trendspotter

Free Falling By Fronz
The smell of fall...fallin leaves and apple cider. But what about the look of fall? I can answer that! Grandpa sweaters aka oversized sweaters you can wear over leggings. They are comfy and cozy and such a classy fall look. Try layering them with scarves and other sweaters and coats!
 Besos y Buen Provecho, A
Top to Bottom
Samantha & TJ Max
Anna(Moi) & Forever21
Noel & Banana Republic

in my closet

Who says you have to be frumpy when you're at UREC sweating it out? I mean, I know every time I end up working out I end up seeing everyone - from professors, to past flings and people I'd rather never see again, and everyone in between. And while it is a gym, and I'm beyond against the girls who show up in full hair and makeup, I think it definitely is possible to look good at the gym! (... At least a little bit)

I've recently gotten into running as a way to relieve stress and have a fitness goal to work toward (half-marathon in April, yes I've lost my mind) ... Unfortunately, my athletic wardrobe is seriously lacking. I stocked up on some great tanks and shorts this summer, but now that the weather can't make up its mind I need to invest in layers. From tights to half-zips and fleeces, I'm saving up to splurge on some great pieces to take my training through the seasons.

Nike Pro Combat Thermal Tight

Oiselle Iris Sports Top

http://www.refinery29.com/cute-clothes-for-the-gym-running-yoga-swimming-workout?page=2

http://hikinginstilettos.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

I'm loving bright colors because 1. they fit my personality and 2. they make you visible for running outdoors (safety first, kids). And while it might just be running, you bet I want to look good doing it. Not only do I like how it makes me seem to others, but it also gives me that little extra confidence boost to make it through my workout.

For more great athletic wear companies with cute styles visit:

- Lululemon

- Lucy

- Adidas by Stella McCartney

What do you wear to workout? Any good places you know of to shop (it is Harrisonburg, after all)?

xo, Meaghan

cheap-and-chic

PRSSA is holding a Denim Drive this month. I’m sure you’ve seen the cute signs around campus: “Drop Your Jeans for a Good Cause.”

All the collected denim will be recycled into housing insulation for communities in need. The goal is 500 pieces, enough to insulate one whole house! Throughout the month, boxes will be located around campus and events will be held on the Commons October 18^th, 20^th, and 26^th and the Farmers’ Market October 15^th and 22^nd.

As secretary of the organization, I’ve been trying to collect as much denim as possible, aka- raiding my closet and reassessing my past denim choices (low rise flare.. like really?)

All this denim talk has me thinking about one of my favorite fall trends: denim on denim. Meaghan O. showed you her [awesome] take on denim on denim a few weeks ago. I decided to find the pieces I needed around Harrisonburg… and for less than $50.

The key to rocking the denim trend is to choose two different washes. If the shades of denim are too similar, it may just look like you’re wearing a denim jumpsuit… and that is a trend for another day year.  With just a little searching I found a chambray shirt on sale from J. Crew and dark wash jeggings at Target for $20. I wore my finds to CrossKey's winery this week for my friend's birthday (center).

            So go raid your closet, update your denim, and DROP YOUR JEANS FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Bins located in ECL, Carrier, Festival, UREC, Downtown Library, Friendly City Food Co-Op

Don’t forget to follow the denim drive  @JMUDenimDrive and like Cotton. From Blue to Green® Denim Drive! On Facebook. 

peace,

Katina

in my closet

While autumn brings to mind vivid shades of orange, yellow and red (leaf piles, anyone?), autumn (as far as my wardrobe is concerned) is nothing but neutral. Tan, brown, black, taupe, gray, and even pale rose pinks and earthy seafoams (those count as neutrals, right? right) make up about 85% of my closet. Fall is a great chance to start layering, so I tend to layer on neutral on top of neutral to add dimension to an outfit without making it seem too busy. Below are some my favorite closet picks, as well as some items I wouldn't mind adding to my collection ...

Neutral Ground by meago featuring bootie boots

J Crew long sleeve blouse
$170 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew linen t shirt
$35 - net-a-porter.co

Acne peach blouse
£180 - liberty.co.uk

J Crew funnel neck sweater
$110 - net-a-porter.com

Bootie boots
$20 - target.com

TopShop leather oxford
$60 - topshop.com

Banana republic shoes
$110 - bananarepublic.gap.com

H M acrylic shawl
£7.99 - hm.com

Terrifically Taupe Nail Polish
$2.80 - forever21.com

The absolute best thing about neutrals? When you're not piling them on top of each other, they go with everything else! Talk about versatile. And while my mom mayyyy or may not be on the verge of holding a neutral intervention for me, I still can't help myself.

How do you wear your neutrals? Are you as addicted as I am?

xo, Meaghan

cheap-and-chic

Guess what guys...
                               it’s vest weather. 
What is vest weather you ask? That extremely short period of time in the fall when it’s too warm to wear a coat but just slightly too cold for you to be perfectly comfortable without anything. Basically, it’s the only appropriate time to wear a vest.


I’m talking army green, drawstring, industrial like the ones below (not so much your grandpa’s vest.)

Mara Hoffman

Madewell

I'm not immune to the trend either. This is how I wore my vest (purchased on sale at J. Crew obviously.. this is cheap-and-chic after all.)

J. Crew 

So hurry up and wear those vests before the season is over!

peace,

Katina

trendspotter

Wayfarer Class by fronz featuring oversized wayfarer sunglasses

So it has been a sunny week at JMU and the buzz around campus has been..wayfarer-style sunglasses. The classic 1950s iconic look sparked by fashion and legend Audrey Hepburn. My personal obsession with wayfarers was back in May in my excursion through Italy and Austria! Literally, my wayfarers were my number one accessory and my facebook albums can testify! Check out this trend and don't be afraid to join the bandwagon of chic and class!

Top to Bottom:

Laurel with Rayban Wayfarer

Rachel with her PHI MU Sorority wayfarers

Katie with Rayban Wayfarer

Myself with my beloved vendor wayfarers in Edinsbrook, Austria sipping a cappuccino and in Venice, Italy on a gondola ride. 

in my closet

Denim on Denim: My Take on the Trend

So I've kind of secretly (not-so-secretly) been waiting for fall because 1. it's my favorite season and 2. I really wanted to rock the denim-on-denim trend with my newest denim finds!

I got this great loose-fitted, pocketed chambray shirt this past summer up at a Forever 21 in Maine (actually it was an "XXI Forever" which is a part of Forever 21 but EVEN BETTER than the regular store). The jeans are my brand-spanking new J. Crew toothpicks, and the cardigan was a Goodwill find while up in Maine.

I think this outfit works because of the mix of denim - dark on the bottom and light on top. Also, I wanted to wait until cooler weather so that I could wear a cardigan on top to add a pop of color to break up all the blue. I paired it with some great cut-out oxfords from Forever 21, and some great chunky (and super feminine) turquoise jewelry also from Forever 21.

Jeans: J. Crew

Chambray shirt: Forever 21

Cardigan: thrifted (Goodwill)

Oxfords: Forever 21

Necklace & Ring: Forever 21

How do you feel about the denim-on-denim trend? Too "blue" for you?

xo, Meaghan

cheap-and-chic

I love black nail polish. Fall, winter, spring, summer- I wear it regardless of the season. Despite my love affair, I'll admit, it can be a little.. oh I don’t know.. harsh. 

Cue “almost black” nail polish. Usually in a dark purple, blue, or brown- these colors are just a shade short of black. These dark hues have a ton more dimension than average black and look good with everything. 

Zoya in Nina

OPI in Lincoln Park After Dark

Lately I’ve been craving these colors and set out to find a cheap version.. the cheapest possible.

Milani Nail Lacquer in Black Cherry

 The bottle I decided on was only $2.99 from Martin's  and after 2 coats is the perfect purplish black.

What's your go-to polish for fall?

peace,

Katina

trendspotter

Chunky gold and bling! My absolute favorite fashion statement that marries the old with the new. I suggest you dress up a simple outfit with these vintage classics and grab a pair of Audrey Hepburn shades and some breakfast at Tiffany's! Besos y Buen Provecho, A

From Top to Bottom:
1) Deborah and she found her Rock at Target
2) Erica and you can get some flower power from Forever 21
3) Carly checked out her Elizabeth Arden style at Forever 21
4) Meghan flashes her moonstone bling from Macy's

almost famous

The tribal/bohemian style has been very much "in" these days- from trendy hair feathers to turquoise jewelry to fringes and everything in between. There's one integral piece to achieving a head-to-toe tribal look that translates from season to season, and is ideal especially for early fall - the moccasin. These comfy boots and shoes are perfect for the change of season and the neutral colors match with every outfit. Of course, the most trusted brand in the moccs biz is none other than Minnetonka.

My personal collection of Minnetonkas

From L to R: Thunderbird II, Woodstock Boot, and Kilty Suede Moc

Minnetonka began crafting its fabulous moccasins in 1946, and since then has created an enormous variety of both men's and women's shoes, boots, and even handbags. All of their products are of extremely high quality and come in an array of colors and styles, some embroidered with colorful beading, others studded with peace signs. Since I first learned about the brand, I've thus far invested in 4 pairs of Minnetonkas, and must say they are my favorite shoes to wear on campus - highly durable and comfortable for walking (just not in the rain - they're suede!). Naturally, some of my favorite celebs are fans of the shoes, and know just what to pair them with to achieve the ultimate effortless bohemian style.

Kate Moss in Front Lace Hardsole Knee Hi Boot, Ashley Tisdale in Tramper Ankle Hi Boot, and Nicole Richie in a black take on the ankle boot.

Miley Cyrus in Back Zipper Boot in Tan, Hilary Duff in a black version of the Calf Hi 3-Layer Fringe Boot, and Lindsay Lohan in Front Lace Hardsole Knee Hi Boot

Photo Cred: TobiBlog

Like I said - so ideal for heading to class in style and perfect for the easy, breezy, JMU fall weather. Will you rock the mocc this fall?

Cheers!

Dy