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

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Chick Pee

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.
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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!

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!

Happy Easter from the Longwood Look!

Long Skirts: Romance or Rack?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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?

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 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