Save or Splurge? Fashionable Finds for Savvy Students
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 16 | FEB 02 2009
If you’re anything like me — a shopaholic with a lack of funding — fashion can be fun, but sometimes overwhelming. If you sometimes find yourself debating whether or not to trade a week’s worth of dinner for a pair of heels you can’t stop thinking about, this week’s column is dedicated to you. I love to shop, but my meager college student budget determines what I can actually spend money on versus what I should buy for less. Here are my thoughts on what to splurge on, what to save on, and where to get it.
Basics: American Apparel is practically ubiquitous here at UC Irvine. Because I love the quality of their products and I can’t stand logos in my wardrobe, I’m practically addicted. Unfortunately, I never knew about buying American Apparel from Amazon until recently. Sellers on Amazon carry a few of the brand’s top sellers, including the cozy hoodies and many students’ favorite deep v-neck tee.
Jeans: Jeans can be tricky, depending on style. Because I am petite, I am willing to spend extra on jeans that actually fit. Interestingly, the pairs of jeans that fit me best are the 10-inch ankle opening skinny jeans by J Brand and some inexpensive dark skinnies from Forever 21. By “dark,” I mean that they used to be black, but faded to dark blue in some places, as is expected when you buy jeans (or a lot of things) from Forever 21. I actually like the effect, but my jeans’ devolution just goes to show that you get what you pay for.
Swimwear: One word: Target. This megastore sells plenty of swimwear for less than $20 apiece. For instance, I bought a black bandeau top and bikini bottom, both adorned with gold pyramid studs, for $14.99 each.
Victoria’s Secret also sells mix-and-match pieces for around $20 each. I’ve noticed that most bikinis, high-end or low-end, look exactly the same. You might notice a bit of a difference in quality, but why buy a suit that you would be too paranoid about ruining in the sand and surf? Plus, living this close to the beach, it’s always a good idea to have an arsenal of swimsuits ready in case of an impromptu trip.
Speaking of variety, save some cash by buying solid-color bikini bottoms. This way, if you decide to spend a bit more on the top, you can save on a bottom that compliments it.
Shoes: Every girl should invest in a pair of black pumps to wear to anything from dinner to an interview. These could last for years and years, so splurging on a pair of fabulous heels should be guilt-free. Flats, on the other hand, are a different story. I always have a pair of black flats circulating my shoe wardrobe, but no matter what I do, they always wear down after a few months. Don’t spend too much on these. My favorite places for low to mid-priced flats are Urban Outfitters, Aldo and Nordstrom. If you’re looking for trendier heels and platforms, web sites like Delia*s, Alloy and Go Jane have great finds for under $100.
Jewelry and accessories: Forever 21 has the best selection of trendy jewelry, with most pieces under $10 each. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that everything silver I buy from that place turns a rather unpleasant shade of copper within a few weeks. Flea markets, thrift stores and eBay are fantastic places to find vintage jewelry — even real gold and silver — for low prices.
Bags: Every girl should have three essential bags: A tote or carryall, casual purse or shoulder bag and a clutch or small purse for parties. Out of those, I think the everyday purse is the most splurge-worthy. Finding the perfect bag can be time-consuming, but once you find something versatile, chic and suited to your personality, spending a little more cash somehow doesn’t seem like such a problem.
On the other hand, don’t spend much on party clutches or bags that you’ll haul to the beach or to class. Carryalls can get dirty or worn down rather easily while clutches and small bags, especially beaded bags, can be bought vintage.
Most importantly, never, ever buy fakes! I shouldn’t have to explain the obvious reasons (terrible quality, profits from sales often support organized crime and even terrorism, general tackiness, etc). If you’re looking for a designer bag at a discounted price, don’t even think about trying the shameless knockoffs on eBay — instead, try a consignment shop or wait until the end of each season to find them on sale at department stores and department store Web sites.
Shop wisely but don’t hesitate to invest in some quality pieces. Be confident enough to experiment with different styles, but don’t spend too much on something that will only last a season.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
New University 1/19/09, Column #2
Swing Back Into Spring Styles With Soft Tones and Do-It-Yourself Fashions
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 14 | JAN 19 2009
Back home in the Bay Area, I never thought about shopping for spring and summer clothing until March when, if I were lucky, the temperature would slowly climb to the cool mid-60s. Here in Irvine, however, it’s mid-January and a ridiculous 85 degrees. Even though I’m wearing denim cutoffs, I feel like I’m about to pass out as I trudge up a slight slope in Aldrich Park.
What does this tell me (besides that I’m ludicrously out of shape)? It’s time to shop for the new season.
This spring, I’m determined to bring some color into my dark, gloomy winter wardrobe, which is currently dominated by black and gray. I’m definitely looking forward to experimenting with different color palettes, fabrics and shapes.
Soft tones in creamy, nude shades were big on the runways this season, as seen in the parade of sandy-colored gowns worn at this year’s Golden Globes. Stella McCartney mixed pieces in shades of nude, ivory and peach, to breathe new life into colors that would seem muted against basic black.
In typical springtime fashion, shades reminiscent of Easter eggs have re-emerged, but this time, more dusty than pastel: ice blue, pale rose and light mint green. I plan on pairing these sweetly colored pieces with faded, distressed denim for a fresh look that won’t make me look like a marshmallow Peep.
Alternatively, highlighter hues lit up several runways, including several outfits in Alexander Wang’s Miami Vice-inspired show and Luella Bartley’s self-declared “Sunday best on acid” collection. While Wang employed clean lines and a 1980s vibe in his designs, Bartley’s cheerful designs have a ladylike look with a kooky, frilly twist. If you’re reluctant to sport a head-to-toe supercharged ensemble, take inspiration from the pieces from Marc by Marc Jacobs and mix khaki with brights.
I plan to continue my love affair with pyramid studs this season. I’ve adored the things since my high school days when I lived in studded belts and band tees and half my hair would change from Fuchsia Flash to Vampire Red. I even studded my Converse. Now that I’m slightly more mature (and my hair is, sadly, back to normal), I still wear the sneakers occasionally, but I adorn myself with studs in a more subdued way — in the forms of earrings, bracelets and the occasional belt. Studs and other metallic accents have stuck around since last season and continue to embellish belts, jewelry, clutches and even moccasins.
Precious metals shone on the runways in the form of stunning frocks. My fantasy wardrobe would include Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière’s futuristic dresses that transformed the models into walking disco balls and the gorgeous stud and gem-encrusted Little Black Dresses at Balmain. In a perfect world, I would parade around in every one of the stunning silver mini dresses at Collette Dinnigan, from the drop-waist flapper-esque dress to the dress that resembles a mirror mosaic.
For now, I’ll head back to reality and talk about the trends that are a bit more accessible and easy to recreate. Rodarte’s collection practically had “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) written all over it — dresses were slashed, sweaters were shredded, gowns seemed to be dipped in Rit dye and delightfully useless chains were affixed to certain pieces. As haphazard as this all may sound, I found beauty in the randomness and deconstructed elements of Rodarte’s spring collection. As an aspiring designer who finds some strange enjoyment in ruining perfectly good items of clothing, I’m quite inspired by Rodarte’s designers, the Mulleavy sisters, this season.
Feel like updating a top with minimal effort? Follow both Rodarte and Jeremy Laing and make precise cuts in a tank or T-shirt to create a paper lantern effect. Just don’t hack away at it carelessly, or you’ll end up with tatters that come off as crazy rather than conceptual.
Perhaps even more wallet-friendly than completing a DIY project is wearing updated classics and pieces that are already in your wardrobe. This idea of “recession chic” has arrived in full force in the fashion world; however, as a mere college student, I have always shopped with a recessionista’s attitude. Besides bargain hunting, this includes supplementing essential pieces like cardigans and blazers with accessories. An easy way to update a look is with a belted waist. This season, anything goes, from skinny to studded to wide obi belts à la Louis Vuitton. As far as jewelry goes, attention-grabbing earrings from the past have made a comeback.
Now that I’ve outlined some of the trends for spring and summer, I can’t wait until this sporadic weather settles on sunny.
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 14 | JAN 19 2009
Back home in the Bay Area, I never thought about shopping for spring and summer clothing until March when, if I were lucky, the temperature would slowly climb to the cool mid-60s. Here in Irvine, however, it’s mid-January and a ridiculous 85 degrees. Even though I’m wearing denim cutoffs, I feel like I’m about to pass out as I trudge up a slight slope in Aldrich Park.
What does this tell me (besides that I’m ludicrously out of shape)? It’s time to shop for the new season.
This spring, I’m determined to bring some color into my dark, gloomy winter wardrobe, which is currently dominated by black and gray. I’m definitely looking forward to experimenting with different color palettes, fabrics and shapes.
Soft tones in creamy, nude shades were big on the runways this season, as seen in the parade of sandy-colored gowns worn at this year’s Golden Globes. Stella McCartney mixed pieces in shades of nude, ivory and peach, to breathe new life into colors that would seem muted against basic black.
In typical springtime fashion, shades reminiscent of Easter eggs have re-emerged, but this time, more dusty than pastel: ice blue, pale rose and light mint green. I plan on pairing these sweetly colored pieces with faded, distressed denim for a fresh look that won’t make me look like a marshmallow Peep.
Alternatively, highlighter hues lit up several runways, including several outfits in Alexander Wang’s Miami Vice-inspired show and Luella Bartley’s self-declared “Sunday best on acid” collection. While Wang employed clean lines and a 1980s vibe in his designs, Bartley’s cheerful designs have a ladylike look with a kooky, frilly twist. If you’re reluctant to sport a head-to-toe supercharged ensemble, take inspiration from the pieces from Marc by Marc Jacobs and mix khaki with brights.
I plan to continue my love affair with pyramid studs this season. I’ve adored the things since my high school days when I lived in studded belts and band tees and half my hair would change from Fuchsia Flash to Vampire Red. I even studded my Converse. Now that I’m slightly more mature (and my hair is, sadly, back to normal), I still wear the sneakers occasionally, but I adorn myself with studs in a more subdued way — in the forms of earrings, bracelets and the occasional belt. Studs and other metallic accents have stuck around since last season and continue to embellish belts, jewelry, clutches and even moccasins.
Precious metals shone on the runways in the form of stunning frocks. My fantasy wardrobe would include Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière’s futuristic dresses that transformed the models into walking disco balls and the gorgeous stud and gem-encrusted Little Black Dresses at Balmain. In a perfect world, I would parade around in every one of the stunning silver mini dresses at Collette Dinnigan, from the drop-waist flapper-esque dress to the dress that resembles a mirror mosaic.
For now, I’ll head back to reality and talk about the trends that are a bit more accessible and easy to recreate. Rodarte’s collection practically had “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) written all over it — dresses were slashed, sweaters were shredded, gowns seemed to be dipped in Rit dye and delightfully useless chains were affixed to certain pieces. As haphazard as this all may sound, I found beauty in the randomness and deconstructed elements of Rodarte’s spring collection. As an aspiring designer who finds some strange enjoyment in ruining perfectly good items of clothing, I’m quite inspired by Rodarte’s designers, the Mulleavy sisters, this season.
Feel like updating a top with minimal effort? Follow both Rodarte and Jeremy Laing and make precise cuts in a tank or T-shirt to create a paper lantern effect. Just don’t hack away at it carelessly, or you’ll end up with tatters that come off as crazy rather than conceptual.
Perhaps even more wallet-friendly than completing a DIY project is wearing updated classics and pieces that are already in your wardrobe. This idea of “recession chic” has arrived in full force in the fashion world; however, as a mere college student, I have always shopped with a recessionista’s attitude. Besides bargain hunting, this includes supplementing essential pieces like cardigans and blazers with accessories. An easy way to update a look is with a belted waist. This season, anything goes, from skinny to studded to wide obi belts à la Louis Vuitton. As far as jewelry goes, attention-grabbing earrings from the past have made a comeback.
Now that I’ve outlined some of the trends for spring and summer, I can’t wait until this sporadic weather settles on sunny.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
San Mateo Daily Journal
Articles from 7/14/08 to 10/13/08 can be found here at the San Mateo Daily Journal website.
New University 1/5/09, Column #1
SUBURBAN OUTFITTER
Less Trashin’, More Fashion on Social Network Chictopia.com
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 12 | JAN 05 2009
Last night, I had a nightmare about Chictopia.com. I was clicking through page after page of girls in oversized white t-shirts, black leggings and black boots. Every single ChicBlog was exactly the same. My legs began to hurt as if the sight of so many bland outfits was physically painful and I suddenly woke up in actual pain. Lying in bed, I began to wonder if I go on Chictopia too much.
Chictopia.com is a social network based in San Francisco designed for users (mostly women) to showcase their most stylish outfits. Deemed the “people’s fashion destination,” users rate and comment on each other’s outfits. Teen Vogue called Chictopia “the next big thing” and Nylon declared the site to be “totally inspiring, despite the cheesy name.”
On Chictopia, users are able to browse the pages of other users with the same age, body type and even skin tone. Members post reviews on specific items of clothing, from Hanes T-shirts to Ksubi jeans. Each month, members with the most “fans” (other users who add them as a favorite Chictopian) become style icons and receive prizes.
What’s the point of Web sites like Chictopia? Blatantly put, they are places for people to fish for compliments. You post up a picture of yourself and people comment with things like, “Your hosiery are amazing!” and “Yeah, those tights are the bee’s knees!” (Both of these are real comments, by the way. Thanks, Zahara22 and spencerjacobs!) A cynic would say that Chictopia.com is a massive cesspool of narcissists. We judge each other based solely on our outfits and make friends with the people whose outfits we like. Of course, we talk cyber-trash about people in ugly outfits, right? Wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, fashion nerds, at least the people who are truly interested in fashion rather than shopping, appreciate quirkiness. We are less interested in Louis Vuitton monogram purses than we are in clothing that is unique, eccentric and often anachronistic. Take drop-crotch pants for example. I go on Chictopia to see users proudly don pants that would look horrendous on me and have an extremely slim chance of being seen in Orange County (the land of year-round flip-flops), and I admire them for it. I crave the eccentric. Chictopia users are more encouraging and praising than someone would expect a community of the fashion-obsessed to be.
One could argue that this is shameless self-promotion, and I agree completely. In fact, that’s entirely the point of fashion. Dressing is a form of self-expression, and showing it off online is akin to an artist showing off her portfolio on deviantART. I’m not ashamed to admit that on most days, I put thought into what I put on my back and getting feedback — especially if I’m trying something new or particularly quirky — is very much appreciated.
Having a place like Chictopia, where people can ask for advice by creating polls and posting in the Chictopia forums, is also helpful for the style-challenged. I log on when I’m feeling uninspired or bored with my wardrobe. This brings me to the one qualm I have with style websites — the notion of originality.
Everyone knows the adage, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” So what happens when people are inspired by each other’s outfits? Everyone starts to look the same. This is simply the nature of trends; they may seem obscure at first, but they gain popularity and soon you can’t escape them. Posting on Web sites like this with the expectation that people will like your “original” outfit often guarantees that people will copy elements of it, which led me to realize that people are rarely, if ever, truly original.
We take inspiration from each other, from art, from movies, from the runways. Chictopia is a place to see how this inspiration shows itself in our everyday lives.
Less Trashin’, More Fashion on Social Network Chictopia.com
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 12 | JAN 05 2009
Last night, I had a nightmare about Chictopia.com. I was clicking through page after page of girls in oversized white t-shirts, black leggings and black boots. Every single ChicBlog was exactly the same. My legs began to hurt as if the sight of so many bland outfits was physically painful and I suddenly woke up in actual pain. Lying in bed, I began to wonder if I go on Chictopia too much.
Chictopia.com is a social network based in San Francisco designed for users (mostly women) to showcase their most stylish outfits. Deemed the “people’s fashion destination,” users rate and comment on each other’s outfits. Teen Vogue called Chictopia “the next big thing” and Nylon declared the site to be “totally inspiring, despite the cheesy name.”
On Chictopia, users are able to browse the pages of other users with the same age, body type and even skin tone. Members post reviews on specific items of clothing, from Hanes T-shirts to Ksubi jeans. Each month, members with the most “fans” (other users who add them as a favorite Chictopian) become style icons and receive prizes.
What’s the point of Web sites like Chictopia? Blatantly put, they are places for people to fish for compliments. You post up a picture of yourself and people comment with things like, “Your hosiery are amazing!” and “Yeah, those tights are the bee’s knees!” (Both of these are real comments, by the way. Thanks, Zahara22 and spencerjacobs!) A cynic would say that Chictopia.com is a massive cesspool of narcissists. We judge each other based solely on our outfits and make friends with the people whose outfits we like. Of course, we talk cyber-trash about people in ugly outfits, right? Wrong.
Contrary to popular belief, fashion nerds, at least the people who are truly interested in fashion rather than shopping, appreciate quirkiness. We are less interested in Louis Vuitton monogram purses than we are in clothing that is unique, eccentric and often anachronistic. Take drop-crotch pants for example. I go on Chictopia to see users proudly don pants that would look horrendous on me and have an extremely slim chance of being seen in Orange County (the land of year-round flip-flops), and I admire them for it. I crave the eccentric. Chictopia users are more encouraging and praising than someone would expect a community of the fashion-obsessed to be.
One could argue that this is shameless self-promotion, and I agree completely. In fact, that’s entirely the point of fashion. Dressing is a form of self-expression, and showing it off online is akin to an artist showing off her portfolio on deviantART. I’m not ashamed to admit that on most days, I put thought into what I put on my back and getting feedback — especially if I’m trying something new or particularly quirky — is very much appreciated.
Having a place like Chictopia, where people can ask for advice by creating polls and posting in the Chictopia forums, is also helpful for the style-challenged. I log on when I’m feeling uninspired or bored with my wardrobe. This brings me to the one qualm I have with style websites — the notion of originality.
Everyone knows the adage, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” So what happens when people are inspired by each other’s outfits? Everyone starts to look the same. This is simply the nature of trends; they may seem obscure at first, but they gain popularity and soon you can’t escape them. Posting on Web sites like this with the expectation that people will like your “original” outfit often guarantees that people will copy elements of it, which led me to realize that people are rarely, if ever, truly original.
We take inspiration from each other, from art, from movies, from the runways. Chictopia is a place to see how this inspiration shows itself in our everyday lives.
New University 12/1/08
Nifty Gifts on a College Budget
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 11 | DEC 01 2008
This year, don’t resort to a last-minute gift card. Buy something unique while avoiding the dreaded mall crowds by shopping for presents online. These Web sites offer original and affordable gifts, from beautifully crafted baubles to downright wacky knickknacks.
Etsy.com is a treasure trove of handmade goodies. This is the perfect place to order gifts that cannot be found anywhere else. Because many items are vintage or handmade, sellers often have only one of each in stock. For example, the seller “dugshop” has pomegranate-scented soap shaped like a human heart, the perfect gift for an aspiring surgeon ($6.50). Majestyinc sells vinyl key chains shaped like mustaches for $3.00. Etsy has “Geekery,” a whole category devoted to eccentric finds like these. If you are shopping for a more traditional present, however, look no further than Etsy’s handmade jewelry and housewares.
Etsy’s Gift Guides help shoppers browse gifts by other categories like “environmentally friendly,” “steampunk,” “dark arts” and “nostalgic whimsy.” You can also narrow gifts by recipient, price range and even the location of the seller.
FredFlare.com also helps you shop by theme and price range. The site has a plethora of gift themes from Audrey Hepburn (which includes ladylike sweaters and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” eye masks) to Star Wars (an R2-D2 backpack and astronaut ice cream). FredFlare carries something for everybody, from cute jewelry to funky flash drives and other gadgets. Presents for the home include Juno’s hamburger phone ($26), a mini fondue kit ($10) and an ice cream-shaped lamp ($48). You’ll find tons of fun and affordable presents for girly-girls and nerdy friends alike.
Speaking of geeky gifts, ThinkGeek.com is heaven for the easily amused. ThinkGeek carries what could arguably be the coolest t-shirts ever. The Electronic Drum Kit shirt has an embedded speaker that plays seven drum noises when you tap spots on the shirt’s drum graphic. The Wi-Fi Detector shirt displays the Wi-Fi signal strength in fluctuating glowing bars. Both shirts are $29.99 and will surely entertain the Rock Band lovers and computer geeks on your list.
ThinkGeek also has some obscure gifts that could entertain your zaniest friends, like the R2 Fish Training School Kit, which is exactly what it sounds like. For $39.99, you get an instructional DVD, an instruction manual and more accessories that will help the lucky recipient teach his or her goldfish “over 10 amazing tricks.” For the ultimate useless present enthusiast, order a box of LOLMagnetz to make captions for your very own “Lolcat,” cat images juxtaposed with humorous statements in broken, Internet slang ($19.99). I can has?
Even higher up on the crazy gift scale are presents from Edible.com. Edible is not for the faint of stomach. Have you ever tried oven-baked tarantula, scorpion-infused vodka, or barbeque worm crisps? What about Thai green crocodile curry? Edible carries all these things and more. The England-based Web site carries food that you would never think can be consumed, but happen to be delicacies in certain countries. Edible even explains the nutritional value of its products and describes their tastes. For example, did you know that Mopani worms, a snack enjoyed by South African natives, have a texture that’s similar to tofu, but taste like dried fish?
Those who don’t want gifts made from animals might enjoy food made with the animals’ help, like tea picked by specially trained monkeys or coffee that has been regurgitated by weasels.
In Edible’s “aphrodisiac” section, you can find “the ultimate extravagance”: a champagne-flavored lollipop that contains flakes of 24-karat gold. The Aphrodisiac Pearl Lollipop, made with real ground pearls, raw cane sugar and wild Madagascan vanilla essence, sounds genuinely yummy.
Whatever you choose to buy from these Web sites, one thing is guaranteed: a holiday shopping experience that has never been this memorable.
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 11 | DEC 01 2008
This year, don’t resort to a last-minute gift card. Buy something unique while avoiding the dreaded mall crowds by shopping for presents online. These Web sites offer original and affordable gifts, from beautifully crafted baubles to downright wacky knickknacks.
Etsy.com is a treasure trove of handmade goodies. This is the perfect place to order gifts that cannot be found anywhere else. Because many items are vintage or handmade, sellers often have only one of each in stock. For example, the seller “dugshop” has pomegranate-scented soap shaped like a human heart, the perfect gift for an aspiring surgeon ($6.50). Majestyinc sells vinyl key chains shaped like mustaches for $3.00. Etsy has “Geekery,” a whole category devoted to eccentric finds like these. If you are shopping for a more traditional present, however, look no further than Etsy’s handmade jewelry and housewares.
Etsy’s Gift Guides help shoppers browse gifts by other categories like “environmentally friendly,” “steampunk,” “dark arts” and “nostalgic whimsy.” You can also narrow gifts by recipient, price range and even the location of the seller.
FredFlare.com also helps you shop by theme and price range. The site has a plethora of gift themes from Audrey Hepburn (which includes ladylike sweaters and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” eye masks) to Star Wars (an R2-D2 backpack and astronaut ice cream). FredFlare carries something for everybody, from cute jewelry to funky flash drives and other gadgets. Presents for the home include Juno’s hamburger phone ($26), a mini fondue kit ($10) and an ice cream-shaped lamp ($48). You’ll find tons of fun and affordable presents for girly-girls and nerdy friends alike.
Speaking of geeky gifts, ThinkGeek.com is heaven for the easily amused. ThinkGeek carries what could arguably be the coolest t-shirts ever. The Electronic Drum Kit shirt has an embedded speaker that plays seven drum noises when you tap spots on the shirt’s drum graphic. The Wi-Fi Detector shirt displays the Wi-Fi signal strength in fluctuating glowing bars. Both shirts are $29.99 and will surely entertain the Rock Band lovers and computer geeks on your list.
ThinkGeek also has some obscure gifts that could entertain your zaniest friends, like the R2 Fish Training School Kit, which is exactly what it sounds like. For $39.99, you get an instructional DVD, an instruction manual and more accessories that will help the lucky recipient teach his or her goldfish “over 10 amazing tricks.” For the ultimate useless present enthusiast, order a box of LOLMagnetz to make captions for your very own “Lolcat,” cat images juxtaposed with humorous statements in broken, Internet slang ($19.99). I can has?
Even higher up on the crazy gift scale are presents from Edible.com. Edible is not for the faint of stomach. Have you ever tried oven-baked tarantula, scorpion-infused vodka, or barbeque worm crisps? What about Thai green crocodile curry? Edible carries all these things and more. The England-based Web site carries food that you would never think can be consumed, but happen to be delicacies in certain countries. Edible even explains the nutritional value of its products and describes their tastes. For example, did you know that Mopani worms, a snack enjoyed by South African natives, have a texture that’s similar to tofu, but taste like dried fish?
Those who don’t want gifts made from animals might enjoy food made with the animals’ help, like tea picked by specially trained monkeys or coffee that has been regurgitated by weasels.
In Edible’s “aphrodisiac” section, you can find “the ultimate extravagance”: a champagne-flavored lollipop that contains flakes of 24-karat gold. The Aphrodisiac Pearl Lollipop, made with real ground pearls, raw cane sugar and wild Madagascan vanilla essence, sounds genuinely yummy.
Whatever you choose to buy from these Web sites, one thing is guaranteed: a holiday shopping experience that has never been this memorable.
New University 10/13/08
Relics from the Runway
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 4 | OCT 13 2008
A new season is upon us, and as the sun goes into hiding, so does last season’s fashion. In the meantime, any girl can update her wardrobe with a few of this season’s trendy accessories on a college budget.
Heavy Metal:
This fall, it’s all about the details. Zippers, chains and studs give basic pieces an edge. Layered chain necklaces inspired by Givenchy’s plentiful piles of silver can be recreated by buying chains from a craft store. The same effect can also be accomplished by simply layering chunky necklaces of your own. Statement jewelry like this can toughen up a simple dress at night or add instant style to an everyday ensemble.
Exposed zippers seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang not only make form-fitting dresses and skirts more interesting, but are also ridiculously easy to make. By simply sewing a zipper onto a piece of clothing — the zipper doesn’t even have to function for this look — a plain piece can be instantly transformed into chic.
Haute Hippie:
“Luxe bohemian” may sound like an oxymoron, but Anna Sui and Gucci’s Frida Giannini proved that 1960s-inspired prints, feathers and fringe could be glamorous and modern. Elements of this trend can be worn in everyday life with hair accessories, jewelry and eclectic prints. Fringed boots, in both the short bootie and knee-high varieties, are a cold-weather must-have.
Fashion houses like Balmain, who debuted a high heel-moccasin-ankle boot hybrid, and sought-after labels like Louboutin have released their own spin-offs of the “original” (the original moccasin brand to be marketed to the masses, that is), more wearable and less pricey Minnetonka styles.
Grunge 2.0:
For those of us who were still in OshKosh overalls when grunge took over the 1990s, the fashion world is giving us another chance. Alexander Wang’s combination of masculine and feminine embodies the new grunge that’s a hit with the young and fashionable. Ripped tights, distressed denim and baggy trousers appeared on the runway along with plenty of black and neutral tones. Once known as a goth kid’s clunky combat boot, Doc Martens have been adopted by trendsetters like Daisy Lowe (who stars in the company’s advertising campaign) and Agyness Deyn.
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 4 | OCT 13 2008
A new season is upon us, and as the sun goes into hiding, so does last season’s fashion. In the meantime, any girl can update her wardrobe with a few of this season’s trendy accessories on a college budget.
Heavy Metal:
This fall, it’s all about the details. Zippers, chains and studs give basic pieces an edge. Layered chain necklaces inspired by Givenchy’s plentiful piles of silver can be recreated by buying chains from a craft store. The same effect can also be accomplished by simply layering chunky necklaces of your own. Statement jewelry like this can toughen up a simple dress at night or add instant style to an everyday ensemble.
Exposed zippers seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang not only make form-fitting dresses and skirts more interesting, but are also ridiculously easy to make. By simply sewing a zipper onto a piece of clothing — the zipper doesn’t even have to function for this look — a plain piece can be instantly transformed into chic.
Haute Hippie:
“Luxe bohemian” may sound like an oxymoron, but Anna Sui and Gucci’s Frida Giannini proved that 1960s-inspired prints, feathers and fringe could be glamorous and modern. Elements of this trend can be worn in everyday life with hair accessories, jewelry and eclectic prints. Fringed boots, in both the short bootie and knee-high varieties, are a cold-weather must-have.
Fashion houses like Balmain, who debuted a high heel-moccasin-ankle boot hybrid, and sought-after labels like Louboutin have released their own spin-offs of the “original” (the original moccasin brand to be marketed to the masses, that is), more wearable and less pricey Minnetonka styles.
Grunge 2.0:
For those of us who were still in OshKosh overalls when grunge took over the 1990s, the fashion world is giving us another chance. Alexander Wang’s combination of masculine and feminine embodies the new grunge that’s a hit with the young and fashionable. Ripped tights, distressed denim and baggy trousers appeared on the runway along with plenty of black and neutral tones. Once known as a goth kid’s clunky combat boot, Doc Martens have been adopted by trendsetters like Daisy Lowe (who stars in the company’s advertising campaign) and Agyness Deyn.
New University 5/19/08
Fashion on a Budget
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 41, ISSUE 29 | MAY 19 2008
As college students, when we think about money, we think about how we spend ludicrous amounts on gasoline, how we wish we hadn’t made so many Starbucks runs and how buying textbooks tends to leave gaping holes in our wallets. Accumulating costs throughout the quarter leaves us more worried about being in debt than about the next It bag or pair of Nikes we’re going to buy.
Basically, fashion is not something most of us can spend too much on. Some of us are willing to sacrifice our savings for style, but for those who would rather be more frugal with fashion, here are some tips.
The first thing that one should keep in mind is what to splurge on versus what to save on. For girls, bags are splurge-worthy because they can last season after season and have the power to add polish to any outfit. Guys tend to spend their cash on multiple pairs of shoes and an array of dress shirts. Many people, guys or girls, insist that the price of designer jeans can be worth the perfect fit. But what can one do if they want to dress to impress without spending too much? Don’t get your skinny jeans in a twist: It’s very possible to save some money when shopping for the pricier items of your wardrobe.
One way to save is to subscribe to the mailing lists of your favorite stores. What you may think is spam could actually be great savings. Not only will a store e-mail about new items, but the store (which could be anything from Barneys to American Apparel) can also mail promotional codes for “private” sales, deals on shipping and even discounts just for signing up for their newsletters.
Although extra e-mails can be annoying, it’s worth it to save some cash with a few clicks. Another online shopping tip is to Google promotional codes or coupon codes for wherever you’re ordering from. Sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin offer codes for savings on tons of sites.
Now that you know how to save on regular-priced fashion, where can you find clothing that’s inexpensive to begin with? Start by looking where you would normally be hunting for DVDs and toiletries: Target. The megastore has a surprisingly good selection, including their GO International line, which carries designs by different designers that change every few months. Currently, Rogan for Target’s eco-friendly women’s wear line is in stock. Look to places like Target for affordable basics and swimwear.
Searching for another opportunity to find some inexpensive and trendy fashion that’s even closer to campus? Look no further than UC Irvine’s upcoming Sample Sale, organized by Associated Students of UCI. On Tuesday, May 20, come to the Student Center’s Emerald Bay and Doheny rooms to find tons of merchandise at factory prices. Approximate prices for some of the clothing include hats and T-shirts for $10 and shorts, backpacks and sweaters for $20 to $25. The brands include BB Dakota, Rocawear, Kallusive, The Other Duck, Stussy, Rad, Undefeated, USDA Clothing and more.
Now that you know how to fill up your closet for less, spread the knowledge and use those extra pennies to fill up your gas tank. Happy shopping!
BY LOUISE LAO
VOLUME 41, ISSUE 29 | MAY 19 2008
As college students, when we think about money, we think about how we spend ludicrous amounts on gasoline, how we wish we hadn’t made so many Starbucks runs and how buying textbooks tends to leave gaping holes in our wallets. Accumulating costs throughout the quarter leaves us more worried about being in debt than about the next It bag or pair of Nikes we’re going to buy.
Basically, fashion is not something most of us can spend too much on. Some of us are willing to sacrifice our savings for style, but for those who would rather be more frugal with fashion, here are some tips.
The first thing that one should keep in mind is what to splurge on versus what to save on. For girls, bags are splurge-worthy because they can last season after season and have the power to add polish to any outfit. Guys tend to spend their cash on multiple pairs of shoes and an array of dress shirts. Many people, guys or girls, insist that the price of designer jeans can be worth the perfect fit. But what can one do if they want to dress to impress without spending too much? Don’t get your skinny jeans in a twist: It’s very possible to save some money when shopping for the pricier items of your wardrobe.
One way to save is to subscribe to the mailing lists of your favorite stores. What you may think is spam could actually be great savings. Not only will a store e-mail about new items, but the store (which could be anything from Barneys to American Apparel) can also mail promotional codes for “private” sales, deals on shipping and even discounts just for signing up for their newsletters.
Although extra e-mails can be annoying, it’s worth it to save some cash with a few clicks. Another online shopping tip is to Google promotional codes or coupon codes for wherever you’re ordering from. Sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin offer codes for savings on tons of sites.
Now that you know how to save on regular-priced fashion, where can you find clothing that’s inexpensive to begin with? Start by looking where you would normally be hunting for DVDs and toiletries: Target. The megastore has a surprisingly good selection, including their GO International line, which carries designs by different designers that change every few months. Currently, Rogan for Target’s eco-friendly women’s wear line is in stock. Look to places like Target for affordable basics and swimwear.
Searching for another opportunity to find some inexpensive and trendy fashion that’s even closer to campus? Look no further than UC Irvine’s upcoming Sample Sale, organized by Associated Students of UCI. On Tuesday, May 20, come to the Student Center’s Emerald Bay and Doheny rooms to find tons of merchandise at factory prices. Approximate prices for some of the clothing include hats and T-shirts for $10 and shorts, backpacks and sweaters for $20 to $25. The brands include BB Dakota, Rocawear, Kallusive, The Other Duck, Stussy, Rad, Undefeated, USDA Clothing and more.
Now that you know how to fill up your closet for less, spread the knowledge and use those extra pennies to fill up your gas tank. Happy shopping!
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