Showing posts with label Wish List vs. Must List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wish List vs. Must List. Show all posts

Wish List vs. Must List: Holiday Edition

The holiday season is a time for many things, and one of the most fun things is being able to dress up in your shiniest, best and brightest. But because holiday clothing can be dressy, it can also be tricky to pull off the other 11 months of the year or before the big party. I mean, let’s face it, a sequin skirt is the ultimate statement piece, but how can you pull it off in the daytime without looking like a Moulin Rouge back-up dancer?

Actually, it’s not that difficult to take one major piece that is great for an evening party and change a few things to make it wearable for day. I took three holiday staples: the statement cardigan, the little black dress and the sequined skirt and put together three looks that can easily transform from day to night or night to day. (And the most expensive piece is only $89!) After all, who has room in their suitcase for two outfit changes a day.

Statement Cardigan:
To me, the sequined or jeweled cardi is the 2012 holiday must have because it is easy to slip on over dresses, and it adds a little personality and warmth. It can come across a little mature, though, so be sure to balance the look with trendier pieces so as not to look like you’re going to an ugly sweater party. For daytime, I paired the look with skinny jeans and added combat boots to toughen the sweetness of the sweater. Add a beanie and a red infinity scarf, and you are ready for a family outing or a trip to the mall with the girls for after-season sales. To transition the look to nighttime, grab coated skinny jeans and burgundy heels (burgundy is the color of this season). The velvet on the heels add an interesting spin to the outfit and help dress up an otherwise “blah” black ensemble.

Little Black Dress:
It’s classic, it’s chic, and it’s certainly timeless. There isn’t a season or time period I can think of that doesn’t have the LBD in it. That said, if you are ever in doubt about what to wear to nearly any occasion, it is always a good answer. This tulle and lace LBD is sure to turn heads at any holiday party or formal event. Since the tulle does make it ultra dressy, I would balance it with a printed sweater layered over the dress and add a black blazer for daytime. Keep the rest simple with black boots and tights. For evening, let the dress do the talking by keeping your accessories down to a simple necklace. I love these burgundy heels with this outfit, too, and I think they would keep the look classic but interesting.
Sequined Skirt:
This piece is the showiest and most luxurious of the three, and it can be the trickiest to style. But it is the ultimate holiday party piece, and the risk is worth the effort. For day, make sure that you keep the rest of your items as simple as possible because the skirt is your statement accessory, and it needs no competition. I chose a classic white oxford, and I would wear a denim shirt as a jacket over it. The juxtaposition of the business-like top with the party-like bottom makes a cool statement that is sure to make you the most creatively dressed in the room. To make the look even more unique, I added brown combat boots. For evening, I chose a classic cable sweater in a bright fuchsia color to pop against the gold. Since these two pieces are very loud, I chose basic black tights and flats to complete the outfit.

As the year’s end approaches, be sure to celebrate in style, both day and night. Holiday style is all about making a statement, so let your creativity flow freely. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year!

By: Kayla Elam | Images: 1, 2, 3

Get Supermodel Miranda Kerr's Unique Look

Dressing well is not a matter of geography or budget, but a matter of creativity. In this column, I wanted to move away from downtown shops in Columbia, Mo., and instead take a drive down Stadium to the Columbia Mall.

Fashionable people tend to scoff at the idea of the mall, deeming it for the masses, the middle school population or for those who are fashion-challenged. I must admit, I have tended to gravitate to more independent lines myself, but Target is just too tempting! The notion that you can’t find style in a mall is just not true.

And to prove that a unique look can be mass-produced by mall chains, I recreated two looks inspired by the angelic supermodel Miranda Kerr.


Kerr is not just enviable because she happens to be Orlando Bloom’s wife but because her style is spot-on for any college student looking for inspiration. It’s trendy with a rock edge, but also minimal at the same time; you won’t find her bogged down with accessories. This translates well for a college student who can’t be too excessive on a daily basis.

That being said, minimalism can get dull. So to show how her minimal pieces can be incorporated to fit your personal style, I created two looks using her basic outfit as the building blocks for each style: Fashion Lady for feminine style or Urban Legend for urbanite style. 

Both looks feature a black blazer (I chose one from Target), and I show you how to go from day to night with a black blazer in two different styles. And yes, every single piece is from a store you can find in the mall.

Day Outfit:


Take a page from Miranda’s book with this pullover layered over a thin, flowy top. Add an additional layer with the blazer for the collegiate look. This outfit is easy to put together for fall, and each piece can be used in many ways apart from these two outfits.

Night Outfit:


For nighttime, take the same black blazer and layer it over a leopard skirt and flowy gray tee. This sounds like an odd mix, but that is where the chicness of the outfit comes from. A hat and oxfords (daring girls, try this with rolled down socks like Kerr’s) transforms the outfit to a whole new style level. Then add tights and boots with a pop of color on the clutch to keep it girly stylish.

We can’t all be Miranda Kerr, but remember this fashion proverb now and for always: style is a state of mind, not a geographic location. Even with an abundance of strollers, food courts and kiosks, you can indeed find style. Now, who’s up for a ride on the carousel?

By: Kayla Elam | Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wish List vs. Must List: Recreating A Designer Look at Britches

Everybody knows there are some great style blogs out there. It is not unusual to find me sitting in Kaldi’s on Ninth Street, scrolling through the blogs that I have bookmarked on my computer. More than anything though, I think about how great it would be if I had the budget of a big-name style blogger like Bryanboy or Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad. Paris Fashion Week invites, cocktail dresses courtesy of the designer and new Louboutins in my size held in a special place for me in Saks? Yeah, I could deal with that.

However, unfortunately, for most of us, reality comes crashing in. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the great stores we have in Columbia and recreate those same looks on a college budget.

I took on the challenge myself one Sunday afternoon and made the trip to Britches Clothing Store, located on 130 S. Ninth St. in Downtown Columbia (just up from Chipotle and Starbucks). It has been one of my favorite places since I started visiting Columbia back in high school. I also think it’s a top choice for hot trends like comfy sweaters and studded blouses that are perfect for going out, a sorority gathering or if you just want to look good while walking to class

For this look, I took inspiration from voguehaus.com, a chic fashion blog from the Czech Republic, and turned her fabulous fall look into one from pieces you can easily pick up at Britches.

 The Original:
Voguehaus.com

Our Look:



Gold Necklace: $20, Burgundy Sweater: $30


Acid Wash Black Denim Jean: $45, Olive Army Jacket: $65 



Tote Bag: $50, Black Bootie: $45

Vogue Haus Total: around $600
Our Total: $225

 What we did:
I took the same army jacket style and added the burgundy color from Vogue Haus’s outfit with this great sweater, which is unbelievably soft. I paired our look with acid wash jeans for a little texture and to keep the look more casual compared to the tights and shorts from the original photo. Add a tote bag and black laced booties (another hot trend for fall), and you are good to go.

One item to focus on:
If I had to tell you to purchase one item this fall, it would be the army jacket with faux leather sleeves. It is exactly on trend with the leather accents, and the olive green color goes perfectly with darker shades for your fall/winter wardrobe. It is also versatile in that it can easily be paired with the floral patterns from your spring clothes. Now get out there and start shopping because there are some fabulous items here in CoMo just waiting to join your closet this fall! 

By: Kayla Elam | Images: 1, 2, Kayla Elam

CG's Must List for Breast Cancer Awareness Month


I don’t know about you, but I have been seeing a lot of pink lately. Not only am I a fan of the color, but a huge fan of this color’s meaning this month. As many of you know, it is, indeed, Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time for men and women to promote research and to honor the stories of those that have come into contact with this dreaded disease.

 I've uncovered the best fashion and beauty products you can buy to support causes that benefit breast cancer research. 

 Granted, there are no “wishes” in this particular column because I cannot think of better shopping than shopping for a cause. These are all “musts,” ladies!

Saks Fifth Avenue - Key to the Cure


Cause: Saks Key To The Cure, which has provided millions of dollars over 12 years to women’s cancer research.
Proceeds: 100 percent

 Carolina Herrera designed the tree logo on the $35 long-sleeved T-shirt. 

 I wear mine with black or gray skinny jeans, boots and my gold watch to keep the look elegant and tasteful.

Ann Taylor Loft - Live in Pink


Cause: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization where 91 cents of every donation dollar goes toward research and prevention.
Proceeds: 25 percent of every Live in Pink item

 With its smart peplum and bright color, I cannot resist this fun dress. It is a bit candy sweet, so I recommend toughening it up with a gray moto jacket and tights. 

 Or you could embrace the Audrey Hepburn inspiration and don the pearls — SEC ladies.

 OPI - Pink of Hearts


Cause: In its sixth annual charity pairing for the disease, the nail color brand will donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.
Proceeds: $25,000 to Komen; $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer

 With a package containing a pale pink polish and a sparkly pink polish, can a girl really go wrong? I would recommend trying one statement nail with the sparkly polish and keeping the rest of your fingers in the pale pink.

AVON - Pink Ribbon


Cause: Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, an organization that has raised $740 million dollars over the past 20 years to raise awareness, prevention and treatment.
Proceeds: 100% of net profits

This adorable $10 scarf would look perfect tied on your purse or backpack, don’t you think? Or truly go for the retro look and tie it around your neck like a la Jackie O.

Clinique


Cause: Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Proceeds: $3 of every lipstick

 Every girl needs a little Clinique in her life! Grab this super cute lipstick and pouch and feel good knowing that what you were going to buy anyways made a difference.

No matter what cause you are looking to support this month, Tigers, remember that it feels great and is so worth it! (And you might get a pretty thing or two in my favorite color out of it.)

By: Kayla Elam

Wish List vs. Must List: Fall Fashion Overview

Sometimes a girl has just got to splurge — and sometimes a girl is still feeling the effects of her semester’s tuition and has to bury what little cash she has. It does indeed sound simple to protect it like the precious commodity it is, but let’s face it: spending money is a reality. (I was paying attention in economics!) And for most college-aged women, fall is when we need money to boost our wardrobes for fall. I mean, where would we be without comfy sweaters and sturdy riding boots? Cold and sad, that’s where.

Not to worry, though! I have been avoiding the piles of homework on my desk to help us achieve that fall wardrobe without doling out cash like a Super PAC. So grab a pumpkin latte and enjoy the beautiful designer items on the Wish List, but definitely check out what fall essentials under $55 you should be buying now on the Must List. 
Tory Burch Wish List vs. Alloy Must List

If you’re like me, you have had a pair of riding boots on your wish list for years. Some don’t fit and some aren’t the right color chestnut. Then there are these Tory Burch riding boots available at Nordstrom. In my best Rachel Zoe voice, “Die.” The color is the right shade to not clash with deeper browns or burgundies in your fall wardrobe and the gold details make them look like you aren’t out to muck the stable. The catch? A $495 price tag. Ouch.

But never fear because I found these Alloy boots in almost the exact color for $55. Alloy usually has great sales going on 24/7, so be sure to keep your eye on their website for even more steals.
Rodarte Wish List vs. Mod Cloth Must List

Between the collar (a must-have trend) and the rich color, I am totally sold on the Mulleavy sisters’ creation for fall. It’s chic and ladylike without being prim, so it’s no wonder that uber-hip French boutique Colette has the dress listed at nearly $3,000. A girl can dream, right?

But being the savvy fashionista I am, I stumbled upon this ModCloth version for only $53. I’m not the best at math, being a journalism student, but that’s a lot less, ladies. It has the same collar and rich color that can transition from day to night, heels to boots or tights to bare legs in the spring.

Yves Saint Laurent Wish List vs. Francesca’s Must List 


Rich, emerald green is hands down the color to keep your eye on. Like any great trend, it looks great on accessories, too. Enter this YSL stunner, a.k.a. the prettiest bag of the season. The “Cabas Chyc” is made of rich leather, and I must agree with Net-a-Porter’s description that it is an investment piece. So much so that it costs over $2,000.

My recommendation? Pick up this great bag from Francesca’s Collection, which also opened a store recently in the Columbia Mall. My favorite part of Francesca’s $48 version is the additional arm strap that comes in handy when you’re trying to juggle keys and books.
Burberry Wish List vs. Forever 21 Must List

It isn’t everyday that you can find me gawking at what many would deem “merely a coat.” But this, ladies and gentlemen, is not just any old coat, but a Burberry one that I would literally sleep in no matter the weather. The parka is in classic Burberry tan and boasts the iconic plaid that most fashionistas dream of owning. Why this style is so essential is the versatility of such a piece: fall, spring or early winter, you have your bases covered. But being Burberry, expect a to pay well over $1,000.

If you are left out in the cold on the price tag (bad joke, I know), try this version from Forever 21. It has the trimmings and classic shape of the Burberry original but for $40, you can actually afford your rent and meals! This is the perfect piece to pull on for the trek to class on chilly days in fall (the thinness of the coat won’t double for Missouri’s unbearable December days, unfortunately). Ditch the hoodie and try pairing it with skinny jeans and boots for the ultimate fall look that screams ‘college woman,’ not high school football game.
J. Crew Wish List vs. J. Crew Factory Must List

There is nothing that screams “fall!” to me quite like J. Crew and Italian cashmere. I think I would have to revoke my previous statement that I would sleep in the Burberry parka because it has nothing on cashmere, especially a cashmere cardigan. Can you spell heaven J-C-R-E-W? Because I do. Take the ultra-soft fabric of cashmere and couple that with the richest colors and you have a winner for any occasion and any season. The only downside? $238.

Don’t leave that J. Crew page just yet ladies, because my go-to place for that J. Crew esthetic without the price tag is their factory page. Here you will find all the best trends for a fraction of the cost. Think a sample sale available all day, every day. For example, these factory cardigans are offered year-round with the colors typically changing seasonally. The best part is that it's still a part of J. Crew’s shopping page and ships with items you buy from the regular J. Crew so any splurge items from the main site can ship with their equally as fabulous factory counterparts.


3.1 Phillip Lim Wish List vs. Target Must List

Besides the traditional navy and various shades of maroon you see everywhere in the fall, step out of your color comfort zone in mustard. While not for everyone, this family member of Mizzou gold is an interesting way to turn an otherwise ‘blah’ outfit into a fashion forward one because the color is so unexpected. 

 While you can start small with a mustard cardigan that I saw everywhere while shopping for this post, I prefer a pant or trouser in this marigold/mustard color. The trouser is an essential in any man or woman’s wardrobe and you can really show your style with these 3.1 Phillip Lim beauties.

The I-am-broke $22 alternative from Target in toffee are just as chic and hit at the ankle just as the $350 ones do. They are simple for class or for meeting the girls and can be paired with everything from a chambray shirt to a chiffon blouse. I would style the look with another hot trend, polka dots, or with a cable-knit sweater in navy or cream.
So while the leaves fall and the tights are broken out, remember to enjoy fashion no matter your budget because there is always a way to enjoy it without going overboard. As an Instagram post mentioned on my feed the other day, “Fashion one can buy, but style one must possess.”

 By: Kayla Elam | Images: Listed retail stores
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