Struttin’ Down Memory Lane

Alas, it is the last day of blogging. As I write this post, my eyes are brimming with tears and someone better have a carton of ice cream waiting at the end, ’cause this girl is gonna need it.

Okay, so I’m not actually crying, but the ice cream would be nice.

But seriously, as this is the last week of blogging, I figured I would get a little nostalgic and hop into a metaphorical time machine to take a look back on some of my favorite fashion moments, because fashion isn’t just about what you wearing, but what you were doing when you were wearing it!

So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite pieces of clothing and their awe-inspiring (heavy on the sarcasm) stories:

Ahh yes. The Tshirt. These four are only a small representation of the many that jam my dresser drawers, but I also find them to be the most representative of my life story (Oh yeah, we are going to go there). The first thing we can learn from this collection? I love Ryan Gosling. The second thing? I attend a mission trip every summer for an organization I am absolutely in love with, Appalachia Service Project.

Yup, obviously one of my most fashionable moments.

Yup, obviously one of my most fashionable moments.

Third thing? I freaking love country music. Which brings us to some serious reminiscing…

Eric Church Concert 2012

This was literally my favorite concert ever. When my friends and I had bought the tickets, we hadn’t actually even heard many Eric Church songs before, so as any good iTunes user does, I went home and downloaded all three of his albums. The crowd was incredible, as can be observed by the raised boot above, and the performance was top notch. I’d follow Eric across the country if I could, but unfortunately, reality keeps me from doing such.

Brad Paisley 2012

Another great night, and weekend for that matter! I saw Brad Paisley (my favorite favorite favorite artist!) in October of last year in Hershey, PA. I had to take a bus there to meet my friend, but man was it an adventure! The crowd wasn’t as good as for Eric Church, but Brad refused to disappoint with his amazing guitar skills and light show (plus, I blame the lack of crowd enthusiasm on the old people clogging up the stands)! The show was followed up by midnight breakfast and watching a country classic, Crazy Heart. Oh the memories!

And what’s been with me through both of these concerts? My trusty old cowboy boots. No cowgirl can leave home without ’em, and no tractor pullin’, fist pumpin’, voice twangin’ evening is complete if you ain’t wearin’ ’em!

Thanks for the good times, y'all

Thanks for the good times, y’all

Let’s go back to my high school career. Now, you can’t talk about my high school wardrobe without mentioning the $2.00 dress. A dress for $2.00? WHAT? Yup, that’s right. And it’s actually pretty cute!

What’s the story? One day, my friends and I decided to go hang out at the pond and follow our watery adventure with a trip to the mall. However… I seemed to have forgotten to bring actual clothes to wear to the mall… So after my friend lent me a pair of shorts and a Tshirt, I awkwardly drudged around the mall in a less than stellar outfit. And that’s when I saw it – the $2 rack! And the rest is history… This little number has been a staple in my closet since my freshman year of high school! That’s some good quality $2 fabric if I do say so myself.

But what high school career is complete without the one day where every girl gets to dress like a princess, if only for one night? Yup, we’re talkin’ about prom. *Sigh* Although it wasn’t the look I had dreamed of since I was a little girl (Cinderella-style ball gown with my long curls piled on top of my head – maybe even a glass slipper), it was absolutely me.

Check out that hair! Yes, it took 4 hours and was hard as a rock. Talk about completing a look!

Check out that hair! Yes, it took 4 hours and was hard as a rock. Talk about completing a look!

MAH GIRLS!

MAH GIRLS!

First comes prom, then comes graduation….

It's a shame this had to get covered up by a cap and gown...

It’s a shame this had to get covered up by a cap and gown…

And after graduation… Everything from your closet at home gets shoved into your new and potentially undersized closet at college!

Three very unusual, yet surprisingly very useful pieces of clothing made it with me to our Dear Old State. And I would like to introduce y’all!

Meet my red skirt. I’ve had this baby since my freshman year of high school, and honestly, it’s the best skirt I’ve ever owned. It’s super puffy, but has this magical ability to avoid Marylin Monroe reenactments when things get breezy.

As some of you may remember from last semester, I had the pleasure of meeting Tim Gunn. And guess who came with me? Good ole Red!

You can’t tell in this picture, but I am wearing the next little number I’d like to highlight. Prepare yourselves.

ER MAH GAWD. Are those CATS?!

ER MAH GAWD. Are those CATS?!

Answer? Yes. Those are cats. I got them for my 18th birthday and have never turned back. They are the perfect fashion statement for any self-respecting cat lady to rock. Although one time a janitor in my high school mistook them for camouflage and referred to them as “great huntin’ shoes.” Oh really, now?

Let’s do the time warp again! Ready for another fashion shocker?! Cat shoes + ….

This is what happens when you decide to get dressed up for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. No regrets.

Say hello to my flapper dress!

Remember that time when the tassels got hooked to that kid's backpack on the way out of lecture that one time.... Yeah, me too.

Remember when the tassels got hooked to that kid’s backpack on the way out of lecture that one time…. Yeah, me too.

To top off this post about favorite outfits, it seems fitting to reflect on the little heartwarming details that truly make my outfit and make my day – my jewelry.

This is a charm bracelet my mom got me a few years back and I’ve been adding charms ever since. Precious <3

The ring is from my grandma for my graduation and I wear it every day – she actually has a matching one! And that smokin’ hot New York necklace? Yeah, I wear that so I can fashionably rep my home-state! Plus it’s hand-made from Etsy.com. They come in every state 😉

 

Seeing as this blog post has gone on for quite a while now (I just can’t let go!), I feel this is a fitting time to wrap things up. I had a great time writing this blog and having to come up with new ideas for every week has really worked my imagination muscle. I hope you all learned a little something, because I know I sure did! Just remember that style is individual and whether you are on a college campus or a catwalk, keep in mind that it is your responsibility to express yourself in whatever way you so desire.

Well… I guess I will awkwardly bid you all adieu… Let the good times roll!

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Nanny Laws are Drivin’ Me Crazy!

You know, the term “nanny law” has a lot of negative connotations associated with it. And personally, I can see why. Obviously this little nickname was created in response to the government overstepping its bounds and acting as a a metaphorical nanny to a bunch of kids that have graduated high school at this point. Sorry government, this is not an episode of Super Nanny and I think it’s time you left…

However, while in the nanny world there are those mean and crotchety old British nannies that won’t even let you have an M&M, there are also the cool nannies that just graduated from college and can play the electric guitar while also making pancakes FULL of M&Ms. So does that mean that there are two sides to every nanny state as well? Could the government actually be passing laws that are as useful and potentially as delicious and heartwarming as M&M pancakes?

Tell me this looks disgusting and I will personally knock some sense into you.

Well, okay, so laws aren’t exactly tasty, and bills aren’t exactly all warm and fuzzy, but they can indeed be helpful and altogether necessary! Do you guys remember that time when you didn’t have to wear seat belts and your parents let you jump on a trampoline in the back seat of your minivan? Yeah, me either. But there was a time when there were no laws regarding seat belts. And let me tell you. It was ugly.

1961 was the first year that any state required cars to be outfitted with seat belts, with Wisconsin taking the lead. And in 1984, New York state mandated the use of seat belts.

A lot of people probably got pretty heated about this matter, you know, since it encroached on their personal freedoms and what not. If I want to have a freaking dance party in my car without seat belts, I WILL.

Now, you can still have dance parties in your car, but you just have to edit your dance moves a little. Save your splits and hand-stands for the actual dance floor.

Changing one’s lifestyle is often very… difficult. I’m sure if I had been driving or even riding in cars at this time, the use of a seat belt would have ticked me off. But, with such a change, millions of lives have been saved since.

No shame.

It’s easy to get all high and mighty with our ‘MERICA attitude about personal freedoms, but let the seat belt laws act as a reminder that the government doesn’t want to hurt us, they want to help us. Maybe even make us a pancake.

So y’all, what do you think? Are there any other examples of successful and helpful “nanny laws” that you can think of? Are government-imposed lifestyle changes always doomed to fail, or do you think there is hope for the future of the nanny law?

 

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Annie Get Your Gun

About 6.6 million guns are transferred in the U.S. every year with no background check for the buyer. This loophole allows dangerous people who are prohibited from buying guns – including felons, domestic abusers and the seriously mentally ill – to avoid a background check by simply avoiding licensed dealers.

How do you like them apples?

Mr. Bloomberg ruffled some feathers on twitter two weeks ago (pun totally intended) after being quoted saying, “Extending background checks to cover private sales and limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines are commonsense measures that will keep communities safer without infringing on anyone’s Second Amendment rights.”

@MikeBloomberg infringe: transitive verb: to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another <infringe a patent>

@MikeBloomberg how is restricting the type of magazines available to private citizens NOT infringing?

 

Oh SNAP! As Mayor of the Nanny Laws, Bloomberg, a co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, took it upon himself to congratulate Colorado on its efforts to put an end to gun violence when the state signed legislation that expands background checks for all gun sales and limits ammunition magazines. Colorado has been a leader in commonsense gun law reforms that will prevent gun violence. After the mass shooting at Columbine, an overwhelming majority (70 percent) of Coloradans voted to require unlicensed sellers at gun shows to conduct background checks.

Sure, this type of legislation may cut into your unbounded freedom to play with guns just a tiny bit, but take a look at these stats:

  • Gun trafficking is 48 percent lower than in states that fail to require background checks for all handgun sales.
  • In 2010, the rate of women murdered by an intimate partner with a gun was 38 percent lower than in other states, while the rate murdered by other means was nearly identical.
  • The firearm suicide rate was 49 percent lower than in other states, even though people committed suicide in other ways at almost precisely the same rate.

Normally I just leave it up to you guys to decide whether the latest nanny legislation is too nosy or just right, but today, I’m gonna insert my opinion; while I recognize that buying a gun is a personal and private decision and that it is a bit tedious for the government to get involved, with positive results such as those displayed by Colorado, I firmly believe that this is an infringement on our freedom that is worth enduring.

So all my little gunslingers, what’re your opinions on this here matter?

 

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My Lip Gloss Is Poppin’…

…And none a da boys be stoppin’? Huh, what’s up with that?

Contrary to the title, I will not be talking about lip gloss (I know you feel betrayed), but I will indeed be discussing beauty products, tips and tricks! Now, you may be asking, Sabrina, unless you’re making skirts out of hair extensions and trading in your everyday purse for a makeup bag, how do beauty “tips and tricks” have anything to do with style?

Valid argument.

But who says beauty has nothing to do with style? In fact, it’s an essential part of it! You can be wearing the cutest dang outfit I have ever seen and if your hair is a mess and your nails ain’t did, forget it. You might as well go put your sweatpants back on. So this week, having done some hard core research as you can imagine, I went back to Pinterest for hair and makeup inspiration.

I’ve been dying to try some of these looks out since I got my Pinterest account and have never been brave or ambitious enough to do it until now. So, some of these may look on the mediocre end, but remember, I’m a first-timer, and ya gotta start somewhere! Each link that is beneath the Pinterest picture is a link to a tutorial! So, enjoy!

Ain't nothin' creepier than taking pictures of your eye...

Ain’t nothin’ creepier than taking pictures of your eye…

On Monday I started small with a smokey eye with cat-eye eyeliner. There’s no tutorial accompanying this link, but my advice is to PRACTICE! And get a gel pen eyeliner. And take your time. And get really close to the mirror. I like this link though because I think it gives you a nice close-up and really crunches it down into a few manageable steps (http://www.beautylish.com/a/vmszv/how-to-winged-eye-liner).

http://www.afashionloveaffair.com/2011/07/wavy-hair-tutorial-with-hana-flat-iron.html

http://www.afashionloveaffair.com/2011/07/wavy-hair-tutorial-with-hana-flat-iron.html

hair4

I’ve always wanted to be able to curl my hair with a straightener. It sounds counter intuitive, but once you’ve seen it done, you just HAVE to do it yourself. The trick here is to go reaaalllllyyyy sllloowwww as you slide the straightener down your hair. Otherwise it just straightens your hair. Take your time! It’s well worth it!

http://www.myshineproject.com/2013/02/hair-diy-drape-french-braid.html

http://www.myshineproject.com/2013/02/hair-diy-drape-french-braid.html

hair3 hair2

Wednesday I managed to try this super awesome braided headband! The tutorial makes it super easy, especially if you know how to do a french braid already. I can’t wait to do more braids! I’m addicted.

I decided I needed to add another makeup trick in here, so on Thursday I busted out my trusty Urban Decay Naked palette. Okay. I gotta say one thing first; I am OBSESSED with the Naked palette. I broke the bank on it, but it has been so worth it! This thing will last you years and it’s the only eyeshadow palette you will need for a while. But back to this look. It’s a pretty basic one, with legit like two colors and it is indeed easier than it looks.

http://todieforblog.blogspot.ca/2012/04/messy-elevated-pony-tail.html

http://todieforblog.blogspot.ca/2012/04/messy-elevated-pony-tail.html

hair10

I was planning on going to the gym right after classes on Friday, so I went with a cute pumped up pony tail. This look involves teasing, which is something I’ve never really ever been able to master. In order to get good texture, you put some mousse in wet hair the night before and wrap it into a bun. When you wake up the next day, it’s nice and wavy!

 

As for the guys… I’m not even going to pretend that I know anything about how y’all do your hair. The concept is entirely lost on me. And makeup? If you use it, I’d rather remain under the illusion that no one uses it. Okaycoolthanks.

 

Moral of today’s story? Style isn’t just about what you wear. It’s entirely about how you present yourself as a package! In fact, you can make jeans and a Tshirt look better with some fresh makeup and great hair! There are even hundreds of ways to wear a pony tail! Or a braid! Or just down! Or half back! Or anything else you can imagine! Plus, changing your beauty routine can be free, which is nothing like updating your closet! So, after this post, feel free to whip your hair back and forth, whip your hair back and forth. Sorry. I had to do it.

 

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Like, OMG, I Totes Saw the Cutest Thing on Pinterest

If ever I have had an unhealthy relationship with a website, it has to have been with Pinterest.

But really, for any and all single ladies out there (PUT YOUR HANDS UP!), fear not! Who needs a boyfriend when you have Pinterest? Tell THAT to grandma next time she asks if you’ve met any nice boys lately.

For those of you who aren’t aware of what in the heck a Pinterest even is, it’s a social networking website (what sites aren’t these days?) that was created in 2009 that acts as a virtual “pin board” of sorts. Users can “pin” images from the vast stream on the website to individually themed “boards” or galleries created by the users. People can follow “pinners” and “repin” images they particularly like to their own boards.

Get ready to have your mind blown – I am about to relate this blog post to a class assignment. For my persuasive essay, I wrote about why men should join Pinterest (see below!). Besides the fact that I just freaking love geekin’ out on Pinterest all day erryday, writing this essay got me all excited about the world of pinning.

Pinterest is quickly becoming the ultimate in fashion inspiration. Culminating images from blogs and retailers across the internet, it provides quick and easy access to drool-worthy chicness (Yes, I drool whilst pinning. Is that not normal?).

Every dedicated pinner has a fashion board that probably contains a majority of their pins, next to the hair and makeup boards of course – oh! And weddings! But anyways, after perusing my own fashion board, I decided I would maybe give some of these outfit ideas a spin. I mean, I pinned them for a reason, right?

Best part about making this post? Spending hours on Pinterest doing “research.”

I feel like I’m on a Pinterest high, aka the feeling you get from looking back on all the things you’ve pinned and falling in love all over again.

Here’s da breakdown of the week, y’all:

Monday I did the black jeans with a jean jacket ensemble that is just no-fail, plus a scarf, which is a very Pinterest-like touch, I must say. Tuesday I got to explore the possibilities of wearing my cowboy boots with a flowy top like the Pinterest version and jeans. Wednesday I got all preppy and stuff with a blazer and a button down with some jeans, making it all casual like ya do. Thursday was my favorite because I felt like a true Amuuurican, with my chambray shirt underneath a sweater, which I have never thought to do! So thanks for that Pinterest!

Okay, let’s be honest here, none of my outfits look exactly like the Pinterest versions. Unfortunately. Trust me, if I could, I would buy every single outfit I have ever pinned and die happy, but alas, I am a poor college student. Therefor, the best I, and every other pinner can do is create an outfit that is merely an interpretation of the Pinterest paradigms. Pinterest is a great website for generating ideas! It may not be entirely realistic, but it gives you the incentive to be awesome.

 

Alrighty, so can I tell all y’all dudes why Pinterest is the place to be these days? Too bad. I will anyway.

1.) Pinterest is full of variety! From recipes, to tricks and tips, to cars, to travel, this website has a little something for everyone. Need a starter board? “The Board of Man” has you covered.

2.) Major men’s publications such as Esquire have their own Pinterest boards.

3.) Men are natural planners. Pinterest is the perfect vehicle for planning.

4.) Cognitively, men and women are only 1% different, and according to many psychologists, these differences are merely the result of societal stereotypes. Who says men can’t enjoy fashion and cooking too?!

5.) While a majority of US Pinterest users are women, in the UK the majority of pinners are men! And a decent percentage of these users are within the top financial bracket. Why? Because Pinterest can be used for business. It’s free wide-spread advertising for retailers and bloggers.

This week, I point to the pinner Tim Quinn, who has boards such as “Tailored Tim” that feature fabulous men’s fashion examples that are accompanied by witty captions.

Boat shoes, no socks, "bad boys and jocks, the sockless look is here to stay."

Boat shoes, no socks, “bad boys and jocks, the sockless look is here to stay.”

"Black and white and random orange stripe..."

“Black and white and random orange stripe…”

And for all of you too ashamed to reveal to the public what you’re pinning… There are “secret boards” now too, for your eyes only.

 

Before I start spilling all my deepest darkest pinning secrets (OMG SOMETIMES I PIN QUOTES WHEN I’M SAD AND EAT A TUB OF ICE CREAM), I am going to wrap this baby up. What have we all learned, other than the fact that I love Pinterest like it were my first-born child? (WATCHING WEDDING SHOWS MAKES ME WANT TO PIN WEDDING STUFF AND EAT A TUB OF ICE CREAM) Pinterest is useful. Yes, that is what I would love for you all to gather. (I DON’T ACTUALLY PLAN ON COOKING ANY OF THE RECIPES I PIN. I’D RATHER EAT A TUB OF ICE CREAM) While the suggestions are not always practical and attainable, they are ideas, and sometimes we all just need a freaking idea when we wake up late on a Monday morning. (PINNING “HEY GIRL” MEMES AND EATING A TUB OF ICE CREAM IS MY IDEA OF A FRIDAY NIGHT) Pinterest can be used to waste time, but it can also be used to save time; all of your ideas, plans, and inspirations are wrapped up neatly in one place where you can easily access them on a rainy day.

I suggest eating a tub of ice cream whilst pinning. #FreshmanFifteen

Happy Pinning!

 

 

 

 

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When I Can’t Have My Extra Large Mountain Dew…

I would like to preface this post by pointing out that I don’t actually like Mountain Dew (I’m much more of a Pepsi kind of gal…). But if you like your Dew from a Mountain or otherwise, I am not here to judge, but rather encourage.

Yes. You have the right to enjoy a nice extra large Mountain Dew every now and then. In fact, “If someone in New York wants a cheeseburger that replaces the bun with more cheese and bacon, that is his choice.” It may be a poor choice, but alas, it is a choice nonetheless, and ain’t no Michael Bloomberg gonna tell me no different.

In search of this week’s nanny law of choice, I stumbled upon this article (http://www.elonpendulum.com/2013/03/why-new-yorks-failed-soda-ban-matters-to-you/) from the Elon University’s online student-run magazine Pendulum, regarding one of the most highly publicized nanny law attempts as of late – New York City’s attempt to minimize the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 oz. in public places.

Well folks, you can happily re-loosen your belt buckles, because the law didn’t pass!

According to a New York judge, “The soda ban represents the government policing our bodies and controlling routine activities under the ever-increasing reach of the law. ”

Can I get an “amen”?

According to Alex Francis, the author of the article, this ruling will continue to set a foundation for future nanny laws. The ban on large soft drinks would have set a dangerous precedent in which overreaching government power would become the norm. The failure of the ban is crucial in that it protects Americans freedom to make personal lifestyle choices.

Clearly, as this ban was intended to help prevent obesity, the government doesn’t mean any harm, does it? Perhaps good intentions just have a way of getting a little out of hand. However, what I could view as a harmless attempt to change society for the better can also be criticized as an intentional breach by the government into our personal lives.

“Your right to drink soda is based on the right to control your own body — a right that the government has demonstrated with increasing intensity it has no interest in letting you have.”

The soda law – an unfortunate lapse in government judgement or dangerous attempt at control?

 

 

 

 

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Wait, Yoga Class Is Over? That’s News To Me!

This post is entirely necessary. We live on a college campus. We get tired. We get lazy. We walk a lot. We even go to the gym sometimes! We wear yoga pants, whether that is technically “fashion forward” or not. This post is about reality. And hopefully it won’t get too ugly.

This weekend I went home and thought it would be a fine idea to stay until Monday morning, when my mom and I would wake up at 4:00 AM and drive to State College so I could attend my 9:00 AM class. Well, I got to go to my 9 AM, but not decked out in a dress. Nope. I had opted for the warm embrace of my yoga pants on a cool winter morning.

I was going to make up a fake outfit or something to fool y’all into thinking I can put myself together even at 4 AM. But then I saw that yoga pants would actually be a great theme for this horrendously cold and horrendously lazy week. And believe me, I’ve enjoyed the break.

Yoga pants come in many shapes and sizes; there is the classic yoga, with the flared leg, the yoga-legging, which is my personal favorite because you can tuck them into boots and they don’t awkwardly reveal your ankles when you’re, you know, actually doing yoga, and the yoga crop, which is a lovely design for warmer climates and showing off your “yoga-toned” calves.

Monday I wore a pair of crops tucked into boots, with a T-shirt and that trusty chambray shirt, while on Tuesday I wore leggings with black boots, a plain shirt, and a cardigan (automatically classy). On Wednesday I wore another pair of leggings with boots and a sweater over a button-down top, which turned out looking actually decent! See! You CAN be classy in yoga pants! I’ll admit, on Thursday morning my bed and I were having separation anxiety, so I basically stuck with crops and a quarter-zip sweatshirt – with SPERRY’S! I tried! Friday I wore the classic flare with a cardigan, plain T-shirt, and Sperry’s.

While this is a shameful choice of pant for everyday life, yoga pants are better than sweatpants. They show off your shape and can be paired with sweaters and real shoes.

 

Now, guys, you probably could have guessed I would say y’all should steer clear of yoga pants, or leggings, or crops. I don’t want to be mean, but… They just aren’t really the most flattering on you.

But wait! If I said yoga pants are the best alternative to low-ridin’, hummer-drivin’, music-pumpin’, fist-bumpin’ swagger sweats, what are you all supposed to wear?! I am going against my better judgement here by teaching you how to wear sweatpants.

Hopefully there shall be no fist-pumpin’ as a result.

All right. That doesn’t mean you put on your ugliest sweatpants and pair them with your baggiest T-shirt and meanest sweatshirt and stumble around campus thinking “This is a Sabrina approved outfit!” (Which I know is obviously what you think when you get dressed in the morning) But rather, take a look at our Celebrity Male Fashion Star of the week! Jake Gyllenhaal.

Other than being a fine piece of man – uhhh – I mean, a very fine actor, Mr. Gyllenhaal can “rock” a pair of sweatpants with the best of them. And I say this loosely, as there are very few ways to actually “rock” a pair of sweatpants.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of his prowess:

Lookin’ a little shady there, Slim…

To be quite honest, I’m not sure if these are actually sweatpants or just some kind of very dark pant… But for my sake (and duhh, yours as well!), let’s pretend they are a dark pair of sweatpants. Not sure if they are charcoal or navy or black or… Obviously I’m suffering from an imagined case of colorblindness. Leave Me ALONE! Either way, I don’t care about what’s on the bottom, it’s that fabulous quarter-zip that really does it! Invest in a quarter-zip sweatshirt (let’s be real, you don’t even have to “invest,” just buy), because they come across as more put together than a regular sweatshirt. You will automatically be associated with upper-class sports and yachts just by putting one on. Not too shabby, eh?

See? I told you everyone loves a flannel!

Ahhh… another slightly ambiguous pair of pants… Assuming these are sweatpants and that he is not wearing an odd beanie, this is another good example of sweatpant-wearin’! A flannel is a fresh take on just a plain old T-shirt, and while I would recommend un-buttoning the flannel to show the shirt underneath and reveal the fact that you are not just a plaid lump, either way is really quite fine! So go, and discover your inner lumberjack.

 

In order to revive an old hashtag that was well-loved by the class, as college students, we experience innumerable #BeingAliveProbs. In order to face these problems that come as a result of waking up in the morning, sometimes we have to resort to comfort items – namely, sweats and yoga pants. While I don’t condone these choices often, when you find yourself starting your week off at 4 AM, sometimes old habits die hard. Okay. So I’m not saying you should utilize these wardrobe staples daily, but when you can either a.) make a cute outfit out of them or b.) feel like you may collapse in the streets if you have to wear real pants, feel free to frump-it-up. So there you have it – shame of shames – my week in yoga pants.

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Hey, Where’d You Get That Penn State Swagger?

Like all good Penn Staters, I have to admit that a sizable amount of my wardrobe, as well as my walls and my bed and my desk… Has been taken over by Penn State gear. This is all fine and dandy when you’re living in Campus World, but what happens when you want to venture out into the Real World and may need to make all that Penn State attire look less leggings-and-a-teeshirt frumpy, and more, yup-I-got-dressed-this-morning-and-don’t-look-dumpy?

Well my friends, this week’s challenge was to wear that Penn State swag and neither look like I was headed to a sporting event nor rolling out of bed or heading to the gym. Let’s just say I felt very spirited this week. GO STATE!

Let’s get down to business shall we? Monday’s outfit was arguably my favorite, with me sporting my Restore The Roar tshirt under a very uhhh…vivid… cardigan, with jeans and my Sperry’s. Tuesday, lucky enough for me, was a rainy day, giving me a chance to bust out the Penn State rain boots, and pair them with a black tshirt (that’s really actually cool because it has buttons down the back) and jeans.

Oh rain boots... I fell in love with thee the second I saw you at Walmart...

Oh rain boots… I fell in love with thee the second I saw you at Walmart…

Wednesday was my “classy” day, rockin’ a Penn State tank with a button-down chambray shirt, black jeans (because wearing regular jean-on-jean is just gross), and my two-toned boots. I like to consider Thursday’s outfit a classic because honestly, please try and tell me you have never worn a sweatshirt and jeans before? Anybody can do this. I like to think the fact that my sweatshirt is a crew neck and my footwear are Sperry’s make it somewhat classier than average. Friday was tricky because I chose to wear a hat. I’m not a hat girl. So trying this was a bit of a challenge. Ultimately I don’t think it went too bad… And maybe I’ll try it again someday soon. Penn State baseball season IS upon us…

Yes ladies, the men in baseball pants are coming.

Lesson learned? Well, I suppose I just have to say there is more than one way to wear a tshirt. You can do it with leggings, but maybe next time you could try jeans, and then next time put on a layering piece! Also, don’t be afraid to bust out your gimmicky PSU accessories, but do so in the most socially acceptable way possible. So no. No festive headdresses with fur or glitter. Preferably.

Okay fellas, I feel like we’ve already been through a lot of the basic rules regarding how to wear a tshirt or sweatshirt right? Doesn’t really seem necessary to explain this again, but… I’ll leave you with a few tips! (Sorry, I can’t help myself)

Guys can layer too! This is an important fact to remember. Now, when I say layering, I don’t really mean layering a zip-up sweatshirt over a tshirt. You can do that… But why not try a cardigan? Or a flannel? Everybody loves a good flannel! Yes. I can find statistics to prove this to be true.

Keep the jeans classy, keep the kicks fresh, and BAM! You got that Penn State swagger too!

 

Going to a Big Ten school does not give you the right to abuse the abundance of apparel at your disposal. There are times when the sweats option is acceptable (I hope you know these times consist of the gym, bed, and studying), but why not shake it up a little? You can represent our school in a good way when you show just how good you can make our gear look. Let Ohio State wear their sweats and yogas. Here at Penn State, we keep it classy with a cardigan. #MayNoActOfOursBringShame or outfit for that matter.

 

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Before You Hike That Football…

If you’re like me, contact sports are not, and have never been, your thing. But while my prissy nature holds me back from doing anything that would require the use of shoulder pads and helmets or any other form of protective gear, this fear of getting a little busted and bruised is lacking in the younger generations.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, more than 1.1 million high-school boys played contact football in the 2011-2012 school year, which makes the game nearly twice as popular as the No. 2 prep sport, outdoor track and field.

But what was once an innocent game played by young boys as orange and brown leaves fell lazily from the trees, getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the football field… is now under the watchful eye of nanny-lawmakers everywhere. So, this begs the question; does the government have the right to tell us whether or not our kids can play football or would it be a safer and smarter idea to lay down the law and attempt to prevent serious injury?

When taking a quick glance at the issue of kids in sports and concussions as well as other serious injuries, the idea of enacting a law to prevent these things seems perfectly necessary. Why, if we have set ages for kids and young adults to start engaging in risky activities such as driving and drinking (uhhh, never do ’em together, folks!), wouldn’t it make sense to put a law as to the age children have to be to engage in contact sports such as football? Heck, even Barack Obama seems to be on board claiming, “If I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football.”

Well, according to Robert Cantu, Boston University neurosurgeon and author, there is not enough data that supports the long term effects of playing football on “these little ones.” And unless the Mayo Clinic would lie to us, “the risk of injury in youth football does not appear greater than other recreational or competitive sports.”

If there is basically no evidence proving that playing football as a kid is a bad move in the health department, then why the concern? Compared to NFL and college level players, the injuries that kids could incur from playing the sport are nothing.

While head injuries have been a concern in the sport for decades, the concentration is shifting from the effects on professional players to kids. In fact, the NFL has decided it would back any laws made in order to make the sport safer. “The NFL believes we can make sports safer than they are today,” says NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell.

I totally see the benefits of instituting laws that make people safer in their daily lives. But sports are not a mandatory activity that everyone has to participate in – I know, weird, there is no requirement for running around on a field full of your peers coming barreling at you with an oddly shaped ball. Playing football is a completely voluntary choice that you can make, and just like any other voluntary choice that you make, you have to take into consideration the risks. “You know that you have to tackle and you may get hit,” says San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman. “That’s a choice I made as a child and I’ll let my children make their choices.”

Would laws changing the way kids play sports be a beneficial change? Should the government even get caught up in children’s sports or sports in general? Or is this just another one of those times when we as a society need to get our head screwed on straight and make logical and rational decisions on our own and leave the government to deal with bigger things?

 

For more on this topic, check out this article from The Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324156204578278173472611476.html

 

 

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Whoa, Ladies. Cover That Up…

This week I had a totally different challenge in mind for myself… Until I realized Thursday was Valentine’s Day (Oh, you forgot? Hope your significant other forgives you…) and had to make sure I could wear my red dress. Because, obviously.

Alas, I wanted nothing more than to wear that red dress with that black blazer. But, where’s the challenge in that? Wear a dress everyday? Even I’m not that ambitious. Wear your black blazer everyday? Assuming people notice what I’m wearing I’d rather not have them think I’m a scumbag.

So, I decided, you know what? I have some sweaters and jackets, I might as well put ’em to good use. Thus, everyday this week, I wore a different type of jacket/blazer/cardigan thing. I know, I am obviously one of the most inspiring people on the planet.

Let’s take care of business:

 

Monday I went with a nautical striped navy-and-white top with black jeans and this big brown cardigan thing that has the magical ability to fit over long sleeves without clumping – plus my two-toned boots! Then on Tuesday I just really shook things up with a floral button down, jeans, Sperry’s, and another big sweater (I actually liked this outfit better without the sweater, to be honest). I decided on Wednesday that the jean jacket should probably make an appearance this week and paired it with an extremely flowy blouse, black jeans, a cheetah print belt, and my boots again. In honor of Valentine’s Day I wore that red-dress-and-black-blazer combination with some argyle stockings and, yet again, the boots (So much for last week’s shoe challenge). Friday’s outfit is actually one of my all time favorite outfits on me (even if the picture didn’t really do it justice); I wore my blue lace tank top with a sparkly blazer, jeans, and my tan chunky boots.

Technically this week was all about the challenge of layering. I really like how layering looks, but sometimes I feel like I’m a bit too simple of a girl to want to put that extra jacket on top of an already decent outfit (example: Tuesday). Putting a little something over an otherwise plain outfit, though, that could use a little extra pizazz is always a great way to spice up a look or create a different feel to the outfit.

The thing about me is that I’m addicted to buying sweaters. I buy a sweater thinking that it’s “The One,” but in all reality, it’s just another one. I wear it grudgingly because I paid for it and go on to scour the internet in search of this eternally evasive perfect sweater.

Ahhh… I know you’re out there Perfect Sweater… And I won’t stop buying your deceiving counterparts until I find you!

I bought this really cute cardigan recently from American Eagle that is highlighter yellow, and the fit is just right… I’ll be wearing it next week. So, in the meantime, if any of you own the perfect sweater or think you might know of its location, please help a lady out.

All right fellas! Let’s talk about sweaters!

I think that the value of a nice cardigan on a man has become lost over the past few years. And I think that is the fault of The Hoodie.

I really don’t mind hoodies all that much, so don’t go throw away all of your sweatshirts (please, just lie to me and pretend that my opinion actually affects your clothing decisions). I find the hoodie to be a staple that is necessary to live everyday life, just as is the sneaker. In fact, a nicely cared for, crisp hoodie can look nice with a good pair of jeans and nice sneakers or Sperry’s, or even a beaten up one can look acceptable with this combination.

The thing is, you probably shouldn’t resort to your favorite hoodie everyday.

So, I am here to tell you about the lazy-day alternative to a hoodie! The Man Cardigan! The good news is, you can wear a cardigan with anything – a T-shirt, a button down, a polo – and guess what? The perfect sweater that I am always in search of is actually inspired by men’s sweaters! So you guys already have it made!

Here to demonstrate covering up, ironically enough, is the man who takes it all off for Calvin Klein – David Beckham!

With a button down and tie, Beckham wears a cardigan that makes this plaid-and-jeans ensemble classy instead of cowboy

 

This one has a nice collar detail that really takes this sweater to a subtly different level – it looks a lot cozier than one without a collar

 

Here, Beckham and his wife make cardigans classy. A bright color is nice, but not always the most versatile if you’re looking to make one good purchase. And you basically have to be David Beckham to wear that one with the horses on it that ties in the front…

I like this pattern a lot, but you can play it safe with a grey or brown version - and a plain white T underneath! Honestly, any T-shirt could go with this outfit

I like this pattern a lot, but you can play it safe with a grey or brown version – and a plain white T underneath! Honestly, any T-shirt could go with this outfit

A cardigan, coming second only to a great pair of fitted, dark wash jeans, is one of the most do-able fashion fixes for guys. I’m not even saying you have to walk around in a suit and tie all day! A classic cardigan + a T-shirt + jeans + sneakers = a great outfit. So, if you give anything I recommend a second thought, let it be this: “I think I’ll try on a cardigan today.” If you totally hate it, I guess I must relinquish my case.

I may just be imagining this, but I think the temperatures may be heating up… Just a tiny bit? And above freezing temperatures actually makes it perfect sweater season! You don’t need a big bulky coat, you just need a little layering to get you to class and back. So my friends, the search is on for the perfect layering piece. Once you find it, never let it go – hopefully it’ll be that rare combination of comfortable and stylish.

 

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