The arrival of the holiday season can only mean one thing, time to celebrate!

Whether you are headed to a party with your regular crowd, old high school friends, or even just family, you want to be dressed to impress. Instead of rolling up in an ensemble of red and green, consider some other festive alternatives. Not that tacky sweaters aren’t hilarious and all, but these parties will be a great opportunity to showcase your personal style and have some fun. It’s the ideal time to incorporate decadence and glamour into your wardrobe.

Your keyword for holiday parties should be rich, and I don’t mean that as in expensive. Colors should be saturated and fabrics interesting. A great trend to try is the use of jewel tones. Going back to the predictability of red and green, try out the similar, yet more sophisticated, jewel tones of emerald and garnet to create an outfit that is displays your Christmas spirit without screaming about it. Emerald cords, which can currently be found at J Crew, would take center stage in an outfit of neutral accents like white, cream, grey, and navy. Similarly, try pairing a boring LBD with garnet suede pumps to add spice. Other jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, and topaz are also great options that add class without being obvious. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box too, jewel tones don’t have to be found solely in your outfit. They look great on nails, and the colors are made by virtually every brand of polish.

-Sparkle and Metallics, with balance.

A sparkly mini goes from cute to over-the-top when you add in a jeweled or glittery top or heels; Disco balls were only hot in the 80's. Instead, balance your sparkly skirt with matte black tights, black patent heels, and a solid colored shirt or blouse that’s stylish without being in your face.

The key is to create a focal point, not something for the rest of your outfit to compete against. Silver and gold are your best bets, but if you’ve got a lot of confidence and personality, don’t be afraid to try out fun colors too. With anything outfit you’re considering, save the more dramatic amounts of sparkle and shine for New Years.

-Wear Winter White.

This can be tricky though, because you don’t want to come off looking out of season. Make sure that any white you select is of a heavy fabric and has a bright snowy appearance. White shoes are a definite no. White can be a bold move, but if you rock it right, all eyes will be on you.

Basically, have fun in your holiday attire! Pile on jeweled bangles, carry a fabulous velvet clutch, perk up your pout with daring red lips, just whatever you do remember that it’s all about celebration. And what better way is there to celebrate than by being fabulous?

Image Source: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals.jsp?intcmp=home_p1_promo_w&navLoc=promo#page1

In my two-and-a-half years at this fine institution, I have grown to accept the looks of confusion that are bestowed upon me every day.

I like to tell myself that people just can’t stop staring because I’m ridiculously good looking and they’re questioning why a Victoria’s Secret model is wandering around campus, but I reluctantly stop and face the reality that they’re only looking at my “bizarre” sartorial choices.

Sorry I’m not wearing Nike shorts and a t-shirt that’s twelve sizes too big for me and yes, these leggings are indeed leather.

But at last, I have conquered you all! Sort of. Not really at all.

Upon introducing the (current) trend of all trends to our campus, the sneaker wedge, my daily stare downs have been cut by at least 30%. Official statistics are still being confirmed, but this observation is giving me all the more reason to join Paris, London, and New York and push this trend allll the way through fall.

People went crazy when Isabel Marant debuted the sneaker wedge in her Spring 2012 collection at Paris Fashion Week. Her original designs are currently selling for over $1000 on Ebay.

Throw a white tank, a pair of skinnies, and these babies on and you get that “I-woke-up-five-minutes-ago-and-I-just-threw-this-together” look. You’re cute, casual, a little badass (dude, you’re wearing high-tops) and you gain three inches without anybody knowing.

There are a ton of knock-offs so have no fear—you can get your fashion fix without going out and dropping a grand on a pair of designer shoes.

Here’s how to wear them.

 Miranda                                                    Kate

Joan                                                           Gisele

Here’s how to put them on your Christmas List. 

Suede Wedge Sneakers ($299) by Ash, asos.com.

And here’s how to go get them right now.

 Faux Leather High-Top Sneaker ($29.99) by Xhilaration, target.com.

Image Sources: www.asos.com, www.target.com, http://news.instyle.com/2012/05/17/wedge-sneakers-kate-bosworth-beyonce-photos/

The weather has finally been cooling down, as hints of orange and fiery red leaves float throughout the sky. The quick transition into the chilly season has left us clueless about what to wear. It’s not quite time for winter coats, but something needs to provide us fashionistas with warmth.

Scarves must be the answer! This staple accessory never goes out of style, slightly changing with each change in weather. Last season introduced infinity scarves, proving to be both easy and trendy. Just two quick wraps around your head and -- BAM -- warmth and style.

My first infinity scarf purchase was last winter at Loft. I love how chunky it is, and as a neutral color, it is flexible to be worn with every outfit. Now I am on the search for a scarf with print as shown above.

If you like more iconic fashion, that of Audrey Hepburn, there are tons of silky, classic styles. These add a simple addition to an already chic outfit, even if it’s just tied around the handle of your purse! No matter what kind of scarves you like, I highly recommend digging them out of your closet or going on a shopping spree for some. Tis' the season!

Image Source: http://www.asos.com

I remember the first time I laid my eyes on an Elie Saab creation. I was scouring Style.com looking for something new and was immediately dragged into a fairytale full of Swarovski crystals, lace, and chiffon. His creations are that of every little girls dream - the perfect princess dress. When fashion week rolled around, I watched all the marvelous new collections via computer screen, all the while secretly counting down the minutes until I could see what Elie Saab had in store. As usual, he didn’t disappoint. His Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection was jaw dropping.  He had his signature red carpet gowns, as well as gorgeous separates in a multitude of bold colors and beautiful prints.  Without fault, his aesthetic is always feminine, strong, and classic. 

Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Dramatic silhouettes, bold colors, and lace were seen through out his Spring 2013 collection.

He knows how to make a woman look sexy and sophisticated by showing just the right about of skin.

His playful prints are the quintessential spring accessory pairing neon’s with bold black geometric lines.

 Elie Saab still managed to include classic separates and tailored suites in his collection for the more mature woman.

As well as his signature fairytale dress designed for a modern day Disney princess, Elie Saab is the master of producing a collection that includes every aspect of a woman’s personality.  From the sophisticated professional, the playful socialite, and the envy of any red carpet, his Spring 2013 collection is impeccable.

All pictures from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2013RTW-ESAAB/, http://www.luxq.com/2012/08/05/elie-saab/

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/

This fashion season consisted several 'up-and-coming' designers, but there was one who stood out to me.  Known for his effervescent pink hair, Chris Benz is quickly making his way through the fashion circuit.  I was introduced to Mr. Benz last year at Teen Vogue Fashion University where I learned of his beginnings with J. Crew, which is my current employer.

“You should get involved in anything fashion related if it is what you are passionate about,”  Benz advises no matter how miniscule your role may be, it can always lead to something down the road.  The Seattle native launched his first line in 2007,  leading to features in several magazines such as Vogue and Elle.

This season, there were several shows lacking any kind of story behind them; I did not find this to be true of Chris Benz.  His collection was fresh yet dark.  His chosen model successfully portrayed his depiction of the show: Zombie Apocalypse. Mysterious with her pale skin and long black hair, the model added to his designs and made for a more interesting show.  In short, I would describe his collection as a combination between the movies Now and Then and The Virgin Suicides.

His bright, geometric patterned skirts and floral jackets featured throughout the collection brought one person to mind; Teeny.  Teeny was the most fortunate out of all the girls in Now and Then.  Her country-club defined parents spent a majority of nights attending cocktail parties, which led to her snooping in her mother’s closet.  Throughout the movie, she is seen wearing a mix of styles of her own and her mother's, which combines both youthful-floral along with mature geometrical designs.  On the opposite spectrum comes the darker witch-like designs featured by Benz.  Wiladene, the diner waitress convinced to be a witch by the town, fits these designs perfectly. Along with the eery long-draping, black-lace gown, Benz adds a panel of light florals to complete the look.  He puts his twist on each individual design, allowing others to create his or her own stories.

Several variations of white lace pieces are also featured amongst the black.  The light and playfulness of the white lace brings innocence to the collection, like The Virgin Suicides.  In this movie, Lux (played by Kirsten Dunst) and her 4 sisters are the innocence of the town.  In my opinion, Benz provides a collection with an outfit to represent each of the Lisbon sisters and their similar personalities.

Chris Benz transforms his pieces throughout the collection by portraying vivid colors and patterns to tell a story.  Though he had his own theme, it was fun to picture two of my favorite movies mashed into one within his Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection.

Image Source: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/designerdirectory/CBENZ/seasons/

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/