|
Back to School: The Packing Conundrum
As some of us get ready to head back to school this weekend or next weekend, it has dawned n me how impossible it will be to cram everything in my bags and hop a bus back to campus. Coming home in December, I could barely zip my bags shut with all the clothes I was bringing home. But now, after much winter break shopping, I am coming back to school with several more tops and accessories, a couple pairs of jeans I had left at home at Thanksgiving, and four more pairs of shoes than I came home with (I know, I'm horrible!). I'm also very partial to the layering look, which means I always overpack and want every article of clothing with me at school because I might want to layer it with something! I'm sure I'm not the only one worrying about how to pack up all my stuff without having to leave anything at home, so here's a few helpful packing tips I've compiled for everyone who's heading back to campus soon: -Start by organizing now. You probably have much more stuff to take back to school this time around, and it probably is scattered all around your house as opposed to your tiny dorm or apartment, so start early by getting eveything together to make sure you don't forget anything. If it helps, make a checklist to keep everything organized -Pack as you go. If this is your last week of winter break, you're probably busy seeing old friends, spending time with family, and cramming in last-minute errands, so do a little bit of packing everyday so it doesn't overwhelm you. Everytime you do laundry, pack a few more things. -If you're taking a plane, don't forget the TSA regulations on liquids and gels. You do not want to be the girl who has to throw away her entire makeup bag in the airport. -Make sure you have an extra-sturdy, cushioned, extra-protective laptop bag. You don't want anything to happen to that precious laptop while in transit. -Make the most of luggage limits. I'm taking a bus, and the bus only allows one large suitcase to be thrown under the bus, one carry-on, and one purse, which is not really a lot. So I plan to maximize that by taking the roomiest suitcase I can find in my house, stuffing as many little items as I can into the side pockets and extra spaces in my oversized laptop bag, taking a tote as a purse so I can fit more stuff in there, and taking one more carry-on than the bus allows since they never bother me about it. If you're taking a plan, train, or bus, make the most of what you're given! If you've got a car....well, you're a lucky girl! -Make sure your rolling suitcase has sturdy, high quality wheels. One time on a vacation, one of the wheels broke off my suitcase, making it an absolute pain to drag around. Don't let that happen to you! Enjoy the rest of your break if you're still at home! Labels: advice, college fashion, college life, how to, packing Nisha, 11:46 AM 
Style Obsession: Herve Chapelier bags
So I went on another day-long shopping trip today. It's okay, because once I get to campus next week I won't be shopping for a very, very long time, since there's no good shopping in the area. So it's justified if I overcompensate by shopping a lot now....right? However, my favorite thing I bought today wasn't during my shopping trip-- it was an Herve Chapelier tote bag I just got on Ebay for $20! It's the 925N bag in Tarama/Moka. 
I love the Herve Chapelier bags because they're fun and cute but also roomy and really practical. The 925N normally sells for $115, so getting it for $20 on Ebay (brand new, with tags still on) is really a steal. Anyways, my point: these are extremely practical for college life because they a)are waterproof and have a ziptop so your stuff will always be shielded form snow/rain; b)have plenty of space for your books and laptop; and c)come in every possible color combination you could dream of. This is definitely going to be my new bookbag for this semester! Labels: bags, college fashion, college life, style obsession Nisha, 10:48 PM
TCW's Best College Fashion Trends of '06
And now, after several months of avid people-watching ("fashion-watching," as I heard it called on some other blog), my absolute favorite trends of '06 as seen on college campuses everywhere. And at the end, a few thoughts on trendiness vs. style. 1. Skinny jeans: This one is almost certainly a love-it-or-hate-it item. I lean far to the love-it side, because I adore how these jeans look when worn properly. I know skinny jeans are not forgiving to many body types, which is understandably unfair and the reason why so many fashionistas despise these. But seriously, don't you think they just look so chic and smart? 
2. Big Belts: According to writers at thestylephile.com (who also agree with me that Crocs must die!--see earlier post), "A waist is a terrible thing to waste. Get one in patent, satin, or leather to add some cinch to your figure. Do not wear it low slung on your hips. Only female cops are allowed in invest in holsters. " I couldn't agree more, and I loved seeing girls wearing big belts everywhere. If you haven't jumped on this trend yet, there's still plenty of time--big belts are sticking around in 07. 3. Pashminas. I saw a lot of cool scarves, but pashminas (real or not) are suddenly everywhere on my campus at least. I love love love them. I only have a couple but if I could I'd grab up a few more in different colors! 
Sadly, those were the only few items in college fashion that I truly loved in 2006. In this post from Style Tribes, the author describes how college is filled with girls who mindlessly copy trends they see in magazines or on Rachel Zoe clones and wear head-to-toe Urban Outfitters or Forever21. Style doesn't have to be about following every single trend just because it's cool (uggs, leggings, crocs...) but rather, about wearing what looks good on you and fits your individual taste and personality. It is rare to see real people (as opposed to celebrities) take fashion risks and wear anything out of the ordinary; most of us just follow trends rather than making them. I read the most interesting post on The Ivy that stated basically this same thing. We don't all have to dress the same and follow the crowd! Dress how you feel and how you look best--don't just be a slave to trends in 2007! Labels: 2006, 2007, college fashion, top 5 list, trends Nisha, 3:38 PM
TCW loves Lucky!
I think I've probably mentioned before that I'm not much of a Vogue reader--but I absolutely adore Lucky magazine. Everytime I read a new issue of Lucky, or re-read an issue for the millionth time, I feel the burning need to drop everything and go shopping.I consider it the fashion bible (or other scripture of your choice, as necessitated by such awesome congressmen as Keith Ellison!). Anyways. I already love Lucky as it is and find it full of great styling tips, cool new designers, and tons of style inspiration. The only thing that could make me love Lucky more: their article "Coed Cool" on p. 132 of the January 2007 issue focuses on college fashion!! How fantastic is it that Lucky manages to give a nod to the cool, preppy classics of college wardobes? featured among the items in the article are perfectly tailored skinny button-downs, shrunken corduroy blazers, voluminous knee-length wool skirts (unbelievably hip in an off-beat, '70s sort of way), the most gorgeous, swingy leather purse, and much more. These are the kind of things I love about retro-collegiate style! I wish I could scan the article, but my scanner is a) not installed on my new laptop and b)extremely low-quality and crappy. But to anyone who doesn't currently read Lucky, I highly recommend it, and I love their college fashion feature! Labels: college fashion, Lucky Nisha, 9:56 PM
TCW's Top 5 Worst College Fashion Trends of 2006
Here's my roundup of the five worst trends in 2006, rampant on college campuses across America. Hopefully, these will all go out with 2006 and never be seen again.  1. Crocs: Okay, this one I never understood from the get-go. When I first saw them, I thought they were something you wear over your shoes in the rain or when you're gardening. then I started seeing people in my dorm wearing them. What possesses people to wear these ugly rubber shoes, I will never know.  2. Uggs: Aparna and I have said this one before and we'll say it again. Uggs were only cool on Paris Hilton in LA circa 2002. I know it takes about two years for a trend to make it from cities like LA & NY to the less-hip suburbs, but still, Uggs were over a long, long time ago. They're not cute, people! Especially when paired with minis or gauchos.
3. Leggings: In college fashion, there's something to be said for wearing something no one else is wearing. And, the reverse is true for wearing something EVERYONE IS WEARING. I've seen leggings under denim minis galore, I've seen leggings under dresses and shirtdresses, I've seen leggings under long t-shirts that are too short to be dresses, and it makes me hate leggings even more. So unless you want to look like yet another mindless college fashion victim or a Limited Too-loving preteen, stay away from this trend!
4. Gauchos: Are these pants comofrtable? Maybe. That's debatable. But are they unflattering, ugly, awkward, and prone to givng the wearer a bad case of camel-toe? YES.
5. Sweats to Class: Ok, I was guilty of this too. But only once! The just-rolled-out-of-bed look is not cool in class. I, for one, am resolving to dress up more for class. Don't you feel more productive when you look and feel clean and put-together?
Look for more posts coming soon on: New Year's Resolutions, the 5 Best College Fashion trends of 2006, style predictions for 2007, and how to transition your winter wardrobe to spring. Happy new year everyone!
Labels: 2006, 2007, college fashion, faux pas, new years eve, top 5 list, trends Nisha, 1:08 PM
Cute and Comfy Shoes: FLATS!
Alright, I know this blog has been a little bit lacking in excitement since all of its contributors are super-busy with this college transition. The one thing I never predicted would happen in college is how cut off I feel from the rest of the world. College, especially in such a huge Big 10 school in a tiny college town, is a very isolated world. You feel cut off from the news, the world, the city (oh how I miss city life..), and sadly, you even feel cut off from the fashion world. The only thing to remind me about fashion everyday is the emails piling up in my inbox from Style.com and She She Me. Anyways, the point that I keep trying to make here and getting distracted from is that it's almost like college is this completely separate world from the real world and fashion is quickly forgotten about here. Most girls typically dress down for class in sweats and tshirts, but compensate by going all out and dressing up at night to go out. This is not New York City, and most girls don't subscribe to my belief that everyday is a fashion show. However, the key to standing out and looking cute is just a few simple touches...and you can still be comfy. My favorite part? Flats, of course! Flats are the one thing that have been so useful to me since coming to college. I walk a LOT since I don't have a car--to parties, friends' dorms, the gym, the stores, the dining hall, to classes--I have to walk everywhere. I've seen many a girl toughing it out in stilettos trying to look cute, but is the pain really worth it? There's no reason you can't be cute and comfortable in flats. Some of my favorites: The po inty toe. I love this shoe from Bronx, available on Zappos.com. It's sleek, chic, comfortable, and has an eye-catching blast of color. Perfect for dressing up your favorite jeans or denim mini. The Ballet Flat. I am absolutely in love with this red Millie ballet flat from Payless. It's extremely cute (I've gotten tons of compliments on mine) and at just $15, it's extremely cheap. You really can't go wrong with this one!  The Moccasin. These are probably the toughest to pull off, possibly because they can easily go wrong and make one look like a frumpy old lady. But with the right pair, they can look tres chic and smart--a perfect look for class. These Ugg moccasins are a little pricey but certainly cute and comfy!  What to Pair your Flats with...Flats are extremely versatile and can go with almost anything, but here's some suggestions: -Skinny jeans, for a look that emanates cool without saying a word -A denim mini, to offset the shortness of the skirt -Black pants, to add a fun pop of color to a serious dressy outfit Coming soon: cute and comfy shoes posts on boots and heels! Labels: college fashion, college life, shoes Nisha, 9:28 AM
Goodbye Singapore!
Less than 24 hours hours to go before I board my flight to New York! Still not done packing or anything, and am frantically trying to figure out what I can and can't take on board, how many pairs of shoes I can fit into one suitcase, whether all 7 bottles of shampoos deserve to be taken with me, and other life-and-death issues. Thanks to the New York Times, I'm inspired to try a non-liquid-and-gel inflight beauty routine. It is fortunate that Singapore Airlines has a great inflight shop, where I hope to pick up some Shu Uemura goodies! I will miss Singapore for the people I leave behind, the food and the little stores where it is possible to find bottles of Kerastase shampoo for the equivalent of about 15USD. And the sunshine, I think I will miss the sunshine. Also the rain, because Singapore being tropically situated gets a special kind of highly dramatic rain that is not found in temperate climates. I won't miss the year-round summer heat. I'm looking forward to a place where my jar of Clinique moisturiser won't be generating an oil slick on my face within the hour. Where layering clothes is not a method of slowly roasting oneself. Where construction workers and weirdos aren't the only people walking around in boots. The land where Sephora is more than just a website, the land of J Crew and Gap and Nordstrom, my friends, I come to that land tomorrow. Cue dramatic exit. Labels: college fashion, college life aparna, 10:10 PM
Which laptop?
EDIT: I got the MacBook Pro! It is gorgeous. Right now I'm trying to acquaint myself with it and get used to the total un-Windowsness of it. I know this isn't really fashion per se, but it is an important college-related choice and of course as with fashion, there is an aesthetic element to this decision. So anyway, the dilemma is: MacBook Pro or HP Pavilion DV2000 series?  The MacBook of course is all sexy sleekness and everyone's loving it; the HP is black and also sleek, the reviews are great and being a PC (HP, to be specific) user thus far there's a little unadventurous part of me that's telling me to stick to the tried-and-tested despite the legions of raving Mac Maniacs around the world. CONFUSION ensues.
Please offer advice, dear readers!
Labels: college fashion, college life aparna, 11:44 AM
Apologies and quick links!
Hey girls! I wanted to apologise for being so irregular with the posting -- I think the next few weeks posts from me are going to be quite rare because I'm leaving in a week and all the leaving-related things are taking up ALL my time. Sooo just wanted to link you up with some good sites to tide you over! I Am Fashion has a cool feature on school bags. More pricey than my own post on the same topic, but the more options the better, always! Sharp Lily is always full of cute, affordable finds for various purposes -- from notebooks to purses to incredibly pretty trash bags! Fabsugar has a great post on weekend bags, which I think are definitely useful for international students like me, and all students are fond of little weekend breaks wherever possible, right? Definitely have a look at these bags. The Ivy, of course, is a fantastic resource for college students. Omiru has a lovely idea for a first-day-of-school outfit. The Stylephile has a feature on boots -- most of them are far from comfortable, but since my own post on boots is long overdue I hope this'll provide a little inspiration in the meantime! Shoewawa for more shoes, from the cheap to the just-right-affordable to the ridiculously extravagant! They have shoes in the UK as well as US, which is nice for international readers. They also have a huge range of categories. Look for the $48 ruched flats from Urban Outfitters, and $119 Style&Co midcalf boots. Also, Vera Wang's coming to Kohl's, Abaete is coming to Payless and Behnaz Sarafpour is coming to Target. It's a really good time to be young, impoverished and desirous of great fashion! Labels: blog, college fashion, links aparna, 10:25 AM
Bags for school [EDITED]
Quick post about bags for school, by request (by the way please keep posting requests, I love the idea of being able to tailor our posts to fit what readers are looking for!) I think basically when it comes to laptop-carrying, there are two options. So I have scoured my favourite bag blogs and online stores to bring you the following --- Option 1: One-Bag-Carries-AllGet a large, roomy bag that can carry a laptop as well as charger and books and all your essentials -- a tote could work for this but I personally feel that it will be pretty harsh on your shoulders, so I'd go for a messenger bag style or if you don't mind a backpack, that's the most practical option (there are some rather stylish leather backpacks out there). In Singapore there's a line of bags called Crumpler, there's a US website but I don't know how readily these are available in stores. These are very practical bags, not very feminine looking but they come in a huge variety of colours and sizes and styles. They're also very decently priced -- in Singapore the most expensive ones come to about US$130. 
AcmeMade is very stylish but they have very few of the cute, colourful types of fabrics that I'd like for my bags. Plus they're really quite pricey, but stylish they undeniably are and they come in a host of different styles. The totes (green and pink) can be used like briefcases so they probably fit better under Option 2, but the designs I've picked are cute enough to work on a daily basis. Unfortunately, as I said, most of the other designs are very professional (read: Old) looking. And they're definitely priced to target the salaried woman.
I know I said totes are not a great idea, but these canvas totes from Gap are irresistable! And as you can see, they're HUGE so you can really take everything with you. I love the brown one, the colours are gorgeous.
Target has some cute, functional totes -- I don't know if these are actually good quality since I'm unable to physically check them out myself, but they're quite stylish, very affordable and they serve the purpose. Okay I only actually found two that I might consider buying. By the way Target do also carry some Gyms Pacific laptop sleeves (see below) so you might be able to see those yourself and pick them up at the store instead of ordering online. These are the two totes that might work:
 Sorry I had to remove the direct Target link because it stopped working, but go to the section on Electronics > Home Office > Notebook Cases + Bags (under Computers + Accessories) and you'll find their whole selection of bags. Most of the bags are really just of the functional-but-ugly variety, though.
Option 2: One-Bag-and-One-Sleeve
Get a bag that can hold all your non-laptop stuff, and then carry your laptop around in a cute laptop sleeve, like these ones at GymsPacific. I love the Motel print on the top right, the pink poppy sleeve would be a fresh burst of colour in an otherwise dull collegiate day (who're we kidding? Collegiate days are always bright, right?), and the Bora Bora Hibiscus at the bottom is, well, not really my thing but it's exotic and refreshing in its own way so it might be attractive to someone else!
The best part is that the non-laptop bag can be any style that you like, because it's entirely up to you what you want to carry in it. This is why Option 2 is what I'm going to go for (evidently this is what I'm interested in considering I've picked so many bags for this option!) I believe Casey, at TeenFashionista, is planning on doing the same. For me the primary reason is that this will mean I can continue to use my current collection of bags instead of having to start a laptop-holding collection from scratch. But even so, nothing's preventing me from just looking at all the gorgeous possibilities available, right?
It has been noted by one reader that this option may make your laptop more vulnerable to theft, and also it doesn't really leave your hands free when you're carrying your laptop with you. Both are valid points, so you should really think about how much you'd like your hands to be free, and how often you're actually going to carry your laptop with you. Also if you get a chance to check out any of the following bags in person, you might very well find that some of them can take your laptop and sleeve and other things in them! Keep us posted, dear readers, about your findings and opinions! There's this tote by Brooklyn Industries, which comes in a very pretty design and three very pretty colours, plus it's roomy enough to carry all your things. In fact, the dimensions are 18"x11"x6" so you could even consider puttting your laptop inside sometimes if you want to.
 There are also these adorable messenger bags from Old Navy, which will probably carry quite a lot of things but they don't look large enough for a laptop, unfortunately. 
I just realised that the Target women's section does offer up quite a few possibilities. The ones I've selected are all quite large so they might be able to take your laptop depending on the size. Most come in quite a wide variety of colours. 1. Chloe Edith lookalike, 2. Pretty patchwork tote in deep jewel tones perfect for fall, 3. Pearly coloured tote in a nice comfy shape, 4. YSL Muse lookalike, 5. Skulls-and-roses totes (very edgy, I like!) 6. Beautiful grey faux-suede tote (this comes in a lot of colours but I only really liked this one), 7. White tote with pretty design at the top (also available in orange and black), 8. Gorgeous red - every wardrobe should have a deep red bag, imho - faux leather tote, 9. Perfect tote for hardware-lovers.  Then there are these unique handmade screen-printed sling bags from Luchaworkshop, recommended by Pursueing. 
From aGaiN NYC - also recommended by Pursueing - three options: (clockwise from top left) velvet and leather laptop bag, canvas and leather barrel bag, polyester hobo with suede detail. The laptop bag can probably function as a document bag as well - I love the unpredictability of the colours and textures on these bags. Really quirky pieces, though unfortunately rather pricey at around US$150 a pop. 
Finally, if you and your finances are up to it, you could go for the to-die-for Jean Paul Gaultier sling bag I posted some time ago, because while it's roomy I don't think I'd want to ruin such sumptuous leather by stretching it out with a bulky laptop! I'm off for a weekend cruise now, when I'm back I'll try investigating more bags :) You can also check out Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, American Eagle in the meantime -- there are some cute totes and slouchy hobos out there! Please post links to more college-worthy bags if you can find any! Labels: bags, college fashion, college life aparna, 1:22 AM
Hot right now: collegiate fashion blogs
I haven't had much time to post lately, especially with it being my last week at home. I've got a lot of packing to do, some last-minute shopping of course, and I've been running around trying to see all my close high school friends before we head our separate ways. However, I've still been popping on the internet everyonce in a while to check CNN (aside from being a fashion junkie, I'm also a news junkie), my email, and all my favorite blogs. One thing I've noticed of late is that, like the College Wardrobe, many fashion blogs targeted at the college-going audience are cropping up all over the place. Here's a few of my absolute favorites, which I recommend to all those fellow college-fashion lovers out there: The Ivy-written by college senior and English major Jamie, this magazine-style blog has lots of cool features for the fashion-obsessed, such as dorm space-saving tips, "creating an ensemble" features, and more. Stylelike- an excellent blog written by an anonymous author who describes herself as "just another coed who says 'like' too much." Features tips and tricks for adapting hot trends for campus life. Teenfashionista (Goes To College)--the first fashion blog I ever read, the one that introduced me to the whole world of fashion blogging and helped me develop my sense of style throughout my senior year of high school, is going to see some big changes! Author Casey is beginning her freshman year at University of Missouri, and her posts have lots of helpful info and tips that fellow college freshmen can relate to. I think it's fantastic that the fashion blogosphere now includes many college students, too--finally, fashion can work fit the lifestyle and budget of college girls, too! Happy blogging, everyone- I'm off to continue packing! Labels: blog, college fashion, college life, links Nisha, 11:59 AM
V for Versatility
I have officially began packing my wardrobe life up for college, and it's going rather well. I was dreading the "should I bring it or leave it?" process, but my excitement has eased the difficulty. As try and stay focused on folding and packing (which usually turns into trying on dozens of outfits and wasting hours "styling" myself), I have begun realized the enormous significance of versatility. As my boxes fill up, I have started to weed out clothes by how many places and situations I can wear them in. I'm bringing dozens of polos, and I'm not about to consolidate, because they can worn to class, to stores, to dinner, to parties, to study, and to hang out with a quick change of bottoms, accessories, and shoes. They show serious versatility, season-wise, too. Alone during early fall, under a cardigan for late fall, and layered over a thermal and under and cozy hoodie when that bitter Missouri winter arrives.Here are five versatile items every wardrobe needs this fall (and every fall thereafter):The oxford shirt• Wear alone and leave the top few (more if you're feeling scandelous) buttons undone. Add a killer necklace... or three.• Add a belt around the natural waist line.• Layer under a sweater... I would recommend a deep V neck paired with an extra starchy collar• Dig out your brooches from two seasons ago and cinch the waist.• Wear under a blazer, over a tunic, with a cardigan, under a vest. Not necessarily at the same time.
 The scarf• Tie around the waist of a cardigan, tee, or tunic for a hip spin and a flattering shape.• Skip the necklace, and tie it around your neck vintage-style• Wear as a handband/headwrap (like this floral silk scarf, from Intuition). Very Jackie O. vacationing in Bermuda.• Wear as a "scarf" top or halter... but you must, must, must skip the minis and opt for skinny jeans, cropped trousers, or something equally covered-up• Tie on your purse, tote, or satchel strap The flats• Flats work with mini skirts, dresses of all lengths, skinny pants, trousers, Bermudas, cropped pants, and cuffed shorts. Did I mention they go with everything?• The beauty of the flat is that they are as stylish as comfortable (if you shop wisely - flats can be as uncomfortable as the tallest stiletto if they fit wrong). They are the ideal shoe for walking alllll the way across campus without succumbing to the "athletic shoe" or "foam flip flop." Eww.
• Spice up an otherwise average ensemb with a pair of kicky flats... choose catchy patterns, rainbow bright colors, or offbeat details (like these rhinestone-toe flats, from Intuition).
The blazer • A tailored-to-fit blazer (it doesn't literally have to be tailored, but it should look that way) can be worn as a casual chilly weather topper.• Layer over a polo or tunic, cuff the sleeves neatly... not '80s style.• Tie a sash or ribbon around the waist. Adds a femme spin and makes a conservative "office" piece "after" hours-appropriate. The skinny pants• A pair of denim skinnies will be indispensable this year. They can be worn [very] casually as easily as they can be dressed up.• A tunic, belt, and flats is a simple combination that can be put together in minutes. Up the style quotient with a stack of bangles.• Throw your summer mini dresses over your slim jeans, then top with a cardi or blazer. Voila! Insta-style.• For a spin on the "jeans and sweatshirt" combination, wear your skinnies (like celeb-favored J Brand jeans, from Intuition)with an embroidered zip hoodie and tunic camisole. Easy-peasy, even at 8 am.And if all else fails, wear that college sweatshirt with your skinny jeans, a polo, and flats. While I don't necessarily endorse the "popped collar," it looks ironically cool peekie out from a hoodie. Seriously!
originally posted on teenfashionista.comLabels: college fashion, college life, top 5 list
Casey Lewis, 11:16 AM
Genius inventions for college fashionistas
So, University Housing sent me the packet of information a couple weeks ago. You know, the one with all that information about the dorms; the rules, such as no coffeemakers (ha!) and no alcohol; your room and roommate assignment; and of course, the packing list. The list is pretty standard at almost all colleges by now, and you can probably figure most of it out - extra long twin sheets, shower caddy, bathrobe, desk lamp, blah blah....but I have spent recent weeks cavorting through Bed Bath & Beyond, Ikea, and The Container Store, and discovered a few helpful items university housing doesn't mention that will make a fashionista's life in the dorms much easier! A Closet Rod Doubler. I practically jumped for joy when I found this. You hang it from yur closet rod and it hangs halfway down in the middle of the closet, giving you a whole extra rod on which to hang twice as many clothes! Now I don't have to pick and choose which clothes to bring!  The Container Store, $10, thecontainerstore.com An Over-The-Door Shoe Rack. As my roommate and I have discovered in our phone conversations, we both have a passion for shoes. So to save valuable floor space in our crammed 10 x 15 room, we are each getting an over-the-door shoe rack. this one in particular holds 30 pairs of shoes and is a real bargain at 10 dollars.  Bed, Bath, And Beyond, $9.99, bedbathandbeyond.com Garment Deodorant Removers. I think these things are genius. Who hasn't stood in front of the sink trying to get white deodorant stains off their favorite low-cut black top? These sponges make the job easy.  The Container Store, $9.99 for a pack of two That's all for now. Presently in Chicago we're going through a terrible heat wave so I haven't been able to go shopping...or anywhere, actually. Hopefully once the heat subsides I will be able to hit the stores and FINALLY start my back to school shopping...I've only got two and a half weeks left till I leave! :-) Labels: college fashion, college life, top 5 list Nisha, 4:24 PM
One college freshman's style journey
Teenfashionista (who has just joined this blog!) posted a link to a wonderful article that is so relevant to college fashion and to the Eternal Packing Dilemma and, basically, everything going through my head when I connect the words 'wardrobe' and 'suitcase' in my head because most of the time I just end up despairing over how it's physically impossible to pack up everything in my room, everything that represents Home, into a couple of suitcases and transport them to another continent. Here's the article (finish reading before you refresh the page because otherwise you'll have to sign up for membership - which, though free, is a slightly tedious process). Here's the accompanying Tips On Shopping and Schlepping. "I was worried I would be homesick, worried about making friends and worried about adapting my wardrobe to a new climate and culture.
The only thing I knew about fashion in the Northeast was that I needed to buy a warmer coat."This is me in two sentences, except replace 'Northeast' with 'Midwest'. And, okay, I guess I know a leeeeetle bit more than that I just need a warmer coat. In fact, that I need a coat at all because I have never in my life needed to wear a coat in Singapore. "... the first rule of college fashion is that there's something to be said for wearing something that no one else is wearing."Like in the case of the writer, this doesn't always have good results. But I'm a firm believer in individuality, and I won't ever succumb to a trend unless a) it pleases ME aesthetically and b) it suits the shape of MY body and the colour of MY skin. So yes, it probably is a good idea to "Wait until you get to school before you blow your high school graduation money on clothes. You'll get a chance to see what everyone is wearing." However, when you do get there and see what everyone's wearing, don't feel under pressure to completely revamp your own style. Take a little bit of the campus style and weave it into your own. Most importantly feel comfortable in your own skin (and that gorgeous vintage coat that nobody else has or ever will have). Finally, it's comforting that she says " it's natural if you're moving away from home for the first time to bring an obscene amount of stuff with you -- it's amazing the number of things that can suddenly attain the status of comfort items as your departure date approaches..." I am already feeling like I need to take 14 pairs of jeans with me because what'll I do if I'm missing that one pair I edited out of the suitcase? What'll I do when I'm halfway across the globe from the jeans I'm craving the most? Sometimes it's so bad that I feel like I'm going to miss my bedsheets - which I obviously can't take because the dorm's not going to have a queen-sized bed - and I briefly consider taking just the pillowcases so it'll feel a little bit like my bed at home. Basically, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who has ever freaked out this much over college fashion/packing issues. I hope that this blog will provide some comfort to fellow and future freshmen, because it's always reassuring to know that you're not alone in your panic attacks.Labels: college fashion, college life, links
aparna, 11:33 AM
Top 10: College Wardrobe Must-haves!
One thing readers will quickly learn about me is that I love making lists, including but not limited to to-do lists, shopping lists, and top 10 lists. So you may be seeing frequent posts from me in list format, starting with today's list of my top ten college wardrobe must-haves! 1. Flats. Lots of flats. I know, we fashionistas are partial to heels. I myself have a penchant for four-inch pointy-toe heels and stacked wedges. However, college life necessitates a collection of cute, comfy, chic flats because of all the walking we'll be doing around campus.
 Kohl's, $34.99  Old Navy, $19.50, oldnavy.com
2. Stylish totes. Personally, I hate backpacks. I've never fancied myself to be a backpack-carrier, but in high school, the functional, bulky backpack was a necessary evil. However, in college, since we won't be carrying all our books around at once, I'm going totes all the way! I love these:
 Old Navy, $19.50  H&M, $14.90 3. Cute tops for going out. You'll probably be going to lots of clubs, parties, mixers, frat parties, bars...so stock up on lots of cheap, cute tops for going out. Like my favorite Budget Fashionista said in a post once, if you have lots of different tops, you can afford to not have lots of different jeans, because no one will notice you're wearing the same jeans over and over.
 Paul + Joe for Target, $19.99  Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $22.99 4. Cute jackets. Blazers are still hot, as are military style jackets, bomber jackets-- pretty much any kind of lightweight jacket that you can toss over your outfit.
 Gap, $58  Old Navy, $36.50 5. Skinny Jeans. Skinny jeans are definitely making it big this fall, after months of being seen only on Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and the like. So be one of the first to get on this trend before it gets overdone! Pair it with pumps or flats, a billowy top and tote bag, and you're good to go!
 Old Navy, $25.00  Gap, $58.00 6. Clutches. Clutches may not seem like the most practical type of purse, but think about it--when you're out at night, you won't need more than your cell phone, digicam, ID, cash, and lipgloss, so clutches and wristlets are an excellent way to stylishly reduce the bulk. I adore this one from target!
 Tara Jarmon for Target, $10.19 (also in purple) 7. Wide Belts worn around the waist, not hips. I love this most versatile of accessories because it looks good on everyone, yet so few people (at least in my rural college town) choose to wear it, so those of us who wear it look very put together. These belts are perfect when thrown on oversized sweaters, tunics, or long billowy tops, and are the perfect addition to any basic outfit.
 I don't know where this belt is sold--but it's a cute example :-) 8. Sweaters. Think variety and versatility. Boyfriend sweaters, cable-knits, cashmere, wool--lots of different sweaters in different colors can take you through fall, winter and spring.
 Gap, $48  Gap.com, $48 9. A Great Pair of Boots. I don't think this really needs explaination...no matter where you go to school or what climate you live in, a great pair of boots can always jazz up an outfit.
 rsvp, $81, zappos.com 10. And finally...a trenchcoat. Because no wardrobe is complete without a version of this timeless, classic, versatile, all-weather piece.
 Banana Republic, $168 Labels: college fashion, college life, top 5 list Nisha, 12:25 PM
Important Issues
So for 12 years I've worn a uniform to school in Singapore, which allowed for fashionable individuality only in terms of sneakers, bag, and occasionally sweater/jacket (although the introduction of the ultra-stylin' RJC hoodie partially eliminated that last one too, though I love my RJ hoodie). In September I'm off to Chicago where in addition to the ordeal of returning to academic life after nearly 9 months, on a daily basis I will have to deal with a great might-as-well-be-existential question: What Shall I Wear Today? I have next to no idea what cold-weather style is like, especially in the relatively arctic temperatures of Chicago. I do not own a single pair of boots and I've yet to get myself a decent coat. Plus, in university my numerous totes and cute little messenger bags won't do because I'll have a laptop to schlep around. I'm not the only person searching for some college fashion wisdom -- teenfashionista has also been on the prowl. As tf mentioned, omiru and ClosetTherapy have some memorable posts related to college fashion, but I have come to the conclusion that there isn't really a blog around that really caters to college-related fashion and in particular, the college girl's budget. So here it is. My first attempt at a fashion blog, from the perspective of a girl who is veritably obsessed with fashion and beauty, who will soon be in university and therefore certified to dish on college fashion issues. Until then, you can watch and be amused as I freak out about the amount of things I have to pack, the number of things I want/need/have to buy, and generally display my inner addict to the world. Or to the small part of it that actually gets around to reading this blog :) Coming soon: - Fabulous fashion links on the sidebar - Hopefully a new fashion-forward template if I can convince a tech-savvy friend to make me one - Even more hopefully, some fellow college fashion spies to help me out with this blog Watch this space! Labels: college fashion, college life aparna, 9:56 PM
|
