The BSU Fashionista Diaries

"Keep Your Head Dressed"

By Nikki Osei

Only a few more weeks remain until the end of the semester and the end of my college career. Words cannot begin to express the emotions felt at this time. I'm excited, overwhelmed, nervous, etc., as the time has now arrived for me to implement the knowledge I've acquired. As I type this, I'm preparing for an interview in New York, contemplating whether it is appropriate to wear an extravagant headpiece. During an interview, one desires to be taken seriously and should exude professionalism. So is an SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker) inspired headdress the way to go? After all, it is a fashion- related interview. At the same time, it is an interview, not a fashion show (everyday is a fashion show in my world lol). This internal debate and my current obsession with hair accessories prompted me to share this trend.

Hair accessories (i.e. the headdress, hats, headbands, clips) instantly breathe life into the blandest of looks. I am not referring to fitted caps (I kind of detest Ed Hardy caps, etc, on women). Ladies in the 20's wore pillbox hats with attached veils. A wide brimmed hat for ladies who lunch, derby hats, beanies, headbands ornamented with flowers (hippy trend), etc, have made statements for decades and the trend has come full circle (as most trends do). Every model in Diane Von Furstenberg's Spring 2009 collection was adorned with a flower head wrap and it was beyond stunning!

For practical purposes, headbands and clips are used to prevent fly aways when wearing pulled back hairstyles and hats to hide "bad hair days". But since feathers, sequins, oversized flowers, etc have been added to headwear, it can now be the standout piece on your ensemble! Picture an exaggerated shouldered black blazer, white v-neck, distressed skinny jeans, royal blue booties, and black headband dripping with black and white peacock inspired feathers and sequins; sounds like a show stopping fit to me!

When wearing such an elaborate headpiece, the remainder of your outfit should be kept simple. Be easy with the rest of your accessories as well. Though I adhere to everything Rachel Zoë says and she swears by, "More is more" when it comes to accessories, I beg to differ. Headpiece + gobs of jewelry = doing too much. I suggest a simple earring and necklace and perhaps a statement ring.

Hair accessories I heart include headbands exploding with sequins, feathers, and flowers, fedoras, head wraps, fur headbands, berets, trilby's, and gaudy hairclips. Scream worthy hair wear can be found everywhere. As an added bonus, hair accessories will not deplete your funds. My first stop when looking for hair candy is Forever 21. I died in store when I saw "pearl" headbands, turquoise and black peacock clips, veils, etc, all under $10! Yes, my hands were full upon reaching the register. Another phenomenal place for hair accessories is Urban Outfitters. You can go on their site and order cocktail hats and head wraps galore with prices maxing out at $40. Target also features great hats and other hair accessories for under $15. Asos.com has the sickest black hat doused with sequins; it's a $90 investment though.

There are so many ways to "sice" your head and this is certainly a trend worth embracing. Hair accessories are playful and flirty and some will keep your head warm this winter. Play around with them and see which best fits your personality and ensembles. I am still contemplating whether I will wear the peacock hair clip with my Chanel inspired cream tweed blazer. I will update you with my decision next issue, which will be my last (teary eyed). So until the grand finale, keep your head dressed and remember, "A lad should always be classy and fabulous".