Let's Never Speak of 2007 Again

Can we give two thumbs up to 2008? 20 days into the New Year and we are headed full speed and in a metaphor of Titanic-proportions, haven't hit any icebergs yet.

Britney Spears is still alive. That in itself is a reason to celebrate.
School is going well. and work is work.

Working at SBS has inspired me to comment upon a phenomenon I like to call "the uniform". Within the confounds of a public university, I have discovered a very unique dress code that is being used, despite the University not having any formal policy on clothing.

There are all different types of people at Michigan State. The hipsters, the trend-setters, the people that look put together despite having a 'couldn't care less attitude'. All of these people seem to walk around campus flawlessly as I struggle to control my hair against gusts of wind and look semi-presentable in a Jack's Mannequin concert tee. How do these people get their flare? Their knack for fashion? The aura they give off that says "I don't care what I look like, but you know I look good." I want that. Is the key accessories? Fashion magazines dictating Hollywood's influence over the masses? Or is there, deep within society, a code that is so sacred, one cannot help but follow it? After careful observation I have determined that the last statement is without a doubt true. There is a uniform. A way of life, so to speak. To upset this uniform is to stand out in such a way that you look disheveled and uproariously different. I am about to dissect the various parts and forgive me while doing so because I think that to truly understand the uniform in a way that speaking about it sounds intelligently, one must be able to pull it off (and I can't.)

North Face Fleece or Jacket

Although I have attempted twice to purchase and wear North Face fleeces I have failed miserably each time at looking "put together." My downfall is that I simply wear the North Flace fleece rather than rock it. There is a difference. This is widely misunderstood. The jacket and yourself must connect and be one with nature like a parasite becoming one with it's host animal. And the jacket is just the first part of the uniform from which all other parts build off of. Let us explore further into the code.

Leggings

It turns out pants are not so cool anymore. For some time now, leggings have been all the rage. In fact, you can pair them with just about anything. My original understanding was that your shirt should be long enough to cover your bottom. However, people have also proven me wrong on this theory. Another misconception is that black North Face must be accompanied with black leggings. Wrong-o. I've been seeing people wear black with brown now like it's commonplace. Who would have thought? The point is, leggings aren't just for exercise anymore. Although my inside sources (In Touch magazine) reported a few weeks ago that leggings are out, tights are in.

Boots with the Fur

This is a staple in the uniform. Without them, you will fall apart. My title says boots with the fur. Fur is, however, optional. I just felt like quoting a Flo Rida song. Regardless of what style boot, the brand must be Ugg. Any knock off or imitation will be frowned upon and immediately shunned. Aside from the humiliation of being deemed a 'wannabe', you will be going against the strict guidelines of the uniform policy. Uggs come in a wide variety, size and color. Don't make the mistake I did and assume that boots are only for winter either. Common sense says they are, but uniform sense says that these boots are A-ok to be paired with a summer time skirt and leggings as well.

These three are the main bullet points of the uniform policy. Additional accessories are not frowned upon and certain brands will earn you extra points with the fashion police.

After suiting up in these fine items, grab an oversized hand bag or tote to carry all that you need for the day (a sorority bag, Vera Bradley bag, or a Coach purse will do just fine.)

If you need a scarf I would suggest throwing a Burberry pattern around your neck and you will be ready to go.



And there you have it. That's the trend of the Midwest. I eagerly scope out celebrities right now to see what the trends are and patiently await for them to take the midwest by storm so I can create a new description of a new unform.

Ciao !