Don’t tell any of my professors this, but I love to read. And with all these April showers, it serves as an excellent excuse to stay dry until I see some evidence of May flowers.

       That is why I am extremely excited about the InULA Book Sale happening this weekend in the Herman B Wells Library. It’s free admission, and all books range from $1- $4, with marked down prices on Sunday.

    Being a bookworm doesn’t mean you have to look like one, and in the spirit of literature, here are some looks inspired by some of my favorite novels.

Pride and Prejudice

Most of the plot takes place at the Bennett’s residence, which is in the country.  The feeling of nature in this Charlotte Russ floral top for $9.99 combined with flowy femininity is reminiscent of the romantic motif of any Jane Austen novel. Plus florals in the spring is always in.

Catcher in the Rye

The main character Holden Caulfield is a private school dropout, but has a clean-cut look. The “boyfriend” look is popular this season and one staple garment that should be in your closet is the Boyfriend blazer at Target for $13.99. The catch is to wear the blazer at least one size bigger to get that oversized masculine look, and stay femme by pairing it up with a short spring dress.

The Bell Jar

Esther Greenwood, at the beginning of the novel, is in New York City and loves wearing a black shift dress when she goes out on the town. I believe that every girl should have that little black dress because it can be laid-back and, with a simple change of accessories, can be formal. This Forever 21 black knit dress for $16.80is basic yet functional for this season. The empire bustline also makes the dress fitting for all shapes.

 Today’s receipt:

Spring must-haves: $9.99 – $16.80

A great book :          $1.00-$4.00

Total:                       $10.99 -$20.80

 Off to pinch some pennies for the book sale,

Keiara

This spring break, I was lucky enough to go to Tokyo with my IU International Public Relations class.  Part of the reason why I applied for a position in the class was so that I could witness the world famous street style of the Japanese, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Tokyo is a whirlwind of electric color and a hobknob of eccentricities, and the Japanese youth perfectly mirror their home.  Their fearless fashion was a huge distraction to me as I bumbled around clumsily attempting to navigate the bustling streets and subway stations like a typical American.

But the clothes, ah the clothes.  There were no rules for Tokyo style except to be loud, proud, whimsical and utterly outrageous.  I vied to copy their fabulous uniform down to the last detail.  On my last day in Japan, I bought a hooded blazer, a teeny white tutu, thigh high argyle socks, a cutesy giant strawberry ring and sky high lemon lime polka dot platform shoes in order to bring back to Bloomington the fantastical style I saw everywhere in Tokyo.

On the way back to the hotel, shopping bags in tow, I realized that copying the Tokyo look would be an impossible task.  Tokyo fashion isn’t about trying to fit a mold – it’s about individualism.

As IU students, we have an uncanny way of adopting a college uniform.  North Face fleeces, Ugg boots, black leggings and sweatshirts are easy and comfortable to wear, but the outfit lacks creativity.  Why not take a risk and add something shocking to your usual repertoire?  I promise you’ll turn heads and steal the spotlight with your Tokyo style individualism.

    Now that I am back from Spring break (and safely out of reach of my
parents), it’s only appropriate to bring up the subject of sins, the seven
deadly ones to be exact.

   Thankfully, this weekend the Windfall Dancers, will be give a picturesque
illustration of the deadly sins using dance at 8 p.m. in the John Waldrons
Arts Center for $12. Along with the performance, there will be a fun
lecture, so there is no need to worry how you’re going to figure out if you
are more into gluttony or slothfulness.

    And of course, you never need to worry about what to wear because that’s why
I’m here.

Make them green with envy

      Like you didn’t see this coming? But nevertheless, I am très
envious of the girl who steps out in this Mossimo Shirt Dress at Target for
$21.99 .The casual shape and the green print makes this dress very spring ready,
while the pleats and 3/4 sleeves take off the masculine edge. Leaving a
sweet and soft look that will have everyone else jealous.

Seeing red
     Don’t become wrathful now that red seems to get phased out once fall and
winter is over, keep the good times rolling in this Lucinda Embroidered
Dress at Forever 21 for $19.80. The floral embroidery is a fitting motif for spring and the fact is a tube
dress, will definitely make this a favorite during the summer months.

Blushing with pride
    Pride may be a deadly sin, but  you will look fabulous in this Ombre Halter
Dress from Charlotte Russe for $24.99. Put a new twist on the classic halter dress by opting for the gradient look.Pink is one of those staple colors of spring and with lightweight feel of
this dress, this season will be a breeze.

Today’s Receipt:

Dress:  19.80-24.99

I’m off to repent.
Keiara

Katie Murphey, a junior in the Independent Major Program for fashion design, visually mapped out her thought process. Not only did she decide what her design would be, but how it is constructed and what materials it is made out of.

Murphey quickly sketched her concept and listed what was required to make her jacket along with what was just a want or goal of hers.

Then, she drew out a more detailed sketch.

Three major fabrics went into Murphey’s design. Predominantly, she used a creme fashion fabric for the overall look. And horsehair canvas was meant to make the jacket sturdy. This was then paired with a sheer lining. She chose sheer, so the horsehair canvas on the inside would still be visible. 

“Construction excites me,” she said. 

So by making the inside visible, it emphases every tailored detail.

**Follow this link to view images of the fashion show: multimedia_file.aspx?file_id=24565

As I walked into the Waldron Arts Center Sunday and climbed up the fairly elegant flight of stairs, I thought to myself, this is the perfect place for a fashion show.  

My ears were guided to the right room by the sound of a live Jazz Band-New Orleans style.  When I stepped into the dimmed space, my excitement grew stronger as I noticed the “T” shaped runway, and a sea of gift bags for everyone in the audience.  

Nicole Album may only be a senior, but she definitely knew how to put on a true fashion show.

Album is part of the Independent Major Program in fashion design, and as her final project, she decided to feature her designs in a fashion show.  Since the beginning of this semester, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Album, and I believe she is an extraordinary designer. Most of her construction is flawless and her style shows true class.

And seeing the transformation of Album’s designs from the sketchpad to the runway was unforgettable.

Below is a Q&A between Album and I about Sunday’s fashion show.

How did you decide upon your inspiration?

“I knew I wanted to do something that had to relate to myself. I felt like my first fashion show had to be something about myself or a statement I wanted to make. It is the beginning of trying to market oneself, and the more personal the better.”

“I am from New Orleans, and basically that is where it started. It is mostly because of my internship in sweater design that the official title became the ‘iron-work of New Orleans.’ It was the curvilinear nature of knits and cables that really made this apparent to me.” 

Did you have a favorite fabric or color that you tried to incorporate throughout?

“My favorite fabrics were the laces I used. I bought them in New York, and even though they costed me a fortune, they were exactly what I had in mind. I also really liked a knit I found in the closet at the sewing lab. It was free and had been originally used in someone’s photoshoot a few years ago.”

What was your favorite piece that you designed and why?

“I do not have a favorite piece, because when you have worked on something for that long, you either get sick of everything, or find a little bit of yourself in everything-or both.”

“My top four would be the wedding dress, lingerie, gray dress, and sheath dress. I think these four represent my design aesthetic the best.”

How long have you been working on all the items featured in your show?

“I’ve been working on my garments and show for about two years.”  

How long did it take you to plan your fashion show?

“I started planning my fashion show in August 2008. I found contacts over the summer, and when I got back to school in the fall, I began finding a venue, photographer, videographer, models, a band, etc.”

Who were your models? Friends? Volunteers? How did they find out about it?

“I live with two of my models. I met the others through friends and a class fashion show I did last year. I had class with one of the others. They were all volunteers and did a great job.”  

Was the show part of your grade?

“The show itself is not graded, because our IMP faculty is not required to attend the actual event.”

“Since it is a live performance, a videotape and pictures are used in the grading process, along with a list of required documents such as two papers, costing, and illustrations.”

“Our actual garments are graded by our sponsors who are professors in our department.”

Did you pay for everything?

“Yes! I was lucky enough to get both a grant and two scholarships. I received a grant from the Hutton Honors College and two scholarships from the Bill Blass Scholarship Fund.”

Overall, how would you rate the outcome of your show? 

“Extremely Successful. I do not have any regrets, and I am in a state of immeasurable bliss.”  

Follow this link to view images of the fashion show: multimedia_file.aspx?file_id=24566

In the Willkie auditorium Saturday, Lauren Ison, a senior in the Independent Major Program for fashion design, hosted her final exhibition-a fashion show.

She designed her clothes around the life of Marilyn Monroe, and she calls her line ‘Whisper.’

Within one hour, everyone got a taste of who Ison is as a designer, and the results of her hard work as a design student over the past three years truly showed.

Ison said she is proud of her accomplishments, pleased with the show and thankful for everyone’s support.

Below is a Q&A between Ison and I about Saturday’s fashion show.

How did you decide upon your inspiration?

“I wanted an inspiration where I had the opportunity to experiment and create a wide range of styles.”

“The evolution of Marilyn seemed to fit perfectly, especially since Marilyn is so well known to everyone in America. However, I knew it would be very challenging yet interesting to bring in the aspect of Norma Jeane, whom wasn’t as well known, instead of being directly focused on her Hollywood lifestyle.”

Did you have a favorite fabric or color that you tried to incorporate throughout?

“I really enjoy all of my fabrics incorporated throughout my line. Fabric is also a major part of my design inspirations.”

“However as far as color goes, I seemed to have used pink quite a bit. I feel when people think of Marilyn, they think soft and luxurious, and I believe pink represents these factors also.”

What was your favorite piece that you designed and why?

“I would have to say my favorite piece was my ‘concept’ piece. This was to be made out of alternative material, which I uniquely chose to use condoms.”

“The reason for this is because Marilyn was very much so known as a major sex icon. Condoms seemed to be the best decision for me, and it was a very good learning experience as well as very fun.”

“Everyday I would go to the health center to collect condoms, since they could not be donated for educational reasoning. All of my health center visits were well worth my time, due to how well the piece turned out.”

“I believe this was my audiences’ favorite piece as well.”

How long have you been working on all the items featured in your show?

“I have been working on all of my items for about one and a half years. It seems like a while, but you have to take into consideration that as design students, we still have a full schedule like all other students, and we had to design and construct all of our garments outside of doing all other homework for our other classes. Staying focused and motivated was the key.”  

How long did it take you to plan your fashion show?

“I have been planning my show since Septmeber 2008, although the thought process actually began around January of 2008.”

 Who were your models? Friends? Volunteers? How did they find out about it?

“All of my models were my friends. I knew I could count on all of them for whatever I needed.”

“Also, they are all different sizes, which I knew would give me a wide range of experience in fitting all kinds of different body types.”

Was the show part of your grade?

“The show was the presentation part of my grade.”

“The video of the show will actually be turned in as the presentation, the show was a treat for everyone.” 

Did you pay for everything?

“I did pay for everything, but I am hoping to gain some back from grants I will be applying for.”

Were you pleased with the crowd turnout?

“I was very pleased with the crowd turn out. Many friends and family from home (Milan, IN) traveled two hours to see what I have been doing in my college career, and they were very impressed.”

“Also, many friends and fellow students attended the show which really pleased me, because I was able to show them the final outcome of all my work. Most of them have seen my progression, so I am sure it was nice for them as well to see the show and all the pieces together.”

“I had so many positive compliments, and it made me feel like I have accomplished a major goal in my life. All my hard work definitely paid off. I was very proud of myself.”

 Overall, how would you rate the outcome of your show? What might you do differently?

“I believe the outcome of my show was so extraordinary and a real accomplishment. I was very pleased with how well things went. My dressers were very organized and understanding of what exactly I needed them to do.”

“The only thing I would do differently is start hair and make-up a bit early, this was the reasoning of the delay of the show starting.”

Women love small, cute things.  Give us a puppy, a baby or even a tiny little cupcake and we’re entertained for hours.

But when it comes to shoes this season, go big or go home.  Designers like Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin and Gucci proved to us that bigger is indeed better when it comes to heel heights.  Embellishments like fringe, beads and futuristic details are also definitely welcome.  Since the shoes this spring are so outrageous, let them steal the spotlight.  Build your outfit around your shoes instead of the other way around.

I am only 5’2, so while I have an absolute fetish for towering footwear, other women need a flatter shoe to stay shorter than their boyfriends.  These tall, blessed women still want to look dressed up so they settle for this week’s Don’t – the wretched “kitten” heel.  The “kitten” heel is a cute term for the very uncute midget sized heel.  Standing at around 1” tall, this style of shoe is a sorry imitation for the sexy stiletto.

Dear supermodel sized girlfriends, your tiny heels belong in a dumpster, as they look absolutely ridiculous on your size 9 feet.  Instead, opt for the dressy flat.  These can come bejeweled or outfitted in gorgeous materials like patent, satin or python and will match your party garb beautifully.  You can buy them from just about any top designer, or if you’re trying to save some dough, J.Crew has plenty of suitable options.

Or you can own your fabulous model height, rock this season’s fantastical footwear and say to hell with your boyfriend’s ego.  Look to Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for inspiration.

       At the beginning of the school year, I crowned my half of my dorm room with a photograph of Audrey Hepburn gazing into a store window, looking absolutely fabulous with a cigarette and cup of coffee.
       I thought to myself,”How fashionista of me! Here I am, giving praise to vintage and slightly sticking my nose up to those girls who have no idea that the photo was taken for the fantastic movie ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.”
       It took one trip to T.I.S. Bookstore and one too many Hepburn-themed dorm rooms for me to realize that there is a clamor, not just from me, but for a lot of ladies, over decorating with this type of iconic glamour.
      Lucky for us all, Ryder films is showing “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” downstairs
in the Fine Arts building on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. for $5. And to celebrate the look that hangs from every girl’s wall, why not show up looking like a modern Hepburn?
    There is nothing more chic than a black dress that has shape, and for my revamped Hepburn-inspired look, I picked this soutache dress from Charlotte Russe for $12.49. It has that great shape of the original dress, but replaces the chunky pearls, that may seem a little granny with a swirl soutache neckline. The funky contrast brings back the youthful feel.
   Replace the Hepburn tiara-like hair accessories with a feather headband from
Target for $7.99. Anytime you feel your vintage look is step away from current and into nursing home, try adding a fun accessory like feathers, to revive it.
   As for the elbow gloves, let those arms breath and go without them. However, if you’re feeling slightly daring, my pick are these lace and skull fingerless gloves from Claire’s for $6.50. Granted, it’s a little 1980s Madonna, but the sinful look of the lace gloves is a great contrast with the formal feel of the dress.
  Finish your look with a pair of black pantyhose and pumps, or to keep the
funky contrast fluid, try a pair of white pumps. Anyway you do it, you can’t forget the shades, even if it’s evening.

Today’s Receipt:
Black dress:      $12.49

Headband:        $ 7.99

Gloves

(optional):        $6.99

Total:        $20.48-$27.47

So much for being trendsetter.

Keiara

Immerse yourself in fashion this weekend with two student fashion shows! 

*Lauren Ison, senior IMP in fashion design.

Saturday, March 7 at 5p.m. on campus at the Willkie Auditorium.

*Nicole Album, senior IMP in fashion design.

Sunday, March 8 from 3-4p.m. at the John Waldron Arts Center. (122 South Walnut, Bloomington, IN).

Freedom. That’s all Clair Gilbert was asking for.

So, she quickly changed her focus from theater to fashion. Gilbert is currently a senior majoring in Apparel Merchandising and earning a Fashion Design Certificate.

Although the program assigns particular projects through class work, Gilbert said she has a special interest in millinery or hat making.

Both the Fashion Design Certificate and the Individualized Major Program in Fashion Design are very time consuming. 

Gilbert said she does most of her sewing at home, but still spends around 5-10 hours in the studio each week.

I guess freedom requires more work than one would think.

*Fun Facts*

Favorite Designer: Alexander McQueen

Favorite Store: Cactus Flower (located at 322 E, Kirkwood Ave.)

“I love vintage stores and hole in the wall, random places,” Gilbert said.  “I like to re-design stuff.”

Her style defined: a colorful mix

“I always mix styles,” Gilbert said.”  “One day I am preppy with punk and the next I am bohemian with vintage.”

Fabric closet inside the studio