Theme Party Fashion

Theme parties usually start out as a great idea - in the light of day. The outfit planning is always fun, its nice to get creative with your wardrobe on a day other than Halloween. That's all a theme party really is : a more specific Halloween.

I have to say that Vassar College kids know how to go all out for a theme party - and they look stylish doing it too. Let's look at some quality outfits from last weekend's "Welcome to the Jungle" themed party:

Mitchell, as always, was the bell of the ball. Or rather, the princess of the jungle. His innovation is simply inspiring: a full length ball gown made out of a SNUGGIE.. who would have thought. Genius, and quite ferocious.

I thought Carrie put it quite aptly when she said "All I want to do in life is dress up in high heals and tutu." She turned that childhood dream into a hot, fashionable costume. Zebra Barbie, we might call her. Her legs look 100 miles long, and the burst of red color on her lips is captivating. Hot.

The full effect of Lizzie's outfit is not quite captured in this picture, but use your imagination. She is a snake mistress. Hair up was perfect: it looks classy and seductive, as does her black pleather (no real animals were harmed in the making of this theme party) sheath dress. With snake bracelets lining her arms she rocked the theme.

Here is some more excellent use of zebra print - they look hot, but classy too. The Classy part is where many can go wrong - especially with a jungle theme. Zan and Amartya pass this test with flying colors. And Andrew rocked the gorilla suit all night. It's hard to dance the night away in faux fur, but someone's gotta do it.

No pictures of my outfit showed enough of it to be worth posting - but I wore a black leotard with a zebra/leopard printed scarf that was tied as a highwasted skirt, a combination that I am quite proud of. As the first theme party of the semester, it was a success in my book, and I look forward to the costumes to come!

Shout Out to TV

Television. We all watch it, and we all love it. Last night I watched two great new shows, “Modern Family” and “Cougar Town” both of which made me laugh very hard. But one of the things that I love about TV night be clear because I’m always talking about fashion- the clothes. It’s amazing what stylists and costume designers find/ create for TV and movies- awe inspiring to say the least. So, here’s to THEM, whoever they might be, as Madeline and I look back at our favorite on air outfits.

While I was running today, thinking about this “prompt” if you will, I kept coming back to the fact that Grey’s Anatomy (my all time favorite show) started last night. I absolutely LOVED Addison when she was on the show and I watch Private Practice religiously. I’m going to say it straight - what kind of real ER doctor would ever dress like that?! Who the heck cares! What is practicality? It’s TV! Her outfits are to die for, slinky dresses with beautiful gold belts, stunning high waisted skirts paired with clean cut blouses. The woman always looks like perfection in her clothes but then again, her hair, no matter what kind of day she’s been having is red carpet ready. I wish I had someone to make me look like that all the time. I wonder if they get to keep the clothes…?

Now this is a flashback, but Saved by the Bell. Whoever did those costumes was absolute genius. Ok, so I know I am going to lose some of you now, but there was one episode where Jessie, Kelly and Lisa made a music video, so totally 80’s. Anyway, what they wore that day I still remember: neon leotards in all shapes and cuts and leg warmers. I love 80’s fashion and Saved by the Bell so this episode unparticular stands out in my mind. The rest of the clothing for the show was pretty typical High School attire for the era (high waisted, short shorts, overalls, and plaid), but hey, they were all such cuties (AC Slater= love) that they could wear anything and make it a trend.

Wizards of Waverly Place- one of the most underrated TV shows of the time in my opinion. The costume designer does up Selena Gomez to look absolutely awesome. The combination of punk, edge and color in her clothes makes me want to dress like her. She just looks like she is always having a good time. Unlike other shows, Wizards keeps it classy and appropriate for the demographic that they are reaching which I think is very important. Nicely done Disney Chanel.

Now Janelle wanted to add that Ashley from GREEK (ABC family) always puts together the best outfits. Now I myself have never seen the show but I’ll still give her that shout out.

Now its Madeline's turn.

We'd be joking ourselves if we didn't mention Gossip Girl, which has become practically synonymous fashion. Between Serena, Blair and Jenny, all the major fashion stops are pulled out, all three very different styles, but I would die to dress like any one of them.

This last picture is Blair's first day of school outfit. Just saying.

I have to second Sammy on pinning down Grey's Anatomy as a fashion powerhouse. Even though the characters are dressed in scrubs most of the time, any chance they have to show off real clothes, the costume and design team at the show pounces. They always look great. In particular I love Meredith's fashion, specifically her tote bags, like this one from LLBean.

No one does fashion better than fashion. By that I mean Project Runway. Although this new season's designers haven't been overwhelmingly exciting, there is a strangely large amount of young, beautiful and extremely fashionable women.

Ignore the dog, girl on the left is Shirin.

Irina. I don't love this color, but the design is hot, and she looks good. So it works.

Althea, I love her designs and personal style.

Annnnnyways, love these shows, love seeing what people are wearing! Have a Happy weekend!

Cute Preppy Boy (for lack of a better title)

Cute. Preppy. Boy. In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better than those three words combined. Truthfully, this week I am over my head in things to do that I hardly have time to brush my teeth (don’t worry, I have), but when I thought about what to write about, all my ideas were laborious and time consuming including pictures and what not. I love you guys, but this week is NOT my week for blog glory. So…I’m going to write about my favorite accessory: cute preppy boys. (this weeks pictures are featured from Vineyard Vines)

Boston College’s campus is LITTERED with them. They are everywhere looking fab. And the truth of the matter is, some days I will actually get redressed for dinner in hopes (or fear) of seeing the ULTIMATE cute, preppy boy. This boy that I am describing is actually a g-dsend. He matches bright colored pants with brilliant sweaters and neon hats and vests. His feet are constantly adorned with perfect life style shoes (every boy should own them) and rainbow flip flops in the summer sun. CPB (cute preppy boy) has the perfect brown hair with subtle blonde streaks and is chiseled to say the least (not that I have ever actually been so close to him as to know this first hand, I am speaking fugitively). As with any handsome boy, his teeth are pearl white- the “Cape Cod smile” as my mom would call it. So, cute preppy boy, keep it classy. Keep being that Polo and Vineyard Vine model and know that you’re making Boston College’s campus a pretty place.

Boy two that I would like to spot light has the nick name of “Cute Hair Boy”. Now, this boy might know his nick name just because we are actually friends and last year in Geo Science, he asked Janelle and I if we had nick names for everyone- the answer to that is, YES. Well, anyway, Cute Hair Boy is always dressed adorably, even if he’s not trying to. I feel as though he can just throw on clothes and they fit his body like a glove- perfect amount of muscle exposure and fun. Now, Cute Hair boy has the power (in my opinion) to wear whatever he wants. Last year, on a study date (date, yeah right!) he wore a neon green visor. On anyone else I would have laughed, but it worked for him…it really did. I would love to peruse his drawers because he has the most colorful and fun shorts I’ve ever seen on a male specimen. From mint green to crème with red lobsters, this boy flatters that adorable tusch of his with anything he puts on.

So I was just told this was a love letter, and yes, kind of it is. BUT. I will now describe what YOU need to do to be a cute, preppy boy yourself.

Rule #1: be CONFIDENT in your clothes. The boys that I know always rock the clothes they wear which makes them more attractive.

Rule #2: Don’t go all out. A splash of prep is fun here and there but its all about moderation.

Rule #3: In my opinion, being “preppy” is about daring to wear color. So do it. Rock the color, the plaid and the prints. They look GOOD.

Rule #4: Preppy doesn’t end with clothes. It’s about the shoes too. As we went over previously, shoes can make or break an outfit. Nice flip flops, boat shoes, or lifestyle sneakers are never a miss…just be sure you’re wearing appropriate socks!

That’s all for me! If you see any adorable preppy hombres, send them my way (we can talk fashion!). XOXO

Please stop wearing these things!

Here are here some of our fashion pet peeves. Sorry to offend anyone if you wear this, or like it. Its just ugly.

Sammy: So, as most of my friends and neighbors at school know, I have been a ball of stress this week having to make three huge life decisions:

1. What’s my major going to be?
2. Where am I going to study abroad?
3. Where am I going to do 12 hours of community service a week for a class (placements are all hours away).

Needless to say, my lack of decision making ability and my spunk have led me to be a tad sassier than usual, and for those of you who have had to put up with me: thank you and I’m sorry. As for the rest of you- think of answers to my questions! My little edge has made for some very funny pillow talk (ask Janelle and Eileen for that matter- Eileen thought we were having a party when it was just the 2 of us screaming and came to check in on us) but it has also allowed me to fully delve into my fashion pet peeves. Everyone has them, what are yours?

Personally, I cannot stand grown men wearing real jerseys. If you can double fist beers, there is NO reason you need a personalized button down Red Sox jersey. I love the sox just as much as the next Bostonian so don’t get me wrong, but you look like a hooligan living in the glory days. My dear friend Matt wore a Rays jersey to class the other day because “it was the only clean thing left”- my opinion- never EVER let it get that far. Halloween is one thing (well, you should actually be more creative on Halloween) but wearing a jersey as a shirt is a shot in the face. Just don’t do it.

Another HUGE pet peeve reminds me of my ex-boyfriend from high school and makes me want to gag in my mouth (and then some). The short sleeve polo UNDER a regular t-shirt. EW. EW. EW. I cannot get over how absolutely MORONIC you look if you do this. It’s totally appropriate to wear a short sleeve t-shirt UNDER your polo, I know most guys in fact do that to prevent sweating and S.N.I, but when you reverse it you look like you got dressed in the dark or are a 2 year old who loves this t-shirt so much you have to wear it on top of everything (a la Captain Underpants).

Number three pet peeve is pants that give you a raccoon in your uterus. They are not flattering so don’t buy them…EVER. If you try on a pair of pants in the dressing room and you kind of have to squint and tilt your head to make them look good, shocker there, TRY ON ANOTHER PAIR. Now I am not hating on people who can’t help their enlarged uterus, but please, please, please, dress it appropriately as you would any other body part. The uterus area is NOT meant to be stuffed into clothes for its own sake and all of humanities.

(you get the unfortunate picture here...)

So just moments ago I just got back from lunch and I saw something that Kath and I deem as completely unnecessary: the mock t-shirt turtle neck. I’m a HUGE fan of turtle necks (given the appropriate temperature) but the mock turtle neck is just plain stupid. Is t-shirt material half way up your neck going to keep you THAT much warmer? My answer: no.

Also today, walking in between classes I saw a boy and a girl walking together. Now it may be because I’m bitter that I was picking on them but they demonstrated two HUGE annoyances for me. The boy was wearing khaki cargo shorts WITH ASIAN TIGERS AND DRAGONS ON THEM. He looked like the UTMOST of tools. White preppy boy with an Asian infestation on his ass. STUPID. The girl, probably happy that she was graced with boobs and a boyfriend was wearing a low cut shirt (fine for going out on the weekends with, completely inappropriate for class) with her backpack strapped across her chest making her boobs look like Dolly Parton. The sad thing was that she thought she looked awesome with the backpack strap (and she was serious about it, it was no fleeting joke) but really- unless you are Charlotte trekking through the African Sahara DO NOT strap your backpack across your chest.

Janelle, thank you VERY much for posing, Swine and all

I have a lot of other pet peeves that I cannot think of at the current moment in time and I’m sure my philosophy professor would understand if I simply wrote the blog instead of my essay due momentarily, but in that it IS the beginning of the year, my work beckons me. Until Tuesday, keep it classy!

Madeline's Turn!

Ugly Backpacks - Okay. I understand that it is important, especially in school to be able to carry all of your stuff around from class to class. But there is no reason to stuff all of your texts books, computer, notebooks, pencils, etc, in a heinous backpack. I remember even in middle school giggling at younger kids with wheely backpacks in the halls: I feel this way when I see someone in college with a big, bulky, ugly backpack. I understand the need to protect your back, distribute weight evenly on both shoulders but I draw a line somewhere. Boys can mostly get away with it. Unless it’s a messenger bag (oh HELL no). But most girls have big purses already. Why go out of your way and buy an ugly ass backpack. Feel good about going to class with a big canvas tote, or a leather over the shoulder bag. The options are practically endless. ANYTHING BUT THESE:

These second two backpacks I find acceptable. The Jansport I like because of its simple lines, and the basic color. Its not trying to be a high-tech backpack. And the Northface backpacker bag is a little uggers. But with one bold color I feel like this is doable, especially if you need a highly functional backpack. I used a huge backpacker bag like this for the last semester of senior year because I toted all my sports gear around with me all day, so its definitely functional, and fashionably Okay, but only in a school or mountain range.

Matching colors exactly - Colors exist upon a light spectrum. There are many different variations of each one. Also each time the thread that makes up our clothing is dyed, it is of a slight variation to another: meaning one company’s midnight blue will not look exactly like another company’s. All of this said: WHY would you try to match exact colors. Variation of colors go together LOVELY. Light blue and dark blue look great together. Also, different colors can be worn together VERY easily. You mustn’t rely on a look like this:

It’s just very unnecessary. Explore colors!

Color Combination Bright Pink and Kelly Green - Speaking of combining colors. There are certain color combos that make me want to vomit. Firstly ones that don’t pink and green. The only time I wanna see these colors together is when I’m eating Friendly’s Watermellon Ice Cream Roll. I’m happy for Lilly Pulitzer that she has made her fortune on exploiting the use of these two colors together, but its starting to hurt my eyes. I think its time to move on.

I'm just so over it. Sorry.

Lastly. You will never catch me in this type of shirt:

This is not to say I have any particular problem in general with shirts that fit tightly around the body, oversized shirts are totally my thing, I'm all about comfort. But this style of shirt is like a built in muffin top. Its not flattering, on anyone. The tight part fits firmly around the hips: which are never thinner than a girl's waist, where the material bags over. The focus is brought to the thickest part a person's body, certainly not where the attention ought to be going to. It just makes me made. I understand their initial appeal, but stores have been loaded with them, and I would like some other options that don't make me look like I have a muffin top.

Okay you listen to us vent. I hope you picked up some helpful hints and dont make these tragic mistakes! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND AND HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH!

OH PS. Madeline got knew clothes in the mail finally today! And has a "Welcome to the Jungle" themed party to attend, so expect some interesting outfits in the hear future!

Wish List

I mean, feel absolutely free to buy me any of these things...

MJ Hankerchief T-Shirt. I think this could be a DIY project. I would like to try. Seems like an October break project to me. Its simple enough to make, detailed enough to be visually interesting, an altogether really cute concept.

Okay. I know Talbots is lame. But it is one of two stores (Gap, Talbots) my mom will always buy me clothes from, usually no matter the cost (Example: once she bought me a brown suede pencil skirt from Gap. I have NEVER worn it). I have yet to try this on, but I think I will at the store in Wellesley come October break (don't you love planning things months in advance) and if I like it, it will be my new winter jacket. I like it best in this stone color, and it looks really good with the collar down.

Nordstrom June Washed Leather Vest. Love the big collar, and the leather. If I had money to spend on this, I would. I love vests, and this seems like it could be done summer or winter. Versatility is a plus. Big floppy collars seem to be a trend in this wish list.

MJ Trench. Sammy and I spotted this in the store and our hearts dropped at the same time. What a beautiful fall coat. If you buy me one I promise I'll share with Sammy. Its the perfect color too, Sam and I both love that deep eggplant purple with our brunette locks.

MJ sparkle bow ring. Love bows. Love sparkles. Love cute rings, especially by Marc. This wishlist is Marc Jacobs dominated I realise. Maybe thats because I think these items are a little more realistic to want then some of the other accessories I pine after...Oops for having expensive taste hehe.

These Lady Page velvet bow pumps are completely superfluous. But I kind of love them anyways. They just look to luxurious to me, the velvet detailing is lovely. The bow is also very girly and precious, two things that always catch my eye. The color is also unique. I personally would have sort of a hard time fititng these in with a lot of clothes in my wardrobe, but I think they would be really nice for a fancy occasion with a dress fitting to their level of luxury.

Kelsi Dagger Rosabella booties. Its silly for me to even pine after these, because who are we kidding, I can't walk in heals for shit. I always rock the drunk stagger in heals, it doesn't matter if I'm stone sober. I always want to try and fix this, but I'm tall enough to not have to wear heals, so I give up. These are so adorable though. If I had them I would just have to wear them, I promise promise promise.

Alexander McQueen Brass Knuckles Clutch. Okay. This was so spotted about a week on Perez Hilton's style blog (cocoperez.com), and instantly covetted. It is perfect for Lizzie Crabb, if you know her, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Also, Pink said in an interview today that if Kanye can come on stage while she was accepting an award she would have used this fabulous purse to put him in his place. So that makes it basically perfect. Yay for cute edgy things.

Apologies for this post being kind of random and lame. I had so much class today, including a movie screening that I realised today is going to cut into Gossip Girl watching every week (tragedy). But on the upside, an order from American Apparel should be gracing my Vassar mailbox by Wednesday, as should a care package from home full of fashion mags (Jackie Kennedy Vanity Fair YES) from my mom. More updates to come! Until then, xoxo in my pocket.

What we're wearing!

It seems impossible that Sam and I have been away from one another for as long as we have, but we're getting back into the swing of school, and trying to look good doing it. I've been finding it hard to transition to the changes in weather (it gets so cold at night, but its so warm during the day!), and changes in the places I have to be ( art class attire definately differs from soccer game attending attire). But, despite these hurtles, here is what I wore this week.

This day I wore a plain black wifebeater with a vertical color-block skirt from Free People. The color-blocks on the skirt come dangerously close to being unflattering vertical stripes, but the highwaisted nature of the skirt ( or the way I am wearing it, I don't think its actually meant to be highwaisted because I got it like five years ago and then I used to wear in at my hips) makes it flattering. I love the colors of the skirt, but sometimes have a hard time wearing it with anything other than black or white tops. Any suggestions? I also added the little flower pin to the tank top to give it an interesting detail, and to make it look a little more upscale than a wifebeater. The black belt in the outfit is completely functional, meaning the skirt would literally fall down - unfortunately it has gotten stretched out! But I think the black belt works here. Or I hope anyways.

Today I literally just threw some clothes together, because I was running late for Italian (again! damn 9 ams) and if you could see my closet you would think it drank itself into oblivion last night and then vomitted all over my room. I was having some trouble deciding. But despite that I think this little ensemble worked out nicely. Its also the first time wearing my new boots at Vassar- they were received nicely! Everything else is pretty basic, but I like it together.

Before I run off to class, I wanted to showcase a special friend of mine. Since he is one out of maybe the 5 readers of this blog, and since his style always impresses me, I took a sneaky shot of Mickey doing homework outside after the Main firealarm went off. I really like the way Mickey uses pastels in his outfit here, a daring move for a male especially. Somehow he manages to not look like a tube of toothpaste in those pants, very impressive. I also like his use of different textures, with his matte canvas shoes and backpack (under the plastic Vassar Bookstore Bag) (its Marc) and then the almost shimmering velvet of his shirt. Altogether, his outfit is very aesthetically pleasing.

Okay thats all for me! Have a fabulous weekend! :)

Yes Miss. Maddie, it is beyond hard to believe that we have already been apart for almost three weeks. (Is it three? Or two? Clearly school has my head wrapped in bubble wrap) This Friday marks the end of week one of classes for me and as I have already told Madeline, Plato can bite me (the philosopher, that is). I must admit though, I have been avidly watching people in the dining hall (sorry Frosh, I have been judging you HARD), walking in the quad, and even at the gym (who doesn’t love a nice yoga pant!?) so here is what I have found on the heights and what I have been wearing.

Day two of class definitely called for another quality outfit. It was the first day I was meeting with my econ class and who knew if my future knight in shining armor was going to be in the class? I paired a high-waisted crème Anthropology pant with a GAP navy ruffled tank. I added the old school brown belt to the pant not only because the pant was a bit big but because I thought it broke up the outfit a little. Of course, foot fashion is a must so I paired this outfit with the classic Tory three-tone gold/brown/bronze flat. I must have been doing something right that day because even the guys on my all male soccer team told me I looked spiffy- guess what?! I am a girl after all!

Now, it is not easy to be roommates with a blogger and Janelle definitely has verbalized her distaste for being strewn out on the web. Despite this, she has already supported my constant outfit changes and outfitted me for “going out” attire, something I struggle immensely with (feel free to make donations!). ANYWAY…this was Janelle’s 2nd day of class outfit which I thought screamed “I’M CHEERY AND FUN EVEN THOUGH IM STUCK IN F***ING SPANISH CLASS!”. The pink flowered tank is fun and the yellow tube underneath provides coverage and support while adding just another splash of color. The legging was perfect for the chill in the air but the flip flop still lets people know Janelle is game for the beach at anytime.

That’s all for this week! Boston College and Vassar are two fiiiine looking campuses- people definitely dress to impress. (Screw it, I’m even impressed by the sweat pant outfits I see sometimes!) Have wonderful weekends and remember, no matter where we go, you will always be Safe in My Pocket. XOXO