The Longwood Look

We've Moved!

2011-07-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jenni, Amy and Megan have evolved and added another friend to our fashion family.

You can find us here at our new blog.

Chick Pee

2011-06-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

Posted by Jenni

Sorry we haven't been around much lately; what with finishing our degrees, adopting kittens, and working to afford our thrifty finds, we haven't found time to post!
Here's just a fun read from me to you about one of the inconveniences of clothing. I'm off to vintage shop (http://www.rockitagain.com/) with Look contributor Jared Dawdy.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Chick Pee

Have you ever used the restroom at an amusement park, museum, or concert? If so, you'll know what I mean when I say that the length of the line at the ladies' room is worse than customs when leaving Amsterdam. Why?

Five Items of Clothing Which Make Peeing Almost Impossible

-A prom dress. Prom typically takes a long-ass time to happen somewhere Far Away from Your House. That means you are stuck with an embarrassing dilemma - risk tossing your tulle and skewing your demurely disguised underwear, or holding it. My sophomore year, prom was on a boat. I was really, really thirsty when I got home.

-Button-fly jeans. I'm not sure why they even make button-fly jeans, because in the heat of the moment, you risk yanking the buttons off, which is sure to bring you plenty of "XYZ, dude. X Y Z." This could work to your advantage if it's April Fools Day, but it probably won't be.

-Anything tardy. Leotards. One-pieces. Tutus. Anything in one piece that requires a locker room. The advantage of this is that everyone else has to do it too, so you're not naked all by your lonesome. It must be hard for Lady Gaga.

-An apartment owned by someone of the opposite sex. Especially when you're tryna holla.

-A romper/jumper with tights. I made this mistake only this past semester and as a result, I had to get completely naked in the English building to pee. I would not recommend this sober. Drunk, it's understandable. Sober, it's cold.

So the next time you're waiting in line at a restroom, try to open your heart to those poor women who decided to dress up like the Little Mermaid that day.

XOXO,
Jenni

Hey, Longwood Look!

2011-04-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

What do we, like, actually wear?

We like this look because the dress is uber-spring, but the blazer is all business. We also keep the makeup quite pink, without too much dark eye makeup, and we love the heeled Oxfords - sexy without the plaid skirts and rulers.

Ryan McGuire (yes, a girl! Named Ryan!) rocks our skin-baring rule: Pick and choose. Since the dress is short and sleeveless, we gave her a long-sleeved cardigan, funky pop-art flats, and lots of textured necklaces. Amazing legs? Check.

Blogger behind both the Longwood Look and Freckled Italian (http://www.freckleditalian.com/) Megan Flynn always looks adorable, but especially in her electric sweater/tights match. By keeping those colors solid, the detail on the bodice of her dress pops, and those caramel heels are a delicious complement. Good sunglasses are a must - instant celebrity, and fewer wrinkles later. What's not to love?

On-campus collaborator Amy Jackson uses neutrals to her advantage in this photo; the orange cat pairs well with her violet tights. We're kidding! She incorporates that mysterious sex appeal that comes in darker, more muted color palettes, and proves that casual shoes can make an outfit (and person) way more approachable.

This is an idea for spring at night - espadrilles, brighter lip color, longer earrings, and a messy updo. To achieve said messy updo, scrunch a curl cream into hair and let air-dry, then tie into a low pony or bun. Wrap hair around the tie to be a little more grown-up.

What's your favorite look? Did we miss one of your favorite outfit combinations? Let us know! We love to hear from you here, on Facebook, or at longwoodlook@gmail.com.

Fashionably yours,
The Longwood Look

Welcome, happy morning!

2011-04-24T17:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter from the Longwood Look!

Long Skirts: Romance or Rack?

2011-04-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Posted by Jenni

This spring, long, swishy skirts are splashed across the pages of all our fave fashion mags, and although the styling is gorgeous, like the outfit idea below...

(Image: The Style Sample http://thestylesample.com/category/vintage-thrift-finds/page/2/)

I'm not sure it's for me. I love long dresses, so I should love long skirts, right? They're romantic, interesting, and hey, if I really hate them so much, I can just pull them up and have a new strapless dress!

(Image: Bachman's Sparrow http://www.bachmanssparrow.com/blog/)

How cute is she? The stripes are nautical with the rope belt, the jacket brings some edge, and the scarf as a headwrap? Swank. Love the nude cutouts - definitely this season's heels to own!

It seems to boil down to creativity: if you have a hankering for a long skirt, find one that you love, and use things you already own to use it more than one way.
Outfit idea: your new (or thrifted!) long skirt worn as a dress, a military-inspired blazer and a skinny (metallic!) belt. We love wedges, but if they're not for you, a gladiator sandal (with a pedicure!) will also be fab. Pinning half your hair up with a pretty barette won't hurt, neither ;)

So, are you convinced that long skirts are worth a try? Let us know here or at longwoodlook@gmail.com.

XOXO, Jenni

Things we love

2011-03-14T19:56:00.001-07:00

Posted by Jenni, Amy, Megan, Jared Dawdy, and Casey Walker

Since I'm abstaining from shopping lately, it's given me an opportunity to evaluate what makes my life better and happier on a smaller scale, so I thought it would be a good excuse to bother some of the best writers and chicest people in my life.

The original question: What helps you get through your everyday?

Amy

"5 hour energy, all the way. I think that because I don't eat meat and as a result don't get many B vitamins. It makes me feel really great for the rest of the day when I take one. And it's not so packed with caffeine that I can't also enjoy a cup of coffee or four.

It's a tie between that and my perfume (Pure Poison by Dior). Smelling it throughout the day is a mood-booster for me. Something about wearing (a sensible amount of) perfume and earrings seem to add instant lady-ness to even the most casual or hastily thrown together outfit."

Megan

"First of all, breakfast.

Second, I agree with Amy about perfume. I wear Princess by Vera Wang and it just makes me happy.

Also, you can't go wrong with a good ponytail or high bun.

My obsession with J.Crew heels has turned into a compulsion to own them, so I wear a pair of those every day to work. I've gotten to the point where I feel strange in flats.

Last but not least, nail polish. I like dark colors or a nude pink. OPI or Essie."

Jared

"Hmmm well first of all, coffee. I cannot and will not get through my day without that in the morning.

A good shower in the morning and using bath and body works shower gel is awesome; it smells woodsy and refreshing, I like it. My body spray or cologne is nice and makes me feel like I always smell good too, I suppose haha. Not a major big deal but it is certainly a plus to know I smell good.

In general looking good is important; for me, I can't roll into class with bed hair, in sweatpants I slept in, and no shower. I need that good shower and just in general looking together to even begin remotely "feeling" together."

Casey

"Well since Jared stole my main item (Bath and Body Works shower gel) I must say that I can't do anything without my sunglasses. Even if it's raining I'll instinctively put them on and then just look like a tool in class.

Without cable and less and less things to watch on Netflix, my guitars come in real handy every once in a while too (I enjoy looking at them)

In addition, I have a Phillips Sonicare toothbrush that just makes cleaning fun!

Hope this rare glimpse into my day to day helps."

Jenni

Despite the above picture, I really love my hair. I apply TIGI Bedhead curl cream to it, blow-dry parts of it, pin it in many directions, then go. I also pretty much live for eyeliner; my all-time favorite is Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx. I love Daisy by Marc Jacobs to spritz over my hair. My hair is pretty glam by now.

I completely deflate without diet soda. I drink at least one a day, sometimes at breakfast. I know.
I also love to read. Every night before I go to sleep.

Thank you, everyone! Look forward to more posts from our Special Correspondents Casey Walker and Jared Dawdy (Jared is a photographer! See his photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valondite/)

Fashionably yours,
The Longwood Look

Without a Debt

2011-03-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Posted by Jenni

Yesterday I endured the torrents of rain in order to have a delicious Vietnamese lunch and then to go shopping. When I got home, I gathered my recent purchases and hauled them up to my room, where instead of hanging or folding, I simply stared in amazement.

I had bought this...

and this...

and these too!

In a matter of days, I managed to render my recent paycheck null and void. So I decided to follow through on my faith and abstain from clothes (and shoe) shopping for Lent. For Jesus, and for me.

How am I going to do this?

When God closes a door, I open a bucket of mango margaritas.

XOXO, Jenni

P.S. Black coat-dress, Vera Wang, Kohl's. Printed flower dress, Banana Republic Factory Outlet. Belt, Betsey Johnson, at Marshalls. Three graphic tees, all Banana Republic Factory Outlet.

The Bobeau Effect

2011-02-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

Posted by Jenni

I've recently discovered a new term for the merge of bohemian and downtown: Bobeau (pronounced "bo-bo"). The idea is to take something bohemian in origin and mix it with something urban, like a jewel-tone top with an organic woven detail at the neckline.
For me, this was something of a discovery; I had never been able to pin down a definitive term for my wardrobe, but bobeau hits it right on the spot. My clothes are whimsical, but I wouldn't classify myself as hippie-chic. The difference? The way I pair my clothes puts away the sixties vibe and any notion of 'costume'.
You might wonder how we think of these things at the Look, and the truth is that most of the time, we're just selective about what we purchase. Amy loves military-inspired clothes, so she often looks for something more delicate or feminine to balance them. Balance is a good word to keep in mind.

See how these earrings are bobeau? They're feathered, but they're attached to a rhinestone-studded sphere. When I wear these, I tie my hair back and I don't wear a necklace, but I do wear a funky graphic tee and a long sweater. They're an accent; they're meant to hint at a look, not scream one.

These fab shoes are another example of bobeau with their floral pattern and modern shape. They look awesome with a skirt and tights or skinny jeans, and they're even better if your pedicure chips. Both pieces at Forever 21 stores and forever21.com.

If you have a new style, don't hesitate to let us know right here, right now. Send us pics, too!

XOXO, Jenni

Capris, or not capris?

2011-02-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

Posted by Jenni

This question never bothered me until I read the latest issue of Real Simple magazine; apparently, capris or capri pants are one of the hot items this spring. Real Simple is neck-and-neck with Glamour for my favorite magazine, and about 95% of the time, I agree with their judgment. But now I'm not so sure.

Capris for me have always looked best on women who are naturally petite. I'm 5'7" and curvy to start, but I also have a long torso and disproportionately skinny calves for my frame. Therefore, anything that stops abruptly interrupts the lines of my clothes, and I feel awkward and uncomfortable. So I was pretty reluctant to take Real Simple's advice this time, until they styled their models with the "high and low" aesthetic.

realsimple.com

In the above photo, they've chosen some skinny capris with a T-strap flat (or kitten heel), an embroidered wrap, and a loose white blouse. The contradiction of the shapes creates visual interest, and the mixture of the fancier tops with a short, casual pant is fun.
Everyone at the Look loves the high-low style because it forces us to be creative and shakes up the way we look at our wardrobes. I like to wear loose V-neck tees with skinny jeans, beat up sneakers, and this amazing Betsey Johnson necklace.

If you want to try out the capris trend, Marshalls and TJ Maxx have options in a variety of sizes at fair prices, and my personal shoe pick for these tricky trousers? Wedge sandals. They'll give your legs length and height, they're actually comfortable, and our fashion Tarot cards predict hotness. Bon voyage!

XOXO, Jenni

Rent the Runway

2010-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

What are you doing for New Year's Eve this year? If you have a party to go to but nothing to wear, check out Rent the Runway. It's pretty much the coolest thing in the world because it lets you rent designer dresses for a fraction of the retail price. Pick a price starting at $50 and they'll send you your dress in two sizes, then you just wear it and send it back in a pre-paid package within four days. So so cool.

I was going to wear this pretty thing on the 31st:

image

But, I decided to wait (My mom and I went on a little shopping spree at J.Crew recently that resulted in about four new dresses). RTR credited my money and now I'm waiting to use it to rent a ball gown for a black tie event in 2011!

Check it out for your NYE parties--there might still be time!

<3 Megan

Pixies, Princesses, and Pick Combs

2010-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

By Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer

It's a dilemma that every Longwood lady faces mid-semester. Should you wait until you go home to get your hair cut, or brave the salons in Farmville? In recent years, a few new places have opened their doors to style-savvy citizens of the area. We've consulted an expert panel of judges (our friends), and here are the verdicts.

The Great Escape. This 'spalon' features an impressive repertoire of luxury treatments, from pedicures to perms. If you're looking for a lovely gift, they have spa day certificates, and Jenni's roommate once got a bold pixie cut there. However, it was hard for her to style it, and it can be expensive if all you need is a trim. It's across the street from Macado's for a complete beauty experience.

The Highlight Zone (formerly known as Total Image) sits right outside Midtown Square on Fourth Street. We've not personally been there, but two beautiful women with fabulous hair both recommended it to us independently of each other. It's a small shop, so make sure you call ahead to see if anyone is available, and if you walk in, you may have to wait.

The Outer You probably gets a lot of Longwood patronage solely based on their primo location. It's in the same building as Moe's, for those of you that never venture outside of your rooms. This salon employs a decent number of stylists, so Amy had no problem walking in. They were fast and efficient, as well as accommodating to the style that you desire. It would be helpful to specify what technique you would like your hair to be cut with, if you are familiar with it. Otherwise you could end up with something that isn't quite what you are used to as a result of the wide variety of methods they use. Like the Highlight Zone, the Outer You charges a middle of the road sort of price. For specific pricing, you can pop in and grab a brochure.

Raffles is a skinny corridor of a shop in the Walmart shopping center, to the left of CATO and the right of the Dollar Tree. It was recommended to us by one of our very stylish friends (Moe) and we tried it on for size. It is the most economical option of these four, and the staff was warm and friendly. Despite the extreme difference in our hair types they were able to edge up Amy's bob and successfully layer Jenni's lengthy curls. They also offer a wide selection of salon brand hair care products.

Hopefully your previous life experience has educated you on what sort of cut and style makes your hair look its best. Knowing the lingo can help streamline the salon visit. If you don't know, you could call your hometown stylist and ask or hit up Google. We typically ask for a dry cut, and often this will reduce the total cost and time. This means that they don't shampoo or style it, but we like to style our new cuts ourselves anyway. Another useful tip is to look for and request a stylist that has a similar hair type to yours. If you like his or her hair, chances are that your new style will have that flair. Also, if a trusted friend recommends a salon to you, go for it!

Anywhere we missed? Let us know right here right now.

Reboot Your Fall Fashion

2010-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Longwood Look: Reboot Your Fall Fashion
Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer

The past few weeks, almost every Longwood lady decided to bust out their boots as the temperature dipped below seventy degrees. It’s refreshing for us to see the shift in footwear away from flimsy flip-flops or scuffed up sneakers, and we thank you. You already know how we feel about notorious UGG boots, so let’s move on. Here are some of our favorites, and how to wear them.
-Everyday boots. These are the staple pieces of your fall shoe wardrobe. Yes, we have separate wardrobes for shoes, and we fully support your shoe habitat. We fondly call our favorite everyday boots ‘Link Boots’, a nickname befitting the hero of the Legend of Zelda saga. These are typically leather, suede, or canvas, and the toe comes to a rounded point. They also usually fold over at the top, which hits mid-calf on the leg. They look best with opaque tights or skinny jeans (which we wear constantly) and they keep us warm in our icy early walks around campus. Equestrian style boots are similar, but they come up a little higher on the leg and they’re usually leather in varying shades of brown or black. They are a little more polished because the material holds its shape and lies closer to the skin, so it suggests a more expensive-looking product; however, if you follow our shopping guidelines, you won’t have a problem finding a great price. The most popular everyday boot we’ve seen we call short slouchy boots. For once, we don’t mean ‘slouchy’ in the sweat pant way. These boots are usually embellished with buckles, patterns, or buttons to add interest to the regular shape of the shoe. We think these go the best with pants (other than the equestrian style) and they are the most simple to pair with casual looks. It’s also quite easy to find a unique pair that fits well with your personal style. For example Jenni has a brown leather pair that has one large buckle on the side, whereas Amy has a grey suede pair with three small straps and buckles. Even though structurally they are very similar, the effect is different. Look for ones that complement pieces that you already have in your winter wardrobe.

pumpsicle.com

-Shake your booties. Booties are the short dressy heeled boots that can be either very professional or very flirtatious. This is determined not only by the boot, but how you wear it. Typically, black or brown booties can fit into both categories. It’s super easy to turn a daytime professional outfit into a thirsty Thursday outfit with these boots in ‘toe’. They have the perfect sexy to successful ratio and the combination makes for a powerful statement. If you want to feel a little fancier on a mundane school day you can pair them with dress slacks (unlike the other casual styles). We like to wear them with tights and a pencil skirt, or if you are brave you can match them with nude stockings and a dress.

fashionmefabulous.com

-Quirky boots are best left to whatever occupation spawned them, like cowboys and Indians. There are situations in which they can be acceptable, but if you start to look legitimately like a hippie, Pocahontas, or a cowherd, you’ve gone too far. This is what people (we) mean when they say outfits are costumey, so make sure those boots are the statement piece of your look. Leave your Birkenstock-esque clogs at home, because you look like you skinned a potato and wore it on your feet. Yes, you can wear them to get the mail or walk the dog. Preferably before the sun comes up.

Buzznet.com
-Where to find these fabulous footsies? We love to shop, but our favorite boot Mecca is Rugged Wearhouse in Lynchburg, VA. They have bangin’ boots for few bucks, and they’re only forty-five minutes away. See you there!

Headbands

2010-10-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I really, really love fun headbands, don't you?
What's your favorite hair accessory?

The J.Crew factory stores in Lynchburg have all kinds of fun goodies.

Compared to the pricey ones in the retail stores, this feathered headband was a steal for just $10.

<3 Megan

Desperately Seeking Fashion in Farmville

2010-10-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Longwood Look: Desperately Seeking Fashion in Farmville
Jenni Schweitzer & Amy Jackson

Every Farmville fashionista mourned the loss of the Dressing Room; it was the premiere distributor of clothing with labels that you would be proud to flaunt in our humble college town. (It was even mentioned in a featured article in Glamour about little black dresses.) So what’s a well-dressed girl to do? We have some pretty creative and economical ideas that don’t involve lassoing your girlfriends and hitting the open trail.

-Buy in Belk. Get it? It’s the only department store this side of the Appomattox. They’re well-stocked with an array of interesting pieces, especially flattering tops and mountains of boots. Their collection of accessories polishes the bejeweled gamut of different tastes, from pearl necklaces to python rings. We manage to find a great deal every time we go there – they often have sales up to 80 % off apparel, Pfaltzgraff, and toaster-ovens. Jenni recently scored two scarves for $5 each, both marked down from $40. You may have to search around for pieces that suit your style, because their stock mostly caters to working, professional women and their trend-tastic daughters. That’s not a bad thing at all, it just makes you work harder to avoid those jelly-filled ballet flats.

-Cato is located to the left of Wal-Mart off Main Street. Despite its moderately large size, you may not have noticed it thanks to the giant Wal-Mart. Cato specializes in clothing for the working woman, but mixed into their pantsuits and pencil skirts are some spicy items. Leather jackets, bright heels, and bras that look like they were meant for the Victoria’s Secret runway? Yes please! When these bras are ten dollars a pop, it’s completely justifiable to buy five of them in one visit. To us, anyway.

-Guinea Creek Crafts: don’t know where it is? That’s why we're here. It’s on Main Street across from Charley’s, one salon down from Penelope’s. Among beautiful woodwork and baskets, they have candles, holiday décor, and our favorite, earrings. Their earrings are all different, interesting, and a dollar fifty each. At a price like that, you can buy a pair for everyone who loyally follows your Twitter feed as a thank-you gift. For those of you who can have candles, this is the perfect resource, and if you like to decorate for Halloween, be sure to pick up a ghostly gourd or just browse the Halloween/Christmas room.

-Goodwill hunting: you have to search to find buried treasure. It’s located in the shopping center with Buffalo Wild Wings and Rite Aid. Among all the ridiculous 80’s windbreakers there are some real gems. Sometimes a little bit of quirkiness from Goodwill is the perfect thing to pull a boring outfit out of dullsville. For example, Amy recently found a nautical striped blouse complete with shoulder buttons for about three bucks. Jenni found a bright striped blouse with a ruffle, which she dubbed "Circus-chic". On our last journey, we also found books, belts, and got mugs for free with our purchases.

For those of you that haven’t had three to four years of exploring Farmville, we hope this is a helpful guide for your adventures in style.

Rainy Day Hair

2010-09-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's been very chilly and raining non-stop for the past few days here in Roanoke, and it made me start thinking about that fall fashion that I love so much. Leggings, boots, sweaters, hats--scarves!!!!! I get ridiculously excited about being able to wear these items of clothing again and I think I start to bother everyone around me with my enthusiasm.

The only problem with all this rain is my hair.

When I was back at Longwood, I just wrapped a scarf around my head or threw on a knitted cap--it was so simple to go to class and look cute, even in the rain. But now I have to go to work every day, and I feel like hats are sort of awkward in the office.

So, what's my new head hero? A braid, pulled over to the side. It looks good no matter how my hair is acting, and even when my bangs peek out the side or my layers start falling out of the braid in the back, I can just pin them back and continue with my day! I actually think that the messier it gets, the better it looks.

we heart it

What's your go-to rainy day hairstyle? What about for you short-haired ladies?

Happy puddle jumping!
<3 Megan

Stating the Obvious - You're Chic

2010-09-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Longwood Look: Stating the Obvious – You’re Chic
By Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer

Clothing falls into a few main categories; staple pieces, statement pieces, etc. Staple pieces and statement pieces can work together beautifully to create a visually interesting, yet polished look. Here’s the breakdown on how they can work together in perfect fashion harmony.

-Staples: not the office supply store. This term refers to the meat and potatoes of your wardrobe. And by that we mean the t-shirts, the jeans, the sweaters, and the opaque black tights. Alone these items seem pretty casual, comfortable, and safe. In this case the word “safe” implies a lack of risk, not a lack of physical safety. It could, if your staples include 9-inch heels. These tried-and-true classics can either serve as a foundation for your outfit, or you can tailor the use of them around a statement piece.

-Statements: they’re not written, but they’re worth a thousand words. These are the thrilling items that sit at the back of your closet until a day you feel extra daring. And when that day comes we’ll be waiting to photograph you for the Longwood Look blog. We love to see you look awesome. You may be wondering, “What exactly are they talking about?” In definitive terms a statement piece is something that is unusual and eye-catching. This could be a result of the structure of the garment, the fabric, the color, or it could become a statement piece through juxtaposition. We mean those crazy high heels with huge flowers on them, that gigantic necklace, or a feminine colored fabric cut into a masculine silhouette. To make these seem feasible (and not so Moulin Rouge), pair them with the staples.

Image:ModCloth.com

Generally, you should wear only one statement piece at a time, unless it’s Halloween, or you are Lady Gaga. But by all means, draw inspiration from her, just match that inspiration with staples. For example, one of Jenni’s favorite pieces is part-tutu, which she tones down with opaque tights and simpler jewelry. It’s fun and slightly unorthodox, and it is whimsical because it’s familiar yet out-of-place. Most importantly, it is the focus of the overall look. If you don’t have anything, don’t worry, and start small. Maybe trying a top with zippers for seams or a wild necklace on a Saturday night can up your confidence to the point where you can wear the infamous bubble dress. Why not?

-On the flip side, when all you wear are everyday staples, things can be a little boring. Accessories to the rescue! There are so many ways that they can accentuate your personality without overwhelming it. We’re talking about everything from headbands to scarves to bags and onward. Amy likes to wear a feathered headband, or occasionally a vintage scarf to jazz up a plain tee or a tame sweater. Think about the kinds of things you are attracted to and include them in your collection of accessories. If you are a fan of animal prints, for example, use them sparingly. Accessories are the perfect dose of your wilder side.
We strongly encourage all of you beautiful people to take fashion risks, and don’t fear any statement piece. It’s heartbreaking to hear someone say “I like that, but I could never pull it off.” You can pull it off! Don’t be afraid to try it, and also don’t hesitate to ask a friend for help. Or ask us! We’re here for you. Promise.

One-Piece Wonder

2010-09-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Longwood Look: One-Piece Wonder
By Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer

Imagine that you just woke up for class, and you have a total of fifteen minutes to grab a cup of coffee, get dressed, and get there. What’s the obvious solution on these 90 degree rushed days? A one-piece wonder, of course. You only have to pick out one item (practically), and you’re out the door. We’re all in favor of this, until it comes to the one-size-fits-all dress. You know this dress; it looks like three separate pieces, but it’s actually one dress. The fabric on the top is a different shade or print than the skirt. You probably have this dress, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but when it comes to loading your closet with handy onesies, use discretion. Here are some tips for purchasing dresses and the like that both fit your body and personality.

Image: Target.com

-The Separates Dress. This combined top-skirt-belt dress’ fit hits anywhere from directly beneath the boobs to the top of the hip, and everywhere in between. The idea is to create a fifties-style silhouette by accenting the waist and flaring away from the hip. Sounds good, right? Don’t be fooled. It is rare for anyone to exactly match this specific ratio, so make sure this tricky dress fits you in all the right places. If you really want that classic shape, you can avoid this issue by wearing a high-waist skirt and shirt, because then you get to choose how the clothing frames your figure. For a quick getaway dress, we like light fabrics in fun prints or shirtdresses, and definitely a belt. As a general rule, avoid dresses with built-in belts, and find a wide black belt of your own. For more inspiration, check out The Uniform Project, theuniformprojectblog.com.

Image: Philip Lim

-Rompers. We like them, and here’s why. They’re intriguing, they’re cute without being too sweet, and they can work for almost anyone. It shows that you’ve got guts. Fashion guts. The allure of wearing a romper is that it is a bold choice, but it’s also super-easy, comfy, and chic. They emphasize the waist and create a teense more volume on the top, which keeps you cooler and camouflages anything you may want to conceal. We promise that you’ll feel much more confident in your skin and it’ll keep you cool on some of these scorching school days. When picking a romper it’s crucial that it is a comfortable length – there is great wedgie potential. Amy and Jenni both rock rompers with mini-floral patterns. Amy’s romper has adjustable straps, which is a huge plus because the fabric stays closer to the body. Jenni’s romper is pretty short, so she is sure to wear it with some opaque tights. Another attractive feature of the romper is that it is easy to pair with accessories, like a cardigan or a belt. Try a department store, and keep your eyes peeled. They’re very popular, even if mini-florals aren’t your thing.

Image: logicalharmony.net

A few extra suggestions: look for items that will transition easily from spring to summer to fall with a few basic accessories, like tights. Tights tights tights. Try to follow our ‘Shorts’ rule when trying out rompers: they shouldn’t cling too closely to your legs or warrant your arrest. When you wear a romper, keep your footwear on the simpler side: some sandals with intricate twists will do nicely, and we always love a ballet flat. After all, when you wear a statement piece, you don’t want any part of your overall look to compete. Heels? Too much. Just a reminder – when you go shopping, try things on. Seriously. And don’t bring anyone you don’t trust.

School Year Dress-Solutions

2010-09-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

By Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer

Guess what? It’s time for school. Hopefully you’ve kept up with our blog over the summer and found interesting additions to your wardrobe. The first weeks of class offer a widely varied assortment of style philosophies, ranging from Daytona Beach classics (daisy dukes, bikinis on top) to the pajama section of Kohl’s. It is crucial to have an awareness of the persona you present with these choices, because your professors have you write your recommendations. You’re lucky it’s not us.
-Pajama People: you know that we know who you are, because we’ve called you out before. If you have to run to class straight from bed, try to choose pajama pants that are less flamboyant. We like black wide-leg yoga-esque pants in a knit cotton. They’re super comfy and flattering, and if you have no time, you won’t look as much like a walking comic strip.

Image: Sew Modest Clothing
-Who wears short-shorts? You do. But why? Especially when it’s difficult to decipher if someone is actually wearing any pants, booty shorts make you look shorter and less lean. Also, in our experience, they’re pretty uncomfortable. Wearing shorts is an art, and we are here to help you color in the lines. All of you. Capiche? Okay, so stay away from denim in general. You’ve heard of jorts, right? They are unflattering on almost everyone. You know when you sit down and they give you thigh burn? They’re cutting you down! Jenni has a pair of non-denim shorts that are wide-leg and pinstriped, and they’re much more comfortable than any jorts.

Image: chicagonow.com
-A Balancing Act: you know those birds that tip over because they’re top-heavy? You don’t want your outfit to be like that bird. If you are wearing a tiny tank top and itsy bitsy jorts (groan) chances are you’re falling out in more areas than one. Pick one area of skin to show, like your fabulous legs or your shoulders. But not both. Yes, Vogue magazine states cleavage is on an upswing, but keep it PG13. This is an easy fix – just throw on a cardigan or some dark wash jeans. Pair barely-there tops with well-fitted jeans and maybe a scarf. If you absolutely must wear minis, make sure they aren’t frayed light denim. For functional fashion, Amy wears cargo dark gray skinny jeans and a flowy romantic top. This prevented her from having to roll up her jeans on the bike ride to Sunchase to write this article.

Image: Plueys Manila
-Footwear: these boots are made for walking. To class. Speaking of boots, huge cowboy boots should be reserved for autumn and be paired with pants. The trend we have noticed ‘round these parts of wearing short summery dresses with large boots don’t apply to the Balancing Act. The line of your lovely legs that you create with the dress is being curtailed by heavy leather. Leather itself is a dense, weighty material, so if you pair it with something delicate (like a sundress) it ruins the lightness of the overall look. Opt for gladiator sandals, flats, or booties (ankle high boots).

Image: weardrobe.com
-Things That Help: opaque black tights. If you like the shorts trend, but you feel a little exposed by them, try them with your tights. You’ll feel much better, we promise. If you find that you freeze when you walk into any building on campus, a repertoire of light cardigans can help you cover those barely there camisoles. A light V-neck tee in a few colors is always a great alternative, even if you wear pajamas.
Remember that it is important to keep it cool while you’re in class. It’s not about being conservative – look at your current wardrobe and imagine asking yourself to write a recommendation letter. First impressions really do matter. The goal is to use your clothing as a means to express your personality, not your anatomy. Be quirky, create interest, but maintain a level of professionalism.

Amy Jackson and Jenni Schweitzer are crusading for a fashionable fall here and in The Rotunda.

New

2010-08-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was in Farmville yesterday and got to hang out with Jenni and spend some time with our newest addition to The Longwood Look family.

Everyone, meet Amy.

Other than being totally adorable and sweet, she's a senior studying art with a concentration in printmaking and bookarts, which is really cool. I asked her to tell me a little bit about herself and she managed to eloquently connect her love for printmaking and design to her love for clothing and fashion: "The wonderful thing about fashion, in my mind, is that it allows you to design a little bit of your daily life in a relatively practical way. In general, as an artist, my philosophy is to attempt to create something thought-provoking, interesting, or beautiful. When this can happen with clothing the otherwise mundane task of dressing becomes artistic." Makes sense to me, and I love her already. I know you will, too.

She and Jenni are going to be writing the Look for the newspaper this semester, and then three of us will continue to update the blog right here. Amy and Jenni have lots of good ideas for everyone with access to The Rotunda this semester, so all of you who are still at Longwood have a lot to look forward to!

Review: Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration

2010-08-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

I have a gig as an Ambassador for Glamour Magazine-- a "Glambassador," if you will. I have cards and everything. Every now and again they send me some free stuff and I get to use it and let them know what I think about it. But, I just realized that I barely even write about any of it here, which is weird, because sometimes I feel like I'm going to run out of things to write about. So let me tell you about Olay Total Effects Cooling Hydration, ya digg?

photo

It was light enough to wear during Virginia's muggy summers and didn't make my skin feel weighed down or anything. I could tell it wasn't clogging my pores, and that's important to me because I have really temperamental skin that refuses to grow up and sometimes breaks out just for the hell of it. It smelled really good and felt even better.

My only criticism is that it has no SPF, which is really too bad because slathering sunscreen on over it pretty much takes away from its overall lightness and non-greasy texture. But you guys know how I feel about sunscreen. After about a week I ended up only using it at night so I could switching back to my original moisturizer with sunscreen in the mornings. Overall, though, it was really good.

So if you're in the market for some new moisturizer, you might want to give this a try!

Let me know what you think.

<3 Megan

Polished

2010-08-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Some of my girlfriends and I obviously have a couple big things in common, but one strange and important one is that we're all really good at doing our own nails. Seriously. It bothers me so much to even think about paying for a manicure (even/especially one that involves French tips) because I've gotten so ridiculously good at doing my own. If I go to a spa to have them done, it's probably my birthday or I've had some sort of bizarre emotional crisis that warrants pampering from some nail tech that I don't know. It's fine.

There's a new-ish spa in downtown Roanoke called polished by claire v. that I can walk to from my apartment and I really wanted to try it out. I went online and looked at their prices and thought they were pretty reasonable. For $20 I got a really good manicure, plus an up-to-my-elbows massage with a raspberry-lemonade scented scrub and lotion that smelled so delicious and juicy, it made me have to consciously think about not licking it off my arms.

Because I hate spending money on something that I can do just as well by myself, I've learned that adding an extra layer of topcoat 24 hours after a manicure usually makes your polish last days later. This cool blue/green hue (from their own collection of polishes that you can buy for just five bucks) stayed with me for more than a week after I left polished without so much as a chip. I ended up having to take it off with remover nine days later simply because I was ready for something new.

If you live in or close to Roanoke I'd really encourage you to give polished a try. It's always nice to support local businesses and they do a really good job. On Thursday and Friday nights ladies get a complimentary beverage and the second Tuesday of every month is Guys' Night--complete with beers and snacks. If you aren't close to Roanoke, then you might just have to plan a visit and we can go together!

I'll make us an appointment.

<3 Megan

Inspiration

2010-08-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

Posted by Jenni

So, what you basically know about me is that I really like dresses. I do. I like them so much that it's just easier to tell you that I have thirty dresses than something more meaningful. I really enjoy reading and learning to use the slow-cooker.

One of the most important things to me is music. I'm a voice major, actually, and when I find music that is created rather than recycled, well, it inspires me.

This song in particular is an abstract and literal piece of artwork. The opening whispery tones are muted and intended to create a separate atmosphere - a sphere of sound. Then the driving bass/drum combo comes in, the idea of pursuit. This is the musical representation of the image - the Resistance. It is an entity, and whole.

Like clothes, music is more than an organized collection of sound.

Music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPE9uSFFxrI
Image: Muse, The Resistance

Gimme

2010-08-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm loving these big-girl Mary Janes in all the colors, but mostly the ones pictured below.

J.Crew

If you have $228 burning a hole in your pocket, I wear a size seven and my birthday is September 4th.

Thanks a billion!
<3 Megan

Style Inspiration

2010-08-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

She's not a model or a designer or anything. But she writes and she sings and her music changed me and still gives me goosebumps so much that I'm not ashamed to say that if I have daughters, one of them will be named Regina. And yes, that daughter will be named after Regina Spektor.

First of all, the girl's got great hair. She wears the cutest dresses. She's totally sexy but is almost always wearing stockings or boots or hidden behind a piano. And she wears red lipstick like nobody's business. I love her with makeup, I love her without it. And, despite having a career that involves playing the piano all the time, her nails always look great.

I find her to be so unusual but really classic at the same time, and I can't get enough! I think it's a big feat to be able to so effortlessly blur the lines between sexiness and cuteness. I just want to put on my best heels and meet her for tea.

Who's your style inspiration?

<3 Megan

Officially Chic: Dressing for Impressing

2010-07-27T17:56:00.001-07:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

--
This week, Jenni's friend Ashley asked us to guest-blog for her over at Entry Level Angst, a blog dedicated to the life of the newly employed corporate college graduate. She wanted us to write about workplace fashion, which is kind of perfect, actually, because that was next on our list anyway.

Definitely give her a look! You can read the article below or hop over to her blog to read it and learn a few other things, as well. Enjoy!

<3 M
--

So, you graduated from college and snagged that job in an office. Whether you love it or hate it, what you wear to work is really important. If you were that girl who wore pajamas to class every day, well, whatever. We gave you a hard time and were grateful that we weren’t you, but it didn’t matter in the long run because we weren’t signing your paychecks. It probably shouldn’t, but people judging you suddenly matters when money is involved. No pressure or anything. So what are you going to wear?

Here’s the first problem: you don’t have any money. Okay, you have some money, but please, don’t spend your rent and grocery money on shoes or skirts. Unless you can budget a specific amount of money to invest in your wardrobe and stick with it (not us), don’t worry about spending a fortune all at once to score a closet full of new big girl outfits (us). We’re all about adding to your collection slowly, over a period of time. A new watch now, a new pair of shoes later. Cute necklace, new shirt, you get the idea. Our wardrobes are still growing, one piece at a time.

So, now that we’ve got the first problem figured out, let’s talk about your first course of action: look in your closet. We’ll bet you have plenty of things to wear to work hidden in there somewhere. Let’s talk about our favorite—dresses. Megan has a slew of sundresses that seem frivolous and too girly to be taken seriously in the office, but you can add to it and have a perfect career-girl look in no time. Just remember to do the hemline limbo – not too far above or below your knee. What’s our secret to success? Good accessories. So, say you have a high-waisted flowery skirt, and you have a little black tee both just lying around. You can wear these to work. Tuck your shirt into your skirt, add a necklace and some non-hoochie heels and you’re ready to go. The right jewelry and shoes can pretty much make any outfit work on the job.

Obviously, there are rules that must be applied to the use of heels at work. First of all, can you walk in them without looking like a cavewoman? Great. If you’re about to fall over, stick to flats or some cute metallic or beaded sandals. Jenni prefers pointy-toe flats: the best of both worlds. If you can pull off heels for eight hours, then remember that they don’t need to be crazy high or crazy loud. Colors are oftentimes acceptable, but for the most part you might just want to stick with black, brown, or Megan’s current favorite, nude/tan peep-toes, pumps or t-straps. Make sure you check the dress code policy at your office/retail/Outback Steakhouse.

Now let’s talk about jeans. Obviously, everyone’s job is different, so if you’re working somewhere casual or super-artsy, jeans might be allowed. If they are, stay away from anything with holes in it, and while you’re at it keep away from faded or acid-wash jeans, too. Basically, wear dark jeans to work. Trouser cut jeans are awesome but a nice boot-cut might be just fine.

So, let’s review.

• Don’t spend a ton of money if you don’t have it.
• Add to your wardrobe a few pieces at a time, and while you’re at it always look for sales. New York & Company is your friend.
• Recycle what you already have by adding nice accessories to it—an interesting necklace or a simple black cardigan or fitted jacket can work wonders.
• Your office is not Project Runway — no need for seven inch heels. Especially if you can’t even walk in them. And leave your leopard/tiger/baby seal print at home.
• Be careful with jeans. Make sure you’re allowed to wear them at work. And if you are, stick with dark wash. Dark wash. Dark wash dark wash dark wash.

Mostly, you want to be comfortable and presentable. Let your boss know that you thought about what you put on before you came to work. If you do that, they’ll know that you care about your job and representing them well. That raise will be yours in no time.

You’re welcome.

Two of My Favorite Things

2010-07-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I told my friend Emily that I'd write about workplace fashion next, but then I found this.

Food and fashion? Yes please. I love the Parmesan purses, but this raspberry bag is just the cutest. Which is your favorite?

Let me know.

<3 Megan

On Budget

2010-07-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Since graduating from Longwood, I've moved out of my parents' house and learned the joy of paying for things such as electricity, cable, and groceries. Back in the day, I had hardly anything to pay for, and my minimum wage job making lattes gave me more than enough to spend on new Steve Maddens, Lucky brand jeans and endless sushi dinners out with my friends. Now, with bills and grad school to pay for, I attempt to make Asian food at home, and yesterday was the first time I've been shopping in months.

Now, I've never been one to pay top dollar for anything if I didn't absolutely have to, but I am sometimes kind of a whore for labels. I will pretty much only buy something if it's on sale, with very few exceptions. For example, I firmly believe that Chanel makes the best makeup in the world and anytime I'm anywhere with a Nordstrom, the Chanel counter is the first place I stop.

photo

But anyway. I'm going on vacation Thursday and wanted some dresses to wear out at night. My best friend is one of the best-dressed people I know, and we wear the same size everything. Instead of spending however many dollars on three new dresses, I just borrowed four of hers. Of course, once I get back from my trip my wardrobe will be exactly the same as it was before I left, so I found myself in Target yesterday, looking at jewlery.

I'm really into these rough-looking, interesting necklaces that sort of remind me of chains that mix pearls and jewels into them and manage to still look elegant like this one from Ann Taylor Loft. Unfortunately, they're usually around $40. I found mine at Target for half that, complete with a couple strings of faux pearls, chains, and a ribbon, and it looks so nice. I know it will transform a number of older, solid color shirts and dresses I have and keep me from spending my Hollins tuition on a new summer wardrobe.

I also got this awesome braided golden chain for like, fourteen bucks, and I found these huge earrings in a clearance bucket for $3. As you can see, I'm pretty happy with my purchases.

You don't have to change your lifestyle if you can find the things you love for good prices. Target is always a good choice, so you can have your cake and wear it, too. Or something.

I'm glad I didn't have to use vacation money that I could be spending on drinks and dinners on unnecessary fashion purchases. See ya in a week--Vegas, here I come!

<3 Megan

Style Inspiration

2010-07-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Like nearly everyone else on the planet, we're pretty sure you've seen James Cameron's newest film, Avatar. Before you get too worried, we're not going to talk about painting your body. Sorry, Blue Man Group. It's not you, it's us.

What we love about Avatar is Zoe Saldana, who played the role of Neytiri (the princess of Pandora, an alien planet, duh). Even in blue CGI, she's the bomb dot com, but her fashion exploits are what set her apart on and off the red carpet.

You can definitely wear big, funky earrings at night - if you pair them with a simpler top and opt out of a statement necklace. Feel a little bolder? Wear a huge, sparkly cocktail ring. It's fresh! Photo: fashionbombdaily.com

Zoe Saldana mixes architecture with romance in this awesome dress at Glamour's Women of the Year Awards. We love the juxtaposition of hard and soft looks, effortlessly cinched together with a plunging neckline. To achieve something similar, layering is your best friend. Shop around for something lacy, then top it with a cardigan or blazer and belt it around your waist. Tres chic. Photo: zimbio.com/glamour

Never underestimate the power of a red dress. Photo: fashionbombdaily.com

Who is your style inspiration? It can be a celebrity or your four-year-old niece! Let us know at longwoodlook@gmail.com or on our Facebook page.

So, we want these.

2010-06-21T16:06:00.001-07:00

Any questions?

Shoes: Unicorn Princess Heels in Black, at ModCloth.com
Image: ModCloth.com

Update

2010-05-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, Longwood Look readers.

So I graduated. Jenni and I are so sad to be seperated but we'll be meeting up at various times throughout the summer to spend our money at outlets.

As far as The Rotunda goes, we're not really sure what's going to happen. Jenni can submit alone or with a new partner, however--I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but sometimes The Rotunda forgets important things like basic editing or the fact that there's a features column called The Longwood Look that is supposed to be run every week. So, as I said--we're not really sure what's going to happen.

Keep looking here because we'll try to be semi-consistant with blog posts. I'm currently sitting in an office located in the Real World, though, and even though I wish I could be paid to blog, I'm not. Yet.

<3 Megan

Original or Extra Crispy?

2010-04-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

As you might have guessed at some point, sometimes we run out of fashion-y things to write about. We’re good at being creative on the fly, but this week we’re going to talk about something important that has turned from a simple warm-weather pastime to a strange and freakish “look” that so many girls are trying very hard to work.

“What are we going to write about this week?” Megan asked.
“Tanning? We’ll probably break some hearts,” Jenni replied.

Big deal. It’s time for some tough love.

As the temperature wandered up to above 65 degrees a few weeks ago, we started seeing the emergence of a traditionally summertime trend: sunbathing. In class, one person's skin tone suddenly matched her rich brunette hair, whereas another person appeared as though they had just fallen into a vat of Tang.

Welcome to the salon where you can get naked in a strange building, wear goggles Lady Gaga would be proud of, and lay in heat and light so intense that it damages your skin cells in five minutes. If you would like, we can also spray paint your body to resemble a traffic cone. Creepy! Here, read these silly magazines.

Not only is this trend tacky, it's dangerous. There are numerous reports of varying stages of melanoma - a cancerous growth caused by overexposure to UV light from the sun - in women as young as 20. It has become so common that younger people are encouraged to have birthmarks removed because of the potential danger. Palest Person In The World Megan has had a threatening-looking mole removed from her head, and she applies sunscreen to her freckled face every morning. We both love sunscreen. It’s the best! This week, we want to shine some non-UV light on how you can better spend your time and money than in a tanning salon.

What You Also Might Enjoy...

- 1 session. 10 minutes, 5-10 dollars. Rather than wait in line for the Easy-Bake Oven, head to the Bakery on Main Street for a refreshing citrus drink or peruse the latest Glamour at the bookstore.

- 1 month. Anywhere from 20 to 120 dollars. We would much rather head up to Goodwill and pick up a cool vintage lamp or costume jewelry. We might also go pick up some friends for some classy cocktails, take a trip to Richmond, or maybe invest our money for once and NOT buy shoes. As if.

- 1 package deal. Time and money both depend on the salon, but some have monthly payment plans and contracts are enforced. A contract to have someone rob you of your beautiful, youthful skin? No way. We don't think premature aging is ever going to be a trend, and anything risking your health definitely will not.

Our solution: Jergens' Natural Glow body lotions. They keep skin moisturized and toned while adding a gradual, natural-looking tan to all depths of skin tones. They're safe and effective, so just learn to be patient and you can have your tan without worries. Cost: around 8 dollars. And no wrinkles!

Remember to be kind to your body and especially your skin. You can always change your shirt, but the skin on your face is yours forever. If you're naturally dark skinned, more power to you. You can be tan now and not look 60 years old when you're really just 30. The sun is fun, but aging gracefully will always be stylish.

Photo: Anne Hathaway looking awesome next to the really scary Oompa Loompa sometimes known as Valentino.

Short-Tempered

2010-04-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

It's finally spring, and you know what that means: dresses and puppies for everybody! Unfortunately, we've started noticing the Ides of March, which basically translate to too much skin. Many people are so eager to free their legs after the long confinement of wintry mixes that they're donning anything and everything short. We're attempting to identify and offer solutions to this problem before you make any rash decisions regarding your clothes.

1) Jorts. This ridiculous item of clothing, otherwise known as 'jean shorts,' is pretty unflattering for everybody. Denim is a heavier fabric, which is uncomfortably warm, and it typically lies very close to the body. We love jeans, make no mistake, but we love them because they make our legs into nice long lines. When you deliberately cut or rip your jeans into shorts, well, it's just not nice. Especially when the pockets peek out from the bottom.

- Solution: Look for shorts in different fabrics. We love wide-leg canvas shorts, for example, and they come in lots of fun spring colors. If you choose a bright short, pair it with a neutral top and maybe a fun blazer. You're so cute.

2) Minis. We don't care how awesome your legs look-most items of clothing that are too short are uncomplimentary and add unnecessary and imaginary pounds to your appearance. Mini skirts are supposedly "sexy," but what's sexy about walking around with a silhouette that's not even real and definitely unflattering? How short is too short, you ask. Call us prudes all you want, but we think that if you can't bend over without exposing yourself, you should probably find something that fits you a little better. We love dresses and skirts and yes, even shorts-but we like them better when they look good on you.

- Solution: Stay away from cutoff anything and stick with skirts, shorts and dresses that have lines other than just the one at the bottom. Keep it somewhere between just above your knees and mid-thigh, and you'll be amazed at just how socially acceptable you can really be.

3) Maxis. We're talking about long, summery, sometimes hippie/bohemian looking dresses. As terrible as it may sound, you have to be a certain type of person to pull these off. Okay, maybe you don't have to be a certain kind of person, but you need to look like a certain kind of person. Basically what we're saying is don't put a groovy, printed maxi dress on and head to D-Hall with a backpack and ribbon in your hair.

- Solution: Realize that these dresses, although beautiful, should only be worn in certain situations. We always think of the beach or a nice dinner, and jewelry and even hair style should be chosen carefully. No overworked updos! And stay away from pearls or sparkly jewels. Be easy, man.

4) Beachwear. Obviously, beachwear implies that there is a beach present.
Since that's not the case in Farmville, we don't really need to see you walking around Brock Commons in your bikini, holding a towel. We understand enjoying the nice weather, just make sure you slap on some sunscreen, wear stunna shades, and have some back-up clothes.

- Solution: Beach cover-ups. There are lots of ways to throw on a few articles of clothing and look fresh and ready for summer. Target, for example, currently has a large stock of light dresses in solid colors or fun prints, so just pull one on with a hat and some flip-flops. The most important cover-up, though, is definitely SPF. Make sure you opt for a waterproof formula and at least SPF 30. Tans look nice now, but youthful skin is better.

The Longwood Look is having a contest! Any spring faux-pas that we forgot to mention? Send them to us on Facebook or on our blog, http://longwoodlook.blogspot.com, and the first 15 people to respond will be awarded a booklet of spring deals and coupons, courtesy of Glamour magazine. GO!

Clothes Indeed for Friends in Need

2010-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

We think there’s a pretty good chance that anyone who actually reads our columns knows that we love, love, love clothes, and that we think you should love them, too. However, we realize that your resources may be better spent on other things, so why not make them go farther when you decide to use them? Help other people while you shop by doing a bit of research or following our philanthropic guidelines.

If your thing is:

--Two for one: TOMS shoes sends a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that you purchase for yourself. With your purchase of the comfortable and fashionable sneaks, you’ll be making sure that one less child in a developing country has to go barefoot, which prevents them from soil-transmitted diseases, cuts, sores, and sometimes you’ll even allow them to go back to school since shoes are usually required as part of their uniforms. You can finally buy that pair of shoes you don’t really need and give a pair to someone who does. No more frivolous shopping for you! toms.com

--HIV/AIDS Research: There are many ways to show your support, like a simple red ribbon, but perhaps the most popular clothing brand dedicated to raising awareness is The Gap’s Product RED. Product RED is a line of tees printed with empowering statements which end in ‘red’, like “inspired” or “cultured”. These comfy graphic tees are made of African cotton and 50 percent of the profits go to drug research.

--Have too many t-shirts? MAC is running a campaign with two of their new lipsticks, the “Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick” and the “Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick.” Some of the proceeds from purchases of the pink and red lipstick shades, go to the MAC AIDS Fund to support men, women and children who are affected by AIDS and HIV globally. Check out http://www.macaidsfund.org/ for more information.

--Recycling: You knew this was coming. There are countless recycling projects across the country, and fortunately, you can contribute and benefit with minimal effort and cost. Coca-Cola Drink 2 Wear shirts, made from recycled Coke bottles, are available at Wal-mart. Freecycle.com is a website dedicated to recycling gently used goods by allowing individuals to post them and others to pick them up. Additionally, several outfitters offer handbags made of recyclables. It’s even easier to go local in Farmville. Madeline’s House is a thrift store across from Wilck’s Lake and the proceeds go to a shelter for abused women and children.

December isn’t the only time to think of good will toward men and women. These are easy ways to make it part of your spending sprees.

Style Inspiration

2010-03-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

Posted by Jenni

Trust me, if I had 500 days to talk about Zooey Deschanel, I would be just as enamored with her as Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character in the indie film 500 Days of Summer. Aside from being the sister of the beautiful Emily Deschanel - star of FOX's Bones, she is a fantastic singer and frequently stirs up the fashion world with her mod hairstyle, vintage clothing, and whimsical silhouettes.

To be your Zooey-est self, either find an amazing vintage bathing suit, or call up Marc Jacobs for your own personal day dress. Or try a fun color combination with a simple tank, skirt, and tights combination. Pair with flats, like Zooey, or try menswear-inspired loafers to test a newer shoe trend.

Send us your style inspirations here, on Facebook, or to longwoodlook@gmail.com.

Pants with Perspective

2010-03-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

This week at The Longwood Look we are seeking to help your love life with fashion sense—because there’s nothing worse than going out on a date with a guy that you barely know and halfway through think, “I know you. I’ve dated you before.” We can save you some time and definitely some heartbreak. We’ve been on enough dates, and we are 98% sure that you can know important things about a guy before you ever even speak to him. As strange as it may seem, you need to start looking at pants. And judging the men who wear them.

This isn’t very scientific. But you can’t say we didn’t warn you.

1)Khaki: Men who wear Dockers or J.Crew pants constantly aren’t actually men at all, at least emotionally—they’re either little boys or they’re elderly—and sometimes, they’re both. Don’t get us wrong, khaki is great sometimes, it’s clean and tidy and all those boring things. When your closet is full of it, though, there’s a problem. Grow up or live a little. There are other things out there. Our advice: Keep looking.

2)Skinny Jeans: Like Khaki Men, Girl Pant Boys hang out on two opposite extremes—either very confident and fun or totally insecure and obsessed with being trendy. We mostly hang out with the confident and fun variety, and a lot of our cool guy friends that dress well all rock skinny jeans. (For a funny take on skinny jeans by someone who knows, check out the post below) Our advice: Proceed, with caution.

3)Distressed/Bleached/Deliberately Damaged Denim: Oh boy. Here’s a question—why would you pay money (sometimes extra) for a pair of pants that some poor kid in a third-world country had to spend extra hours ripping up for your aesthetic delight? These men cannot be trusted. We feel, quite strongly, that if someone has a choice between lovely intact jeans and ones with gaping holes and frayed seams and chooses the latter, they’re probably not going to be able to appreciate a good thing when they see it. Our advice: Steer clear.

4)Worn-in Jeans: A silhouette labeled “worn-in” is not only kind-of gross, it’s also questionable. Someone who wants pre-worn pants? Seriously? Well, whatever the reason, we’ve discovered that Worn-in Guys aren’t so bad. Clearly, they may not welcome change or adventure, and they probably enjoy cheeseburgers. They might really love dogs. We’re pretty sure you know Worn-in Guys. The problem with them is that they really tend to be against change. These are men who live by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Make sure you give them plenty of notice if you’re going to leave them. Our advice: Give him a try.

5)Boot-Cut Jeans: Now we’re talking about men who wear normal old jeans. Uncomplicated, drama-free jeans. Just like them. We may write a fashion column, but we know the value of a guy who wakes up in the morning and knows that there are more important things than the pants he’s wearing. We’re not saying these guys don’t care—they just happen to prefer jeans that always look good without being fussy. Medium to dark wash, boot-cut jeans work with all kinds of shirts and make the whole world a little simpler. Our advice: Find one for yourself.

Like jean shopping, dating takes a few tries, and things can always change. But as always, the most important thing is finding something that fits your life and makes you happy enough to forget the rest of them.

Spiderman, hipsters and pants, oh my!

2010-03-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Before constructing this week's Look (Pants with Perspective) we asked one of our highly fashionable friends to write a creative piece on the stereotypes certain pants convey. As an example, we cited the notorious 'hipster skinny-jean'. He complied. Enjoy.

-If you didn’t already know, the skin-tight jeans worn by male hipsters such are the brain-eating symbiotes that plagued the superheroes of Marvel Comics.

Spiderman became host to the first and most famous symbiote -- Venom -- in Secret Wars #8. While looking for a fix to his battle-damaged costume, Spiderman accidentally discovered in a prison module what appeared, at first, to be a stronger replacement -- with impressive new features such as a never-ending supply of web and morphing capabilities. The average person might have a few concerns about an oily black goo that so eagerly spreads itself over your body. Not Spidey, though.

I encounter my symbiote at Tractor Supply Company, in Farmville. I needed a replacement for my old pair of wide-legged jeans -- 32-30 -- that had been washed so many times over the years they were now more white than blue. I was in a hurry, though. A despairing friend needed a shoulder on which to bawl. I simply wanted to buy a new pair jean of the same style as my old ones before the store closed for the night. In my rush, I didn't notice, however, that the pair of jeans I had bought were not wide-legged, but Cowboy Cut.

When I tried them on a few hours later, they were so tight it hurt to sit. The button above the zipper jammed against my stomach hard enough to leave a mark.

However! I looked absolutely fabulous in them. As my friend sobbed on the couch in the living room, I couldn’t stop standing up and admiring my better half in the window’s reflection. “Who is the fairest one of all?” I cooed under my breath.

Now, Spider Man’s relationship with his symbiote quickly lost its charm. The alien costume liked to control Spidey’s actions while he slept. It’s long-term goal was full control of the brain. The ensuing struggle between Spidey and Vemon bears all the mental and physical hallmarks of an abusive relationship. There was fighting, crying, pain, and a huge power struggle. Words were said. A number of times the symbiote threated to eat Spidey’s spleen. Their relationship was eventually terminated in a chiming bell tower.

The Cowboy Cuts and I have not yet reached the point of conflict. However, I can certainly see how they have made me different person. Pants of this tightness alter blood flow, which slowly decreases the amount of oxygen the brain receives. I now understand the detached ironic mood of hipsters much better than before. I’ve observed what happens to hipster gentlemen who wear tight jeans for an extended period of time. The brain damage manifests itself in many ugly ways, from their taste in music (indie), their taste in shirts (twee), and their consumption of beer (PBR).

I do not look forward to joining the dour ranks of these people. Who would? But I have a choice: being faithful to all the things in which I believe, or looking damn sexy. I choose the latter, and I do so with a stiff upper lip for the horrors that it will wreak upon my life. I am reminded of a request Venom once made of Spider Man. “Come closer,” he said, “so we can suck your lungs out through your cerebral cortex.”

Tune in soon for Megan and Jenni's personal pant peeves.

Property of a Name Brand

2010-02-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

By Jenni Schweitzer

Let's play a game. The next time you're walking down Brock Commons, count the number of North Face jackets you see. Or the number of Sperry's. Or Vera Bradley bags. There will be a quiz.

Clearly, reputation precedes more than just people, and certain trends gain popularity for good reason. My mom has a North Face jacket from the 70's that is still in good condition, despite its many winters. I've heard Sperry's are durable, comfortable shoes, but I don't actually have a boat to go with them.

Pop quiz: How many times have you seen someone wearing any combination of the above and named a Greek organization, even if the person isn't wearing letters or other paraphernalia? I hear it frequently. "North Face? Check. Scarf? Check. Jeans in boots? Greek." You've probably heard not to judge books by their covers, and it seems fair to say you shouldn't judge chicks by their coats.
I have made no secret of my disdain for sycophantic gestures, especially when it comes to clothes. Knowing someone who spent ridiculous amounts of money to ensure they had an American Eagle polo in every color of the rainbow really turns you off to the brand name. If you love classic American style, you don't need to stamp an eagle over your nipple to spread the word. Try a blue dress with red shoes, or a blue sweater with a red tie. Don't you look patriotic!

As always, the most critical thing to consider with clothing (and life) is fit. Your clothes should fit your body comfortably, but they should also fit your personality with equal comfort. Deliberately dressing to conform to a group of people probably does not display your personal style taste as well as wearing what you want, whenever you want. Even if that means UGG boots.

Jenni Schweitzer makes her own fashion fun, and thinks you should, too.

The Weather and My Clothes are Frightful

2010-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Written by Megan Flynn

So these past two weekends have caused me to have something of an existential crisis. I turned into a person I never knew I was, would be, or even had the potential to be.

I became someone who thought that going out in leggings, a huge sweatshirt, and UGG boots was totally acceptable. Now, to give myself a break, I will say that the first time it happened there was at least a foot of snow on the ground and I was stuck six miles from my apartment in a dorm at Hampden-Sydney, but it’s still not really an excuse. I’ll also say that when I wasn’t wearing leggings and oversized gym wear, I was wearing a ball gown.

That’s right—that frightful snow storm that wasn’t exactly bad enough to cancel class (an issue in itself that had so many people just completely appalled) took place the weekend of Hampden-Sydney’s Black Tie Ball. I realize that this is a column in Longwood University’s newspaper, but I think the Black Tie Ball did affect a lot of Longwood students. Once again being totally unfair to the wonderful men who read these articles, plenty of girls who actually cared about their dates either planned to get snowed in for the weekend or braved the snowy roads from Longwood to Hampden-Sydney that Saturday night.

It warmed my heart to see girls dressed just as badly as I was at breakfast, (pigtails under hats, leggings or sweatpants tucked into big furry boots, and baggy but warm sweatshirts that came down to our knees) then clean up so nicely in dresses of every color for what I thought was a really fashionable affair. The guys didn’t look too bad in their tuxes, either.

Some photo cred to Brittany Cox.

I’d like to think that Jenni and I have something to do with people dressing well, but I’m pretty sure we don’t. (Is anyone reading this?) I’d also like to take this opportunity to tell you that I will no longer judge you if you’re wearing leggings instead of real pants, UGG boots or something like them, and a huge baggy sweatshirt instead of a jacket that has actual lines. Because I know that you’re cold, too. And sometimes being warm and comfortable, even if you’re looking kind of grungy in a dorm room for the weekend with people you love is more important than looking totally fierce, or whatever it is Tyra Banks says.

Last Week's Articles

2010-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry these are kind of late! Both of these written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer.

Warm for the Wear

Guess what? It’s cold. There’s no reason for us to see you wearing a tank top in D-hall, because it’s just way too chilly for you to look anything but ridiculous doing it. Even out on the weekends, we see girls dressed up like they’re going clubbing in August. Showing off a lot of skin isn’t the only way to be sexy, and especially not during the winter. We’re tired of seeing people dress for the beach when the ocean is frozen. There are tons of cute ways to be warm without wearing a sleeping bag.

Let’s talk about layers. We’ll allow your tank top as long as it’s long and covered with some form of a sleeved shirt, and preferably paired with a scarf and a sweater or jacket. Pretend like you live in Virginia and it’s February. Perfect! Leggings or skinny jeans with boots, long shirts worn over longer shirts, cardigans, scarves, hats—so many of our favorite things are exclusively made for cold weather. Why not take advantage of them? It’ll make spring come much faster.

Try on some confidence and realize that there are other, classier ways to look sexy. We don’t know you, but we’re pretty sure you’ve got more to offer than just cleavage.

Big Girl Underpants

Have you ever seen a girl wearing a white tee with a black bra? That’s the sort of behavior we don’t condone. Trust us, with the sheer amount of clothing we have we completely understand laundry day, but we’ve managed several solutions to avoiding this ‘peek-a-boob’ problem.

To achieve your most beautiful silhouette, you need to start with a good foundation which includes bras that fit you well. If you want to go to a professional to be fitted, more power to you, but once you have this coveted information, use it responsibly. That ruffled-zebra-printed-zippers-for-straps contraption that you’re debating should probably be considered nocturnal. Your best bet is a bra which is close to your skin tone and has a limited amount of wiring, because it will make a smoother, more natural shape.

We don’t know much about shape wear, like Spanx, but we aren’t that convinced that you need it for everyday wear. Why buy something if you have to buy something else to wear it? It’s not worth it. Furthermore, imagine you’re on a date and in your desperation to look five ounces thinner, you wear something impossible to remove. This could pose a problem. However, if you’re an athlete and you rely on garments that keep you at your aerodynamic best, go for it. A slinky gown might also require shape wear, just for extra insurance. Obviously, it should be a naked color.

Perhaps the most frequently committed fashion sin is visible panty line, or when everyone knows that you’re wearing your cupcake-printed boy-shorts because your pants are so tight. If you’re so desperate for everyone to know how great your legs are, just don’t wear pants.

The Great Ugg Debate

2010-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

A hilarious photo shoot is coming soon. For now, though, you get this:

If you tuned in last week to The Longwood Look (Seven Threadly Sins) then you may have noticed that we delicately skirted the subject of UGG boots. These boots have issues; they're the focus of either desire or disgust, so we'll do our best to accommodate both opinions.

If you look up "UGG boots" on Urban Dictionary, you get this: "The name says it all. Some really UGGly boots that come in all different colors. Commonly worn with 4-inch skirts by girls with close to zero self-esteem." Jenni isn't that far from disagreeing. For her, UGG boots are mostly just overpriced for their looks, but since she's never going to own a pair, she won't know whether they are worth the investment. Additionally, the material used to construct UGG boots is obviously taken from a yeti, making them visually heavy, not slimming, and a violation of the Endangered Mythical Species Act.

Megan bought her first pair of UGGs when she was in eighth or ninth grade; they weren't that cool and she had really never seen them before. A kid who learned to ski immediately after learning to walk, she looked at the brown boots in The Ski Barn and thought, "Those look cozy." And they are. But, being full of teenage angst, once the boots gained popularity and became a trend, Megan made amends for her purchase by noting unlike the thousands of UGGs she saw on a regular basis, hers had a zipper and were taller than the short styles that seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. Swearing never to wear them without first stepping into ski or snowboard bindings, she retired the boots to her ski bag and enjoyed them only after a long day on the slopes with hot chocolate by a fire every winter.

Maybe it's nostalgia rearing its memorable head, but in the past year Megan has expanded her UGG collection to include a pair of moccasins and those more popular short boots that she hated so much at first. But why? The shoes are sort of irresistible once you put on your first pair; they're incredibly warm and, come on, they aren't that hideous. No, they aren't cute. But they're sort of like basset hounds-they're so ugly that after a while you realize that they're actually sort of cute.

Like carbs and reality television, UGGs are best in moderation. We probably should have said this earlier, but we don't actually mean UGG brand-there's something called Emu brand, and we're sure you could find some boots with fur inside at Payless. It's like polo shirts have a collar, but they're not necessarily Ralph Lauren. We shouldn't have had to explain this, but you just never know. Anyway, as usual we've come up with some rules. If you're going to wear UGGs, keep these in mind.

1. We said this last week but we want to elaborate: boots with fur on the outside are just ridiculous. We're certain that this is where the whole UGG/UGGly expression originates, and for good reason.

2. If you are wearing a skirt or dress that's close to knee length and not tailored to be form-fitting, then you may cautiously experiment with the boot/dress look. Megan has a couple dresses that are right around knee-length and she wears both her longer UGGs and a pair of tall, leather boots with them. Boots can take dresses and skirts that you used to only be able to wear in the spring and summer and transform them into fall and winter outfits.

3. A popular term for young women who wear boots with something too short and/or tight is "Eskaho", meaning they look like Inuit prostitutes. Get it? Good. If you're wearing a miniskirt, don't wear boots. That's just silly. And if you have a short, tight sweater dress on, boots actually look quite nice. But for goodness sake, wear some tights. It's not just good fashion sense; it's good taste.

4. We also enjoy cute rain boots, and frankly, Farmville's against permeable footwear in any case. Try tucking your jeans into a pair of cute patterned or brightly colored rain boots when the weather is more frightful than your three-hour lecture class.

5. Want to be warm and taller? A pair of booties - short, high-heeled boots - make for warmth and whimsy. They look especially nice paired with dresses and tights or leggings.

The Seven Threadly Sins

2010-01-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Written by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

It’s a new year! Did your new year’s resolution have to do with looking more amazing? In a very backwards effort to help you out, we’ve actually come up with the seven most villainous and wicked wardrobe malfunctions that you should never, ever be tempted to commit. Keep them out of your closet in 2010!

These are in no particular order. We loathe them all equally.

1.Muffin Tops: Let’s make something clear—girls can be beautiful with practically any body type. A muffin top, for those of you who don’t know, is when the waistband of your pants is slightly too small, and what doesn’t fit spills over, like the top of a muffin. It has much less to do with weight than the fit of the waistband on your pants. Megan can buy her jeans at Abercrombie Kids and still has had to figure out a way to battle the dreaded muffin top. Don’t be afraid to buy a size up. We won’t tell anyone.

2. Pajamas in Class: Why? Stop it. It’s not that hard to wear jeans or throw on a dress; actually, it takes the exact same amount of effort as putting on a pair of pajama pants. If you’re really a fan of the whole comfortable look, try some black yoga pants. Paired with a nice plain t-shirt, it’s an easy way to say ‘Namaste’ to academia with both comfort and style.

3. Skinny Jeans have an obvious implication. They’re the most closely tapered pants without being tights or body paint, and generally speaking, we approve of them. Both Jenni and Megan own skinny jeans and have discovered the real challenge – finding an equally skinny top. Again, skinny jeans have little to do with your body and more to do with the physical cut of the cloth. Your top should not be too voluminous, or instead of muffin top, you’ll be a muffin. Try to find them in a darker wash to maximize the skinny part of your jeans.

4. Ugg Boots: We can see why you'd want to toast your tootsies after all those heels we prescribe. Megan actually owns two pairs, but wears them cautiously. Just make sure you don't follow the Apple Bottom Jeans formula. Your boots don't need the fur to stay warm in the winter. Promise. And definitely no mini-skirts. What’s the point? You’ll get an article solely devoted to Uggs soon—Jenni and Megan argue about the rules of boots constantly.

5. Bag Ladies: Why are you carrying your purse and a backpack? Bookbags have little compartments specifically designed for things like cell phones, keys and chapstick. And yes, we know that everyone around here collects Vera Bradley bags like librarians collect cats, but you have to start narrowing it down to just one per day. That blue tote with the bright pink mini backpack—that’s practically a quilt. The ID holders are nice, though. We like them. And pen and sunglass cases, as well as the larger pieces made for traveling all serve a higher purpose. When it comes to Vera, we have to say that function needs to outweigh form. We hate to be the ones to have to tell you, but quilted purses aren’t actually that fashionable.

6. Camouflage is completely useless on campus. Trust us, you are not blending in, and that destroys the point. Go hunting, sure, and thank you for controlling the deer population. But seriously? We can still see you.

7. Confusion: Ever seen a girl and wondered, "Is she wearing pants?" McDonald's might allow it, but we won't. No matter how cute the two pieces you're wearing are—like a long top with a mini—they aren't balanced. Fit is almost everything when it comes to looking and feeling great in your clothes, and you want pieces that will work together in harmony. Wear longer tops with skinny jeans instead of a miniskirt or tuck them into high-waist, more reasonable-length skirt.

Well, there you have them. Resolve accordingly.

Oh, Hey

2009-12-19T15:50:00.001-08:00

Posted by Megan

I sort of feel like we've failed you. Maybe it's just me who's failed--Jenni sends everyone emails and is pretty on top of it, with her clever titles and always awesome ideas. But when we aren't published in the newspaper regularly, it's easy to get frustrated. Hopefully we'll have some stuff for you over the winter break and then a whole semester of wonderful articles for you to read this spring.

Anyway, I just thought I'd write and tell you that I've been thinking about boots. I like them.

And I have an article for you guys. Jenni and I wrote it forever ago and The Rotunda never got around to publishing it. Enjoy!

Chivalrous Chic: What to Wear on a Date
by Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer

Here’s why you should dress up for class. You know that 9am lecture class you have with that cute guy who is scruffy and barely conscious? You could be having 9am coffee with [Formerly] Scruffy Guy, and all because you wore that cute mini-floral top from Forever 21. But how do you know what will make you drool-worthy? We’re here to help.

Know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and what time of day. You probably don’t want to wear a short black dress with heels to a fair or amusement park. High heels might make for a different kind of ‘merry’-go-round.

No matter where you’re going, you don’t want to dress too sexy. Think collarbones, not cleavage. We’re all about flaunting it if you’ve got it, but for goodness’ sake, try to wrap up your rack. Underwear should be worn under your clothing, and kept relatively well hidden. Bra straps, the top of your panties, just keep it under control. There’s something to be said for leaving a little to the imagination. Give hints, not answers.

Megan’s a big fan of dresses, but when it comes to dates, she sticks with what she knows—heels. All the dates she’s been going on lately have been with a guy who’s 6 feet 7 inches tall, so heels are pretty much essential to her wardrobe of clothes that fit her 5’4” frame. Dresses can be a little too formal when paired with heels, especially if you’re just going to the movies, but jeans and heels and a nice top can pretty much go anywhere.

Jenni has a 10:1 ratio of dresses to jeans, so her choice pick for a date outfit typically involves a dress. Recently, she saw “Where the Wild Things Are” and in homage to Audrey Hepburn, she wore a fitted sleeveless dress with a capelet, Victorian gloves, opaque tights, and purple ruffled T-straps. She also pinned a peacock feather into her hair. Maybe it was a little too fancy for Farmville, but she got another date.

Let’s talk LBDs. Know what we mean? It’s a popular abbreviation for a Little Black Dress. Not to be confused with a Little Bitty Dress. The only bitty about an LBD is the amount of dates who won’t call you back. Little black dresses came to vogue (not the magazine) in the 1920s by Coco Chanel and were intended to give women a versatile, timeless piece which quickly became synonymous with personal style. That was 90 years ago, and both Megan and Jenni have multiple little black dresses. We’re kind-of into them, to put it mildly. You can find them anywhere, from H&M to Goodwill to a Chanel store itself.

Obviously though, when you’re going on a date, you want your clothes to say something about you, so if you aren’t the little black dress or jeans and heels type, don’t force it. Like all good relationships, what makes you happy and comfortable is most important.
--

True Life: I'm on the Longwood Look

2009-11-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

Posted by Jenni

Hello, everyone. Do you know who this is? This is Erin Weyen, and she's definitely one of the coolest girls we know, and not just on the fashion scene. She's super-cute, edgy, and she has the coolest hair ever. In this photo, she's following our "Tights as Pants" rules (her idea!) perfectly.
Look for her around campus for your next style inspiration!

Real Life Trends

2009-11-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Posted by Megan

Remember a couple weeks ago when we talked about dark shirts, dark ties and dark jackets all working together? I'm excited to have an example that didn't come from a magazine. My brother, Sean Flynn, makes it work in real life:

Stepping Out of the Box: Accessories

2009-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

You’re wearing a white T-shirt, dark wash jeans, and ballet flats. If you’re a guy, your white shirt is a button-up, and you’ve swapped your jeans for khakis. These basic looks are both comfortable and effortless ways to look good without looking like you tried too hard. But after a while, the basics can get boring. We’re here this week to explore the wonders of accessories—small details that you only have to throw on to make yourself look fifteen times cooler, just like that.

•Bags: Guys, feel free to skip ahead, unless of course you’re reading to do research for upcoming gift ideas. Halloween is just around the corner. (We’re kidding). Anyway, a good bag is like a microcosm of lipstick, cell phones, credit cards, keys, and gum. Why not make it fashionable? Megan was shopping with Jenni and was moved so much by Carlos Santana. What? He makes bags, didn’t you know? And shoes. But that’s another article. The one Megan totes around is made of burnt orange leather and accented by woven and geometric stitching. Jenni prefers tote bags and alternates between Andy Warhol’s “Flowers” design and an obnoxious lime-green Marc Jacobs satchel. Both of us love to switch it up, but can attest to finding “the one,” that bag that just works with everything. Till death do us part. Target bags are great but have a negative lifespan to cuteness ratio.

•Belts: Oh, the black belt/brown belt dilemma so many men must face. What’s a guy to do? Simple—match it with your shoes. And for the record, black and brown actually can go together, and sometimes should. So don’t be afraid to wear that black polo with a brown belt, khakis and brown shoes. We’re begging you. Ladies, belts don’t have to match shoes. Or bags. Or anything. Sometimes your belt can be your outfit’s main statement. Keep the “Go Fish” rule in mind—things don’t have to match, but they do have to go together. Wear them on your hips, on your waist, or under your bust to create an empire seam. Basically, imagine what you’d like your body to look like and put a belt there to make it happen. Who needs the gym when they’ve got a nice wide belt?

•Scarves: It’s getting colder. Everyone needs a scarf. Whether it’s a solid color or printed, neutral or bright, this bohemian-chic accessory does wonders for the whole T-shirt and jeans look. Guys can also benefit from scarves, and no, you don’t have to be metro sexual or a scene hipster to pull it off.

•Hats and Hair Accessories: Try them. Jenni loves hair accessories; they add hints of bygone days of glamour and help corral her curls. Picture Rita Hayworth’s luxurious deep side part. Now add a peacock feather. Suddenly, you pretty much are Rita Hayworth for the day. If you want to go frilly, find a headband with a silk flower or bow and tuck it into a low bun or voluminous curls. Hats are a little trickier, depending on (obviously) your head. Jenni is hats over heels for cloche hats, a staple of the 1920s flapper style. If you’re not into a polished, vintage look, then something is wrong with you, but you can wear a rakish beret. Preferably with a paint palette and a baguette. Megan’s a big fan of knitted hats that you might wear if you had a head full of dreadlocks, and of course preppy little scarves. Seriously. She alternates between the two because, honestly, she hates to wash her hair. So, regardless of your reasons, a hat can add endless personality and intrigue to your overall look. Even if hats are tricky for you, there’s always some style out there that will suit you. Don’t be intimidated by all this talk of cloches and berets—baseball caps can always play the fashion field.

Style Polls II: Boys, Boys, Boys

2009-10-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

As promised weeks ago, we’re finally incorporating men’s fashion into our column. We’ve gotten results from our men’s survey and are ready to share them along with our own opinions about several of GQ’s fall trends.

•Trench Coats: 66 percent of the 21 respondents were against this cool weather cover-up. We disagree. It’s possible that there was some confusion about what constitutes a “trench coat.” We’re pretty sure GQ didn’t mean floor-length black coats with chains and huge buckles. We favor shorter ones in lighter colors, like grey or khaki. Think James Dean, not Dracula.

•Patterned Sweaters: 52 percent of you guys don’t like these either. Once again, we’re thinking modern instead of hokey—as heartwarming and nostalgic as they may be, we aren’t talking about the reindeer patterned sweater your aunt knitted last Christmas. We like stripes or non-pastel argyle. Now who looks like a big boy?

•The Double-Breasted Suit: 52 percent weren’t fans of this look, either. You guys are hard to please! But honestly, we’re skeptical of this kind of suit as well. It’s a wide-cut suit, so it can be hard to wear. Honestly though, we don’t know that much about suits. Don’t tell anyone.

•Henley Tees: 61 percent don’t wear them. What?! We’re pretty sure these look nice on every guy. What if girls stopped wearing tank tops or perfume? There would be riots in the streets. Henleys are laid back, but still put together. Sexy. Start wearing them.

•Fatigue Jackets: 66 percent aren’t enthusiastic about them. We feel that the only reason you should be wearing something as militaristic as a fatigue jacket is if you’re actually in the military. And if you are, thank you.

•Plaid Dress Shirts: 71 percent of you like them. Finally—something we both like. They are like an Oxford on the weekend; the ideal business-casual. Maybe more casual than business, and that nerdy sort of fashion is what both of us are a little bit more than into.

•Dark shirt, dark tie, dark jacket: 52 percent don’t want to be so funereal. Jenni ‘unlikes’ this trend because she’s seen her fair share of unflattering choir outfits. In fact, whenever her friends wear something black and comment on it, she often adds in “Yes, like your soul.” Megan doesn’t hate it, because she has a secret affinity for dark clothing. It looks good on everyone, no matter their skin tone or eye or hair color. Black on black on black would be nice, but she’d like to see a man wear, say, a black shirt and with a dark grey tie and jacket.

So, these are the trends, this is how you responded, but the real question is this: does anyone actually dress like this at Longwood? We see plenty of fashionable fellas, but where are the plaid dress shirts, cool sweaters, and stylish jackets?
We hope this helps you next time you’re shopping for things to wear this season. And rest assured that from now on, we’re going to keep you guys in mind every week when we write for The Longwood Look.

Unorthodox? No problem.

2009-10-17T08:13:00.001-07:00

Posted by Jenni

Hello, everyone. This is Agyness Deyn. Not only is she stunning, she's the premiere model for Burberry and has been on the cover of Vogue in at least two countries. She's one of my fashion inspirations because she is unabashedly unorthodox. She's eccentric, slightly androgynous and hugely successful, yet she never conforms to trends. She'll never be a 'slave to fashion', and she has the longest legs ever.

To pare down this street-chic look for yourself, try a graphic tee, skinny jeans, a scarf, a knit cap(or fedora, as shown), and Converse sneakers.
You do have those, right?

Longwood Look meets Longwood Hole

2009-10-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

The best (and only) interview/review we've ever given/received. Enjoy.

http://longwoodhole.com/2009/10/12/interview-jenni-from-the-blog/

"...does not suck." -The Longwood Hole

Hide and Chic: A Quest

2009-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Posted by Jenni

The phrase “hide and chic” is often used to describe designer storage intended to hold ten years of your life while looking like an innocent Ottoman. I prefer to use it as a phrase to describe the shredding of tags on clothes you've had for...ages. You just forgot about them. At Banana Republic.

If you're like me, then you enjoy shopping to a degree that actually causes withdrawal if the activity is too infrequent. This is called retail therapy, and Americans are particularly prone to it. It's nothing to be ashamed of - just don't be one of those people who write it off and say things like "The truth is...". The truth is that you enjoy buying and wearing new clothing. Lots.

Obviously, this can be expensive. That's why I'm here: to enable you to um, help our economy. At Banana Republic.

I am a pro at finding good deals. I have a pair of Betsey Johnson T-straps, a Marc Jacobs tote bag, and a vintage Burberry scarf, all of which I managed to get for much less than their usual retail prices. I think.

The first place to look for these things is an outlet mall. I found my Marc Jacobs bag for $58 at a Saks Fifth Avenue outlet over the summer. If you live in northern VA, you're in luck - the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets have great clothes/shoes/bags/cookware at great prices. Similarly, I ran across a Burberry scarf in a locked glass case at a Goodwill in Frederick, Maryland. It was $20.

In my opinion, the key to finding quality products at a Goodwill or similar thrift store is to make a day trip and go to one that skirts a major city or a borough. But I would always recommend looking through a thrift store no matter where you are. You might find a great piece of vintage clothing or jewelry. I did once stumble upon a real Chanel bag in a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but it was practically destroyed. I still should have bought it. It was only $25.

My favorite, though, is how I got ahold of my Betseys. I traveled to Boston (my hometown) this summer with one of my best friends, whose real name is – get this – Ashley Magnifico. As one native Bostonian said upon meeting us, “I betcha spent two howahz on history, and five howahz on Newbury Street.” How did he know?
Anyway, later in the day, we wandered into Betsey Johnson’s hot pink boutique. We must have looked pretty darn cute, because the manager invited us to Betsey’s birthday party later that day, where we were served cupcakes, pink lemonade, and 30% off. I bought my T-straps for $56.

Basically, what I’m trying to tell you is not to be afraid to look. To shop. To dream. Try everything, and if it doesn’t work out, make your own.

Jenni Schweitzer is unnaturally talented at finding good deals on normal clothes, too. She just looks like a million bucks.

Tights as Pants

2009-10-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Posted by Megan

After receiving continual questions on the subject, I’ve decided to pretend to know something about wearing tights as pants. I have to be honest and say that I’m actually pretty into the whole look. I’m a firm believer in turning warm weather pieces like dresses and skirts into fall and winter clothes by adding scarves, cute jackets and tights.

But when I talk about wearing tights as pants, I really mean leggings: they shouldn’t be sheer, and they should function more or less like pants, except that you can wear a dress over them and not look ridiculous.

There are really important guidelines that need to be followed when you’re wearing leggings. More important than the color or style is the issue of making sure that you’re appropriately clothed in the most basic sense. Before you walk out the door, pretend that your leggings are invisible and that you have no pants on. Is your shirt long enough to cover your behind? Perfect.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
• Brightly colored leggings can work really nicely if you’ve got the confidence to wear them.
• Make sure your leggings don’t end in strange place. A little above the ankle is good. Anywhere near your knee is not.
• Layer your long tops and add cool jackets or a scarf. Don’t be afraid to pair leggings with shirts, just remember to keep them long enough.
• Leggings are awesome because they look good with pretty much any shoe: flats, athletic shoes, heels, boots. Don’t forget this! Switch it up.

Hopefully this clears a few things up. It’s a good look! Just find a way to wear it that works for you.

Style Polls: Women

2009-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks we’ve been polling the students of Longwood University on fall trends. For the ladies, we picked a few from Glamour Magazine’s website, and for the trends for men, we turned to the ever trusty GQ. This week we’ll take a look at the women’s trends.

• Big, bold necklaces: 80% of the 25 respondents approve. We’re a fan of large statement pieces, as long as they’re paired with an outfit that’s not too ostentatious in itself. Try not to wear necklaces with embellished tops, whether it has beading or sequins. That’s a little too showgirl, even for Farm Vegas.

• Plaid: 76% are for it. Glamour Magazine says that “Western” styles of plaid are in this season. Jenni is always reminded of Scotch tape whenever she sees plaid and actually disagrees with Glamour on this highly controversial issue. She is more open to subtler forms of plaid, such as Glen plaid (a popular fabric used for women’s trousers). Megan wants to agree with Jenni, but she’s still a little nostalgic about the pattern. Just stay away from plaid skirts unless you’re going to get demerits for not having one.

• Velvet dresses: 79.2% of you said no, and thank God. Glamour says to keep it short and we say yes, but should you really have to cut off half of your dress so it’s not too heavy to wear? If you can pull it off, we’ll give you a high-five.

• All-black: 56% said yes. We think it’s chic, but pretty hard to pull off. Both of us own a lot of black clothes, and you can’t knock the little black dress. If you’re going to do all black though, make sure everything fits really well, or you might end up looking like a nun. And then you’re going to have to find a cute little ruler.

• Full, knee-length skirts: 52% are in favor of this wholesome look. We are too, as long as you pair them with the right shoes. Espadrilles or heels are usually necessary with such a full skirt.

• 80’s: 76% said no to the decade-inspired look. Megan totally agrees, but Jenni likes to cause trouble. Obviously she believes that 80’s hair was forever and always a Bad Look, but there are good elements to the 80’s. The key to any retro look is mixing modern looks with retro accents – i.e. bright tights under a modern silhouette.

• Copper eye shadow: 68% like it. We like it too, since it’s a fun version of a neutral color. Copper is like brown’s older, sexier sister. It looks especially pretty on green or blue eyes, but everyone should give it a try. It’s perfect for fall!

• Barely-there makeup: A whopping 96% of girls polled were in favor of this look, but let’s be honest—who’s willing to get up in the morning, slap some moisturizer and mascara on and walk out the door? Obviously a lot of you. We could maybe pull it off, but we like makeup too much. To the rest of you, congratulations, you’re naturally hot.

• Bright red lips: 56% like this. The argument against it is that it’s really hard to pull off, but we’re pretty sure Marilyn Monroe knew what she was doing. Believe it or not, there’s a shade of red for everyone. If you’re fair, find a good coral shade. Medium skin tones benefit the most from a cranberry-pink. And if your skin is dark, stay away from the brighter shades stick with a deep saturated red, like burgundy.

• Really straight hair: 72% dig it. It’s a neat look, and we like it too. If your hair isn’t naturally straight, though, sometimes it’s a pain in the butt. Megan and her friends iron each other’s on the floor with a clothes iron. It works beautifully. Don’t burn yourself. And pick friends you trust.

High Heels in School

2009-09-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Posted by Megan

I walked home from class today behind a beautiful, tall girl in the coolest looking boots ever. They came up just below her knees and had an intimidating tall and skinny heel. It was the sort of thing that I liked because I knew that I could never pull it off myself. Then we got in the elevator together and she rode it to the second floor. I smiled.

I have a lot of heels. Just looking into my closet now, I see ten pairs. I’ll probably only wear one or two of them this year, but I love them so much that I can’t leave them in my closet back home while I’m here at school. When I’m at home in Roanoke, I wear heels everywhere. I had an internship this summer and was in heaven with pencil skirts and dresses and trousers and a reason to wear heels every day. I’m 5’4”. My boyfriend stands at six feet, seven inches. I need all the help I can get.

But, for some reason, I’ve always had an issue wearing heels to class. Then again, it took me the better part of my freshman year of college to realize that I was allowed to wear flip flops to class. I still can’t wear a tank top to class. Having a uniform for 12 years in Catholic school really got to me, I guess. I like having some guidelines.

So, anyway, here are the rules I came up with for wearing high heels to school:
• Pair heels with jeans and simple tops, like a plain T-Shirt or a button-up.
• Don’t be afraid to wear colorful shoes. Ever. Just keep the rest of your outfit pretty neutral.
• If you ever wore the shoes to prom, don’t wear them to class. Actually, don’t wear anything you wore to prom to class.
• You can definitely wear heels with a dress or skirt, just make sure it’s not too short or you might end up looking a little contemptible.

If you already wear heels to class, good for you. You’re braver than I am. If you don’t yet, stick with me—I believe that we can do this together.

Trenderizers

2009-09-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Posted by Jenni

Here at the Longwood Look (read: Megan’s bedroom) we’ve been polling various trends in those surveys that we post on every available social networking site. It’s fun, easy, and we get to hate on people who hate on our favorite trends.Basically, after lots of complaining and ice cream I found myself thinking about what separates a trend from a style.

Wikipedia redirects the term “Fashion trends” to the Bandwagon Effect and other such ugly words like “herd mentality”. Personally, I’m not convinced that trends are ultimately a good thing. Redirect to 1983, or the more modern “totes legit”. Truly, trends can be tacky, expensive, and unnervingly popular. It’s far more irritating, though, when someone tries to impose trends on you. One of my best friends once called me up to say, “Hey, do you like baby pink hair clips?” No, thank you. It was like being fixed up with some questionable guy. It was essentially re-gifting, another unfortunately popular trend.

That said, there are some trends that are fantastic and stick around. I’m pretty sure Jesus wore gladiator sandals, for example. Coco Chanel made black dresses, and let’s not forget about Converse Chucks.

My current trend want? A strapless jumpsuit from American Apparel. It’s $48 of short-lived chic.

Project Runway

2009-09-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Posted by Jenni

A few weeks ago, an event took place over the airwaves. It was the premiere of Project Runway, the only reality show I actually follow. Every time I watch it, I'm amazed at what these people produce in a day. I don't think I could ever do that.
I also didn't go to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology, and yes, that's a real place) and take several years of sewing and costuming and sketching, etc. And that's why I'm currently not on the show.

This season, the show is based out of Los Angeles instead of its normal home of New York City. Personally, I'm not a huge fan. I'm an East Coast gal all the way, and I like my subtly muted color palettes and ability to mix seasonal items.
They don't have seasons that they can mix in Los Angeles, and so essentially I spend the whole show wondering when Tim Gunn is going to get so hot that he simply can't wear his trademark suit. Truthfully, it doesn't blend with the whole surfari theme, bro.
This dress is made of newspaper. I knew recycling was a good idea.

If you have a strong opinion about this season of Project Runway, let us know here at the Longwood Look!

Surveys!

2009-09-15T19:56:00.001-07:00

Next week we're going to write about Fall trends for men and women. In order to do so, we need your opinion about some of them.

Here's a survey for women about this season's new looks, courtesy of glamour.com:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gxcR7pxmYvjIBmHHnMFhCw_3d_3d

And from GQ.com, some trends for men:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fR0Zi3wSM7zFbWrQFL6XHA_3d_3d

We'll try to post things more often! Look for us in The Rotunda tomorrow.

Football Fashion

2009-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Our first article was supposed to come out in The Rotunda yesterday, and it sort of did, it just wasn't in the actual newspaper. But, if you want to read the article and leave a comment on The Rotunda's website, please go here and do so:

http://media.www.therotundaonline.com/media/storage/paper1354/news/2009/09/09/Features/The-Longwood.Look-3766026.shtml

We celebrated Megan's 21st birthday this past weekend by tailgating at the first Hampden-Sydney football game of the season. HSC games are really fun, but very different from, say, any other college football game you'd ever go to. The Hampden-Sydney boys get all dressed up, from khakis and a polo shirt to seersucker pants and a preppy blazer. Girls show up decked out in sundresses and pearls, and sometimes even big sunhats.

How do you feel about this southern tradition? Some people feel that it's too much, but a lot of Longwood University girls (Megan included) can't seem to get enough of it. Is a football game any place for a bowtie? Let us know.

Fashionably yours,
Megan and Jenni

Meet the Press

2009-08-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

So, here we are, in the library at Longwood University. We're hoping that this can become our humble beginning to a one day very exclusive field of fashion journalism. This September, we'll be in The Rotunda, the school newspaper, and we'll be talking about fashion.

Meet Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer. We like shoes. And clothes. And shopping. You get it.

Megan Flynn became addicted to shopping after twelve years of private school. Forced to wear the same thing every day for so long, she now compulsively buys items of clothing that she'll probably never have enough places or time to wear them.

Jenni Schweitzer has approximately 20 dresses and wears all of them. She loves clothes and believes a shopping marathon could fix the current state of the economy. Easily.

Our fashion column will start in the September 9th issue of The Rotunda. Check it out! And let us know what you think, what you'd like to see, and what you've been wearing lately.

Always,
Megan & Jenni