Mereja

Author: Leah – Ryerson University

  • Fashion Porn: Nautical Orgy

    I'm on a bleepin' bleepin' boat

    According to reliable sources – namely, Punxsatawney Phil – there are still six weeks left of winter. That’s six more weeks of singing the winter blues as we trek to class in our layers upon layers trying to avoid frostbite while still looking cute. Worst of all, that’s six weeks of craving cute spring clothes that retailers are dangling in front of us while we lug our winter coats around the mall.

    The tail end of winter sure does suck.

    But, it doesn’t have to! Looking to the Resort 2010 collections (also known as Pre-Spring), there are many trends that can be incorporated into our winter looks while still channeling the feeling of warm months to come. What better way to kick those winter blues (covered in icicles) than with nautical clothes? Who wouldn’t rather be on a boat (bustin’ 5 knots, wind whippin’ out my coat) than braving the winter weather?

    OK, so putting on some madras and a pair of Rainbows isn’t exactly possible right now, but it’s really easy to incorporate some nautical looks into your winter wardrobe with a little creative layering. Tights, long sleeve shirts and cardigans makes it possible to enjoy nautical clothes now, and then you can strip that stuff off when the snow (finally) melts in the spring. Need a little fashion warm-up? Let’s hit the high seas!

  • Grammy Red Carpet: The Good, The Bad and The Gaga

    The Grammy red carpet is probably my favorite of the season.  Though attendees of the Golden Globes and Oscars are better dressed overall, those at the Grammys bring the good, the bad and the outrageous (and the booze).  The dramatic dressers of the music industry bring out their weird and wonderful performance-esque outfits, blurring the line between stage-worthy and red carpet-appropriate.

    While the Grammy’s 52nd red carpet leaves lots for us to tweet about (including a dress with its own hash tag), choosing the best category was definitely difficult this year. Choosing the WTF, however, was a total breeze.

    The Good


    Rihanna looked absolutely regal in this white Elie Saab dress. Let’s be real – there aren’t many women who can have extra draping on the hips and still look totally smokin’.  Though her smile seemed strained at times, she really pulled herself together and looked somehow chic, elegant and cool all at once.

    Lea Michele wore an adorable Romona Keveza feathered dress.  This Glee star opted for a simple look in comparison to a lot of red carpet beauties, but her look was far from safe.

    While Jennifer Hudson’s pre-Grammy dress was a poor choice, she reemerged for the televised award show looking elegant, curvy and hot in a black Victoria Beckham dress.  Someone should really tell Mariah that this is how a real woman accentuates her goods.

    The Bad

    I know that J-Lo loves to push the envelope in her fashion choices, but maybe it’s time she opted for a complete dress for an award show. I can almost see Tim Gunn sitting at home with his arms crossed looking at the TV and thinking, “This worries me.”

    I think we can all agree that Ke$ha brushed her teeth with a bottle of Jack before she got dressed last night. I’m not sure what’s worse: the bling-meets-Pocahontas dress, her shoe choice, the fact that she looked completely stoned/constipated on the red carpet, or the fact that she looks like a post-op tranny next to Jusin Bieber (and his perfect coif).

    While I liked the cut of Katy Perry’s Zac Posen dress, there are three things I just can’t handle: its similarity to 70s upholstery, the major side boob and all that chest hair showing on her fiancee. Really? Can’t someone tell that man to button up a bit?

    The WTF


    Words do not even begin to describe the lack of proper clothing on Britney Spears.  And those shoes? Who is styling this woman!?

    I have no idea who Nadeea is. And based on this outfit, I don’t want to.

    Ciara is a beautiful girl, but I just don’t understand how she could look in the mirror yesterday and think to herself, “God I look good in this bejeweled lace pant suit.”

    The Gaga


    Because nothing on Gaga could make me go “WTF?!?!” anymore, she gets her own category. Seriously, I get annoyed carrying a clutch out for the night and Gaga brings along a giant, pointy snowflake? I wonder if she used that to gouge out Taylor’s eyes after she lost for Album of the Year.

  • Fashion Porn: Blazer Orgy

    There are a few basic items that every girl should have in her closet. A pair of Alexander McQueen alien shoes is not one of them, but the blazer most definitely is. Being a super versatile item, the blazer can transition for almost every facet of your life. If you’re applying for a job or internship, the blazer instantly adds a professional flair to an outfit. On the other hand, if you wear a blazer over a t-shirt or with jeans, it dresses up (and cool-ifies) an otherwise casual outfit.

    Maybe that explains why blazers are so very popular right now, especially the boyfriend variety. It’s like the jacket your boyfriend (or another male in your life) might hang over your shoulders if you get cold, only much more feminine and much more chic.  The popularity of this style proves while we can’t count on boys to be chivalrous, we can count on their styles to make us look hot.

    While most people tend to gravitate towards the basic black blazer, there really is a huge variety out there. From cuts to colors to patterns, everyone can (and should!) find the perfect blazer to add to their clothing collection:

  • Campus Couture: Taylor, Ryerson

    [While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

    And maybe a restraining order or two.

    But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.]

    I met Taylor a year ago and after attending a university where everyone showed up to class in their sweats or PJ pants, her look was a breath of fresh air. Her style is a unique blend of thrifted and vintage with new basic pieces, and a collection of accessories that add perfectly to every outfit.

    Like many fashionistas, when I met Taylor she had a signature accessory, the headband.  Though she has since abandoned the now mainstream hair accessory, she is constantly incorporating new accessories into her looks.  On this particular day, her black fedora perfectly topped off her outfit, making this look truly Taylor. As well, Taylor is one of the few people that pulls off denim on denim. And she looks damn good doing it. Her faded jean jacket with dark skinny jeans are the perfect combination. In our often unpredictable Canadian climate, Taylor always layers. Her tip: “longer loose layers juxtaposed with more tailored pieces.”

    Name: Taylor Dickie
    Year: Sophomore
    Program: Journalism

    1) Describe your personal style:
    I’m kind of eclectic. I like to mix vintage and new pieces, and find a balance between feminine and masculine.

    2) You can’t leave your house without…
    My watch, a vintage men’s Casio

    3) What is your favorite store to shop on?
    Value Village.

    4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
    I try and read fashion blogs but it’s hard to keep up with them. I guess I’d say Alexa Chung.

    5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
    I try not to follow anything too trendy, but I like menswear blazers

    On Taylor:
    Hat: Vintage
    Jewelry: Forever 21
    T-shirt and Jacket : Aritzia
    Cardigan: American Apparel
    Scarf: Lavish & Squalor
    Bag: H&M
    Jeans: Forever 21
    Boots: Store in Kensington Market, Toronto

    [You know someone who’s got great style? Do YOU have great style? Want to be a part of Campus Couture? Send us an email with some photos and you could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]