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!

Be Wild, Wear Prints

Sometimes normal colors are just plain boring.  It's time you make a change and spice up your wardrobe.  Prints and patterns are the perfect way to do that.  I will show you some of the most popular prints you can play around with for your outfits. 

Cheetah Print

Snake Skin 

Leopard Print

Floral Print

Polka Dots

Stripes

Wondering where you can find these? My suggestions would be to check out stores like Guess, Forever 21 and Dry Goods.

Having a Bad Hair Day?

When getting dressed in the morning your hair isn't always how you want it to be.  For these days you don't have to worry because there are many ways to fix that!

Working at a salon the number one thing that taught me is that hair products are your best friends. You should not live without them.  To complete that perfect outfit you put on the only thing to make it better is a good hair day.

I am going to share some of my favorites with you all.  I couldn't live without them in college.

 My number one go to at any time of the day is moroccanoil.  The Moroccanoil brand itself is great for any type of hair. It works best in wet hair, and is great for blowdrying because it will make your hair soft and silky. Even for running through your hair when you wake up in the morning makes a huge difference. I use this in my hair almost every night and my roommate does too now.  Freshman year of college the whole floor of girls loved this product!

Another great Moroccanoil product is the hairspray. It is perfect for a good hold after you're finished doing your hair. Us girls love our hairspray, even though we may like it a little too much at times. Sorry to the girls in the bathroom who had to walk through my clouds of hairspray...

There is so much I can say about Oribe. It is the caviar of hair products. I only ever discovered it after I started working at a salon. This supershine moisturizing cream WILL work wonders on anyones hair.  I use it in the morning when I wake up with no time to do my hair. It is also great to use before blowdrying or after styling. 

You only need a little bit in your hand and then run it all through your hair. You will be amazed at how shiny and smooth your hair will instantly become. It is always the best solution to your hair problem.  

Ever wake up in the morning with a bunch of tangles in your hair? Or even find knots throughout the day? A couple sprays of Unite 7seconds condition and you will be good! My hair always brushes out perfectly after I use it.

And finally there is my thermal protecting spray from Alfaparf. It is perfect for the times when I decide to either straighten or curl my hair, especially on the weekends. It will keep your hair strong against the heat.

No matter if its going to class, going to work, going out with friends or even going on a date, these products will not disappoint you!

If you are in the Downtown Naperville area, you can find these products and more at Michael Graham Salon and Spa.  Otherwise you can purchase these online or in select stores.