Category Archives: Blog

rock the crop

Michelle Hammond

While they are certainly nothing new to the fashion scene (nothing ever really is, is it?) there is no denying crop tops are up there on the list of this season’s spring must haves. With the recent return of the high-waisted skirt though, the crop top’s comeback should come as no surprise.

crop top

Photo via style.mtv.com

 

Slowly but surely, this small piece of clothing has gone from being 90s girl band attire to gracing the runway of designers like Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, Chanel House of Holland and many more. Naturally, it has trickled down to some of the more accessible stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. What we may have once deemed tacky, uncool and even unflattering is back and apparently cooler and classier than ever. What better way to welcome the warm weather than by showing off some of that soon-to-be sun kissed skin, right? I still can’t decide if I’m for them or against them but all I can say is: wear them wisely. There is a vast difference between an undergarment and a top. That being said, rock that crop ladies!

   
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Swimsuit trends: Itsy Bitsy

By Ruthie Burst and Courtney Schellin

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Photo from Google images

Photo from Google images

Sun’s out, buns out…literally!

After many SMU students flocked to beach weather for spring break there was one trend that was nearly impossible to miss. When it comes to swimsuits, the tinier, the better.

It seems from generation to generation, swimsuit cuts are constantly changing, and the  styles are becoming smaller and smaller by the season.  Specifically swimsuit bottoms, which are looking more like thongs these days.

With less and less fabric becoming the hottest trend hitting the beach, it doesn’t necessarily mean less and less options. Despite less material and coverage, swimsuit designers are creating even more creative designs than ever before.

Swimsuit lines including Acacia, Victoria’s Secret and Montce are just some of the few who have come out with teeny bikinis being seen all over beaches.

From crochet and cut outs, the classic cut of the popular one-piece during the nineties has changed so drastically now that it does not look like a one-piece at all.

And the patterns. Oh, the patterns.  The sky is the limit. Whether you’re someone who opts for plain colors to mix and match or incredibly vivid color prints, there’s bound to be an option for you.

As for accents, leather, bows, strings and chains are just some of the few pieces being added to swimsuits to distinguish themselves from the rest. L Space and Lolli swimwear are just some of the few sporting these trends.

Disclaimer: While these bikini bottoms might help us all avoid drastic tan lines, they should be worn by only the fittest, and bravest, among us.

Ladies — if you look like Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel,  you’re an exception to this rule.  Victoria’s Secret models flaunt these trends because they have the bodies to do so.

But let’s be honest – most girls shouldn’t wear these bottoms in public.  What’s being labeled as “itsy” reveals way too much.

In fact, itsy bitsy bikini bottoms may actually draw negative attention to the bums of most average-sized girls.

So next time you’re on the hunt for a sexy new swimsuit, be sure to think about just how much you’re willing to reveal. If you dare to bare, don’t be afraid to turn up the heat and grab yourself a teeny bikini to rock on the beach, because with all these options available, there’s never been a better time to buy a swimsuit. Remember: You don’t have to follow every trend to be stylish.

   
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life is short. heels shouldn’t be.

by Elle Finney

After putting an immense amount of energy into being a tomboy for the majority of my childhood, everything changed when I found a pink, bedazzled, pointed-toe flat from DSW (yes, they were as ugly as they sound) that made me realize there was more to life than being a mediocre soccer player. Now, I wish I could include “shoe connoisseur” under the “Skills” section of my resume, but then I realize that’s not a quality worth hiring for… although it should be.

I try not to pick favorites when it comes to shoes, but as a college student practicality and comfort are essential. Give me a wedge and a platform and I’m good to go. The platform dominated the heel market for the past two years, but unfortunately a much less secure shoe is slowly replacing the platform.

Sandals and pumps without the extra quarter-inch cushion are gracing runways and streets everywhere.  These shoes are much more ornate than they have been in the past. Without the chunkiness of the platform, the elaborate shoes still manage to be demure and elegant.

aquazza

Aquazzua‘s Spring/Summer 2014 collection

Some are strappy, some have laser cutouts, but overall they’re immaculate forms of artwork. As excited as I am to incorporate these shoes into my wardrobe, I’m not sure if my feet and ankles are as thrilled.

There was something about that extra oomph that made me feel more supported. There’s a buffer between you and the ground, and you don’t feel every nook and cranny that you wobble on.

The platform will not go extinct but lately, the prettier the shoe the more uncomfortable it is. As someone who can’t go anywhere without a heel, I feel like there will be much more “heel training” coming my way as this trend carries on. Hopefully you will glide into this trend much more gracefully than I have.

Remember: “Life is short. Heels shouldn’t be.” – Brian Atwood

   
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texans new source of entertainment news

by Grace Merck

Inside Entertainment is soon to be Texas’ first ever entertainment news show. Produced by Dallas HD Films, Inside Entertainment is based in Dallas and will focus on local entertainment news and beyond. The show is hosted by Bri Crum and Paul Salfen and will air on the KTXD 47 local network. Inside entertainment premiered Friday, March 7, and will run every Friday at 10:30am and 5:30pm and Saturdays at 11:00pm.

inside entertainment

Inside Entertainment will give viewers the inside scoop on all things pop culture. They plan on keeping Dallas locals current on what’s hot in Hollywood, Texas, and beyond. According to one of the show’s hosts, Bri Crum, [Inside Entertainment] was created out of a love for Texas, and realizing that Texas is missing one particular form of media exposure: Entertainment News about Texas pop culture and lifestyle through TV programming.” Some of the segments included in the show will cover fashion shows, movie premiers, award shows, professional sporting events, travel segments, and food and wine festivals.

Inside Entertainment hosted a successful premier party event at The House of Blues in downtown Dallas. The show’s two hosts, the production team, and some of Dallas’ hottest socialites and fashonistas were in attendance. The venue was buzzing with excitement as the audience awaited the first viewing of Dallas’ new show. There were two full service bars serving signature pineapple cocktails, photo booths and green screens, and a popcorn bar set up for party guests to enjoy. In the premier episode guests watched the shows hosts interview Oscar Winners, spend time with celebrities in behind the scene gifting suites, and check out new spring trends in Dallas’ Downtown Neiman Marcus.

   
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sjp for nordstrom

Jenna Veldhuis

Anyone who tuned into Sex and the City will tell you that of the four characters Carrie Bradshaw always had the best shoes, memorably saying that, “Men I may not know, but shoes, shoes I know.”

Though a decade has passed since the finale of the beloved show, Carrie’s shoe collection remains infamous, with the Pinterest boards to prove it.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that Sarah Jessica Parker, the actress who brought Carrie to life and a style icon herself, recently launched the SJP Collection for Nordstrom. The line consists of shoes, clutches, and the “Manhattan” trench coat, designed by Parker in collaboration with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik.

Parker was recently in town promoting the collection at Nordstrom at Northpark Center.  Customers who made an SJP Collection purchase got the chance to meet Parker and have their item signed by the designer herself.

SJP Collection features 25 different shoe styles, with style names like the “Diana,” after Lady Di and the “Carrie,” a shoe the character would no doubt be proud to wear.

image via Nordstrom

image via Nordstrom

   
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Fendi’s furry critters

by Naomi Bowen

image via http://www.eonline.com/news/512921/cara-delevingne-carries-furry-karl-lagerfeld-doll-at-fendi-show-take-a-look

image via E!Online

Last fall, Fendi’s little furry critters made their runway debut. Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director for Fendi, is combining the bag bug’s popularity (or buggies as they’re affectionally called) with his own mega-superstardom.

karl and cara

image via Cara Delevingne’s

Cara Delevingne marched down the Fall/Winter 2014 runway in a giant fur hood holding the miniature furry Lagerfeld, as if she was carrying a lantern to light the runway. Front row Instagrammers in Milan quickly snapped as many pictures as they could and American’s woke up with a new overnight star. Delevingne and Lagerfeld got on action, to promote Lagerfeld’s newest mini me.

The newest addition to the buggie family is sure to sell out fast. While there is no official news on when or where the Lagerfeld fur ball will be sold, Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman have all sold buggies in the past. Bergdorf Goodman currently has other versions of the fur covered monster bag charm available for pre-order. Be prepared past buggies have retailed between $500-$700, and sold out before they even hit the market. While these furry charms aren’t the most practical, carrying Uncle Karl on your arm is a constant chic fashion fairy godfather who’s sure to bring you luck.

   
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Miami in Dallas

by Amelia Ambrose

For spring break this year I am going to Miami. As excited as I am, I have to be ready for the culture shock. Miami has a unique culture. A place full of fashions completely different than Dallas. Skin is always in. You can never show too much, and dresses are never too tight.miami beach

No shirt, no shoes, no problem. Well, not exactly, but you get the picture.  With a whole different reputation, Miami can afford to break the rules.

It can be a little intimidating exploring all that Miami boutiques have to offer, but fun and liberating at the same time.  I’m not the only one who is going to be exposed to these exotic trends. Dallas will soon get a taste of the fashion.

On March 22, 2014, GGC is hosting the second annual “Miami in Dallas” Poolside Spring Fashion show at Sisu in Uptown. Joanna Krupa from Bravos Real Housewives of MIAMI will host this ghetto-fabulous event. There will be many up-coming designers and boutiques showcasing their latest designs.

There will be cocktails as you mingle around with other A-list celebrities, socialites, and trendsetters. This is a stress-free event that can show guests all that Miami has to offer, without having to leave Dallas. It is a perfect opportunity to take a chance on these looks, whether you buy the Miami-style clothing or just get ideas for when you do take a trip to the 305.

Whatever the case, this will be a fun event that will kick off the swimsuit season– South Beach style.

   
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academy awards fashion hype

by Virgina Boswell

oscars

In the midst of the international Fashion Week buzz, it is easy to forget that fashion news will be made right here in the States on the red carpet of the Academy Awards. Of course, tons of die-hard award season fanatics have posted their predictions in all 24 categories, but others are wondering: who will get best dressed?

The Academy Awards, just like the rest of award season, is an ode to great acting as well as great fashion. The red carpet has become the catwalk for couture gowns and flashy jewelry as girls -and boys- crowd around the TV with popcorn and champagne to host their own personal fashion police.

Fashion-savvy viewers will be watching hoping their favorite actress takes the carpet in their top-pick designer’s gowns. The spring 2014 couture collections have several award-winning dresses that will hopefully be seen on March 2. Embellishment, the color red, sheer fabrics, and Old Hollywood glam have been predicted for red carpet trends from designers like Dior, Elie Saab, Oscar de la Renta, Saint Laurent…the list goes on.

Stylists everywhere are gearing up to showcase their talents and ability to snag the coveted hot off the runway gowns. Whether sticking to classic silhouettes or edgy pieces, one thing is for certain; the 2014 Academy Awards red carpet will be epic.

So, get ready to play ‘best and worse dressed of the night’ with your friends on Sunday, March 2 and enjoy a look into the couture world of fashion and film. As much as everyone loves a great gown, finding the worst is always more fun.

 

   
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Peter Pilotto . . . at Target

Bowen Photo 1By Naomi Bowen

Another Target designer collaboration is upon us, and it’s perfectly timed for Spring Break. The collection comes from dynamic print duo Peter Pilotto, and the bold prints that usually carry a hefty price tag are available from $16.99 to $79.99 at the discount retailer.  The brightly colored separates, beachwear, dresses and a floral romper will make you forget the freezing weather outside and transport you to your upcoming Spring Break beach.

Similar to past designer collaborations, this Target collection is going quickly. Luckily several Targets surround SMU, and the Medallion Center location’s shelves were still almost full over 24 hours after the collection’s launch. Some pieces are still available , and you can check to see if your must-have is available in any of the local stores. The slip-on sneakers, structured blazer and neon bikinis are perfect whether you’re headed to Destin, Cabo San Lucas or the Caribbean.

Don’t fret if you don’t immediately see what you’re looking for. Target has a generous 90-day return policy, so check back frequently and you might be in luck. If you can’t live without one of the colorful prints in your life, eBay has almost the entire collection but the prices are higher. While the marked-up eBay prices are steep, considering normal Peter Pilotto dresses run you several hundred, or even thousands, of dollars, you’re still getting a bargain. Local consignment stores may also see stock, but don’t expect it until after Target’s return policy runs out. Happy shopping!

   
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sneakers for spring

by Naomi Bowen

This spring, fashion has a new darling and luckily it’s something we already have in our closets: sneakers. Granted, the sneakers stomping down the runway and affixed to the fashionable fashionistas outside the shows aren’t your average gym shoes.

Bowen Photo1

image via fashionista.com

 

Two couturiers chose sneakers over the usual high-flying stilettos during the Spring 2014 Couture shows in Paris. Karl Lagerfeld contrasted corseted waists, crystals, and tweed with a wide array of Chanel tennis shoes. His finale bridal gown was accompanied by sequined sneakers and an adorable ring-bearer also in matching white kicks. At Dior, Raf Simmons paired black-beaded floral slip-ons with his feminine A-line gowns.

We’ve seen the sneaker trend grow ever since Isabel Marant launched the wedge sneaker in early 2012. Celebrities have been spotted making the same trade designers did on the runway.  And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to run around all day in a comfortable pair of sneakers instead of inching along in gorgeous but oh so painful pumps.

Existing sneaker brands are collaborating with fashion designers to update their look. Nike joined forces with British print master Liberty of London and this spring, will partner with Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy for Nike RT. Collaborations have also put old favorites back in the limelight. Superga, a small Italian brand founded in 1911, partnering with The Row and Leandra Medina of Man Repeller to create a cashmere, velvet and tweed version of their 2750 Classic.

Bowen Photo2

image via http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/372998 / http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/403417

The best news is you don’t need a new piece this spring to be on trend. But just because you don’t need them, doesn’t mean Givenchy slip-on’s or metallic Saint Laurent sneakers wouldn’t make a great addition.

   
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