Showing posts with label Katie Hogsett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katie Hogsett. Show all posts

Ring In The New Year With Ease: The Perfect NYE Attire

It just wouldn’t be the holiday season if you didn’t already have a list of a million things to do. You look up and suddenly the leaves have been stripped from all the trees, and getting out of your warm, snug bed in the morning becomes close cousins with torture.

It’s time to face the ruthless crowds of determined shoppers and attempt to squeeze in time for family, friends and all the holiday festivities. With the chilly air comes the timeless question of, “what in the world am I going to wear?”

Upon walking outside into the notoriously bipolar weather of the Midwest, it hits you that the real question is, “how am I supposed to look cute and stay warm at the same time?” Well fear not, there are plenty of options just in the vicinity of downtown Columbia that will accomplish both of these seemingly unrelated terms in today’s fashion world.

It’s really not about finding “the perfect New Year’s dress.” The key is to purchase separates, and with the right accessories, you can wear it more than once without even your best friend’s noticing.

CG Mizzou writer Katie Hogsett decided to venture downtown with a friend to find the perfect New Year's Eve ensemble. 


The first store we stopped by was Envy, in between 8th and 9th streets on Broadway. Not only does this store constantly get in new merchandise, but it definitely has the most reasonable prices out of all the stores we went into. 




The peplum skirt. *Sigh.* I’ve never been more ecstatic about the shape of a skirt before this trend rose from the dust. If you’re a girl with no curves, it gives you a lot of shape. If you’re a girl who doesn’t like her curves, it cuts off the largest part of your waist and gives you a more defined hourglass look. Now you’re probably thinking, “what about the warm part?” Well, hopefully at this point in time you’ve invested in a winter coat of some kind.

These adorable red heels (from Breeze) would add a much-needed pop of color to the outfit.

Any type of neutral-colored blazer, trench or peacoat will go perfectly with this. Throw on some sheer tights and a pair of chandelier earrings, and you’re set.


The next store we went into was Breeze, located on 908 East Broadway. This store has a tremendous selection of dresses and heels. It made it really difficult to narrow down the best options, so I really suggest that you go see for yourself, especially due to varying body types.




This outfit is really versatile; if you deconstruct it, you can wear the blazer with a fitted top, jeans and some ballet flats. There are countless combinations just waiting to be discovered with this one because the neutral colors make it easy to pair with a pop of color.



After Breeze, we headed over to Britches on the corner of Ninth and Locust streets. This little boutique always seems to have the most unique pieces out of all the stores. If you’re concerned about current trends, this is definitely the spot to go.

I’m obsessed with this gold skirt with a subtle leopard print (great for showing some tiger spirit!). The cropped leather jacket tapers at just the right place on your waist, and the teal, suede pumps give it a nice Christmas tree accent. The price range at Britches varies, but tends to be on the higher end for the most part. The skirt is $38, the jacket is $75, and the tank top underneath is $10.


Due to the lack of color in the previous outfits, we picked out this stunning, scarlet dress. Not only is red a flattering color on almost every skin tone, but its only $45. It would be good for any holiday event while simultaneously spreading some Christmas cheer. The sleeves provide a little bit more warmth and give structure to the dress. Now all you need are some black or nude wedges, printed black tights and a warm coat.


I’ve been eyeing this chunky, triangle necklace for a while now, and it even comes with a pair of matching earrings. It would also look fantastic with a sheer oxford of almost any color paired with a leather jacket and dark wash skinny jeans.


The last store we went into was Swank, located right across the street from Envy on 913 East Broadway. This store is definitely the most expensive of them all, so hopefully you weren’t too naughty this year. However, you get what you pay for, and they have a variety of well-made, higher-end brands.



I fell in love with these Free People ivory skinny jeans with a leather stripe down the side. Underneath is a perforated leather shirt that was perfect with the faux fur vest. The color scheme of this being simply black and white allows you to put in your own personal touch. This could be removing the vest and replacing it with a sequin blazer or maybe adding your favorite oversized tote. We chose a cobalt blue clutch that has just enough room for all your going-out essentials with a gold cuff link. I have to say the shoes are my favorite part, though. They are super easy to walk in and are what I consider a winter must-have. Plus, what better way to start off the New Year than with a contagious sense of confidence and a fierce pair of heels?

Now, it's your turn! Grab your Christmas money and head to downtown Columbia, so you can look your best this New Year's Eve.

By: Katie Hogsett

Meet Todd Morris: MU Hottie & Cosmopolitan's Missouri Bachelor 2012



Have you ever found yourself thinking you need to be in L.A. or New York to find yourself a top-notch hottie with awesome style and a heart of gold? Well, all those doubts will be wiped away with one look at Todd Morris, 23-year-old MU nursing student and Cosmopolitan’s Missouri Bachelor 2012. This Lee’s Summit cutie and Mizzou senior is competing for $10,000 and the hearts of ladies everywhere with his sexy smile and sweet disposition. But beware girls, this bachelor is studious, hard working and family-oriented …. basically he’s perfect.

How did you get involved in this competition?
TM: Last spring break I was visiting my sister at TCU when my friend Emilia texted me asking if I wanted to make money. I believe her exact words were, “I’m whoring you out to America.”

Why did you decide to go for it?
TM: It just seemed harmless. I didn’t think it was going to go anywhere so I thought, “why not?”

What was your reaction when you found out you were chosen?
TM: I was pretty shocked. I was in disbelief because I didn’t really see it going anywhere. I was excited, and of course I said yes because who would pass this up?

What was the process like?
TM: After I signed on, I had to promise to stay single since they thought it would only be fair to the readers. Then we all flew to New York the last week of June. They drove us out to the Hamptons. It was the whole nine yards with hair, makeup and wardrobe.

How do you win?
TM: After voting ends on October 18th, the editorial staff at “Cosmopolitan” will judge the top ten bachelors with the most votes, and they will choose the winner.

When do you find out if you won?
TM: On October 17th, we are flying back to New York for three days, and we will appear on the “Today Show,” “Access Hollywood” and “Entertainment Tonight.” The night of the 19th, “Cosmo” is throwing a party where they’ll announce the winner.

What would you do with the $10,000 if you won?
TM: I probably would save half of it. My mom works for an investment company so she always hounds me to save. I’ll probably use the other half to pay back my parents for helping me get to New York and this process. I’d also like to buy a nice watch.

What reactions have you received from friends and family?
TM: A lot of people didn’t believe me at first! Everyone has been really excited though. My mom was worried about me being shirtless in “Cosmo,” but I think she’s warmed up to the idea of me being in a national magazine.


Why did you decide to come to Mizzou?
TM: It’s the only college I applied to. Growing up, I just knew I wanted to come here.

Why did you choose nursing as your major?
TM: My grandpa was a doctor so he kind of pushed me into doing medicine. I started off going pre-med, but my sophomore year my sister got brain cancer. When she died, my relationship with her hospice nurse and how great she was to my sister made me want to do nursing.

What is your favorite thing about Mizzou?
TM: The environment and the camaraderie. I feel like a lot of colleges lack the college atmosphere we have.

Where could we find you on a Friday night in Columbia?
TM: I usually go out to the bars with friends, like Harpo’s or Big 12. Or some nights I stay in and lounge with the guys. It’s nice to have a quiet night once and awhile.

What would a date with you be like in Columbia?
TM: Probably a late dinner, maybe at Flat Branch, and then a walk around campus to the columns and other popular sites.  

What do you look for in a girl?
TM: Oh gosh, someone that is goal-oriented and down to earth. She isn’t afraid to take charge and knows what she wants and where she wants to end up. Family is a huge part too. You don’t just marry the girl, you marry the family. And being attractive is always a plus.

How old were you when you had your first kiss?
TM: I think I was eight. My mom had work friends over and one had a daughter that I ended up kissing under the bed. My first kiss was with some random girl I met!

What’s your favorite movie?
TM: “Braveheart.”

What kind of music do you like?
TM: Anything. I’m on a Mumford & Sons kick right now. Also, Imagine Dragons are good.

What song is playing on your iPod right now?
TM: “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons.

How would you describe your fashion style?
TM: I like the dress-down look — a nice pair of jeans with a tucked-in shirt or v-neck.

What do you see your future as?
TM: Hopefully, I’ll be happily married. I think growing up, I always saw myself being married at a young age because my parents got married young. But now, there are things I want to accomplish first, like graduate school and seeing the world.

To vote for this Missouri catch, log onto cosmopolitan.com and select Missouri for your bachelor winner. Voting ends Thursday, October 18th at 6 a.m. EST, so hurry! Who knows, he may even reward you with a thank-you kiss if you do … just kidding!

By: Catherine Rolwes | Images: Katie Hogsett
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