The Ram Runway: Styling Up Classic Investment Pieces

All fashionistas know that investing in a few classic pieces will be beneficial and be of great use for years and years to come. Pieces like these can usually be worn with a variety of outfits and are made of durable, luxe fabrics but usually cost more than we want to (or can) spend. However, we invest in these pieces because we know they are worth it. We know the name, the history, and the legacy behind the brand and sometimes, the specific item. We know that we will have these pieces a long time, maybe even forever, and that we will actually wear them... a lot.

Some key investments that pop to my mind off the bat include trench coats, a classic boot, a structured handbag, a black blazer, a LBD or black pencil skirt, a white button-up shirt and a great pair of pumps. These are pieces that I think should be included in all wardrobes, not only because they are “classics,” but because they are guaranteed to be worn. Investing in items like these are worth the money spent, because they will last forever.

This week, I spotted a girl on campus who was playing up her “classics” with more trendy of-the-season fall pieces. Her amazing black Barbour jacket, which she told me "she wears to death," tied her entire ensemble together. Not only do you immediately notice the Barbour name on her breast pocket, but the jacket, with its deep hue and accenting gold buttons and zippers, is truly a coveted piece. Worn mostly in the fall and winter, this Barbour can be worn with practically anything, and the fun plaid interior is an unexpected touch.

Frye has become a brand that most people, especially Fordham students, recognize and know for the brand's sturdy and trendy, yet classic boots. This pair, a classic style and color, was made trendy with the embellished buckles around the ankle. A timeless pair of boots that will last forever, as well as keep you stylish and warm when trekking through the rain and snow on campus, is crucial.

Frye and Barbour offer a huge variety of jackets, boots and much more at steep but worthy prices, that truly are worth investing in. I love how these “classics” were played up with a neutral-toned knit sweater; a hugely popular item this fall both on and off the runway. This one was purchased at a small boutique, but if you are looking for a sweater to invest in, which I highly suggest, both DVF and Vince offer similar versions. Also, the beaded wrap bracelet, this one from Club Monaco, is a faux version of the ones made famous by Chan Luu.

College students are always on a tight budget, believe me I know, but starting to invest in classic closet staples now is a smart idea. Trust me, building up your collection of these timeless pieces will be beneficial and completely worth it over time.

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: Fordham Brings Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes to Speak

In 2006, after diligently working at an online drivers education company and finally launching his own software, Blake Mycoskie needed a well deserved break from work, Los Angeles (where he lived), and the hustle and bustle of a consuming, tiring job. So, he packed up and went off to Argentina, a place where three years before, Blake and his sister competed on the show “The Amazing Race.” Blake fell in love with the country and wanted to return to actually have the opportunity to immerse himself in the culture.

One day on his trip, he met these women in a cafe who were doing a local shoe drive for kids in need of shoes to attend school. He tagged along with the women and the experience overwhelmed him with emotion and joy. He thought however, “Who is going to give them their next pair of shoes?” The next morning, Blake had an idea. He wanted to establish a for profit company that used business to address issues in places like Argentina and would provide a continuous supply of shoes to those in need of them. He would call it “One for One.” For every pair of shoes purchased, one pair of shoes would be given back to a person in need.

There were a few problems. Blake knew nothing about shoes. He had to return home to go to work, and now he had to face the harsh reality of starting a business. He did not know what to charge, where to produce the shoes, or who to contact. But, luckily he had met Jose; a shoemaker in Argentina whom Blake would first contact to have his first 250 pairs of shoes made. 

Sadly, after not hearing back from any of the people he contacted, Blake felt discouraged, but was relieved when American Rag in L.A. purchased 80 pairs of his shoes. Shortly after, Blake was featured on the cover of the LA Times, and that day sold more shoes than he actually had in stock. Now, in a state of panic, Blake quickly posted ads for much needed interns and returned to Argentina to get more shoes.

TOMS Red Canvas Women's Classics (www.toms.com)

In July of 2006, Anna Wintour, editor of American Vogue, called Blake to tell him she wanted to feature him in a Vogue article. This was a groundbreaking moment for Blake. From then on he began to receive calls from big name companies and most of the people he had contacted. Nordstrom, one of the most well known luxury department stores, wanted to place an order with Blake. Only problem was Blake had, once again, run out of shoes. But this was Nordstrom! He had to do something, and in a few weeks the store had received the shoes. Today, Nordstrom is TOMS largest customer.

As of this point, Blake had sold 10,000 pairs of shoes out of his apartment. It was now time to go back to Argentina to give the shoes back. At the beginning of this whole journey, Blake was looking at it as a fun side project. However, it turned into a life changing, emotional and fulfilling experience.

Over the last few years, TOMS has grown from a small, out of an apartment, three intern “company,” into a 190+ employee, international establishment who has given back almost two million pairs of shoes. Blake has also launched a One for One eyewear line. He has hired employees from big name companies like Nike, and has been featured in magazines such as Time and People.

Although the success of TOMS has brought nothing but positive things to Blake’s life, he has not allowed the success to go to his head. TOMS employees work in a warehouse that doesn’t have air conditioning or heat. He believes a setting like this gives his employees more motivation, allowing them to realize that ultimately, it is just nice to be a part of something.

Blake made a point of emphasizing some major thoughts, as an auditorium of Fordham students were listening intently. One being, giving feels really good, and giving is also really good for business. It attracts amazing people who want to be a part of the giving you are doing. He also said that if you incorporate giving, people want to help you and get involved. Giving is the core, and it just feels really good. That really is the only reason to do it, because of the feeling it bestows back upon the giver.

Blake and his story were truly inspirational to hear, and the passion in his voice and the way he has changed and impacted so many lives is truly admirable. On September 6, 2011, the day Blake came to Fordham to speak, his book “Start Something That Matters,” was launched. It includes the stories of people who have ultimately done what Blake has done; started something that matters.

For more information on TOMS shoes, visit www.toms.com

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. 

Couture for the College Girl: Green With Envy

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: Spring Into Fall

Springtime is the time of year where pink, blue, and yellow pastels appear on blooming flowers. It is the time when soft green sprouts from the branches of the trees. These colors are notoriously represented on clothing seen throughout the spring season. This year however, the notable fad is carrying itself through the fall season.

This year, pastel colors are "in" for fall and winter. But it’s not just pastels that have been added to fall fashion. White, that once a year, wear it while you can, crisp color has been introduced to fall and winter fashion this year too. Ignoring the "no wearing white after Labor Day" rule is a huge change for fall trendsetters. The new color is being called “winter white”, and has appeared on many coats, pants, and dresses. White offers an attention grabbing background to the changing leaves of fall and a clean cut look to match the fresh fallen snow of winter.

Adding pastels to the colors of fall make for more interesting twists on what used to be just the expected attire. Earth tones were always the most worn colors, as they warm up the feel of the season. With pastels thrown into the styles, a smoother transition into fall is initiated, and more creative outfit making options are available to streetwalkers.

Michelle Kalil, a sophomore at Rose Hill campus, takes full advantage of the trending pastel fall palette. The star of her outfit is her pastel pink corduroy pant. The pastel pink is a lighter version of a maroon color usually seen in the fall. She pairs her light colored pants with another light color on top, her denim button down. The white buttons on her top accentuate the light colors of her shirt/pants combo and also match the white watch on her wrist, which is just the right added accessorized touch. Finally, Kalil’s brown boots complete the outfit, providing both an essential fall piece and a subtle addition of grunge to a pretty and chic look for fall. 

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.