The perfect purse

I don’t know about you, but I have tons of stuff I carry around with me on an everyday basis. On a typical day, I usually drag around my wallet, a 32 oz Nalgene water bottle, keys, cell phone, iPod, snacks, sunglasses, glasses, and tons of other things that I “need.” So, it’s very important that I have a bag that is sturdy and practical bag to carry around all of my everyday necessities.

That’s why today I have decided to do a post on the perfect bag. Even though I am not in the market to buy a new bag (unfortunately), I thought I could give some tips on how to buy a great bag that will last through the years.

1. First, look for a bag that will comfortably fit everything you need to carry around with you on a day-to-day basis. This sounds like common sense, but I don’t think a lot of people think about this. So, if your anything like me, you are going to need bag that fits tons of stuff. In addition, look for lots of pockets! Individualized pockets for things like your cell phone and wallet make everything very easy to find.

2. Look for style that works with your life. For instance, a handbag or a clutch isn’t very practical if you will be carrying other things in your hands all day. Personally, I think the best options are crossbody bags and over-the-shoulder handbags. These options stay out of the way, and keep my hands free for whatever I need to do.

3. Choose a bag in a practical color, like brown or black. Although my favorite color is pink, I don’t wear pink every day. However, if you have a bag in a basic color, it will go with everything in your wardrobe. In addition, a darker bag will not show the wear and tear of everyday use like a light colored bad will.

4. Make sure the material is something that will last. A genuine leather bag will be easy to clean, and durable. On the other hand, while cotton bags may be a  lot cheaper, they are not very easy clean and they will show their wear very quickly. Plus, just think about all the gross places your purse could be potentially sitting (like on the floor of the bathroom-ew!) So, find a bag that you can easily wipe off.

With these tips in mind,  I chose this Jessica Simpson and Target bag because they fit my criteria perfectly (in addition to being affordable). They are both large, so I could fit everything that I need to carry around with me all day. In addition, they are both over the shoulder bags, that way I am always hands-free. Plus, they are both a beautiful shade of cognac that I know would go with any outfit I choose to wear.

Jessica Simpson

Target

Looks on Campus- Bridgitte

For this weeks look on campus, I spoke to Bridgitte, who I met sophomore year while working an admissions event. When I saw her wearing a maxi dress the other day – one of the biggest trends for this summer – I knew I had to stop her and ask her a couple of questions so she could be on my blog. I love how she wore one statement piece, and kept the rest of her outfit simple so all of the attention was on her stunning dress. Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Bridgitte!

The Basics

Name: Bridgitte

Major: Business

Hometown: Perry Hall, Md.

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend? “My current favorite fashion trend is mixing styles from the 90s and 60s and adding a modern twist. I like vintage style with bright colors.”

Favorite places to shop? “Forever 21, Garage, Love Culture, and Pacsun.”

Inspiration for todays look? “My roommate. She dresses like a hippie, and normally I dress more conservatively with bright colors. Bringing a new style into my wardrobe allows me to add a fun twist.”

Any fashion tips? “Be yourself, and be okay with taking risks with new styles. It’s the risks that people always fall in love with!”

Best deal you ever got? “Getting a $185 dress for $5.”

What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe? “A lace cardigan that falls off my shoulder when I wear it and creates a flash dance inspired look.”

Summer 2011 Trends

The first nice day of spring every year at college campuses across the country seems to bring every student around out onto well manicured lawns. Today, this sunny afternoon at Hood was no exception. Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors gathered from dorms and off-campus apartments to soak up the sun, play the guitar, work on homework, play volleyball with friends, or take a nap.

As I sat on the quad this afternoon with two of my friends trying to enjoy the warm weather before it gets too hot, I couldn’t help but noticing all of the cute outfits girls were wearing as they walked by! After such a long and cold winter, I was so happy to see bright colors, sandals,  and sundresses galore. However, two trends seemed to be more prevalent than others: maxi dresses and gladiator sandals.

Maxi Dresses

Victoria’s Secret ,                                                                                                 Old Navy

The one summer trend that I noticed more than others on campus today were maxi dresses (or patio dresses, as my mom calls them). Although girls have been wearing these for the past couple of summers now, I think they are going to be huge for this summer! It’s definitely different from traditional leg baring mini dresses that many women are used to wearing, but these floaty dresses make bodies long so long and lean, that I think the trend is really going to stay around for a while. Plus, they come in so many different patterns and styles, that it’s hard not to find one to like! When shopping for a maxi dress, make sure that the dress hits the floor and goes away from your body, to ensure a lean silhouette.

Gladiator Sandals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Eagle ,                                                                                                                      Steve Madden

The other trend I noticed was gladiator sandals, usually worn with maxi dresses. These simple shoes go so well with everything, and are about 100 percent classier than traditional flip flops. However, they versatile sandals also go great with shorts and skirts. These sandals are usually available in neutral colors, such a brown, black, silver, and gold as to complement all of your summer dresses perfectly. I would definitely recommend buying a pair!

What do you think? What trends are going to be big?

Looks on Campus- Camellia

For this weeks look on campus, I talked to Camellia who is in my French literature class. I’ve also admired her electric and girly style amongst the sea of skinny jeans, Hollister shirts,and Uggs, so I stopped her after class the other day to inquire about her personal style.

The Basics

Name: Camellia

Major: Undecided,  Minor in Studio Art

Hometown: All over the world, but primarily Kansas City, Missouri

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend?
“Pig tails and cat eyes.”

Inspiration for todays look?
“Spring time!! I was dressing in honor of the blooming trees.”

Any fashion tips?
“Dress for yourself, not for what other people will think of you. However, try to avoid leggings and ruffles as much as possible.”

If you could raid any celebrities closet, who would you choose?
“Haha, I wouldn’t! My closet is already full enough and I like what I have.”

Best deal you ever got?
“Hm….I have an indian wrap skirt that’s blue with black elephants I’ve worn every summer since I was in the 7th grade. That’s probably my best deal just from how much use I’ve gotten from it.”

What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
“My big maroon sweater that my grandmother knit me, it has a matching hat and I wear them all the time once it gets cold enough.”

Forecast for Spring

Spring started six days ago, so I really am kind of late on “forecasting” style for spring. Technically, I probably should have talked about this after New York Fashion Week in the fall, but I didn’t have this blog then. But who cares about rules? I’m going to comment on what I have been noticing has been popular recently.

Lace

Yesterday I went shopping for the first time since December. I know right? How this is that possible considering I have a blog about fashion? Well, it is. I am a poor college student, and as a result, I haven’t been shopping in a long time. Regardless, I was at Forever 21 yesterday, and I noticed all kinds of lace everywhere! From white and black lace, to edge and venetian lace, it seemed to be on just about every piece of clothing in the store.

Lace dress, $97, Forever21 cut out dress, $23, Sheer dress, $98, Miss Selfridge shrug top, 28 GBP, Free People bandeau tube top, $28, Lace top, $17, Cardigan, 35 GBP, Lace top, $17, H M pink tank top, Rue21 chiffon skirt, $22, Lace short, $36, Forever21, $23, Minuet Petite pink skirt, 35 GBP, Cover up swimwear, 55 GBP, American Eagle outfitter, $25, Black lace necklace, $20, Necklace, $13, TopShop hair accessory, $8

Notice how almost everything is in the same feminine color palette…pinks, whites, and beige. Now, while I kind of like that, I think a lot more people would like lace if it came in other colors. If you are afraid of feeling too girly in one of these pieces, trying pairing it with something a little less delicate-like a lace tank with a leather motorcycle jacket!

Florals

Last week, I was waiting for a table in D.C., and was left standing outside for at least an hour. Usually this is pretty boring, but I was on a busy street and there was tons of people watching to do! I was on the same street at the Verizon Center actually (on the day on the Pitt v. Butler game), so there was definitely some interesting fashion present. Anyways, so one thing I noticed was the popularity of floral.

Now, I love floral! Other than with lace or pink, how else can you easily make an outfit girly easily? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t floral print; they think it comes off looking too much like an old lady. However, there is a right way to wear floral- in moderation. Don’t go all out in a really long big print floral dress, you will look like a grandma. If you wear a small bit (like on a bandeau top under a tank), you can still look young!

Floral dress, $45, Floral dress, 27 GBP, Cotton dress, 22 GBP, Tube dress, $18, H M floral dress, Floral top, $45, Forever21 knit tank top, $13, Rue21 floral skirt, $30, Maggie and Me cotton mini skirt, 20 GBP, Ladies Laced Floral Wellies, 16 GBP, Forever21 canvas shoes, $20, Forever21 flat thong sandal, $13, Floral print handbag, 10 GBP, Pink bracelet, $44, Marc Jacobs gold chain bracelet, $42, Monsoon stud earring, 14 GBP, BKE bracelet, $8.04, Forever21 floral jewelry, $2.80, Floral hair accessory, $12, Floral sunglass, $9.99, Floral scarve, 6,95 EUR