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.

It seems like everyone in Hollywood wants–and gets–a clothing line. Even Lady Gaga herself admitted she has plans to launch one. So let’s explore how musicians have fared in the fashion industry…

Most recently was the debut of DW by Kanye West’s spring/summer 2012 womenswear collection at Paris Fashion Week. West set up shop in London, had über-stylist Katie Early fronting the creative team and Giuseppe Zanotti designing shoes for the collection. He even had a slew of fashion legitimates like Ashley Olsen, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Winter and French Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld on deck. Alas, it seems none of these things can guarantee a successful showing. Style.com writer Tim Banks said his collection looked like he was “trying too hard” and “conquering his new medium is a work in progress.”

Well, hello there fall!

Even though it’s technically autumn here in the lovely city of Columbia, it definitely doesn’t quite feel like it yet. However, there certainly have been a few cool days and nights where fall can be detected after a sudden rush of cold wind attacks your body (and hair). So with the occasional chill in the air, you can slowly start adding key fall pieces into your wardrobe without looking like a crazy person in 80 degree weather.

Are sweaty days cramping your style?

During September and October in Columbia, I find myself lusting after sweaters, scarves, boots, coats, blazers and all of my other favorite things for fall. However, full-on fall outfits are, in reality, not appropriate for days when it is still sweltering in Columbia. I have experienced countless days of disappointment when I start off in adorable jeans tucked into boots with a slouchy sweater, only to end up throwing on flip flops and a t-shirt when I get home for lunch feeling unbearably sweaty.

I have decided that instead of dressing like I have one foot in summer and the other in fall (awkwardly ending up in a tank top with leggings, unable to bear my long sweater), I need to think up some outfits that'll give me a fall look for summer temperatures.

Some of my ideas include wearing light, sheer blouses that keep you cool while looking much more put-together than a simple tank top. You can pair them with high-waisted or just fun and colorful shorts. These shirts are much cooler than sweaters or long-sleeve shirts and come in many different styles and patterns that fit the fall trends such as polka dots, lace or 70's inspired patterns.             

I have been seeing a lot of dresses that elicit the casual feel of a summer sundress but with higher necklines and cap sleeves, perfect for a fall look for class, game day or other events.

With these dresses comes the question of, “What shoes?” I can’t wait to break out my over-the-knee, brown leather boots, and uggs (when it gets absolutely freezing). But it’s clearly still too hot for my feet to be wrapped up in heavy socks and boots all day long. Some great options for the meantime are breathable lace-up boots, some of which have heels that are still technically booties, but incredibly open. Another great option is the classic ballet flat. They keep your toes covered while providing the flat comfort of flip flops, not to mention that they come in a million colors and styles!

There’s nothing we can do to make the cool temperatures of fall get here any sooner, but until then, the lighter side of fall fashion can help keep you stylish in famously hot Columbia!

It's September 2011, and Americans continue to feel the painful memories of the most devastating terrorist attack in U.S. history. Although our country is still in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns since the great depression, the fashion industry gave us an unexpected feeling last week: optimism.

Typically, fashion trends are a direct reflection of what is going on in society. The lower the income level, the less progression takes place. During hard economic times, people don’t want to spend money on items that will only be in style for one season (and, as we all know, the past several years haven’t been particularly easy on our wallets). Add in the recently inescapable images and footage of September 11^th perpetuated by every possible media outlet, and new fashion trends seem to be the last thing on the minds of Americans.

However, last week, American designers surprised us all and found a way to send a strong message of positivity with:

metallics and embellishments

bright colors and feminine fits

The clothes weren’t the only positive aspects of the week. After showing his last two collections in Paris, Zac Posen made his return to New York this year. Dianne Von Furstenburg and Anna Sui both displayed their patriotism in different ways: DVF handed out little American flags when she came out onto the runway to take her finale bow, while Sui added sailor hats to some of her models, and blue and white star lighting on the runway.

Though these looks are six plus months away from hitting the stores, fashion week showed us that we can all start wearing the real breakout trend of the season right now: the unbreakable American spirit.

Excited is an understatement to describe how I feel about the start of my favorite season: FALL! But this season, erase EVERYTHING you thought you knew about Fall fashion –well not everything, but a good bit– because summer has treaded into Fall territory. Give your wardrobe a slight shift with this season’s must-haves!

Hitting below the belt

Punch up your pants with highlighter-worthy hues, it’s time we let our bottoms have some fun. Whether they are cropped, flared or tapered, bright bottoms are in for Fall! Pair with neutral tones such as beige, white and black to keep the look balanced.

Shady Business

There are a few vivid shades that are stealing the show: jade green, mustard yellow and rust orange are the ‘A’ listers this season. These colors may seem intimidating at first, but purchasing accessories in these hues are a safe way to try the trend. For those daring to look for statement pieces, think: dresses, sweaters and even sexy pumps!

Getting Spotted

What better way to be ‘spotted’ this season than by rocking the most popular trend (in my opinion)…polka dots! Designers from Stella McCartney to Marc Jacobs lined– or should I say dotted– their fall/winter 2011 runways with this fun yet very chic trend! Look for a scarf or cute cardigan for an inexpensive way to rock the dots!