Showing posts with label Niki Kottmann. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niki Kottmann. Show all posts

Celebrity Fashion, Columbia Style



For some reason, celebrities always seem to have the best outfits. Whether they just have a good stylist or their personal taste is on trend, they seem to make great sources of fashion inspiration.

The only problem with looking at multi-millionaires for outfit ideas is that most of us can’t afford to throw down large amounts of cash for labels that you can’t even find near Columbia. That’s where we come in. The following three outfits come from three different fashion icons whose bank accounts are much bigger than most of ours, but we’ve found similar items right here in town that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Everyday Chic

Vanessa Hudgens recently rocked the red carpet at a Macy’s event with a bold choice: jean on jean. Her dark washed skinnies worked perfectly with this flowy white chambray top, which had just the right amount of denim accents on top.


Now here’s the College Gloss Mizzou version. While we aren’t sure the exact label of Vanessa’s ensemble, we can guess that what you can find downtown is a much better deal. This outfit is different from Hudgens’ in the sense that the jeans are high waisted and the shirt is more sheer, with a tie front. Pair this outfit with some fun gold bangles like Hudgens and maybe even some white pumps if you’re feeling adventurous. 


Jeans: $49.99
Top: $24.00
Glik’s: 921 E Broadway

Day to Night

Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr knows how to show skin, but in this outfit it’s just the right amount. Whether you’re going to lunch with your coworkers or out on the town at night with friends, you can’t go wrong with a classic black blouse and printed mini skirt. Kerr’s mini is Proenza Schouler and runs for approximately $850, but we’ve found a look-a-like that won’t keep you from paying off those student loans.


Our CoMo version comes from Elly’s Couture on Broadway, and it also features a tie front accent. Pair it with some cute peep-toes like Kerr, and grab a black studded clutch to complete this super versatile look.

Skirt: $39.99
Top: $59.99
Elly’s Couture: 914 E Broadway

All Dressed Up

Who doesn’t love getting a little fancy? Jessica Stam recently hit the red carpet at the CFDA Fashion Awards in this bright yellow peplum dress by Rebecca Minkoff. Although the peplum is definitely one of the top trends of the season, we don’t think it’s worth paying around $400 for, so we found something just as cute in our backyard.


While it’s not as bright of a yellow as Stam’s, this strapless peplum with a sweetheart neckline is definitely on trend, and it’s the perfect Mizzou gold! Pair it with a bold statement necklace like Stam, and you’ll be ready to impress everyone at your next big event.

Dress: $50.00 (on sale!)
Swank: 913 E Broadway

By: Niki Kottmann

CGM's List of the Best Free (or Close to It) Activities in Columbia

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To be honest, Columbia used to seem like somewhat of a boring city to me. I’m from a large suburb of Chicago where there’s always something to do, and so throughout my freshman year at Mizzou I was under the impression that Columbia didn’t have much to offer other than a charming college town atmosphere. However, now that I'm staying the summer here I decided to give the city a second chance, and I think I’ve found some of the best (cheap) activities to do in our beloved home away from home.

1. Spend a morning at the Columbia Farmer’s Market

Image: Niki Kottmann

Five days a week, the city’s Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) is host to what Rural Missouri magazine once dubbed Missouri’s best farmer’s market. With a membership of close to 70 farmers, producers and artisans, it’s impossible to leave the market without something delicious in your hands. From fresh flowers and vegetables to “baby” pies, the assortment is fantastic and the vendors are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. My roommate and I especially loved Grandma Barb’s Baked Goods, from whom we bought a generously iced $2 cinnamon roll and a $4 loaf of dangerously addicting banana bread. We chatted with Barb’s daughter-in-law Jeannie, who was thrilled to tell us about their all-natural products (no artificial preservatives for them -- only natural ones like honey!) and the success of their individual “baby” sized pies that come in a variety of flavors.

Location: 1701 W Ash St.
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 4-6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 3-6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-noon

2. Get in Touch with Mother Nature

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The great outdoors is, in my opinion, the best place to unwind. I’m most familiar with the MKT trail, which is 8.9 miles of pure natural beauty. Taking a long walk, bike ride or run (if you’re motivated, unlike me) on a beautiful summer day is a fantastic workout both physically and mentally. The path has plenty of shade from Rock Bridge National Forest’s dense foliage to help you survive the humid Missouri summer weather, and you’re sure to meet plenty of other nature-lovers along the way. Another way to take in the forgotten beauty of Columbia’s landscape is to take a long drive away from town. The other night my friends and I drove until we were on gravel roads instead of asphalt, and the closest house was miles away. While slightly spooky at night, it was refreshing to get away from my crowded apartment complex and remind myself that life is much simpler out in the country.

Location: Access at any trailhead; Flat Branch Park 101 S. 4th St., 501 S. Providence Rd. (No parking), 800 W. Stadium Blvd. 2701 Forum Blvd and 3662 Scott Blvd.

3. Act Like a Local

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 Memorial Day seemed like the perfect opportunity to rub elbows with some Columbia locals, so I headed downtown to check out the Memorial Day parade. The description online had promised a patriotic, non-political celebration commencing with parachuters, so I was getting pretty excited to see it for myself. Unfortunately, after picking the best America-themed outfit in my closet, being forced to park behind a frat house then waiting on the curb for fifteen minutes for the festivities to begin, it was announced that the parade was canceled due to inclement weather. My roommate and I were bummed, especially since the free Tai Chi class (yes, that’s a thing and I still plan on going) we had planned to attend earlier in the day had also been canceled, but we agreed that it was worth the try. We definitely enjoyed people watching and talking with a few Columbians who had also been looking forward to the parade, and it was nice to see that how friendly they were.

A Few Other Ideas:

  • Check out the Columbia Public Library. It has an outstanding collection of every genre of book you can imagine, and the modern architecture creates a fresh and fun environment to read and kick back.
  • Take an adventure to the historical side of town. The neighborhoods behind the library are full of beautiful old houses marked by “Historical Site” signs. Follow the brick roads to a charming array of wrap-around porches, bay windows and bright colored exteriors.
  • See Columbia from the eyes of its other college students. Parade got canceled? Cheer yourself up like I did by taking a stroll through Stephens College. We’re so used to walking around Mizzou that we forget that Columbia is home to two other colleges with beautiful campuses of their own. Stephens is home to multiple brick buildings that have been there since the school was established in 1833. My favorite is the oldest-and supposedly haunted-Senior Hall with its gorgeous stained glass door.

For more events and activities, check out The Columbia Tribune’s calendar of local events.

By: Niki Kottmann
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