Garnet Report

Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, over the fields we go, wearing our tacky Christmas sweaters.

For the week, fashion is being thrown out of the window, all done in the holiday spirit, of course.

Its that time of year to pull your tacky sweater out of the back of your closet, dust off the lint, and throw it on for some Christmas cheer.

Whether your sweater has reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, gingerbread men, jingle bells, presents, snowmen, bows, poinsettias, etc. all are acceptable. Feeling in a funky mood? Try a sweater vest to amp up the tacky. Your sweater should be worn with boots, preferably furry ones, reindeer antlers or a big bow. Any tacky Christmas jewelry is always appreciated. Check out the dollar store, Walmart, and Ebay for your sweater and all of the tacky accessories.

Happy Holidays and a Tacky New Year.

PS-Tacky sweaters can be worn any day, any time up until Christmas Day.

With the holidays coming up and long security lines at the airport in mind, the perfect travel outfit is a must.

These lady flight attendants sure knew how to work it while jet setting. But, long gone are the days when people dressed in his or her finest frocks and dinner jackets for the airport. However, that doesn’t mean sweatpants and a grungy sweatshirt are acceptable. Ladies, you do have to sit next to someone on the plane, so why not look and possibly smell nice?

Jeans may look nice, but in reality that awkward bunching near the zipper and button while you sit on the plane may not be the best option. For a more comfortable bottom try a pair of comfortable slacks like Sophia Bush or switch them out for a pair of jeggings. A loose, basic shirt and light jacket or sweater pull the look together and keep the chilly plane air off of you.

Another great thing to keep the chill away is a scarf; it will make you nice and toasty. The best travel shoe is comfortable, easy to walk, and fast to take off at security. Ballet flats provide the perfect compliment and are practical. For the plane ride, throw a pair of socks in your fabulous carry-on for your little toes!

Comfort is key when traveling, but looking classy is still a must. This holiday season have a safe and stylish trip home.

P.S. leggings should not be substituted for pants…guilty as charged.

Oh yes ladies, it’s that time of year. The time of year to watch the leaves turn colors, wear boots and scarves, spend quality time with the family, and most importantly…stuff your face!

Thanksgiving has arrived in full force. With only a week until you all flutter home, it’s time to start planning that perfect thanksgiving outfit. Many families spend thanksgiving different ways, but if you are going to a big family reunion, you need to look polished. This being said, let’s keep in mind that the objective on Thanksgiving is to eat - all you can eat. So to meet and greet with the family,  all you need to do is throw on the perfect ‘eating’ outfit.

Introducing…. the shift dress, or also known as the sheath dress.

While nomin’ on some turkey and mashed potatoes, this forgiving dress won’t prevent you from getting seconds, and maybe thirds. Pair the dress with a knit sweater, tights, and boots for a casual, yet extremely comfortable ensemble. Our ‘pin of the day’ doesn’t require much effort and will keep you from that awkward moment after dinner when you have to loosen your belt a couple notches.

To find your perfect shift dress before the pumpkin pie comes out of the oven, head to your local department stores or try American Eagle and Free People for more eclectic patterns.

But don’t forget this is also the time of the year to give thanks for all that is positive in your life and all of the opportunities you have been given. So hug your family and friends, and be thankful that the Garnet Report is always here to give you stellar fashion advice.

And next Thursday, throw on a shift dress and throw out your diet. Eat as much as you want…and for desert you are allowed to put on sweatpants.

Do you want to be a hipster? The new fashion craze, sweeping the nation and our little college city, Columbia, has morphed from a philosophy on life to the latest catch phrase…”That’s so hipster.”

But what does hipster really mean for South Carolina? Whether you are a die-hard hipster or you are just joining in the fad, we’ve at least got the fashion part covered.

Take a note from the stylings of Urban Outfitters, the quintessential hipster-clothing store. You don’t have to cut off all of your hair to pull off our “pin of the day,” you just have to know how to piece together a look that says, “I’m too cool for school…and I am an Instagram master.”

Hipster clothing is all about casual: slouchy sweaters paired with tight skinny jeans and boots, preferably lace-ups. Keep the shapes of your clothing simple, but jazz it up with lots of patterns and wooly textures. This fall/winter take your look back in time with traditional wool patterned sweaters in muted colors. Or if you’re not feeling like a mountain man, try a cargo jacket and a big, cozy infinity scarf.

To finish out your hipster style, don’t forget your thick-framed glasses. Every hipster knows it’s the best way to make a statement.

With your look completed, head to Cool Beans to chill out and drink tea with all of your other way too cool friends.

Black. We all have the color in our closet, whether be it a LBD, a leather jacket or a classic-t. However, there reaches a point where all black outfits can cross the line into goth…picture the girl from the grudge.

In honor of the spooky holiday approaching on Wednesday, our “pin of the day” is all about goth done right. All black outfits can sometimes draw more attention than a rainbow explosion outfit.

The catwalk queen, Karlie Kloss, knows how to kick the grunge look into high gear. Her graphic tee with the small touches of white adds a softer edge to the ensemble. To finish the look, the worn motorcycle jacket and the black-framed sunglasses couldn’t be more perfect.

As a lover of black and its wonderful slimming qualities, the color can sometimes drag me down. Adding a bit of color in an accessory or through some red lips, like Karlie, will keep you feeling sunshiney and happy.

Next time you open your closest, don’t be afraid to pull out more than one black piece of clothing and feel like a runway model for the day. And since we all will be pigging out on candy corn and snickers soon, that black t-shirt may become your new best friend.

The talk around campus the past few days has been about none other than the lovely, Taylor Swift. The release of her new album, Red, on Monday, has catapulted the country crooner into the spotlight yet again. Not only does T-Swift have song writing and singing talent, but she has a great sense of style. The singer has evolved from country’s sweetheart to sophisticated lady in her style choices.

In the beginning Taylor Swift strutted onto the country music scene strumming her guitar wearing flowery dresses. Her long, curly locks were her signature to every outfit. Don’t get me wrong, I loved T-Swift’s cutsy dresses and cowgirl boots when she first started out. But as a major music mogul, Taylor has now taken her look to new heights.

Our “pin of the day” has said good-bye to her naturally curly hair and gone funky with her stick straight locks and full bangs. As a young woman, Taylor isn’t afraid to rock a plunging neck-line. But lets be real ladies, as college students I wouldn’t say this exact look is appropriate down in 5 points. If you are a celebrity like Taylor, it’s a different story.

However, the full pantsuit and jacket is a great option instead of a dress for fancy evenings out. Maybe throw on a sparkly Cami underneath and make sure the jacket is structured or else you will be swimming in your sleeves!

In the end, whatever your outfit, go out and break a couple of boys hearts so they won’t break yours. I don’t want to here a song about a breakup here in Columbia anytime soon.

On a recent trip to the lovely city of Greenville, South Carolina, I discovered the crazy contrast between Southern and Northern style. The mecca of people at Greenville’s Fall Festival were out to play in examples of northern styles, southern fashions, and the all out crazy (I’m talking red suede, thigh-high boots).

On further examination of the differences between the two fashion styles, one of my new favorite TV shows popped into my head. Hart of Dixie on The CW follows the story of Zoe Hart, New York City born doctor in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama. While Zoe represents the epitome of New York style, her archenemy Lemon couldn’t be more of a southern belle.

Chic New Yorker

Even though she strolls the streets of small-town Bluebell, Alabama, Zoe Hart knows how to rock her own style. To follow in her footsteps, stick to neutrals but with small pops of color. Fit is also very important, and Zoe Hart definitely knows what fits her well. Our “pin of the day” TV star, always defines her waist perfectly. Throw on a belt or try high-waisted shorts to get this New Yorker’s sexy, yet subtle style.

Sweet as Pie Alabama

Ms. Lemon Breeland is the essence of southern belle style. Her platinum blonde, coiffured locks and pulled-together ensembles fit the south to a T. However, Lemon still knows how to look like a woman in her sugary sweet outfits. To wear a look like Lemon’s, without looking like you stepped out of the 50’s, don’t be afraid to combine textures and even patterns. Put on a cardigan with embroidery to balance out a graphic print dress or blouse. To finish off a look like Lemon’s don’t forget some sassy southern charm.

Wherever you hail from, or whatever has brought you to Columbia, style is style. So, Northern, Southern, Western, or even European, know your own fashion sense and rock it just like Zoe Hart and Lemon Breeland.

Bootie, bootie, bootie, rockin everywhere….

This may be your favorite rap song to get down to at da club, but that’s not what I’m excited about this season. This fall take a step in the newest shoe trend and our fabulous “pin of the day” – booties!

Urban Street Style

These high-heeled boots offer a dash of urban street style to any outfit. Whether you choose lace-up, button-up, metal studded, velvet trimmed, suede, or for the most daring…the sky-high stiletto, you will never be out of style.

I was wary of the trendy shoe at first, but figured all I needed was a great pair of pants and a whole lot of confidence. Just picture yourself on the streets of New York City, holding your favorite Starbucks drink, strutting to your downtown apartment.

The Perfect Combination

Pair the booties with a chunk sweater and skinny jeans. And while the weather here in Columbia refuses to get chilly, try it with a flouncy skirt to show off those fabulous legs.

If feeling a little less like a New York trendsetter, try a low, chunky-heeled pair to get you in the mood. They won’t leave you too overdressed, and you won’t look like you might tumble over at any second. Or, slip your feet into a more comfortable wedge option.

To find your version of our “pin of the day”, search at local boutiques. But if looking for a bargain, try DSW. Check out their website and you will find oodles and oodles of options.

Now…let’s go back to our New York City daydreaming. Once you have finished your Starbucks drink, hop in a cab and know that tomorrow morning the Paparazzi will be outside your door waiting to take your picture. Word on the street is you’ve got yourself a great pair of booties.