Latest entries in MOVE Fashion
The latest in fashion and trends.
Sept. 5, 2011
Sinful style: Fashion commandments thou shalt break
I can’t be the only one who watches “What Not to Wear” religiously, subscribes to the Fashion Bible otherwise known as “Vogue” and believes the devil really does wear Prada. But as devout a fashionista as I may be, I admit I sometimes give in to temptation. Yes, I wear sweatpants to my morning class. Yes, I refuse to get rid of my favorite ratty T-shirt. Yes, I throw on a baseball cap to hide my bad hair day.
Sure, there are some fashion faux pas that are simply unforgiveable, but there are other outdated fashion rules that were just meant to be broken. It’s time we stop following fashion rules like they’re the Ten Commandments and start following just one Golden Rule: There are no fashion rules.
You can wear anything as long as you wear it well. When it comes to style, it’s all about fit, flattery and fun. As long as your outfit compliments both your silhouette and your personality, stop worrying about the following so-called style sins:
#1. Thou shalt not wear white after Labor Day
Clearly the person to come up with this rule never dreamed of a white Christmas. White is perfectly acceptable to wear as long as it’s seasonally appropriate. In the fall, try wearing white skinny jeans with darker layers on top. In winter, nothing’s cuter than a white cashmere sweater.
#2. Thou shalt not mix prints
I’m not saying you should wear so many different colors and prints that you look like you got dressed in the dark — you’re not Nicki Minaj. It’s best to pair a more neutral piece with a more colorful one to avoid looking too busy.
#3. Thou shalt match thy bag, belt and shoes
Accessories are meant to make an outfit pop. So I’ve never been a fan of matching the colors of mine perfectly. It’s more than okay to wear that blue belt with that purple purse. As long as the colors compliment each other rather than clash, you’re good to go.
#4. Thou shalt not wear black with brown
If leopards can do it, so can you. But to look as fierce as the felines, you’ll have to work at it. Black and brown are both neutral colors, so you can wear them with almost anything. Take advantage of this. Try pairing cognac riding boots and a cognac leather jacket with a black top and dark wash jeans.
#5. Thou shalt not mix metals
Just like pairing black and brown, all metallic colors are neutral. So go ahead and wear a gold cocktail ring with silver bracelets. The different tones will make your outfit appear more youthful and eclectic.
So the next time you’re tempted to break one of these fashion commandments, don’t back out in fear. Have a little faith, will ya!
Aug. 30, 2011
Keep your tech trendy
At MU, our technology is mandatory, expensive and (especially for Apple products) fragile. Our MacBooks have dents, and our iPhones have scratches. It seems like it’s impossible to avoid the daily abrasions our supplies endure.
We live in an age where we’re forced to lug our cumbersome gadgets around, and for fashion-conscious consumers, the time has come to fuse function with fashion.
As our gadgets are constantly reinvented, accessories for these products have no difficulty keeping up with the innovations and staying on trend. This back-to-school season, MOVE brings you the top picks for protecting your technology whilst expressing your eccentricity.
Marc Jacobs caters to all your back to school needs with chic laptop covers, pencil cases and USB flash drives. I always make sure my MacBook is safely tucked away in my leopard print Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon laptop case. It’s lightweight and has a plush faux fur lining for ultimate protection.
Go whimsical or classic with Rebecca Minkoff’s laptop and iPad covers. Her Virginia laptop cases have handy straps for safe traveling and come in an abstract zebra or leopard print. If simple is what you desire, you can also find several designs crafted from sleek leather.
It’s so easy to be fashionably functional when it comes to protecting your precious gadgets. Now, go forth and make a bold statement this fall in the most unexpected way.
July 11, 2011
In fine feather
Fishing and fashion aren’t two words you see together very often. But lately fashionistas everywhere have been flocking to their local sporting goods stores in search of one thing: fishing tackle.
That’s right. Tackle.
But not just any tackle. The tackle everyone seems to be buying are skinny rooster feathers fly fishermen use to tie flies and make lures.
Well, it seems they lure the fashionable just as much as they lure freshwater fish. Both men and women are using the feathers as clip-in hair extensions. And it’s easy to see why. The feathers come in countless colors, lengths and styles. They can even be washed, blow dried, curled and flat ironed just like your hair.
Best of all, they take minutes to clip in and can be taken out just as easily. And if you’re like me and have been the victim of one too many bad haircuts, you’ll love this risk-free way to experiment with your hairstyle this summer.
Hair salons across the country have taken notice of this trend, with many now offering to put in the feather extensions for their customers. Even celebrities have started following this feathery fad. Stars from Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus to Steven Tyler have been seen stepping out with the pretty plumage.
But the feather fad has been, ahem, ruffling a few feathers. Fly fishermen aren’t too happy about the recent demand for the tackle that’s leading to shortages and higher prices. And animal rights groups like PETA condemn the use of the feathers, which are often plucked from euthanized roosters.
Like any fad, this one won’t last forever. So if you want to see what all the feather fuss is about, summer’s the perfect time to head to your salon and take the bait.
April 14, 2011
Brighten up your wardrobe
The days of chunky sweaters and boots are over. But before you break out the booty shorts, remember that there’s more to spring fashion than wearing less clothing. Although I will be frolicking around in mini skirts and sandals, the quickest way to take your wardrobe from winter to spring is to add color. This season, designers filled the runway with bright, daring colors — a trend I’m more than happy to embrace.
Pink
The first time I wore blush was for a church musical production of "David in the Lion's Den." I stuck my fingers in a jar of cream blush, rubbed it in a circle and was done with it, no blending necessary. Spring’s cheeks look a bit like this — bold, bright and anything but subtle. A bright shade, such as Boots No.7 Mineral Blusher in Soft Dawson, will liven up your complexion. A bright shade like this goes on sheer, so if you’re going for a bright look make sure to layer it.
Orange
A pout is cheered up with orange lips. At first, tangerine lips sound odd and unnatural, but it’s a great alternative to a classic red lip. Try Joe Fresh matte & sheer lip crayon in poppy, $6.
Turquoise
Turquoise has always been my favorite stone, and this season it’s bigger than ever because of current ‘70s revival and Southwestern trends. I frequently wear my mom’s vintage turquoise rings, but you can get the same look without raiding your mother’s closet. Aldo has a great option, the Diestel necklace, $12.
March 13, 2011
So wrong it’s right: navy and black
As a rule, avoiding the combination of navy and black is generally a good one. If you are wearing navy and black together because you think no one can tell the difference, you are wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself. In fact, take caution when pairing the two colors because it pisses eyes off, they cannot tell if your blacks don’t match or if you’re wearing navy, or what’s going on.
On the other hand, this color combination has gotten plenty of positive attention in the fashion world recently. Project runway judges are always thrilled with a well-done navy and black look. Style icons like the Olsen twins, Zoey Deschanel, Lauren Conrad and Alexa Chung have all worn this look.
Defining navy blue is difficult. The blues I have seen called navy range from an almost black color to a cobalt shade. If your navy is more blue than black, a cobalt color, you are definitely safe and shouldn’t worry about pairing it with black. However, the darker the navy the more difficult it is to wear. With a dark navy outfit, focus on fabric, texture and sheen in your ensemble.
Sheer fabrics are great with this tricky color combo. I wear a sheer black button up top, $20, with a cobalt high-waisted skirt, both from H&M. Wear a black or dark-colored camisole underneath the sheer shirt, or if you want to up the sex appeal, wear a corset top underneath, the ASOS Boudoir Zip Front Multi Way Bar, $28.96. If you have a navy shirt you have trouble matching, pair it with a velvet blazer. The Drape pocket velvet jacket, by Warehouse for $32 is incredibly versatile, and the fabric will contrast nicely with any other material you happen to be wearing. Another idea is silk pants, like the AMERICAN RETRO Casual pants from yoox.com for $30.
If you want to avoid navy and black all together, it’s understandable. But if you want to take a risk with your wardrobe, just keep fabric, texture and sheen in mind and consider sheer pieces.
Feb. 25, 2011
So wrong it’s right: denim on denim
They told you not to do it. They told you to never ever do it. But you did it, didn’t you?
Because you’re a rebel — or a slob — or a little bit of both. Everyone should break the rules occasionally. Many laws of fashion are outdated and unnecessary, while most of these rules are useful in theory, they’re not the end-all-be-all. Denim-on-denim is one look that’s so wrong, it’s right.
I’ve also heard this look referred to as a Canadian Tuxedo. Despite what you’ve heard, denim-on-denim is perfectly acceptable, even considered high fashion at the moment. Although I did just call it Canadian, I think the appeal of a denim ensemble taps into a truly American ideal. It reminds us of the Wild West, of hard-working pioneers, cowboys, railroad workers and basically anything rugged and spirited and independent, anything truly American. I cannot speak to the longevity of a head-to-toe denim outfit, but I can tell you denim is huge this season.
Wear a menswear/work wear inspired denim shirt, paired with a contrasting colored blue or white jean. JC Penny carries the a.n.a Ditsy Trimed Denim Shirt, a very light wash utility shirt for $19.99. Wear it with dark-wash denim jeans or jeggings, to balance the looser fit on top, and have fun with your accessories.
Be daring and wear a cut-off denim vest (Studded vest, $25 at threadscene.com) over a denim dress or jumper (AB Studio Denim Sheath Dress, $59 at Kohl’s). While the rest of the world seems to have caught Bieber Fever, J Crew seems to have denim delirium instead. The company’s denim jumpsuit will really turn heads, as it should for $298. J Crew wants to feed your denim fetish, obviously, which is why they also offer the Campbell high-heel oxfords, while obviously exploiting denim-addicts for the price of $265.
If you’re sold on this look, when in doubt, just pile on the clothes. The essence of this look says, “I’m too cool to care,” so you really can’t go too wrong.
Feb. 9, 2011
Keep pretty in pink this V-day
This time of year, you will be tempted to dawn tacky heart-adorned garb, or for those less enthused by the holiday season, elastic waistbands, black and other drab choices. Resist these urges!
Whether you're attached or not, there are better ways to observe the holiday.
Be romantic in a less obvious way swathed in pale pink, neutrals and floral details. These feminine looks are on-trend for spring, so be ahead of the curve while nodding to your softer side. Pale pink flatters almost everyone. it complements a peachy undertone as well as tan skin.
Opt for pinks so pale they blur the line between nude and peach. The Susina lace trim tank in porcelain, $32 at Nordstrom, is perfect for date night or day-to-day wear, paired with a beige blazer. Aldo’s Brooke mule is a perfect complement to any delicate look. I love the chiffon flower details paired with raffia — but be prepared to spend $100 for a shoe that might go out of style soon.
A cheaper and more classic alternative shoe selection is the cap toe ballerina flat by Gap, $41.99. ASOS has a number of romantic accessories: ASOS Pretty Stacking Ring Set, $17.93 and Rose Gold Effect Retro Style Oversized Watch are both great choices for Valentine’s Day and for spring.
One of my favorite recent purchases is a blush boyfriend cardigan with silky front pockets from H&M, $15. Of course, no peachy ensemble would be complete without blush. My favorite brand is Mary Kay cream blushes, in Sheer Bliss, or cheek glazes in Tangerine or Pomegranate. The blushes look very bright, but go on sheer and can be layered for a more dramatic look.
Whether you’re going out for a romantic dinner for two or eating chocolate alone and watching cheesy ‘80s movies, keep pretty in pink.
Jan. 26, 2011
The thrills and chills of online shopping
Ever since enrolling at MU, I have been a big online shopping enthusiast. Without a car, and a limited selection at the Columbia mall, I have been virtually separated from my favorite stores. While I still cannot shop some places — why, oh why doesn’t H&M have an online store? — I’ve made myself very comfortable in cyber stores. Although there are some drawbacks to this method of shopping, it has its advantages too. The key to online purchases is to know and understand the products.
Proceed with caution
There are a few items I avoid buying online, and I advise you to do the same. Hats, in my opinion, are always a risk. When buying online, you have no opportunity to try on an item. For some reason, hats have the ability to do strange things to your face, perhaps making your nose appear longer or your forehead to appear larger. Sunglasses might also have this effect. Also, avoid buying makeup online. Worst-case scenario: you break out. Even if you don’t develop an allergy, it’s difficult to see what each color will look like on your skin. You may have difficulties with other purchases as well, so avoid styles you’ve never tried on, and be aware of your problem areas.
Ignorance is not bliss
Be careful when you buy from a store you’ve never purchased anything from before. Even if you’ve shopped there before, pay attention to brands. Stores such as Urban Outfitters carry multiple manufacturers. Before buying, read the reviews in order to make a decision and determine the right size. Also, make sure to look at the fabric content and care instructions. Is that $10 shirt worth the money you will spend in dry-cleaning? Probably not. When in doubt, note the return policy.
Dec. 2, 2010
Be careful about your winter fashion
This season, several items have caught my eye as both cute and risky. It occured to me that though sequined skirts, knitted shorts, jeggings and blazers might appear to be very simple articles of clothing, without the proper styling, you risk looking tacky, mismatched and out of season.
Jeggings are tremendously stylish when they are worn the right way. But aside from being worn properly, you should know not all jeggings are created equal. If you want a nice pair of jeggings (of any color) don't go to Walmart or Wet Seal. The cheapest pair at Forever 21 won't be the most reliable. The best jeggings are those that look like sturdy, yet flexible, denim, not shiny denim colored leggings.
So far, H&M, Vigoss, Free People and Mossimo (yes, Target's brand) have some pretty good looking and feeling jeggings. That's not to say stores such as American Eagle, Express or Forever don't have great jeggings. But my advice is to try them on, feel them and see if they'll last one good wash. In terms of parings, you can try a few looks. As long as you're wearing a good pair and have on weather appropriate shirts and shoes, you're in line.
Another seasonal addition are blazers of all textures and colors. They are great if you carefully examine them before wearing.
During Thanksgiving Break, I scored in my aunt's garage after finding an old school blue suede blazer. I paired it with some dark washed denim jeggings and boots. Is this the exact formula for all blazers? Heck no! You can wear a nice blue blazer (either made of synthetic or cotton fabric) with khakis, boat shoes and a cute blouse. The great thing about these popular accessories if you will, is that they seem to dress up any type of outfit -- preppy, casual, evening and beyond.
Where the questions lie are in the make of the blazer. Cheaper blazers usually look cheap. Plastic buttons, uneven stitching and cheap wash are just a few signs of a cheap blazer. Another thing to remember is that, in some cases (especially when detail matters,) the more you pay usually indicates a better quality.
Finally, knitted shorts are adorable and one of this season's hottest newcomers. Obviously, this a recylced style from many previous decades but what makes it so special in its new birth is they incorporate newer patterns, cleaner stiching and tons of different materials.
You can expect them to be in just about every store this holiday in almost every earth tone imaginable. Ivory, brown, grey, beige and more. Plus, for a dressier look, some of these shorts come in metalics, sequined and, yes, i've seen some that even look like foil (which if paired with the right top and bottom, could be very sexy). My rules for these cute little winter additions are as follows: wear leggings, stockings, pattern tights or super long socks and make sure they cover both cheeks. The idea is not to look like Daisy Duke.
Dec. 1, 2010
Fashion to be thankful for
There are certain things in life that we all should be grateful for, especially around this time of year. With Thanksgiving just a week past and Christmas looming closer and closer, it’s time to look back on the past year and count your blessings.
One of the things I’m the most grateful for this year was the opportunity to study abroad in London.
It has opened my eyes to a whole other world and people. The culture here is so rich in history, art and, of course, fashion. So, as I look back on 2010 and my London life as a part of that, I’m reminded of some wardrobe enhancers to be fashionably thankful for.
Over the knee boots
No London girl would survive without them and my favorite pair are on their last leg (or sole) from all of the traveling, pub crawling and museum walking I’ve done in them.
Emma Watson
The newest fashion crush for girls across the world, and rocking the cutest pixie cut since Natalie Portman’s “V for Vendetta” days, Watson is a whole new vision of Hermione geek chic.
Off-price designerwear
It all started with Target and their Go International! campaign of having designers, like Liberty of London and Zac Posen, make affordable clothes for the everygirl. Since I’ve been in London though, Kate Moss has designed for Topshop, Lanvin has designed for H&M, and Valentino has an upcoming line with GAP. Thank you to all of the designers who know that some of us have a budget.
Alexander McQueen
Speaking of designers, it's been just over a year since the death of the (in)famous designer, and people are still remembering his talent with fondness and hailing the arrival of his successor Sarah Burton. Here’s to more amazing clothing from a line that will never be the same again.
Faux fur
Note the “faux” people. If it’s good enough for Kurt Lagerfeld to have every one of his models wear faux fur, then even Columbia Tigerettes can rock the faux fur jacket look on colder nights out at the bars.
Missing out on any of these thanks-worthy fashion trends? You’ve got a few short weeks before Christmas to jump on them and make it before the year is out!