On Budget

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.

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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

Property of a Name Brand

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.