If you are reading this blog, it is safe to say that you are into fashion. Whether you are a haute couture connoisseur, Project Runway’s biggest fan, or just an average shopaholic-a passion for fashion runs through your veins.

However, as consumers in the fashion industry, often all we get to see is the final product.  So much creativity and work goes on behind the scenes that we are not apart of.  If only we could be by a designer’s side at all times throughout the process.

Fortunately, we have future fashion designers right here on campus that dedicate hours upon hours to brainstorming, sketching, sewing and the overall construction of clothes. 

So to bring you closer to fashion, I am going to sit in on fashion design classes and spend time with the students during studio hours.  Then, every Thursday, I will update you on current student designs and blog about life as a design student. 

At the end of the semester, the seniors in the program will present their lines in a fashion show, where we can see the final products.  And just think, it all came straight from the sketchpad!

A couple of years ago, fashion-forward Americans were all about emulating that disheveled, devil-may-care hipster look that British fashion gods model Kate Moss and actress Sienna Miller made au courant.  The goal: Look like you got dressed in the dark.  Messy hair, fedoras, vests and herbal cigarettes were the usual accessories du jour along with this week’s Hoosier Don’t: the hippie headwrap.

Recently, fashion has made a dramatic 180-degree shift from “I just jumped out of bed” to polished and prim. Tousled ringlets, knit berets and body conscious high-waisted skirts have seamlessly replaced bed head, fedoras and low-slung stovepipes.  But to my dismay, hippie headwraps remain a staple accessory in IU students’ closets.  There are three reasons why I beg you, dear Hoosiers, to give up this heinous hair accessory for the love of all that is decent.

1. It tackily clashes with this season’s polished looks.
2. You might as well wear a flashing sign that screams, “I’m a poser!” When you wear a hippie headwrap with anything other than paisley print thrift store finds doused in patchouli oil, it’s obvious you’re a pseudo-hippie, desperately clutching to a stale trend.
3. They make your hair look like crap – the elasticity in hippie headwraps creates an awkward bulge of hair at the top of the head that is extremely unflattering.

But don’t fret, my hippie headwrap-loving pet – for this week’s Hoosier Do will ensure that your hair need not be bare this winter.  The cute cousin to the hippie headwrap – the adorned headband – has been stealing the show this season.  These headbands can be decorated with anything from rosettes to feathers to (my personal favorite) bows, and are much more appropriate with the polished trends of today.  You can get them at Urban Outfitters or Forever 21, but I bought mine (see picture above) from Claire’s at the College Mall.

And remember: Just because you live in the IU bubble, doesn’t give you an excuse to be a Don’t!

Photos: Maggie Conner; Model: Jaime Grebitus

   I can’t tell you how many unsuccessful hours and second degree burns I have endured while thinking about how I could hula dance and drink my coffee too, but leave it up to the IU Art Museum with their Coffeehouse Night to find a way. On the Thursday, from 7-9 p.m., enjoy some South Pacific Art, ukulele musicians accompanied by hula dancing, and of course, samples of some fine java.

   A way to keep your look artsy with a just a shot of tropical flavor is to try a ruffled chiffon floral top or floral cami, which you will see quite a lot of this upcoming spring. Old Navy has nice camis for an even nicer price of $3.99 and there’s just enough ruffle to soften the look without turning into a life-size Barbie. Pair it up with a nice cardigan so you don’t freeze on your way. If you don’t have one, shame on you, but you’re in luck; with winter sales, a cardigan is easy to come by for cheap.

   If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Old Navy, Wet Seal has a similar top for $10, or if you don’t like the style, I suggest the floral halter at Charlotte Russe for $9.99.  Wear these feminine shirts with a pair of black or dark jeans that’s already in your closet to give it balance and slip on a pair of flats that tie in with the top or if you’re daring, brave the winter winds with a pair of sandals to embrace the theme.

Today’s receipt:

Floral top: $3.99 -10.00

Cardigan (optional): $9.99 (Old Navy Block Cardigan, you pick your color)

Total: $14 -$26

 Hope you go check out Coffeehouse Night at the IU Art Museum. I’m off to hula some coffee.

Keiara

    Since this is a fashion blog, let me tell you about a shirt I have. This shirt proudly states, “Fashion is not a luxury.” Now, the usual follow up comment is, “What is it then?” My friends, my response is always the same: “it’s a necessity”.

    You see, the word luxury entails objects that are expensive and out of reach for the everyday consumer. Fashion isn’t allowed for the few, it’s deserved for the masses.

    That’s why I’m here.

    Every Monday, I’ll find a cool event right here in Bloomington and show you how to get dapper without putting a damper on your wallet. The next time you pay for luxury will be on a Monopoly board.

I have a feeling that Garfield isn’t going to hate Mondays anymore, I sure don’t!

Keiara  

There are loads of fantastic things that come with living in the Indiana University bubble – a warm, familiar environment, a relatively carefree lifestyle and amusement from introducing clueless visitors to alien terms like “Hairy Bears” or “Sink the Biz.”

However, there are also drawbacks to living in the bubble.  Fashion trends tend to spread like wildfire until the entire campus accepts them without question as part of the student body uniform.  North Face jackets, leggings, Uggs, Wayfarers, headbands and peace sign accessories specifically come to mind.  Some of these Hoosier trends work, but some NEED TO GO.

This is where I come in.  My blog is Hoosier Dos & Don’ts, and I’m here to tell you which trends are still hot (and where to get them in B-town), and which trends are long past their expiration date.

And remember: Just because you live in a bubble doesn’t give you an excuse to be a Don’t!

This is the new IDS fashion blog. Contributors Kelara Carr, Bryan Payton, Amanda Cocharra and maggie Connor will be discussing a variety of fashion topics.