StyleWATCH- The Do's and Don't of Commencement Attire #TeamFABGrad

Tis the Season! It’s that time of year again. The grass is growing, the flowers are blooming, degrees are being conferred and diplomas are being distributed.  How exciting. I’ve attended many many many graduations and at everyone I always find myself saying aloud “Now, why did she wear that?!” I don’t want any of my fabulous readers to ever be caught unawares, so I’m here to help you join #teamFABGrad and look your best on your big day.

You want to look the part! It’s all in the presentation.  Make sure that you plan your grooming for the day.  This is your day and in this age of the digital camera you and your likeness can and will be published for all to see within seconds. Don’t get caught out there looking strong and wrong. Check out the list below for some  things to keep in mind while selecting your clothing and shoes.

Fit and Comfort- Graduation Days are usually very long.  Ceremonies, dinners, celebrations at Grandma and ‘nem house and all of that.  Hurt feet, a wedgie or a dress that’s ridin up you thighs are distracting and totally avoidable. Spending the day having to adjust your girdle and keep you bra strap from showing is annoying and can take your attitude from bad to worst in record time! Take the time to make sure your out fit fits.  It’s so worth it.  Try on your clothes and don’t be afraid of alterations or even going up or down a size to ensure you’re looking and feeling your best on the big day. 

Color-  Wear something that complements the color of your gown. You want to work with the gown and not against it.  If your gown is colored, a neutral outfit (black, white, beige, brown) is the safest bet. Neutrals don’t have to be boring.  There are many ways to perk up your neural look. ( Think shoes, accessories, textured fabrics, even a nice bright lipstick/lip gloss.)  If you must wear color at least make sure the colors in your outfit coordinates with the colors of your regalia.

Location- If your graduation is outdoors on the campus quad your favorite pair of 6 inch stilettos could make the simple task of walking quite taxing.  The funny thing about grass is that it is a living and sometimes moving organism.  Skinny heels can and will sink into the earth.  Especially if it’s rained in the last couple of days, or God forbid the night before.  Now you’ve got trot to the stage like Sea Biscuit to cop your diploma, NOT CUTE!  And  FYI ,the leather/fabric of your heels will BE RUINED! Don’t believe me? Ask those cute little t straps sandals that died a slow death when I got my Bachelors Degree back in 2004.  RIP

Function- The details of the day are not to be forgotten. Consider the length of your graduation march,  the parking situation, the weather etc.   Pick clothes and shoes that will wear well throughout the day.  Practice walking in your shoes to determine if they are "strut around all day long" shoes or "get some where and sat down, cross your legs & look cute" shoes.  If they are the latter, don’t wear them and if you must have a cute pair of back ups to transition into when the pain becomes unbearable.  Practicing also prevents those unsightly trips and tumbles.  Be yourself and know your limits.  Your graduation day is not the day you want to look like you’re rocking your Fisher Price "My First Pair of Pumps".

Hair and Makeup- Think clean and polished, make choices that will enhance your cap and gown not compete with it.  Many elect to wear their hair down which usually makes for a natural polished look.  But if you’d like to wear your hair up I strongly suggest a low ponytail or bun with some wispy strands or a bang to frame the face.  Also, if you’re going to the stylist to get your do done, bring you cap with you. Have them style around it. As far as your makeup, your look should be natural/neutral glamour.  I wouldn’t do too much in the realm of crazy colors, super long lashes, or anything that’s too evening.  You want to go with something that’s going to wear well throughout the day. Accentuate your best features and go for a timeless and classic YOU!

Accessories- Keep it simple.  Again your cap and gown are headlining here.  The main thing is not to over accessorize. Try to achieve a balance that will show your personality but doesn’t take over. I’d do understated earrings, studs, pearls or a clean moderately sized hoop.  Chunky necklaces can be tough and could distract from your regalia especially if you will be rocking a sash or rope (representing and Honors Society, Fraternity/Sorority, etc) with your gown. Bracelets and rings, again don’t forget the balance but anything loud or clunky I’d save for later.  Oh and sunglasses are only appropriate during outdoor ceremonies where the sun is actually shining.   (Even then I'd think twice) I know sometimes we feel like superstars at these events as we should but hunny, this is NOT a red carpet and 20 years from now when you’re looking through photos and reminiscing, you’ll likely regret rocking your hater blockas.  Also, purses I wouldn't do anything more than a wristlet. You'll be moving about quite a bit and you only need to carry your cell phone, lipgloss, some ID and maybe a couple of dollars.  Save you Louis V Damier Bucket Bag for the after party. 

Last but not least, PLEASE Ma’am and Please Sir. IRON YOUR GOWNS.  I will go on record saying there is nothing worst than those checkerboard wrinkles.  You know, when you just take your gown out of the plastic bag it came in, give it a good ole shake and proceed to putting it on.  Now you look like gingham gone WRONG.  SMHRFWMLTUID ( shakin my head real fast with my lips turned up in disgust). It just screams unkempt and careless.  You’re really doing yourself a disservice.  It takes like 2 minutes to iron those polyester things and it’s so worth it.  Why take all the time to pick your outfit, get your shoes, beat your face and then put on a wrinkled gown.  That ain’t the way. I’m telling you.

Glenda the Good Grad aka The GlamNERD aka Tykeia  :-) 

StyleWATCH- Bold Curve Levi's- Big Judy Approved

Join me in a moment of silence for yet another casualty of the war on thigh friction. Yes, I’m still mourning the loss of my former favorite pair of dark wash jeans, the classic boot cut jeans by Joes Jeans. But I'm back today to quickly review what I think may be my new favorites! 

As per all of the fashion authorities in my life, every wardrobe must contain a pair of classic clean dark washed jeans.  My fashion godmother suggested I look into Levi’s and after getting into their recent promises of custom fit for women, I decided to give them a go.  So I signed on to http://us.levi.com/, found my curve ID, and ordered my jeans. 

I’ve had them for a couple of weeks and I have got to tell you, in the race for fabulous fitting denim on a girl who’s sitting on more than your average Jan, these jeans are WINNING! I ordered the Bold Curve and *clears throat * "Big booty Judies across the globe, Can I have your attention please?  These jeans are a dream! They are true to fit in the leg and hip area and they actually cover your entire tail.  That ain’t even it! The waist is specifically designed to stay in place.  It won’t sag or pucker or do weird things when you bend over or sit down.  You know the dance we all do when we stand up, the  lemme shimmy and pull my pants up so the whole world won’t see the crack of my tail dance, yea, you won’t ever have to do that again.  And if you’ve still yet to be sold, prepare to clutch your pearls.   You don’t even have to wear a belt.  I’m dead serious. Now you know, in the tribal tradition of ladies with big hips and little waists, you usually wouldn’t cross your property line without a belt.  But real talk, I'm sitting here beltless as I blog.  I haven’t had to pull up my pants ALL DAY!   I'm forever sold and will be purchasing pairs in the future. 

To wrap this up, the Levi’s Curve Id Program is really where it’s at.  It’s simple, affordable and very student friendly.   All you need is a measuring tape and a string and you can find the right pair of jeans for you. Not only do the jeans fit well but they are Levi’s!  The company is clearly a pillar of American denim for the past few decades.  I'm sure these jeans will last a lifetime.  They are solid jeans, well made and classic and available in every denim derivative imaginable.  From skinnys to straight legs to bootcut to jean skirts, jackets and capris.  I’m almost certain you won’t be sorry.  And honestly the jeans really look way more expensive than they are.  I’ve gotten loads of compliments. I’m fully endorsing them.. check them out!  PS the online coupon codes abound, so be sure to consult Mother Google as to not break your bank.   Don’t miss the bus girls, especially us thicker snacks :-) Check them out today!

STYLEWatch- Ann Taylor Goes IVY!

I came across an announcement today that I think is just plain FABULOUS! I felt compelled to share so get in! Ann Taylor, the timeless but lately very contemporary and fresh retailer, is now using the university campus as both an inspiration and a resource.  iLive!  They are seeking to cast five students from Columbia University in the City of New York to model for an online look book.  But the best part is that this publication will not only serve to market the brands spring fashions but it also aims to serve as a "trusted resource that will provide female college/graduate students with fashion advice and career inspiration across a variety of different industries." I mean tell me this isn't just plain GREAT! 

Recently, with cover girls like Heidi Klum and the recently signed Katie Holmes, the brand is clearly targeting a younger and fresher clientele.  And in even more fabulous news, the project will also serve as a wonderful professional experience for the two Columbia students that have been selected to serve as brand ambassadors. These to CU seniors will work with several student organizations  to produce programming that will give students advice and styling tips in preparation for job interviews throughout this academic year.  So in other words, there resumes just got a B12 shot! WINNING! 

A casting will be held next week to find the five fabulous faces that will be featured in the look book and member of the Ann Taylor's corporate team will be available to for resume critiques and lessons on interview etiquette.  Clearly all students that seek to participate have much to gain.  I think this is fabulous.  If you want more information on this programs and others like it feel free to let me know and I'll do my research.  I need to be a part of this and now I just have to figure out how! 

STYLEWatch- My Trip to Buffalo Exchange

This posts is about something that should be of interest to spend thrift stylish students everywhere. A couple good friends of mine have put me on to the thrift store scene and I gotta say I'm loving it.  My interest increased exponentially when I realized that there are thrift stores that not only carry fabulous finds but also encourage you to bring in your old clothes to be sold for cash or store credit.  That's right you can bring in your old, ill fitting clothes and contribute their worth to new pieces.  Apparently there are thrift, consignment stores around the nation that offer this service, yesterday I headed downtown to Buffalo Exchange and got two GREAT pieces for next to nada!

It was my first time so I only choses a few items to sell back. I brought a purse, a party dress and a pair of sandals that squeeze my pinky toes.  The items added up to a $30 store credit that I could then use to shop some more.  I know you're thinking $30 is not a lot of money but when you're in a place featuring $10 Dian Von Furstenburg blouses and $30 Burberry Skirts.. Trust me, you SHANT judge this piece of change..  My old clothes turned into a Marc Jacobs skirt and a DKNY shirt that only had me TEN DOLLARS out of pocket.  I ain't EVEN mad. Click here to check out the Buffalo Exchange website to see if there's a location near you.  If not stop by your local thrift/consignment store and inquire about their exchange policies.  Remember store credit is usually worth more than cash back so make sure you select a store with great inventory 

So if you need a few extra bucks or some new pieces why not trade in some of the clothes you're not wearing anymore for some new exciting things at less then have half the price.  I'm definitely all about Buffalo Exchange and will be back soon! 

Happy Shopping and Happy Saving! 

StyleWATCH- Glam Girl's Winter Survival Kit

Ladies Ladies, the winter months are among us and the season usually finds us all bundled up to brave the harsh elements.  Our warm winter pieces generally require a bit of extra maintenance to ensure we’re always looking our best.   A good friend of mine shared a list of things that every girl should always within arms reach, a Glam Girl’s Winter Survival Kit if you will.  I wanted to share those items with you.  These are things you could keep in your purse, your desk at work, your trunk or glove compartment etc. These things will ensure we are always looking polished and pulled together even if the hawk is out.  Get into IT!!

1. Lint brush-Heavier fabrics like wools, cashmeres, and other knits tend to shed and attract fuzz, lint and other little annoyances that can easily cheapen your look.  In excess you can even give your coat an almost dingy and dusty appearance.  The same rule applies to your pencil skirts, blazers, leggings etc. A lint brush keeps you looking polished, well kempt and FRESH in seconds.  If you can’t get a hold of your lint brush, tape up three or four of your fingers and try to get rid of things manually.  It’ll take a bit longer but it’s better than nothing.
2. An Extra Pair of Opaques- Great Tights are a must have accessory when rocking your favorite dresses, skirts and winter Shorts. An unsightly run or hole can take you from Yes Ma’am to No Ma’am in minutes.  Having an extra pair of neutrally colored tights or emergency situation keeps the heads from shaking nah uh when you walk by.
3. Chapstick and Lotion- Ashy knuckles and dry lips are never in season. This rule has special significance during colder seasons.  It’s super important to take extra precautions when it comes to skin care especially during the winter months.  The cold air and wind often requires more frequent applications of lotion and lip care.   Have a good thick lotion and a non greasy moisturizing lip treatment to keep your skin healthy and protected.
4. Tools to Tame Hat Hair- Always have a comb and/or brush handy to get your hair together once you’ve removed your hat.  Remember wools and heavier fabric often generate static electricity that’ll have your hair literally standing on your head.  A lil comb will get your do back in place once you’ve reached your destination.