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Posts by Staff Members of Up Magazine at Miami University
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Posts by Staff
Zac Posen for Target
Apr 21st
This Sunday, April 25th, the Zac Posen for Target collection will debut.
While Posen’s namesake line is traditionally known for his glamorous red carpet gowns, this cheaper Target line seems to focus more on dressier, everyday clothing.
Here are some of my favorites:
My thoughts: there are certainly lots of bright colors and a few touches of 90s style throughout. The price range seems to be a little high for Target‘s typical collaborations, especially $200 for a leather jacket. Yet the selection of pieces is very diverse. The collection offers t-shirts, dresses, skirts, swimsuits and even a few scarves.
On a different note, those who wait in anticipation for Target collections like Posen’s are confused with the random nature of each collection’s availability. With each designer, the selection of stores carrying the collection varies widely. While the majority of larger stores carried the Rodarte for Target collection early this year, the more recent Jean Paul Gaultier line was nowhere to be found. Further, it certainly doesn’t help that target.com only stocks a limited selection of any entire collection, and finding out exactly which retail stores are carrying the line is next to impossible.
That said, I think it’s still worth a trip down to the nearest Target!!
–Mari Teasdale
images: http://fashionista.com/2010/01/first-look-zac-posen-for-target-lookbook/
Florals, The Rolling Stones, and my 70s Funk
Apr 10th
My dad’s a huge 70s fanatic, always telling me stories of when he was young, and living the life of the kids we see in the movie My Girl. His favorite saying—“The 70s was the best time, today is nothing compared to the 70s… remember that.” As I plug my ears and walk away, I couldn’t picture the 70s being that fun. But lately, I’ve been stuck in the 70s, and with the H&M Garden collection releasing, and the new bold accessories at American Eagle Outfitters, looks like I’ll be stuck there all summer!
This isn’t a bad thing. It’s giving me the chance to be experimental and tap into a different fashion era. Over Spring Break, I found myself watching Soul Train every day, trying to locate a place where I can find a vintage bike, and saying words like psychedelic, groovy, and right on! I even bought leather vintage American Tourist boxed luggage. Don’t judge me, when I’m into something, I live it! This summer my friends better be ready, I’m preparing to bring the 70s to 2010.
The H&M Garden collection got me really excited after I saw fashion blogger, Karen Blanchard, (Wheredidyougetthat.blogspot.com) post pictures of herself in both red and ivory, chic dresses, trying to figure out which one to purchase. They both looked amazing to me, so I decided to inspect in the collection. I found awesome pieces, which I’ll be spending my hard earned cash on. Forever 21 also has a myriad of fun and affordable, floral dresses! This summer I’ll be riding the bike (that I’m going to find), with my iPod in my ears, listening to my massive play list of The Rolling Stones, Earth Wind & Fire, and Elton John, accessorized with my brown-tint aviator shades, in floral of course!
If you’re in the same 70s funk as me, or you’re just excited about summer (we all should be), here’s some fun summer suggestions:
Summer Playlist:
- Sympathy for the Devil- The Rolling Stones
- Love Rollercoaster- Ohio Players
- Brown Sugar- The Rolling Stones
- Hearts a Fire- Earth Wind and Fire
- ABC- The Jackson 5
- Play that Funky Music – Wild Cherry
- Bennie and the Jets- Elton John
- Me and Mrs. Jones – Billy Paul (My grandparents all time favorite!)
Funky Accessory:
AE Colorful bead Bracelet 12.50 (www.ae.com )
Fun Flirty Floral:
H&M Garden Collection 19.95 (http://www.hmthegardencollection.com/still-life-4/)
Peace and love everyone!
–Keiana Smith-McDowell
H&M Garden Collection
Apr 1st
This past Thursday I went to Kenwood, unable to wait until the weekend to see if the much anticipated Garden Collection would live up to its hype.
Here’s a quick explanation behind the collection from the H&M press website:
“Romantic, exotic, glamorous or abstract: this spring’s floral patterns provide an injection of creativity and a love of fashion into your wardrobe…The romantic garden collection is made using organic and recycled materials. All the garments have been produced using sustainable materials or using recycled PET bottles or textile waste.”
My discoveries are as followed:
- As a whole, the collection is very well put together. All of the pieces look like they belong and most complement each other.
- The fit on a few of the items is questionable, especially the shorts and dresses.
- The quality of the fabric is surprisingly wonderful. Most of the fabric was softer and more durable feeling than regular cotton or polyester, which says a lot for the sustainable materials. So far, they’ve held up pretty well in the washer and dryer.
- The Kenwood H&M’s selection is pretty good, but is definitely missing a few of the more standout pieces… namely the gorgeous red dress pictured below. I almost considered sending my sister on a hunt around the H&M’s at home. I’m sure the Pasadena store would have had it.
- The best aspect of this collection is almost every single piece is to-die-for. I love the effortless, summery looks of the pieces, as well as the overarching nature theme: colorful floral patterns combined with earthy tones.
Here are a few of my most favorite pieces…
It’s obvious this is a huge improvement from past sustainable clothing lines we’ve seen with reasonable prices and attractive designs. It’s a perfect formula for those wanting to be more eco-friendly, but certainly not willing to sacrifice style or their wallet to get there.
–Mari Teasdale
images from: http://www.hmthegardencollection.com/look-book/
Amazing CUCUMBER
Mar 30th
This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their “Spotlight on the Home” series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.
- Cucumbers contain almost all the vitamins you need in one day!
- Cucumbers are a good stimulant with lots B Vitamins and carbs for a long lasting energy boost.
- Cucumbers can eliminate mirror fog after showers and give a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
- Cucumber slices in a small pie tin will keep unwanted bugs away from your garden by creating a scent that’s undetectable to humans, but drives pests crazy.
- Cucumbers slices can fight cellulite by firming up collagen in your skin to reduce its visibility.
- Cucumbers eaten before bed can prevent hangovers and headaches!
- Cucumbers can thwart of starvation (or a late night snacking binge)
- Cucumbers can give a quick and durable shine to shoes that both looks great and repels water.
- Cucumbers slices rubbed against problematic hinges can fix their squeak.
- Cucumbers boiled produce an aroma that when released in steam, can reduce stress.
- Cucumber slices pressed to the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds can eliminate bad breathe.
- Cucumbers will remove tarnish and bring shine back to stainless steel sinks and faucets.
- Cucumber skins can erase pen, crayon, and even marker writing!
–Danielle Schmidt
[IMAGE: http://www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com/beautydivision/beauty_PR_cucumber.jpg
Isabel Marant
Mar 28th
Isabel Marant is a designer that I’ve had my eye on for a little while now… and it’s fun to watch her name become increasingly popular in the US market. She’s known in France for embodying the “Parisian-chic” effortless look. Although, her clothing is well out of most of our price ranges for the time being, her pieces are certainly ones to draw inspiration from.
Here are a few of my favorite looks from the Spring/Summer 2010 runway:
It’s all so casual, yet so well put together. I love the general color scheme of natural nudes, and bright pinks and reds together; it gives the collection an admirable range. Not to mention the fringe and accessories.
Marant’s clothing definitely will be an inspiration for my spring wardrobe. Most people tend to blow off high-end designers on the grounds that they could never hope to afford the clothing, but why not use it as creative influences for your own purchases? It’s surprisingly fun to try to put together lower budget looks that channel certain designers… it gives you an uplifting sense of creative accomplishment, especially if you have to rework a few pieces of clothing!
–Mari Teasdale
Images from: http://www.isabelmarant.tm.fr/collections-ss09.php
Food Revolution!
Mar 28th
Have you heard of Jamie Oliver? He’s the passionate British chef who’s got a new show on ABC entitled “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.” Through this program, he’s attempting to convince people in Huntington, West Virginia (and the rest of the United States), that pizza for breakfast in public schools, French fries as vegetables, and mountains of processed foods are NOT okay! Specifically, Oliver is attempting to change the way children approach food and, as he declares on his website, “to get people all over America to reconnect with their food and change the way they eat.”
The British chef with a vision to change the way we approach food!http://www.ivillage.com/jamie-oliver-starting-his-very-own-food-revolution/3-a-65162
Jamie recently won the Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) nonprofit foundation’s Prize wish in order to work in West Virginia. Here’s a quote from his speech, available to view on TED.com:
“I know it’s weird having an English person standing here before you talking about all this. All I can say is, I care. I’m a father. And I love this country. And I believe truly, actually, that if change can be made in this country, beautiful things will happen around the world. If America does it I believe other people will follow. It’s incredibly important.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m a BIG fan of this British miracle-worker. He’s already done so much across the pond in England, educating people about food choices and revolutionizing the way they approach their meals. Check out all the books he’s written and programs he’s started on his website. If that’s not enough… he has a TON of free, delicious recipes to try, ranging from elegant salads to simple pizzas and pancakes – all from scratch!
So – to have a food revolution or not have a food revolution? Thoughts? Go to Jamie’s website:
For you vegetarians or veggie fanatics, here’s a vegetable stew that I made and loved!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/spring-vegetable-stew-vignole
–Abby Sapadin
Put the ‘fast’ in breakfast!
Mar 27th
Delicious! Image via www.stonyfield.com
How can we possibly fit in a satisfying breakfast into our busy college schedule, you ask? I’ve come to rely on a few delicious and nutritious foods to get me going.
First up – nonfat Greek yogurt! It has thick, rich texture that will make you question whether or not it’s actually nonfat. Greek yogurt also has ridiculously high protein content. Beware- this stuff is tangier than regular yogurt, which might take a little getting used to. Although, I can assure you, I have fallen in love with it. My favorite is Oikos 0% Greek Yogurt with Honey (90 calories and 10 grams of protein per cup).
Image via https://www.wegmans.com
Next on my list – instant oatmeal! And no, unfortunately I do NOT mean the colorful dinosaur egg kind, but rather the high-fiber kind that will fill me up way more. Plus, all you need is a water boiler or microwave to make it. My favorite is Quaker Cinnamon Swirl High Fiber Instant Oatmeal (160 calories and 10 grams of fiber per packet). Sometimes I add in a few almonds or walnuts for a little crunchy protein!
Image via http://i.walmartimages.com
Another favorite – healthy bagels and English muffins! Amazingly, these things do exist.. Weight Watchers brand bagels are quite delicious. Thomas’ makes 100-calorie Better Start English muffins that are great toasted with a little peanut butter on top.
A slightly obvious choice – fresh fruit! Just grab a piece from the dining halls to stash it in your fridge for morning. My
favorite picks are apples, nectarines, and
pears. These are portable nutrient powerhouses, great to grab if you’re really late to your first class or other early engagement.
These are some of my personal favorite morning foods.. Next time you’re running late, try snagging one or two of these foods for your breakfast on the go!
–Abby Sapadin
The best books you’ve never read
Mar 26th
So I don’t often declare any single artist or band a favorite of mine, but there’s one duo that I consistently deem one of my top 5 music groups of all time: The Books.
Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong jamming out at a performance. http://www.psfk.com/2009/08/the-books-unveil-new-music.html
In 1999, guitarist/vocalist Nick Zammuto and cellist Paul de Jong combined to form The Books, named as such because none of their friends liked the name. They deem their style “collage music,” which is, a self-proclaimed genre featuring a lot of rhythmic sounds from acoustic string instruments, accompanied by clips from thrift store cassette tapes.
“Voice is the most sonically heavy sound that people can make use of,” the Books’ website proclaims, emphasizing the importance of these strange little cassette tape sound bites.
The Books read some books. www.last.fm/music/ The+Books/+images/29206689
In addition, The Books never use drum set for backbeats. Instead they utilize children’s toys and other knick-knacks to make percussive sounds. They’ve produced several albums, all with quirky titles, such as Thought for Food, Music for a French Elevator, and The Lemon of Pink (which was named after a Dutch lipstick color).
These two write some pretty killer stuff. Though a little trippy, it’s beautiful just the same. One of my favorite songs is “Smells Like Content” from their album Lost and Safe. It’s a beautiful, metrical song describing the existential mindset. On the same album, “A Little Longing Goes Away” is a very open, somehow empty composition concentrating on the push and pull of the lyrics. Its lyrics seem to speak to Taoism by focusing on nothing, freeing ourselves of all desires. “We know to seek success is utter nonsense/ the best is to be blank,” Zammuto sings softly, asserting emptiness, detachment, and peaceful emptiness throughout the song.
So – they’re a little strange, I know, but The Books are innovative, wonderful music makers. Take a listen …or two!
Check out The Books’ website! It’s a fun time.
Listen to Tokyo, one of my favorites by this dynamic duo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0GLFFBNjDc&feature=related
–Abby Sapadin
Miss Jessie’s for women of all colors
Mar 26th
www.missjessies.com
www.missjessies.com
When I am looking at fashion magazines or on blog sites, I always look at the model, actress, or musician’s hair. I think hair is so important, especially when creating a specific look.
One look that is very popular in the urban sector is “going natural”.
Now, if you don’t understand what natural hair is, to African Americans it is your hair without a relaxer or other chemical processing (similar to straight hair without a perm.) Right now, with braids in, my relaxer has grown out and my hair is natural. Though, my natural hair is too thick and wavy too keep it that way for long. I have lots of respect for women who go for this look and pull it off with grace and class.
Women like Angie Stone, Jill Schott, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu have rocked natural looks from the Afro, to wild curls, to dread locks, and even the low fade. These looks show how rich my culture is and I love it! 
I wanted to talk about this trend both to share what is important to my people, and because of the new product I have been hearing LOTS about. It’s called Miss Jessie’s Original, and it helps women going for the natural or curly look. Celebrities from Alicia Keys, to Keri Hilson, and Joss Stone use Miss Jessie’s’ products. These products have also been featured in Allure Magazine, Nylon, Glamour, Ebony, and on the Trya Banks show. To me, the most exciting thing about Miss Jessie’s Original is it will soon be sold in TARGET!
I think EVERYONE should check out these products. You might find something you like!
–Keiana Smith- McDowell