In Seams

This spring brought forth a trend I never thought would be back, but has caught my attention. Call them catsuits or whatever you like, jumpsuits have made quite a statement.

When I first heard about them, I had a flashback to those worn by performers like Lil’ Kim and Britney Spears, but there are some cute ones out there. While onesies have been consistently available for years as casual wear, these styles, often with ankle length to full length pants, are being advertised more for a night out.

While a more formal one can set you back hundreds of dollars, the high end styles are making their way to every college girl’s favorite bargain shop, Forever 21. There I spotted a jumpsuit inspired by this strapless one by Black Halo.

The jumpsuits range from flowing and casual to more structured, like this tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit by Alexander McQueen for his MCQ line.

The most popular look I have seen thus far is cinched at the waist with a great belt — something that always seems to work — with a great pair of heavier heels, the taller the better, covered in straps or buckles or with a cute pair of booties.

This month, MTV welcomed back House of Style, the channel’s original fashion program, which first aired in the late 1980’s.

For me, it made sense for the show to make a more permanent return to the channel, as MTV has transitioned from a music channel to more of a lifestyle channel. Add to that the emergence and growing popularity of Web sites like Bluefly.com and Chickdowntown.com, which bring designer items down to size at discount prices, more high-end styles are becoming accessible and therefore, more exciting to take part in.

It is refreshing to see actual members of the fashion community, like model and correspondent Chanel Iman and designer Erin Featherston partnered with fashion magazine Teen Vogue to bring the inside scoop to viewers. While popular shows like “The Hills” and “The City” attempt to take viewers into the fashion world, they are more focused on the love lives and drama of the cast members, with the exception of a few glimpses into life at Diane Von Furstenberg.

Some drawbacks included host Bar Rafaeli’s less-than-polished dialogue and the fact that pairing with Teen Vogue might make some trends showcased on the show seem too young for twenty-somethings (I am not sold yet on friendship bracelets, although I did love making them in elementary school).

Regardless, it is exciting to see the return of a show focusing on fashion and I look forward to checking out future episodes to see how MTV answers the demand for fashion news.

To me, one of the sexiest makeup looks will always be a plump, full lip.

The world over has obsessed over the pouts of ladies like Angelina Jolie while watching the missteps of stars like Jessica Simpson and her not-so-secret lip injections.

Since most college students will not be paying for lip injections, how do you get this look on your own?

Well, I would venture to say our generation is the lip gloss generation and, in my trials with friends, I have found three brands that hit the mark for a plumper pucker.

For the everyday look on an everyday budget, try Sexy Motherpucker by Soap & Glory Cosmetics. Available at Target for only $9.99, the gloss is available in both nude and shades like plum. Once you put it on, your lips begin to tingle and slowly swell up. Not a very dramatic change, but enough for a daytime pout. And hey, with a name like that, it might give you some attitude as well.

In the middle price range, I found Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish by Bare Escentuals. Bare Escentuals is a brand that includes mainly natural ingredients for their makeup, so while your lips get plumper, they are also getting Vitamins A and E, like in a good lip balm. The mauve shade Dolly is my favorite because it enhances the natural shade of my lips so I don’t look like I am wearing anything heavy. At $18 per tube, it is a little more expensive but not too bad, especially if you don’t plan on applying it all day.

By far, the most dramatic change I have noticed in my lips was when I tried Lip Fusion Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plump by Fusion Beauty. This gloss provides a much fuller lip, due to the collagen in the formula. While the tingle may be off-putting at first, the results are well worth it. It was given to me as a gift, so I am not sure how soon I would spend the $36 for a tube of it, but it remains one of my favorite splurge items.

No matter what your budget, a sexy pout is well within reach so pucker up. 
 

The annual Academy Awards are a night for fantastic fashion, and the 81st Oscar ceremony last night was no exception.

The gowns were gorgeous and the big fashion names in full force, but if I had to sum up the styles of the red carpet for both men and women (excluding Mickey Rourke for whom there are no words) I would say “demure” fits best.

The ladies took a more laid back approach, with sleeker silhouettes and colors that were either rich, like the deep red worn by nominee Amy Adams, or soft, from the off-white gown donned by nominee Taraji P. Henson or the slate grey worn by nominee Meryl Streep.

While there were a variety of shapes and silhouettes, many of the gowns were either strapless or off one shoulder.

Overall, the ladies looked clean and chic, with a few exceptions. Beyoncé looked a bit uncomfortable in her curve-hugging black and gold gown, and Miley Cyrus too closely hearkened to her Disney roots in a gown with full skirt of petals adorned with silver sparkle.

The men took a dapper approach with leading stars like Brad Pitt in classic tuxedos. Sean Penn, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, stepped out in a black suit with black dress shirt. More modern, but still clean and appropriate.

To choose fashions of a more reserved nature, while still paying tribute to the formality and tradition of the event, was a fitting move for a show that began by commenting — through song and dance — on the economy.

This week on the Features desk, we are paying tribute to a true style icon. The tall blonde who taught me how to match my shoes to my outfit and do perfect — albeit tacky and a bit over the top — eye makeup, the one and only Barbie.

2009 marks the 50th birthday of the classic doll which has evolved with the times from a blonde in her unforgettable black-and-white-striped bathing suit, to a line of dolls representative of women of a range of cultures, professions and ethnicities.

While I could launch into a debate about her physical dimensions being only attainable by supermodels and aliens, I feel the logistics are best left to another entry. No matter if you think she is too tall, too thin or just right, her popularity cannot be debated.

In order to mark this tremendous occasion, the fashion community collaborated to create the 2009 Barbie Runway Show, held Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day — during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York for the Fall 2009 collections.

The event was an entertaining and vibrant look at the history of Barbie, a figure in popular culture who epitomized the fashion forward, sophisticated woman. After all, she was originally called a “teen fashion model doll.”

While the designers covered everything from Barbie’s legendary gowns and leg-baring short shorts, my two personal favorites were a black baby doll cut dress by Erin Fetherston, complete with black hat and a empire-waisted pink gown with metallic brocade pattern by Viviene Tam. The black dress was a sleek, modern interpretation of Barbie fashion, which can sometimes seem outlandish and little less than practical. The pink floor-length gown was a familiar sight for Barbie fans. The dress was all about sparkle and glam and paying homage to Barbie’s signature color.

The choice of footwear, a Barbie pink peep toe pump with thick ankle strap, was simply spot on, looking plastic with the lights of the runway.

Overall, the show was fun to watch and it was interesting to see how the look and essence of such an iconic character has transcended time to both follow and influence not only the trends of fashion but the style and individuality of women.

The impromptu date. The quickie interview. Day-old hair. All of these are great reasons to master a great updo. But before running for the curling iron and super hold hairspray, consider two classics: the ponytail and the chignon or “bun.”

While these looks may not seem too out of the ordinary, when done neatly — but without looking “done” — they are the perfect way to add a chic finishing touch to any look.

Once considered only appropriate for gym class, the ponytail is appearing on the red carpet as recently as the premier of “He’s Just Not That Into You,” as sported by Jennifer Aniston.

A ponytail is a simple look because it can be done several ways. The key is to keep it slick and frizz-free for more formal occasions. Don’t think the wet look either. It should look neat but still effortless and clean.

Pulled straight back at the middle of the back of the head, the look can be finished with a headband. Or, part hair to the side and place the ponytail at the nape of the neck. Either way, the hair can be curled or straight, and leave any teasing and loose pieces for more casual situations.

A chignon is a go-to look for stylists because it is simple, clean and undoubtedly chic. This style looks best either low on the back of the head, not quite to the nape, or right at the middle of the back of the head. Lower is typically easier to work with, but make sure you don’t go too low and mess with the natural line of your neck so it remains flattering. Up to the crown and it looks a little too ballerina.

One look is to part the hair to the side and pull into a ponytail at a position you like. Using spray gel (see tips below) lightly mist the hair in the ponytail, divide into three sections and braid. Straight or wavy hair works best, but keep it dry. Secure the end with a small, clear rubber band. Wrap the hair around the main rubber band, securing with bobby pins as you go. Tuck the end under the bun and secure with a pin.

The same chignon can be done without a braid. Just spray the ponytail with gel and twist the ponytail and wrap it around the bun and secure.

To keep the chignon from looking too tight, let any natural bangs fall down and any shorter pieces to frame the face. Pull up at the hair pulled into the ponytail on the scalp — not touching the bun — slightly to create any desired volume or, again, prevent a too-stiff look.

Top off any look with a misting of hairspray to prevent frizz and hold in place. Chic hair never goes out of style.

Style tips:

Use a rubber band and bobby pins that match your hair color. They will blend in and make the style look seamless.

When using bobby pins to secure loose pieces, bend then to a curve to follow the curve of your scalp. This way, you avoid the awkward protruding wire coming from your head.

A half-inch thick section of hair can be left out to wrap around a ponytail to conceal a rubber band. Just tuck the end into the rubber band underneath the ponytail with a bobby pin.

Personally, for styling I prefer a spray gel for making a bun. The gel controls frizz and helps hold the style, and is much easier to manage when sprayed in a fine mist as opposed to a glop of gel. No more clumps. Garnier Fructis makes a great one.

I was never meant to be tall. While it was at first hard to accept, at 22, I have learned to not only accept my height, or lack there of, but to work around it.

At 5-foot 2-inches in height, there will always be things that are tough. Getting my orange juice at the supermarket will always be a stretch and I am not ashamed to admit I climb on my counter to get down a glass. But one thing I no longer have to tolerate is clothing that is not “made” for me.

For a while, the concept of tailoring seemed too expensive and more on the side of luxury, but since entering college, it has become my best friend.

It began with a pair of jeans and has since become my go-to solution for that dress I found online that was a steal but a bit too big or the coat with the ripped lining I can’t part with.

But there are things to remember when going to a tailor:

Always wash the garment first (if you plan to put it in the dryer and it is not dry clean only) to see if it will shrink. 

Try on the garment as you intend to wear it. That means, if it is pants, try them on with the highest pair of heels you would wear with them. If it is a coat you plan to layer, try it on with the thickest sweater or sweatshirt that would go under it.

Remember to specify any detailing you are partial to with the tailor. Pants look cleaner and less “altered” when an original hem is replaced. If you want a particular thread used, or if the hem of a dress is particularly wide and you like the effect, don’t be afraid to ask.

Finally, allow time for alterations. If you need something fixed quickly, you may have to call around to find a place that can do the work in the desired time frame. Otherwise, plan to wait a week, or sometimes more depending on the job.
 
Alterations are not as expensive as one might expect either. Fixing a hem, a very common alteration, runs around $10 to shorten pants. 

Two of my favorite tailors in the area are Twichell’s Dry Cleaners & Tailors, 221 M.A.C. Ave. and Silver Thread Tailor Shoppe, 1720 Lake Lansing Rd, in Lansing. 

Or, if you are handy with a sewing machine or needle and thread (sadly, I have that on my To Do List) try altering items yourself. 

In the end, clothing is fabric, and usually, what was done can be undone. Make sure your clothing fits you where it counts the most — in the hips, bust, shoulders — and a tailor is a great resource to customize the rest.  

The joy of growing older is getting nicer clothing and creating a professional style that still reflects you. Let’s face it — we are all probably done growing by the end of our time at MSU, so don’t settle for those pants that only fit with a really tight belt or that shirt that makes you roll up the sleeves.
 
 
 

As I go through my closet in preparation for graduation in May, it occurred to me that if all goes as planned, I will find myself in a new city with a new job come next winter.

Needless to say, it is time to shed some of my favorite college essentials for more grown-up goods.

After a warm, comfortable, four-year relationship, I am breaking up with my Uggs.

I will be leaving behind my favorite Australian footwear for a pair of the English variety to keep my feet dry and warm through months of trudging through snow.

I am upgrading to Hunter wellingtons, or wellies.

While I purchased my last pair of rubber boots in New York City last year, the odd, striped pattern and mid-calf rise still made them look adolescent on me. Let’s face it, when you are 5 feet 2 inches tall, you need all the help you can get to avoid being called a middle schooler.

So why switch them in?

Walking around campus in my beat up, cracked, stained Uggs last week, I noticed myself, and several other cold-footed ladies on campus doing the same maneuver: leaping puddles. In the busy crowds of campus commuters this can be both annoying to those behind us and hazardous should you fail to hit the landing. Basically, Uggs are not waterproof. Spray them as you will, while your feet may stay dry inside, the outside becomes a bit of an eyesore of salt and dirt stains.

I know, I know, they are so warm. That is why I have gone to bat for those silly boots for the past three and half years. But you can’t help but notice the pillow-like quality of their construction and the odd shape your legs take on when wearing them.

Hunters are sturdy, stable boots that by no means flatter a foot like a stiletto, but still keep it from totally looking like a bear foot.

As far as price goes, they come in several styles, but the basic design, the Original costs about $115. I prefer the festival tall boot, with contrasting lining, for about $145. For about the same money as Uggs, you get boots that are both fashionable and water-friendly.

I don’t doubt I will save my Uggs. Honestly, they are a little hard to throw out for what they set me back and the fact they make unbelievable slippers. But stepping out next winter I will hopefully stay dryer, fear no puddle and find a way to make winter boots more chic. Hey, if the Queen wears them, they must be all right.

They have become a staple in the wardrobes of women of all ages. The black tight is a way to add a little drama or a chic touch to any outfit. No matter the occasion, I still keep finding reasons to wear them and the industry is still hanging onto the look. Designers like Vera Wang made them huge, but now stores for the everyday shopper, like Target, sell a range of tights to finish off your outfit.

Here are five reasons to keep rocking black tights this semester:

1.) Transformation: Black tights make a spring dress in a lighter fabric fit in with your winter wardrobe. Keep them in your bag to quickly dress up an outfit.

2.) Great lengths: Black tights elongate a leg and make for a more toned look. When paired with black heels or ankle boots, your legs look miles long.

3.) Inexpensive upgrade: As trends go, tights have been one that fit into any budget. In a pinch, you can find a pair at a drugstore for a few dollars, but my favorite pair when I feel like spending a little more money are the Full Length Tights from Express. At $14.50, I still consider them a bargain because of their thicker texture, opacity and they are more resistant to getting that annoying run.

4.) One style fits all: Black tights are a trend that suits all body types and personal styles. Black is typically a universally flattering color and what goes over them, be it a dress or shorts, is up to you, but a clean, classic look is always in season.

5.) Adding options: With no end to winter in sight, wearing the same pants over and over can become monotonous. While it is too early for shorts or otherwise bare legs, opaque tights allow you to show some skin, without really doing it.