Easy, Fast, AND Creative Halloween Costumes!

October 26, 2011 by HollyB
Filed under Fashion, Miami University, What We Love

If you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until now to try and figure out what you’re going to be for Halloween. Buying an expensive costume is an option, but wouldn’t you rather take advantage of the clothes and accessories you already own? Although throwing together a costume at the last minute can be challenging, it’s definitely possible, which is why I’ve listed a few costume ideas that can be easily put together before the first Halloween party of the weekend:

Toddlers and Tiaras: Have any friends who were in beauty pageants when they were younger? Is there a thrift store nearby where you can find an old bridesmaid gown? If not, throw on your loudest dress and add fake eyelashes, a tiara, big hair, and a possible trip to the tanning salon and you have your perfect Toddlers and Tiaras get-up!

Penny Lane (Almost Famous): Take your average hippie costume to the next level and try dressing up as Penny Lane from Almost Famous this Halloween! So many clothes are bohemian inspired these days that you may already have the ingredients for the perfect Penny Lane costume. If you’re still looking for some help – try taking a trip to your nearest thrift store. You’ll easily be able to find the fur, crop tops, tall boots, and round sunglasses that Kate Hudson rocks in Almost Famous.

The Brave Little Toaster: Whoever said it was impossible to make a movie about a toaster, a blanket, a lamp, a radio, and a vacuum must not have known what hit them when The Brave LIttle Toaster came out. I have yet to see this childhood favorite made into a Halloween costume, which is why some of you College Lifestyles readers should try it this holiday. A cardboard box or an old leather suitcase painted silver can be used as the toaster body. Add a plug and a yellow cape and you have yourself a costume!

Snail: Every Halloween I see the same cute animals being imitated by girls who are wearing hardly any clothes. Why not go against the grain and try out a snail costume? A pool noodle can be easily rolled up to create the coiled shell and goggly eyes with a headband, some twist ties, and styrofoam balls! Pick the color of your choice for the body (although most snails I’ve seen have tended to be brown) and your snail costume is ready!

What’s your plan for this halloween!?

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I Bet You Didn’t Know This About Eco-Friendly Fashion

October 12, 2011 by HollyB
Filed under 'Going Green', Fashion, Lifestyle, Miami University

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As a college student, it can be hard to justify spending any money on clothing when there always seems to be books, food, and beer to be purchased. It’s hard enough affording some of the necessities that always seemed to be there when I lived at home. So when I do have a little additional cash for shopping, I try to check out some of the more environmentally friendly brands that are around before heading straight to the mall. Not many people know about these brands and it’s true, they can be a bit more expensive than TJ Maxx and Forever 21, but it might just be worth it to find something that nobody else on campus will have.

Urban Renewal (Urban Outfitters): If you combine Urban Outfitters style, the city of Philadelphia and sustainable thinking, the outcome is the eco-friendly brand, Urban Renewal. Urban Outfitters finds deadstock, vintage, and surplus materials from around the world and then makes one-of-a-kind pieces right here in America. There are many different silhouettes of the same item but none are made out of the same material, so hurry because everything is limited!

Ascension Eco Fashion: Ascension is a sustainable and fair trade online fashion boutique based in the UK. It’s cool because it will ship anywhere in the world and transfer your prices from pounds to dollars (so you don’t have to figure out those awful exchange rates yourself.) The best part about Ascension though is the clothes you purchase from the website come from India, Nepal, Turkey and Columbia and are all ethically produced. Not many clothing companies can compete with that.

Kind Clothing Boutique: Kind is fairly new to the online scene of eco-friendly fashion boutiques, but what it lacks in experience it makes up for in creativity. All clothing is sustainable in style and design, not to mention beautiful. Kind also sells eco-friendly home decorations and paper products so there’s definitely something for everyone. They are just getting started so you may have to be patient with website changes but while you’re waiting, check out their blog! It gives advice on fashion, do it yourself projects, and shares funny videos. How’s that for procrastination?

Toms: I know what you’re thinking, everyone has heard of Toms and their “buy one pair, give one pair to a child in need” philosophy. Even Skechers has come out with a line of “Bobs” that borrow the whole Toms concept. However, I bet you didn’t know that by September of 2010, Toms donated 1,000,000 pairs of new shoes to children in Cambodia, South Africa, Uganda, China, Haiti and more. That’s pretty impressive and gives Toms full entitlement to this list. So if you are still looking for a pair of new shoes before winter sets in, make sure to check out some Toms!

What’s your favorite eco-friendly fashion?

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How to Dress Like TV’s Most Fashionable Stars

September 29, 2011 by HollyB
Filed under Apartment, CL Daily, CL ExCLusives!, Dorm, Fashion, Miami University, What We Love

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Now that your school routine is finally beginning to settle down, it’s time to think about what’s really important for Fall: sitcom television! Catch my sarcasm or not, I think we can all agree there’s always time for at least one of your favorite shows. Why not try a new one with one of these leading ladies? They’re smart, hilarious, and thanks in part to their wardrobe crews, uniquely stylish:

Jenna (Ashely Rickards) – Awkward

If you haven’t seen MTV’s latest series Awkward yet, you must. It’s the epitome of high school and every character is relatable, especially the main character, Jenna. Jenna’s style is very lax and casual. Her clothes tend to be more loose-fitting and she’s fond of button ups, jeans, and zip-up hoodies. Her long hair is normally in a loose ponytail and she wears little to no makeup. This look may sound somewhat plain and boring, but if you layer appropriately, you can look casual and chic.

Jess (Zooey Deschanel) – New Girl

Who didn’t love Zooey Deschanel in Elf and 500 Days of Summer? Taking a break from movies and bringing her talents to the small screen, Deschanel plays Jess, an eccentric, yet charming character who is sure to make anyone laugh. Jess has a nerdy-urban feel to how she dresses. Think cute sundresses, ballet flats, and big glasses and you’ve pretty much aced Jess’ style. Don’t forget the perfectly curled hair and you’ve found your look for city living.

Maggie (Christina Ricci) – Pan Am

If you’re intrigued by the way the ladies in Mad Men dress, than you’re sure to fall in love with Pan Am and the main character, Maggie. Maggie’s clothing is influenced by the stewardesses of the 60′s era, which probably seems like a pretty ridiculous way to dress unless it’s Halloween. However, these ladies definitely have a certain flair about them you could make your own. If you’re into perfect hair, impeccable makeup, and all around immaculate appearance, then Maggie’s your girl!

Amber (Mae Whitman) – Parenthood

Back for it’s third season, Parenthood just keeps getting better and better. Of course, so does Mae Whitman, who plays Amber, the rebellious yet lovable teenager. Amber’s style reflects her personality on the show – interesting and a little bit dark at the same time. To achieve Amber’s look form this season, try cutting your hair short, invest in some neutral basics, and make sure you’ve piled on the eyeliner.