New Year's Eve: Sparkle

It’s almost that time of year again where we reminisce on the past 365 days and look forward to a fresh start in the year to come. When I think of New Year’s Eve, I think of resolutions and new beginnings, but mostly the infamous ball drop. Everyone knows that the biggest celebration happens in Times Square at midnight, but wherever you are when 2014 begins, you can be sure that a sparkly dress will grab everyone’s attention.

Sparkly dresses are definitely a showstopper at any other occasion, but New Year’s Eve is all about the glitz and glamour. The first dress is vintage 20’s style with an elegant beading design. Paired with some blingy jewelry and gold accessories, this look is classically beautiful. 

The look on the right is an all-over gold sequin dress with black accessories. Add some dark nail polish and lipstick and the outfit is completed. With a sparkly statement dress, you will want to hold back on too many accessories so they don’t clutter the outfit. I would personally stay away from necklaces and just accessorize with rings and earrings.

Celebrate the New Year in good fashion this year and enjoy the time with friends and family. Have a wonderful 2014!

- Allison

New Year's Eve: Classic Black

Everyone’s heard the term “little black dress” and New Years Eve is the perfect time to show off that black dress! While black is mostly considered a staple color in most wardrobes and outfits, it should not be put aside for his holiday! A simple black dress can be paired with sparkly shoes, a small bag, and be turned into a whole new look.

As a strong supporter of red lips, I think the perfect way to finish off an outfit is by a red lip. Bonus points for matching nails! Because who doesn’t love red nails? Red and black are classy colors, and to jazz up this outfit, adding a touch of gold is the perfect solution. Gold shoes, gold accents on a bag, and gold jewelry can all give the outfit a New Year's touch.

- Kirsten

Christmas Chic

Counting down there’s only a few more days until Christmas!  I know I will be together with my extended family on Christmas Eve so I put together some possible outfits to help you find the perfect look.  I think it’s important to incorporate either emerald green or a burgundy reddish color into your outfit.  After all, they are the colors of Christmas!  Also try to include different prints or fabrics to really tie your outfit together like I did with the velvet skirt and tartan pumps.  I hope you all look great over the holidays and have a Merry Christmas! 

- Gretchen

New Year's Eve: Edgy

New Year’s Eve is all about embracing the past year and embarking on the next. To end 2013 with a bang and start 2014 off right, why not make a statement with an outfit that is strong enough to match your resolutions?

Enter into any and every New Year’s bash and demand attention with your edgy style; whether it be a black leather dress with a statement lip and accessories to match or a blue dress with a bold design to flatter all body types.

Do not underestimate the power of accessories, and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Go bold when deciding on a clutch; the outfit on the left has a clutch with a skull for a clasp. If deciding between a black heel and a statement boot, choose the latter, as seen with the outfit on the right.

Here’s to 2014 being your year of good friends, great love, and endlessly amazing fashion choices. I hope you all have a smashing time this New Year’s. Cheers!

- Leah

Dress for the Holidays: Christmas

Christmas is considered to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” and with a title like that, you need to be sure that you are dressing your best. I love to pick out my dress for Christmas Eve because my whole family goes to the night service at church. But since I stay up so late, I always have a more relaxed look for Christmas Day. Whatever your tradition is, plan accordingly to look and feel your best! So whether you attend a church service, go out to eat, have a family dinner, or spend time with friends or a significant other, all of the following looks will help you put together the perfect outfit.

1. Black is a great go-to look and what better way to wear the color than the classic little black dress? I paired the dress with black heels embellished with a gold toe. This look would be great if you have plans to go out for the night, or if you want to dress up for church. Also, adding a fun pair of tights can help with the cold of December.

2. The next look is comfy-chic pairing an Aztec print sweater with black leggings and ankle booties. I like the sweater particularly because there isn’t too much going on, but it is still a statement since the gold gives an extra touch. This outfit is especially nice for college kids who are home for break and just want to be comfortable. It is dressed up enough to be appropriate for a family dinner, but doesn’t take a lot of extra effort.

3. Sparkles are always a good trend for the holiday season and I think they are great for Christmas, but in small doses. Despite all the gifts you will get, you don’t want to be the center of attention—that’s for New Years! I paired a sequin gold tank top with some maroon colored jeans and gold ballet flats. But to deal with the cold weather, you can also throw on a cream or black colored cardigan. I consider this the most laid-back look which is great for a Christmas Day family meal.

A tip when working with color:

The first holiday color that pops into my mind for Christmas is red. Maybe because of Santa Claus’s suit, or Rudolph’s nose, or the bows and decorations that hang around my house, but none-the-less, red is a great color to wear for Christmas. The only thing you want to avoid is pairing red with green. They may be the two colors for the season, but when you wear them together, it can look tacky and almost “too Christmas-y.” Save the combo for an ugly Christmas sweater party because red can stand on its own.

Left: Dressed Up / Right: Dressed Down

- Allison

Beyoncé

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If you haven’t been hiding under a rock for the past week, then chances are that you’ve talked about Beyoncé. Her latest self-titled album rocked the world when it was released exclusively to iTunes without any type of advertising or marketing a few days ago. Fourteen songs accompanied by seventeen music videos have quickly travelled straight to the top of any and all charts in the music industry. Beyoncé’s fifth studio album features individuals like Jay-Z, Drake, Frank Ocean, and Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy.

On top of being a musical genius, she’s a fashion icon for the ages. What better time to bow down to Beyoncé’s iconic style than when she’s already dominating every conversation anyway?

Here are only a handful of times that Beyoncé has been a force in the fashion world that, to this day, we can’t stop talking about.

- Leah

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New Year's Eve: Glam

Whether you're going downtown for a dinner and fireworks with your loved one or a party with your girls, either of these outfits will have you looking sparkly enough for the New Year but refined enough to be comfy.

The left features a black leather peplum dress paired with nude flats and an embellished belt. A nude bag, crystal earrings, and berry lipstick pull the look together. This option is for the more demure girl who prefers not wearing sequins and all the attention they bring. The right shows a shimmery gold bandage dress that hugs you in all the right places with simple black leather heels and a small black and gold crossbody bag. Crystal earrings are a necessity here as well along with a bold, red lip. This outfit is for the girl who wants to be noticed but keeps everything classy at the same time.

Any combination of textures like leather, sequins, etc. and classy colors like black, gold, and red will have you looking festive yet not over done.

I hope you ring your New Year in with good fashion and even better company. Don't forget the champagne!

- Meghan

How to Shop on A Budget at Christmas

All of this for $18! (Source)

Shopping on a budget during the holiday season is never easy nor simple. Even if you set yourself to a certain dollar amount for each person on your list, it isn't hard to end up spending much more past that limit. Sara Autio, Designed by DePaul's Senior Photo Editor, came across another DePaul student's instagram of thrifted holiday gifts. Fortunately, we had the chance to speak with sophomore and originally Minnesotan Madison and get some more info!

Interview:

1. Who were you shopping for?

I was shopping for family and friends in general, for I hadn't finished anyone on my list yet. Urban Outfitters, like other large stores, has such a large amount of oddities that I found something for almost everyone.

2. Where do you generally do your Christmas shopping?

I generally go shopping at places that are accessible yet affordable like Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters, and other online retailers. I've found that a lot of the time websites have more selection than in-stores and sometimes have special offers.

3. What's the most frustrating part about Christmas shopping?

The most frustrating thing about Christmas shopping would probably finding the right gift and also having it be affordable. Too often do I find something I know someone would love, but it's way too expensive.

4. Are you a last minute shopper or a get it done early and avoid the crowds shopper?

I generally get it done over time by not ever really "going Christmas shopping," but rather keeping my eyes open and picking things up I know people would like early on. If I see something I know a friend would like but it's only October, I'd still get it. This too usually helps with money because you have a longer amount of time to watch for things to go on sale or find things you know they would like. If you wait until the last minute, you are often paying too much and have a smaller amount of options.

5. Do you set a budget for the people you shop for or just look for the perfect gift?

I generally just look for the perfect gift, but am wary of making an big financial purchases unless I know they'll love it. 

6. Is shopping on a budget hard as a college student or do you do a lot of sale shopping like all the good deals you got at Urban?

I do not believe shopping on a college budget to be difficult if conducted the proper way. Start looking early, and always look at the sale section. I almost never pay full price for what I get.

With only 6 days until Christmas, I hope most of you have your shopping done! But keep Madison's tips in mind for the next time your buying a gift for any occasion. 

- Meghan

Fabulous Faux Fur.

While I've been out shopping lately, I have noticed myself gravitating towards one trend that I never thought I would want to wear: faux fur. Now, I used to laugh at the idea of wearing such an outrageous article of clothing but I can’t help but want to rock my own faux fur vest. Faux fur is popular with celebrities and high fashion, but sometimes it still seems a bit “too much.” It all just depends how you wear it. The simpler, the better in the case of fur. And I say just try it out if you are curious! It is a great statement piece and the vests are especially easy to wear. A faux fur vest is definitely on my Christmas list!

A safe route to take is to wear black. Black can make your whole outfit more classy and streamlined. Kim Kardashian and Olivia Palermo styled their black fur vests with an all-black ensemble.

Also, just sticking to the neutral palette of colors is an easy way to wear faux fur. The fur is the statement so it needs to be the only statement. White, tan, gray, cream, and brown are best, but you can also try pairing fur with a solid color that is in season like maroon or military green.

Vests are available at most retailers like Forever 21, H&M, Zara, Shopbop, and Express.

- Allison

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Your Best Friend

Nail polish ($20.00) / Zen Garden ($34.99) / Wreck This Journal ($12.00) / Lip Crayons ($8.95) / Canned air ($9.99) / Ankle boots ($100.00) / Choco taco kit ($3.00) / Lip tar ($58) / Coloring book ($7.99) / Monogram mug ($10.00) / LUSH Fun Tin ($29.95) / Candle ($37.95) / Floppy hat ($50.00) / Michael Kors bag ($298) / Lip polish ($9.95) / Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume ($50.00)

One of the best parts about the holidays is knowing that you’ve aced gift giving. I mean, really aced it. If your parents are anything like mine, you got something along the lines of office supplies last year. They tried. Getting together with my core group of girls, however, always yields the best of results. I know exactly what each of them love and vice versa. Above are only a few gift ideas that are guaranteed a smile or two between friends. With this list in hand, what are you waiting for? Grab a lovely lunch, jam out to some tunes in the car, and go searching for something your best friends will adore!

Good luck and happy holidays!

- Leah 

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Your Secret Santa

Mason jar filled with candy / Earrings / Disposable camera / iPhone case / Aloe infused socks / Candle / Starbucks gift basket / Scarf / Planner / Hair wand / Bath & Body Works gift card

Whether it's your friends at work or sorority girlfriends, the game of secret santa will most likely pop up somewhere during your holiday season. If you're unfamiliar, secret santa is a gift exchange among a group of people. Each person chooses a random name from a hat and they get that person a gift!

- Sara

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Your Boyfriend

Crewneck sweater ($59.50) / Moccasins ($69.95) / Jack Black Traveler Set ($25.00) / Plaid scarf ($49.50) / Billy Jealously exfoliator ($24.00) / Silk tie ($49.50) / Topman baseball tee ($24.00) / Mophie charging iPhone case ($79.95) / J. Crew wallet ($29.50) / Hugo Boss leather watch ($125.00) / Polo Ralph Lauren socks ($23.00) / Key fob ($25.00)

Shopping for your boyfriend can always be difficult. A good and general rule to go by is aim to buy gifts that he would never buy himself, like exfoliator or a key fob. Simply pay attention to what defines your guy. Is he really into sports, clothes, or techy things? Does he have a favorite television show or like particular artists? Perhaps get him concert tickets. Buy him things from his favorites stores whether that's Foot Locker, H&M, Dick's Sporting Goods, or J. Crew. Is he classy and refined or athletic and laid back? Brainstorm some ideas, create a budget, and enjoy shopping for who you care about most!

- Meghan

Holiday Nails

Trump Your North Face

In a time when Netflix and take-out food rule the world, there are the few individuals who trek into the great outdoors and dare to brave the terrifying weather. This entry is dedicated to those who look the snowmen in the face and say “it’s not that cold out here!” After all, if you have to go out into what feels like the North Pole, why not do it in style? All pictures are from fall and winter 2013-2014 collections.

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- Leah

Chinti and Parker

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I first came across Chinti and Parker, a label created between two cousins Anna Singh and Rachel Wood in 2009, because of my obsession with elbow pads. I am unclear as to if elbow pads have any legitimate purpose anymore, but they instantly transform every outfit into a masterpiece. How could anyone ask for anything more? I love them so much. Anyway, like I said, elbow pads were only the beginning of the beautiful friendship between Chinti and Parker and myself. Being the curious soul that I am, I  wanted to learn more about the product I was buying, also it was finals week and I was not about to start studying. Upon further inspection I discovered that the ladies behind Chinti and Parker make a point with all of their garments to have them be ethically made. On every piece of clothing, a tag is attached that declares the required credentials. Using only natural materials, Anna Singh and Rachel Wood continue to create absolutely magnificent pieces that stick to the brand’s blueprint to blend neutrals with fashionable prints. Every piece is timeless, well crafted, and so incredibly comfortable.

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With celebrity clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Cameron Diaz, Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, Cheryl Cole, and Olivia Palermo, it is incredibly transparent that the Chinti and Parker brand is a staple in many closets, as it should be.

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- Leah