since I've been in college to go with all of my friends.  It's not only a great time, but a lot of fun to dress a little crazy!

Spring is Right Around the Corner

It has finally arrived! This morning I walked out of my room with only a light jacket on.  The sun is out, the snow is melting and the weather is above 40 degrees.  Life is good.

With this enjoyable spring weather come spring apparel.  Say goodbye to puffy winter jackets, gloves, scarves, hats, winter boots...should i keep going?  And say hello to jean jackets, dresses and WHITE.  Yes, I follow the rules of wearing white.  It is a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.  Now there are some exceptions to this rule of course and it can be bent.

Fashion Week occurred recently and all the new styles and trends were revealed for this upcoming spring.  Let's take a look at what we should be looking forward to!  

Trend #1:  Shirtdresses

Is it a shirt or is it a dress? It's both! This new style of a dress has the top of a shirt button down and collared while also being long enough to pass for a dress.  Add a belt around the waist and you've got a perfect outfit that is casual and cute.  

Trend #2:  Yellow

Okay, most people will say that yellow is not the color for them and it is usually not people's first choice for clothing.  But hear me out.  There are all different shades of yellow, you can find one that fits you.  Yellow is a a fun and happy color.  It will make you stand out this spring.

Trend #3:  Black and White

This is nothing new.  Black and white is a trend that will never die.  I personally always gravitate toward black and white clothes.  I will go shopping with strong intentions of buying a purple top or bright colors, but I will leave the store with something black or white.  This spring people are getting creative with these colors.  Make your black and white wardrobe interesting with textures and patterns.  Circles, polka dots and checkered looks are especially popular this year.  

Trend #4:  One-Shoulder Cuts

The new thing this year is showing shoulders.  I've even noticed walking through the mall that so many shirt are one-shoulder or off the shoulders.  These shirts are perfect for vacations or being outside in the warm weather.  And at night they make the perfect top for date night.  

Trend #5:  Obi Belts

For those of you who don't know what an obi belt is, don't feel bad i didn't know either.  It originated in Japan and was part of the Japanese fashion culture.  They would tie them around dresses, kimonos and they were even used in martial arts.  This is the new and one of the most flattering fashion statements of the spring.  They are worn to accentuate your waist and work best for dresses, jumpsuits and trench coats.   

Visit this Spring Couture site to see more of the best looks and styles for this season!

Thank God its Friday

Friday is the day when everyone can relax and forget about classes for a little while.  It is the day we all look forward to and count down the days, hours and minutes until it is finally here.  It is also the time to go out.  Weekends are the time to go out on dates and go out with friends.

For me what Friday night comes down to is rummaging through and closet to find the perfect outfit for the night.  But the perfect outfit depends on the occasion , whether its a nice dinner or a college party.

Going out to a party 

If you're going out to a party, or even a night in the city you may want a look that has a little more edge.  I personally love leather.  Leather is always fun for going out, although it may not be the most comfortable option.  With my experiences of going out, there may be a lot of people and in that case you want to be prepared and wear something light and with room to breathe.

Black is always great for going out.  You can never go wrong with wearing black.  Not to mention it goes with almost everything.

If its cold out a peacoat is great to wear over your outfit.  The red especially is eye catching and perfect for the weekends.

Going out on a date

Probably the most stressful time to get ready.  Between the constant tossing clothes all over the room and changing outfits 50 times.  Here are a couple tips to help you out.

First, if you are going to a fancier restaurant or somewhere nice you may want to wear a dress.

 Throwing a leather jacket or jean jacket over your jacket is a great idea for putting the outfit together.  Black and white is also a good way to go.  Or if you're feeling daring you can go with an off the shoulder style.

If you're looking for something more simple, but still fashionable you may want to go with dark skinny jeans and a blouse and even a crop top for those more casual dates.

 One thing to remember is that whatever you decide to wear, you want to be comfortable.  There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable all night long.  Although, it is an exception to sacrifice for a pair of heels.

I know that when I am getting ready for a date I need at least a good 2 hours.  For those of you who want a guide or a checklist for getting ready.  Here are some Date Night Dos and Don'ts to take a look at.

Going Out with the Girls

There are also the fun outfits for the nights out with the girls.  Bright colors and fashion pants, while still staying casual.  These are perfect for any type of outing whether it be movies, bowling, shopping or just a good ole time.

When I am going out with my girls sometimes we have to wrack our brains just to think of something fun to do.  Sound familiar? So when you in this situation check out these Girls Night suggestions.  There not only some good movie suggestions, but also some fun ideas for having a low key night with your best friends.

So when the weekend comes around hopefully you will have some new ideas to go out and look good!