Cutie Patooties

Nothing makes me happier than the song "We Are Family," except for maybe beautiful boys and girls dancing around to it on camera.


Boys & Girls of New York Fashion Week SS2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.

Lesley loves Fashion Week <3

Tight and Bright is Not Alright

What are the first things that come to mind when someone says "college theme party?"

Togas, obviously. Or CEOs/Secretary 'Hos. Right?

Wrong.

In this day and age, the number one college theme party sweeping the nation is (gag) Tight and Bright.

But seriously, who thought of this brilliant and extremely tired idea? Bros, obviously. The bros get to wear obnoxious nylon jogging jackets, flamboyant short-shorts that expose too much hairy thigh, and crazy-colored Nikes. And of course, the girls are as usual, dressed in tight gold lamé and 80s work out tights. Genius. 

Not really.

First off, I Lesley, as a girl, protest this theme. I love rocking the body con trend as much as anyone else -- nothing gets me more excited than a newly released, scandalous body suit from American Apparel -- but this party takes the fun out of leotards for me. Plus, I hate any color that's not black, so this automatically makes the "bright" aspect of the theme a challenge. And honestly, has anyone ever sweated to death in spandex before? Not pleasant. For some reason, guys like looking at half-naked, slick with sweat girls whose hair is a knotted mess and whose mascara is running down their faces. Not to mention the smell all the hot dancing bodies make. Ughhh. 

And as for the bros, you do realize all these tight and bright clothes come from hipster-central American Apparel, right? You claim the hipsters as your worst enemy with their flipped hair, skinny Gollum-like bodies, and penchant for wearing flannel, carrying back packs full of PBR, and dissing any lifestyle choice you might make (particularly music and drinking Smirnoff Ice). And yet with this obsession for the Tight and Bright theme, you're putting thousands and thousands of dollars into the hipster-making machine. Smart.

 vs.

So if I may make a suggestion, leave American Apparel to the hipsters and fashionable few who actually can wear a leotard without looking like a complete moron. If you throw a party, girls will wear tight clothes anyway. In fact, if I were a guy, toga parties would be my favorite. Come on, half-naked girls wrapped in bedsheets that are most likely going to fall off? 

I'm all about being current and trendy, but sometimes, it's best to stick with the classics.

Celebrate National Yoga Month

Good afternoon RR readers! Lucy here with our very first Health & Wellness post.  I hope you have enjoyed our first few posts and are ready for more, because we promise there is TONS coming your way!!  For this Health & Wellness post, I’m writing to remind you all that September is National Yoga Month.  The purpose of the National Yoga Campaign is to educate people about the many benefits of yoga so that they may lead happier, healthier, more balanced lifestyles.  As a self-proclaimed “yogatic,” If you’re not already hooked, now is the perfect time to try! Most gyms and fitness centers allow you to join a class free of charge for your first time.  There are many different types of yoga to choose from…you might be familiar with names such as Iyengar, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa.  While each type of practice differs in intensity, variety and flow, you will always be left with a sense of energy, vitality, and expansiveness.  Here are some tips on getting started!  Namaste.

If you are in the BC Area…

If you attend Boston College or live in the surrounding area, I’m sure you are well aware of the fitness programs offered in the school’s Flynn Recreation Complex.  I’ve tried nearly every class available and come to the conclusion that their selection of classes, frequency of times, and skilled instructors is unparalleled, thus making for a pleasant workout experience.  My personal favorite class is Iyengar Yoga at 12 pm with Lee.  While Lee’s subtle sense of humor (only exacerbated by his thick German accent) leave me smiling, his thorough explanations, constructive criticism, and evident passion for the practice always leave me in a positive and enlightened mood.  Be sure to check the Flynn Rec website for the class schedule: http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/ath/plex/groupfitness/schedule.html

If you are elsewhere…..

Check yogafinder.com to find a studio near you!

New students can get one week free yoga during National Yoga Month which can be redeemed at over at 1,000 participating yoga studios nationwide in September and October! This is for new students, but all you need to do is take this card to your local studio anytime this month!

For the Love of Cudi

Every fall and spring, UGBC (Boston College’s Student Government) organizes an on-campus concert for students and friends.  Thankfully, these concerts are far from humdrum; the student group has managed to snag some of the biggest names in the music industry ranging from Hellogoodbye, to Girltalk, to Akon, to Lupe Fiasco.  This fall, to every student’s incredulous excitement, UGBC announced Kid Cudi as the fall performer, with LMFAO as the opening act.  Needless to say, everyone was abuzz about getting a ticket.  Cudi and LMFAO have released some of the highest grossing albums of the past two years.  You’re probably familiar with Cudi’s electro-base single “Day ‘n’ Night” or LMFAO’s fist-pumping party anthem “Shots.” Lesley and I are HUGE Cudi fans; not only do we adore his quirky hipster style, we see his lyrics as modern poetry to which many young adults can relate.  

Since tickets went on sale this morning at 8 am, Lesley, myself, and our friend Danielle rose at 7:30 (the crack-of-dawn for the college kid) to trek down to the Robsham Theater Box Office.  We figured that we would wait 10-15 minutes, pick up the tickets, and swing back to our dorm room to get in a quick catnap or do some work before our morning classes.  As we trudged through lower campus, unusually long lines at every passing ATM should have been a telltale sign as to what was in store for us.  When we arrived at the box office, a thick line of people was already snaking its way around the building, down the sidewalk, and into the adjacent parking lot and into the mods (senior housing).  We were equally horrified and astonished as we shuffled to the back of a line which seemed to resemble a procession of semi-solemn and super-sleepy kids.  Needless to say, we were screwed.  The people at the front of the line must have been here hours before us.  Nevertheless, we refused to admit defeat and began the torturous wait, each taking turns to make coffee runs, replenish our empty stomachs, grab reading materials, and do some quick primping before the classes we would eventually end up missing.   Flashforward 6 and a half hours later.  We were hungry.  We were tired.  We were crabby.  We were woozy.  We were sick of watching freshmen cut the line to meet their friends and prance out of Robsham with their bright red tickets, flashing them to the back of the line and occasionally attempting to sell them at twice their original value.  By the time we entered the box office, we had missed about two classes each and we barely awake enough to speak.  Only after we had snagged two tickets each did we realize exactly how much these tickets would be worth.  However unpleasant the wait, we’re sure Cudi and LMFAO will live up to our high expectations.  We’ll be there, dressed in our finest concertwear, so stay on the lookout for pics from this coming concert weekend!  In the meantime, rock out to these tracks in preparation for the weekend!  

Tucker by Gaby Basora for Target Available Now!

Hello lovely RR readers, and happy Sunday! While end-of-weekend blues weigh upon us, we provide the ultimate cure: a little fashion candy to tickle your tastebuds.  You might be familiar with Target’s GO International designer collaborations; for the past six or seven years, the megachain has featured a plethora of famous names ranging from Zac Posen to Anna Sui to Erin Fetherson.   The lines typically include about 20-30 women’s pieces and range from 20 to 200 dollars.  Because here at RR we are all about affordable fashion, we promise to keep you updated on these exciting Target releases from here on out!

The most recent Go International for Target release comes from Gaby Basora, a New York-based designer whose “Tucker” line features an assortment of drapey button-down silk blouses and dresses with bright and colorful prints that evoke a retro vintage vibe.  Although fairly new to the fashion world, Basora’s refined yet quirky personal style enables her to convey a unique yet niche look for her audience through the “Tucker” line.  When asked what inspired her looks for the Target collaboration, Basora references the “easy vanity” of iconic screen sirens such as Sophia Loren and Francoise Hardy.  Most notable and refreshing about Basora is her strong sense of self. “I wear whatever the hell I want,” she once replied.  Tucker by Gaby Basora for Target is available at stores nationwide September 12th through October 17th. 

Take a glance at the Tucker lookbook below, I am especially loving that teal silk blouse and camel hooded jacket! What do you guys want from the line?

(L) Signature Dress in Lawn Bird Print, $39.99; Sweater Vest with Pockets in Brown, $39.99 | (M) Back Ruffled Dress in Navy, $39.99; Button-Down Blouse in Butterfly Print, $29.99 | (R) Boucle Dress in Black, $59.99

(L) Hooded Wrap Jacket in Orange Herringbone, $44.99; Tunic Sweater in Brown Stripe, $44.99; Ribbed Sweater Dress in Orange, $39.99
(R) Reversible Quilted Vest in Patchwork Print, $24.99; Camisole in Orange, $22.99; Shorts in Green Herringbone, $34.99

(L) Fleece Jumpsuit in Gray, $44.99 | (R) Trench in Green Herringbone, $59.99; Signature Dress in Lawn Bird Print, $39.99; Camisole Dress in Butterfly Print, $34.99

(L) Signature Blouse in Cream, $29.99; Tunic Dress in Orange, $39.99 | (R) Tie-Front Blouse in Orange Polka-Dot Print, $24.99; Skirt in Orange Herringbone, $34.99

(L) Ribbed Sweater Dress in Orange, $39.99; Sweater Vest in Floral, $34.99 | (R) Woven Tee in Magenta, $24.99; Shorts in Green Herringbone, $34.99

(L) Camisole Dress in Halo Print, $34.99 | (R) Halter Top in Floral Print, $24.99; Brocade Skirt in Gold/Navy, $39.99

(L) Velvet Dress in Burnout Print, $49.99 | (R) Signature Dress in Floral Print, $39.99; Reversible Quilted Vest in Mosaic Print, $24.99; Camisole in Navy Floral Print, $22.9

(L) Button-Front Dress in Little-Flowers Print, $34.99′ Tie-Front Blouse in Lawn Bird Print, $24.99 | (R) Signature Dress in Diamond Print, $39.99

(L) Button-Front Dress in Painted Flowers Print, $34.99 | (R) Persian Bomber in Black, $79.99; Camisole in Butterfly Print, $22.99; Brocade Skirt in Gold/Navy, $39.99

(L) Back Ruffle Dress in Electric Bloom, $39.99 | (R) Signature Blouse in Mosaic Print, $29.99; Camisole in Burnout Print, $22.99; Shorts in Green Herringbone, $34.99
Photos courtesy of Target

First Day

Since day one, mother always told us it was important to make a good first impression. And thus it began -- the frantic annual search for the perfect first day back to school outfit. As seniors in college, yesterday was our last ever first day of school, and our last chance to make this type of fashion statement.

Lucy rocks a modern schoolgirl look by sporting gunmetal chains and a bodycon skirt with classic nautical stripes.  She keeps the outfit timeless with Ray-Ban aviators and Steve Madden oxfords, out of which peek one of the season's hottest accessory accents: the ankle sock.

Lesley rocked the minimalistic neo-goth that's hot for fall 2010. She wore a basic black tank tucked into a black Forever 21 maxi skirt. She finished off the look with a Levi's denim vest for a casual vibe, and simple black flats.

Fall 2010 Picks: Lesley

1) American Apparel Long Sleeve Crop Top - $28

I have a serious love affair with crop tops. They're so versatile -- wear them with denim cutoffs and rock out at a summer concert, or pair them with a slim high-waisted skirt and, voila, instant party outfit. They're loose, they're comfortable, and most importantly, there's a way to make this trend look good on anyone. American Apparel's t-shirts are the comfiest I own, and I'm glad to see I'll be able to wear this trend in colder weather now, too.



2) Cheap Monday Debbie Sweater -- $69

Nothing is sexier than cut-out clothing. Teasing without really revealing anything at all. The casual baggy cut of this sweater is grungy-cool and makes any outfit look effortless. Pair this top with skinny jeans, or tuck it into a full skirt and wear with some cute wedge booties. Wear a bright colored long-sleeved t-shirt underneath for a subtly funky pop of color.






3) Textured City Shorts -- $78

These pleather shorts are the perfect transition piece from summer to fall to winter. Wear them with an oversized blazer and black over-the-knee socks for an edgy take on a school girl look.










4) Forever 21 Mock Slub Maxi Dress -- $19.80

If 2010 was the year of an early 1990s grunge revival, 2011 will be the year of late 1990s throwbacks. More and more, dark and sleek silhouettes are coming into style, like this long and lean minimalist maxi dress from F21. It elongates the body and is an easy way to look super fashionable without even thinking about it.






5) Jeffrey Campbell Ticket -- $168

Jeffrey Campbell shoes are to die for, and it frustrates me to no end trying to buy a pair, because my size always sells out like hot cakes. These studded wedges are the must-have shoe of the season and go with everything. And literally, everything. Short frilly dresses, maxi skirts, jeans, a pencil skirt and blazer... you name it and you could probably wear these shoes with it.