Photo of the Day

Photo credit: John-Michael O'Sullivan

Olivia Palermo in London on October 6, 2009

She may be a "reality" television star, but let's face it. She knows a thing or two when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. I love the statement jacket, and all the miss match is no mishap to me!

Anonymously, 

Statement

Snap, Crackle, POP!

News of the century: Everybody's different. A lot of women on this campus don't wake up, rush to the mirror, and put on makeup everyday, and that's okay. Makeup is often seen as tedious and unnecessary, but guess what? It doesn't have to be!

I look at makeup as an accessory--something you don't need, per se, but something you want. Now, now...I'm not suggesting you wake up thirty minutes early every day and paint your face. Quite the opposite actually! Makeup can take you from drab to fab in about thirty seconds (yes, the application process CAN be fast and easy).

Here are three makeup tips that no woman should live without:

1. Apply a subtle BRONZER/BLUSH. This will liven the whole face, accentuating the cheekbones and making you look more alive (and awake for that next class). Who doesn't want to feel a little sun-kissed?!

2. Lengthen those LASHES! Mascara is a must! Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you! Accentuate them! Mascara is a must if you want to be bright-eyed without looking like you're trying too hard!

..and finally, for you brave ones out there!

3. Add a POP of color! Whether that is a bright red lipstick or turquoise eyeshadow or liner, you want to be sure to pick a color that works on your skin tone! A dash of color on your face can be tricky, but my advice is to go for it. You can always start subtle, but occasionally being bold with your color choices can really lead you to looking like you know what you're doing in the makeup department. Pick one thing to accentuate and do it up big...and keep in mind that the bolder you go, the more neutral your outfit should be!

Anonymously,
Statement

Stephanie Cole: A Fashion Feature!

So we've been scouring the campus for various it-girls, and now we've found one!  You may recognize her for her signature 40s flair! Presenting, Stephanie Cole!

Stephanie, from Brookline, MA,  is a junior at Mount Holyoke (shout out class of 2011!).  Stephanie is a student who truly takes pride in what she wears, and she has a definite personal style.  We first spotted Stephanie in an empire waist mini floral dress, and we knew she could teach us all a thing or two about fashion.  Stephanie appreciates clothes that have a "retro feel without a genuine vintage price," and we love that.  She looks expensive but never appears to be trying too hard.

When asked how she would define her personal style, Stephanie said "from another time".  She turns to earlier eras and admires that in the 40s "fashion was such an everyday priority."  What we admire about Stephanie is that she emulates previous eras without mimicking them.  Although she admires Coco Chanel, Stephanie isn't a spitting image.  She dresses for herself.  While her everyday outfits are simple, they always have a hint of elegance.  She pairs small patterned dresses with lacy tights and usually sports her favorite accessory: a flower hair clip. 

Because Stephanie has such a great sense of herself and she knows exactly what looks great on her, we asked her to give advice to young women who don't necessarily have a great sense of style. 

Her response: "A daily commitment to style is a personal choice, and it's not for everyone.  If you don't feel passionate about clothes, don't force yourself.  However, if fashion moves you, but you are having trouble developing personal style, it's helpful to cho0se a "look".  Think of your closet as a designer's seasonal collection.  Items should compliment each other, while contributing to a conceptual whole.  Once you've decided your "look," shopping is effortless, and style will come naturally" 

We couldn't agree more! Stephanie definitely has a "look," and she catches our eye every time!

She loves dresses, and we love her!  I'm sure you've seen her around campus, and if you haven't then definitely keep your eyes open! Our props go out to Stephanie.  Keep it up, and keep looking amazing! You're definitely an Ingrid Bergman-of-today in the making! (We see it even in your lovely curled locks!)

(Photo: Stephanie in one of her favorite outfits.  The dress, she says, is comfortable and flattering.  Although simple, the dress is embellished with a flower headband accessory and lacy tights.  Her opinion of the outfit? "Simple, classic, and foolproof!")

Anonymously, 

Statement

OBSESSION:

I'm a woman who doesn't put on makeup. I know crazy right? I roll out of bed, carefully choose my outfit, and run to class without really touching my face. But when it comes to beauty products I am obsessed with NAIL POLISH. No matter what my nails MUST look impeccable. I like my nails lime green, crazy purple, bright pink, black, blue, yellow, whatever emotion I'm feeling there is always a color to go with it. Call me crazy, but I just LOVE my nail polish.

Because I am a broke college student, I can't afford expensive nail polish or fancy manicures; I usually grab the 99 cent NYC nail polishes at CVS. But when I can get my hands on some well earned cash, I go for Essie nail polish. This summer they showcased a lime green color that took some guts to wear. Sadly enough I did not have the guts to rock this look, and just stared at the color from afar; I do regret this feeling.

But this season, put your black nail polish away and take out your midnight blue (midnight blue cami) color. I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS COLOR! In the light it looks like black but when you turn it away it looks like a shiny blue. It's so deceiving!!!!!! I sound absolutely insane with my caps, but is it weird that I just love nail polish?

Lesson for the day: ROCK ANY COLOR NAIL POLISH!!!!!! It doesn't matter what other people think !!!!! JUST WEAR THE COLOR YOU WANT!

Anonymously,

Poser

Get it Right. Get it Tight.

Good news folks! It's getting colder, you're getting sick of shaving your legs everyday, and the bare-legged season is finally drawing to an end.  Now, while most of us are dying a little bit inside just knowing that pretty soon we won't be able to tan out on the green grass or enjoy our cute bermudas...I'm here to save you from your woes and give you some fun and fashionable tips on how to hang on to the last bit of summer, while still preparing for the doom that we call a Western Massachusetts winter. 

So here's the scenario. You're waking up, it's colder than cold, and you don't know what to do.  My advice? Grab those shorts that you thought you couldn't wear, slip them over a cool pair of colored or patterned tights, and run to that 8:35 AM class.  It will be worth it, and here's why. 

This season tights are revolutionizing runways and reality, and I'm not just talking blacks and opaques.  Although the stereotype for the past decade has been that tights are restrictive, stuffy, and even matronly, this rumor is being defeated.  Patterned, bejeweled, metallic, and even ripped tights are

 taking the world by storm, and taking you from drab to fab.  

My advice: think of tights as an accessory

 this season.  Instead of throwing on gold 

hoop earrings, try a pair of lacey tights.  Instead of huge bangles or a long necklace, try some yellow knee highs or fuchsia footed leggings.  These patterns and colors give a pop to your outfit and provide an interesting focal point--your legs. 

Also, word on the street is that if you're wearing shorts, black tights are the only acceptable accessory.  This is completely false.  Take a risk.  Who cares if Lily Allen and Kate Moss are the ones thinking black is the only viable option?! They are also the ones thinking CRACK is the only viable option.  So relinquish the inner bold woman within you.  Be daring and venture out into the world of color and texture.  

Anonymously, 

Statement

Colored Animal Print.....The Ugly Saga is Back

Don't get me wrong, Heidi Klum worked a natural leopard dress on Project Runway last week, and it looked great. And everyone can wear natural leopard in moderation. But come on people, colored animal print outfits just plain ugly!!!!!!!! Purple zebras, red cows, and blue leopards don't exist!!!! I observe a lot of trends that are fictional, I wouldn't wear these styles but I appreciate the concepts. However, as I've made it quite obvious thus far I DON'T appreciate colored animal print.

I once attended a party, where one of the guests wore an aqua blue leopard loose jersey dress. I wanted to hide in a corner for her. I support a person's desire to be unique and fun, but animal print outfits are NOT attractive or wearable. I mean really, do you want to look like you took the skin off of a skinny lion, dyed it in a bright bold blue dye, and rolled around in it?

Animal print is on the pages of Vogue, showcased in store fronts, and worn by the every day woman. Seriously, this trend follows me everywhere; and all I want to do is run away screaming.

My message for today: if you want to wear animal wear it in MODERATION and in a natural color. This trend needs to be burned, buried, and should never be reincarnated. EVER.

I may have been a little harsh, but hey it's the truth!

Anonymously,

Poser

Why, Naomi, WHY?!

Okay people. This is something we've all been thinking, but no one has had the balls to say.  So here it is: Dear Naomi Campbell: Retire. Get your ass out of the new issues of  Vogue and Elle and Bazaar, and yes, EVEN Essence. You're stalking me, and I'm sick of it.

Honestly, I'm all for a strong, independent, rich, gorgeous, black model. But really...really?!  I think it's someone else's time to shine.  Now now, don't think I don't realize the beauty and importance of timeless models.  We all know who they are.  Women like Iman Abdulmajid, Elle MacPherson, Alek Wek, Kate moss (the list goes on)--they are supermodels.  People have basically worshipped them since their careers started and will continue to do so until they die. Many have placed Naomi on that same list.  But let's face it.  When fact comes to fact...Naomi is just a hot woman with a photogenic face, almost ten lawsuits, and a habit for slapping bitches and wearing shirts to prove it.

Okay, I'm being harsh.  She has had an amazing career, and I have to confess that her picture has often graced my bedroom walls.  But I can't continue to let this nonsense slide.  It is 2009, and she landed a six page spread in the September issue of Vogue. People, people. this is absurd. Maybe it was Elle. Who cares! The point here is that she should really relinquish some of these jobs to other people--other capable, gorgeous, black, young, models.  Her prime has passed.  Born in '70. I was sick of seeing her face in...uhh '95. And this is saying a lot considering the fact that I'm a 90's baby!

Sure, pass her the occasional Dennis Basso add.  Whatever.  The new Dolce & Gabbana perfume..sure let her in on that because the naked men in the picture make up for it.  But seriously it is time for us all to band together and get this bitch out. Same 

goes for Tyrannasaurus Banks, but we'll save that topic for another day.

Really though, my aim here isn't to send hate mail her way. She's a talented woman. Great accent, perfect skin, flawless weave (What is that by the way?? Horse hair?)... 

Naomi, you're great...really.  You're also filthy rich.  Most people release one or two fragrances. You've released seven. Most people assault..ehh..one person? No people? You've assaulted five. For God's sake woman. You worked with BIG DADDY KANE. You're old. Go have a baby.

And one last thing, give UP the racist thing. 

 JUUUUST because British Vogue won't let you snag a cover does NOT mean that the world hates black people.  Maybe they just don't want your old ass on the cover of their new magazine featuring new stuff for the new year. You're anything but new.  The racism saga is so old. Be satisfied that you've hit up every other magazine in the world and get on with it.

You've been stalking us all, now leave us alone. 

Anonymously, 

Statement