husky pride

There is an unwritten rule in the life of every college student: you MUST own a college sweatshirt. You know the ones- they come in all shapes and sizes, all colors, all patterns, and with about a million different ways to write a school's name- but every college kid has one.

You can see them all around campus, and most importantly, all around the world. Proud coeds sport their school logo or mascot, announcing to the entire public exactly where they're from.

If they're REALLY into it, they can pair the sweatshirt with track pants ("Northeastern Huskies" written across the butt), layer it over a NU tee, throw on a red and white "Huskies" cap and even hike your pants to showcase your matching school socks! (I, of course, can't guarantee your safety dressed like then when strolling through the BC area)

The typical college sweatshirt goes with everything in your closet, whether it matches or not. These classic must-have items defy the rules of fashion, and are actually pair with everything from bikinis to little black dresses. There's always an excuse to wear one. It's the one item of clothing which is acceptable to wear 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days in a row!

Personally, my sweatshirt gets the most use on Tuesdays and Fridays, when I have my 8am class. It's the one item I know looks good, and is socially acceptable, regardless of how colorblind I am at 7:30. It is nearly as comfortable as my pajamas, and helps to protect me from the Boston morning chills.

But this isn't the only time it comes out during the week. If I'm pulling a late night, or had one the night before, it guarantees the style and comfort I need- I don't even need to think about it.

The college sweatshirt acts as the one piece of "active wear" which is acceptable to wear to college parties. not only does it represent good ol' NU, but if for some odd reason, you randomly pass out (can't think of how such a travesty could occur, but we're being hypothetical), people will know which college to return you to. You might as well wear an "if lost, please return to..."sticker over the college name.

These items are so popular even the street vendors in Downtown Crossing sell knock-offs for $20.00! People who may not even know where you school is are claiming to come from it. If you're the real thing, an "authentic college kid," there's no excuse for not owning one.

Your college sweatshirt will never go out of style either. Think of your parents, your grandparents, and all their friends. I guarantee that, if they're any type of colleg graduate, they still have their vintage sweatshirts.

I personally think they should just include the charge for one in the student's tuition, just to make life easier. But that's just me...

creme of the crop

The season's new jacket (although "new" isn't exactly the right word for it) is the cropped jacket. Anything that hits below your waist is considered too "winterish" for the season, and you want to stay "springie" and trendy, right? So, make your way to Target and pick up this season's latest must-have item.

Of course, if the simple Target jacket just won't do for you, you still have your choice of just about every other store on the face of the earth. I mainly suggest Target because spring doesn't usually last all that long, and neither will your spring jacket. However, suit yourself- every store from Kmart to Nordstrom will be pushing these jackets.

(the Target white trench- only $34.00)

My personal favorite for the season is the Gap belted Mac jacket. Already a big fan of trenches, I love this cute trendy style. The detachable belt gives a little variety to the item, also giving more bang for your buck (or $78.00 bucks, rather). Not to mention the fact that belts, in general, are HUGE this season. Lightweight and a little flowy, it acts as a layered piece, unlike some jackets which come in heavier fabrics. My ultimate favorite aspect is that it is figure-flattering for tall women, such as myself.

spring has sprung

It's official! It's spring!

Time to trade in the boots for clogs and sandals, lose the pea coat for a cropped jacket, turn the wool hats turn baseball caps, and trade the dark sunglasses in for the stylish new transparent shades.

Focus on lighter, flowing fabrics, but don't get too skimpy just yet. This is still New England, and the weather would still pass for winter in Orlando. However, after spending a good chunk of time zoning out on the quad, just laying in the grass and taking in the sunlight, I've come to the conclusion that spring is officially here, and it's time to dress accordingly.

Pack away the heavy sweaters and chunky fabrics- lighten your laundry load. Stick with the layers I'm always waxing on about- they'll come in handy when warmish spring days turn back into cool nights.

Luckily for us, scarves are no longer considered a strictly winter accessory. (I kid you not when I say I've seen girls in bikinis sporting them on the beach) So keep them out of the storage closet- especially the skinny ones and lighter fabrics.

The start of spring also signifies the start of another of my favorite accessories- flip flops! These cheap, colorful, fabulous pieces of footwear will match any outfit from ball gown to a bikini (although I don't recommend wearing either of those to class). Free you feet from those chunky boots- just watch out for puddles.

So sit back, relax and embrace spring- looks like style survived another New England weather!

the nose knows

It is general knowledge that scent is one of, if not the, the strongest senses. Feelings are often directly linked to particular scents, and therefore smells alone are able to elicit certain emotions. A person's scent makes a strong impression on others, and therefore one must be very aware of what they smell like before leaving the house.

Now, I'm not saying "take a shower every day and make sure you use soap" or "ladies, don't forget the perfume"- I'm just advising to be careful of exactly WHAT you use which makes you smell oh-so-pretty.

In general, you will associate a smell with an experience or feeling, and that association will usually stick with you for years, if not your entire life. For example, I love the smell of markers or machinery because it conjures up the memory of spending time at my father's machine shop. I also dislike the smell of lipstick (odd but true) because it reminds me of my first boyfriend (when I started wearing make-up).

The same holds true for the actual scents associated with people. Since many people, especially women, chose to wear a spray, perfume or cologne over their natural scent, one must be especially considerate of how they want to present themselves.

I chose my perfumes and body sprays like I chose my clothes. They have to be classic, casual and a little different. The only signature spray I have been trademarked with is Bath & Body Works' Cucumber Melon. I once had a boyfriend who was so familiar with the scent that, if he was in the same room with another woman wearing the same scent, he would immediately start looking for me.

While I am much more of a fan of body splash than I am of perfume (I prefer to be a little more quiet and earthy than trendy and expensive) I do have a weakness- Dolce& Gabbana's Light Blue. But that's just me.

However, since we're talking "college kid budget," let's keep in mind the fact that a good body spray is MUCH cheaper than a good perfume. While perfumes can average around $80/small bottle, body sprays don't generally go above @20.00. Even some of the better brand names, like Bath and Body or Victoria's Secret, stay within a coed price range.

As for what I mean by "good perfume"....well....just think of that one aunt in your family who always wears too much lipstick, only talks about her cat and can never quite remember your name. Yes, the one in the corner. Her smell- in a bottle- that is the definition of cheap perfume. My only advice: don't smell like that.

bad fashion 101

The worst and most distracting thing in the world, for me, is when a college professor (usually a younger one- senior professors tend to stay with more traditional styles, regardless of what the kids are wearing these days) does not know how to dress. I simply cannot concentrate. I'm not saying this to be mean, just very frank.

Now, I'm not talking about those who wear the dresses which resemble smocks, or the white button-down and slight see-through shirts. I put those in a class of their own, and therefore do not feel that they are fair game for criticism. I do, however, feel that I have the right to vent about the misadventures some select people seem to have on a daily basis.

First of all, as a teacher (of any age), one must dress to look respectable and distinguished. While pairing red pumps with a black outfit is good in theory, and works perfectly well when walking Boylston Street on a Saturday night, those shoes should rarely (if ever) see the classroom. (Nevermind if they are watermelon pinkish/red stilettos, and the rest of the outfit is a mixture of a button down black shirt and charcoal grey pinstripe pants...) If they do make it to class, there had better be some red in the outfit, something for them to match, and thus the person would have some excuse for wearing them. Aside from this sliver of an example, these shoes need to stay home on school days.

And that goes for any loud piece of clothing or jewelry. Not only is it a distracting part of the outfit, but students generally have a hard enough time paying attention in class, so all you will be doing is encouraging them to zone in on it. My advice is to stick to neutral, professional styles. I understand that you want to be "hip" in college, but I'm sorry, you no longer reside in the dorms.

Now, don't think that I'm picking on college professors alone. This rule applies to any professional- I even follow that minimal dress code when I give my campus tours. You want your group, or client, to be paying attention to YOU, correct? NOT so much your accessories...Especially if they are a fashion disaster.

And that's the end of my little rant for tonight. Hope you enjoyed it.

real american heroes

One of the all-time best outfits in the history of the red carpet.

My tribute

(done to the tune of the "Real American Heroes" radio ads for Bud Light beer.)

Real American Heroes
(real american heroes)
Today we salute you, Mr editor-of-Vanity-Fair-who-is-host-of-the-exclusive-Oscar-party-but-decides-to-wear-the-only-item-of-clothing-not-in-style-this-season
(Mr ugly ugly plaid pants wearer!)
Only you would have the balls to step out from beyond the rules of fashion and give them a flat out "no"
(oh what a bad-ass!)
Just because you're supposed to know better doesn't necessarily mean that you do- or do you
(what a deep question!)
You could have chosen any other pants to go with that outfit- like brown...black...even blue....but you chose... plaid
(you hurt my eyes!)
And that wasn't enough for you- you wore bows on your shoes to top the look off
(oh Christmas presents!)

So hats off to you, Mr Graydon Carter. You sure did make this red carpet shine.

la vie boheme

"You dress like you're from RENT."

A friend said that to me the other day, kindly referring to the Broadway musical recently turned box office smash hit. I wasn't quite sure what to say in return. It wasn't exactly an insult, being that I've been obsessed with the show since the ninth grade, but what exactly was she trying to say? I dress like I'm dirt broke? Like I can't afford any "real" clothing? Like I'm in constantly in a stage production? Like a transvestite street drummer?

"Like Mark," she smiled (or was it a smirk?). "All you need is the camera."

Slightly relieved that she wasn't calling me an overly made-up drag queen, it took a second for this comment to sink in. But wait...Mark's a guy? Have my fashionista attempts really gone that wrong?

Of course, this comment stayed with me the rest of the day, and I began to overanalyze it to death. With a few explaining comments and a hard look at my own wardrobe, I finally got what she was trying to say. And it really wasn't an insult afterall.

Mark Cohen, a starving artist with a passion for film, is one of the leads in RENT. He narrates the story, standing back and simply observing all the passionate chaos around him (I'll spare you the journalistic comparisons). While usually quiet in his own storyline, his "look" is infamous - the striped blue scarf, oversized jacket and topped off with square-framed glasses. It is plastered across billboards, CD covers, posters, books and pretty much everything else used to promote the musical. They even sell the exact scarf in stores (which, FYI, I do own)!

Looking into my own closet, I'm starting to learn I'm known in my own social circles for more than my wool cabbie hat. What I kindly refer to as my "Superman glasses" (because I feel I look like Clark Kent in them, but that's another story) really are comparable to those of the fictional Mark, and the number of scarves I own is countless. Yes, maybe I actually do base my style upon his- and I'm kind of glad I'm being recognized and associated with something I've loved for so long.

But that doesn't make up for the fact that, in RENT, the characters are even broker than myself. Do I really dress like I'm that poor? The answer, I have discovered, is no.

RENT opened on Broadway in 1996 when, from a fashion point of view, the world was completely different. What was seen back then as the rags from a vintage store have since catapulted themselves onto today's runways, carrying the title "Bohemian." Now, I have never met a Bohemian in my life, but I, as most Americans, mentally shrugged and adopted the name to define my own way of dressing. The bohemian trend, composed of flowing skirts with tattered ends, colorful hippie headbands, ripped jeans, oversized tops that often went down to a woman's thigh and thin-soled sandals, took over the fashion world a little over a year ago, sweeping everyone from Brittany Spears to...well, me. I never questioned where the idea came from.

In retrospect, the designers for RENT were ahead of their time. To re-emphasize the fact that the characters were broke, the ideas for the costumes were taken from findings at the local second-hand store. The designers would even explain that truth to eager fans, wanting to get that "RENT look."

So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? Did RENT help put modern day vintage shopping into effect, or was it already on the rise and the show was just trying to follow suit? It has been raved to define my generation- but did it have an even bigger influence than the critics claim? What would they be wearing if the show was set in today's world? Who knows. Who would have thought that only ten years later the "broke" cast would define today's styles and act as an inspiration for some of the biggest designers.

The way I see it, I was simply ahead of my time back in high school, already getting fashion tips from the characters. It helped me to find my own sense of style back in those scary, tender years. It, in a way, helped to shape me into the person I am today. If a simple muscial can have such an effect on one person's life, who is to say it didn't have a monumental impact on an entire generation?

What I've been wearing all along- those loud, striped scarves and thick glasses- are suddenly the height of style! I just can't see that as a bad thing...

La vie boheme!

mark~><~ me

kiss me i'm irish!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I love the fact that I can never dress "normal" for a party...

it's raining it's pouring...

Ok, so maybe it hasn't been the crazy downpour we experienced this past fall, but there's no denying that spring is on the way- and you know what comes before May flowers.

So meet my newest fashion obsession: galoshes!

I love these colorful, comfortable, practical, affordable, and most importantly dry trend! They've been all the rave since fall, but it took me until Christmas to get mine. After countless hours of searching stores for just the right ones, I found a database at Target.com They had pages and pages of selections, all for about $20.00! Some even cheaper!

Mine are loud and a little on the wild side, but if that's not your style, you can always opt for the classic solid colors. But as for me, I love these. They go with anything I'm wearing- even if, by fashion laws, they don't match, people give me a mental shoulder shrug because they're just rain boots. Obviously I'm not trying all that hard to color inside the lines of fashion when it's pouring out, so anything goes.

The first day I wore these, my roommate just shook her head at me and said "Those are SO you. I could never pull something like that off."

And I love that fact. Like choosing my puppy from the litter, these are specially picked to fit my style, and no matter how many other people purchase such shoes from Target, I doubt too many others will have the same pair.

I can't help but rave about how practical these are. Oh how I love to splash in the puddles on the side of the street, knowing well that my jeans will remain dry, either rolled up over or tucked inside these babies. How many times do we dread that slush/snow/muck puddle by the side of the road, knowing that we can't avoid it, but once we step in it, will get a severe case of frozen foot? These help fashionistas to avoid that little problem, and help you look fabulous while doing it.

And isn't it just so cute that I have a scarf that matches perfectly? It's fate I tell ya.

The only thing instance in which these boots can go tragically wrong is when they are paired with a matching umbrella. I'm sorry- your heart may be in the right place with this little style mishap, but when I see you, my only reaction is to cringe. I mean, come on, you don't want to look EXACTLY like the Gap ad, do you? Yes, those types of styles may work perfectly on TV, but when is the last time you saw THAT many people standing around in kakkis and black tees singing "Gonna Dress You Up in My Love?"

But other than that, these boots can't go wrong. Cute, comfy, affordable- what more could a girl ask for? (Except maybe Richard Ge-...nevermind.)

So embrace the rain, splashing in the puddles like a kid again, swing around some lamp posts and sing at the top of your lungs-

"I'm singing in the rain
My boots are not so plain
Oh what a glorious feeling
I'm stylish again!"

talk about the dress

I received this dress in a forward a few weeks ago and decided I needed to share it with the world.

I can't find anything more than other pictures of this on the internet- no designer, no reason, no tips on how to make my own!

(Should have considered this for my 'anything goes but clothes' party, huh?)

not just for hamburgers

Someone, somewhere, owes me money. I don't know who, just yet, but I do plan to take my complaint up with someone in the very near future. No more Ms. Nice Girl- I deserve a royalty.

I was flipping through the pages of Glamour today, and came across a Spring Style section. Within those pages were the newest and hottest trends- many things one would expect to see there. Ruffles, platforms, bell coats, shrunken suits, wide belts, swishy dresses- the runway looks we all expected to appear this season have risen from the deep. But then I saw something that stopped me dead in my tracks.

A rumpled bun.

A rumpled bun? MY rumpled bun? They can't be serious.

"It's the look of the season. The more ends sticking out the better!"

Hey, you don't have to tell me! I invented the rumpled bun. I've been doing this alledgedly 'trendy new style' since I first figured out how to put my hair up with an elastic. The messy bun has always been my signature style, even way back in the days of pinstrait hair and librarian-tight buns.

For years I've worn my hair up in just such a style, criticized by friends and family. They would constantly raise an eyebrow at me, smile and say "Sara, your hair is like, sticking up in the back!" And for years I would shrug this off, saying I wanted it to be that way, when in truth I was just too lazy to fix it. That style was my own, no designed was even risky enough or edgy enough to go near the concept! It looked messy, casual and fabulous!

And now Glamour is telling me that MY rumpled bun is the height of style? I don't think so. It's me who should be explaining it to THEM, I should get to share the history, family photos, my seemingly millions of broken elastics...

My genius, again, goes uncredited. Oh what a world.

dear diary...

Dear Diary,

Ok, so this is hard- so hard. But...like all great relationships...ours must come to an end.

Yes, we've had some fun times- gossiping over boys, secret confessions far past midnight, misguided experiments with my mom's makeup- I even told you about the time I stole the Girl Scout cookies out of the cabinet! Ah, the memories. But I'm all grown up now, and I have needs. Needs you could never satisfy.

And there's someone else.

StyleDiary.

Yes, StyleDiary. A website where fashionistas (female or male) can come from all over the world and share their individual style via the internet. All you need is a digital camera and computer- even the most basic computer skilled people can figure it out! We, being the members of the website, can discuss trends without being able to speak even five words of the same language, and see styles from all over the world in a matter of seconds. Where else can you be sure that you're wearing the exact same thing as a young woman in Germany?

And I don't know about you, but I run into a big problem when walking through the city. Styles around here tend to be a little louder, and a little more exciting, than those sported in Smalltown USA. So when I see someone with a really noticeable outfit, I want to try to steal their style (afterall, replication is the highest form or flattery, right?). This usually requires me to look at their outfit for more than a split second and try to figure out how they put it all together- but whenever I try, that awkward eye contact thing happens, and it looks like I'm staring at them. (A secret of living in the city, I have learned, is to never EVER make eye contact- it's just weird.) StyleDiary solves this problem- you can stare as long as you want! The poster even tells you where to get the pieces, how to wear them, when to wear them, and what else to try that with! Try asking someone on the T even one of those questions.

Anyone with a digital camera, computer, and confidence in their style can start a diary. Just stand back from a mirror, dressing in your hot new outfit, and snap a picture. When loading the picture up to your computer, crop the photo so only the outfit is shown (aka cut off your head- this isn't a search for "America's Next Top Model"). The load it up to the site, make any further adjustments, comments, and post! The equivalent of a photo blog!

Don't know what to wear today? Pull up a random StyleDiary, or a saved favorite, and get inspired. No clue how to wear your white shrunken blazer? Try searching the term and see how other women are doing it. Want some authentic style from the streets of Paris? Use the location search.

Not only can you showcase outfits, but there is also a section specifically saved for "Cool Finds." Here you can show off the individual pieces you're oh-so-proud. Signature accessories, amazing cheap finds, unique trinkets and amusing anecdotes are the most common in this section.

The motherboard homepage for StyleDiary is updated weekly. It contains a list of articles about the latest fashion trends and how to work them, seven of the creator's own personal trendy creations, seven of the top "Cool Finds" and seven of the "best" outfits from the previous week's submissions. It makes it easy to expose different fashionistas, get a quick idea for that day's outfit and see a sample of styles from around the world.

There's so much more to the site, but the best way to find out about it is to experience it for yourself! If you love fashion, shopping, hot new trendy, creativity in clothing or just spying on others, StyleDiary is a great website for you! Having recently started my own- buckets226's StyleDiary- I can honestly say that I just love seeing my fashion displayed for the world! Once I started posting, I was able to see who had been checking out my styles, what people thought, and how they held up to the rest. It's a great site!

So again, Diary, I'm so sorry, but I do have to leave you. StyleDiary just offers me more, and let's face it, it makes me happier. I'll never forget the fun times we've had together, and I think we can still be friends. Just be a pal for me and check out my StyleDiary every so often- maybe you'll get some ideas for a new cover and look of your own!

love always,
Sara

"the plane! the plane!"

It happens in the life of every college student- the inevitable. That day must always come, where a young adult must take responsibility, muster up all of their courage, breath deeply, clench their firsts- and board a plane.

Ok, so maybe it's not all that dramatic for everyone else- but it sure is for me. I hate to fly. Mainly because I hate heights- I have a hard time boarding the escalators at the Providence Place Mall. (Yes, I do travel out of Beantown every now and that- an amazing fact.) Or maybe it's because I've watched far too many episodes of LOST. Either way, come take-off, I'm scared out of my mind and watching my entire life flash before my eyes.

Other college kids, I know press their noses to the window like a puppy and stare out as the ground gets smaller and smaller- ugh, just thinking of it makes me sick.

But let's not kid ourselves here- love it or hate it, flying is not always the greatest experience. There are the famous "before flight rituals" in which you get to spend some quality time with the Logan Airport security, American Airlines staff, and fellow passengers. There are the early mornings, the long lines, the million and one security checks, and the waiting. Oh, add Dunkin Donuts workers to that list.

For a fashion point of view, you cannot afford to pass on your clothing. As the old saying goes, you never know when you're going to meet the love of your life. Well, not to be too much of a "girl" about it, but with so many people coming in and out of the airport at once, I'd say that chance is increased in a terminal. You gotta look good...just in case.

StyleDiary showcases numerous urban outfits, and usually travel is something worth mentioning.

"Travel outfit. I wore this on a flight Sunday. While walking through the
airport, a man came up to me and said he liked how I dressed."

Early flights seem to be the most common, especially on spring break. So, unless you pull an all-nighter the night before, you're going to be sleepy and lazy, regardless of how excited you are. That pair of torn sweat pants, hoodie and muddy adidas sneakers are going to look REALLY good at 5:30am. But no- stay strong, stay with the jeans and layers.

Depending on where you are traveling, try to dressing accordingly. Since most Bostonian college students migrate towards warm weather the week of Spring Break, let's just assume your destination is my second home, Orlando, Florida. Naturally, when you step off the plane, that bulky jacket isn't going to do you much good. And in case you're not convinced, imagine dragging your luggage AND that big jacket around the Sunshine State. Not all that appealing of an idea, is it?

So my advice- layers!!! Light, yet durable. Something you can peel off and stuff in your suitcase in baggage claim. Track jackets, zippered hoodies, cardigans, henleys or oversized pullovers work just fine. Stay clear of scarves of heavy gloves- "magic gloves" (the ones that stretch to the size of your hands) are perfect. Wool hats may also prove to be a bit much in the Florida sun- this is a good chance to sport your Red Sox baseball cap (I do recommend a hat- "plane hair" is not yet a proven theory but serves as an urban legend none the less- avoid it by covering your head).

As for pants, just stick with jeans. No matter what you wear (assuming you're not wearing a wedding dress as your top), they will always look good. And in the rare case that these March days in Florida do hit over 90, you can just roll them into capris.

This may sound silly, be smart when packing your purse/carry-on....simply because you never know what will happen to your luggage as soon as as it is taken out of your hands. Just to be on the safe side,have a few necessities with you at all times- clean socks and underwear, a hair brush, toothbrush, deodorant, hand sanitizer (because you never know!) and chapstick. Not to mention money, a calling card, cell phone, emergency numbers (written down in case the phone dies), a pen and straws. Again...you just never know.

Not everyone can afford the bright pink luggage, even when it is on sale at Kohls for under $150.00. Some of us are stuck with our parent's luggage from the 80's, and who are we to complain? It still serves its purpose, so we might as well make it work. Beyond the feelings of mortification being seen with such an accessory will cause, you must learn to recognize and love that luggage- it is your travel equivalent of a walk-in closet. If you bag is plain (unlike mine, which is bright green and purple with "LA Gear" scribbled across the side- thanks mom), make sure to decorate it with as many brightly colored pieces as possible. Go above and beyond the simple red or blue bandana, for two reasons: #1.) That crazy myth about how luggage handlers make a habit of stealing and wearing the ones they collect, and #2.) Do you ever notice how many people have those? And they're supposed to HELP you identify your bag? I would put money on it that most swapped bags are confused due to these unoriginal accessories. Stick to brightly colored ribbon, sashes, strips of fabric, garland, neck ties, belts or thin scarves. Just make sure you don't mind losing whatever it is. And try to layer as many as these decorations on as possible- best to have a back up.

Even if considered a fashion disaster, I DO recommend using an oversized hobo bag- just make sure it will fit in the overhead compartment.

Last but not least, shoes. One word: comfortable!!! Comfort really is your first properity. As impossibly fresh and stunning as you may want to look when you step off the plane, it won't be very glamorous if you fall all the way down the stairs when unloading the plane because your heels are too high. And you want to be able to walk this week while on vacation, right? Stilettos will not leave your feet feeling all that fabulous, much less looking the part. No matter what time your flight, being at the airport will involve a LOT of standing in line, so be prepared.

And try to wear some sort of slip-on shoe. Thanks to increased security, passengers must now take off their shoes when passing through the check points and send them through the x-ray machine. You don't want to hold up the line while you unlace your knee-high boots. Wear something practical for the occasion.

And that's all I've got! Don't forget your ticket and ID/passport - and of course, to spend all your money on fabulous souvenirs for your friends! (aka....me)

who needs the man when you've got the dress

When relationships crash and burn, a woman's first instinct is to head for the sweatpants and sweatshirt. We, as females, would like to do nothing better than curl up in bed, sipping a cup of hot tea, and watching some anti-testosterone movie (starring, perhaps, a Richard Gere or Ben Stiller) which emphasizes unlikely romance and has nothing bubblegum about it. We need to be reminded that not all men are dogs, and maybe there are one or two decent ones out there- and that there is a realistic possibility that we will find one of them. That, of course, and the fact that we need to wallow.

But I'm here to introduce a new approach to this famous "day after" syndrome.

When it's over it's over- no need to waste time thinking about it. Sex and the City has a fabulous example of just such a situation (and if you don't know what I'm talking about, I won't take offence to you skipping to the next paragraph): When Burger broke up with Carrie on a post-it, she declared that she just HAD to go out with her friends that night- she refused to remember that day as the day she was broken up with on a post-it, but as the day something fabulous happened. (And for those of you familiar with this episode, I won't go into detail, but try not to let THAT happen to you!)

So on with my story...

On a day which I would have rather stayed in bed from sun up to sun down, I decided to take the unconventional route and make myself useful. Over the past weekend, I visited one of my favorite stores, Urban Outfitters, on Newbury Street. Amazingly, I met up with an old friend I've been eying since September- a lacy blue dress, complete with a hefty price tag- $198.00. Being the fabulously broke college student I am, even back in September, I knew I could barely afford to try on the dress, nevermind purchase it. However, I did get a photo of myself in it, way back when, just for the fun of it (and in hope that dressing rooms don't have cameras and there may be some security guard laughing at me- but that's besides the point).

Anyways, this dress has haunted me the last few months. It has long since disappeared from the racks of the store, and has even been taken off the online database. I saw the exact dress, or its twin, on an episode Gilmore Girls, on a magazine model, and of course, in my dreams (you thought I was kidding when I said I was a shopaholic).

So anyways, I met with my exact dress, face-to-face, Friday afternoon- on the clearance rack! My heart leapt for joy, but I was brought down almost equally as quickly- the redline item still carried the price tag of $130.00. Determined to try it on and live out the fantasy, I pulled out my size- marked down to $79.99. Confused, I convinced myself I STILL could not afford that much, and tried it on only for kicks. On my way out of the store, I noticed a sign in the store- take an additional 50% off all redline merchandise. I forced myself to exit the store.

Fast-forward to today. Laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, I convinced myself to make this the day I finally purchased my dream dress. Mustering up all my courage, and energy, I got ready and stormed back down to Newbury Street. Being a sunny Sunday in Boston, Urban Outfitters was jam-packed, and I had to fight my way back to the clearance rack. Much to my dismay, most of the items had been picked over- including the dress section. Where there had been a smorgishboard of sizes of my exact dress, I now saw a series of velvet hoodies replacing it, along with uneven hangers and ripped skirts. My heart, of course, sank- until I noticed a little flash of blue. Digging through the briar patch (aka broken hangers), I pulled the lacy number off the rack and practically hugged it- not only was it the last one, but it was my size! Fate.

Checking the $79.99 price tag again, I decided I couldn't let my dress go again. I waited in line for a price check- hoping this 50% off deal hadn't already been applied. As I asked the girl behind the counter to do a price check for me, she couldn't help but smile. "Oh, this dress? I think this is like ten dollars or something."

Do my ears deceive me? Ten?? She rang it up. "Yup, that will be $9.99."

I kid you not when I tell you it took all my strength not to leap over that counter and hug her.

Long story shot, I got my dress- my $200.00 dress- for $10.00. What a way to remember my day. I practically skipped home, and wore it around the apartment for at least an hour (thank goodness my roomies aren't home). Never have I found a better bargain- and never have I spent a more rewarding $10.00. I'm not one to believe in love at first sight, or even fate for that matter, but when occurrences like this happen to you- it's hard to be my usual cynical self.

This day will go down in history, not for the careless talk of men, but for the day I carried the love of my life home in a shopping bag for only $10.00. Add a little Richard Gere to that, and you've got the perfect day.

please don't

Ok, now that I have proclaimed my never dying love for Target, I know that they will not take it too personally if I be brutally honest.

Ladies, please do not wear this dress:

This dress, part of Target's newest collection by London designer Luella Bartley, may be potentially cute in itself but is the headlining peice from the collection. In short, this dress is everywhere. It's in the commercials, on the billboards, on the posters outside Target and is openly criticized by the fashion world. A dress getting this much press can never be a good thing. It is like wearing the same dress as a red carpet actress who headlined a magazine page, nevermind the page being titled "what not to wear".

"I am Fashion" blog states:

Please do not wear this dress out in public. It may look cool right now in this picture, because its been plastered all over the place. But absolutely everyone will know where its from. And isn't the purpose of this collection to look like a million bucks at an affordable price? Also because I simply do not like this dress. It seems like it is trying to be punk and girly at the same time.

I could not have put it better myself.

You can find the rest of the article here.

The rest of the collection fairs a little bit better than the famous dress, but I must say, not much. From an observer's prospective, I think the collection, overall, is entirely too "punky" and makes the fashionista look more like a poser than they care to. Not to mention the fact that every piece is almost as famous as the dress.

This skirt looks like it has the potential of being cute- a little young for my taste, but cute none the less. Actually, it doesn't even look that bad on the model.

However, once the skirt is on a "normal" person...

It can only be described as puffy and pleated- not a good combination. Uncomfortable, uneven, rough material and with each strip sewn together at the bottom- in short, it's a no-go. No offence to my favorite store, but I'm deffinatly not a fan. (Afterall, my hips aren't THAT wide!)

Unfortunatly, due to the sparse amount of time (and film) I was unable to get a first-hand look at any of the other pieces. However, I seriousually reccomend the rest of the "I am Fashion" blog on this subject (link above).

And Target...don't worry...I still love you.

who wears short shorts

With the warm weather quickly approaching (although it doesn't exactly seem it on days like today), it is time to start looking at some serious spring styles. It will come as not surprise that shorts are a huge fashion statement this season, but not the super short cut-off Jessica Simpson style from last summer. (A trend which, might I add, seemed to fall apart faster than Nick and Jessica's marriage.)

This season the fashion world is looking at something a bit different. In a season where basically anything goes, and there is no one style that is so "out" it will make people cringe, shorts are quick to follow suite. Long, short, spandex, cargo, kakki, denim, board, Bermuda, cut-off and military shorts seem to headline for the season, but really, you simple can't go wrong.

Urban Outfitters does a great job at promoting this new style, showcasing numerous ways to wear different pairs on their website's homepage.

The season also promotes layers, so don't worry about incorporating them in even one of your winter outfits. Just be cautious not to get stuck in the cold weather with nothing BUT denim Bermuda shorts and a pair of ankle boots- don't forget that spring has not yet officially sprung.

So go shopping as the new styles are just budding for this summer's must-haves, and don't be afraid to try things on. Whichever style of shorts fits your body the best is the pair you should go with- because whatever it is, however crazy it may be, I can almost guarantee you'll see it strutting down the runway in an upcoming spring fashion show.