CL Spring Fashion Top 10

As I write this, it is 37 degrees and raining outside, but looking at all of the new spring fashions is enough to brighten my day. I have compiled a list of my favorite top 10 trends for classy co-eds to admire and and daydream about until the first day of spring!

1. Wide Leg Pants

Give your gams a break! Skinny jeans have been a staple season after season, don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere, but wide legs are the new “it” silhouette for spring. Try pairing yours with a billowy blouse and platforms for a 70′s vibe, or a structured shirt and flats for a preppy professional look.

(Style.com)

2. Brights

Nothing says spring better than bright, vibrant, juicy colors. Integrating some punches of orange, yellow, and red will revive your wardrobe from the winter blahs. If you’re really daring, try mixing bold colors for a color block effect.

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(Jak and Jil Blog)

3.  Nautical

The beach definitely conjures images of lazy spring break days. Nautical is a causal style that is on trend whether in class or by the sea. Stripes, cut-off jean shorts, chambray, wedges, the combinations are endless. Add some sequins like this J.Crew model for a little added sparkle.

(J.Crew.com)

4. Light and Airy

Bulky sweaters, layers, and scarves galore, winter is the antithesis of spring’s light and airy trend. Chiffon skirts in peachy nudes and weightless blouses are a sweet way to dress up this spring. Nude heels top off the look perfectly.

(cupcakesandcashmere.com)

5. Quirky Prints

Prints were all over the runways for spring 2011. Whether you prefer floral, animal print, or tie-dye, they’re all in style. Mix yours up with some of your closet basics for a look that screams spring!

(Style.com)

6. Midi skirts

Sick of mini skirts? Try the midi, a style that is in-between the maxi and mini length that is flattering and comfortable. The runways displayed the length in skirts and dresses, so pick whichever suits your mood.

(myfashionfindings.blogspot.com)

7. Safari

Khaki’s, leather belts, and military details make up the Safari trend. This look is pretty monochromatic and easy to wear. To give this look some life, try a pop of color like the model below with blue shoes.

(wesgordon.com)

8. Woven flats

These dainty shoes are perfect for spring, and because they are flats, you can wear them everywhere. Try them in neutrals or black to pair with any outfit. Affordable styles can be found, like this pair from Urban Outfitters below.

(urbanoutfitters.com)

9. Preppy Accents

Who doesn’t love a touch of preppy style? This spring preppy accessories are in and I am loving it. Pile on your most ladylike accessories and welcome spring in style.

(oldnavy.gap.com)

10. Shorts

What is better than busting out a pair of shorts after a long covered up winter? From girly to dressy, shorts are going to be big this spring. Step outside the box with shorts in different materials like linen and cotton.

(forever21.com)

I hope you enjoyed my roundup of my favorite top 10 spring trends. Now if only the sun would come out!

Leslie Campbell is a Senior in Apparel Marketing at Kansas State University. She can’t wait for spring and warmer weather!

Timeless Style

Classic elegance with a touch of spontaneity. That’s how I would describe my style icon, my mom. Growing up she always knew exactly what to wear for each and every occasion. I have always admired her effortless ease at putting on a simple outfit, but accessorizing it to make it special. She is also a master of fit, knowing exactly what to wear to emphasize her best assets. Isn’t that what great style is about?

Growing up she let me be my complete self. Including choosing my own clothes; which sometimes meant a bathing suit over sweatpants in the middle of December. She never rolled her eyes as I changed my outfit throughout the day, from leggings to a skirt to leggings again. And not once did she tell me my colors didn’t match. She taught me that fashion is supposed to be fun, an expression of self, and never boring.

Everyone has an icon, someone they look up to and dream of coming close to emulating their style. Audrey Hepburn, Taylor Swift, and even Fergie are style icons to many young women. Timeless style has a different definition for everyone, but from what I have learned from my mom and other fabulous and
classic ladies, it does not have to be hard.

1. Choose pieces carefully and with a keen eye for detail

No one would argue the power of the little black dress-and you shouldn’t either! It makes a bold statement when paired with “now” accessories like chunky necklaces, or even just a great pair of heels. The little black dress has many different shapes and options for fabric; you just have to find the one that speaks to you. Everyday items such as cardigans and sweaters become special when you pay attention to detail. Sometimes a bit of sparkle of embroidery is all you need to make a plain Jane sweater become effortless and chic. 

2. Accessories, accessories, accessories!

If there is one thing my mom has taught me about style, it is the importance of accessories. She has a closet full of shoes, purses, and a vast collection of baubles to boot.  Wearing a great pair of shoes with a classic bag and statement jewelry upgrades even the most basic button up and jeans to classic elegance.

3. Don’t sacrifice practicality to be a slave of fashion

When you feel uncomfortable, you look uncomfortable, and no matter how fabulous your ensemble may be, you won’t feel fabulous at all! Beauty comes from the inside out, so choose pieces that make you feel your best, not what all the magazines are telling you to wear.  Comfort is key to make any look appear effortless!

For me, my mom is the ultimate style icon because she is beautiful inside and out. She does not hide behind her clothes or wobble around on stilettos to define herself, she simply is herself.  As classy co-eds I think we should all strive to be our wonderful selves, and remember no one can own your personal style quite like you!

Who is your style icon?

Leslie Campbell is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and a senior in Apparel Marketing at Kansas State University. She envies her mom’s classic style and amazing cooking skills! 

Is it Summer or is it Fall? In Between Weather Dressing

Ahhh October, a month of crunching through leaves on your way to class, college football, and 80-degree weather? At least in my region of the country it feels like an indian summer with chilly mornings giving way to warm afternoons. There is nothing worse than sporting a thick knit sweater when the temperature climbs and you’re stuck running from class to class. Luckily there is a solution to the conundrum of between seasons dressing!

Layers are the most practical and easiest way to stay cool or warm up. They also minimize the number of times you think about changing your outfit throughout the day!  Those cold fall mornings may tempt you to reach for your coziest sweater, but remember, if the forecast says the high is 80-degrees you will regret that choice later. Try a simple t-shirt, cardigan, and a scarf for added warmth. This is any easy and timeless look that can be pulled off with items you already own.

Tights are another great way to add warmth, but they are not too stifling for balmy afternoons. Tights are also a great way to add interest and a little style to an otherwise bland look. Throw some on under your favorite skirt or dress and you’re golden. The best part about tights is their affordability; you can find them at places such as Target for under ten dollars, and they come in an array of colors, patterns, and textures.

 Blazers are perfect for in between seasons dressing! They come in all kinds of colors making it easier to choose according to your personal preference. There is bound to be the perfect blazer for you. Blazers are one of the easiest ways to add warmth to any outfit, slip it on top of jeans and a t-shirt, a dress, or even a cardigan if its extra chilly outside. The Gap has a great selection of classic jackets perfect for in-between weather.

Footwear is a vital point when choosing an in-between weather ensemble. It’s definitely too cool to wear flip-flops and summers cute sandals, but is it too warm for boots? A rule of thumb to use if its 70 degrees and below boots are your friend. If you will be running around in 80-degree weather all day, boots might not be appropriate or comfortable.

When it comes down to it, in-between weather dressing is all about comfort and function. Dressing smartly in layers you can peel off is key and your best ally in beating the afternoon warm up. So get out there classy co-eds, and face the in between seasons with confidence!

Leslie Campbell is a College Lifestyles (TM) intern. She checks the weather forecast religiously to plan her in between season outfits.

Going Green is the New Black: Sustainability in Fashion

www.listorious.com

Sustainability in fashion is making an impact on design philosophy and consumer behavior. Also known as eco-fashion, sustainable fashion is changing attitudes towards environmentalism and social responsibility in the apparel industry. As a classy co-ed, it’s vital to learn about the importance of this movement!

Fashion designers are implementing natural fibers, dyes, and methods into their apparel production. According to the non-profit organization Earth Pledge, “Fashion uses more water than any industry other than agriculture. At least 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles and 25% of the world’s pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton. This causes irreversible damage to people and the environment, and still two thirds of a garment’s carbon footprint will occur after it is purchased.”

Besides the environmental issues, sustainability in fashion also deals with the social side of the matter. Sweatshops, child labor, unfair wages, and overtime are all major issues facing the apparel industry today. Sustainable fashion encompasses not just eco-friendly fibers, but also clothing that is produced in legal factories with safe conditions, fair wages, and employees who are not exploited.

Websites like Greenissexy.com and the BBC online fashion magazine Thread, dedicated to ‘eco-fabulous’ style, offer free tips to help people get involved in sustainability in fashion. Shopping at thrift stores and vintage shops helps reduce the consumption and production of new garments. Donating your old clothing to Salvation Army and other thrift shops is another eco-friendly option. Swap shopping; a concept that involves you and a group of friends trading your castoffs is also a great way to recycle clothes and get a group of your closest friends together. Taking your old or very worn shoes to a cobbler to be resoled is another tip Greenissexy recommends, cutting down on your cost of buying a new pair of shoes and the energy involved to manufacture. I recently resoled my very favorite pair of boots I have owned for years, and they came out as good as new! It is a great way to hold onto the shoes you love, while helping out the sustainable movement.

The Bosom Buddies Recycling Program helps you get rid of your old lingerie, and give it to someone who needs it.  Women in shelters and housing centers do not always have the privilege of having a clean bra, and through this program that is just what they receive, while you contribute to the community and the sustainable fashion movement. More information on this program can be found at their website, brarecylcling.com

On the college price point, sustainable fashion can be found at mass merchants such as Target, who featured a GO International sustainable fashion line with Rogan Gregory in spring 2008.  Tons of online digital boutiques offer organic cotton tee shirts and bamboo fiber denim. Ecofashionworld.com has come up with a guide for the eco-conscious consumer with top picks for stores and designers.

Essentially sustainability in fashion is simple, be more aware, and consume less. Of course this is sometimes easier said than done, but by being conscientious of your consumption habits and purchases, you can make a difference!

Leslie Campbell is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a senior in Apparel Marketing at Kansas State University. Follow her on twitter @lccuppycake!

The Perfect Pair of Fall Boots

Fall is right around the corner, and before you know it walking to class will entail crunching through leaves, bundling up in thick sweaters, and sipping large thermoses of hot coffee. Boots are a quintessential item for fall fashion, but sometimes finding the perfect boot to keep you toasty and stylish can be time consuming. From ankle booties to equestrian classics, the options are endless. The key to finding your perfect boot is staying true to your style aesthetic. With this in mind, I am here to bring you a look at some of my favorite options for fall boots!

Ankle booties are very versatile, perfect for the college girl with a million activities, classes, and meetings to attend. Worn with skinny jeans and a sweater for class, ankle boots give an otherwise basic outfit a boost. On those warmer days in the beginning of fall, they are perfect for pairing with a dress for an updated and seasonal look.  These black ankle booties by Blowfish are a little bit tough, but still classic. The slight heel   gives height but is still appropriate and comfortable for everyday wear.

Blowfish, $59.00

Wedge boots are a comfort driven girls dream; stylish, flattering, and most importantly comfortable. Dressed up or dressed down, you will take your look from casual to lively with a cute pair of wedge boots. These Kenneth Cole Reaction wedge boots are classic with a trendy twist. Perfect with a cozy cardigan on a chilly October day.

Kenneth Cole Reaction, $119.00

Equestrian boots are my personal favorite style, versatile and with a flat heel for those rainy fall days.  Riding boots are a style classic, and investing in a great pair will pay off for years to come. Mine are my go to staple in my fall wardrobe, and they make throwing outfits together easy and of course cold weather appropriate. This affordable pair of Aerosoles will help elevate any outfit. Throw them on with a button up for a laid-back collegiate look.

Aerosoles, $89.00

Remember boots don’t have to be expensive to be fabulous, look at websites like piperlime.com and zappos.com to help you narrow your search and keep an eye on your budget. Always think quality over quantity, one great pair of boots can take you from this fall and beyond.  For ideas on what  fall trends to wear with your new boots, check out Samantha C’s piece  CL Fall Fashion Reporting for Classy Co-eds! Happy boot hunting!

Leslie Campbell is a Senior in Apparel Marketing at Kansas State University. She wants fall to be here solely for boot wearing purposes. And pumpkin spice lattes.

College Eating Made Healthy and Simple!

The first few weeks of getting back into the swing of classes, work, friends, sorority events, etc, is an overwhelming and just plain busy time. Eating healthy might be the last thing on your mind, but it shouldn’t be! When you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you perform better in school, feel more motivated to exercise, and are just all around a happier person! Feeling good inside and out can do wonders to your stress levels, and less stress is a perk we could all use. Thinking of eating healthy and knowing its benefits and doing so are two different things! So I have compiled some of my favorite healthy eating tricks to help you fuel up, be healthy, and save time.

Always include a fruit in your breakfast

A bowl of cereal or oatmeal is a no-brainer, cheap, and totally easy option for the time rushed college students. Topping your bowl with fruit boosts the healthfulness and adds more fiber to keep you fuller, longer! Plus fruit adds a natural sweetness to make your whole grain cereal even tastier. Bananas are great options for breakfast, but you can also think outside the box and add a chopped apple with cinnamon, a juicy peach, or try dried fruit in your oatmeal.

www.chocolatebakeryblog.com

Baby carrots: The most portable and versatile veggie

Baby carrots, their uses are endless! Packing them alongside a turkey and wheat sandwich to round out your lunch is typical. I love dipping them in different dips like salsa, artichoke dip, and even peanut butter! Their crunch and portability is perfect for on-the-go co-eds. Veggies are an important part of our diets, and adding a handful of baby carrots to lunch or dinner is an easy way to meet the daily 5-serving quota.

www.makefriendswithfood.blogspot.com

Couscous, a dinner time staple

The Mediterranean diet has long been renowned as one of the worlds healthiest and yummiest! Couscous is a great way to cheaply and easily get in on the trend of Mediterranean cuisine. It is delicious, and so easy to cook. All you have to do is boil water, pour in the couscous, and let sit for 5 minutes, and voila! You have the perfect healthy base for a delectable meal. Try adding feta cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil and black pepper for a tasty and Greek-inspired dinner. Served with chicken and a salad, it’s a healthy and delicious meal that will make you rethink pouring another bowl of cereal for dinner.

www.find.myrecipes.com

Sweet Potatoes: Delicious, easy, nutritious

A real time saver is the ultimate vitamin packed veggie; the sweet potato! Scrub it, poke a few holes in it, and pop it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes for a delicious spud. One of my favorite ways to eat a sweet potato is with baked beans, it’s simple, tasty, and very filling. They are great side items for just about anything; chicken, veggie burgers, etc. The best part is their affordability, pick up a few for the week and you are set.

www.sweattraining.com/blog

Hopefully these tips help you eat better, save time, and feel better! To put your brain food to use, check out Stephanie C’s Guide to Study Skills . Read more

5 Pieces for Back to School Fall Style

Hello everyone! I’m Leslie Campbell, one of the newest College Lifestyles interns, and I am extremely excited for the upcoming semester. I am a senior majoring in Apparel Marketing and with a minor in Mass Communications at Kansas State University. I love: magazines, coffee, running, peanut butter, fashion, and of course writing. This semester I plan on bringing you articles on classy co-ed fashion and lifestyle!

1. The perfect t-shirt

A lightweight, perfect fit t-shirt is the perfect base for fall style. Whether you prefer V-neck, scoop, or crew cut, make sure the fabric is comfortable and flattering. Stores like the Gap always have great selections and styles at a moderate price point. Target is a great place to find affordable tees that are cute and colorful and perfectly affordable.

”Vintage V-neck Tee.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.gap.com

2. The cardigan

Cardigans are perfect transition pieces for all of your summer tees, tank tops, and sundresses. Solid colored cardigans can be mixed and matched with just about anything, and thrown on when the temperature drops. Patterned cardigans turn your classic basics into a something special. A classy cardigan is the perfect versatile piece; it adds a polished touch perfect for a job interview or class

“Women’s Cropped Rosette Cardigan.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.oldnavy.com

 3. Dark wash jeans

Dark wash jeans are the most versatile pair of pants in a woman’s closet. They can be paired with a tee and cardigan for a busy day of classes, and amplified with a dressy tank and heels for night. Pick a jean silhouette that is comfortable and flattering for you; skinny, boot, or flare. The key to a pair of jeans is your comfort in them, not the latest trend, and dark wash is always flattering!

 

“Real Straight Jeans.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.gap.com

4. Flats

Flats are the quintessential college co-ed footwear staple. Cute, easy to move in, and of course comfortable, they make walking to class stylish but still casual and practical. Retailers such as TJ Maxx are perfect for scouting out the perfect pair because of their discount prices and wide selection.

 

“Odell Ballet Flats-Cheetah.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.target.com

5. Shirtdress

Dresses have the reputation of being “dress up” only items, but they are the perfect piece for a busy, savvy college woman. You don’t have tow worry about matching your top and bottoms, simply throw a dress on and add a few accessories and you’re golden. Shirtdresses are great because they are adorable, but still appropriate for classes. Try a chambray shirtdress with flats, a tote, and pearl earrings for a classy collegiate look.

 

“Women’s Chambray Shirtdress.” Online Image. 28 August 2010. www.oldnavy.com

 These 5 pieces are basics, but when mixed and thrown together with accessories, the culmination is timeless. Don’t be afraid to rework what you already have! Every college woman has a t-shirt, but instead of throwing it on and running out of the door, pair it with your new studded flats or floral cardigan.

Leslie Campbell is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is an apparel marketing major at Kansas State University. She is a member of Alpha Xi Delta and loves coffee and magazines.