Trends that should: die, die, die | The Fashion Dungjen

A very scientific study (a Facebook status update and a question to an open Internet forum) solicited replies from any and everyone on what trends should die, which need to make a comeback and what will be the next big thing in fashion.

Because I was bombarded with responses, I'm turning this into a four-part blog series. The first one is all about what trends should die, according to Internet responses. (Actually, part two is also what trends should die. I had way more responses on hopeful trend goodbyes that it's a little overwhelming.)

Some of these things I expected. Some I didn't.

Here's what others had to say and what I say to them.

Til' death do we part (and we hope you die soon) PT. 1
The trends people are ready to kill off

Leggings as pants: Six respondent said they're ready to see leggings as pants die.

"i am sick & tired of seeing girls with SHEER "leggings" who think they can wear them as pants with medium length tops barely covering their baby makers. i don't care how skinny you are, LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY'RE SHEER. STOP IT."
-Lauren Smallwood, a second-year University of Cincinnati art history student, via Facebook

I say: Amen, brothers and sisters. It's probably the number one most echoed sentiment on this blog. I don't really know when this took off - again - it was probably when I was a senior in high school, maybe during my first year at the University of Cincinnati. Either way, that was several years ago (2005-06 ish). Since then the head of leggings as pants has disgusted many, many people. It's been written about, Facebook hate clans have formed. it's time to call it quits, people. It's done. Over. Please.

Wet leggings: One respondent said wet leggings are done.

I say: This isn't too terribly different from the entire idea of leggings as pants. The wet legging look is done. Over. Not cool. I think Rhianna tried to rock this for awhile, which is probably part of the unfortunate reason it took off. I saw it for a while, probably last spring-ish, but I don't know that it's something I think is still a 'trend.' I think there are probably a few stragglers still trying to make it work, but, as a whole, I'm pretty sure it's over.

Coach: Three respondents said Coach anything - shoes, purses, wristlets - need to be on the way out.

"i also never want to see another coach purse/shoe in my entire life. coach products are like the middle class's way of saying 'see? i can afford expensive labels.' seriously, big price tags don't mean you have style."
-Lauren Smallwood, via Facebook

I say: See ya, Coach. Never been a fan. Never will be a fan. Actually, that might be too extreme. I saw one coach bag that I liked in San Francisco last summer. Of course it was in a window across the street, but it was a large eggplant hobo bag with no apparent trace of a logo.



Leg warmers: One respondent mentioned leg warmers.

I say: I've seen a lot of leg warmers this year. Most frighteningly, I've seen them when the weather has been kind of warm and with mini skirts. They're awful. Awful, awful, awful. They should have gone out with Jane Fonda. I used to own a couple pairs of leg warmers, actually. One pair, I believe, was from a Halloween costume I recycled from 80s day in high school and the other pair I wore under my jeans in the winter my first year at school. Walking across campus, which is essentially a very large wind tunnel, can be quite trying when it's cold. I need all the heat-generating motivation to keep me going to class. Leg warmers, when they're not visible, or worn with a mini skirt, can be totally practical and warranted.

Big earrings: This was argued on my Facebook status. What's too big? What shape is OK? What style is acceptable. It was quite a lot of back-and-forth, but, here's what we (they) established:

"Big ass earrings will always be fabulous. They're a vintage trend and vintage will always be fabulous. 60s style icon edie sedgwick's look was HUGE earrings, and she is timeless in my mind."
-Kelsey Wing, second-year University of Cincinnati journalism student

"OK, yes, some big earrings are good but I'm talking about the big round-the-way-girl hoop earrings, the kind you could put your freakin' head through. Sheesh. What's the point of those? They're an accident waiting to happen."
-Aiesha Little, associate editor of Cincinnati Magazine

I say: I agree with Kelsey and Aiesha. I love Edie Sedgwick. Her style - big earrings and all - were fantastic. They worked for her. If I had earrings that looked like hers, I'd wear them and love them too. However, it does matter what kind of big earrings you might be talking about to make the argument that large earrings are OK to wears.

The large hoop earrings -as pictured above -are too much. One wrong turn and that bad boy is hooked on something and ripped right out of your ear lobe. Not a pretty sight, I'm sure.


Crocs: Four respondents said Crocs need to die.

I say: Crocs are quite heinous. I would love for their time to finally come to an end instead of watching the company come out with a new style every so often to supplement sliding sales. Everything - the original design, the mary janes, the flats, the boots, the heels, the what-the-heck-is-on-your feet style - they all have to go. Every single pair, every single style, every single color.

Vera Bradley: Three respondents said they'd like to see Vera Bradley go by the wayside.

I say: I've never really understood the idea behind the Very Bradley craze. I've known women in entire families where they actually collect the ugly patchwork bags. No one in my family would be caught dead with one. Maybe bad/good taste is hereditary.


UGGs: Five respondents said UGGs have to go.

I say: The day UGGs go out of business or are officially declared out, unconstitutional, whatever, anything that prohibits their wear, will be the day I rejoice to the fullest. I don't understand their appeal. People say they're comfortable. OK, well, so are my leather boots and they're not ugly. People say they're warm. OK, yeah, well, so are my leather boots and, again, my boots aren't ugly. UGGs were made for one type of person and one type of person only: Appalachian sheep herders. Period. End of story. For the galavanters in urban jungles, your feet have no place inside the sausage casing-like boots. They make your legs look stumpy cat scratching posts. Oh my gosh, and please, just continue to wear them all summer. What a great idea. The dichotomy of wearing boots with a mini skirt is really brilliant, you little scholar, you.

Skinny jeans: Two respondents said skinny jeans need to fall out.

I say: OK, I'm not sure I really understand. At this point, I don't even consider skinny jeans a trend; they're a different cut of denim. I guess the same can be said for any of the aforementioned trends- UGGs are a type of boot, Crocs are a type of shoe, whatever - but skinny jeans are here to stay and I'm OK with that. I like them. I wear them. I think they look good on a fairly sizable portion of the population and they're complimentary to a large portion of the population. I disagree with the idea that skinny jeans need to be on the way out. I think they're here to stay. (The only problem - and this can be said for any kind of jean - is you want to avoide what the model on the right has in the picture of the jeans. Some extra fabric fold/bulge thing. Not cute.



Converse: Two respondents said Converse need to die.

I say: What? Seriously? Converse have been around since, what, 1918? I'm also pretty sure I've seen numbers that indicate more than 60 percent of Americans own, or at one point owned, a pair of the shoes. These are not going anywhere. Converse is not a trend, they're a staple. True, they were a lot cooler before Nike bought the brand in 2003. Even since then I haven't noticed less of them, I've seen more. I would even go so far to say that Converse are probably the most Americana iconic shoes that exist as a part of American popular culture. I wish I could even count the number of pairs I own - lets see, there were the navy low tops, the black high tops, green high tops, comic book high tops, white low tops. (OK, that might be it, actually.) Still, to have more than one person suggest that converse is a fashion trend that needs to die is a little shocking. How can you dislike Converse? Can someone explain this?

Brand name clothing: I grouped this because I had one respondent say American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch and another say brand names.

I say: Again, brand name clothing: not a trend, a fact of life. I agree, however, that stores - like the aforementioned, should play less of a role as you graduate from middle school to high school and high school to college. I'm a little biased toward American Eagle - I worked there through my first and second year of school, but I understand the frustaration with people who are clad from head to toe in anything that has an eagle, seagull or moose applique. But, that said, brand name clothing isn't going to go anywhere. Ever. Unless you're making all of your clothes yourself, everything is part of a brand, no matter how big or how small the company. You can shop at a thrift store all you want, but those clothes you just paid a dollar for were, at one point, part of a larger line (if the company no longer exists). Sorry, but the indie elitisim doesn't work here.

The 80s: One respondent said what happened in the 80s should stay in the 80s.

I say: So long shoulder pads and glam-rock hair. I bid thee aidu, suit jackets with sequin and bed appliques. Farewell, goodbye, see ya, toodles, don't let the door hit you on the way out. I'm exaggerating a little bit. Not all of the 80s was a bad thing. If you take bits and pieces of the extravagance - the big jewelry, hot pink lipstick, electric blue eyeshadow, Madonna-inspired lace gloves - and work it into something more modern the 80s isn't quite so aesthtically harmful. But, really, the legwarmers, the shoulder pads..? Leave those where you found them.

Nothing to do with fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

Today I went gypsy hunting.

Prompted by Twitter updates from one of our professors my good friend Ryan and I knew we had to go back. (We tried to find the gypsies last year too.)

He called, said, "We're going back to find gypsies. I'll be there in five minutes."

I grabbed my camera, my wallet and was out the door.

This doesn't really have anything to do with fashion, but you have to understand, these gypsies, people, whatever, have to be spending thousands of dollars on these floral arrangements that they leave at Spring Grove Cemetery. And, seriously, gypsies are all over this pop culture stuff (They had arrangements in the shapes of Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Nemo.).

So, for some back story..

My understanding is, that, back in the '40s the gypsies were traveling through Cincinnati when one of the gypsy kings died. The owner of Spring Grove cemetery allowed him to be buried for free so, now, every year the gypsies make the trek back to Cincinnati - mostly from New Jersey (although we did spot a few Georgia and Florida plates) to pay homage to their dead.

Last year, when Ryan, his boyfriend John and I went on the prowl we did a little investigating, stopping some of the cemetery grounds employees where to find the burial sites and such. The furthest back death date was around 1946, I think. Thought it was pretty interesting.

Today we spoke to one woman who was there - part of the gypsy clan - paying homage to the dead. She said she was originally from the Cincinnati area but had since moved to New Jersey. She used to come to Spring Grove all the time, but this year was the first time she'd been back in the last four years. She also said that all the flowers came from Swan Florist in Kentucky.

This is the stone that was near all the pop culture Disney-related arrangements.
I'm guessing it was because the boy was so young when he died..?
(Although I'm not sure when 'Grandson' is...?)

These flowers were all for the same family.

Most sites had dozens of individual arrangements.

One thing about all the arrangements: They all had beautiful, bright colors.

Here are some of those pop culture references. I think these are baby Shreks?

This arrangement says "See you all in paradise."

This is a ballerina. (Obv. ) I'm wondering if this one was another
pop culture reference. The ribbon on this one said "with Jesus."
Maybe, "Dances with Jesus" instead of "Dances with Wolves?" :]

Dora the Explorer. Seriously. Crazy awesome. This ribbon said 'BFF.' I took a picture of the monkey Deago, or whatever its name is.

Here's the fashion. A floral arrangement of pink lipstick.
She must have been my kind of lady.

Nemo and I'm guessing one of the cars from the Disney movie "Cars."

Spongebob Squarepants.

Two of the visiting women looking at the arrangements.

I think Ry was taking a picture of something..?

Regular fashion-related posts to resume in the next day or so.

Cocktail party outfit search update | The Fashion Dungjen

OK, so, you know how in that last post I said I went looking for the perfect cocktail party outfit? Well, that's true. And it's also true that I didn't find anything ... At the mall.

After the stressful power laps around both floors of the mall and wanting to punch myself every time I turned over a price tag, Aldawna and I got the heck out of dodge and went to DSW in search of studded ankle boots.

After no help from you weasels, I had to fend for myself. Thanks a lot. Jerks. (Just kidding. Sort of.)

I found a pair I really love at Steve Madden, but the $130 price tag was too much. Way, way too much. Sigh.

I didn't find the boots - or any studded boots for that matter - at DSW, but I did find a pair of studded gladiator-like heels. I think they're pretty good.

At this point, my feet will be the only thing that's not naked. If I could only find a dress...

Mall rats | The Fashion Dungjen

Aldawna and I went to the mall today in search of the perfect cocktail party outfit. My party - or the one I'm attending, anyway - is May 30, which just happens to be several days before my 21st birthday. I'm lacking an outfit and had some unoccupied time this afternoon so I recruited my dear and honest friend to go shopping with me.

Countless circles through Kenwood Towne Centre didn't get us anywhere. In fact, this was my second trip to the mall to try to find somethin to wear. Each time a huge disappointment.

This time, at least, I found some really great looking merchandise and a really flattering display. I'd love to share what I found..

I guess the designer of this shoe really took to heart Michael Jackson's "Black or White." If you're trying to match it don't matter if you're black or white.

After seeing this display - which demonstrates how these pants can shape your butt - I realized I need to buy a pair in every color.

Several ways to describe what is happening here:
1) My rear end looks like my butt crack skipped dinner and it's eating my pants.
2) Camel toe from behind.
3) Chronic elongated butt wedgie.

Any other butt jokes to add to the list?

Questionable campus fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

Did someone spill bleach in her laundry? Maybe she was dunked in a tank. I don't know, but either way ... Terrifying.

I understand the look for spring is light denim, but I don't think this is quite what they were suggesting.

As always, keep your eyes peeled and your camera phones ready. Send all questionable campus fashion to thefashiondungjen@gmail.com.

Can money buy happiness? | The Fashion Dungjen

Photo from http://www.leeharbour.com.au/retail.html

Retail therapy is a dirty, dirty thing. Been there, done that. Not feelin' it. It's expensive, impulsive.

My last encounter with retail therapy cost me, oh, you know, approximately $400. Lucky for most people it seems I'm one of the most ridiculous college spenders, or at least according to a few friends.

"I usually don't spend a lot ... 50 bucks maybe," said Raven Nelson via Facebook.

"[I] usually [spend] under $10," said Alyssa Ryan via Facebook.

OK, awesome. So apparently I'm the only one - of those who fessed up - who completely overdoes it. The closest I came to finding anyone who is as extravagant (i.e. unreasonable) as I have been in my spending was Amanda Mecozzi spending $75.

So, what merits retail therapy?

"Retail therapy is merited at any time," said JschoolJunkette via Twitter. "This includes when your retail therapy makes you feel like a shopping addict."

Shopping addict. OK, I'll subscribe to that. but I'm not sure if it takes retail therapy to make me feel like a shopping addict.

When I walked away from my spending spree, I surveyed what I purchased. (My binge was in, like, February, so I don't really remember what I bought, but one thing was a $150 Marc Jacobs purse that I never use.) Nothing of much use, nothing I couldn't have lived without.

What do you buy when using retail therapy to cope?

"Depending on how stressed/sad I am, I will potentially buy waaay more stuff than I can us within 6 months. I've spent over $75 dollars at a time and walked out of Target with crap loads of lip gloss, cleansers, lotion...the list goes on. But it genuinely makes me happy so, whatever. Better than drinking myself into liver disease!!"

-Amanda Mecozzi

"Retail therapy is great, but if I don't feel like going out and I still want to shop, I hit up eBay - which can be dangerous, as I am addicted to expensive camera stuff."

-Alyssa Ryan

"I buy clothes that make me look good and that makes me feel better."

- Raven Nelson

"[Retail therapy] usually consists of $100 budget at some cheap stores ( like XXI ) and a martini afterwards...yup. that does the trick."

-Tifanei Moyer via Twitter

UC student starts T-shirt line | The Fashion Dungjen

A simple misspelling turned an idea into reality for one University of Cincinnati student.

Drew Oxley, a third-year communications student, first had an interest in designing T-shirts and creating his own clothing line while a junior in high school. Since then, the line has undergone several identity crises – beginning as ‘Seriously,’ and morphing into Partative.

Partitive, which means to break apart, was Oxley’s vision for his business. The bands who wore his T-shirts would be united by the brand, but would be broken apart throughout the country.

When Oxley commissioned his friend, Rachel Mason, a third-year graphic design student, to help design shirts, he gave her ‘Parative.’

And, with that, Parative was born.

Since its inception, Parative has released three collections – the most recent being Spring 2009.

“Right now I’m pretty much even or just a little bit under,” Oxley said of his financial prospects. “I’ve had three releases and the first [release] I didn’t keep track money wise but I broke even on the second one. I’m a month into the third release so I’m just under on that one, obviously, but it’s fairly new.”

The T-shirts in Oxley’s collection all feature the ‘Parative’ tag which is usually incorporated into the design. In the newest collection, Parative is stretched the entire length of the bright-colored T-shirts in a gold metallic font.

The line includes a design which features a zebra and one that reads “smoking is killer cool.”

Oxley’s favorite design, however, is from an earlier collection.

“My favorite is the ice cream [design],” Oxley said. “At first I wanted to do it with chocolate syrup coming down saying ‘pretty please.’ ”

The T-shirt ended up looking like a giant ice cream sundae with chocolate syrup dripping down the mounds of ice cream spelling out Parative. And, of course, there’s a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry to top it off.

“The ice cream design makes me hungry,” Mason said. “I don’t know, I’m just thinking about food all the time.”

Mason and Oxley met their first year at UC. Since then, Mason has designed most of the shirts in Oxley’s online store.

“Drew comes to me with his rough sketches and descriptive visions of what he wants a shirt to look like,” Mason said. “I make one sketch or numerous sketches and he helps make refinements to have the aesthetic that he wants.”

It isn’t just building a business that’s a learning process for Oxley, Mason makes it a point to show Oxley the process of working with software to create the designs.

The designs are sugary sweet, but they’re not even the best part about Parative.

Oxley is working with The Blind Project, a non-profit organization that works with children in South East Asia.

“[The Blind Project] doesn’t have the support or recognition that Invisible Children has,” Oxley said. “I want to make The Blind Project bigger, I feel like this nasty stuff that’s going on in Thailand needs a lot more attention to it. Hopefully I can help bring a little attention to their organization.”

Oxley donates a portion of his proceeds to The Blind Project.

So far, Parative has worked with 12 bands, but has five on the roster right now. Of those, most of them are Columbus-based bands, where Oxley is from.

Most of the T-shirts are $15 and can be purchased online at parative.bigcartel.com or on MySpace, www.myspace.com/parativeclothing.

For more information on The Blind Project, visit www.theblindproject.com.

Vote for Claire! | The Fashion Dungjen

My friend Claire, whom I work with at The News Record (when she's not spending six months on co-op in France) is one of 20 finalists in a Brides.com dress design competition. Her dress, which, by the way, is stunning, is an asymmetrical, deep V-neck dress with flutter sleeves. It was all done by hand - an understated daunting task, I'm sure.


She worked really hard and deserves all the votes she can get which is why I'm soliciting votes for her. Check out the dress and vote [for Claire] here: Bridal dress competition.

Journalism awards luncheon | The Fashion Dungjen

Last night I spent about, oh, you know, an hour deciding what I was going to wear to today's journalism luncheon. This morning, doing the incredibly intelligent thing, I painted my nails red and then put on the black dress I'd settled on.


Yeah, well, that was smart.

I ended up getting some nail polish on my dress and had to nix that idea.

Instead, I opted for a high waisted black pencil skirt with a white lace-detailed top and black round-toe pumps.



I received two scholarship awards today, the Scripps Howard Foundation's internship scholarship grant and the Mary Linn White scholarship. (Whoohoo!)

It was very excellent, very exciting. Congrats to all my fellow News Record editors who took home an award (or three, if your name is Kristy Conlin).

Laura Dawson at DAAP | The Fashion Dungjen

Designer Laura Dawson, a 2002 graduate of the University of Cincinnati's fashion design program, is featured on Bravo's new show, The Fashion Show.

Dawson, a Cincinnati native, back in town to visit family, was at the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, Thursday, May 14, to present a guest lecture and host a sample sale of her newest collection.




Her clothes - made from organic fabrics - are contemporary with some signals of vintage inspirations. From the subdued neutral dresses to bold red mini skirts, there is something for everyone.

Dawson will also be at DAAP 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 15, for the second and final leg of her on-campus sample sale.

Dawson recently moved from New York to London with her fiance. I'll post more from my sit-down interview with Laura later this week.

Heel, toe, heel, toe | The Fashion Dungjen

What started as a simple question, thought and suggestion turned into a fiery and spirited debate.

Using attack-dog tactics and Web-based, guerilla-like warfare, men and women from all over the country gave their two cents – some even left a nickel – on whether or not women should wear heels on campus.

“Why shouldn’t girls wear heels to campus?” retaliated Rachel Blum (alias: Groby), a Los Angeles dweller, via Twitter.

Well, obviously, as someone who has worn heels around campus, I’m not saying women shouldn’t. I’m asking if you think they should. I’m wondering, should the girls who stumble, slide and stomp around because they haven’t yet mastered the heel, toe, heel, toe movement, be parading around campus like they’re on a Prada catwalk?

My answer to that: no.

“I wear heels to class almost every day, but I know how to walk, run, jump and any other random action in them,” said Kelsey Wing, a second-year journalism student, via Facebook. “And to girls who cannot walk in heels, learn how to instead of giving us a bad rap.”

I agree with Wing. It isn’t the girls who know how to function in heels that are the problem. It’s the ones who are falling over while trying that make the entire pump-parading population look ridiculous. And let’s face it: The cobblestone sidewalk that makes up a big portion of the university’s walking space isn’t really conducive to training. That’s better suited for practice time at home where you can look like a buffoon in privacy.

I understand the point of wanting to wear heels to class. I’ve done it on occasion either because I need to be dressed up for something or I just want to. There’s something about wearing heels that’s very powerful and exudes confidence.

“Some of us like to care about the way we present ourselves. I personally would rather fall on my face in my five inch Loubies than wear a pair of hideous sneakers,” Wing said.

And others agreed.

“I agree with Kelsey [Wing] in the fact that we care how we present ourselves,” said Ashley Cranston, a third-year student at the University of Akron via Facebook. “It’s not about trying to impress anyone; it’s about feeling good about yourself … I probably have some heels that are more comfortable than [some] sneakers. It’s all about finding your favorite brand and pair. If you start wearing them, I think you would realize that they’re not that bad.”

I’m wondering where Cranston buys heels that are more comfortable than sneakers; perhaps something I’ll take up with her in the future, but regardless, not everyone is buying in.

“One word: Why?” asked Melinda Hershey, a third-year health promotions student, via Facebook. “I guess this is coming from the girl who wears gym shoes every day of her life though, so I may be biased. But seriously, nobody gives a [crap] about your shoes and you look stupid. And you are in pain. Suck it up and care a little bit less, puhleeease [sic].”

And so people trash heels. People trash sneakers. How can we appease the feet of every fashion-forward or jaunting female on campus?

It might be impossible, but at least there are alternatives.

“So, the only options are five-inch heels or hideous sneakers?” asked Alyssa Ryan, a UC alumna and graduate student at Texas Tech via Facebook. “I wear flats. Ballet slippers, cute little slip-ons, whatever you want to call them - they’re flats. Why? Because if I wore five-inch heels, I would tower over the vast majority of my friends and coworkers. Not to mention the fact that I never have to worry about breaking a heel.”

One of the easiest ways to avoid looking like a drunk on campus – because you can’t stabilize yourself in pumps – is to pack the heels in your bag and wear a complementary pair of flats around until you need the heels for a meeting or presentation.

If you’re like Wing and have it mastered, more power to you. Perhaps we should unite all the successful pump-wearing people to teach a class on the prowess of pumps.

What others had to say:
(on Facebook)

"In all honestly... I laugh at them when they fall.. mean I know but hey, it gives me kicks and giggles." - Joan Milich, Grace College student

"Probably too high maintenance for me. Granted, more thoughts tend to follow ... But that's my immediate reaction, lol." - Zachary James Gauspohl, second-year University of Louisville student

"On my end, I'm much more worried about your personal well-being than how fabulous you look when you trip or fall. Ashley, I agree with you, but again, banging up your face and breaking a bone won't feel any better if you're wearing heels and not sneakers. Overall, I hope walking is a nice experience for everyone, heels or not." - Christopher Campbell, third-year University of Cincinnati student

"Going to Kent for four years, I had mixed feelings about the whole girls in pumps situation. I was often turned off by it and the aspect girls are dressing up to sell themselves to the prof or to some guy who doesn't give a damn about being in class or even for the girl, for that matter. I still think this because the guy professor is always going to dig a girl in tight pants and five inch heels, come on, no matter what sex you are, you are going to check her out whether it is good or bad. However, if you are doing it for the right reasons, to look nice and classy, I give you props, because I would wear pumps to class to look presentable and make myself more professional and respectful. So, I think it all matters on how you are presenting yourself and what your intentions are." - Lesley Katzenmeyer, fourth-year Kent State student

Questionable campus fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

Finally, it has happened.

Since introducing 'questionable campus fashion' onto my blog, I wondered how long it might take for someone to commit the same mistake. Well, my friends, today I bring to you the first (and probably not the last) repeat offender.


Yes, you see correctly. It's the same girl wearing the same pink leggings from April 29. I'm not going to hate on her for wearing them so closely together. Lord knows I wear the same pants all the stinking time, but, I mean, wearing jeans is not the same as wearing leggings as pants. Especially pink leggings as pants. Especially when leggings are not pants.

Someone needs to throw this girl an intervention.

Cocktail party dilemma | The Fashion Dungjen

I need your help. I have been invited to a cocktail party on May 30. I've got some time to plan accordingly, so I want to make sure I have something fabulous.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for exactly - as far as the dress goes. I've been eyeing a pair of studded booties for awhile, so I'm thinking this is the perfect excuse. I can use them to toughen up a girly dress if that's what I find. Plus I can wear them with lots of other things in my wardrobe.

I don't need to look super girly or super fancy, in fact, I'm not sure that's even what I would want. All I know is that I need to look fierce without spending astronomical amounts of money, because, well, I don't have astronomical amounts of money. I hardly have any money, actually. Unless I can reason that I'll wear the dress again, I'm not looking to spend a ton of money.

But I am looking for some help. Point me in the direction of your favorite studded booties - that aren't too overpriced - and some cocktail dresses you think would fit and flatter my frame. I'm not barring myself from any color or shape, so the possibilities are endless. I have no fear.

So, my fashion-forward friends. Dress me.

You fail means we win | The Fashion Dungjen

So, everyone's - or at least my - least favorite shoe looks like it's finally headed for doomsday. I am thrilled. Tickled. Never been happier about the financial demise of a company (that I can think of, anyway).

Could someone please mention this to Garrett? I think he missed the memo.

Questionable campus fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

Once upon a time I was hated on for hating on UGGs. I really dislike them though. In all instances, with all outfits. I especially hate them in the spring and summer; how can someone justify wearing winter boots in the warm weather months?

Someone please explain. Or at least try to.

Ugg[h].

As always hit me up via picture message or e-mail if you spot some questionable on-campus fashion: thefashiondungjen@gmail.com

A makeover for Shadow Hare? | The Fashion Dungjen

By now, everyone knows - or should know - of the newest, latest and greatest obsession from the east coast to the west, from the north to the south. If not, you're in for a real treat. For anyone who has lost hope in humanity, there are still people out there who want to make a difference (as silly as it may seem).

So, if you haven't seen him, or simply can't get enough, here's some of the news coverage on Shadow Hare:



It wasn't until I saw a photo of DAAP students on the University of Cincinnati's homepage that showed students had actually made their own super hero costumes that I thought Shadow Hare - although new to the scene - might be ready for a makeover.

I stewed, I thought, I contemplated. What would make Shadow Hare better? With only a few ideas and very little background in comic book geekdom, I turned to the on-campus experts for some help.

“He definitely needs something that is more streamlined,” said Meredith Waddell, a first-year fine arts student. “He needs something more menacing because he tries to stop thugs, so he needs, like, a cape. He has a good idea right now, but he needs to push it further to look more professional.”

Waddell (left) also suggested Shadow Hare might need ears affixed to his mask. He is a hare, after all.

Other UC students agreed that an additional play off of his alter ego.

"I'm thinking whiskers," said Ariel Cheung, via Twitter.

And what about the cape? Should he have one? Should not? In a comment on The News Record's Web site, a Shadow Hare fanatic thinks the cape is world class.

"So, go Shadow Hare! Fight the good fight!!! I saw you today (05-07-09), and I was impressed. Love the way the cape fluttered behind you on the Segway as you raced down Court Street," said Martin M. Wilkinson.

If you've seen today's column, you already know I'm asking everyone to make over Cincinnati's own hero: Shadow Hare.

I'm asking people to send me sketches, collages, pictures or whatever you can put together to depict what you think Shadow Hare's aesthetic should look like.

Already this morning one e-mail suggested Shadow Hare, instead of spandex, should wear a motorcycle jacket since they're meant to withstand impacts up to 60 mph. I think that's brilliant.

And then there are those in different countries, just catching wind of our furry friend.

"I am a second-year engineering student with a friend enrolled in fashion. After I read that "Shadow Hare" (who I had never heard of before yesterday) had gotten a dislocated shoulder while being a good Samaritan I thought of how that could have been prevented," said an anonymous commenter on TNR's Web site. "Theoretically, Nylon is better than sweat pants but honestly, if he wants genuine protection he's going to have to accept some weight. I've got a couple of materials that are lighter than Kevlar but to give him adequate safety against from an unbalanced person with an exacto knife - he needs to be willing to sport an extra, oh 10 to 20 pounds. His mask could be replaced with a fiberglass helmet."

But engineers and fashion design students don't come cheap.

"My prof has the equipment to custom make one, but I would need his measurements - ideally, he could drop by UBC in Vancouver and I could make the whole thing for him there in about 1-2 weeks. Probably mid August, but you never what might come up. I have to admit though that I don't work pro-bono. $8 Canadian/hour so probably $640 Canadian i.e $550 US," the commenter said.

What do you think? If you happen to be a UC student or someone who visits campus from time-to-time, drop off your rendition of Shadow Hare to The News Record office, 509 Swift Hall, or digitize what you have and shoot me an e-mail: thefashiondungjen@gmail.com.

Questionable campus fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

I knew it would only be a matter of time before I had someone from The News Record staff making the office's debut in a QCF blog post.

And, today, my friends, my TNR buddies, today Garret Sabelhaus, co-sports editor, is the first to take the hit.

Crocs. Sick. Garrett, why would you do this to yourself? To your feet? What have they done to you? Now, if you have toe jam, it's going to be bacteria-infested toe jam. Those things are like a breeding ground for all things disgusting. (I mean, the shoe - if you can call it that - itself is disgusting.)

Tsk, tsk, Garrett. Good thing you're not too much of a weasel.

Effing sports.

Questionable campus fashion | The Fashion Dungjen

It's been a few days since we've had some questionable campus fashion to post. So, good friends, today I come with several installments for your viewing [dis]pleasure while I procrastinate the last 200 words of my history essay.

The first faux-pas I bring to you is courtesy of Jillian. You might know her. She's a frequent contributor to QCF, she also won the bra bust contest. All around, Jillian is a good woman.

She sent me these few picture messages today, and, upon receiving them, I thought the girl had put on some terrifyingly hideous knee-length dress to wear over her denim. Fortunately, sort of, I was wrong. It turns out the gross garment in question is actually a jacket. One that Jillian described to me as being "band-like" with large gold buttons.


Still, not really what I would call a winning garment.

What do you all think of the solid and stripped jacket (especially paired with that bag)?