Student column-Fashionistas take note

By Hailey Lapin

Music pumps.
Fists pump.
Flip flops lay abandoned in a corner.
Coins lay in the bottom of candidate cups.
Cameras flash.
A girl flashes a smile.

It’s the Flint Hills Publication Workshop dance… and I’m not experiencing any of it. Where am I? Creeping at the door checking out people’s outfits as they walk in.

Now I’m no Marc Jacobs, but I’ve watched enough “What Not To Wear” and “Project Runway” to separate the dance floor fasionistias from the people in need of some serious Stacy London action. Though styles at the workshop dance ranged from preppy to athletic to just plain bizarre, with the assistance of my digital camera and my handy dandy notebook I can draw a distinctive line between what was hot and what was obviously not.

SIZZLIN HOT- use these tips to spice up your wardrobe before camp ends.

• TRY taking a solid colored t-shirt or tank top and layering with a high-waisted skirt for dramatic effect. Not only does this look accentuate the natural waistline, but it also made Notre Dame de Sion junior Anne-Marie Albracht look absolutely radiant in a blue scoop neck top and a rainbow gingham skirt. Albracht completed the ensemble with a delicate crystal heart necklace and pearl earrings, giving it a touch of class without going too over the top. “I’m going for a Audrey Hepburn/Breakfast at Tiffany’s look this evening, but I’ve managed to stay comfortable” she said.

• DO pull your sundresses out of your suitcase and throw on a thin belt to revive the 70s and bring back the era of peace signs and flower children. Vintage is rockin’, but not all styles stay the same. Notre Dame de Sion junior Paige Barnow’s look “changes daily,” she says. A self-described “free spirit,” Barnow last night sported a flattering striped halter dress from Urban Outfitters ($29) and finished her chill look with a light coco braided belt from Target ($12) and flip flops. The entire image. Under $50.

• DO shop on a budget. Despite today’s recession and the volatile economy, style was not sacrificed. Responsible shoppers instead searched for bargains at every opportunity. Target’s summer line was well represented, but for the ultimate combination of quality products at an affordable price, many looked no further then the Forever 21 collection. Kapaun Mt. Carmel junior Kelly Davis’ watercolor flower skirt over black tights cost little at Forever 21 and pulled together her look. “If you’re looking for bargains, that’s the store to go. In today’s economy their clothes are both cute and affordable, so it’s a major staple in my wardrobe.” Davis said. Even camp director Linda Puntney knew about the deals, “I’m not denying they (Forever 21) have great clothes,” Puntney said “but they really aren’t my style. Last night Puntney was sporting an extremely slimming pair of navy blue capris and accented them with a military style “CIA” lime green jacket. So very Posh Spice. She also knows how to design on a dime. “I think fashion is the epitome of self expression, so I now use pop tabs as earrings. You can do that these days, that going green stuff.” Putney said. Apparently she can run camp, save the planet and excel in the world of fashion all in one day. And she knows how to look good doing it. Kudos.

• DO borrow small items like accessories from your roommate to take an ordinary outfit and make it extraordinary. Many dancing queens got help from their roomies to layer cardigans with unique jewelry to define their individuality.

UM, I THINK NOT- these anonymous fashion no-no’s should have just stayed away. Far Far Away.
• DON’T wear sweatpants. Though I appreciate the comfortable factor for walking around the Union or sitting in class, this look just faded away among the sharp dressers. Plus the dance for is just too hot.

• DON’T show up in little booty shorts and then shake your booty. This may be appropriate for a hip-hop class, but if this fashionista could almost see some cheeky action because your shorts looked like you were wearing napkins, other people probably could too. There were a lot of photographers around. Ouch.

• DON’T bring an umbrella. Though I appreciate the necessity for accessory – this accessory could have poked someone’s eye out. In the words of style icon Heidi Klum “I’m sorry. You’re out.” Kiss Kiss.

See! Everything you need to know can be learned at Jcamp.

Friendship.
Photography.
Fashion.
Finance.
How to design a good spread.

Heed my advice little gossip girls and you will go far.
Xoxo
Hailey.

When Hailey Lapin isn't watching Project Runway marathons on Bravo, she is a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School and a student in the advanced writing class at the Flint Hills Publication Workshop.