Pets: The Next Best Accessory?

Paris Hilton has them. So does Britney Spears.

No, not bad paparazzi photos, but little dogs. Instead of carrying around a purse, they can be seen toting around the pocket-sized chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. Nichole Richie sports Pomeranians. And the trend seems to be growing.

Pint-sized pets seem to be the hot new accessory, and have been for a few years.

This has also created an influx in breed popularity, particularly amongst Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, as well as any mix of the three. And people are paying top dollar for these dogs, as much as $2,000.

Interested in getting a designer dog? Check your local shelters, as well as dog rescue organizations. Often times they have chihuahuas and the like for much less money, and you will feel good knowing you saved an animal. Just remember though, they are animals, and do require love, attention and care.

So don’t stash them away like you stash your Prada bag. For pets, unlike accessories, never go out of style.

The LBD: Lifesaver of Holiday Parties

With the holidays rolling around, cocktail and holiday-themed parties are popping up like santas on roofs.

With all the holiday shopping, running around, and dealing with various christmas-time stresses, who has the time or the money to buy a different outfit for each holiday sioree?

Fear not, though, fashionistas, for help has arrived in the form of the Little Black Dress (LBD).

A classic, always-popular, and a fantastic staple to anyone’s wardrobe, the little black dress can be worn in a variety of ways. Because its black and simple, it can be dressed up or dressed down. Just think, sparkly necklaces and earrings for a fancy party, or a chic scarf and heals for a more casual get-together.

And don’t forget a fabulous pair of heals, which should put the finishing touch on any party outfit.

So, instead of stressing about holidays and parties, just have fun. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and the little black dress will make sure you have the merriest of holiday seasons.

What Not to Wear

You’ve all seen them: people wearing clothes so hideous that it’s almost embarrassing to mention them here. Tights with holes and combat boots, tube tops in summer and winter, jeans so tight they seem almost painted on, and the dreaded “muffin top” (for those who don’t know it’s when your pants are too tight and your sides ooze out the sides) are scene on an almost daily basis.

Don’t you wish there was someone, just ONE person, who could help these lost souls of fashion and transform them into the inner fashionistas they all want to be?

TLC (Channel 38 on cable) has come to the rescue with “What Not to Wear.” Hosted by the infamous Stacy and Clinton, this show caters to those who are clueless when it comes to fashion. Relatives or friends refer the fashion victims to the show, and they are chosen based on who dresses the worst.

Fashion faux-pas on the show include overalls, sweats (worn ALL the time), skimpy club wear worn to the workplace as well as everywhere else, and jeans so high-waisted that it’s amazing that those who wear them can even see over the waist. Too-baggy clothes are also another common fashion misdemeanor, as well as prints of every color under the sun.

After having to deal with scrutiny and a wardrobe throw-away session from Stacy and Clinton, guests are given 5,000 dollars on a Visa card and are sent forth to the streets of NYC to find new clothes and shoes that, with advice from the co-hosts, will fit and flatter them like a cashmere glove.

Without their knowledge, Stacy and Clinton are spying, making sure the rules are being followed. If the advice is not being followed (and even if it is, to some degree), the dynamic duo will come to the rescue of their guest, helping her to find clothing that flatters.

A makeover is also in store, with a haircut and makeup lesson. The show ends with Stacy and Clinton viewing their handywork, and the guest on the show reveals their new look to their friends and family. It truly is a show of growth and metamorphosis.

Check TLC’s website for show times.

The new Project Runway

“Make it work!”

These famous words uttered by Project Runway judge Timothy Gunn can be once again enjoyed by viewers nationwide, for the fourth season of the popular Bravo show is back to showcase more designers, creations and drama.

With the third episode already underway (the show airs every Wednesday at 10 pm on Bravo/Channel 66 on cable), the designers have already made their debutes. My favorite designer is Victorya: her outfits, which are so far a pretty black dress with a metallic bow and an outfit featured with Sarah Jessica Parker’s clothing line Bitten, are very modern and chic, definitely something that any girl on the street could wear.

The celebrity judges include fashion designer Michael Kors, whose straight-talking criticism with a twist makes the show very engaging, Nina Garcia, the elite fashion editor/mogul at Elle Magazine, super model Heidi Klum, who’s famous last words “Aufiedezen” (meaning “see you later” in German) a common household phrase around the world, and of course, Timothy Gunn, who’s prim and proper attitude is the punch line that “makes the show work!”

Even those who don’t appreciate fashion can appreciate Project Runway. A barrel-full of girls and wanna-be girls create beautiful clothes and, admit it we love it, beautiful drama. And the suspenseful music before an elimination makes this reality TV show a hit amongst all.

As far as who is to become eliminated, the only way to find out is to watch. So block out 10 pm Wednesday night, and you can see you will be “Auf’d” next.

The Perfect Cold-Weather Jacket

Halloween is almost here, and with that comes cold weather.

The latest rain and wind storm got me thinking about the coming winter months, and about how it’s going to get even colder as time goes on.

Which brings me to the point of this post: how to find the perfect cold weather jacket.

Walking to class, I can feel the cold air peek into my quilted parka with the fur hood. I zip it up even more and continue on my trek, observing others like myself trying to keep warm.

I notice several trends. First, the pea coat is very popular on this campus, and is very warm and cozy ( I know this because I own a few myself). Pea coats also come in a variety of colors: I myself have one in blue, black, and plaid; I’ve seen many girls wearing colors such as green or purple. Best of all, scarves are perfect to pair with a pea coat…and pea coats are incredibly stylish as well as suitable for women as well as men.

Parkas (such as my green one with the fur hood) are also very popular. I’ve noticed many as I’m walking to class, and even a few in my classes. These jackets are great because they are usually waterproof, have a hood (which is perfect for us Seattleites), and are quilted, which means they are warm. Parkas are usually available in a variety of colors; this month’s Glamour Magazine is obsessed with the olive green parka, with designer Alexander Wang saying:

“Every woman needs an army-green parka. It makes even the girliest clothes look street chic.”

To find this perfect coat, look for styles that are true to your tastes, and don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your wardrobe. And soon you’ll find it’s cool to be colorful, comfortable, and warm, and all with a fashionable flair.

Comfortable Shoes on Campus

With fall now in full swing, flip flops are a thing of the past.

What is now needed are comfortable, cute, stylish, closed toed shoes to wear when treking across campus and beyond.

But while looking around campus for inspiration, I have found a troubling trend: many people are sacraficing fashion for comfort. And although it is tempting to simply put on the tennies instead of the brand new wedges bought specifically for school, one can look cute and still be comfortable.

I interviewed a student I found walking around campus in cute (yet comfortable) shoes. I noticed her feet when walking to class myself one day, the day I chose to wear extremely uncomfortable shoes (which I will never do again…my feet are still paying for it). Andrea Peterson, a senior, was sporting Uggs, the Australian-made “snow boots” with the sheerling lining and suade shell. (To go to the Uggs site, click here)

When I asked her what made these marvels of podiatry so comfortable, she simply replied:

“The inner lining. It’s so soft, and it keeps your feet warm on wet, cold days.”

Although some may argue that Uggs simply aren’t fashionable, they cannot argue that they’re uncomfortable. Just ask everyone around campus who’s wearing them…especially those who seem to wear them religiously.

If Uggs aren’t to your liking, plenty of other shoes exist that are cute, fashionable, and comfortable. Tips for comfortable shoes include:

• No stilletto heals
• No heal over three inches
• Break in your shoes before wearing them half way across campus
• Waterproof your shoes! We do live in Seattle

Stick to your own tastes…while also being fashionable. Nordstrom is a perfect place to look for any kind of shoe under the sun, as are many other department stores. (To go to the Nordstrom site, click here)

So remember: ditch those tennis or running shoes and invest in a pair of chic, comfortable wears for your feet. You’ll be surprised how put together you’ll feel.

Hello Readers

Greetings to all who will read this blog!

This is a blog about fashion: fashion on campus, off campus, in Seattle, in the suburbs, and anywhere else that fashion plays a role in daily life. I plan to focus on different aspects of the fashion industry, not simply “What’s hot and trendy right now” kind of a thing.

Expect the unexpected in this blog. Observations, excerpts from magazines, and moguls of the fashion world will all show up on some post here or there.

And don’t be afraid to comment or ask questions. I will do my best to answer them promplty and to the best of my ability.

I hope everyone enjoys this blog as much as I’m going to. The fashion world better be prepared for scrutiny, praise, and new ideas with this fashion blog.

Thanks and take care.

Stephanie Small

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