THE BSU FASHIONISTA DIARIES

"ALL ABOUT THE MEN"

By Nikki Osei 

          As I promised, this issue is totally dedicated to the young men on campus. Time to break down spring/summer men's trends. For the most part, the majority of the men are fly and I can honestly say I have no constructive criticism. Wait....I spoke to soon. I must speak on the Gucci backpacks.

By now if you've read this column, you know I despise bootlegs. On a Wednesday, exactly two weeks ago, I was surrounded by fraudulent Gucci backpacks. The men on campus were rocking brightly colored shirts and tennis shoes, Rock and Republic and True Religion jeans, fresh haircuts and newly twisted locks, and to "complete" the fit accessorized with the "Gucci backpack." I saw the first backpack and simply shrugged my shoulders. Then I went downstairs in the MLK and saw another and thought to myself, "Is that the same guy?" After class, I was walking to the Wiseman and saw maybe three more backpacks and I was appalled! Did all of you get them from the same trunk or visit Canal Street in the same weekend?

While I am unaware of anyone's financial status, Gucci backpacks run from $1,750 -$3,500. Being as though the majority of us are struggling college students, I am unable to deem these backpacks authentic. As for the Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada shoes, those are feasible because they are not outrageously expensive and I know that some would purchase $400 shoes knowing they do not yet have textbooks. I myself  was a repeat offender in past years. All I am saying is that fake it till you make it does not apply to bootlegs. Yes, to each his own, but it is an excruciating sight. If you are rocking the backpack because you think it is hot and you are conscious and content with it not being authentic, then by all means do you. Unfortunately, I get the sinking feeling that some of you have been misled and believe that your backpack is real. So sorry to be the one to tell you that it is not. If you question the authenticity, visit the nearest Gucci retailer and they will reiterate what I am saying.

OK. Enough about the backpacks. I just really had to vent about that because they were everywhere. Now onto spring trends. Men.style.com has posted the trends that have taken over Spring 2009 runways and should make their way into the streets. These trends include Eastern influences as seen on Etro Spring 2009, which features high collars and silky, embroidered fabrics, shades of pink and coral like on Louis Vuitton, and micro patterns and wide stripes as featured on Dries Van Noten. The bowtie has and will continue to be a wardrobe staple, especially when dressed down. Cuffed shorts will be all the rage this spring/simmer, but not in denim. Opt for khakis, linens, and cottons. The suit is classic and clean and can be a funky look when done right. Think of the all American Ralph Lauren look. Denim is great, but try to venture outside of the denim "norm" Look for a great pair of vintage jeans. Logos are overrated these days.

The 80s revival is still going strong, so keep the bright colors, fades and Mohawks going. As I told the women, let the thrift store be your friend. You will be able to find all the trends listed as long as you are willing to search the racks. Good thrift stores to visit are Vintage Boutique and Second Chance Thrift both in Bethesda. A few other places you may want to try are H&M (I heart), Hot Topic, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off 5^th Avenue and Express.

 To sum it up, the metro-sexual look is prominent. The young man who gave me the idea this week will be upset as he reads, because he has classified this trend as the fake a** Kanye-wanye's, which I totally find hilarious, because at times it can look that way when on campus! Embrace and make it your own and take it as far as you feel comfortable. Men's clothing is bright, textured, printed, fitted, and fabulous. Some of you may not like the use of menswear and fabulous in the same sentence, but we have embarked on new territory, which many of you are experimenting with. The days of oversized clothing are no more. I only wish my boyfriend would get the memo, especially since he is so skinny, yet loves his clothes to droop. I can't wait to see which trends you work into your look as the temps rise. Since this issue was for the guys, I leave you with men "...should always be classy and fabulous."

ROCK STAR OF THE WEEK

We have an honorary rock star this week. I do not know her name, I just happened to see her when she was passing by quickly and on the phone.. This lovely young lady took advantage of the warm weather by wearing a beige lace Victorian inspired shirt, a navy and cream polka dot mini, navy vest, and beige slouchy boots. It sounds simple enough, but when put together it was an eye-catching fit. If you happen to be reading this,  look for the tall dark chocolate girl in heels in the MLK, so I can get your name and give you the credit you deserve. Until next time, stay fresh BSU and since I didn't officially find one, my first rock star of 2009 could be you!