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On The Road: My Fashion Experience at SXSW
By Megan Tvrdik
mtvrdik@smu.edu
This spring break I didn’t head to the beach or the slopes. Instead, I was on my way to nine full days of “bat-shit craziness” in the city that holds the key to my heart — Austin. Yes, we were headed to South by Southsest, the music, technology and film festival that has become a part of the Austin landscape each spring. A $180 wristband would get us into all the music events around town.
But SXSW has become about more than just the music, film and interactive events. The fashion statements people bring to the streets are anything but ordinary. According to Amy Sciarretto, writer for Pop Crush: “SXSW is the hub of the music industry for a week. As fans, hipsters and musicians converge on the cool, artsy city of Austin, Texas, people are showcasing their unique style and expressing themselves in all sorts of ways, from Converse Chuck Taylors to cropped leather jackets and print pants.”
Being a fashion lover, I decided to document each day of my trip with my own fashion choices, along with the trends, styles and bizarre looks I saw on the streets of Austin.
Official SXSW Logo 2013
Thursday, March 7
7:30 p.m.: I am so excited, and so antsy. Tomorrow is the day. I need to pack. Question is… “What do I pack?” I call my boyfriend. “Casual cute? Dressy? Heels?” I ask. He laughs, “Megan, you’re going to be downtown every day by 3, walking around until the wee hours in the morning. This isn’t Dallas, this is Austin.” OK, I guess casual cute it is.
Friday, March 8
7 p.m.: Work is finally over, and it’s time to get on the road. Here I am in Highland Park where girls are in their Seven jeans, H&M dressy tops, high heels, makeup and hair fully done. In a few hours I will be in a laid-back city where no one really cares what you’re wearing. Denim jean shorts with a cute crop top, sandals, little makeup and hair naturally air dried will be just fine.
11 p.m.: Made it to Austin. Staying in tonight. Long week ahead of me — need my rest.
Saturday March 9
9:30 p.m.: I drop my boyfriend off at work, then head downtown to meet some girlfriends, who are also from Dallas. Our outfits show it, too. I am in black leggings, a black tank with a sheer lime green button down and my favorite black wedges from Baker’s. My friend Erin is in salmon, straight-legged jeans, white sheer button down, and light brown sandals. Amanda is also wearing a white sheer top but denim straight legged jeans and sandals. All three of us girls have our makeup perfectly done and our hair curled.
Sunday, March 10
1:30 p.m.: “Wake up, wake up, we’re going to Gloria’s for lunch.” I did not want to get out of bed, but hearing the word “Gloria’s,” I jump right out. Sunday Funday is about to start off just right.
3:30 p.m.: Of course, my boyfriend wants to eat on the patio. It’s windy, and I’m so cold. A spaghetti strapped, orange and white, maxi dress was not a good idea.
5:45 p.m.: On Rainy Street. The atmosphere is great. The bar has a band playing underneath the extended tent. Everyone is chatting, drinking and enjoying the music. Girls are wearing high-waisted shorts or colored jeans with a crop top or tank. Not a single pair of heels in sight – only sandals, flats or boots. Guys are in shorts or jeans and just a regular V-neck or T-shirt. Some of the T-shirts have a skater or surfing brand logo or crazy design. The typical “guy look” – day and night.
Photo: Amanda Braun of Tyler
Taken by: Joanna Wilkinson
Monday, March 11
9:15 p.m.: My boyfriend and I start to get ready for the night. It’s kind of chilly, so I put on my black leggings, tank top and a sheer black button down. We pick up our best friend on the way. Our motto: “We’re the three best friends that anyone can have.”
11:30 p.m.: Go into Trophy Room. My boyfriend’s friend meets us and has CASPA with him. Well, looks like we’re hanging out with a famous DJ tonight. 
As we are standing by the bull in Trophy Room, a girl jumps on. She looks like a “country girl,” wearing short shorts, a button-down white top and cowboy boots.
Tuesday, March 12
9 p.m.: I don’t know what to wear: Heels, no heels? Dress? Shorts? I throw on my sheer caramel button top over my black tank. Put on my Victoria’s Secret black jean shorts, and strap up my Baker’s caramel sandals.
My friend Kayla Adams and I
11 p.m.: CULTURE CLASH. Girls are wearing everything from a “little black dress” to almost nothing at all: some booty shorts, a sports bra and those fluffy boots. The guys are still in uniform — jeans with a V-neck or TThe first thing I see when I walk to the stage… a guy wearing a Pandasuit outfitted with blinking LED lights. He is dancing around in the back with his friend who is wearing the same thing. I laugh, but it does look pretty darn cool.
4:30 a.m.: Danced the night away. Fedde Le Grand, Sultan & Ned Shepard… amazing set. Goodnight.
Wednesday, March 13
4:30 p.m.: It’s such a pretty day out. I throw on a sheer white top and hot pink shorts and head downtown with my friend. STARVING, Wahoo’s it is.
8 p.m.: Go into Mohawks to listen to the band and get a drink. There are a bunch of punk rockers here. Leather vests, black skinny jeans, piercings, tattoos and actual mohawks. Definitely look like a “goodie tu shoo” here.
9:30 p.m.: See a guy in a wolf mask playing the violin. I do a double take: Am I really seeing this?
Photo by Julian Bajsel
10 p.m.: Have been running around downtown for hours. We walk into Republic Live. I feel like it’s a college party. Everyone has on their bandanas, sorority or frat T-shirts with workout shorts. Next stop, La Zona Rosa: 12th Planet is playing.
Thursday, March 14
2 p.m.: Attempting a dress today. Let’s see how this works out. And it’s white. I’ll throw my caramel sheer top over. Cute outfit.
5 p.m.: Head down to Austin’s main drag, Sixth Street, with my friend and her boyfriend. She is rocking a green tube top, jean shorts and Hello Kitty-striped knee-high socks. She’s a total hippie.
“Hippie” friend Darya Litvishko and I
6:45 p.m.: Go to Fader Fort. Very diverse group of people. And there are a lot of girls running around in almost NOTHING. Swimsuit tops and booty shorts EVERYWHERE. Some girl’s tight floral dress is WAY too short. I now keep pulling mine down.
11 p.m.: La Zona Rosa… Alvin Risk, Krewella, Zedd and Wolfgang Gartner are playing back to back. We’re in the front row, and we won’t be moving for a while. This girl next to us is CRAZY. She looks like she’s been having a good time. She’s in a tank top and shorts, but her hair is a mess and her makeup is smeared down her face. LOL. But hey, no one has time to get ready three times in one day.
1:30 a.m.: Sixth Street is crowded. See a guy walking around in a full neon jumpsuit. I look up and see cowboy boots hanging above me on the street lights. WEIRD.
Friday, March 15
11 a.m.: Comfy clothes today. A dress was too much for 12 hours of walking and dancing around. White shorts and a navy blue “sweater” top. The top is light, so I won’t get hot.
3 p.m.: More people downtown than yesterday. A lot of tie-dyed shirts. There is a guy wearing a bright suit. Why would you wear that? It’s HOT. In an interview with Redeye Chicago, a pop culture website, musician and co-owner of the shop Violets and Vinyl Nicole Jacques says that a reoccurring trend this week is “90s style” — “Lots of floral, combat boots and crop tops.” Completely agree. I’ve been noticing this trend more and more as the day goes by.
Photo: Nicole Jacques
By Mike Rich / Lenny Gilmore
10:45 p.m.: We are watching Dillon Francis play. And we are OUT OF PLACE. No one really knows who he is, so no one is dancing. My best friend and I are jumping around, dancing and getting stared at. Oh well, I love Dillon Francis.
1 a.m.: At the old Roial. My friend and I get onstage with the DJ. After dancing on stage and talking to him, I find out the DJ is Borgore — and 12th Planet is right next to him. AHHHH. I love SXSW.
3:30 a.m.: As we walk to the car, I step in a HUGE mud puddle. Now I have mud all over my white shorts. Not only were heels and a dress bad ideas but white shorts, too. Haha.
Saturday, March 16
2 p.m.: Last day of SXSW. What to wear? Hmm. Leggings, a tank top and a lace salmon-colored top. I am too lazy to do my hair. I guess I’ll let it air dry.
5:30 p.m.: We’re standing in line, waiting to get pizza. The girl in front of me is complaining about wearing heels and a blue jean skirt. I start laughing, happy I learned my lesson earlier this week.
9:30 p.m.: Tons going on. We get to the old Roial and there is a line wrapping around the building. Supposedly Skrillex, Paul Van Dyk, 12th Planet and a couple other bands are playing tonight. There are more guys in line than girls. And they are all sweaty and rough-looking. One guy is walking around with his shirt off like he owns the place.
Midnight: We end up walking over to another venue because the line wasn’t moving. Some rapper is playing. My friend’s boyfriend is so excited. As we walk in, we can tell we don’t fit in. We are the only little blonde girls here, and we look really “preppy.” Oh well, time to make the best of it.
Sunday, March 17
12:30 p.m.:I put on my soffees, tank top and Uggs. There is no way I am going to look presentable for this drive back. Crazy to say, but I am actually ready to get back to Dallas.
Austin, it’s been real. My first SXSW experience was fantastic. From seeing some of my favorite DJ’s to observing the festival’s many fashion statements (or maybe not-so-fashion statements), my experience showed me once again that it’s more than mileage separating Big D from the state capital. My second lesson? The saying “Keep Austin Weird” never fails to deliver.
A Date With My First True Love — Ralph Lauren
By Paige Corwin
pcorwin@smu.edu
After days of checking the mail and returning home empty-handed, it was finally here: my invitation to the Ralph Lauren Fall 2013 fashion show. The most beautiful piece of crème cardstock I have ever seen — regal, sophisticated and all mine.
I immediately called my mother and asked if she’d received hers yet. Of course she had, considering I was her “plus one.” She’d gotten the real invite from our family friend Owen Keller, a senior sales manager for the women’s collection in New York. For the first time ever, Ralph Lauren’s best employees could invite their most loyal customers to the show as a token of appreciation. Thanks for this one, Mom. This is one of the best gifts she has ever given me — a seat at a Ralph Lauren fashion show.
A week later we’re armed with trunks’ full of Ralph Lauren (the only brand to wear to the designer’s show, of course) en route to New York. I packed my most treasured Lauren pieces for the trip: a vintage navy silk blazer with gold enamel buttons, a stunning, floor-sweeping black lace skirt, a charcoal leather bomber jacket, my camel-hued leather leggings, a black cashmere turtleneck, my black patent leather Proprietor belt, and, of course, my all-time-favorite black leather stiletto ankle booties.
The first evening we attended a cocktail party at the Mansion, the flagship store on Madison and 72nd. Easily one of the most enviable pieces of real estate in Manhattan, the Mansion is the essence of Ralph Lauren grandeur — three stories of the most elegant, beautiful designs by the man himself. The evening was the perfect preface to Thursday morning, the fashion show.
The moment I stepped into the studio I was hooked. An air of excitement engulfed the room, and our host’s previous collections were on display on attendees everywhere I looked. Walking past the runway to my seat, I could feel the Lauren influence all around — from the opulent vintage antler chandeliers to the muted Russian acoustics lulling in the background to the designer’s three beautiful children, all sitting in the front row.
The audience fell silent and within moments Ralph Lauren had swept us into a sumptuous Russian romance. Beautiful models cascaded down the runway in Russian imperial styles. Gold chain detail ankle boots, fox fur headpieces, cable knit crème turtlenecks paired with black leather skirts, heavy black wool peacoats and pipeline leather leggings. This was followed by dramatic evening wear of rich jewel tones and Chantilly lace, nothing short of modern-day Anna Karenina.
Ralph Lauren had topped himself with this collection. Needless to say it was my best Valentine’s Day to date, spent with my first true love, Ralph Lauren.
Photo credit: Paige Corwin
Rappers in Designer
By Jared Monmouth
jmonmouth@smu.edu
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- Kanye and Kim (photo courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
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- A$AP Rocky (photo courtesy of kevvn.tumblr.com)
Over the past few years, hip-hop fans must have noticed more of their favorite rappers draped in designer clothing. Givenchy, Christian Dior, Raf Simmons, Fendi and other high-end designer labels are commonly seen on today’s emcees, and fans can see that the hip-hop community has taken an active interest in fashion.
Artists such as Kanye West, who can frequently be seen at events like Paris Fashion Week, have brought designer names to the forefront <albeit through lyrics in their songs or their overall fashionable look in general. Harlem native A$AP Rocky, known for hits like “Purple Swag” and “Peso,” has formed friendships with some young designers, including Alexander Wang. Pharrell, who has produced hits for every artist under the sun, is a respected designer himself, gathering much attention for his Billionaire Boys Club line of men’s clothing. Outdated Air Force One sneakers have been swapped for Louboutins, and baggy varsities have been replaced with Dior Homme jackets.
Yes, you still have rappers who wear their pants lower than any of us would like to see, fitted baseball caps and jerseys, with the occasional pair of zebra-print girl’s leggings and Uggs (that was a dis’ Lil’ Wayne). But we have witnessed a slow evolution in rap culture, and this kind of change can only bring more exposure to the fashion industry.
Ballinciaga Who?
By Katie Hamilton
katieh@smu.edu
Take a look at the Balenciaga shirt modeled above. Now look again. Notice the misspelling of the designer’s name? An accidental printing error, or a cheeky play on iconic designer logos? You be the judge.
Recently, famous street-style stars have been photographed donning these ironic graphic tees. These subversive tops come from Conflict of Interest (or C.O.I. NYC), a new label launched in September. The label offers a selection of conversation-starting shirts, including tees branded “Giraunchy” and “Bodega Vendetta.”
The creators of Conflict of Interest have definitely garnered a buzz in the streets of New York, yet they choose to remain anonymous. For the sake of their careers in the fashion industry, C.O.I. elects to withhold their identities due to a “conflict of interest.”
In addition to the clever play on designers’ names, the company takes it one step further and portrays itself as a fictitious government agency that raids warehouses, seizes unlicensed designer goods, and re-releases them to the public in actual tamper-proof evidence bags.
An indefinite amount of genius went into the creation of this basic T-shirt line and, shockingly, the brand has won the approval of the most discriminating fashion consumers. Since the line’s launch, C.O.I. has “gone viral,” leading its creators to expand to include limited edition hats and sweatshirts as well.
To be the proud owner of an original C.O.I. shirt, visit http://www.coi-nyc.com
TOMS Aviators change your look — and more
By Mercedes Owens
mmowens@smu.edu
Classic, timeless and always chic. Who doesn’t love a great pair of aviators? Not only do these TOMS brand shades add a pop of color for some everyday fun, but when you purchase a pair, you help provide shoes for needy children. TOMS founder is SMU alum Blake Mycoskie. His “One for One” campaign is the perfect remedy to any nagging shopping guilt. Now you can grab your credit card and update your specs knowing that you’re helping children across the globe. Your purchase of TOMS brand aviators may truly change the way you see the world — with style, of course.
France’s Garance Doré: A Fashion Success Story
By Floriane Leger
fleger@smu.edu
Photo courtesy of Google Images
Although I’m spending a year at SMU as an exchange student, France is my home. And for quite awhile now, as some of my friends would say, I’ve had a massive “girl crush” on the French blogger Garance Doré. So I could not believe it when I heard she would be speaking at SMU. It has been my dream to meet her for years, and now it would happen in the last place I thought it would: Dallas.
Doré has relocated from Paris to New York, but she is not yet as famous in the United States as she is in France, so let me introduce her.
Who is Garance Doré?
Born in a small village in Corsica, Doré found her first job in the movie industry in Marseille, South of France, though she knew little about the business. Doré says this experience helped her realize that it’s possible to succeed in a job, even if you don’t have the right background, when you commit to work. This first experience also helped her decide that she should try to do what she really wanted to do: draw. Doré gave herself one year to become a self-taught illustrator, and it worked. “I never dared to dream before, and so I knew just how precious it was. My dream gave me life… It gave me courage.”As she started working as an illustrator for magazines, the lack of interaction with her viewers disappointed Doré. 2006 marked the beginning of the blogging era and she thought, “Why not me?” This is where the adventure begins.
Photo courtesy of Garance Doré
At first Doré’s blog showcased her illustrations. Over time she started to write more – and in a style that her readers gravitated toward. Her tone is very conversational, and you feel as if you’re reading a note from a friend when reading her blog. The next year, in 2007, Doré realized that she wielded real influence on the Internet when a salesperson told her that an item had sold out thanks to one of her posts. Doré quickly become a star of the French fashion blogging world.
That same year, Doré met the man behind the famous fashion blog The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman. “We met at a fashion show in Paris. It really wasn’t a big deal. We just started talking and talking and we had a lot of stuff in common and an appreciation for what we both did.” They became friends, and Schuman recognized Doré’s potential. He gave her his back-up camera, and she started adding photos to her blog. Their relationship evolved into more than friendship, and they become one of the most influential couples within the growing field of “street style” fashion photography. Schuman’s influence on Doré made her view photography differently: “Who cares about perfection when you can capture a moment saturated with life?”
Photo courtesy of Garance Doré
In 2010, Doré moved to New York while continuing to develop her blog. Now at the head of a budding fashion empire, Doré covers fashion weeks all over the world and works for some of the most prestigious fashion names such as French Vogue, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and many others.
“Oh Garance, you’re so shallow!”
Exerting a vast influence over the fashion world is not an easy task every day. Doré has endured some biting criticism for writing a blog focused almost exclusively on fashion. To these critics, Doré always responds honestly.
She is always very direct about her life, and I think most people enjoy this honesty. The conversational tone on her blog makes it easy for readers to identify with her, even if she seems to live a life most of us can only dream about. Doré’s high fashion moments could inspire anyone to fantacize. But to me, her best moments are when she shares a story that could happen to anyone. In the end, she is just like me. One of her more relatable posts focused on public toilet struggles. Clearly, Doré is not shy!
Photo courtesy of Garance Doré
In August 2010, Doré moved to New York to live with her boyfriend, Scott Schuman. Many of her French readers feared this would change her blog’s content as Paris was a main character in Doré’s adventures. But she managed to master the change.
Moving to New York increased her readership. Her French fans stuck with Doré, and she developed an even stronger following in the U.S.
I asked Doré to pinpoint the biggest change on her blog after her move to the Big Apple. She answered that her approach to blogging was massively influenced. Ambition is not something you can easily admit to in France, whereas it is celebrated in the U.S. French people tend to look down on anyone who discusses success and commitment. In America, you are allowed to want something and to reach for your dream. She added that living in New York gave her more freedom, and she finally let herself think big.
For an idea of how influential Doré is, just look at the Signature 9 ranking of top fashion bloggers. She is ranked number 11 out of 99 bloggers and is the first French blogger to appear on the list. Dore’s boyfriend is currently beating her, ranked in first place.
Photo courtesy of Google Images
Are bloggers the future of the fashion industry?
Nowadays, bloggers are an important part of the fashion industry. In only a couple of years, they have become the ultimate reference. Some brands would do anything to appear on a blog of Doré’s status. Many examples show us that bloggers are investing in print publications as well. Doré, for example, is now writing for the fashion “bible,” French Vogue.
A few years ago there were not as many fashion bloggers as there are now, so it was easier to achieve success. Does it seem that everyone you know writes a fashion or lifestyle blog these days? Yes, but that should not stop anyone from trying. As Doré would say, “Follow your dream, or face a life of regrets.”
SMU TV’s Mercedes Owens had a chance to sit down with Garance Dore. Check out the Q&A with the fashionista here.
The neon gym shoe: Hit or miss?
By Hillary Johnson
hljohnson@smu.edu
It’s hard not to look down at everyone’s feet when all you see is neon. It seems like every student on campus – male and female – is wearing brightly colored tennis shoes. From florescent pink to highlighter yellow, all shades of neon are becoming popular among young workout enthusiasts.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, every member of both the men’s and women’s U.S. Track & Field team sported neon running shoes during their events. The shade of neon yellow is technically called “volt,” and it definitely makes the bold impact Nike was going for when the company designed the uniforms for the U.S. track team.
Though this new trend has caught the eye of many fitness-minded fashionistas, I just don’t know if I can jump on the bandwagon. There’s something about these bright colors (especially the neon yellow) that seems — distracting. The eye is immediately drawn down to someone’s obnoxious gym shoe.
But maybe it’s just me. Clearly lots of runners, workout devotees and tennis players – plus a few fashionistas who want to look like one – think so.
Pretty Politics
Pretty Politics
By Natalie Konstant
nkonstant@smu.edu
With the electoral race in full swing, President Obama and Gov. Romney are running strong campaigns in hopes of winning America’s vote.
However, the fight for office is not the only battle in this race. In fact, fashion seems to be a topic of debate in itself.
No, I am not talking about Obama’s blue tie versus Romney’s red tie—which seems to be the only variation between their wardrobes. I am, however, talking about the two women next to them, who are in the midst of a major fashion face- off—Michelle Obama versus Ann Romney.
Round 1: The National Party Conventions
As the current first lady, Michelle Obama has made a strong statement by wearing, what some might call debatable, “affordable fashion.”
For example, at the Democratic National Convention, Mrs. Obama paired a custom-designed Tracy Reese dress with a pair of pink J.Crew pumps. Although one might chalk this up to yet another campaign strategy, the simplicity of the outfit did complement the first lady’s strong physique.
In contrast, Mrs. Romney—who has been criticized for her lavish outfits—went for a more conservative look, wearing a red taffeta Oscar de la Renta dress to the Republican National Convention.
Both women looked elegant and sophisticated; however, Mrs. Obama’s more modern approach made her the winner.
- Photo taken from Google.com
Round 2: The Presidential Debate
As I sat down to watch the presidential debate, I was disappointed at the sight of Mrs. Obama’s purple dress and jacket by Preen. The cut of the dress was not flattering to Mrs. Obama’s figure, and the jacket seemed to be hugging her broad shoulders.
On the other hand, Mrs. Romney’s two-piece white suit was age appropriate — and seeing her in a neutral color was a refreshing change. In conclusion, I believe Mrs. Romney’s classic suit beat Mrs. Obama’s tired, outdated look.
Photo taken from Google.com
Tiebreaker: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Lastly, both women have made an appearance on the The Tonight Show; however, Mrs. Romney’s biker-inspired skirt and jacket were completely inappropriate for a potential first lady. On the other hand, Mrs. Obama’s J.Crew skirt and gold top were vibrant, fun and classy.
Winner: Mrs. Obama
Photo’s taken from Google.com
All for the Ankle Boots
photo credit Refinery29
By McKenna Cottam
mcottam@smu.edu
We are all familiar with high-leg boots and mid-calf boots, but don’t forget about those charming ankle boots this fall. Available in multiple styles and colors, these boots are a staple for your fall wardrobe. Here are some of our favorites.
- Zara’s Antik High-Heel Ankle Boot
- Rachel Comey Mars Ankle Boot
- Madewell’s Zipcode Boot
- Asos’s ARC Ankle Boot with Zipper
Take your favorite fall trends from runway to reality
By Brooke Reagan
breagan@smu.edu
Most SMU girls like to look stylish but aren’t necessarily slaves to the runway.
We drool over the September issues of our favorite magazines, but that too-die-for $2,000 dress is not within most college girls’ budgets. Plus, some of NYC’s most fashionable pieces, tweed or leather for instance, need to be adjusted for Dallas’ “Indian summer” fall weather.
Taking my inspiration from all those lavish editorial spreads featuring the latest fall looks, I partnered with Neiman Marcus PR Director Apryl Churchill and SMU student/photographer Christos Patelis to create a fall trend guide geared to SMU fashionistas.
Although we didn’t get to all of the good stuff – snake bracelets, polka dots, bordeux leather, pastel-hued metallics or lace, to name a few – we tried to hit the high points.
A fashionista’s job, it seems, is never done.
Styling for the sorority formal
Photo courtesy of Instyle magazine
Photo by Christos Patelis; “Torn” dress courtesy of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
To look party-perfect, I styled a Torn by Ronny Kobo dress with simple black Target heels to let the dress shine.
The dress’ black-and-gold baroque design is definitely trending right now: Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Prabal Gurung, and Dolce & Gabana all highlighted black and gold pieces on their fall runways.
And September’s InStyle magazine chose the color combination as one of 2012’s top fall trends, noting that with the “high-def depth” of brocade, “black and gold alchemizes Renaissance, hippie, Asian, and modernist influences in spectacular ways.”
Dallas-based fashion blogger, stylist and SMU alum Krystal Schlegel agrees that “one of the biggest trends I love for fall is baroque.”
Schlegel likes to take extravagant pieces with embellished, highly designed elements and pair them with layers of costume jewelry on her blog, Krystal Schlegel The Style Book.
If you want the look for less, Forever21 is a great place to go for affordable costume jewelry. Keep an eye out for Forever21’s fabulous geometric and art deco bracelets in black and gold hues.
For our photo shoot, I paired Ronny Kobo’s unique and memorable dress with tribal chic Kendra Scott Skylar earrings in tiger’s eye. The earrings add sparkle but don’t break the bank at $60.
Simple red lips are dominating fall faces so I kept the rest of my makeup and hair simple.
With your outfit under control, all you have to do is grab your gal pals and dance the night away with your lucky date.
Boulevarding on game day
Photo courtesy of Glamour magazine.
Photo by Christos Patelis; Rory Beca top courtesy of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
For a long afternoon of boulevarding and cheering on the ‘stangs in Ford Stadium, don’t we all want an outfit that’s classic but comfortable? Say hello to the new classic shades for fall.
“Navy is the new neutral, ” says Rachel Michael, department manager of Cusp’s at Neimans.
Michael paired these eye-catching navy earrings (similar) with a silk crimson Rory Beca top. Crimson was a key feature in Steven Alan, Donna Karan, and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ fall 2012 runway shows, and Glamour magazine called crimson “the new black this fall.”
Colorwise, a good combination for SMU game days.
For comfort, I rely on casual J Brand jeans, a penchant I share with Kristie Ramirez, “Texas Monthly” writer and “F!D Luxe” editor, who likes to stock up on J brand jeans, calling them her “staples.”
“[I tend to] stick to inexpensive staples and upgrade with a few essential expensive pieces,” Ramirez says.
Boots are big on the boulevard. When I first came to SMU as a clueless California girl, I didn’t own a pair of cowboy anything. I soon corrected that mistake and am now the proud owner of brown GUESS cowboy boots (similar). Pony up!
Dressing to impress at a job interview
Photo courtesy of Instyle magazine.
Photo by Christos Patelis; Alice + Olivia dress courtesy of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
Tweed was a hot trend both on the catwalk and in the coveted celebrity seats at Proenza Schouler’s fall 2012 show.
SMU girls could feel confident in this Alice + Olivia black, white and silver tweed dress during an interview for a summer internship or that first post-graduation job. Pair it with simple pearl earrings and a dazzling smile, and you’re sure to land the gig.
For a twist on the timeless pearl earring, how about putting the pearls on your nails, a la “Cupcakes and Cashmere“ blogger Emily Schuman?
Photo courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Alexis Johnson, co-founder of the beauty and hairstyle blog “Beauty Bender,” suggests wearing simple makeup to a business meeting.
“For any interview, whether a job or an internship, think like a Parisian—less is more,” she says. “You want to look professional and put together without having your makeup overpower what you’re saying or distract the person interviewing you.”
Rocking girls’ night out
Photo courtesy of “Style.com”
Photo by Christos Patelis; Parker top & PJK leather jacket courtesy of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
Blogger Krystal Schlegel describes her personal style as “classic with a bit of an edge.”
“I will style an embellished top or jacket with a T-shirt and jeans to make it a bit more casual,” she says.
Taking a cue from Krystal, I combined a Parker teal green embellished top with J Brand jeans. This top reflects the season, as mixed shades of green enchanted the onlookers at the fall Badgley Mischka runway, among others.
A PJK black leather jacket over the embellished green top adds an “edge” to the outfit. The long sleeves of the unstructured jacket – by far my favorite item from the shoot (Neimans, can I please keep it?) – would have hidden any bracelets, so I stuck to cocktail rings from CUSP for a little sparkle.
I’m a firm believer that ankle-high “booties” are the best boots for fall. My black suede Tory Burch boots, pictured here, are from last year, so I highly recommend Tory’s new Elina bootie.
With these style tips, you’re sure to sparkle and shine at your next girls’ night out.
Earn A’s for fashion
Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Photo by Christos Patelis; Bailey 44 shirt & Deux Lux hobo bag courtesy of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
We all know it’s easy to roll out of bed, throw on Nike shorts and a sorority tee, and hightail it to class. We’ve all had those mornings that require a double shot of espresso.
I’ve been guilty of not looking put together for class on more than one occasion, but here’s the thing: We don’t impress our teachers when we show up dressed like we don’t care.
Here’s a look with effortless appeal to get you to that early class.
This Bailey 44 cobalt blue shirt with luxurious leather cuffs couldn’t be comfier. Plus, you’ll look like such a trendsetter: Sea, Ter et Bantine and Rebecca Minkoff are all showing leather sleeves in their resort 2013 collections.
Leggings and boots are always trusty sidekicks in the fall and winter months. And the Deux Lux studded grey hobo (similar) is both stylish and practical—usually an oxymoron. I love that the bag is roomy enough for all of my textbooks.
If you have a little time to spare before class, try out a fishtail braid, a trend inspired by Tory Burch’s spring 2013 runway show. This is a look I’ve been dying to try but haven’t yet mastered so you’ll have to use your imagination. But you’ll look as if you made an extra effort to appear fresh and on-trend for the day: A+.
