We all know how it goes: you’re in college and you’re broke. Obviously we had heard of these miseries before, but it wasn’t until we arrived to college that we learned first hand how quickly our pockets empty. Every year we tell ourselves to save a little more, but this goal can seem quite far away at times. Especially October. Especially around Halloween. There is so much pressure around this time of year to have the best, cutest, most creative, or scariest costume. Last Halloween, we all swore to ourselves that we would save up enough money for this year’s costume, because “THIS is the year for the best costume.” Right?

Well, you’re in luck my friend. This year will be that year, thanks to Garnet&Black’s DIY Halloween Costume Guide by Betsy Pippen. We have costume ideas for groups, couples, solo-riders, and even those last-minute procrastinators.  And of course, it is always within budget.

**Special thanks to Katie Higgins, Jordan Ferrugia, Claire Brehm, Megan Kunkel, Emily Gooding, Carrie Schelhaas, McKenzie Tate, and Grant Harris for modeling in my silliest of silly costumes.

GROUP COSTUMES:

1. Teletubbies

Materials Needed:

• Four headbands
• Various colored pipe cleaners
• Tape or glue
• (Extra: Red, Green, Yellow, and Purple dresses)

Step 1: Dipsy

(A)        (B)

Take a headband and wrap one end of the light green pipe cleaner a few times around it so that it is secure (A). If the pipe cleaner slides around on the headband, you can fasten it with glue or tape. Bend the pipe cleaner in half and tie the free end around the headband (B). You can adjust the thickness by twisting more green pipe cleaners around the one fastened to the headband. You have now finished Dipsy’s symbol!

 Step 2: La La

(A)        (B)

 (C)       (D)

(E)

Just as you did with Dipsy’s headband, wrap one end of the yellow pipe cleaner around the headband (A). Use tape or glue (if needed) to add support. Facing the front of the headband, slide your fingers up the yellow pipe cleaner until you are about one third of the way up. At that point, bend the top of the pipe cleaner back down towards the headband (B). Once it reaches the headband, bend it back upward, so that the pipe cleaner is now divided into a short piece and a long piece. Use tape or glue to fasten the pipe cleaner in place (C). Wrap more yellow pipe cleaners around the existing ones to make the symbol thicker and more visible (D). You have now finished La La’s symbol! 

Step 3: Tinky Winky

(A)          (B)

 (C)

First, wrap one end of a purple (or dark blue) pipe cleaner around the headband a few times. Bring the pipe cleaner about an inch directly above where it is fastened.  Then, angle the pipe cleaner about 45 degrees to the West (from the North). Go about two or two and a half inches up diagonally, and then make the pipe cleaner a sharp bend to where it goes straight across, as if you were creating a triangle (A).

It is likely that the pipe cleaner will not make the full triangle, so you must add more pipe cleaners to finish the symbol. Keep adding more until the triangle is completed and the thickness is to your liking (B). You have now finished Tinky Winky’s symbol!

Step 4: Po

(A)  (B)

Fasten one end of a red pipe cleaner around the headband. With another red pipe cleaner, create a circle (A). Fasten these two pieces together (leaving about an inch of room between the circle and the headband), twisting the pipe cleaners to adjust the thickness (B). You have now finished Po’s symbol!

 Step 5: The Clothes

 All you have left to do now is match the according symbols to some cute clothes! These girls decided to dress up in dresses and robes to match to their symbols.

2. Scrabble Letters

Materials Needed:

• Light Brown Construction Paper
• Scissors
• Black Marker
• String or Tape

Step 1: Cut it Out, Trace it Out

Cut 1/3 of the light brown construction paper off. You will be using the bigger piece. Trace the letters you want to use with a pencil first if you would like, then use a black marker to fill them in. To find out the value of that letter from a scrabble board, you can visit http://homepages.shu.ac.uk/~acsdry/quizes/scrabble.htm .

Step 3: The Clothes

All that is left to do now is add some cute all black outfits so that the letters really stand out. Top this costume off with nerd-glasses and you’ll be cuter than ever!

3. Pretty Little Liars

The only things needed for this costume are cute black outfits and dirt. Get three other girls together (to make it even more realistic, pair the girls up to the cast member that looks most like them). For a twist, you can even have somewhere where a mask around and place sticky notes all around the party, with sly little notes signed “A.”

4. Party Animal

Don’t have time for “DIY?” Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. All that is needed for this costume is a quick trip to the store to get a party hat and some party favors. Slap on some cute animal print outfits and those party hats, and you are ready to party like an animal!

BONUS: Beanie Baby (AS SEEN IN: Garnet&Black: Fall 2012 Issue by Michelle Phan)

• Situation: You want to be a specific animal for Halloween, but don’t want to look like all the other girls at the party.
• Solution: Keep those animal-print outfit’s on. All you need to do now is cut out a TY  beanie baby tag! For instructions, see the Garnet&Black: Fall 2012 Issue.

RIDIN’ SOLO COSTUMES: Unisex

1. Masquerade/Mardi-Gras

Did you know that Party City sells blank, plastic masks for under a dollar? Me neither. If you have one of these lying around and are in a huge hurry, all that is needed are a few markers and some creativity begging to be let out! The theme of my mask was “Mardi Gras in Less Than Two Minutes.”

2. Cereal Killer

Easy, but fun! All that is required for this costume is one or more cereal boxes (small or large), a few plastic knives, and “blood” (red lip gloss, lipstick, or red marker). Put on a black tee and shorts, tape the knives to your outfit, draw some dripping blood all over your body (or mouth), and carry around a roughed-up cereal box. Now you’re a “cereal” killer!

I hope that one of these costumes stuck out to you. If not, do not worry! You are still not hopeless. For more DIY Halloween Costumes, check out either the Garnet&Black: Fall 2012 Issue, or you can find some more hilarious costumes at http://bargainbriana.com/50-diy-halloween-costume-ideas/. Oh, and have a happy Halloween!

Images Source: Betsy Pippen

Cover Image Source: http://www.wired.com/design/2012/10/8-printable-halloween-diys/

For a season that is corner-stoned around the color black, the runway has been telling us just the opposite.  We have more options!

Taboo Turned Over.

“White after labor day…”

Winter whites: layers of different shades are appealing and cozy.

thanks to: Fashion Toast

Key: Rich fabrics with texture & plush.

No-No! No white tights!!!!!

Colors.

Imagine the word, “rich.”

Red.

thanks to: Because I’m Addicted

Key: Let the outfit speak for itself.  Buying a single dress in a solid color, like red or cobalt, can make you the apple of everyone’s eye.

No-No! If you choose to do red accents, don’t over-accessorize with just red; bring in other colors!

Black & Gold.

Find one knockout garment to take you through every season

 thanks to: Street Fashion

Key: Make a statement with your clothes or your accents, not both.

No-No! Don’t over-do!

Prints.

We often associate prints with spring and summer, but for what kind of print works for the fall season besides animal print? Fallen leaves?

Take a step back to this shiny, sophisticated and elegant look, perfect for fall and incorporating all the right colors!

Bejeweled-intentional baroque look.

thanks to: Atlantic-Pacific

Key: Be careful!

No-No! You can easily go from couture to costume.

Silhouettes.

Structured.  Well-placed seams and graphic lines.

thanks to: Two White Birds 

Key: Try it on!  See if it flatters or fixates…glorifying the body is key!

No-No! Don’t buy the garment off the rack thinking that could work on anyone…peplum is a tricky look to wear!

Long sleeves, High Necklines & Floor Length Dresses.

Glamour comes back to fashion.  Deeply textured and rich fabric holds more attention than skin exposing skirts and shirts.

thanks to: The Trend Diaries

Key: Try it on!

No-No! Don’t let it swallow you.  It' s a very conservative look but don’t leave the house looking like you’re hiding in a paper bag!

Like Paris, these staples are always a good idea.

Black knit or leather leggings, pointed heels and structured bags.

thanks to: The Street Styled

Key: Although these basics work in multiple combinations, take your look to the next level by pulling in 1-2 current trends to make your outfit extra fabulous!

Image Sources:

http://www.luxuryfiend.com/fashion/do-this-not-that-fall-fashion-trends-of-2012/

http://www.fashiontoast.com

http://becauseimaddicted.net

http://pinterest.com/successdress/street-fashion/ 

http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

http://blog.twowhitebirds.com

http://www.thetrenddiaries.com

http://thestreetstyled.com

Fall is here and what better way to chime in the new season with a harmonious mix of clashing patterns and prints. On the runways this season, there are many examples of aggressive patterns in bright, electric colors. This edgy and fashion forward concept can be easily transformed into an every day look for street style. Mixing prints is a very daring and definite way to stand out from the crowd, but it can go wrong very easily. No one wants to look like the pattern is wearing him or her, a la wallpaper-esque.  Here are a few suggestions to guide fellow USC trendsetters into achieving this bold and stylish look! 

Mix geometric with organic. 

 (photo via Pretty in Penury, Rouge Fox)

 There is something sophisticated, yet youthful about combining the organic flow of a floral pattern or animal print with something more defined and structured, such as stripes, tribal prints, or gingham. It gives a good balance between the ethereal and the definite. Since printed pants are a must have this fall, why not rock your animal print skinnies with a micro dotted chambray? Or layer your floral collard shirt under a cute striped sweater? Since this is the season of layering, the possibilities are endless, and any person can mix and clash to their hearts desire.

 Choose pieces within the same color family.

 (photo via Late Afternoon Blog)

Remaining within the same color family thwarts the possibility of a clashing look. Grays, neutrals, and black and white are always a classic option for a flattering ensemble. In this case, animal prints would be considered a neutral. A camel color with cheetah or leopard is very chic! As a trendy twist, experiment with monochrome and homogenous palettes. Oxblood, the “it” color of fall, would be a bold yet complimentary choice when experimenting with textures and fabrics. Jewel tones, deep blues and rich, dark greens are excellent alternative color schemes!

 Scalability is key.

(Photo via College Lifestyles)

This rule is crucial for any fashion lover who wants to clash similar prints. That is, pair a smaller pattern with a more sizable pattern. If both a skirt and blouse have similar, oversized florals, it is very easy to lose yourself in the chaos and feel like the prints are in fact wearing you! So carefully choose garments that are not similar in design scale. How chic would it be to combine a navy and white dotted pant with a grey chunky sweater with huge navy polka dots!

This trend is all about expression and creativity, and so I hope all fellow USC trendsetters can enjoy sporting beautiful, clashing looks for a fresh start to fall!

Image Sources:

http://cityofskirts.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-mix-prints-like-pro-ever.html

http://www.rougefox.com/2012/06/wild-hearts.html

http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/2012/03/perfect-pair.html

http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/06/page/2/

It's October, which means Starbucks is bringing back the famous 'pumpkin spice latte', the crunch of dry leaves on the ground signals a familiar cold season approaching, and of course, dark tones are back to making a statement in the world of retail.

Now dark colors usually correspond to an edgy, grunge-like motif when they break out of the closets and make appearances in Forever 21 windows; but I've noticed, as I caught myself one day staring at the ensembles of choice, the new slogan for this season, 'Fall is Femme.'

Interesting, yet unique.  The view of dark tones is changing each season, incorporating tones from the yellow-orange-red color spectrum into the oversized sweaters, scarves and bomber jackets that consistently trend each fall season is now considered a more feminine look.  They are being paired with black, navy and gray pants, ideally skinny jeans or leggings, and completed with articuraly-laced combat boots.  However, this popular look is no longer associating dark tones as indicators of being unapproachable.

In fact, fall is made for most women.  Each year, after the hot summers, the idea of getting cozy in an oversized sweater while still looking like you got dressed for the morning is pristine, because many girls want to be comfortable and look put together, which is difficult to do for most other seasons. 

The styles keep updating and the trends are being followed. Pinterest and Instagram have been the meccas for everyday attire, making pictures available to users by displaying unique clothing combinations and popular pieces for fall.  

This fall, the most trended color look seems to be olive, burnt orange, mahogany and burnt chambray, paired with the original dark tones - black, navy and gray.  

Image Source: images/stories/blogs/fall femme.jpg

Fashion is about more than just clothes to freshmen Aaron Greene and RJ Miller. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be difficult, especially in a new environment, but it is no challenge for these two. It's no wonder the two roommates were "Best Dressed" in high school, as they find inspiration from diverse aspects, including family members, fashion magazines and the people that surround them on a daily basis. The relaxed personalities of Greene and Miller are reflected in their style, as they include unique adornments ranging from shoes to watches to button-ups, accenting styles that cannot be duplicated.

Q: describe your style in one word.

Aaron Greene: Finesse

RJ Miller: Unique

Q: what inspires you?

Aaron Greene: My family. My mom, dad and brother are all-fashionable and have always inspired me to dress my best. Every time I go out, I try to look presentable. My dad encouraged me to always to look my best every time I step out.

RJ Miller: I like to set an example and have a standard for myself.

 Q: where do you shop?

Aaron Greene: I do a lot of vintage shopping.

RJ Miller: Urban Outfitters is one major place I like to shop.

Q: what is your general opinion on style at the University of South Carolina campus?

Aaron Greene: There's hardly any diversity as far as fashion is concerned. Everyone seems to be fitting to the status quo

RJ Miller: I feel like what everyone is wearing on campus is what everyone is used to.

Q: what is your favorite piece of clothing?

Aaron Greene: The Beatles used to wear English Laundry. I love artists that aren't afraid of trying something different. Musicians correlate to fashion that way. I'm inspired by people like Jimi Hendrix. They all went out on a limb for what they loved.

RJ Miller: I just bought Olympic Sevens this summer. They are my favorite thing I own. And I think it is cool that Michael Jordan wore them in the 1992 Olympics.

Q: why is it important for you to express yourself through what you wear?

Aaron Greene: I think dressing a certain way shows how you feel. I present myself. People express their feelings through different things. Fashion is that outlet for me.

RJ Miller: It definitely is a way to express yourself, and it can be inspirational for others. People see you around and it leaves an impact

Q: what's advice would you give to other students seeking to express themselves through fashion?

Aaron Greene: Be who you are. Even if no one else is brave enough to, you still can.

RJ Miller: Look through fashion magazines to find what you want to wear. You don't just have to buy it because everyone else is.

Q: is there anything you'd like to add?

Aaron Greene: I encourage people to not be afraid of who they are. Fashion is more than just clothes. It's how you carry yourself. Confidence is a huge part of it. Fashion illustrates that.

RJ Miller: One thing is that I feel like fashion/ "swag" is not a one-day thing. It is a lifestyle that you have to live.

This week marks the kick-off for the launch events of Columbia Style Week (this year, June 5^-9) and, needless to say, I am super stoked. To make sure this year’s event week starts off with a bang, they’ve decided to host a few mini-events to build anticipation, and boy did it work. Last Saturday,

they held an event called Posh and Panache hosted at M² in the Vista. This is probably the cutest store to ever hit Columbia. Clarissa started her store in her very own apartment in New Jersey, and then opened her first brick-n-mortar store in Atlanta. Since there hasn’t ever been anything else like it in Columbia, her local family advised her to open a store here. Selling everything from printed tunics to True Religion jeans, there’s something for everyone’s price point. Here are a couple greatly styled pictures from the night.

Above, the back says it all. Below is me with the owner and, again, go check her store out in the Vista. Let’s be honest, you are guaranteed to find something that could always have a place in your closet.