Stylish

If I ever need to know the weather, footwear is a better indicator than most forecasts. Before raindrops have a chance to hit the pavement, rain boots have.

I get the logic behind rain boots. No one wants soggy socks and shriveled toes. But bear in mind fashion can leave you broke and dated in a matter of mere weeks.

College fashion dictates that rain boots are the “it” items for inclement weather. The craze crept slowly starting with yellow and black knee-high rain boots, yet developed shortly in to widespread patterns of paisley.  Before I knew it my impervious moccasins were fashion faux pas.

Practicality no doubt played its part in the adoption of this classic footwear. Yet, another leading factor was fashion magazines promoting the boots in arrays of colors and prints.

The unoriginality of everyone wearing them was somehow cancelled out by the originality one may feel by getting them in a rare Persian print for the low price of $500.  And, as we all know, everyone wants to be an original.

Marketing plays in to this fact. Companies realize that the key to selling a product is to make a subtle change to a classic product. We live in a society where novelty is key. Yet, don’t be fooled nothing is as innovative as it may seem.

The Wellington Boot was created in 1815 and is noted as the first rain boot. This style is not only dated, it’s old enough to have looked good on your great great great grandmother. Wellington Boot

Fashion is a lesson in history. Look at old photos and magazines and an obvious pattern emerges. The basic truth remains that the baseline for clothing has always been the same, with tweaks that make the styles more modern.

Do not buy in to the individuality ploy. Clothes do not make you an individual, your personality does. So just buy clothes that enhance yourself and make you feel good when looking at that sometimes foe, sometimes friend: the mirror.

Go to thrift stores and bargain shops. TJ Maxx and Ross are just some examples of retail establishments that have the latest fashions at manageable costs. And as for thrift stores, vintage is always in.

Trends circulate over the course of the years. Leggings and baggy sweaters are in style now and are reminiscent of the 80s. That’s because the same trend has just re-surfaced. Ask your parents to take a peak in their closet. You may find some hidden treasures.

So don’t spend a lot of money on items that will go back in the time capsule. Spend top dollar on the clothes that will stand the test of time. For instance, jeans are here to stay so paying for a nice pair would be an investment, not a waste.

Just keep fashion in perspective. Don’t always buy in to what everyone else is wearing. Sometimes it can be hard to resist the allure of cute clothes, but keep it to a minimum. Your wallet will thank you.

Now, I have to go put on my rain boots, it’s looking like rain. Hey, baby steps.

-KP

Ringing in the Holidays

As this is a blog geared toward college students, I'm sure I don't need to spend time detailing all the stresses that accompany student (read: broke) life.  But just for kicks, here's an illustration demonstrating how I usually spend my time:

The yellow portion of the chart is about to expand with the upcoming finals week.  Placed conveniently before winter break, I usually work so hard studying, forget to sleep, and make myself sick just in time for the holidays and just long enough to put off shopping until December 23rd.

Last year I felt like I didn't even register that the holidays were upon us until they were over.  As college students with a million other worries (like tweeting), sometimes it's easy to let the season go unnoticed, but there are a few easy and cheap ways to get into the holiday season.

Even if your wallet is feeling hungry, you can still "decorate on a dime."  Candy canes are inexpensive but hung up or placed around your house provide a little extra holiday cheer and a snack.

If you're like me, you don't discriminate what time of year is inappropriate to listen to Christmas music and play Jessica Simpson's Christmas album all through July (seriously it's a really good album).  Make a station on Pandora and while you're at it, bust out some classic movies or catch them on TV during ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas.

Research shows that our sense of smell is our most powerful sense.  You can create a cozy aroma in your own house without spending $35 on Yankee Candles (although if you want to by all means...as a sidenote I accept monetary donations as well as gifts in the form of candles, candy, as well as canned goods).  Add some left over orange peels and a little (or a lot, you really can't go wrong) cinnamon into a pot of water over low heat.  It'll leave your house smelling delectable for days.

There are also plenty of holiday-related events coming up on campus, including concerts, carriage rides in the arboretum, and one that I'm particularly excited about...a special screening of Love Actually at Grafton Stovall today through Friday.  Happy Holidays!

Seriously, what part of dressing as an octopus DOESN'T put you in the holiday spirit?

-SD

Harrisonburg on Parade!

Last night was Harrisonburg's annual Christmas parade, which ran down South Main Street in Downtown Harrisonburg.

I went to this parade expecting to see a few people sitting on the sidewalk watching a few halfhearted floats meander down the street.  I was SO wrong.  The Harrisonburg community really put on a good show.   

The parade included floats from churches, girl scout troops and roller skaters.  Bands from local High Schools and JMU's own Marching Royal Dukes were also featured in the parade.

My friends and I were sitting on the side of the road behind a large group of kids.  They LOVED absolutely everything about the parade, and were not afraid to show it.  The kids were laughing, talking, and just enjoying the parade, and seeing how excited they were really made the night for my friends and I.

Makes you wish you were still a little kid at Christmas.  

After the parade was done, we walked around Downtown Harrisonburg admiring the lights, looking through stores, and just mingling with the other people who came out for a festive night.  We got some delicious coffee from a coffee truck on the side of the road and enjoyed the beautiful night.

The night culminated with a performance by the Marching Royal Dukes in Court Square to accompany the Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The MRD's were in their prime (as usual) and the ceremony was very enjoyable.  

I realized that I often get lost in the "JMU Bubble."  I forget that there are lots of other people living in the Harrisonburg community besides JMU students.  Seeing other community members come together for an entertaining event like this definitely makes Harrisonburg feel more like home.  

-RC