The Semester A-blog

I am sure it is pretty apparent that this was my first experience dabbling in the world of blogging--I am a noob at it.  Even a semester later, I cannot figure out the various layout tricks, what kinds of visuals can be put it, etc.  


In the beginning, I decided to write about something I love--fashion/clothing.  However, I found it strangely difficult for me to talk about something I love so much.  My mistake isn't the overall topic, it was the direction I went in.  Although I attempted to incorporate my quirkiness throughout the do's and don'ts, I should have been embarking on my own personal fashion adventure.  


A blog is a form of self-expression, so I should have been using to express myself--not to dictate what I thought was coming for the season, we have magazines for that.  


As I conclude my semester a-blog, I find myself feeling disappointed with what this blog became.  However, my mistakes and struggles with this will only make me a better writer, and maybe one day a decent blogger.  


For now, farewell to the blogging world--who knows when I will be back.

Re-tale

I love my job.  I really really love my job.  How many people can say that?  

I have worked various retail jobs since the age of 16--yes my first job was at Old Navy.  And despite my interesting experiences there, I have continued to branch out to various different types of clothing and retail stores working for fashion boutiques, surf shops, Quiksilver, Vans, and now Aldo.  Every store has brought me amazing experiences, frustrations, and most importantly, a passion for working in the retail and clothing industry.  

It may be difficult to understand, but there is an excitement I get from receiving new product into the store, and re-merchandising the product so that the store looks appealing and sleek; as well as sharing how awesome new things are with the customers that come in.  It is an industry I have grown to love and want to be a part of for the rest of my working days.  Although I do not want to be on the sales floor forever, it has given me a foundation to understand the workings of those above me.  There is a pecking order and everything is done a particular was for a reason--thats what makes a store successful.  

This summer I am embarking on the next step towards a career in the clothing industry.  I am doing an in-store internship with Nordstrom in South Coast Plaza--the largest and most prestigious mall in Orange County.  I will be trained, mentored, and gain experience working for them; and if I play my cards right, will be offered a job to follow my graduation.  

I am hoping this summer will lead me to the next step towards the career of my dreams.   

i hate short shorts

As a realistically figured woman with hips, one of my biggest pet peeves is other women of my physique smashing themselves into clothes that do not fit.  


Hence, one of the largest reasons I HATE SHORT SHORTS.  I'm talking up in all the wrong areas in the front, butt cheeks hanging out, short shorts.  You might as well strut around in a bathing suit or a loin cloth.  I am not from medieval times, so obviously I love shorter shorts that are about palm length.  Anything shorter, they are going to ride up into uncomfortable territory.

Even for the skinny minnies, I get it you want to show it off, but you don't have to look like a pole dancer doing it.  Besides, your wasting your money by spending $50 for a tiny piece of fabric to not cover all the areas that should be covered.

For the not so skinny ladies, learn to dress for your body.  Letting it all hang over the top of the shorts, or bulge out the bottom is horribly unattractive.

Get some class, ditch the booty shorts.

  

a day without shoes

One of my greatest loves is shoes.  Shoes, shoes, all things shoes.  I work for Aldo, an amazing shoe store and company--with a tantalizing employee discount that eats up many of my paychecks.  Needless to say, when it comes to fashion, shoes are my number one.  Then again, what is not to like about them?  Even on your "fat" days you can find a cute pair that fits.   

One footwear fad that has hit the scene in full force is Toms Shoes--a non-profit organization that lives by the 'one for one' concept of donating a pair of shoes for every customer purchased pair.  The movement started in 2006 when Blake Mycoskie, traveled to Argentina and met a large amount of children that did not have shoes.  Not having shoes leaves you vulnerable to diseases, cuts, injuries, and isolates you from various privileges and activities that require shoes.  Therefore, Toms is dedicated to donating a pair of shoes to a person in need around the world, for every pair of shoes purchased.   

The company has expanded and become a driving force in fashion's popular culture.  The styles, colors, patterns, and textures are all over the map, and are available for women, men, and children.  

A huge part of the Toms movement is their worldwide campaign of One Day Without Shoes.  On April 5th, supporters across the world are encouraged to go the entire day without wearing shoes.  The idea is to spread awareness, gain support, and feel what it would be like to not have any shoes to wear.

For our spring philanthropy event, my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, sponsored this day on our campus.  We tarp-ed a walk around our main quad with a shoe check-in, so that students to walk barefoot for at least a short amount of time.  We also had an awareness booth, fliers, donations, wristbands to sell, and more.  While we encouraged everyone to walk barefoot the entire day, the walk we set up served as a chance for people to participate in the purpose of this day--experiencing life without shoes.  

I went almost the entire day without wearing shoes...it was an eye-opening experience.  I cannot imagine having to stumble over the rocks, pavement, and dirt all day every day.  

I have a newfound appreciation for my shoes, and the fact that I am able to even have shoes to wear at all.  It humbling to get the slightest glimpse of what people across the world are forced to live like--although this is something I will never fully be able to experience.  

It is refreshing to see such an up and coming trend in the fashion industry giving back to a global issue. 

HOLE-y cow

There seems to be a trend circulating around Sonoma State's campus that has been driving me crazy.  It may be because after seeing it once, I was sincerely peeved, and have been on the lookout ever since--or it could be the fact that I am looking for ridiculous things people wear on campus for this blog.

Regardless, why do people feel the need to wear shoes/clothes with big fat holes in them?  I'm not talking a little moth hole only the well trained eye will see, I am talking larger than a quarter, definitely not meant to be there hole.  

The first offender I saw last week on my way out of class.  The girl was wearing the ever so popular cognac colored leather boots; however, they had a gaping hole right in the front.  I could see 3 out of her 5 toes spilling out of the shoe, not to mention poking out of the hole of her sock.  I thought common sense would kick in once a small hole began to wear on the boots, but when your foot is about to spill out all over the pavement, there is no question that it is time to put them to rest.  

Even worse, I recently saw a girl with a hole in the butt of her leggings.  It was already bad enough that you could see her ass through the spandex fabric--which is not designed to appropriately cover those body parts anyway--there was a dime sized hole exposing bare skin!  I wanted to give her my sweater to tie around her waste, in hopes of sparing other innocent passer-bys on campus.  If your going to be experimenting with leggings, wear a long enough shirt to cover your butt and the camel toe that will inevitably arise, as well as check for holes...come on people.

I apologize if the holey clothes are by any means a reflection of the individuals financial state--we are all struggling college students.  However, some of the offenders I have seen lately are clearly not struggling by the looks of other parts of their outfits and accessories.  So why the holes?  Learn to retire your clothes once they get holes in them...common sense.

Part Deux

As promised, I am continuing my list of tips and tricks to living fashionably on a college budget.


3)  Many people fear the thrift and second-hand stores.  While, there is sometimes reason to fear, you'd be surprised by the treasures you find.  A lot of times, second-hand stores have designer clothes on an affordable budget--and while yes, they have been worn by someone else, they have been washed!  You borrow your friends clothes?  Whats the big deal.  Stores such as Nimble in Cotati, are the perfect place to test out the waters of second-hand store shopping.  You'd be surprised by the great pieces you can find, for a great price.  


4)  Forever 21.  Forever 21 has become one of, if not the most popular store among teens and young adults shopping on a budget.  Their clothes are inspired by current trends and the works of popular designers, but are sold at price-point.  I have been an advocate of Forever 21 for years--why not they have cute clothes that generally don't cost more than $20 or $30.  However, I have recently been struggling with their selection.  For one, they only cater to one body type, so it makes it difficult to find clothes that fit the average woman the right way.  Not to mention, the quality is not up to par by any means.  Conversely, I have been able to fill my closet with various things from their store when I've gotten lucky enough to find a good fit that does not look cheap.  My advice is to still utilize Forever 21's trends at an affordable price, but make sure you save up to incorporate quality pieces into your wardrobe.

budget crisis

As a fashionista on a college budget, I have gained much experience over the past few years for dressing fashionably on a tight budget.  

Before we begin, it is important to understand the difference between dressing on a budget, and looking cheap.  Cheap must be avoided at ALL costs.  When I say cheap, I do not mean on sale or for a low price--the sale rack can often be the jackpot.  Items that are not well made, stitching falling apart, tacky embellishments, or just plain tacky fabric are what define cheap.  (To be more specific, this would include pleather, even worse, colored pleather, Rhine stoning, metallics, etc.--not hard to tell what looks tacky).

Exhibit A & B:  Don't even dare.

My next few posts are going to be my tricks of the trade for styling yourself on a tight budget.  

*Keep in mind that these techniques can be combined with each other, or fly solo based on your needs and your wallet.

1.  First, is knowing when to buy.  Don't tease yourself by going to your favorite store, when that extra money in your bank account is reserved for bills.  You will be less likely to splurge if you just steer clear when you can't afford it.  If your going to the mall with friends, just leave your credit cards at home, or pull out the amount of cash that you are able to spend.  However, don't be afraid to have a little fun and try stuff on.  This way, you can keep in mind your favorites for when you are able to spend.  This also deters you from making impulsive buys that leave you with regret later on.  I can’t tell you how many times I would impulsively splurge on a top or pair of jeans, and wear them once—those were the rookie days.     

 2.  Second, is making sure you cover all your bases.  Do not put all your eggs in one basket.  If you spend all your ‘shopping’ money on nice jeans, but have crappy tops or shoes, what’s the point of having nice jeans?  If your budget is thin, spread it out.  Make sure you have the necessities, and then splurge evenly so that you have a well-rounded wardrobe.

These are two basic techniques to start with, look out for more in volume 2.

My Latest Obsessions

There are always pieces in my wardrobe that mark the central theme of my closet, and what I am actually wearing from my closet.  Although I always try my best to incorporate things I have worn multiple times by spicing them up with a new accessory or style of wearing it, I find myself relying on central pieces, colors, and themes in a seasonal rotation.


Coming into Spring, the "ultra nude" is blossoming, where a mix of nudes, tans, rose pinks, olive greens, and mustard yellows are dominating part of the fashion scene as well as my closet.  I find myself attracted to these neutral colors as well as flowery prints providing a modest yet fashionable trend.  


To incorporate this style into my every day dress, there are a few pieces I rely heavily on--but am especially careful not  to overwear.  


Must have #1:  An army cargo chic, olive green jacket.  One that incorporates the pockets of a cargo, the metal embossing for style, drawstrings to shape your waist, and a hood are all components that I love about mine.  The length that reaches halfway down my rear gives it the ideal length as well allowing me to wear it with dresses, shorts, and jeans.  The olive green niches perfectly into the "ultra nude" color wheel, adding a soft yet colorful aspect to the neutral tones. 

Brass Revival Cargo Jacket by Free People

$138

Must have #2:  Eyelit lace top--preferably floral.  A simple lace top in either nude, cream, or even white can be worn over a cami with jeans, over a solid colored dress, a romper, or with a skirt.  This versatile piece will go great with most of your wardrobe during the spring regardless of the trend you are obsessing over.  It is all about how you accessorize and style it.

Lace Brocade Top, Forever21

$24.80

Must have #3:  Neutral colored (of course!) infinity scarf.  I love the infinity scarf because it can be worn as one long loop, or wrapped up around your neck for warmth.  The cream color I have can be thrown over practically anything in my closet and adds something extra to the plain shirt and cardigan I find myself relying on on my way to class!

Must have #4:  A light rose pink leather belt.  Obviously these can be any color, however I am obsessed with my rose pink one.  They key is in the size--thinner is better!  If a belt is too thick it can become overbearing on the outfit when it should be a simple accessory.  

Must have #5:  Combat boots.  Disclaimer:  not everyone can pull these off.  However, if worn with the right pieces and accessorized with the right color combinations, they can be fabulous--as opposed to manly.  

Barberis, Aldo Shoes $120

     

Back to Basics

There is a common misconception that style and fashion means owning an array of exotic pieces and runway worthy outfits.  Of course, having some of these are essential to have to being a fashionista; however, when it comes to being fashionable on an every day basis, there are basic pieces every girl should have in her closet.

1)  Jeans:  Not to state the obvious, but jeans are an essential staple for any human being.  Depending on the style, wash, and brand, they can be dolled up, shlepped down, or worn any way you please.  In terms of the basics of jeans, there are a few styles and washes that are essential.  Every girl should have the standard medium to dark wash bootcut, some version of a skinny jean (body type permitting), a pair of black jeans, and at least one--hopefully more--pair of nice, make me feel sexy jeans.  

2)  Leggings:  Ankle-length black leggings are an absolute must.  They are ultimate for dressing comfortable while still looking presentable.  Now, I specify ankle-length and black for important reasons:  calf length leggings make your legs look short and accentuate the possibility of a camel toe; and although the colored leggings look fun, this is not the 80's or kindergarten--stick to black.  

3)  The V-Neck:  As a staple in any wardrobe, plain v-neck t-shirts are essential for every day dressing.  They can be worn with jeans, leggings, sweaters, scarves, jackets, etc.; and don't be afraid to get colorful here.  Excluding the neon's of course, your outfit should have some color and in terms of basics, the v-neck could be your perfect opportunity.  

4)  Sweaters/Cardigans:  A few good sweaters or cardigans will get you far.  There can be multiple variations of style and colors--the more the better.  In terms of basics, however, I advise that you stick to solid colors.  Wild prints, colors, and patterns can be too much for such a basic piece.  As with all these basics, its how you accessorize and combine pieces that make the outfit.

5)  Shoes...duh:  Rather than making multiple bullets for essential shoes, I decided to just combine them all into one.  I currently work in a high end shoe store, and this experience has only heightened my obsession and my knowledge of them.  The first essential pair of shoes that every one should have is a good pair of real leather boots.  It confuses me when people refuse to suck it up and spend a little more money than desired for a good pair of boots.  For one, they'll last WAY longer.  Two, you'll wear them time after time.  And third, real leather just looks better.  Why go the cheap route when you can save up for a nice pair that will last you awhile?  Another essential in the shoe department are flats.  As I stated in my previous post, flats can be worn when you feel like moping around comfortably, as well as dressed up with a semi-casual outfit.  Other essentials I have stumbled across include: black heels, nude heels, and wedges.  Don't forget that your shoes can make or break your outfit!

When in doubt go back to basics--sometimes the simplest of outfits can go the farthest.

No wonder they call them "UGG's"

            I would like to consider myself a college fashionista—a fashion savvy and style loving queen on my campus.  However, I am still crafting my personal style, falling victim to classic mistakes in a rush to get to class, and working through the frustrations of dressing on a college, aka excruciatingly tight, budget.  From the looks of my campus, I am not alone; and although I do find comfort in the ‘faux pas’ of my peers, their tragedies and triumphs are my greatest inspirations.   

            My most recent frustration roots from a bad habit that I have been guilty of numerous times, and results from the sheer laziness of not caring what you look like—a characteristic attitude of the college student.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need to get ready quick and be comfy; however there is a massive difference between dressing down and looking like crap. 

            My latest fashion bylaw—which I am committing to in a successful attempt to eliminate the ‘dumpy I don’t care look’—is:  ditch the UGG boots.  The name says it all, ugh.  ‘UGG’ boots are all to often the go to shoe of the college student, when in reality they’re some sort of elongated slipper with a sole that can withstand concrete.  Not to mention how worn out they usually are and the irritating noise made from your heels dragging on the floor.  In my book, there are only three acceptable occasions to be wearing these in public:  in high school, in the rain, and when you have the flu, that’s it. 

            Now, if you insist on wearing your pajamas in public, wear the boots, there is no saving you.  However, even the people least knowledge-able in the fashion department can successfully ditch the ‘ugh’ boots, look presentable, and stay comfortable.  In terms of shoe alternatives, simple flats, cute sandals, or leather/suede boots without a heel are staples.  Pair any of these with some leggings and an oversized sweater and voila! you have an outfit.  These changes are effortless and simple, so please, think before you wear what your wore to bed in public. 

DISCLAIMER—it is still wintertime, and if you choose to expose your toes with sandals, please get a pedicure.