The Daily Eastern News' Spring Fashion Guide

EASTERN MEETS ITALIAN FASHION PAGE 3

THE DEN DEBATES DIFFERENT LOOKS PAGES 4 -7

Style for sale Page 8 - 9

The Daily Eastern News’

SPRING FASHION Guide

2013

Table of CONTENTS

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Eastern students explore italian fashion

4-7 8-9 10 - 11 13 14 - 17

The Den staff disputes fashion

Day to night looks

Fashion RSO to host trunk show

Eastern street style

how they wear it

Eastern Students To Explore Italian Fashion Spring break trip to Italy will educate students about European fashion and food

By Jaime Lopez Verge Editor While some students enjoy the rays of the sun here in the states during spring break, others venture to Italy to explore the food, wine and thriving fashion industry on a trip titled “Food, Wine, and Fashion of Italy.”

On their trip to Italy, family and consumer sciences majors, as well as other Eastern students, will have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the fashion industry that has been thriving in Italy since the 1950s.

In the time it has taken fashion to become a crucial component of Italian life, designers and magazine publishers in the country have turned the industry on its head and redefined trends.

In 2006, the fashion industry pledged to fight health and image problems among models by signing a code of ethics that gave leeway for more robust models in runway shows and advertising campaigns.

Claudio Scajola, the Italian minister of economic development, promised in 2009 that the government would not let its industry collapse in the midst of the global economic crisis, according to Forbes Magazine.

And while there is a giant history behind the boutiques and architecture lining the streets of Florence, the students will only have seven days to take in the entire industry.

One of the fashion houses they will be visiting is Pucci, started in the late 1940s by Marques Emilio

Pucci after a ski suit he designed unexpectedly found its way into the pages of Harper’s Bazaar.

At Pucci, they will discover the inside of the shop and see how a design drawn on a piece of paper is brought to life with the use of a needle and fabric.

They will attend a workshop on the fundamentals of fashion photography to learn about lighting and try their hand at stylizing models for photo shoots.

In Via Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova, two famous shopping industries known for their abundance of designer boutiques, students like Jaleesha Maury, a graduate family consumer and sciences student, will be able to shop in a sea of clothing stores.

In fact, Maury said she looks forward to exploring the fashion scene in Italy because she has an obsession with clothing.

“I look forward to shopping because I love clothes and fashion and anything associated with the world of fashion,” Maury said.

During her freshman year at Eastern, Maury took a course on issues and trends in the fashion industry.

She said she hopes to experience some of the things she learned about in the classroom in Florence, like how Italian clothing trends differ from American ones.

“I look forward to shopping in the country to find things that you can’t find in America, and I also want to bring some of the trends I notice back with me,” Maury said.

Splurging on clothes and finding the perfect dress is on her list of

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goals.

After watching fashion shows online and flipping through magazines, Maury noticed that Italian designers seem to prefer haute couture, which means they make custom-fitted dresses for consumers.

Fashion is something she enjoys; however, Maury said she looks forward to tasting the wines and finding a supplier of wine to buy from when she opens a restaurant in the future.

She said she the trip is a way for her to get an in-depth look at how establishments are run, from vineyards to boutiques.

On the trip, the students will be able to learn about different kinds of wine certification.

They will also learn about the importance of wine in the Italian diet and travel to the Tuscan province of Siena to taste its famous goat cheese.

Maury said experiencing a different lifestyle will help her understand how to deal with different people who have different demands, which is something that will help her when she opens a restaurant.

She said she has not been able to contain herself as the days and hours roll closer to the day her plane takes off and she lands in a new country.

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and the time has finally come,” Maury said.

SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Jaime Lopez can be reached at 581-2812 or jlopez2@eiu.edu.

Be comfoRTABLE, look presentable

Choose one nice piece of clothing, but keep it comfy

By Robyn Dexter News Editor I’m not a fashionista.

I’ve never attempted to learn anything about fashion.

I don’t follow celebrity trends, or keep up with the latest looks in “Vogue.”

I have my own sort of style.

I honestly wouldn’t even call it style.

But if I had to put a title on it…

Perhaps comfy casual?

You won’t catch me in sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt every day (though that happens occasionally), but I do generally dress for comfort over appearance.

Here’s how I look at it: no one is going to take you seriously if you’re dressed like a complete slob.

But if you somehow manage to build one item of comfy clothing into a semi-presentable outfit,

Tip #1: A scarf can dress up

almost any outfit, even when yoga pants are involved. Matching colors is easy to do, and the entire package is there: warmth, comfort AND it looks presentable.

Tip #2: Leggings under jeans.

This is a complete win-win situation. You’re comfier AND warmer.

You’ll still look presentable without sacrificing comfort or jeans that are uncomfortable in cold temperatures. I swear by it. Tuck them into taller socks with boots for added toasty-ness.

Tip #3: Ladies, buy a nice pair

of boots. Your Uggs from sophomore year of high school with the salt stains up to the ankle are not attractive. Splurging a little on one

you’re all set.

Though it’s not easy to do, it’s achievable. For example, you’ll see me wearing yoga pants, but I’ll pair them with a nice-ish shirt.

You’ll see me wearing nice jeans, but they’re usually paired with a comfy T-shirt.

I don’t put a whole lot of thought into it, but when I step back to think about it, I suppose I do subconsciously.

I’ve come up with a few tips that help me get by in a relatively comfy, presentable manner.

I’m no fashion expert, and I know it.

However, I know these tips get me through my time at Eastern, and hopefully they’ll help some of my lovely Chucktown ladies as well.

Robyn Dexter can be reached at 5812812 or redexter@eiu.edu

pair of warm, relatively professional-looking pair of boots will be one of your best investments ever. I promise you.

Tip #4: Realize you’re not always going to be comfy. Oftentimes, the kind of clothes you’d wear to an interview aren’t comfortable. That’s just the way it is. Spend your job interview day uncomfortable, then reward yourself with sweats the next day.

Tip #5: Layers, people. Charles-

ton winds arebrutal, and I layer clothes like it’s nobody’s business.

Make sure you have a jacket or coat that actually has a wind-protective layer in it, or your fleece will get you nowhere in this farmland.

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

wear what you want to wear; don’t let haters stop you from doing your thing Don’t be afraid to try new things; now’s the time to take risks with your look

By Sara Hall Online Editor On any given school day, I receive probably at least five stares for one of my outfit choices. On a good outfit day (by my standards), that number is probably doubled.

Cliche, of course, but I dress Why? Because I dress how I want.

For me, this means not following almost entirely based on my mood or what image I want to project.

Eastern’s unwritten dress code for That day, I was feeling more like women of a sweatshirt, sweats and Ugg boots (or, more likely, knock-off a rebel riot grrrl, ala Jenny HumUgg boots) in the winter. For those phries from “Gossip Girl” (no spring months, you’d most likely see judging). most students in some sort of sorority Other days, I’m more of a prepor fraternity function T-shirt — py professional Blair Waldorf. And or any random T-shirt, really ­­­— somedays, I’m a combination of both -- or neither. athletic shorts and flip flops.

It’s just crazy to me that, as Instead, I usually wear some technical adults, people here are sort of shorts or skirt with tights, complete with whichever pair of still following what everyone else is doing because they’re afraid. boots most fits my mood at the So many times I have other time — most days, it’s the Doc women tell me they wish they Martens.

I know what you think: what, could pull off what I was wearing does this chick think this makes or they wish they could wear this or that. Guess what: you can, I her cooler or something? I promise! mean, no, of course not. But it It’s not high school anymore; we doesn’t make what I’m wearing don’t have a dress code here. You unacceptable.

That doesn’t stop people from can — and should — be wearing silently judging what I wear like what you want.

If sweats make you feel the most crazy — and almost all of it comes empowered and true to yourself, mainly other females (that’s a seriously, please do it. If you can column for another day).

This most recently happened to be accomplished and good about me on a day I was rockin’ a pair of yourself in them, I’m cool with it.

But if you just wear that because cutoff black Levi’s, ripped fishnets and my spiked Jeffrey Campbell it’s what everyone else here wears boots, which are a casual 6-inches and you’re too afraid to break out, stop it. Dress goth or hipster or tall. preppy or a mixture of all of that Now, I know from this description I probably looked like or absolutely none of that, but the campus prostitute, but I’m not. makes sure it’s just whatever you And what does it matter what are feeling. Like, who cares.

Seriously, don’t be afraid of fishI looked like? Just because I may nets if you’re feelin’ them, y’all. be dressed a little more risquely some days doesn’t mean I actually Sara Hall can be reached at 581am; I’m pretty much the opposite 2812 or smhall3@eiu.edu. of that, really, and I just dress like that as an outlet for my creativity.

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Fashion Should be About Finding ComFort How wearing a Speedo for 17 years shaped my views on everyday style choices

By Chacour Koop Special Projects Reporter

Speedos are not comfortable, but I’ve worn one for 20 hours a week throughout most my life.

And I’m about to enter the professional world — far from the university setting where we wear what we want. I plan to enjoy comfortable clothes while I can; the opportunity will be gone soon.

Just as a tight swimsuit was the required uniform of my past hobby, I’ll now be trading it in for a different kind of suit: one with a warm suit coat, tightcollared shirt, tie, and heavy black shoes. I’ll walk in packs with other members of the workforce who wear the same attire, striving to convey professionalism.

Fitting the norms of professional dress on a daily basis will be constraining, both physically and mentally.

So, as long as I have the choice between fashions and comfort this spring, I’ll pick shorts and a T-shirt every single time. Or sweats, if it’s cold.

You should, too, and here’s why: feeling comfortable allows you to do your best work.

I’m not bashing fashion as an art; it’s important to culture. What we wear shows our individuality and creates an extension of self — all of which are important means of expression.

But don’t let what you wear dictate who you are on the inside. Go ahead and be comfortable because whether or not your style is trendy, it’s important to have an ease of mind. That comes from wearing what is most familiar or convenient.

I knew a guy once who said, “If you look good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.”

This fashion mantra relies on the approval of others for confidence and rewards. What matters is comfort. Maybe you feel best when wearing tighter fitting clothes that look good. Maybe you are more at ease in a white T-shirt you bought in a three-pack at Walmart.

Here’s what I say: If you feel good, you play well.

I can’t concentrate when my clothes are tight.

I’m overheated, and my feet are sore. I realize my physical condition affects my productivity more than my mental state. Any feeling of confidence I may gain from a good-looking wardrobe will quickly evaporate if I want to rip off my clothes.

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To reach optimum confidence and comfort, I would wear sweats or gym shorts and a T-shirt wherever I went.

Who am I kidding, though? I’ll wear that constricting outfit to my next job interview, matching the expectations of my potential employers. Our outward appearance tends to match those who surround us, even if it’s a little inconvenient.

I made that same sacrifice for 17 years as a swimmer.

Chacour Koop can be reached at cmkoop@eiu.edu or 581-2812 .

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Fashion is about individual communication What you wear sends a message; make sure it’s one with which you’re happy

By Seth Schroeder Associate News Editor

and want to impress them, it pays to work on your appearance a little bit.

In a classroom, I like my work to speak for itself, and it shouldn’t matter what I look like. If dressing down gives the impression I don’t care, than adding some formality to the wardrobe sends the message that I’m serious about my education.

I usually go with a nice pair of jeans with a button-down shirt and occasional T-shirt. It’s not complicated, but it shows I made some kind of effort. Professors may not immediately take note of this, but it’s a sign of respect.

You don’t need to search for expensive name brands in order to achieve this. Kohl’s, Old Navy and even Walmart have nice enough shirts and pants that can give you variety and style without forcing you to hand over your entire paycheck.

The nicest outfit I have consists of a white dress shirt, black pinstripe pants and blazer, grey vest, black tie and black shoes. It costs less than $50 after hitting clearance racks and thrift shops. It’s far from the latest look, but it’s unique and keeps me looking dapper when interviewing Eastern officials.

If you’re not used to it, forming some kind of style can be a drag. Fashion trends can be confusing and expensive. Instead, focus on what you like and can afford.

Figuring this out can help you form a style that marks you as an individual and communicates your interests to those around you.

It takes time and some experimentation.

Like it or not, what you look like is going to be associated with who you are. You might as well make the most of it.

Everything you wear should have a purpose, but there’s no reason that purpose can’t be looking good or impressing people.

Human brains are programmed to make quick, subconscious decisions about their environment based on what their senses tell them. Basically, this means people have already begun forming an opinion about you when they first see you walk in the room.

Maybe the situation is less than ideal, but it’s also something of which both men and women can take advantage.

If your appearance is always communicating something about yourself, then make sure it sends a message with which you’re happy.

Have it say something about your personality because we dress in symbols. When dressing casually, I throw on T-shirts with Superman’s shield and veiled Dungeons & Dragons references to let people know what I’m into.

The same concept can be applied to anything you wear. I try my best not to roll out of bed and head to class without showering and in sweatpants with ratty tennis shoes.

When I do, it’s going to tell most people that I’m not taking things seriously. This can be communicated even if I was taking things very seriously.

This might not matter some days.

When my plans mostly consist of hanging out with friends for an intense round of Mario Kart or when I hit the gym, I don’t need to put in much effort. But for scenarios where you might meet new people

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Seth Schroeder can be reached at 5812812 or scschroeder2@eiu.edu.

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

From day...

Hat: $25, Lids

Scarf: $9, Target

Shirt: $40, PacSun

Shirt: In a pack of 5 for $5, Walmart

Leggings: $4, Walmart Jeans: $70, Buckle Boots: $60, Carson’s Shoes: $160, Finish Line

HOW TO WEAR IT:

HOW TO WEAR IT:

It’s a Saturday afternoon, and your friends want to go to a baseball game or just hang out. No need to automatically slip into sweats when you can wear something stylish and still be comfortable.

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Whethter you’re going to class or casually running around, throw on a white T-shirt with a pair of leggings, and then jazz it up with accessories, like a bright statement scarf.

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

...to night Jacket: $50, PacSun

Shirt: $7, TJMaxx

Skirt: $10, Forever21 Pants: $60, PacSun

Shoes: $110, Finish Line

Boots: $60, Carson’s

HOW TO WEAR IT:

HOW TO WEAR IT:

When you go out, you don’t want to be too dressed up, yet you don’t want to look too casual.

Find a balance with a nicer jacket and a pair of gray jeans.

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It’s finally the weekend, and now’s the time for you to switch your look up a little bit. Pair a patterned skirt with a plain top and your boots from before.

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Fashion RSO to create affordable designs, host first trunk show at eastern Story and photography by Sara Hall Online Editor

Tashon Lawerence sews her shirt for MADA’s trunk show.

MarQuan Luckey wanted to bring fashion at Eastern to the next level.

Luckey, a junior family and consumer sciences major and creator of the Merchandising and Apparel Design Association, works with the group work every Wednesday night for two hours to prepare for their first trunk show next month -- when designers display their items in an invite-only setting.

MADA’s trunk show, Luckey said, is different though; it’s open to the public and because the pieces are created by students for students, they will reflect how students actually dress.

MADA decided its trunk show will include three looks: vintage gone futuristic, everyday classic chic and nightlife wear.

The collection will contain 15 to 25 pieces, including clothing, as well as accessories, like purses and scarves, all ranging from $10 to $40. The proceeds from the event will go back to MADA and to a charity of the group’s choice.

Luckey said the group has been designing and revamping the show to

cutline

Magazine cutouts line the walls of 2411 Klehm Hall.

MarQuan Luckey, the creator of MADA advises Wednesday in 2411 Klehm Hall.

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The members of MADA are working on peplum designs for their first trunk show.

SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Daysha Evans works on a peplum design for MADA’s trunk show.

“Style is style. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

is applying her skills in the textiles lab of Khlem as she works on a Chevron print skirt she found on Pinterest. Baker worked on her design meticulously, ironing and tracing the pattern.

Baker, who also made an infinity scarf, said the hard work will pay off when all the pieces for the trunk show come together.

Morgan Wade, a senior family and consumer sciences major, uses apps like Instagram, Pinterest and Trendabl on her phone when looking for design ideas. Tweaking her pieces throughout the creation process is not as easy as just scrolling through her phone, Wade said.

“With these, you have to cut it just right or try to make things different from other things out there,” she said.

Tashon Lawrence, a freshman family and consumer sciences major, uses store-bought patterns and then puts her own spin on the design. For the trunk show, she’s working on a flowy black tank top with a twist for the nightlife wear collection -- her piece has red cinching at the top.

fit with the evolving style of the campus.

“Eastern is becoming more fashion forward,” she said.

To prepare for creating the trunk show pieces, the group watches short clips of runway shows and hold brief discussions about how the designs portrayed can be tweaked for college students.

Luckey, who is acting as the creative director for the trunk show, said the pieces were designed with the buyers in mind, saying college students are more likely to be crazy with their style, regardless of expensive designers and price tags.

“It inspires me to be on a college campus where we all have funky style,” she said. “Style is style. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”

Luckey said the fashion show is an opportunity for the organization’s members to apply what they are learning through their major.

“We’ll learn in the classroom and we’ll all bring it back and tell each other what we learned,” she said.

Tracy Baker, a junior family and consumer sciences major, Jordyn Hale sews a pair of shorts for the MADA trunk show.

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Lawrence said she looks to the styles of celebrities, especially Rihanna and her new clothing line, “RIHtrospective,” to infuse into her own.

“When they make trends, everyone ends up following them,” she said.

Still, she isn’t about just following the styles of others for no specific reason -- it has to match up to her fashion mantra.

“It has to have an edge to it, not just a basic look,” she said.

Those interested then pre-order clothing after getting the exclusive look at the line.

MADA’s trunk show is still at an undetermined location on April 12.

Sara Hall can be reached at 5812812 or smhall3@eiu.edu.

MADA’s members share their favorite spring fashion trends for 2013: TRACY Baker: Bright colors Morgan Wade: Peplum, ruffles, neon

Kayla Garner: Pastel colors Daysha evans: Peplum , spring colors

Jordyn Hale: Short dresses and anything yellow or pink

SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Thrifting for fashion

Start here to join javiera on her thrifting trip

Story and photography by Sara Hall Online Editor

Javiera Green finally broke out of her fashion box since starting college this year.

Green, a freshman English major, said she was always interested in fashion, but never really let it show until her senior year at Charleston High School. Coming to Eastern only let her unleash her style even more.

“I found since I was going to college, I could be more expressive with my fashion,” she said. “I feel like college made my style evolve to where it is now.”

Now a member of GLAM modeling, a fashion-focused RSO, Green said she is more conscious and creative with her fashion sense, buying clothes at thrift stores and making her own clothing and accessories.

Her aunt used to be a manager of the Mattoon Salvation Army, so Green became familiar with thrift stores at a young age. She now buys jeans at thrift stores to make into high waisted shorts or studs to spice up an outfit.

Green said if push comes to shove, though, she would rather do without an item than spend more on something.

“I feel like confidence has no budget,” she said.

“I wear a lot of jeans and skirts. It just depends. I make a lot of jeans into high-waisted shorts, too. I love denim.”

“I love the tribal and ethnic patterns and prints. I love the Ikat print.”

“I could stud these...I wish my feet were smaller, so I could fit in all these.”

“I’ve been looking at stuff, but I don’t really know what’s in for spring,” she said. “I’m all about not following trends.”

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Kyle Hunter Junior biological sciences major Jeans: Gap Coat: Calvin Klien

Tionna Alderson Sophomore speech pathology major Shirt: Old Navy Jeans: Walmart Shoes: JCP

Eastern’s street style

By Sara Hall and Chacour Koop

Aaron Williams Senior Africana studies major Jacket and pants: Rue21 Hat: Bulls, online Shoes: Nike

Ursula Idleman Senior biological sciences major Boots: Timberland Pants and scarf: thrift store Jacket: Calvin Klien

Vicki Witucki Freshman undecided major Leggings: Forever21 Boots: Discovery Cardigan: thrift store Scarf: Forever21

Mike Bennett Senior communication studies Vest and jeans: unknown Shoes: Jordans Jewelry: back home

How I wear it Two Eastern students share what inspires their looks Reporting and photography by Sara Hall

ASHLEY SAMOSKA

Her influences:

A freshman English major whose style has evolved since high school

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Ashley Samoska, a freshman English major, writes in her notebook on Wednesday in Booth Library. Samoska is minoring in Spanish and women’s studies.

Q: What are some of your fashion staples?

A: I really like my combat boots.

I like wearing hats sometimes. I wear my fake leather jacket from Target almost every single day.

Q: What are you most looking forward to for spring fashion?

A: I really like dresses and tights, and sometimes rompers in the summer...I like floral prints a lot.

And flannel.

Q: Who are your style Q: How has being an English inspirations? major influenced your look?

A: I don’t think I really have one. A: I really like the beat literature I think it might be my mood. a lot, so I read that a lot as a When I was a really young teenager. So, I really like the 1940s teenager, I was in that emo phase and the 1950s. My clothes can be like everyone was, and then I did very vintage inspired. a quick turnaround and became one of those preppy girls to try Q: What is your fashion motto? to fit in. Then I just decided to A: Just do whatever, like, don’t do whatever, and now I just do care. My first week here, I was whatever. I think I care less in really petrified. During the Prowl college; I care less what people stuff...I was super insecure the think. Like, I’m wearing tights whole time, and then I wasn’t under my jeans with my combat anymore. Once classes started, boots right now, and in high I stopped caring. It’s kind of the school, I wouldn’t have done that. time to do what you want to do.

Sylvia Plath

Classic movies IMAGES COURTSEY OF WIKICOMMONS

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SPRING FASHION GUIDE

Kyle Vance

A kinseology and sports studies major with definite fashion influences Q: Would you say athletics influence your Q: How has your style changed over the style in any way? years?

A: It does because when you get drafted, A: My style has evolved very much. A few you have to wear nice clothing for the years ago, I could not picture myself wearing game. You look much better in the clothes suits and ties. I was pretty much into baggy you wear as well. So, my major being in the clothing, but now I like to stay on top of rec, does influence the way I dress because trends. I don’t follow trends, I usually like to it makes me look better. set my own.

Q: Does your style change then throughout the week?

A: My style changes tremendously during the week. I have a lot of activity classes, so I’ll keep it simple with sweatpants, but I’ll have a denim jacket over it, or a military jacket, or an Adidas tracksuit jacket. Over the weekend, it’s pretty much anything I can put together. It’s anything streetwear, or when I dress appropriately, it’s streetwear.

Q: Where would you say your fashion inspiration comes from?

A: I have two style icons who I really look up to. I look up to Pharrell Williams. He’s a music producer, but what he’s done for fashion with billionaire boys club and bringing Bathing Ape. And I love Kanye West’s style, too. He wears Jordans and still makes it look business-like.

Q: Do you see your style changing even more?

A: I could see it evolving even more. Fashion always evolves. Nothing ever stays the same.

History repeats itself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty sure something will fall off, but it will come back in 10 years. Or something that has been from the fashion scene will come back, and I could put that together as well.

Q: How would you define your personal style?

A: My style is mix of military, ’90s Miami Vice, and Wall Street. I say Miami Vice because I love to roll my sleeves up with color, ’90s because I’m a product of the ’90s. I love the Snapbacks and the Timberland boots and the Jordans. I’d say military because it makes me look more mature than I am.

His influences: Kanye West

Pharrell Williams

Snapbacks IMAGES COURTSEY OF WIKICOMMONS

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