|
| THE BSU FASHIONISTA DIARIESNew Year New Trends New YouBy: Nikki Osei Here we are at the end of another flawlessly fabulous semester. Who am I kidding? This semester has been a most grueling one for me and I'm sure many agree. However, I refused to allow the stress to damper my fashion game. The conclusion of the semester marks the impending New Year. Typically at this time we reflect, regret, and vow that the forthcoming year will be full of change and be "the best year ever". The same applies to me; in addition I strive to be more fashion savvy each year. Be realistic when setting goals for the New Year and realize that you should already be working towards your reinvention. On the Steve Harvey morning show he said, "there is no New Year fairy that's going to come and magically change your life at midnight. Start changing your life now". Make 2009 the year in which you unveil your most fashionable self! Accomplish this by incorporating new ideas and pieces into your drab wardrobe. Lets break down must have trends for the New Year. Although rapidly approaching 2009, trends are steadily backtracking. Designers are revamping fashions past by adding modern twists. Many trends transitioned over from 2008. Based on New York Fashion Week and Net-A-Porter's online fashion magazine, the 80's style of dress will continue to run its course. Invest in shoulder pads and polka dots darlings and be ready to steal the show with these retro inspirations. Funny enough, I recall rocking polka dots in 2006, and here we are again. Visit the thrift store and you will find yourself in shoulder pad heaven! Make sure purchases are washed or dry cleaned before wearing. Bold prints, fruity, neon shades, nudes, slick jackets, lace, short suits, pantsuits, cigarette pants, trousers, dresses, bows, ruffles, sequins, jumpsuits and harems (that's a mouthful!) are but a few of the trends that will "shut it down" and dominate the spring fashion scene. Prints range from playful plaids and dots to tribal influenced prints, like those featured on the fetching dresses from Diane Von Furstenberg's spring collection. This spring is mostly about color. Most picture pastels for spring, and while accurate, 2009 is all about bold, bright, look at me color (That was so Cover Girl!) Black was snubbed. Hot pink dominated New York shows Badgley Mischka and Doo Ri. Nude, flesh tones covered runways from Preen to Thakoon. In Pantantone's Spring 2009 Color Report, he listed the nine colors he believes designers coveted for Fashion Week after survey. They are: Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust, Slate Grey, Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Vibrant Green, Dark Citron, Lucite Green, and Super Lemon. These colors can be paired with each another. Grey especially looks good with the purples and yellows, while the greens look their best with nudes, pinks, and yellows. I am beyond excited about springs juicy color palate, as I never shy away from bright hues. They really pop on dark skin. Integrate these shades via garment or accessory. A quirked out jacket is a must for spring. Zippered, patterned, bolero, Kimono, baggy, cropped, and Victorian are but a few of the jackets that will be all the rage. Try pairing them with frilly dresses that will billow from beneath. You can add brooches and pins as statement pieces or cuff/roll up your sleeves for a different look. Ruffles and lace still have a place in our hearts and closets in the new year. The dress is here to stay (yay!). Long, short, floral, Caftans, embroidered, printed, you just can't go wrong. Peplum dresses draw much attention (dresses gathered at the waist) as well. Two trends that have me stoked are the jumpsuit and the harem pant. The jumpsuit is a retro 70's fave that is back with a vengeance in loose and fitted, solid and printed, haltered and long sleeved styles. Be prepared for the struggle when its time for a bathroom break and expect even the perkiest, roundest, bottom to look long and flat (depending on the fabric and fit). Despite this, jumpsuits are uber sexy, as displayed in Proenza Schouler's runway show. Finally, the harem pant, which is a pant that features a saggy crotch, is a daring choice and one I cannot wait to try! Unfortunately, this trend does discriminate, so use discretion if you are a not especially leggy or are hippy. Always pair the harems with sky-high heels and major swagger because this look can be tricky. Cute pairs to invest in are the Comme De Garcon for H&M and the snazzy Express version. You've been briefed on what's hot/not for spring, with more to come in the coming year. Establish which trends best represent you (or your ideal 2009 self) and play with your look. However, the new and improved you does not end with a fancy fit. Work on your internal issues. Time to fight those demons that hamper you from reaching your optimal self. Seek the opinions of trusted outsiders, if you are unable to pinpoint or accept your flaws. Its time to debut the entire package in 2009; beauty, brains, personality, and of course style! Towards the end of the semester it became difficult to select rock stars as fabulosity efforts decreased. Either there was nothing to see or an unnecessary attitude accompanied the fab fit, making it faux fabulous. Work on it ladies, because none of us perspire Chanel No 5! Yes, we attend college to learn, but appearance in conjunction with skill can garner recognition and countless opportunities. Therefore, emphasis on wardrobe should be consistently implemented starting now; it will take you far in your career and life. Try some of these suggestions and lets see what 2009 brings! ROCK STAR OF THE WEEK 
Our final rock star is the lovely Londyn Douglas, a junior marketing student. Ms. Londyn is also a model and very fashion savvy. She was spotted in the MLK rocking a blue stripped v-neck tunic sweater from Sarah Jessica Parker's line Bitten purchased from Steve and Barry's NYC, paired with a blue cardigan by and from Kenzie Girl with black acid wash cigarette denim by Lux from Urban Outfitters. She completed her look with an oversized cross and diamond hoops from Forever 21, scream worthy studded knee length boots from Rugged Warehouse (only $19!) and a black Dooney and Bourke tote. Londyn exemplifies the flawlessly fabulous fashionista and rock start status through her beauty, style, and friendly persona. I am out until springtime BSU, so you have plenty of time to step up you game and my rock star could be you! Once again it has been a privilege and pleasure to write for you and share my fashion insight. Thanks for the compliments, critiques, and snootiness, as it allows me to hone my talent and semi-prepares me for the industry. Congrats class of 2009! Have a safe, blessed, and flawlessly fabulous break fashionistas and fellows, and remember, "A lady should always be classy and fabulous". xoxo |
