Follow Us
Search
Latest Tweets
- @SMUfashion RT: @voguemagazine: Does #Vine work for fashion? http://t.co/lVdUIF74tp - posted on 3 weeks ago
- @SMUfashion, Traffic LA and TenOverSix coming to Dallas: http://t.co/SFRkm14JP7 - posted on 4 weeks ago
- @SMUfashion: Read my story on how @Pinterest has revolutionized #wedding planning. http://t.co/zCWQbbANdY - posted on 1 month ago
{ @SMUfashion}
-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- Caroline on First Ladies of Vogue
- ralph lauren outlet store on A Date With My First True Love — Ralph Lauren
- angelica on Falling Whistles
- foulseunefisa on Lululemon: Selling a Lifestyle
- Paige Corwin on SMU Trendsetter: Abby Caulkins
Archives
Categories
Tag Archives: SMU
NAVY: The New Neutral
By Demi Stanley
dstanley@smu.edu
This fall, fashion mavens have taken to describing navy as the new “neutral.”
A pleasant shade that almost any girl can flaunt, navy also works with SMU spirit attire for game day on the Boulevard.
This navy trend doesn’t mean we’re supposed to present ourselves as sailors or in a nautical theme. Instead, as a neutral, navy should fit into your wardrobe in a simpler fashion – even paired with vibrant colors or black.
Most girls’ go to earrings of choice: Kendra Scott
Photo Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
We all love a classic Tory Burch flat. Here it is in one of the season’s hottest shades:
Photo Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Not only women, but men can even go with the trend by wearing Hadleigh’s slippers covered in shades of blue.
Photo Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
And why not spice up an outfit on a cold day with a navy scarf?
Photo Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Saturdays Surf NYC menswear line finds followers in Texas
Photo Credit GQ Magazine
By McKenna Cottam
mcottam@smu.edu
Tucked away in the streets of New York City, the original Saturdays NYC SoHo shop is a dwell spot for coffee lovers and the East Side surf crowd. No doubt, any morning or afternoon, you’ll find an array of tan, salty-locked guys taking a break from the fast- paced streets of New York on the patio out back at Saturdays.
Moving from California to New York in 2007, Morgan Collett recognized the unexpected surf culture that existed on the East Coast. Collett founded Saturdays NYC in 2009 with fellow beach-bro, surf nerds Colin Tunstall and Josh Rosen. The trio introduced “surf city style” by creating designs that combine simple and classic style with a great use of color. Beyond their clothing line, Saturdays sells surfboards, wetsuits and mostly everything else you need to hit the waves.
Plugging away at ideas in their Broadway office, the Saturdays team works hard to create a line that can be worn to the beach and back to the streets of NYC. Their hard work paid off in April 2012 when, along with five other American designers, they were named “Best New Menswear Designers in America” by GQ Magazine.
Photo Credit GQ Magazine
Since 2007, GQ’s project “has worked to advance and bring attention to up-and-coming American menswear designers,” according to Jim Nelson, editor of GQ editor. Nelson and the magazine’s creative director Jim Moore selected the six finalists, who were announced in the April issue of GQ.
Each finalist was given the opportunity to collaborate with Gap to create a limited edition line.“[GQ’s] new partnership with Gap is all about taking the excitement to the main streets of America,” and making the brand more accessible to a larger audience, Nelson says.
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Morgan Collett, one of the founders of Saturdays Surf NYC, on winning “Best New Menswear Designers of 2012,” their collaboration with Gap, as well as their growing success. With Saturdays being a fairly new company, “[GQ] helped push our brand out to consumers in markets where we might not have a big presence,” says Collett. Collaborating with Gap expanded brand awareness for Saturdays even further.
“We came up with roughly four to six complete outfits,” Collett says about the collaboration process. “Then [Gap] narrowed down their two favorite outfits and we focused on those to design a few more options.”
Photo Credit The Gallant
At 28, Collett has experienced a tremendous amount of success with Saturdays since the first store opened in August 2009. But the business is extremely rough for small brands, he says. Collett offers some advice for any college students hoping to create their own fashion line.
“ I would say work for another well-established brand for at least two to three years, in as many different fields as you can,” Collett says. “This way you can have a good understanding of how the industry works and be able to apply that to your own idea.”
As this small company is growing more popular, it’s no wonder the NYC logo or the word “Saturdays” keeps popping up around Dallas, on men’s fashion blogs and in magazines everywhere.
I spotted SMU senior Wyatt Mesh rocking an “SURF NYC” T-shirt and asked about his thoughts on Saturdays.
When did you first hear about Saturdays NYC?
A boutique in my hometown of Leawood, Kan., picked up the Saturdays line and has been selling them successfully for a year now.
What do you like about the line/ company?
I was drawn to them instantly by the eye-catching but simple original designs. In putting on a Saturdays T-shirt, I liked the very comfortable and soft feel.
Do you see Saturdays making it big in Dallas?
I believe Saturdays would be a hit with the SMU guys. They [the clothes] are soft, comfortable and the workmanship is high quality. They look great with shorts or jeans for a casual hip look. Or throwing on a blazer over a Saturdays T-shirt gives a cool downtown vibe.
Learn to love your body: A College girl’s guide to body acceptance
By Leslie Good
What is to love about your body? Your body shape, height, weight, hair, skin, eyes, arms, legs, stomach, hips… the list could go on.
Three women from the SMU community shared their struggles on the path toward body acceptance at SMU’s third annual Love Your Body Symposium in October. The common theme of each of the speakers? Challenge yourself to celebrate your body, even your flaws.
For many collegiate women, daily thoughts include: What can I wear that will make me look skinny? What can I eat with the fewest calories that will fill me up and not taste like cardboard? Will I look pretty today?
The first speaker, Renee Gibson, an assistant director of new student orientation and student support, shared the message that we can all challenge ourselves to celebrate our bodies (even their flaws), while reminding ourselves that how we look on the outside might not reflect what is on the inside. Gibson said that some days she looks in the mirror and finds flaws and feels fat, but then remembers that what people see is not her reality.
The second speaker, Beatrice Rios McKee, once had type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure but revamped her lifestyle so much that she now coaches others, helping them reach lifetime health goals and even prepare for triathlons. McKee said her success came through finding the right balance of external and internal goals. When she was in poorer health, she was unable to forgive herself and labeled herself a failure.
To take off the mental weight (and eventually the physical weight, too), she had to use failure as an opportunity to grow — to wipe the slate clean and take the next step.
“You have to covet failure,” shouted McKee.
Her final message was to “change your mindset.” “Allow yourself to grow,” she said. “And, most importantly, love yourself.”
The final speaker at the Love Your Body symposium was Kelyn Rola, a fitness instructor at the Dedman fitness center. Rola’s message resonated with many young women in the audience. Throughout college and graduate school, Rola has perpetually gained and lost weight, never plateauing. When she was not exercising to burn off every calorie she consumed, she was either starving herself or overeating.
But now, Rola said, she has discovered balance in her daily life. Rola shared what she had learned during her years of weight struggles to help her achieve that balance: be aware of your body type, be realistic with your body expectations, realize that everyone struggles and that no one cares about you as much as you do, find out what makes you happy and invest in that, and, finally, focus on the things about your body that you love.
At the Love Your Body Symposium, each of the three women who spoke shared common themes:
No one is perfect, and you never will be.
And love your body, for it’s the only one you’ve been given.
Stripes take you from summer to fall
By Margaret Brown & Ginna Wilbanks
mcbrown@smu.edu & gwilbanks@smu.edu
Fall fashion doesn’t mean packing away all of the styles you rocked during the hot summer months. Stripes are the perfect trend to take from the balmy summer weather to the crispy fall air. From the runway looks of Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs to the SMU Boulevard, stripes are making a big statement this fall. Ranging from sweaters to skirts, striped garments are making an appearance in class and out on the town. Whether paired with jeans and heels or worn with leggings and tennis shoes, stripes add an extra oomph to your fall wardrobe.
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.
Show-Stopping Sneakers
By Mercedes Owens and Jared Monmouth
mmowens@smu.edu jmonmouth@smu.edu
When it comes to your favorite pair of running shoes, fluorescent is the new black – and white – and every other color in the rainbow. Take a walk around SMU’’s campus and it won’t take long to spot a common theme – If it doesn’t glow, it doesn’t go. Neon yellow, shocking blues and raging reds are popular choices on the Hilltop. So make sure you grab your brightest brights before you hit the Boulevard for a run.
SMU Homecoming Spirit Contagious
Natalie Konstant & Elyse Mariott
nkonstant@smu.edu& emarriott@smu.edu
The windows are painted, the “royalty” candidates have been chosen and the floats are being built, all in preparation for SMU’s 2012 homecoming. The spirit was overwhelming at last night’s first homecoming event, Rock the Vote. Balloons, banners and the sound of whistles filled the air as sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations gathered at Westcott field to cheer on the king and queen candidates. This year’s theme, “holidays,” inspired students to don everything from from Santa hats to sombreros. Revelers sported American flags, cupid’s arrows, oversize turkeys, even huge four-leaf clovers. Pony Up!!
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
These boots are made for boulevarding
-
- Boots of all style’s made a mark on the boulevard. Photo’s by Natalie Konstant
By Natalie Konstant
nkonstant@smu.edu
I was getting my nails done in my hometown of Chicago when the manicurist asked where I went to college. “I go to SMU… in Dallas,” I replied. The woman giggled and said, “So you’re a cowgirl?” I laughed.
I have lived in Chicago my entire life and it’s true I hadn’t owned a pair of cowboy boots until I ventured west to SMU.
But as I rushed to get ready for the first home football game this fall, you can be sure I was wearing them. And I wasn’t the only one.
On game day, Western-style boots of every height, color and print made a mark on the lawn in front of Dallas Hall. “I think students are embracing the fact that they go to school in Texas,” says junior Layne Rissolo.
The good news: Whether we have adopted a cowgirl aesthetic, or are just embracing Texas culture, SMU girls are at the forefront of a trend. In fact, cowboy boots are the new “must have” item.
Top style makers such as Jimmy Choo, Isabel Marant and Michael Kors, as well as celebrity trendsetters Ashley Oslen, Kate Bosworth and Jessica Simpson have incorporated this Western-inspired trend into their lines and looks. And I think we would all agree that Ashley Olsen doesn’t scream cowgirl — although Simpson did grow up here in Dallas.
So where can you get a pair?
Scoop, located in Highland Park Village, carries some of the latest cowboy-inspired boots, including designers Rag & Bone, Matt Bernson and Pedro Garcia.
Scoop stylist Rachel Norris says she loves mixing the rugged boots with designer wear. For instance, “You can put these [Rag & Bone boots] with a Stella McCartney dress, ” she says.
Norris describes this look as “music festival chic.” “Girls want to look like they just left Coachella,” says Norris.
The “it” boot of the moment is Rag & Bone’s “Harrow” in burgundy. However, if the ankle boot isn’t for you, Matt Bernson’s “Sloane Suede Fringe Boots” are perfect for day and night. Check out both boots at any Scoop store or online.
So as you can see, this latest trend is here to stay– and not just in Texas.
A guys’ guide to fall fashion
By Mercedes Owens & Jared Monmouth
mowens@smu.edu & jmonmouth@smu.edu
It’s no secret that the men of SMU love their pastel khakis, Polo button-downs and Sperry Topsider boat shoes.
But with the new fall trends out for 2012, now is the time to trade the pastels of summer for deep greens, bordeauxs and the ever popular blues.
For some guys, adapting the latest fashion trends to suit their own unique look isn’t the easiest thing to do.
Salvador Martinez, a mensware stylist at Dallas’ terribly chic Stanley Korshak, says it’s all about making choices that complement your own personal style. Martinez says a sense of style is developed over time.
“You’ve got to be thinking all the time,” he says.
So guys: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. Martinez believes that it’s extremely important to “switch it around, switch it around and switch it around.”
What’s another one of Martinez’ crucial fashion rules?
“You’ve got to be creative.”
Of course, creativity can be interpreted in many different ways.
SMU graduate student Faron Vassen doesn’t think that his style can be categorized.
“I try to be timeless. I don’t try to fit into a category,” Vassen says.
While Vassen has no labels for his personal style, he knows exactly what fashion label he would put on SMU.
“It’s pretty preppy,” says Vassen. “There’s not a lot of hipsters around. Everybody is pretty traditional.”
Sam Lee is a freshman at SMU. He says he’s not sure how to define his style, but Lee says he recognizes the role fashion plays at SMU.
“I’ve talked about fashion more here at SMU than I have in my entire life,” Lee says. “I just put on whatever I can grab closest to me,” says Lee, clad in cargo shorts, a cotton tee and flip-flops.
Gabriel Towles, a senior advertising major, says his style diverges from the SMU norm.
“I would definitely say my style is a lot different,” Towles says.
Towles has a flair for what many would call “street style.” A typical outfit: a cream-colored, button-up polo shirt under a crimson cardigan, navy blue Levi jeans and Nike “Dunk” sneakers with just a hint of purple to match Towles’ MLB “All-Star Game ‘99” hat.
“I think the people around me are a lot more preppy and calculated with their style, which is cool sometimes,” Towles said. ”But, as for me, I’m trying to be as eclectic and different as possible, while still trying to be tasteful.”
Despite their differences, it’s safe to say that Vassen, Lee and Towles all agree that fashion is a dominant force at SMU and is unique for every clique.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a few fall looks for each school on campus.
Who can object? Dedman School of Law
[SinglePic not found]
What jury won’t vote in your favor if you’ve got all your checks and balances in order? Don’t forget your denim button-down shirts and light khaki pants. When these are paired with a textured sweater or checkered sport coats, you can’t go wrong. For a more relaxed look, stick with bordeaux cable knit sweaters — and don’t forget a parka with a fur-lined hood for a touch of luxury.
Lyle in style
[SinglePic not found]
Lyle may get a nerdy rep, but engineering majors can be as sophisticated as they are smart. Looking smooth in Lambswool cardigans and striped sweaters, these guys look just as cool in cashmere. Olive barn jackets from J. Crew complement the engineering look perfectly, and you can’t forget the beanies and trendy men’s bags. (LEFT Burberry Prorsum, MIDDLE J.Crew RIGHT Gant Rugger)
Strictly business in Cox
[SinglePic not found]
Business majors, for this fall season it’s time to embrace these three little words: Three piece suit. This is an essential for every guy’s wardrobe this year. The traditional look brings a fresh and cool vibe while displaying what a little bit of good tailoring can do. Not to mention it’s versatile: Remove the vest and you’ve got an entirely new look.
Perfection in Perkins
[SinglePic not found]
Plaids, checks, and tweeds are all over the fall trend reports, showing that the Summer Olympic Games weren’t all that London influenced this year. These looks from J.Crew, Maison Kitsuné and Ami give a perfect balance of class and sophistication with a little bit of fun. What better way to keep warm during those long nights of studying in Bridwell Library then to layer a sleek sweater underneath a Euro-inspired sport coat.
Show-stoppin’ Simmons
[SinglePic not found]
Simmons students are cool, but not over the top. This cotton-cashmere zip hoodie is excellent for layering with jackets and coats. Fitted baseball caps and snapbacks can accentuate the outfit, especially in a complementary color. Add a pair of Converse, Vans or even Sperrys to finish off the look. (TOP LEFT Maison Kitsuné BOTTOM LEFT Converse RIGHT J.Crew)
Dedman fashion: Down to a science
[SinglePic not found]
Dedman Life Sciences students have a lot to wrap their heads around in class, but style is a problem with an easy solution. Navy is easy, so weave it into your outfit’s pallet with a toggle jacket. Jeans are always in season and accessible, just make sure they match your loafers. Basic fleeces and broken-in pocket polo shirts are also trendy and casual.
Meadows, Thou ART so trendy
[SinglePic not found]
Meadows students are busy, but in the school of the arts, fashion is almost never put on the backburner. Puff pieces and scarves are in season, coupled with a sweater and Levi 501’s. For the hipster types, Navajo-print anything can work well, as long as it’s not overdone, combined with “nerdy” frames from Urban or Super Sunglasses. Shoes are simple: Common Projects, Brogues and even tasteful sneakers. Think vintage.
Playin’ it cool with the Jocks
[SinglePic not found]
Athletes are always on the go, usually coming from workouts, practice or class. But the athletic type can still look nice while strolling across campus. For those who want both comfort and style, sneakers like New Balance 998’s or Nike Air Max 1’s will easily get the job done. For “sneakerheads” and those who know how to wear them, you can never count out a pair of Jordan’s. But for the more casual athlete, the Common Projects shoe brings classic elements to mind with its patent leather and white sole. As far as dressing for the fall, you can never go wrong with a black Bape jacket, J. Crew hoodie and some Levi’s khaki commuters. Button-ups can work, but a tasteful tee can work just as well.
