Garnet Report

Kalyn Oyer: 18, Sophomore, Public Relations.

This is my last post for Garnet Report Fashion. I have had an amazing time this semester getting to interview and photograph fashionable students around campus. I will miss this, but will definitely keep rocking my very own look. Check out my style and some last advice before I go!

Style: Edgy + Girly

Glasses: Guess, Shirt & Skirt: Forever21, Shoes: K-mart

Photography: Caitlin Edahl

Why do you like fashion so much?

“I feel like style is a way for everyone to communicate who they are. For me, it is a way to express my creativity!”

What is your favorite trend from 2012?

“I’m really digging the combat boots trend. They are cute, edgy, and comfortable all in one- the perfect combo!”

What inspires your style?

“I honestly am not inspired by a particular celebrity or designer. I guess I’m inspired by people around me, like everyone I interviewed for Garnet Report! Also, I like to be daring and mix things that might not be “acceptable.” Sometimes, it’s okay to break the rules!”

What will you miss most about blogging for Garnet Report?

“I’m going to miss meeting new fashionable people every week! I won’t miss looking like a creeper checking everyone out! Haha. I’m looking at your outfit, I SWEAR! But definitely the people I have met! And all the people on the Garnet Report staff are fabulous as well. Love you all!”

What’s your last bit of advice for the USC campus?

“Keep looking good, Carolina! And always remember to be YOU!”

Goodbye Lovelies! <3

Caitlin Parker: Junior, 20, Graphic Design Major.

Earrings&Sweater: Grandmother, Skirt&Socks: Forever21, Tights&Boots: Target

Style: Electric Hair, Eclectic Wear

Caitlin Parker’s unique sweater and mixing of pattern with the tights makes her look eclectic! Instead of throwing an over-sized sweater over another pair of typical black leggings, she paired it with a cute skirt and tights combo, topping it off (or bottoming it off technically!) with combat boots. Her red hair says daring, while her outfit combines edgy, girly, and comfy all-in-one look I call “Electric Hair, Eclectic Wear.”

What does the outfit you’re wearing say about you?

“That I don’t match very well? Haha. I guess that I piece different things together to make my look.”

What color lipstick is your favorite?

“The one that’s really popular right now, called Ox-Blood. It’s a deep garnet-y red.”

What is your favorite pattern to wear?

“I guess I wear a lot of polka-dots. Not on purpose really, but I like them.

What accessory do you notice most on other people?

“Shoes! I always look at people’s shoes and wanna be like ‘Where’d you get those??’”

Do you think that fashion and personality are related? Why?

“I definitely think so, yeah. I guess because when my personality changes, I know the way I dress changes with it.”

Thanks for the interview, Caitlin!

Ashley McGarry: Senior, 21, Visual Communications Major.

1:                                                     2:

Tights: Walmart, Dress: Target, Blazer: Thrift Store, Glasses: Warby Parker (Check this site out if you wear glasses. Each pair is $95, and you can try on 5 pairs at a time for free!)

3:                                                                            4:

Shoes: Goodwill (follow the link to check out fashion trends at Goodwill!), Bracelets: Target (top two), from a friend studying abroad (bottom one)

I was lucky enough to find Ashley after a Garnet and Black Magazine meeting! This VisCom major was rocking her thrifty style with this monochromatic look that was just stylish enough to stand out. Pairing a structured blazer with a flowy dress was the way to go, and keeping it all in the same color palette made it that much better! For pops of color, the pattern in her dress really stood out, along with her colorful bracelets.

Style: Nifty & Thrifty

What made you put these pieces together?

“I definitely tend to dress more monochromatic and then try and play with visual textures or patterns. I also really like simple, basic boots for the fall, like the ones I’m wearing.”

What’s the biggest fashion faux pas?

“I feel like a lot of people say leggings as pants, and I don’t mind leggings as pants…but saggy crotches are just not okay. I don’t care what you wear, but it should fit you right!”

Where can you find the most fashionable people on campus?

“That’s a good question! I would say probably the people who take a lot of fashion risks would either be in the Art buildings or down the Coliseum with the Retail and Journalism majors. But, it’s kind of spread out all over campus, really!”

What’s your favorite fall accessory?

“I love big, chunky scarves! I also like tights with shorts, because it can be girly and tomboy at the same time.”

Leather jackets vs. oversized sweaters…go!

“Oversized sweaters any day.”

Grace Stewart: Sophomore, 18, Theater Major.

Style: Punk Meets Bill Cosby

Sweater: Sid n Nancy, Shorts: Forever21, Tights: Forever21, Boots: Steve Madden

The over-sized sweater can never get old. Especially when paired with trendy tights and combat boots. Theater major Grace Stewart knows how to pull off an ’80s meets modern-day hipster vibe that screams style. And yes, Bill Cosby would even be jealous of that sweater!

Which piece in your outfit do you wear the most?

“Definitely the boots. They’re my favorite thing in my entire closet…in my life. I think I’ve worn them every day for three weeks now. Yeah…I think people are getting tired of them.”

Tights: fishnets, solid, or patterned?

“Solid. Bright, solid colors like the ones I am currently wearing. The threading comes apart in these, but I guess it looks edgy or something?”

If you could give style advice to the USC campus, what would it be?

“I would just say BE CONSISTENT. Stop wearing norts and Uggs. Are you cold or are you hot? I don’t know. Figure it out! That’s what makes me the angriest.”

When it comes to fashion, what historical era do you like best?

“The 1630s…just kidding. Do the ’80s count? I like leather and fake denim jackets and bright colors.”

How do you like to accessorize?

“I’m a really lazy accessorizer. I just don’t remember to put on accessories in the morning! I think shoes are the accessories that make an outfit.”

Nicole Maclin: Sophomore, 19, Psychology.

Style: Zombie Chic

Warning! Warning! You better press that call button while you can! This cute panda zombie is out to get you, or at least she was for WUSC’s annual Zombie Walk on Halloween. While some zombies were in search of brains, this zombie was in search of fashion. Instead of just throwing on an over-sized zombie tee and leggings (sound like a familiar trend – yeah, even among the undead it is too), Nicole rocked a gray leather jacket, a skirt and tights, cute sneaks, and panda ears for the walk. While her red lips, black eyeshadow, and stitching makeup gave her the zombie look, the rest of her outfit screamed cute, which is why she was chosen for this week’s…

Halloween Zombie Fashionista!

1) How can you still be fashionable in the afterlife?

 ”Dresses and skirts are essential in the afterlife. Even if you are dead, you should still show off your girly side!”

2) What’s essential for every zombie’s closet?

 ”Always be sure to have a cute pair of tights to cover your bloody, mangled legs.”

3) What’s your favorite zombie accessory?

 ”My favorite zombie accessory is my bloody, ripped V-neck! It’s my go-to casual zombie look.”

Zombie Walk 2012

Loren Williams: Sophomore, Business Major, Fashion and Retail Minor, 19.

Style: Pretty and Polished

Blazer: Forever21, Shirt: Thrift Store, Collar Necklace: gofavor.com, Bracelet: Forever21, Shoes: ebay.com, Bag: Dillards

Loren’s chic look is the perfect balance of summer and fall. The light colors: her cream shirt and pink blazer, floral headband, pink fingernails, and pink lips all give her outfit a summery feel, while the blazer, jeans, and close-toed shoes are warm enough to wear on a chilly fall morning.

What is your favorite piece in your outfit and why?

“I think I like my necklace the best, because I’m starting to like this collared trend. I’ve been noticing it, and it’s just really cute. The shape of it goes with my blazer and shirt, so it works.”

What is your favorite brand?

“For bags, I like Betsey Johnson. Clothes, though, that’s hard, because I’m into thrifting versus brand names. I do like stores such as Forever21. For shoes, I like Steve Madden, BCBG, and Aldo.”

For a pop of color in your outfit, do you prefer nail polish or lipstick?

“I’d say lipstick, because you can change it with every outfit, versus nails, where the polish stays on longer.”

What’s your favorite thing to wear in the fall?

“I love boots! Scarves too, but mostly boots.”

If you could choose a song to describe your outfit, what would it be?

“That’s a hard one! I’d have to say that new song by Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj, ‘Girl on Fire.’”

Last week for game day, Gamecocks across Columbia were sporting their finest attire. I decided to look for some fashionistas during tailgating and ended up interviewing three different “generations” of Gamecocks, if you will. I found a high schooler who hopes to be a Gamecock in the future, a current student, and an alumni- all wearing their game day best. Here are their looks…

The Future Gamecock

Carlye Wiggins: Sophomore, Whiteknoll Highschool, 15.

High-Low Dress: LoveCulture, Shoes: Charlotte Russe, Earrings: Forever21

Describe your game day style.

“I’m wearing a high-low off-white and black polka-dotted dress…just enough Gamecock colors. And then some black sandals with a little sparkle.”

What inspired your game day style?

“Just seeing what everyone else here wears, like the students, and going off that. My dad actually didn’t want me to wear this- he said it was too dressy. But everyone dresses up for games here!”

Why do you think people dress up for game days?

“Probably because everyone wants to give a good impression of USC…and just to look good and cute!”

The Current Gamecock

Katie Wiggins: Sophomore, Media Arts, 20.

Dress: Ross, Shoes: Sam’s Club, Belt: Forever21, Sunglasses: Sunglass Hut, Necklace: China

Gamecock Clip: Barnes & Noble Bookstore

Describe your game day style.

“I really like dresses with sleeves. I can’t stand having to wear a cardigan and a dress because it’s way too hot!”

Where do you shop for your game day apparel?

“TJMaxx…always!”

What’s your favorite look for game day?

“I really like kind of weird lace material, sunglasses, and subtle jewelry. Oh and stud earrings are the way to go.”

The Former Gamecock

Donna Petillo: 2009 USC Graduate, Retail Management, 25.

Shoes: Copper Penny, Skirt: Forever21, Tank: Fossil, Earrings: Anthropologie, Sunglasses: RayBan

Necklace: H&M

Describe your game day look.

“My look, I would say, is trying to be comfortable because it’s hot out…and I just wanted to look cute!”

What’s your favorite game day accessory?

“Comfortable shoes and a comfortable bag to carry- something not super heavy. Right now, I’m carrying a nylon Marc by Marc Jacobs bag that’s super light but holds a ton of stuff.”

What game day style do you hate?

“Oh, definitely cowboy boots! It’s not that I don’t love cowboy boots…I don’t know if it started with Taylor Swift or not…it’s cute but it’s 90 degrees out. I just can’t imagine how comfortable that can be!”

There you have it… The Future Gamecock, The Current Gamecock, and The Former Gamecock!

Jennifer Daniels: Public Relations Professional Student, 24.

Style: Classy but Sassy

Jennifer paired a lacy, collared top with combat boots to mix feminine and masculine. Her contemporary chic look with a girly twist won her the spot of this week’s Friday Fashionista!

Be sure to check out the links to get some ideas on how to apply Jennifer’s favorite styles to your wardrobe!

1) What does this outfit say about you?

“This outfit says I am girl that enjoys being fun, girly, and feminine, but also a little edgy by adding combat boots. I love adding combat boots to a really pretty outfit because it’s fun to strike a balance between femininity and masculinity.”

 2) What accessory do you like the most in your outfit and why?

“My favorite accessories have to be belts- I absolutely love them! I love all types of belts: skinny, thick, leopard print, colorful, floral, etc. I feel that a belt can really put the finishing touch on any outfit and it can create a very nice silhouette.”

3) What color scheme does your wardrobe fall under? Rich colors? Pastels? Neons?

 ”I feel that your wardrobe is the ultimate way to express yourself, which is why I embrace color. My closet is literally an array of colors! I have deep rich colors such as purples, reds, mustards, and  blues. Then on the other end I have neon colors such as lime greens, hot pinks, and bright yellows.”

 4) What is your favorite thing to wear in the fall?

“Tights! I have a ton of tights. I will buy at least three or four pairs at a time whenever I go shopping. I own bright purple ones, ones with bright red lips on them, floral print, fishnets, argyle print, and even animal print. I think the simplest dress can be taken to a completely different level by adding the right pair of tights.”

5) When you’re shopping, what do you look for?

“I keep a very open mind when I am shopping. I tend to look for more tailored pieces because I am extremely petite. I typically stick to dresses and shirt/skirt ensembles. I love anything that is one shoulder or off the shoulder or anything with lace and sequins.  I cannot get enough of blazers, cardigans, and pleated skirts. I also have fallen in love with the Peter Pan collared shirts and the high-low shirts and dresses.”

6) What is your solution for a bad hair day?

“It has to be a fishtail braid or a sophisticated top knot. I feel like they’re both low maintenance and quick hairstyles that can make any girl feel beautiful and look put together, even on the worst of hair days.”

 7) Where do you get your style inspirations?

“I get a great deal of my style inspirations from Glamour magazine. They always have great articles on mixing prints and bright colors. They also have articles and pictures of New York and Paris Fashion week,  so that I am able to see what’s going to be hot for next season. Glamour also has really great tips on the hottest manicures for each season, make-up tricks and the hottest shoes for any season under $50-$100. I absolutely love Sarah Jessica Parker‘s style because she is effortlessly chic and I also love Zoe Saldana because she is so statuesque.”

Thanks again, Jennifer!

Cece Luttmer: Sophomore, 20

Style: Simply Chic

Featured: Seashell Ring, Bangle Bracelet, Two-Tone “Wave” Nail-Polish

Featured: Seahorse Sandals, Garnet Nail Polish

“I don’t like to overload an outfit, not too much jewelry or anything. I like to take a simple dress and add a few accessories, but keep it classy.”

This week’s fashionista took on an seashore-themed wardrobe to match the sunny weather! From her seahorse sandals to her blue dress to her wave fingernails and seashell ring, Cece kept the theme subtle but trendy. Simple but chic.

What piece is a staple in your wardrobe?

“I love rings…and shoes…it’s rings and shoes all the way! I go shopping and I have to restrain myself, because I always go straight for shoes or jewelry and then I need clothes to go with them. I can’t help myself!”

What style were you going for with this specific outfit?

“I felt like I shouldn’t be too dressy for class, but still cute. It’s a nice day out, so just a good-weather -outfit.”

What trend are you loving right now?

“I like all of the patterned design skinny jeans. I want to go get a pair with a floral pattern so bad- I’m just worried I won’t find something to go with them! I see people wearing them all the time, though, and I’m just like I NEED THEM!”

What item of clothing is on your dream shopping list?

“I want a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Like I WOULD DIE if I could get a pair! I keep asking my mom, if it’s the only thing I get for Christmas and my birthday and every holiday put together, I just want a pair of those shoes!”

What magazines do you get style inspiration from?

“There’s always Vogue, but even the gossip magazines you can catch trends from. I like to look at pictures where they [celebrities and models] are just out for a day…something you could actually put together instead of like a ball gown or something. Even normal shopping magazines and ads, you can grasp ideas from and then go to Target and put together a similar outfit.”

 What local Columbia boutiques do you like to shop at?

“Wish!!! Wish and Bohemian in Five Points. I love both of them. Every time I go in Wish, I end up with a stack of like 7 dresses and they look at me like I’m crazy, but I’m like ‘I’m just shopping!’ Then Bohemian’s the place to go for something cute and unique.”

What major at USC do you think dresses best?

“Probably an artsy one, like Photography or Journalism! What’s your major? You dress well! [Haha thanks! Journalism] See, there you go!”