Here we are, at the beginning of February, and apparently the groundhog thinks we’re going to have 6 more weeks of winter. I think that Mr. Punxsutawney Phil is a complete liar. I wasn’t aware that winter meant clear, blue skies with highs in the low 70s. I mean, I am NOT complaining, I love it, but let’s be honest, how the heck are we still supposed to dress in winter wear when all I really want to do is throw on some "jorts," a tank and a snazzy pair of flipflops on my way to class and call it a day. It looks a tad weird on my grossly pale skin, though. Just sayin’…I think there are still some definite, great ways to dress for this warmer weather while still being considered "winter attire." Here are two great outfits; one for day and the other for night: 

DAYTIME

Here is a great go-to look for rushing to class or walking around town with a coffee or tea in hand. A great pair of skinnys, flat boots (because it is definitely not appropriate to wear flipflops yet), a great solid tee and a lightweight sweater with, might I add, shoulder cut-outs. This still says it’s a cold month, but warmer for some freakish reason. You can certainly find this entire outfit in my closet.

NIGHTTIME 

Here, I'm giving you 2 looks to check out, only because there are those who either like to get super dressy for nights on the town, or, like me, who try slightly, but by the end of the day, you don’t really care to impress anyone (unless it's with your sarcasm). Shown above, this look is a great demonstration of how to go out with out wearing a jacket. She's sporting a semi-summery dress, but when paired with tights and closed-toe heels, it's turned into a great nighttime ensemble for February.

The look shown below is definitely a bit more my style. A light, long-sleeved tunic will keep you warm when you’re outside, and cooler when inside. Another great pair of skinnys, whether leather-inspired or denim and a closed-toe heel again, shows off your footwear and can help keep you comfy.

So, here’s to living in the South, where we can basically wear whatever we want while still dawning our "wintergear." I know I’m still wearing my faux fur here, people.

Image Sources: http://images.nymag.com/fashion/08/fall/fur0808_slideshow_btn.jpg; pinterest.com; vi.sualize.us; myheartbeatsforvogue.tumblr.com; whosdatedwho.com

We’ve had a crazy-busy month, so we’d like to take a time out to show you some pics of the most stylish party-goers at several USC events that G&B Style couldn’t miss:

Carolina Productions presents: Battle of the Bands

Only a few short seasons ago, neutrals were generally associated with one word: boring. However, these hues are making waves this winter, not because they’ve changed, but because of how they’re being worn. Instead of the traditional monochromatic usage, we’re mixing several colors into one look. With the necessity for layering during South Carolina’s bi-polar fall and winter seasons, trends like these are exactly what stylish students need for long and busy days!

Here are some examples of how we at USC like to exemplify this trend:

Sunday evening, at 701 Whaley, the Contemporary Trends in Fashion class (RETL 388) put on a fashion show called “Birds of a Feather Flock Together.” All of the proceeds of ticket sales went to Clothed in Hope, a non-profit organization created by one of our own students, Amy Woodell. Its mission is to “alleviate poverty and provide hope to widows in the Ng’ombe compound in Lusaka, Zambia through vocational training in sewing.”

Woodell went on a mission trip to Zambia over the summer and was inspired by the women she met along the way. Amy created the restyled clothing line to support Zambian women out of recycled t-shirts sewn by those who enter her 2-month training program. The clothing at the fashion show were from our very own local retailers. The list included Belladea, Bohemian, M Boutique, Pink Sorbet, Just the Thing, VanJean, LaRoque and Kicks.

701 CCA (Center For Contemporary Art) is a little-known piece of art heaven located in the heart of Downtown Columbia…but not for long. For this past All Hallow’s Eve, from 7 pm-12 am, they hosted their first ever signature event that featured a costume bash, which I have to say, was unbelievable. If you weren’t there, you missed an extravagant event. The entire 701 Whaley building was utilized to its fullest extent.

They sold masks at the door if you were not feeling particularly “artsy”, The Nickelodeon Theatre showed “Troll 2” on loop, Jasper Magazine had a Ghost Story Salon where you had the opportunity to swap the spookiest of spooky stories, Sid+Nancy took “Black Carpet” photo portraits (I mean hello, can you say profile pic?) and Greenhaven Preserve had casket photo portraits. 701 CCA had their Biennial Part 1 exhibition on display downstairs, as well, but the main event was The Uncommon Costume Contest.

Anyone can incorporate fashion into Halloween night. Stylists, do you want to be the next Rachel Zoe? Designers, want to be the next Karl Lagerfeld? TGIH (thank goodness it’s Halloween, duh). Here’s my top pick for girls and boys…and don’t worry guys, I kept yours extra simple!

Girls: Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe has a more bohemian style than most of her fashion counterparts. If you want to look the part, you’ll need: