Up and at'em

One of the best ways to ruin a great outfit is to wear it wrinkled. It makes it appear as if you wore it the previous day, went to bed in it, and then got up and wore it again. If you ask have to ask what's wrong with that, you've got a serious wardrobe malfunction. I know you don't want to iron your clothes. That's o.k. There are alternatives.

Alternative one: Pick out clothes in materials that don't easily wrinkle. Wool and wool weaves hold up well. Cotton and silk are not good choices. Although, some have been treated and are wrinkle resistent. Read the tag and check. If it says it is, then, it should be easier to upkeep.

Alternative two: Hang up all your clothes upon immediately removing them from the dryer. The problem comes from hanging them up in your closet. If it is overly crowded your clothes will get wrinkled anyway. A second dilemma occurs if you own clothes you can't put in the dryer. However, that 's not an insurmountable problem. Their are some sprays which you spritz on your clothes, smooth out the wrinkles, then, hang to dry.

Alternative three: Don't worry about it and if your clothes do get wrinkled hang them up in the bathroom, put your shower on hot, then, blast it. Make sure to close the door. In most cases, this method of steaming your clothes will get out the wrinkles. If not, there is a handheld steamer you can use.

Alternative four: Let your clothes air dry and use a spray for dry clothes.

Alternative five: Give in gracefully and iron them already! It probably takes more energy to fight it, than it does to just get it over with. That being said, I go to any length to avoid ironing my own clothes so, I am well acquainted with the age old dilemma.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

Quick! Someone call the police! I know that girl over there has somehow managed to climb Jack's beanstalk and steal the giants handkerchief! And now she is flaunting it as... ewww, a dress. Now, wearing them as bandanas is bad enough, but hunting down a giant hankie to make into a dress is disturbing on so many levels. At least when Scarlett O'Hara scavenged, she chose a material with some potential. I'll take green velvet over red paisley any day of the week.

To be fair, the dress style looked cute. Generally, You can't go wrong with a classic spaghetti strap, a-line skirt combination. Unless, you make it out of one the most unflattering materials known to mankind. And really, who wants to be reminded of their last head cold every time they look at you?

As I see it, there are two ways to fix this look. Grab a cowboy hat and a pair boots and head down to the ranch nearest you, or get some fabric dye and change the color of the dress. When dying it, remember to go with a dark color palette that will cover the details of paisleys.

One Word: Goodwill

I know; I know. I probably sound like your father. "Why don't you shop at Goodwill like me? Think of all the money you would save." You take quick stock of how exceptionally unfashionable your father is, and know that you are never stepping foot in that store. Well, I am here to turn all your preconceptions upside down. Shopping at Goodwill is actually a good idea. Don't believe me? Here's a few tips to help change your mind and leave your pocketbook a mite heavier.

Most Targets donate their cloths from the sale racks to the Goodwill. That means you can buy them cheaper and they still have the tags on them. I got two pairs of Capri pants, one for 94 cents and the other for a mere $1.27. And if you think that's good...

My sister discovered a Louis Vuitton purse; not a knock-off, the real deal complete with key and serial number. Normally, those things can cost anywhere from $300 for a small clutch, to over $1000 dollars for a purse. The one my sister found was still in mint condition, and she got it for a mere fifty bucks. If she wanted to, she could sell it on e-bay for more than that!

An added benfit to shopping at the Goodwill stores is the fact that you get to help others through your monetary contributions as you enhance your wardrobe. There is nothing like doing a little good, while simultaneously having some retail therapy.

Auf Wiedersehen

Last week, Project Runway was particularly difficult because it was down to the top five. That means you have numerous challenges to get attached and cheer on your favorite designers. It also means the people left are on their game. Sweet Pea was the unfortunate eliminated. She has always been as nice as her name suggests. I don't think I have ever heard her say an unkind word about another designer. She has had the occasional flop when it comes her runway designs. In particular, the candy store fiasco where she had to start her garment completely over. Still, it is hard to watch a designer who has overcome so many hardships leave the show.

The challenge that her sent her packing based on art. Everyone was to pick a painting or a sculpture on which to base their design, but to reflect their aspirations as a designer. Sweet Pea picked a picture of a peacock. Apparently, the judges considered this to be something of a cliche. They also said it was nothing they hadn't seen from her before. It was declared yet another of her sweet, day-time dresses.

The second challenger to be eliminated is yet to be decided. For the first time in the history of Project Runway, there was a tie between two contenders, Romi and Chris.

Now, Chris also based his final design on a previous dress he did for the show. It had an identical Avant Garde flair and the same basic pattern he had used before. I suppose he thought, if it worked once... His saving grace from immediately losing was the seeming elaborateness of his dress.

Romi seemed to fall into the same pothole as Sweet Pea and Chris. Once again, he presented a garment based on his incredible skill with draping cloth. There is no denying he makes an impeccable garment when he uses that technique. The judges just want to see something new, as do I.

So, Chris and Romi will battle it out for the third spot during New York Fashion Week.

New York, New York

It has been brought to my attention by a friend, that I have yet to address New York Fashion Week. My reasoning is simple. Three finalists from Project Runway will go to New York fashion week and all three finalists have yet to be announced. Well, that and the winner of this year's season will be selected. I am doing my utmost to keep from discovering the winner before it airs. Therefore, once the finale is over, I'll address the Holy Grail of fashion.

AUGH!!! Big Fashion No-No

I was rushing furiously down the path completely wrapped up in keeping papers and books from spilling out of the depths of my bag when I saw something that made me freeze where I stood. Could it be? Surely not. But it was! A long held childhood dream come true at last. Big Bird was a mere ten feet in front of me! Miraculous. And then, he turned...

AUGH! It wasn't even a boy. No, before me stood a girl in a ridiculously long yellow sweatshirt that hung to her knees with the hood pulled up. But it got worse. Apparently, she had just spotted a friend because she started jumping up and down with her arms flapping like a demented yellow canary attempting flight. The sleeves were certainly large enough to aid her in her endeavor.

Now, I know we all own a sweatshirt or two that we swiped from a significant other or our father. They are comfortable and great for lounging around the house as we are wont to do on occasion. Unfortunately, this sweater was clearly bought in the women's section. It was a light lemon color with Aeropostale emblazoned in baby blue on the front. Why anyone would buy a sweatshirt so horribly large it can be worn as dress I don't know. But it is a huge fashion don't!

Occasionally, your mood and the weather will necessitate the usage of a sweatshirt. I'm not saying they should never be worn. I just ask you to try to wear one that actually fits. Preferably, in such a way that doesn't make you resemble a Sesame Street character.

This section will likely become a series of fashion no-no's that I spot.

A Camping We Will Go

While camping, I had to laugh as I watched the fifth girl in high heels stumble by as I sat by the fire. No joke! Heels in the great outdoors! I concluded that a blog about camping shoe wear could save many sprained ankles. The key is to think practical. That means no heels or platforms. It’s hard to leave your favorite shoes at home, but it will save you from looking ridiculous and possibly keep you from an expensive doctor bill. That is, if you are there for broken limbs not because of an attack by rabid squirrels.

Now, tennis shoes are a nice, safe route, but if you plan to go camping often, you should invest in a good pair of sturdy boots. I recommend getting them from L.L. Bean. They have a line of fashionable camping gear for women and a lifetime guarantee on all of their merchandise.

When choosing your shoes, pick one with Vibram soles. They help with traction on wet terrain and allow a good grip on the ground even in mud. Also, make sure the shoe has Gor-Tex which makes your shoe waterproof. That’s not to say if you go slogging through a creek they will remain dry, but wet foliage and puddles aren’t a problem. It is a good idea to purchase your shoes ½ a size larger than normal because your feet swell when you hike and you should wear 2 pairs of socks to prevent blisters.

Most importantly, do not pull your new shoes out of the box, put them on, and go camping for 3 days. Even regular tennis shoes have to be broken in and hiking boots are no different. To break them in quickest, soak the shoes in water and let them dry while you are wearing them. They will mold to your feet. Just beware to take your feet out and let them dry periodically so you don’t get trench foot.

Red, white, and... pink?

Welcome to the day of love, when everyone throws fashion sense right out the window. Yes, it is true. All day today I have gone from location to location: the local college campus, shoe store, Blockbuster, Rack Room Shoes. They all had one horrifying similarity. Ninety percent of the female population dressed today in bright hues of red, pink, or a combination of the two. There was also a liberal sprinkling of hearts, and XO’s. It is great that so many people are into the spirit of the holiday. But one of the facts of life is that everyone does not look good in those colors or patterns. Isn’t it better to celebrate the holiday by looking fabulous and sexy in your own way , rather than blending in with the masses in unflattering wear? You absolutely should commemorate Valentine’s Day by purchasing something worthy of you to celebrate it! Just do it in a color tailored to you and not the holiday.

Costume or fashion?

The thing I have long feared finally occurred last week. Project Runway had a challenge that seemed to have less do with fashion as art and more to do with the ridiculous. Each designer had to pick one of the WWE Divas and create a wrestling costume for them to wear in the ring. Tim Gunn even said "He didn't want this one to be his (Romni's) downfall." It would seem one of the people notorious for his fashion sense saw this challenge as a joke. In fact, all the designers seemed to be in agreement that it would be an embarrassment to let this be the challenge that led to their elimination. Surprisingly, the designer sent packing was Ricki!

I do believe no one was as shocked as he was. His background lies in lingerie and he failed during the one challenge that has been closest to his line of regularity. He even said how, "I could give them tips, but why should I?" while talking about the other designers.

Apparently, he was the one in need of some serious advice. His look resembled a bathing suit more than a sexy costume at least according to Nina Garcia. I admit I agree. It was certainly something that should be sent to the Bahamas (if you don't mind a funky tan line). Overall, I would say his design didn't just miss the mark it disappeared into the wrong hemisphere. Doomed by overconfidence and unfunctionality

Let it go or do it right!

I confess their are some fashions I am not a big fan of. Bandanas are one of them. My reasoning is simple: it can be tricky for the average individual to do and it can be far too easily abused. I kid you not, that I have seen people who have one to go with every outfit they own and never bother to do their hair. They just throw on another bandana and off they go. I have been visually assaulted by every flowery, paisley, and checked atrocity in existance. So here is how to turn that fashion don't into a do.

First, I highly recommend buying a dog. Then go purchase as many bandanas as you like and use them to your hearts content on your lovely new pooch. Bandanas are all the rage in dogwear and they remain a great classic. They will probably remain so for a very long time. If you still insist on wearing a bandana, my second suggestion is to stick with a solid color not some crazy design. Keep it simple. Bandanas should be a situational trick not a staple in your wardrobe. Covering the occasional bad hair day with one is a great but it should not be used every day. Bandanas are also highly functional when cleaning or doing activites involving wind, surf, and sun so owning one can be a definite asset for vacationing. Just remember it is a style that is heavily involved with buyer beware!

Chocolatey Fashion

Whoever heard of dresses made of chocolate? Certainly not I. Imagine my surprise upon discovering the combination of two of my favorite things: chocolate and fashion. Contestants must create actual clothing out of chocolate. They are allowed to use string and material, but 75 % of the dress must be chocolate. To add difficulty to the challenge, the chocolate designed dresses must survive the transfer onto a model then a runway show.

When I saw the dresses, I was flummoxed that such a feat was possible. One designer created a hat complete with a brightly colored flower and bird-like plummage entirely from chocolate. That chocolatier brought an artist as his partner. An exceptional choice considering the detailed painting required for the execution of the hat and a matching belt made of patterned squares.

Perhaps, one of the most beautiful creations of the show was exquisite roses that looked as if they had been freshly plucked from a bush. Unfortunately, the artist who designed them spent copious time on sewing the dress and making the roses but not much else. Their dress was lovely, but their concession to the 75% rule was to simply spray the dress with a powdered chocolate. The judges deemed it an easy out, rather than skillful execution.

My one worry was that the dresses would melt from the model's body heat. No matter how short the lifespan of the clothing, a chocolate runway show is a delicious idea from start to finish!

Identity

O.k. I admit that I enjoy looking nice and dressing up. Not just for special occasions, but as a general rule. Most people I know are adjusted to seeing me with my make-up on, hair done, and dressy clothes. I hadn't realized how rarely people see me otherwise until I ran into someone I knew, and they didn't recognize me. They were rather stunned to see me in flops and jeans without so much as a smidge of lipgloss.

I found their shock slightly ridiculous. No one is at their best all the time and here is the important part- that's o.k.! We all have times when we have a list a mile long and just throw on clothes and go. Personally, as a college student, I know there are days after my all-nighters when the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time getting dressed that I could spend sleeping. Don't stress about it when you just don't have the time to go the extra mile. It saps all the fun out of the experience, and remember, above all, fashion is supposed to be fun.

Personal Faux Pas

It started as an average shopping trip. Every sale between one end of the mall to the other yielded finds of the best sort. Finally, at the end of the day, my best friend and I headed home broke and exhausted. It wasn't until I reached home and examined my haul that I realized I had broken one of the cardinal rules of practical shopping. I had purchased a good many pieces on sale, but not a one was a classic piece that would last longer than this season. So even though I bought all of these clothes that were awesome, in a few months I am going to have to replace them. When I do though, I'll foray back into the land of clothes I can keep for a couple years. Now, that doesn't mean I never buy anything trendy. I always have a few trendy pieces in my wardrobe. But, they're limited to ones that augment the basics I keep long term. I ought to have invested in a few more classic pieces this time and kept my seasonal buys to a minimum. So next time you go out shopping and are tempted by some crazy new patterns and styles, assess how long you'll be able to wear it. Compare that to the money you are going to spend. Then buy, if it is still worth it.