Peter Pan Returns!

We've seen them all season. In magazines, at coffee shops, in old pictures of our grandparents.  The Peter Pan collar has been seen around necks everywhere this season. Soft and cute, with a hint of sophistication, this collar has been a popular feature to add class to any outfit.  Paired with a locket necklace and a pair of Oxford heals, this sweet look is guaranteed to attract some onlookers.

A Return to Collared Times

To all the men who feel fashionably challenged, take this as the best style advice you will receive. Want to look amazing? Wear a crisp, collared button up shirt in a complexion pleasing color.  No one can resist a dapper man. Suit up, gentlemen!

Let the men of Gossip Girl show you how it's done.

Most Stylish Campus Competition!

Calling all of my OSU students-- Let's make Oregon State the most stylish campus in America! Follow these two easy steps to help our school!
Step 1: Make an account (free) with Stylitics using invite codes osumr (Monica) or osuaz (Amanda)
Step 2: Make a style profile and fill your virtual closet!
Step 3: Give yourself a pat on the back for making OSU more stylish!

<3

Color of the Year: A Tango with Tangerine

We've seen it everywhere; Nail polishes, blouses, dresses, accessories, shoes, pants, even make-up.  Known as "Tangerine Tango", this pigment has brightened up this Spring 2012's color palette. I personally have never been an "orange" fan, however this color has definitely changed my anti-orange feelings.  With more  pink undertones, "Tangerine Tango" has a warmth that most oranges lack.  I have yet to find a person who looks bad in this coral color.  Whether used as an accent color or a primary color, this orange is a flexible pigment guaranteed to make it into your closet. Check out some of my favorite "Tangerine Tango" options!

Love the toned down nail polish shades!

Tangerine Chairs add a pop of color to any room! We will see a lot of this color as an accent in modern homes.

Love the vibrant color combined with the classic cut of this dress!

Make-up will also see a pop of warm tangerines!

Love this soft look with the coral cheeks and pale orange lip; a perfect sun-kissed look for summer!

Tangerine attacks Interiors as well!

My a capella group even incorporated this statement color into our performing outfits this year. Such a great pop of color to any neutral!

I love a pop of tangerine with cream neutrals and light aquas. Another great way to wear pants in summer!

The (official) Color!

Whether your high or low, this skirt style will put a spring in your step!

I have to say, I am loving the popularity of skirts this season.  From the romantic maxis skirts to the fierce band skirts, this season could easily be a pant-less one for me.  I am particularly obsessed with what people are calling "high low" skirts, that have a higher hem in the front and lower hem in the back.  This look has circulated before in less than desirable "spandex" fabrics (they came with the "gaucho" fashion craze), that gave it a "cheap" look.  However it has returned now in chiffons and stiffer (what looks like cotton/rayon) fabrics that give it an elegant and more regal look.  I have to say my favorite rendition of this look is when it is pleated; it has a greek goddess look that is an alluring yet classy look for spring/summer.  Check out some of the looks that caught my eye! Enjoy! -M

This is the basic "high low" skirt with a subtle difference in front to back hem length.  

This is a slightly more formal and dramatic take on this skirt type.  The draping is what MAKES the skirt of this dress work.  It has the right amount of fullness without becoming a gown.  Without the excess fabric and gathering at the waist, the contrast from front to back would seem too stark.  The fullness in the skirt creates flounces that give the dress a romantic and expensive feel.

My two girlfriends rocking this fabulous look during Spring Break in Los Angeles. Love the pleats on the blue chiffon skirt and love the bohemian design on the patterned skirt.  Great choice ladies!

Robin Hood: Men in...Mantyhose?

I was listening to my favorite radio station the other day and came across the oddest idea in male fashion: male pantyhose.  The radio DJ talked about how tights were gaining popularity in Europe for men.  I'm talking Renaissance, "Romeo and Juliet" status.  They refer to them as "Mantyhose", a clever twist on the traditional "pantyhose" for women.  Honestly, I am open to new concepts in fashion for both genders, however this in my book is going a little far.  What do you think?

*I attached a link to an article with more "information" on this new trend! Check it out.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/03/08/introducing-mantyhose-yes-mantyhose/

All Maxed Out

I have always loved the romantic look of the spring maxi dress. On my latest shopping endeavor, I found that I was attracted to the sister item of the maxi dress, the Maxi skirt.  This item is gaining popularity as we are slowly entering into the spring months.  I've seen it in many stores this season, but will this items make it off the racks? Or is the Maxi style "maxed out". Regardless, I bought one and plan to wear it on my trip to Vancouver B.C. this spring.  Check out some examples of this romantic and classy skirt style!

Beachy Chic

City Chic

BOHO Chic

Oscar Fashion Watch: Who Wins on the Red Carpet

There are two reasons that people choose to watch the Oscars: 1) if there is a good host 2) for the fashion.  Every year, people come dressed in their best (or what they think is there best) hoping they won't end up on the worst dressed list.  Unfortunately this year more people ended up on my worst dressed list than best dressed list.  Oscars 2012 fashion in a recap was whites, metallics, and neutrals.  I could count on one hand the amount of people that chose to incorporate color in their wardrobe. Seriously, you would think celebrities in attendance were allergic to color.  Along with the bland color palette, many actresses chose poor silhouettes for their body types.  There are plenty of flattering styles out there to hide or accentuate certain assets, why not utilize them to your advantage versus disadvantage.  Below, I did a general recap of Hollywood's infamous night for fashion.

Octavia Spencer definitely wins the White Dress look for me. She chose the most flattering cut for her body and the warm in her white compliments her skin tone.  Rooney Mara's dress would be attractive were it not for the sagging folds of fabric covering the bust--not flattering.  Mila Jovovich and Gwyneth Paltrow look okay, but the whites they chose are rather stark for their complexions.  I honestly have no idea what Shailene Woodley was thinking; her dress looks like a foam Princess Leia dress with cookie cutter cutouts.  The dress does her youthful shape no justice!

George Clooney's main squeeze, Stacy Keibler, seemed to think wearing a gown in the color scheme of an Oscar would increase chances for her beaus to win. Alas, all it did was wash her out and make what would be a pretty dress, look costume-like.  Anna Farris wears a long sleeved sequined, shimmery gown that unfortunately looks more like a fitted trash bag.  Thank goodness for Meryl Streep's classy golden gown, or metallic would have struck out this year.


























Netural Colors were a popular choice for the red carpet with Kristen Wiig, Maria Menounos, Maya Rudolph and several others.  I am personally not a fan of neutrals because I feel they are a "safe" choice, but Maria Menounos and Cameron Diaz were able to make it interesting with their silhouette choices.

One of my favorite looks of the night came from Giuliana Rancic in a 30s inspired gown. The silhouette suited her and the embellishment was just enough for an event such as the Oscars.  I also enjoyed Emma Stones red neck tie dress. It was modest yet flirty and modern. 

Fighting the Elements: Fashion vs. Freeze

Being an Oregonian, I am constantly fighting the rain, cold, and occasional snow.  As an apparel design major, I am always conscious of what I am wearing, trying to stay fashionable but weather practical.  However with temperature highs of 55 degrees in my neck of the woods, expressing my style can be difficult.  Being a big fan of dresses, I have paid special attention around campus and on media sites of how to wear them in the bitter chill of winter.  Universal solution (and obvious one): TIGHTS! Below are selections of fun tights that 1) spice up any outfit and 2) protect bare legs from the evil bite of winter! <3 M

Five Minute Fashion Fix

Ever have those mornings where you wake up 5 minutes before you have to be out the door? You scramble, heart racing, as you throw on whatever scraps of clothing you can find littering the floor of your room.  As you take one look in the mirror, all you can think is "ugh, today is gonna be a bad day".  It doesn't have to be though! There is light at the end of this fashionably unfortunate tunnel and it is called the "power outfit".  Call it cheesy as you may, but I have four go-to outfits that I have prepared in case of a time crunch fashion emergency.

1) The Jeans, Scarf, T-shirt, Blazer/jacket combo: This look is quick, chic, and effortless (looking).  Take a colored or white V-neck tshirt, layer on a scarf and blazer, squeeze into your favorite jeggings, and head out the door.  I'd also suggest investing in a spin pin from Goody; it is a single bobby pin that works the magic of many.  This way, you can pop up sleepy hair into a loose bun.

2) The Ever Versatile Band Skirt: This flexible skirt is the new skinny jean. Dress it up with a loose  lace blouse or wear it casually with a loose fitted cotton sweater. Add a long hanging pendant and some killer detailed tights and bam--fabulous in 5 minutes.

3) The Killer Blouse: An eye catching blouse can no question make an outfit.  This sheer blouse could easily go over a pair of skinny jeans and casual boots to create an effortless five minute look.  Look for a blouse that has some sort of detailing that is unique and eye catching; that way accessorizing can be minimal.  I personally have a mauve colored long button up blouse that is sheer in the front, and rayon in the back.  The mix of fabrics makes the shirt texturally intriguing, while the gather in the back adds a little drama.  I layer it over a cream cami, skinny jeans, and healed boots and am dressed in 1 minute tops.

4) Last but not least, The Go-To Dress.  Add to your wardrobe a fun dress with detailing that needs little to no accessorizing. Zooey's dress above has the adorable bow accents that require no further decoration.  Pair it with a plain headband to create a cute look no one can resist.

The key to looking presentable on "quick" days is all about having go-to "power outfits" in the back of your mind.  No, you don't have to have every item of your closet memorized; but have 2-3 outfits ready that you know look good.  How I keep track of my "power outfits"? Stylitics.com.  Some people just have an outfit in the closet waiting for them come "uh-oh I'm late" days.  Whatever your method, remember that "waking up late" is no excuse for wearing what you woke up in out in public.  Style on friends!

Embrace Who You Are.

Especially in fashion.
Stand out, be bold and don’t look back.

So Hot, or So Not?

Okay Fashion lovers, here is a question I have been dying to get opinions on. Are see-through blouses with dark colored bras so HOT or so NOT!? This is a trend that has recently been spotted in New York, but is the West Coast ready for this outgoing look?

I would love to hear from our viewers and their opinions on this daring outfit. Living in Corvallis, this look seems just a bit too bold, I mean its freezing and pouring down rain. Already see-through blouse paired with rain..too much even for fashionistas? 

What Every Girl Loves, Free Gifts!

It's 2012 and today is a virtual world, so why not have a virtual closet to make life easier? Plan your outfits out ahead of time and get rewarded for it. Allow Stylitics to help you stay organized and fashion forward. The more you use Stylitics, by adding new items to your closet and checking in your outfits for the day, the more of a chance you have to win designer prizes. Sign up today, and to get instant access, use the code osuaz.

Win prizes from designers such as Marc Jacobs, Retrospective, Elly Clay, and more!

Red Carpet Kick Off!

BEST: Emma Stone wows in a vintage silhouette with a modern color palette

WORST: Michelle Williams in a not so attractive purple frock

It is that time of year again- exquisite gowns dominate the Red Carpet as award season 2012 takes off! Here is my best and worst choice from the Golden Globes.

I thought I'd put together a collage of some of Fall's trends (as provided by Fashion Snoops) as an ode to 2011. Enjoy! (Clockwise from top left: Fifties Silhouette, Mountaineer gear, Faux fur, School girl, Mod, Minimalist, Militaristic.)

Bringing in the New Year with Style

As 2011 comes to an end, a new year begins with fresh starts and new clothes. Starting off 2012 correctly means looking your best and working new styles. Here's to a a safe, successful and most of all, chic year. Cheers!