The Northern Southern Belle: How to stay stylish, head to toe, as school days heat up

The Northern Southern Belle: How to stay stylish, head to toe, as school days heat up

As we finish up this first week of school, I thought it would be a good idea to give some advice and shed some light on current trends. I hope these current pieces will help you be back to school in style and get you back into the swing of things. Everyone knows that Birkenstocks are super popular right now, but we’re all on a budget with trying to cover the costs of tuition, extracurriculars and fun with friends. There are lots of stores that sell knock-off Birks, which will let you be part of the fad without breaking the bank. Target has a wide selection, including multiple prints, which I think are really fun. Shoe Department will also have a variety for a fraction of the price of actual Birks. If you’re like me and wear a women’s size 8 or smaller, you can fit into kids shoes. Try a size 5 or 6 in kids sizes for a cheaper price than adult sizes will be. The Children’s Place not only sells the traditional brown, double-strap sandals but also holographic ones if you want to be super unique. By this time, I’m sure that their summer stuff will be on sale soon, so you’ll be able to get them pretty cheap. If you aren’t into Birks, maybe you’re a fan of the current platform wedge sandals that everyone’s wearing. Steve Madden sells them for around $80, but multiple stores have joined the trend and provide cheaper alternatives. Target, Tilly’s and Nordstrom Rack all have shoes that look just like the Steve Madden ones but at a lower price point....
The Northern Southern Belle: How to look cute & country at CMA Fest

The Northern Southern Belle: How to look cute & country at CMA Fest

A very exciting time in Nashville is upon us! Coming up quickly is CMA Fest in which tons of country music fans will head downtown to see their favorite singers perform all of those country songs that make summer so much sweeter. While I am not in Nashville for the summer, I can only imagine how exciting the festival will be, and I am dreaming of the ensembles I would wear to the festivities. Looking ahead to the forecast for June 6-9, you’re looking at some pretty hot days, with temperatures in the high 80s. There are also chances for thunderstorms. With all of that being said, here are some outfit suggestions for the festival that is sure to be a fun time. I am a huge fan of short overalls this summer and think there are plenty of options with them. Personally, I love putting a short-sleeved striped shirt underneath them, but you really can’t go wrong. I have a few graphic tees that would also be cute with the denim shortfalls. With this outfit, I’d probably wear sandals or Converse. You’re going to want to be comfortable since you’ll probably be standing most of the day, and I think these would be good options. For accessories, depending on what top you choose to wear with the overalls, maybe add a bandana either as a headband or neck scarf. If you’d rather wear shorts, there are plenty of options. I love flowy patterned shorts. These are great to wear with a solid color shirt so that the focus of the outfit is the bright shorts. This combination will...
2019 spring fashion show commemorates graduating seniors

2019 spring fashion show commemorates graduating seniors

Lipscomb’s Department of Fashion and Design proudly presented the annual “Spring Fashion Show” Monday night. Held in the heart of Ezell, many students, staff, friends and family flocked to witness the show. It also happened to be International Earth Day, which fitted the theme of the night — sustainability and supporting the environment through raising awareness. This night commended the seniors in the department and all their hard work throughout individual collegiate careers. In doing so, they showcased their works on the runway with student models. Senior fashion and merchandising student Kayla McEathron shared her story about her love of fashion and how eliminating sweatshops that abused their workers was a strong passion of her’s. According to McEathron, the main mission is not to change the world but to save it. “The seniors and I were very proud with how the fashion show turned out,” McEathron said. “We each had a role in the show to make it happen, and I thought everyone did a great job of coming together to make the show successful. It is a bittersweet feeling for all of us seniors….” The night concluded with an award ceremony and gifts. Donated prizes were provided by local businesses Cabana, Molly Green, Nordstrom, The Perfect Setting, The Escape Game, Jos. A Bank and Gus Mayer. The Fashion Merchandising Award was given to senior Caitlin Nichols, who demonstrated “academic achievement, student leadership and potential contribution to the field of fashion merchandising.” “This award means the world to me, and I am so honored that my teachers chose me to be the recipient,” Nichols said. “It shows how much...
LU’s GQ: How to be Stylish in the Summer

LU’s GQ: How to be Stylish in the Summer

This is the last edition of LU’s GQ this semester. I wish everyone all the best in their exams and hope everyone has a relaxing summer. Speaking of summer, are you sick and tired of sweat marks and feeling uncomfortable in the heat? Need to go to work and feel like you’re wearing a wet suit? Then worry no more, this is how to remain cool in the heat this season while still being fashionable. Shirt: Keep in mind that we are wanting to look stylish and separate from the pack of guys wearing graphic tees and frat tanks. If you read last week’s post on ‘What to Wear on a First Date?”, it explains the importance of a simple, classic and timeless tee shirt. Neutral colors are the best, however because of the heat, stick with lighter colors like white. Earth tone colors are also trending this year, so you might want to explore khaki, olive and tan. If you’re planning to spend the whole day at the beach and then go out during the night, it is a great idea to wear a button-up shirt. The great thing about shirts is that they can be dressed up or down, in the summer I love to wear either a white or light blue button-up with contrasting shorts. It is also important to keep in mind what material and fabrics you’re wearing. Lightweight and breathable material helps reduce sweat marks and also hides them as they can dry quickly. Linen shirts will always be a gentlemen’s classic. Just imagine middle-aged Italian men basking in the Milan sunlight while wearing...
LU’s GQ: what to wear on a first date

LU’s GQ: what to wear on a first date

I have no idea what to wear! What can I wear to impress them? I don’t have anything! If these thoughts have come into your head when preparing to go on a first date, then fear no more. I am here to help! First dates can be nerve-wrecking, and it is crucial to make a long lasting and good first impression. This list is tailored for all men and is so simple and economical for all students.     T-Shirt: Let’s start off with the T-shirt. Simple, classic and timeless. When in doubt, there is nothing wrong with throwing on a plain T-shirt with a pair of jeans and nice shoes. Neutral colors are the best — stick with your black, whites and greys. Earth tone colors are also trending this season so you might want to explore khaki, olive and tan.       Button-up Shirt: The classic button-up shirt is the next level up from a T-shirt. It classes it up a bit and makes it more formal. Shirts are a people pleaser, especially if it is a nice one. This is definitely a piece of clothing that needs to be invested in — to wear on dates, casual outings and business meetings. Everyone needs a nice shirt that can be dressed up or down. Jacket: Depending on the weather, you may or may not need a jacket. But it’s always cool and handy to have one, especially living in an area with unpredictable weather. Pictured is me wearing a denim jacket over a grey sweater with black jeans. Denim, leather or bomber jackets are the three...
The Northern Southern Belle: Swimsuits for every style this summer

The Northern Southern Belle: Swimsuits for every style this summer

With the weather finally getting warmer and the realization that there is less than one month left until the end of the semester, I’ve got my mind on the hot summer beach days ahead. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the release of new spring and summer products at stores, including swimsuits for the season. Here I’ll share with you some of my favorite places to get suits for the summer ahead. Scrolling through sites and taking strolls through numerous shops has given me lots of insight on this season’s swimsuit trends. Just like with spring and summer clothing trends in general this year, florals are in. If you’re looking for something super affordable, JCPenney and Target are my suggestions. Target has some bright, textured suits that are absolutely adorable. They also have numerous options if you like stripes or if you are a fan of floral. They provide a great variety of styles as well, with many one-piece, tankini and bikini options. What’s even better is that Target’s swimsuits start at just $15.    Meanwhile at JCPenney, there is a variety of more unique suits available. These include fringe tankinis and off-the-shoulder one-pieces. Once again, florals are dominant and are paired with bright colors. Swimsuits cost as low as $20. I love shopping in stores and usually hate buying things online, but Cupshe is my one exception. Their ads pop up everywhere and draw me in. There are tons of options on their site, with plenty of one-piece, two-piece and tankini styles. Stripes and florals are prominent, but one of the things I love...