The Ram Runway: The Other Way to Host a Tea Party

If you know me, you know I am not the most colorful or totally girly person when it comes to clothing. I stick to neutral and earth tones, and I like sharp edges and clutter when it comes to adding accessories to match. I am a scarf freak (I refuse to let the scarf holder in my room reach its limit) and obsessed with shoes and purses. I hardly layer (which gives reason to my love of warm sweater dresses), and I wear almost every dress with a belt. My hair is just brown and almost always down and curly, except for the “special” days when I decide to straighten it. The biggest leap I’ve ever wanted to make with my hair was to lighten it and add red highlights, but I am too nervous to change.

What I first spotted about this fashionista, Caitlin Van Horn who attends Fordham University - Rose Hill, was her fiery red hair, which I personally think is the best accessory she could add to any outfit she wears. Hairstyles, as big of a surprise as it may be, can actually be what makes or breaks an outfit. This season, they have become so diverse and personal that it adds more than just an addition to the outfit. It adds style. Hair can be smooth or fun, crazy or laid back. Trendsetters set the mood with their hair, enabling a sense originality to exert from anyone. No longer do stylists pick the beautifully and perfectly curled locks to match their ensembles. Today, they cut, color, shave, and gel to get their desired looks that both add a spark to their outfits and define their personalities. As Lady Gaga once said, “I’m as free as my hair.”

I love and envy Van Horn’s outfit and hair. She works a floral printed cardigan perfectly into her outfit, matching it with a solid olive green dress that flares at the waist. The slight v-neck cut of the dress adds a feminine and delicate touch to add to the floral print and the pastel colors it brings into the outfit. Yet breaking the delicacy and taking the outfit to the next level, Van Horn adds knee high pastel socks with a tan heeled boot. The socks add girlish fun to the outfit, and the shoes toughen it up with their bulky heel and combat boot like laces. The combination of these pieces allow Van Horn to ditch the expected polite and proper norms of a Tea Party and embrace the vitality and fast moving pace of life. Van Horn completes the outfit with smaller accessories of a thin necklace and a pale pink headband that glows against the color of her hair. Styled just right, her wavy hair and bangs with the headband allow for a less dramatic statement, perfectly letting the red color shine without being too much at all. The thin necklace too acts as a small addition, leaving focus to lie on the rest of the outfit.

So, the moral of the story is to not be afraid of change. In fact, totally embrace change, and along the way, break some rules. In a personal way, you can find out more about yourself, but getting back to talking fashion, you can open new doors to options and styles you never knew were meant for you.

Briana Rotello is a sophomore at Fordham Campus, Rose Hill. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended Wootton High School. She had always pictured herself living in New York City, and after she found Fordham University, she was able to put her dreams into action.

She picked Fordham University for both its academic integrity, strong focus on writing, and its location. She is planning on majoring in Communications. Briana aspires to be a fashion journalist after college and appreciates all the learning opportunities offered to her in the great city of New York. She is ecstatic to experience more of the fashion world, and to learn more about the art of writing.

The Ram Runway: Mixing It Up

The trend of mixing prints together can turn into one of two things; a unique twist of unlikely pieces paired together, or a total disaster. In this case, it was outcome number one. Mixing items together in a single outfit that are an unlikely pairs, is becoming a very hot trend. It is a tough trend to articulate and succeed in, but if done correctly, the outfit becomes an extraordinary, surprising outcome. People have always been a bit weary to mix prints even as simple as polka-dots and stripes, but it has been proven that if done with similar patterns, colors and fabrics, the end result is genius.

This week, I was immediately captured by Andora, a sophomore at Rose Hill. Her fabulous and fun outfit consisted of many on-trend components. For one, her pairing of a skirt and tank in different patterns was a successful and edgy way of mixing prints. Andora stuck to the rules, but still had fun by pairing together the tight geometric skirt in purples and blues with a flowing white tank with geometric patterns in the same color schemes. Although the two patters were completely different, since the colors were similar and the tank stayed untucked, the pairing was impeccable. This is the right way to do it. Both pieces are great if worn alone, but together create an unexpected and innovative look.

Along with her mixing up, was a great tan Urban Outfitters jacket and lace-up boots from Aldo. I gave Andora props for braving the first really cold day of the year, all for fashion.  I admired her fearlessness in uniting unexpected pieces from her wardrobe into one amazing ensemble. She gave her whole look a relaxed vibe, with her wavy hair worn down and amazing turquoise earrings, which she said were a gift from a friend. Her long unzipped jacket showed off the outfit, while the sturdy biker boots gave the outfit some structure.

Mixing prints is not a trend that works for everyone. It is a bit risky and takes a person who is willing to take a chance. Careful planning, numerous try-on’s and advice from a friend are the way to go when prepping an outfit with mixed prints. Make sure the colors and designs don’t clash and make you look like you are heading to the circus. Stick with similar color schemes, patters and materials and you should be in the clear!

Alex Casolaro is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally. Check out some of her posts at fordhamffp.blogspot.com. 

Featured: A Private Shopping Party with Cynthia Rowley

If you haven’t heard of designer Cynthia Rowley, you are truly missing out! Known for her vibrantly colored dresses and beautifully delicate tops, this Illinois-native designer certainly made a name for herself in the fashion world. Cynthia Rowley has been featured as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Design Star, giving wise advice to aspiring young designers.

Last week, we had an amazing opportunity to meet Ms. Rowley at her Greenwich Village store! I snagged this incredible treat of an evening through none other than Fashion for Philanthropy’s annual fashion show. Cynthia Rowley generously donated the chance to have a shopping party to our raffle and somehow the fashion-gods granted me the luck of a winning ticket.

(Look! This is my invitation! Not to rub it in anyone’s face…but this IS pretty legit.)

The experience was incredible. The staff was so nice and helpful, the discounts (of 20% off everything) were a great plus, and the clothes, of course, were B-E-A-UTIFUL. Five bottles of champagne later, just about all of my guests couldn’t resist in indulging in pieces of Cynthia Rowley’s collection.

CR even stopped in during her busy schedule to greet us and offer some style advice! She said great things about FFP’s efforts to make money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Us w/ Cynthia Rowley!

I recommend visiting her store and checking out her stuff. Her designs are unique in their detailed structure and splendid fabrics. I think there is something in her store for everyone from clothing, shoes, and accessories, to bedding and men’s wear! I’m so grateful to have won this through FFP. (All the more reason to come to the next fashion show and win fabulous prizes such as this!)

It was a pleasure to meet her & I hope I get a chance to do this again!

Here are a few photos from the event:

XO,

Andrea

To learn more about Cynthia Rowley, click here.

Featured: Black Friday Survival Tips

1. Wear comfortable clothing! You'll want to be able to maneuver with ease around crowds and racks. It's also a plus when you need to try things on and don't want to waste time waiting for a dressing room.

2. Do your homework. Research the best deals beforehand and the various prices at each store. Print out any extra in-store coupons and plan your day (like which stores should you hit first). Try using www.bfads.net to help plan accordingly. It posts all the ongoing deals from a variety of stores.

3. Be reasonable. Consider whether or not you really need to purchase something. Avoid impulse buys just because it's on sale. (Unless you know you'll regret not buying it. Carry it around with you and decide later if you need it or not.)

4. Fill your online carts now for Black Friday or Cyber Monday so that all you have to do is apply coupon codes and check-out. It makes the process as simple and painless as possible.

5. Be green and efficient! If you plan to buy a lot, bring your own shopping totes that can double as a tool to make the grabbing process less chaotic. It will also save shopping bags at checkout!

‎6. Have fun! Make sure to go with friends to make this experience less stressful!

Good luck!

Couture for the College Girl: Leather Loving

Noelle Tomulich is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in political science and psychology. This is the native New Jerseyan's second year working for the Fashion For Philanthropy blog and she is beyond excited to help her friends find stylish, catwalk-inspired steals at affordable, college-friendly prices. If only there was a financial aid application for a college girl's wardrobe! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Drawing via Etsy

And Happy Black Friday Shopping! :)

The Ram Runway: The Versatility of the Maxi Dresses…Wait, What?

A dress is a dress and a skirt is a skirt. That is how all clothing is made to be, right? (Well, minus the ever-fun reversible jacket that offers two different patterns in one!) But what would happen if style hunters started to cheat the system?

Maxi dresses and maxi skirts alike will usually have elastic bands within their fabrics, or be originally made of a stretchy fabric. Forever 21 offers many flowy maxi skirts that are made of stretchable material or have an elastic within them. My favorite maxi skirt that I have seen has been Nordstrom’s Lily White Maxi Skirt (juniors). This skirt offers a more form fitting top as it gradually flares towards the bottom for a more flirty shape.

Caitlin Carr, a sophomore at Fordham University Rose Hill, is a wanted criminal, but she is too sneaky to catch! Perfectly using the style of what used to be only a maxi dress, she adjusts it to become her new favorite maxi skirt. The shape of the dress from top to bottom allows it to successfully disguise itself into an effortlessly flowy skirt that looks just right. Carr creates a folded effect with the rouched strapless top of the dress that adds further to the free movement of the bottom. Pairing the olive green color with a simple back v-neck tee and black flats is the right move to make to accentuate the effect of the skirt. Looking even more like a Greek goddess with her natural curls, Carr is ready to embrace the day.

To make this transition work, first be sure that the maxi dress is strapless and has an elastic top! Then it will be easier to make it into a long skirt. You can either fold the elastic, like Carr did, or even scrunch it to create a frill look. For a maxi skirt turned maxi dress, also make sure the fabric is stretchy, but definitely make sure it isn’t see-through! You may also try pulling it over a long sleeve, (use a different color shirt underneath; for example, with the rust color of the Nordstrom skirt, it can be paired nicely with a cream colored long sleeve shirt) and add a vest or cardigan for a more boho/grunge look. Don’t be afraid to try out new and different things! In the end, experimenting and creating new ideas is what style is all about.

Briana Rotello is a sophomore at Fordham Campus, Rose Hill. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended Wootton High School. She had always pictured herself living in New York City, and after she found Fordham University, she was able to put her dreams into action.

She picked Fordham University for both its academic integrity, strong focus on writing, and its location. She is planning on majoring in Communications. Briana aspires to be a fashion journalist after college and appreciates all the learning opportunities offered to her in the great city of New York. She is ecstatic to experience more of the fashion world, and to learn more about the art of writing.

The Ram Runway: Fun, Funky Fur

Fur pieces and accessories have always been symbols of luxury and give off a fabulous sense of grandeur. Fur has always looked magnificent especially when worn as full-length coats, vests, and warm winter accessories. These pieces are fabulous ways to ante up any ensemble, making them look much more exorbitant than they are. Lately, vests have become the most common way to wear this material. Whether real or fake, fur vests are a stunning alternative to other forms of outerwear, and if chosen in simple solid colors, they can be worn over anything. These fur pieces make it to the front of our closets once the temperature begins to drop, and are worn when we are ready to make a statement...and stay warm!

Kendyl, a sophomore at Rose Hill, based her entire outfit on of her striking black fur Lafayette 148 vest. Thrown over a gorgeous indigo bird-printed shirt, by Rebecca Taylor, the vest not only acted as her jacket, but made a statement that I am sure nobody missed! The black J Brand jeggings, her “obsession,” led the way down to her amazing leather Frye boots, which toughened up the soft fur of the vest. Louis Vuitton accompanied her, lugging around her books, and her gold Michael Kors watch shined brightly on her wrist. Her entire ensemble meshed perfectly and not only was she the trendiest girl on campus, but most likely the warmest and comfiest too.

I myself own a few (faux) fur vests and accessories that I love to wear when I am feeling daring and expressive. They keep me cozy but also jazz up my wardrobe and stand out as some of my most favorite pieces I own. As most of us can probably not afford real fur, these styles can be found in faux versions at most stores, especially during this time of year. The fur vest, has taken over the world of outerwear as a more fun and funky way to spice up the dull season of winter. 

Alex Casolaro is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally. Check out some of her posts at fordhamffp.blogspot.com. 

Intern Diaries: Market Week

Just a recently, Company X was right in the middle of the busiest week, Market Week. Market Week is the week right after Fashion Week. The buyers from major department stores and retail stores all over the world came to Company X to meet with sales executives, my bosses, to view the line and to make purchases. To prepare for these meetings, other interns and I had to make sure that the Show Room was in perfect shape. We had to organize the racks so that they are in “line sheet order,” meaning the garments were all hanging in the correct orders, put all of the garments on “nice” hangers instead of plastic ones, check for any garment damages and make sure that the models were present and in their assigned dressing rooms with the appropriate garments. For each individual appointment, it is the interns’ responsibility to make sure that all of the garments are laid out for the buyers, everyone in the meeting has their own line sheet or book and that beverages are placed on every table. When these meetings run smoothly it makes Company X look professional and helps them maintain their relationships with the buyers. If an intern fails to distribute line sheets to all of the buyers at the meeting, they will get very frustrated and valuable time will be wasted. Market week is, by far, the busiest week at Company X so interns have to always be on their feet and proactive! (Definitely a week to choose flats over heels!)

Couture for the College Girl: Lace Shorts

Sara Jansson is a junior at Fordham University, majoring in English. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Sara finds inspiration in the fashions and fast-paced lifestyle of New York City. She is a featured blogger for Fashion for Philanthropy.

The Ram Runway: Fabulous FAUX Sure!

We have seen a lot of animal print making its way from the wild and onto various clothing pieces this fall. But do not worry! The fur patterns are faux, which protects animals and trendsetters’ stylish reputations both at the same time.

Faux fur comes in a variety of shapes, textures, and pieces of clothing. The fur can be featured on shoes (specifically boots), hats, gloves, scarves, wraps, sleeveless vests, on jackets at the collar, or can make up a whole jacket for a more dramatic effect. If you are willing to spend the extra money, gorgeous faux fur jackets like this one at Nordstrom can be found and used again and again.

For a less dramatic but still noticeable fur effect, Forever 21 offers great pieces, especially when it comes to simple coats with fur collars. The convertible collar coat features a full fur collar, while the rest of the coat is a rusty red color. The combination of the color and the fur allow for a trendy and chic cover up for the colder days ahead, and enables its wearer to use it any time.

Juliana Gioffre, a freshman at Fordham University, Rose Hill, demonstrates how to correctly (and amazingly) wear a faux fur vest. The vest itself is what adds the drama to Gioffre’s outfit, and becomes the show stealer against her blush pink blouse, black pants, and black booties.

Detail within her outfit is what allows for it to all come together. Her plain black jeans add a sleek canvas for the rest of the colors present within her attire. Her boots, though black too, include side fringing, which gives depth and flare to her simple black skinny legged jeans. Gioffre’s vest combines its dark sandy color and black spots of leopard to the outfit, adding the right amount of pattern to the different colors she has chosen to put together. Last but not least is the pale pink blouse itself. The pale pink gives her vest a better frame, as the lighter color allows for the focus to be on the vest. The bow tied draped collar and maiden styled sleeves defy the possibility of adding too much, as both details successfully provide a feminine touch to the wild side to the outfit.

Gioffre is a perfect how-to-wear-it model for the all fur vest, especially for a vest with bold colored prints! When reaching for that fur vest, coat or other fur accessory in your wardrobe, evaluate first the style of fur before throwing it on. The rule “add to simple and leave it to bold” applies not only to faux fur clothing pieces, but also to any other item that needs a tiny nudge or a tremendous runway.

Briana Rotello is a sophomore at Fordham Campus, Rose Hill. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended Wootton High School. She had always pictured herself living in New York City, and after she found Fordham University, she was able to put her dreams into action.

She picked Fordham University for both its academic integrity, strong focus on writing, and its location. She is planning on majoring in Communications. Briana aspires to be a fashion journalist after college and appreciates all the learning opportunities offered to her in the great city of New York. She is ecstatic to experience more of the fashion world, and to learn more about the art of writing.

The Ram Runway: The Best Knockoffs I’ve Ever Seen

The search for the perfect knockoff item is a long and gruesome journey that takes a lot of patience and time. When we finally do find what we have been longing for, the wait we realize was much worth it. We usually find these knock-off bags, jewelry pieces, scarves, shoes, accessories and products in department stores or, for us New Yorkers, on the streets.

Nicole, a sophomore at Rose Hill, was sporting some of the best knockoff items I have ever seen. But, her outfit also contained one item that I lusted after, and am sure most others would too. Her vibrant Missoni for Target scarf zigged zagged in hues of bright pink and yellow popped against her muted outfit. I am jealous that Nicole even got her hands on one of the Missoni for Target pieces, as the Target website crashed on the first day of sales and sold out in just a few hours!

Her black leggings and long silky beaded top from Target, along with her cropped green jacket, created a great outfit alone, but it was her accessories that really completed her ensemble. And, the best part was, these accessories were shockingly amazing knockoff pieces! First, Nicole’s black look-a-like Frye boots, which were unbelievably found at Target for $12, were a great boot to accompany her look and added a tough feel to it. Her full-finger ring (shown at right), with gold design from Forever 21, was a great jewelry statement piece. Next, her tan and brown knockoff Longchamp bag, served as her carryall, holding all her necessities. The black watch she was sporting, was also from Target, proving that luxe-looking items can be found at cheap prices.

Although knockoffs can be hard to find, especially in the style and price range we desire, the feeling we get when we finally do discover them is joyous. When we get to add these pieces to our wardrobes, which look like the real deal but cost more than half the price, it is such a fulfilling experience. Look for items such as these, at stores like Target, Forever 21, H&M, Marshall’s, Macy’s and Bloomingdales.

Alex Casolaro is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally. Check out some of her posts at fordhamffp.blogspot.com. 

Featured: WHAT TO WEAR - FFP and Career Services Solve Fashion Dos & Don'ts for the Workplace

J. Crew - Two Button Jacket -- $230.00

By the time a student is in college, it is easy to know what kind of cute top to wear to class, what sweatpants would be the best to throw on for the gym, or what hot dress is perfect for a night out. However, it is not as simple for students to pull together an outfit appropriate for his/her dream job or internship. Luckily, all those problems in choosing the right career outfits were solved on November 2, 2011 in O’Keefe Commons. Fashion for Philanthropy teamed up with Career Services to put on a fashion show during The Career Dining and Etiquette Dinner to show off what exactly students should wear in a professional environment. 

Students plagued with career-wardrobe confusion arrived to the evening event to find an excellent dinner prepared for them (a wonderful break from the bland cafeteria variety).  After their meal, Fashion for Philanthropy members modeled clothing choices perfect for nabbing employment at any company.  In the first collection, models walked across the room displaying what to wear for a more conservative business event, which included polished pantsuit sets for men and women. The second set of clothing, however, was a bit more playful. The ensembles were more appropriate for a creative firm, such as quirky printed dresses with sweaters for women and polished cardigans over sleek pants for men.

After the Career Services Fashion Show was finished, the student audience had just about all of their professional wardrobe confusion solved, making them feel as knowledgeable of what to wear at their job interview as what they would throw on for a Fordham Rams basketball game!

-- Nicole Fishstein

For more exciting Career Services events, visit them here. Be sure to follow them on Twitter @FordhamCareers and visit their Facebook Page.

Featured: Well Deserved Recognition

 

This week we here at FFP would like to take the opportunity to recognize a group of special Fordham University students and teachers; they are members of New York’s Army and Navy/Marine Corps ROTC Unit. Today, we celebrate 11/11/11, or the 73^rd observance of Veteran’s Day, a day to remember all of our nation’s heroes.

        
So here at Fordham, it’s time to do our part. It’s time to acknowledge the future heroes of America walking amongst us. Understand that they do not seek acclaim or attention; they want to blend in to the crowd just as we all do, but that does not mean they do not deserve the greatest respect and appreciation.

Part of each unit are Officers and Enlisted men who help train the Cadets and Midshipman. We should all remember these men who have served our nation’s armed services for many years not only protecting our country but now training its newest and brightest Officers as part of the ROTC program.

As is the tradition of 11:11 AM and PM to make a wish, let us make this wish at 11:11 AM on 11/11/11: That all our troops do their duty but more importantly that they ALL come home safe to their friends and family. 

God Bless the troops and God Bless America!

Here's a great video to remember our troops featuring American Soldier by Toby Keith. 

The Maroon Man: Time Is Of The Essence

Growing up in a generation reared with the convenience of having all life's necessities compacted within a single handheld device, the usage and functionality of wristwatch may come off as superfluous to many college students. For many years the awful trend of bulky, toy-like sport-watches has dominated the mainstream youth-fashion with time pieces that came in every candy-color of the rainbow. With the rise (or rather, rebirth) of heritage fashion, the menswear scene has (thankfully) chosen a new time-piece to be the iconic style of the trend— the Field Watch. 

During World War I, the field watch was born from soldiers needing to make access to their time-piece (at the time were all pocket-watches) more convenient. The idea of a man strapping one's pocket watch to the wrist was born—genius. Today many fashion houses use these same vintage style watches as a template for their own reproduction designs. Don't get me wrong, these aren't your grandfather's wrist watches— although many menswear enthusiasts would surely applaud the authenticity of owning/fashioning a functional vintage time-piece. The new generation of vintage styled Field Watches are usually built with the modern touches of water resistant mechanics, scratch-proof glasses, and watch-straps almost any color/pattern that a quirky prep could come up with. Yes, that means that with the many field-watch producers out there today, there are just as many producers of field-watch-straps who can provide you with your guilty desire to fashion the bright colors of your former-favorite Casio G-shock collaboration watch (sorry, this watch doesn't come in BAPE camo, nor does it growl when the backlight is on—well, at least not YET). 

A new Field Watch could cost an eager fashionable consumer anywhere between $25 (Timex) to $99 (L.L.Bean) to $395 (GANT by Michael Bastian, among many other menswear designers that have chosen to produce their own field watches). The beauty of these watches is that no matter the price of the watch, the aesthetic of a rugged military field watch can still be preserved. But of course, the savvy-eBay-enthusiast will surely still be able to snag a steal online-auctioning on a vintage or new time-piece.

Personally, nothing irks me more than to see a beautiful watch go to waste for the preference of one's iPhone standby screen. So most importantly, if you're going to wear a watch– use it! 

Lance Dornagon is currently a Junior at Fordham University, studying Finance (major) and Business Law (minor) while being a workaholic retail associate. When he's not hitting the books or on the sales floor, Lance enjoys dancing, blogging, and sleeping (barely). Born and reared in Queens, NYC, Lance is excited to write for Fordham's Fashion for Philanthropy Blog and share his experiences in the Menswear Fashion Industry.

The Ram Runway: Army Tough

Trends and styles inspired by all sectors of the Army have always been fabulous ways to toughen up any outfit. Using militia-inspired pieces such as army-green jackets, military hats, utilitarian-style bags, cargo pants, and combat boots are ways to incorporate this trend into everyday ensembles. I love anything army-inspired, as these pieces give an edge to rather ordinary outfits and are a great way to look hip but still pulled together.

Be careful though, because some army wear can become over the top and look mismatched if not styled correctly. I usually suggest integrating one, maybe two, of these pieces into an outfit to not overdo the look. Also, be careful with anything camouflage as it can be distracting and hard to match if used incorrectly. I would suggest picking out military pieces in more basic colors like green, black, brown, tan and gray.

Megan, a sophomore at Rose Hill, not only incorporated some amazing army-style pieces into her look, but she kept it on point by pairing them with more luxe, feminine items. I was drawn to the exceptional juxtaposition of these tough pieces mixed with her softer pieces. I love how she united all of these trends into one.

Her dark green army-style jacket, embellished with gold studs and pockets was interestingly paired with a sheer blouse in a beautiful cream shade. I love how she paired these together, allowing a formal looking top to be dressed down. Her black leggings with thick seams were a fun alternative to typical black jeans and drew the eye down to her shoes, my favorite item on her. I lusted over these black, spiked loafers, which are also a great substitute to basic flats and add a funky touch to her outfit.

Another army-inspired piece she was sporting was her stylish, grey and black tweed backpack. Backpacks are re-blossoming again, especially on college campuses, as a sophisticated new take on the handbag, usually used by most college girls. Megan's backpack meshed perfectly with her ensemble and added an extra dose of military inspiration. Lastly, her vintage yellow flowered necklace and coveted blue Hermes bracelet were unexpected bursts of color that tied everything together.

Army-inspired pieces such as Megan’s, are easy to find at stores such as Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and H&M. They offer affordable and contemporary ways to utilize army-style pieces that will make any outfit tough and edgy, but still stay on trend. 

Alex Casolaro is currently a sophomore at Fordham University and is a Communications and Media Studies major. Alex is completely enticed with the fashion world and living in New York City has only inspired her more to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is greatly influenced by photographing and documenting street style and keeping tabs on the happenings of the fashion industry locally and globally. Check out some of her posts at fordhamffp.blogspot.com. 

Featured: Fair Trade at Fordham - Kenyan Artisan Joseph Muchina Speaks

Fordham was graced with the presence of a fair trade artisan from Kenya, during which he gave two lectures regarding his fair trade business and enjoyed various jaunts around the city. His trip to New York was made possible by Amani, a fair trade company run by our very own Fordham students. 

Joseph Muchina is a Kenyan artisan whose business, Trinity Jewelry Crafts, has been an active participant the fair trade industry for over twenty years. He currently sells to some of the largest fair trade companies in the world, including Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV. He began in 1984, when the fair trade movement had just begun to gain support and recognition. On Tuesday, he recounted his journey growing up in the slums of Kenya. A grassroots coalition of local churches sent missionaries into his neighborhood where they taught the children to make various handicrafts for a living. Young Joseph's artistic eye was unleashed, leading to the launch of Trinity Jewelry along with two other friends.

During his Thursday night lecture sponsored by the Students for Fair Trade Club, Mr. Muchina showed pictures of the workers at Trinity. As he flipped through the pictures, he fondly introduced them by name. He employs only a small number of workers, with each worker receiving adequate benefits as well as the opportunity to participate in decision making within the company. Each employee is trained in the art of jewelry making under Mr. Muchina’s creative direction. The difference between non-fair trade artisans and fair-trade artisans, Mr. Muchina explained, is that the former is profit-based while fair-trade is producer-based. After speaking of the hardships involved in running his fair-trade business, including an over-abundance of potential workers and fierce competition in the industry, Mr. Muchina dispensed some last words of advice to Fordham students. “We learn by seeing and touching,” he said. “Don’t just stay in one place. By going out, you experience hardships and learn about other ways of life.” Mr. Muchina’s Thursday night lecture enabled us to “go out” and “experience” the joy of a small room in Kenya filled with fairly treated workers making beautiful pieces of jewelry.

For those desiring more information on Trinity Jewelry, or interested in buying some of its products, please visit Amani at Faber Hall 451 & shop the collection. Open hours: Wednesdays 12:00pm-6:pm/Tuesday & Thursday by appointment only. 

-- Stephanie Hsu (RH ’15)

Couture for the College Girl: Fierce Savings

Noelle Tomulich is a sophomore at Fordham University where she majors in political science and psychology. This is the native New Jerseyan's second year working for the Fashion For Philanthropy blog and she is beyond excited to help her friends find stylish, catwalk-inspired steals at affordable, college-friendly prices. If only there was a financial aid application for a college girl's wardrobe! 

The Ram Runway: Mix and Match Your Way to Success

Fashion trends this fall come in a variety of shapes, textures, colors, patterns, and even lengths. They add natural wildness to an outfit or add touches of femininity to what used to belong to only the male wardrobe. They brighten a day with their fluorescent and hot colors, or keep a fashionista cozy as the cold winter weather sneaks in with the coming fall. These trends are often seen on their own, spicing up an outfit through their own powerful ways. However, some trendsetters find the perfect way to match these styles, creating outfits that, with each unique trend, allow for the true fashion lovers to expose themselves.

Noella Jimenez is the emerging fashion icon caught walking the pavements of Rose Hill. Here, she combines black pants with a blazer, in addition to a rounded satchel, but these items are not just the expected, usual pieces!

The first trend she is sporting is her black pants, which add a sense of crisp flak to her outfit. Her second is within her blazer, where not only is it styled in a feminine way, but it is designed with a black and beige snake print, unfolding her third trend of animal print. Lastly, instead of chasing a matching black bag, this trendsetter adds an electric blue bag that accentuates the black, cream, and grey mixed into her outfit.

Jimenez shows the world a glimpse of her confidence within this collection, along with a concrete understanding of how to successfully harness fall fashion. With this outfit pick, she sends trendsetters everywhere a message: dare to own fashion. Dare to wear.

Briana Rotello is a sophomore at Fordham Campus, Rose Hill. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended Wootton High School. She had always pictured herself living in New York City, and after she found Fordham University, she was able to put her dreams into action.

She picked Fordham University for both its academic integrity, strong focus on writing, and its location. She is planning on majoring in Communications. Briana aspires to be a fashion journalist after college and appreciates all the learning opportunities offered to her in the great city of New York. She is ecstatic to experience more of the fashion world, and to learn more about the art of writing.