The Ram Runway: Velvet Fever

The first thing I noticed when Ali, a sophomore at Rose Hill, walked into my class was her amazing black velvet shirt. Paired with dark blue jeans, her scoop necked, long-sleeved top made for an unusual and refreshing sight.  It was actually the first time I had ever spotted a girl wearing velvet as the main component of her outfit. Usually I see velvet in accessories or as an embellishment. I thought Ali’s tight, black, velvet shirt was ambitious and daring, and my thoughts were confirmed when I found out it was actually a dress from American Apparel. Her jeans, from Free People  the top with just the right wash and color.

While velvet can easily be integrated into a glammed-up look, Ali’s grey suede booties, from Urban Outfitters, took the outfit in a more casual direction. But the best part of the ensemble was Ali’s camel Marc Jacobs coat with beautiful fur trim on the hood. Amazingly, she found it at Loehman’s for half the retail price saying, “I could never afford a real Marc Jacobs.” The jacket perfectly complimented the entire look off and really transformed her outfit into a more relaxed “off to class” outfit.

Lastly, Ali toted all of her school supplies in this funky printed laptop bag,  also found at Urban Outfitters. Laptop bags are, yes, great for carrying laptops, but can also chicly become a multi-purpose tote for lugging around all of your class stuff.


I admire how Ali transformed a velvet dress into a shirt—what a great fix for when we’re bored, frustrated, and feel like we have a closet full of nothing to wear! By utilizing this velvet dress in more than one way, Ali turned a single item of clothing into another quite simply--a useful trick for the college girl on a budget and desperate for “new” looks.

Alex 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.