The Falcon Times Vol. 46, #08

Entertainment

Opinion

Features Danay Montes de Oca: Adviser to students, and a soldier to all.

2008: A year of bittersweet moments and memories.

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What Do You Think?: Students’ opinions on the bookstore prices.

Valkyrie leaves viewers glued to their seats

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A new year calls for a new fashion sense and wardrobe.

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THE FALCON TIMES THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS SINCE 1961 THEFALCONTIMES@HOTMAIL.COM

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 8

Transferring process can leave students with empty wallets and debt Theodore Karantsalis Staff Writer

When Miami Dade College students are seeking to transfer to another fouryear college or university, it is like playing musical chairs with “deposit” seats.

“Besides the fact that the pool of community-college transfers is vastly larger, those students must transfer to earn the baccalaureate degree,” said Stephen J. Handel, author of Community College Counselor Sourcebook: Strategies for Advising Transfer Students from Experienced College Counselors.

Handel said that community college students are at a great disadvantage when it comes to transferring. Compared with their counterparts attending four-year institutions, community college students cannot remain at their original two-year institution to earn a four-year degree.

However, there are exceptions to the rule: Miami Dade College offers four-year degrees in nursing, education and criminal justice.

“The [four-year colleges] will open up ʻxʼ number of seats for transfer students and each one has a special number in mind for each semester,” said Sherry Rix, North Campus transfer coordinator. “They need to do this to gauge their numbers for the Fall.”

Rix said that when students see schools that interest them, they start applying without giving much thought to the consequences, namely fees. Rix said that some schools -- especially private schools - require transfer fees called “seat deposits” to reserve a slot for a student.

“These fees are generally nonrefundable.” said Rix. “Students should be serious about attending that particular school.”

Seat deposits average $500; so if a student applies to several schools at once, their sear deposits could skyrocket into the thousands range. According to Dr. E. Carter Burrus, the North Campus Honors College director, it is common for students

JANUARY 21, 2009

Students rush to join organizations

GO TO TRANSFER, PAGE 3

College receives recognition for environmental awareness Michael Finch Staff Writer The North Campus received the 2008 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities, an accolade for the collegeʼs efforts to employ environmentally friendly cleaning and sanitizing products.

The award is supported by the Healthy Schools Campaign, American School and University Magazine, and the Green Cleaning Network, and is awarded in three categories; schools, colleges, and universities.

As winner of the college category, the North Campus will be featured in the American School and University Magazine as a part of its December issue.

“The award does not carry a financial prize, but itʼs still a very prestigious award, and we will receive a certificate,” said Dean of Administration Cristina Mateo.

The North Campus first began implementing greencleaning products in 2005 by shrinking its chemical inventory from 16 products to seven, all of which are environmentally friendly.

When the program started, the college

connected with the Florida School Plant Management to train and certify the custodial staff along with some administrators to spearhead the greencleaning program.

“Get into a green routine” is what a notice in the menʼs bathroom on the third level of building one says, urging students and faculty to turn water off and report leaks in order to contribute to sustainability.

“We always advise students to recycle when we have events on campus,” said GO TO GREEN CLEANING AWARD, PAGE 2

Alejo Stark/Falcon Staff CLUB RUSH: Miami Dade College students attend Club Rush Jan. 14 in order to learn about the different organizations on campus.

STORY, PAGE 2

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January 21, 2009

NEWS

College works in helping environment FROM GREEN CLEANING AWARD, FRONT PAGE Decalva Brown, Student Government Association (SGA) president. “At our first district SGA meeting, we passed out free lunch and we encouraged students to always recycle when possible.”

The campus recycling program salvages aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper, and cardboard in cardboard dumpsters east of building four.

This past semester, the administration furthered its recycling initiative by placing several plastic and aluminum receptacles around campus.

“We [SGA] also want to place more recycling bins around campus to make the effort more successful,” said Brown.

SGA is in the process of organizing an

environmental awareness event which is scheduled to take place March 10-11.

“I was very happy when I saw more visible recycling around campus, itʼs definitely more encouraging as a student to recycle,” said Denise Sandoval, 22, an early education major.

Miami Dade College joined over 300 colleges and universities in January 2006 when it became a Talloires Declaration signatory.

The declaration was created in 1990 and held in its namesake Talloires, France, to employ a 10-step initiative to establish and maintain environmental sustainability on college campuses and for college and university presidents world-wide.

“Any effort is a good effort if it helps the environment,” said Lana Perez, 18, a radiology major. “Itʼs good to know the college is being responsible.”

Photos provided by MDC Media Services CLEANING UP: (Left) The janitorial staff and dean of administration Cristina Mateo. (Top Right) Members of the janitorial staff clean the halls of the campus with environmentalfriendly cleaning products.

Students get opportunity to be involved Over 24 school organizations were part of the event to gain more members Krystal Mederos Staff Writer

Club Rush, an event that helps students get involved in college organizations, was held at the building four breezeway Jan. 14.

Last year, nearly 600 students attended Club Rush. Student life Director Jaime Anzalotta predicted more students would come this year due to the increase in enrollment. He was right; nearly 700 more students attended the event.

There were around 24 clubs displaying information about their organizations.

Anzalotta said it is important for students to join clubs to help build leadership and teamwork skills, out of academic experience, and be involved in campus life.

“Weʼre looking for people who are independent, willing to learn, and are business minded,” said Irina Reshetnikova, president of Phi Beta Lambda and accounting major.

Phi Beta Lambda is an organization to help college students develop competencies for business.

When a student is deciding on joining a club, Anzalotta suggested that the student

‘We’re looking for people who are independent, willing to learn, and are business minded.’

- President of Phi Beta Lambda Irina Reshetnikova

Alejo Stark/Falcon Staff STUDENT TO STUDENT: MDC students that attended the event had a chance to join different organizations on campus.

needs to be committed and dedicated in the organization they choose, just as in their studies.

But, organizations are not the only ones giving out qualifications. Before students can join a club, they have a few requirements as well.

“It needs to fit when I donʼt have class, the club has to be related with my major, interesting and new,” said biology major Maritere Zamora.

But all in all, students were able to mingle with club members to see if joining that club was right for them.

Criminal justice major Gepsy Perez said, “I need a club to make me more responsible and more creative with my work.”

Arlen Santamaria, a photograpy major, said Club Rush was a success.

“I think Club Rush is a great idea, just look,” Santamaria said. “The mission was to get involved and each student here is doing that by taking the first step and joining a club.”

January 21, 2009

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NEWS Transferring can be costly with seat deposits, transcripts FROM TRANSFER, FRONT PAGE

to spend $1,500-$2,000 or more to reserve a space.

“Itʼs like an insurance policy,” said Burrus. “Itʼs a big problem for schools. The reason they do this is because it determines whoʼs serious.”

Burrus said that some students will consider 15 or 20 schools and when a student leaves a hefty deposit, one can reasonably presume that he or she is serious.

“These deposits help us determine whoʼs really interested in attending our school,” said Colleen Duffy, assistant director of the transfer admissionʼs office at the University

of Tampa. “Students leave a seat deposit upon admission only and itʼs refundable until May 1.”

But some institutions, such as Georgetown University, do not notify students that they have been accepted until June. So, theoretically, a student could apply to several schools, and choose the one that best suits his or her needs.

“The seat/tuition deposit is quite practical in my view seeing that there are various initial steps that must be taken on the part of the school any student is transferring to,” said Lance McGibbon via e-mail. McGibbon, who served as the previous North Campus Student Government Association president, transferred to Columbia University last year.

Transfer Tips Handel advises students to ask the following questions to colleges when applying: 1. Do you admit transfer students and, if so, how many in any given term?

2. What grade-point average should students earn to have a good shot of being admitted?

3. Should students apply as sophomores or juniors?

4. Are community-college applicants given special admissions consideration?

5. Ask if a seat deposit is required, the amount and whether it is refundable.

In Short...

By Laura C. Morel & Daniel Masip Staff Writers

Award application now available Miami Dade College students can now apply for the Presidentʼs Volunteer Service Award.

The award is given to students that have completed a minimum of 100 service learning hours in a 12-month period. Winners receive a certificate, letter and pin during the awards ceremony held at the North Campus this summer.

In order to apply, students must fill out an application provided by the Student Life department and the Center for Community Involvement at the North Campus. The deadline is April 11.

For more information, contact the Center for Community Involvement at (305) 237-1820 or the Student Life department at (305) 237-1250.

Journalism Speaker Series kick off The Journalism Speaker Series kicks off Jan. 29 in Room 2147.

The two speakers will be Miami Herald columnist Fred Grimm and Miami Herald reporter David Ovalle.

The presentation will be from 11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Manolo Barco at (305) 237-1255 or (305) 237-3477.

Hip-hop showdown at the North Campus MEISA and DJ Epps (G-Unit/ Shadyville) will be hosting a hip-hop event entitled “Freestyle Cypha Competition” on Jan. 28 in the building four breezeway.

There will be free food from Mc-

Donalds, music from DJ Entice (99 Jamz), and prize giveaways for any students in attendance.

For more information on this event, contact Deon “Scoop” Williams at (305) 492-9123.

‘I advise students to sit down with someone. It’s important that students know we’re here to help them.’

- North Campus Transfer Coordinator Sherry Rix

Brandy Williams, a childhood education major, said she is interested in transferring after graduation, but is shocked by the seat deposit prices.

“I didnʼt know I had to pay that much money to reserve a seat,” said Williams.

And then there are other fees.

Transcripts, for example, are required when applying to other institutions. Currently, official transcripts at MDC cost $5 each.

So if a students requests 10 transcripts, the cost is $50.

To keep costs down, students can research admissions criteria at the North Campus or EEC libraries. Recommended books include Barronʼs Profiles of American Colleges and U.S. News & World Reportʼs Ultimate College Guide.

Miami Dade College has “articulation agreements” with more than 60 colleges and universities across the country, and this includes every public institution in Florida.

Under this agreement, a student

who acquires an associate degree and meets grade and course requirements is automatically accepted.

The American Association of Community Colleges reported that 45 percent of all students attending community colleges are first-generation students.

These students may be unfamiliar with the transfer process, requirements and fees.

Rix, the North Campus transfer coordinator, said that the college offers students access to information so they can make rational decisions about where to attend school.

“I advise students to sit down with someone,” said Rix. “Itʼs important that students know weʼre here to help them.”

Theo Karantsalis works as the assistant library director at North Campus and the Carrie P. Meek EEC and is a journalism student.

The Falcon Times is now online!

To visit our website, go to “www. mdc.edu/north/falcontimes” - Find all our issues - Contact information - The Journalism Speaker Series agenda

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January 21, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

World War II conspiracy revealed in Valkyrie Daniel Masip Movie Review

Valkyrie If one were to turn to the World War II section in any history book, it would be unlikely to find Lt. Col. Claus von Stauffenberg. However, Director Bryan Singer has managed to bring this unknown historical character to life in the motion picture Valkyrie.

Starring Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible) as von Stauffenberg, the main conspirator, the film is set in the summer of 1944ʼs Nazi Germany when the führer Adolf Hitler reigned supreme.

In order for von Stauffenberg and the rest of the conspirators to gain control of Germany, they needed to alter “Operation Valkyrie” and get Hitlerʼs approval to change his governmental policies.

Throughout the two-hour experience of Valkyrie, you feel a pulse-pounding feeling in the pit of your stomach from beginning to end. Singer does his job by

making viewers hold on to the edge of their seats because in almost every scene one never knows whatʼs going to happen next.

As far as the historical accuracy in Valkyrie is concerned, historians and moviegoers alike will not be disappointed.

Although some of the scenes were replicas of places in Germany, Singer did want to make it as realistic as possible by shooting in the actual execution site of Bendlerblock, which is a “thumbs up” for authenticity.

In regards to casting, United Artists made good moves in picking veteran actors like Bill Nighy (Underworld) and Terrence Stamp (Wanted) to play two of the conspirators.

Due to his resemblance to the German lieutenant colonel, Cruise was hand-selected by Singer to play von Stauffenberg.

Cruiseʼs acting was disappointing at times, even though he was portraying the common German demeanor of being “stiff and emotionless.”

My expectations for Cruise were a bit high, knowing that this was not his first “rodeo” playing the role of a militant, like he exceptionally did in A Few Good Men (1992).

Courtesy of United Artists SAVING GERMANY: The cast of Valkyrie.

Overall, Valkyrie does a great job in its historical accuracy and for its realism of Nazi Germany, but was shy of a perfect score

for Cruiseʼs somewhat lack of acting and for not informing the viewers of the secondary charactersʼ backgrounds. Even

though it has its minor flaws, the film is still worthy of an Academy Award nomination for best cinematography.

J.K. Rowling’s new book not the typical Grimm tales Monique Dos Anjos Book Review In The Tales of Beedle the Bard, J.K. Rowling writes five short stories, including the story told in the final installation of the Harry Potter series, “The Tale of Three Brothers,” and my personal favorite, “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” a tale about three witches living in misery that find an unlucky knight who helps them turn their luck around.

First mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Tales of Beedle the Bard was written to benefit the Childrenʼs High Level Group (CHLG) in Europe, a charity founded

by J.K. Rowling and Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, MEP. CHLG began in 2005 to help children who are disabled or live in poverty with their families and/or foster homes. These children lack the access to proper health care and education. Scholastic Inc. agreed to give the net proceedings from each sale of this book to help the CHLG. Like in any typical fairytale for children, these short stories teach valuable life lessons as well as the importance of helping our neighbors and the consequences of telling lies. I do, however, suggest that parental guidance be advised to one particular tale. “The

Warlockʼs Hairy Heart,” has a gruesome ending for a betrothed couple.

Many of us as children remember reading “Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm,” which are timeless additions to any library or household.

Fairytales, like the ones written by the Brothers Grimm, were meant for a more adult “Muggle” (non-magical) audience.

This collection of fables was written for children and is not an extension to the Harry Potter series.

Although the stories were very creative, some of the annotations made

by Dumbledore were a bit lengthy and tedious. Aside from this, his remarks also added some comic relief and provided a glimpse into the era to which Beedle lived in. The book focuses on an audience already familiar to the world of Harry Potter and allows Potter fans to stretch their imagination beyond the lives of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Courtesy of Barnes&Noble.com

January 21, 2009

The Spirit: Leave it to the comics Rachel Santos Movie Review

He goes by many names: the cityʼs defender, the mysterious masked figure, and the ladies man. Heck, not even death can stop him! Gabriel Macht (Bad Company) is The Spirit.

Director Frank Miller (300 & Sin City) and comic book legend Will Eisner present onto the big screen the dark, gloomy, and gray side of Central City and its main character, Denny Colt, also known as “The Spirit.”

Based on the 1940ʼs comic series, this movie shows a different side to the superhero genre by hearing Coltʼs thoughts throughout the plot, which is something being uncommon in these types of films.

As usual, every superhero movie has an enemy, “The Octopus,” Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) plays Machtʼs arch rival who plans to kill “The Spirit” and become immortal through a potion, in order to take over Central City. From here, it becomes a non-stop fight for “The Spirit” as he tries to stop “The Octopus” and his team of imbeciles.

After years of disappearing, “The Spirit” reunites with his true love, a jewel thief named Sand Saref (Eva Mendes, Ghost Rider), while in the middle of fighting his arch enemy and his right hand accomplice, Silken Floss (Scarlet Johansson, The Nanny Diaries).

For some critics, this motion picture did not become a major blockbuster and did not even make it to the box office “top five” when it was released on Christmas day.

The only good quality about the film itself was its unique visual effects. The makeup, stunts, fight scenes, and character portrayals that were portrayed were over exaggerated to the point that it seemed like the actors were trying too hard to play their roles. Additionally, the ending coming to a quick halt was pretty disappointing and could have been done better. Overall, the film was not very enjoyable and will not make a strong impression to moviegoers.

Courtesy by LionsGate Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT

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January 21, 2009

OPINION

2008: A year of bittersweet memories

By Akeem Mayers

THE FALCON TIMES 11380 N.W. 27 Avenue, Room 4209 Miami, FL 33167 (305) 237-1253 (305) 237-1254 Fax: (305) 237-8262

Daniel Masip Entertainment Editor Of all the years that I have lived through since the dawn of the new millennium, last year was quite unforgettable, to say the least. With that being said, 2008 was a parade of unimaginable firsts.

Starting off with a barrel of oil hitting $100 for the first time in commercial trading, one can actually say that this was a premonition of worse things to come. From big economic industries like General Motors and Freddie Mac requiring bailouts to save their own hides to people losing houses left and right, our once-powerful nation became powerless in the eyes of other countries like China.

Speaking of China, Beijing to be specific, the world viewed an unprecedented event that has not occurred since the 1980 summer games: a communist country unifying the globe by hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Nevertheless, as the Olympics began, people of all walks of life saw the total athletic dominances on both land and sea, courtesy of the Jamaican speedster Usain Bolt and our own Michael Phelps.

Like all good things coming to a close, the Olympic Games ended and so began a new competition, this time in politics. Knowing that history was going to be made with either our first female vice-president or first AfricanAmerican president, America saw change and witnessed the transition of power with Barack Obamaʼs monumental victory.

Lastly, in the wide world of sports, the theme of 2008 could be dubbed as the “comeback kids.” As the “Cinderella” Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Celtics respectively went from being the “Bad News Bears” in their previous seasons to making it to their championship in the following year. Unfortunately, both of their lucks were not enough for the “Fordrun” Detroit Lions, whom went 0-16 and were named “team imperfection” for the first time in NFL history.

So, with the year 2008 not lasting “one second” any longer, what is to be expected for 2009? Well, I am no Nostradamus, but I am free to predict this: hopefully good things for everyone and the anticipation of much-needed change for a better tomorrow.

? k n i h T u o Y o D W hat

Editorial Board Laura C. Morel Editor in Chief Anahi Cortada Managing Editor Greg Torrales Advertising Manager Daniel Masip Entertainment Editor Jessica Tejeda Features Editor

Staff Akeem Mayers Lauren Bernal Monique Dos Anjos Theo Karantsalis Michael Finch Krystal Mederos Rachel Santos Alejo Stark

Manolo Barco

Adviser

The Falcon Times is published by the students of Miami Dade College North Campus. Decisions regarding content are made by student editors.The opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty, or the student body.

Advertising Information For ad information, contact Greg Torrales, advertising manager, at (786) 237-8414, or at gtorrales_metropolis@yahoo. com.

Letters to the Editor

Photos and interviews by Titiana McMurray

What is your opinion on the bookstore prices?

The Falcon Times welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. The writer must sign their full name, phone number, address, student number, and e-mail address on the letter in order to be considered. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing.

Letters can be sent via e-mail to thefalcontimes@hotmail. com, with the subject “letter to the editor.”

Corrections Dianne Lucas, 54 ESE Professor

Bridget Jones, 19 International Relations Major “I think the bookstore is well stocked and “The prices are too expensive and I think organized. The staff is pretty nice and I it is outrageous with the sinking of the usually find what I am looking for.” economy; it is hard to pay tuition.”

Raul Henriquez, 21 Radiology Major “The book [prices] are too high and when you return the book, they do not give enough money back.”

Found an error in the newspaper? Call us at (305) 237-1253 to let us know.

January 21, 2009

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FEATURES

Academic adviser to students; soldier to all Jessica Tejeda Features Editor

Dedicating much of her time to helping others is not just a day job for Danay Montes de Oca, academic adviser at the North Campus. To her, it is a way of life.

After graduating from Hialeah High School in 1990, Montes de Oca began working part time as a student assistant in the testing department at the North Campus while taking courses.

Montes de Oca was majoring in elementary education until she took a sociology class that changed her mind.

“I took a sociology class with professor Bill Anwyl, which other students and I would call Uncle Bob. After taking his class, I changed my major to sociology because he was so influential,” Montes de Oca said.

It wasnʼt until 1993 that Montes de Oca decided to make a drastic change in her life. She enlisted in the Army.

“I really donʼt know why I wanted to be in the Army,” Montes de Oca said. “It might be in my blood since my grandfather was in the military in Cuba.”

Leaving everything behind, Montes de Oca was sent to boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for basic training.

“The hardest part of going away to boot camp was leaving my grandmother behind because she brought me up,” she said. “And we were always together so it was difficult for me not being around her.”

Montes de Oca felt that the Army disciplined her and made her grow faster.

“It really opened up the world to me in several ways that I had ever experienced,” she said. “It showed me there was more outside of Hialeah.”

It also gave her insight into what she is most passionate about: helping others.

After returning from boot camp Montes de Oca came back to the North Campus as a recruiter in the New Student Center.

After Sept. 11 she was sent to Southern Command and returned to the North Campus in 2002 as a full-time employee in academic advisement.

Eighteen years later, Montes de Oca

FAMILY: Danay Montes de Oca wearing her Army uniform along with her family.

has built many friendships with fellow colleagues and students that mean a lot to her.

“I met Danay when she was a student and working as a student assistant in the testing department in 1990,” said Elinor Gortler, an academic advisor. “Now Iʼm retired and work part time and sheʼs works full time. She was a kid when I first met her, so itʼs like I watched her grow here.”

Many years have passed since then; nonetheless, Montes de Oca has left lasting impressions on the people she has made friendships with.

“What will always stand out most to me about Danay was when she and I were in the Vietnam Remembrance committee together 10 years after we met.

It was held in Homestead Air Force base and I saw her interacting with other soldiers and I saw another side to her, her military side, and I never felt more proud of her,” Gortler said.

Montes de Ocaʼs office is filled with vibrant colors and pictures of her with her

loved ones.

One of Montes de Ocaʼs greatest inspirations is her daughter Emily Martinez, 12, who she said is her life.

“My daughter is my greatest inspiration, itʼs really hard being away from her and I know itʼs tough on her when I get shipped away,” Montes de Oca said. “But having her is the best thing that happened to me, she is my world.”

Martinez sees her mother as her inspiration as well and said she couldnʼt live without her.

“My mom is a great inspiration to me because of everything she does, it makes me want to work as hard as she does and one day learn as much as she has,” Martinez said.

Montes de Oca was shipped for nine months to Guantanamo Bay in 2004. It was a very trying time for her daughter and for herself because of the separation.

Martinez, who was nine at the time, recalls only seeing her mother a few times during her motherʼs stay in Guantanamo

Provided by Danay Montes de Oca

Bay. They kept in contact by writing letters to each other.

“When she couldnʼt call me we would communicate through letters. My mom taught me how to write through writing letters to each other,” Martinez said.

When Montes de Oca was shipped to Washington D.C. in 2005-2006, her daughter was able to go away with her, which meant a great deal to both of them.

Montes de Oca stayed in the reserves and was commissioned in 2007 as second lieutenant. She works as a finance officer, handling all the pay in the Army and also training the finance soldiers.

The passion and excitement Montes de Oca has for all her work is shown through her dedication and enthusiasm she has put in at the North Campus and in the Army.

“I love what I do, I love to see my students succeed and help them when they are frustrated,” Montes de Oca said.

“I like the relationships Iʼve made with my students and most important, learning from them.”

A Thousand Words Witnessing Change Barack Obama was inaugurated into office Jan. 20, 2009 as the country’s 44th president.

Obama visited Miami in October 2009, speaking to thousands at his rally at Bicentennial Park days before the historical election took place Nov. 4.

T.K. Xinn/Metropolis Staff

January 21, 2009

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FEATURES

Provided by People.com

The year of change has arrived: America has a new president with new ideas.

So why not revamp your style to fit the new trends 2009 has brought as well?

According to Elle Magazine, the new trends of 2009 are easy to find in any store, and more often than not you can find key items in your very own closet.

One example of this would be the menʼs wear style.

This trend includes menʼs jeans, blazers, and my very favorite the boyfriend cardigan that can be worn over nearly anything such as leggings, jeans, and dresses. When experimenting with the menʼs wear trend make sure that the clothing is not too big but just loose enough to satisfy the trend. Use your imagination, you never know what you may find in your boyfriendʼs closet.

The next big trend of 2009 will have you channeling your inner flower child.

Yes, boys and girls, tie-dye is back and making an even bigger statement this

A new year, a new look for you

Provided by Elle.com

Lauren Bernal Fashion Critic

Provided by Elle.com

FASHIONISTA... time around. You will find this trend in everything from your pumps to your purses. While there is a catch to accomplishing this look, itʼs simple.

Stick to one colored tie-dye, instead of the classic rainbow tie-dye we all grew up with.

On the other side of the fashion spectrum, you will find the always popular “glitter glam” style. Just think: studs, glitter, and retro-inspired patterns and colors. Artists like Rihanna tend to use this trend often, creating that punk/old Hollywood style. This trend is perfect for a night out on the town; try a sequined mini-dress or skirt, which can be found at Forever 21, or even Bebe if you want something a bit pricier. Keep in mind to avoid looking like you were in a scuffle with a disco ball. According to In Style magazine allow for one piece of the outfit to be the “Sequined Piece” such as your purse, heels, or belt.

As for accessories, statement making headbands with flowers or feathers are the way to go this new year; plus they help cover up a bad hair day. Tribal necklaces like the one recently seen on Drew Barrymore are going to be making a big statement, as are oversized menʼs watches, charm bracelets, and briefcaseinspired messenger bags, which are all key items to have this season.

Start 2009 off with a fashionable bang, but most importantly remember to take risks, after all boring style is a thing of 2008.