who's got the time?

so. it's been almost a month since we last spoke. i was obviously in a speakish kind of mood, no? on a roll for no good reason but to push my personal diary on you. you so loved it! let's catch up... i've missed you.

hard hats, hamburgers, heart-felts, and one hot mess

yesterday was habitat for humanity day here in ct&d at the great genentech [heretofore noted as "gne"]. when i arrive to these sorts of things i have to continuously wonder why [WHY?] must and do i sign up for them? i get dirty. i get sweaty [at times]. i have to wear an ugly, previously used, notably disgusting hard hat... and gloves... and belt thingy. most of all, i get hungry... quite early on.

we arrived by 9a and by 9.25 we, all four of us ckpy ladies, were still standing over the glove pail trying to find matching items to wear. the fact that they were sandy and sweaty was not lost on me, mind you, and i finally had to choose a pair that resembled ov'gloves... you know those... and, really, i'm not positive that they weren't.

by 10 i wanted to know what was for lunch. WHAT were we going to have to eat? more importantly, what the heck time was it? my back already hurt and chadrick [what a name!] had us building walls. the nerve. well, i guess since i was there after i personally signed up for this manual labor activity and then volunteered to actually build walls, he had the right to tell me to follow-through. off to work i went, me, my lowes belt, and my hideous hard hat.... motto for the day? safety first!

noon didn't come soon enough. by this time my sweatshirt was off and i was fully sporting the wife-beater [when written it just seems so awful, doesn't it??] removing nails from a misplaced wall. i was still dwelling on the fact that someone actually put a wall on backwards when we decided to take it to the streets to grab food. mcdonalds [!!!] it was. o.m.g. sogood. soooooo.good. today, a day later, my stomach hates me for it. after cleansing myself [nearly three months ago] from such utter toxins by body rejects that sort of processed/fake food like kim jong il pushes out the year 1968. it HATES it. i, however, loved it... every second of my delicious big mac [one of which i haven't had in circa 10 years].

it was here that i noticed i was one hot mess. seriously. my pants seemed to be see-through. my cheap tank was see-through [don't you worry, i sure did have a sports bra on underneath], i was just all around trash central. to make it better, after we were finished with our do-gooding for the day we went to grab a margarita, all of us looking disheveled and accomplished, at the most poppin' place in burlingame... my hot city. i'm not sure what i think of when i wake in the morning and pick out some of the clothes i do. i mean, i'm a fashionable gal, to be sure, but there are times where i think i lose my mind on these matters.

i had to go home immediately after the final bite of burrito was taken in because justin called and i needed to shower. justin is one of my besties. seriously, i had a bff just like him in college but that went south and i am so glad that i can sit over a beer with him for two hours, talking about the most random things - encouraging each other. i loved it! i can tell him anything and he doesn't, to my face, think i'm nuts... we talked about everything going on in life - from jobs, to crushes, to, well, the unmentionable and quite questionable story. it made my day.

in the end the day ended up being a stupendous success - i worked, i felt useful, and, most fantastically, i gained another tan line that i'll have to rid myself of before 9p on saturday night when i don a black-tie dress to the black and white ball in s.f. really, this event has been 10 years [give or take two years] in the making and i'm going to look like a crazy doof on speed street [that's for you north carolinians out there!]... i loved that i had no contact to the internet for at least 8 hours, i was outside, and i was helping others. will a peace corps application be in my future? it's possible. and i think i would love it. i love this stuff... i really wish i hated money as much as i love working with other humans in servanthood. well, i'm getting there. and, soon, i'll be wearing the same outfit day in and day out while i commune with those i serve with... yeah right, if by serve with i mean "race" with because i'd be on the amazing race wearing the same clothes, then sign me up!

in san diego, i am i am...

12.37p - (on plane) realize that though i finally chose dan in real life, i didn't choose to actually rent it. no internet connection = no video rental = sucks to my asthmar. way to pay attention to the most important details, nicole.

1.40p - flight was on time.... of course! have arrived to san diego with no incident... however, am feeling quite ill on the mr. pibb recently consumed. hopefully the bathroom is in near proximity at all times. speaking of which,

1.46p - the line for that joint. long. and the stalls! i mean, they are so small. so small. i don't want to be in confined spaces any more. as the bag lady of today, my laptop bag, purse, two large stinking books and my sack lunch are getting unruly. oh the wendy's. can someone get this away from me? i'm not hungry. and that soda freaked my system out.

2.05p - i look up. enter: total weirdo staring at me in THE most intense way possible. i stifle my laughter because it's just hilarious that he is sitting there, leaning forward, and staring like i've never seen before. hilarity.

2.08p - flight is now delayed. are we surprised? no. hopefully it's only the five minutes as listed.

oh to be back in the beautiful bay in two hours. having this layover has afforded me another opportunity to rent a movie. which shall i choose? the way we were? live free or die hard?! the assassination of jesse james by the coward robert ford? the truth about cats and dogs? our time restrictions limit and and dan in real life it is. justin lewis, i trust you. hopefully my computer won't conk out in the middle of it....

Of course I'm going to San Diego today!

just as planned... i'll be heading straight to SAN for a quick 35 minute trip. notsomuch.

let me begin my first chatter_flow write-up by saying my trip (obviously) started off quite well. it was last night that got me bugged this morning and out of sorts. whenever i have work trips that are about to end, i get all whacked out about leaving in the morning. i'm not sure when the day will come that i realize i cannot take morning flights! hello. seriously. helllloooo.

now, it's true that i am late for every flight i take - and every flight i've ever taken (unless i'm forced into a pre-45 minute arrival by an anxious relative... please).

let me describe (in great detail....):

10p, May 21, 2008 - decided it's better to sleep in next day, will call united/travel agency in AM to discuss alternate options of travel.

7.35a, May 22, 2008 - don't want to get up... am so glad flight will be changed. of course i can't make one at 10.30! that's nutty, i mean, who could get themselves together in three hours?

8.00a - decide i want to leave phoenix. i've been away from home for a week and a half and need to do nothing in my lovely room. must write emails first.

8.03a - don't want to go as there are clothes all over the room, bathroom, (walk-in!) closet... arrange a new flight with Fred which happens to be FIVE hours after my pre-arranged flight.

8.45a - have realized i've waisted no less than 45 minutes (give or take) on emails and music arranging on itunes... quite important given the circumstances, to be sure.

8.46a - call Fred and request original flight... have already paid money to confirm stand-by.

9.03a - panic. start to pack. frenzy sets in as time flies by. why doesn't it all fit!? eventually, after subtle throws of oneself on suitcase in (walk-in!) closet, zipper goes. wild-woman run around room ensues... ensuring all but my bridesmaid roses are ready to go.

9.35a - call bell desk and arrange a car to pick me up from my room. stupid computer will not shut down but before throwing it onto the patio, decide to just do a hard stop. we'll deal with that later! knock on the door, car is here... hallelujah! no hotel receipt is needed, they can email it. i'm going to make it as united has always been the most accommodating airline...

9.56a - think again. i've missed the 45 minute window and, thusly, my flight. crap in the toilet. that's what it felt like. daaaaangit! ronnie at the sky cap explains my options, like i don't ever fly... pay for car, credit card won't work. i have no cash. i'm so glad i'm paid to be a planner.

10.07a - reality sets in. i've missed the flight. go talk to stephanie about my options, as though i'm in the hospital talking about treatment decisions. stephanie has 'tude with me and i wonder if, by 10a, stephanie has had a bad day. then i realize she just works for united.

10.11a - next united flight is at 3.21p... ah, yes! that one i was supposed to be on in the second place. get real. i've been overzealous and am already at the airport. i'm flying out NOW!

10.17a - board shuttle bus to pop two terminals down to go to us airways... i still want my stinking united miles! sweet sauce - southwest is here and they're cheap. not that it matters... the biz will pick my faux pas up.

10.23a - arrive in terminal four. am hit with thought about discussing current situation with mother, harsh opponent to my airline arrival decisions. go through monologue about how irresponsible it is to miss flights and not plan, waste of money, time, yadda yadda yadda. decide to not tell mother unless abosolutely necessary.

10.35a - still in line at southwest. really?! call courtney. clothes are still in monica's wash in north carolina - it's been a week. they're rotten. discusting. we'll need to figure something out as no one wants to return from a honeymoon to wet, smelly clothes. will email michelle upon arrival in SF.

10.39a - my turn! boy, is girl at southwest so much nicer. too bad i can't remember HER name to save my life. discuss options again - apparently i needed a second opinion. flight going to san jose (note: not san francisco) leaving in less than an hour. have layover. no biggie, i'll take it. stupid system won't sell the ticket in short time period. crap in the toilet.

10.41a - will take flight to SFO via san diego leaving hour even later. 12.30p it is. i'll take it! credit card will not work. cursing plastic and all other fiascos happening today. boy comes over and brags about his ability to make it work. it works. i proceed to pet his is ego by saying what a hand he has at these sorts of things... fantastic!

10.47a - have officialy purchased first ticket at the counter for a flight taking off same day, noticing it was quite cheap given the circumstances.

10.54a - am finalized but wonder if us airways had something better. of course they did, i just didn't ask. i deserve my two hour flight to home to last circa four hours... which means i could be going to new york. decide not to think about it.

10.55a - want to throw two large books in my possession away... they have been nothing but a bother for the past week. feel it's better to keep them as one was a gift, the other is kristi's and she probably wants it back.

10.57a - through security without incident! am not hungry but there is food around. since i'm feeling sorry for myself i decide i'm depressed and therefore more than deserve wendy's. buy chicken meal with copious amounts of "stuff" in my hands - girl too quick for me and so i must grab it all and scuffle to the side.

10.59a - am in depression and need to get soda instead of something healthy... mr. pibb it is. wonder what it'll be like since i haven't had it since the tenth grade. can't find a top. locate all of my accessories including top and straw are directly in front of my face.

11.00a - where is my ticket. WHERE IS MY GOSH FORSAKEN TICKET!? have lost said ticket... panic ensues. if only that girl hadn't been so hasty! push people out of line to realize ticket is not on counter by hasty chick. decide to sit down at gate and figure this all out.

11.03a - walk with "stuff" circling my neck and arms - including two ridiculous books - wondering whether i'm going to make this flight. is someone going to be me? this mr. pibb is as good as remembered.

11.05a - ticket found! it was only upside down in my little holder. well of course that's where it would be.

11.06a - time to write-up experience as though a real-life autobiographist...

11.11a - mother calls to find out about travel plans. act as though i was always coming in at a quarter to four in the afternoon and don't know where she got 1.15p from. we'll attack this "miscommunication" head on upon my arrival home. oh yes! we'll see you soon... can't wait!

11.54a - realize that my wendy's, which i was never hungry for, is now cold and soggy on chair beside me. fries do not = mcdonalds'... dissapointing but not surprising.

11.55a - will rent movie on itunes... my treat to me! there will be blood it is. "i'll DRINK your milkshake! i drink it up!". i just can't wait. i've been through a day... and, according to me, deserve the most irresponsible travel award. i'm sure debs will concure as soon as we discuss my antics... which is nothing new and nothing less than typical...

12.05p - there will be blood not available for rental. atonement? do i want to be depressed even more than i am? yes. but maybe dan in real life? oh my...

12.06p - boarding has begun. how does southwest work? do i have a seat? who cares... i'm going to san diego today!

12.09p - wonder how this could all happen in five hours. it's really only noon? there must be more to come...

{let's talk fashion} Tweed, the ultimate in classy fabrics

I’m just going to say that “tweed” is the word for the month… no, make that the season. Am I right or am I right?

I am an avid reader of a certain weekly magazine and I know that it was announced a month ago that tweed is the new black. But hey, I only get to write this column every other week, so sometimes you readers just have to wait for my fashion forecast.

No matter, I have to admit that I enjoy the material, or pattern, and even my mom bought a pink tweed jacket when I traveled up to beautiful San Francisco two weeks ago.

This brings up a good point, reader of my column. Tweed is a fabric that all ages can enjoy. Why? Because it has to be, in my opinion, the definition of classic. Even “level-headed” Jessica Simpson paired it with a pair of jeans for her appearance on Live! With Regis and Kelly.

Now, as we all know, the bandwagon that I love to jump on and ride around town in is the one where I can stand up and say that women need to present themselves in a respectful light. Tweed jackets fit well, ladies, because they are so age defying and classy, and if I happen to find some pants in that same fabric, I will be the first to purchase them. Call me crazy but I enjoy things like this… don’t ask me why.

Oh! Newsflash: it’s still cold outside! That’s right… that’s fog swiftly moving atop the ocean, not some sort of sun-mist that you’re staring at outside your window. So that means wear pants and long-sleeved things. Just don’t be cold; Mom doesn’t like you getting sick.

Anyway, so there’s tweed. But get this, as we all know, trucker hats are out – um, yeah, now you know so take it off – but Ashton began another craze that has hit L.A. hard.

It’s not the fedora… no, no, no. the fad (because this one, as well, is going to fly out the door by next month) is religious wear. We have seen over the past year the “Jesus is my Homeboy” shirts all over the place – worn by the likes of Jennifer Garner and Pammy Anderson. But those tees are only the beginning.

Hollywood is going religion-happy after Mel Gibson’s release of “The Passion of the Christ” last month, and there is a sudden manifestation of celebs wanting to wear things that promote religion. Notice the influx of made-for-TV “Jesus” movies?

Now I read about this fad in a magazine that I am forced (wink, wink) to read at my internship, so I know it’s the truth. But I don’t know how these shirts and other items of clothing will come about, or what clever sayings they will bear.

Just note that the “Homeboy” shirts aren’t the only shirts that Urban Outfitters is selling down on Third Street. My apartment-mate also has a “God Squad” shirt that represents the essence of the Trinity. I mean, how great is that? I think it’s a simple way to spread the Word… but I could just be insane. I think you should check some of these things out… I don’t know, maybe buy something.

That’s right, cohorts, I am encouraging you to go out and purchase a shirt that mocks all that you know and borders on the blasphemous… but it’s all for the sake of fashion, right? Right.

Life is too short to live it by the wayside, watching everyone else wear red while you sit and wear a pale taupe color. Unless you really like taupe – it looks good on many skin tones.

Anyway, the idea here is to think outside the box. Some may hate what you wear and judge you for it; forget them. Wear that shirt from your wacky wardrobe to church and discuss the pros and cons of its message.

Find a color that you’ve never worn and dress it up for your class on Tuesday morning. Take that sweatshirt that you wear every day, toss it on your bed, and throw on a button up shirt.

Wear white.

If you like army green, wear it.

Your fashion is all about you. So play it up and flatter yourself. It doesn’t matter what sex you are, as long as you know who you are and what you like. Because, in the end, it doesn’t matter if people see who you are by what you wear, it matters if you like what you see in the mirror bright and early each morning.

{let's talk fashion} Jeans on guys: It’s time to get rid of the one-pair system

It’s another week for fashion and I’m loving every minute of it! I can hardly wait every other week to pen these words to you. However, my roommates can attest that I never really know what I’m going to write until I sit down and actually start typing away.

Good news all the same, readers of my column… last night I had an epiphany, which, as the dictionary.com defines it, it: “A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something”

Readers! I definitely, yet unfortunately, did not come to know the purpose for our lives. That is indeed not my forte, for as you can see I am a simple fashion writer. Ergo! I did come across the idea that I should emphasize the importance of the famed material of denim in our everyday lives. This thought was brought on by my good friend… well, to protect his identity we’ll go with calling him “Willy.”

Willy led me to the realization that jeans (and I’m not talking just the color of denim here, compatriots), can be a life-altering material when worn in the right atmosphere. There is a deeper meaning that I am trying to get out there. How should I say it? Jeans are the most important part of the outfit.

On the average, a guy will wear jeans more than slacks or khakis, unless he’s some sort of annoying Cape Cod model or some such thing. Therefore, you males need to grasp the underlying truth that lies within the pockets of those trousers: girls look at them more than they look at your face.

I know it’s unbelievable. You don’t want to believe it right now. Take a moment; I’ll be here when you get back. That’s fine… now get back to reading.

I have always thought (this is crazy, I know) that a boy can own one pair of good jeans and be set. That’s right, only one. My advice was always to go out and spend a good amount of money on a single pair of boot-cut jeans and then couple them with varying sorts of sweaters and tops – this was just the best way to go. Willy, however, counseled otherwise.

As a male, he pointed out that his fantastic jeans that he spent “a good amount of money on” were not jeans that he felt comfortable in for the “nightlife”. Let’s just say, he did not feel at ease pairing them with a stiff black button up and nice black Kenny Coles for carousing the Sunset Strip.

Well, this was not good news. So, I have changed my ringtone – I now believe in the two pairs jeans policy. Of course it’s more money, but what it will do for your dating life! As Willy pointed out, guys either like their pants too big (way late 1990s, fellows; we’re in a new millennium now) or too tight (quite Euro, but I don’t mind it at all). His remedy to this problem was to buy jeans that fit just right around his waist, and lo and behold, they would fall at a perfect length above his shoe.

To us ladies this seems like the logical choice, but we can testify that we hardly ever buy clothes in our size. (A major faux pas I might add but that is an opinion for another time and you’ve already heard my piece regarding it.)

My fashion advice for this point in our lives together is this: buy a pair of jeans for everyday life and one pair of jeans for going out on the town, boys. It’s so simple. Girls don’t care if you wear the exact same pants day in and day out. If you have no fashion sense, then they’ll be happy with what you do have.

The jeans should fall to one small fold above the top of the shoes and be snug around your waist – and please note, hip-huggers are for women. Tapered jeans are detestable and should not be worn, neither should stonewash. Oh the horror of the “washed” jeans of the 1980s.

Jean jackets should never be paired with a pair of jeans but every male should own one. We all know and love Carson from “Queer Eye”. He says that mismatched jeans are OK but he is lying to you. They are a “no-go” together but a “must have” separately.

All in all, jeans are important to the wardrobe of the male. Guys, you don’t seem to always notice the urgency with which girls compliment you on your jeans or tell you to buy good pants. They are just trying to help you out.

Willy has the idea: girls are attracted to men that wear their clothes well and that means that they have to fit. They don’t have to be extraordinarily expensive, just well-fitting and boot cut. Now, boys, go out and get fitted up… out with your old and in with your new – jeans that is.

{let's talk fashion} Fleecy February fashions for fun Valentine's Day functions

It's the first week of February, reader-friends, and so I must urge you to do one thing for me: wear red!

I know it's an uncanny thing that I suggest with such fervor to wear a color that is historically over-worn Valentine's Week but that is just one reason I do it... because next week everyone is going to be in the lovey dovey mood and you'll just be another floating scarlet mist in a sea of crimson hues.

You want to stand out today, right now, right here. While you and I are thinking about it and on the subject, I do hope you fall in love or something before the fateful day of Saint Valentine (you do have more than a week). Anyway, enough sweetheart talk... it sorta makes me ill. But not really. I received fantastic feedback from you all, oh readers of my column, in regards to article numero uno. I must say that I enjoy hearing your sweet woes and your joys over the words that I pen. keep letting me know what you want to hear!

In fact, would you let me know what you want to hear, er, read? No one really helped with that last time so I must insist on making you read my opinions and thoughts. How about this one: stop wearing jeans and accompanying skirts. Is this trend for real? I seriously thought that fad went in and out of 2000 without seeing the light of a new millennium. Who's bringing it back? Hint: it shouldn't be you.

Enough of that. Let's talk winter wear. Groundhog Day was Monday and, let's face it, we really don't have any idea how long winter will really last, but, nonetheless it's here for at least six more weeks. Live in the present.

I love scarves; I am the first to admit it. Ergo I am not in support, Ladies, of scarves and tanks. If that's not an oxymoron then what, pray tell, is? Why would one leave the house in a tank with a scarf wrapped around the whole of the neck? Anyway, I'm asking too many questions. Let's get some facts out there. (I didn't say statistics, I said facts... If you want a statistic: 78 percent of our campus has fallen smitten to this most awkward fad. And yes, I definitely just made that up.)

Anyway, I can understand that we're in Malibu and it's slightly warm here (though my thermometer says "no go on tank tops") and we also want to feel as though we're part of winter but isn't there another way? I'm going to be that voice you choose to ignore every morning when you put on that short skirt in 50-degree weather (I can also be called "Mom"). When we dress in clothes that are designed for summer when it's wintertime, we look ridiculous. That's right, ridiculous. People are lying to us when they say that we "look so cute" in our miniskirt and bare arms. I mean, yes, we would look cute if we were at a beach party in July, be we are talking February here.

Don't lie to yourself either... we all know Uggs don't make your entire body warm when you're wearing a skirt that hits just about eight inches above the knee. How about we play a game of catch? I'll toss a remedy out there, catch it if you will. Take your scarf, wrap it around your neck so it hangs down both sides, and button up your cinched jean jacket just under the chest; couple that with some matching linen pants and you've got yourself a light and airy, yet classic, winter outfit - perfect for the temperate Malibu weather.

In fact, you would look great in a pair of light pink pants, a white tank or shirt, a dark fitted jacket, and a red and pink striped scarf for that hot date that you're planning a week from now. Another great thing you can pair that scarf with is the red that you are going to wear this weekend before the rush to crimson comes at the end of next week. I have to admit, I feel that it would be a stupendous outfit indeed.

Now I have to digress from women's fashions for a moment because I do have some faithful male readers and I love you all. Senior Jared Battaglia is trying to bring back the fleece vest. Now, I don't know how I feel about this but I would like your thoughts on it. He is also attempting a rash comeback of the corduroy blazer. This indeed might be too much to stomach all at once but I have to admit that it is a noble endeavor on Jared's part.

Friends, love is in the air and corduroy is on the horizon. Tell me what you think. Until then, wear red; don't wear jeans with skirts; and keep light, airy, and warm with you scarves over the next month until we hit spring break. You are going to look and feel fabulous!

{let's talk fashion} Can boot sellouts be attributed to an Australian sheep shortage?

So it's what year again? Reader, where does the time go?


I'm not sure because I can never seem to catch up with it. But I do know one thing as the days pass on into eternity: it's January, which means it's a new year and a new you. With that in mind, I can see only one thing to do... let's talk fashion. 


I am here to help with any questions that you may have in regards to fashion. As I sit and think about this column, I am befuddled by the many topics I could include in it over the next few months. But I want to hear your opinion. What do you want to know about? Let me whet your appetite with a few of the blazing topics on my mind right now. First off, there are some ins and outs of 2004 and need to be privy to them. 


For starters, UGG boots are in. We all know it now, but let's be honest with each other, we've all known it for about four years. Don't let the media and the bandwagon jumpers get you down! Wear your ugly boots (we all have them) with pride - pride in the boot/person longevity that you possess.


Can America get a a grip, though? They aren't that serious, yet they are sold out until April. Word on the street is they ran out of some animal (I'm going with sheep but what do I know?) in Australia and need to do some breeding to get the market hopping again. Let's all hope that goes well.


On another note, I feel as though trucker hats need to be a thing of the past. They were over-worn in 2003 and really need to stay in that year. I know that Ashton Kutcher has yet to get the memo that he ruined the Von Dutch fad by wearing them to death and back again and even to bed, but I'm truly sick of seeing them on everything - including pets. (Not that I've seen them on pets but you get my point.)


In understand that some of us may be attached to the mesh back of the hat or the foamy front that cushions our foreheads and absorbs stray moisture. I am taking this into consideration. So my suggestion is this: take time with your hats over the next few weeks and transition them out of your wardrobe. Just wear them less is all I'm proposing. That way, we don't get sick of them as quickly and we can still keep our investment... after all, I'm sure we all though that the look was going to be classic.


Now that I have purged those two issues from my system (they've been weighing on my heart for some time now), we can move on to more important things. 


While writing the first part of this column, I have decided what I will be sharing with you each week. We need stability, don't we, person who reads my column? Thus, it shall be granted to you. In each bi-weekly column I will include a few things such as color of the week; "In the Closet", which will list an item that I think should be taken out of one's wardrobe; outfit of the week; and tip of the week. That way we both feel like this column is doing something for the great, big expanse that we call the world.


As for the tip of this week: wear what fits. Just because Mom and Dad got you those cute jeans or tight black pants two sizes too small doesn't mean that you have to wear them. It's not about what size the clothes are, it's what looks good on you. Exchange clothes that don't quite make you feel beautiful and opt for a larger size so that you can walk with more confidence each day. Clothes that rock your closet come in all sizes and can be worn by anyone at any time.


The more comfortable you are in your clothes, the higher your head is when you walk because you know that you feel good about who you are. I know it may sound superficial, but it's not. Clothes don't make you but comfortable, respectable, and still classy clothes do give you confidence.


I'm sure that a study has been done on the relationship between confidence and comfort, and if you want me to look it up, I'll try my hardest to do so. Just shoot me an email.


{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{fashion focus} Styles for a sensational summer

You guys! It’s my last article of the year … is this a joke? No, it’s for real and I am saddened at the thought of it. So let’s get personal, shall we?

I am sitting here wondering what pieces of snappy fashion information I could leave you with for the duration of your summer. We will all be in various places across the country, dare I say the globe, so what could really be of interest to you now? I for one might be in the lovely city of Detroit (a personal favorite) and others of you may be in Cancun for an “internship” or what have you. Wink, wink. So I racked my brain thinking of something that would be of interest to you.


And it came to me! Beachwear of course!

Though I really have not so much to say about the subject, I want to encourage all of you — male and female alike — to remember to respect your bodies this summer. We already had our discussion on it, but I do want to reiterate to the men that Speedos are blatantly unacceptable in any situation. I mean, just think of those of us who have to look at you in those heinous, shouldn’t-have-been-invented pieces of material.

We can all agree that swimmers, water polo players and the like are allowed to show us their tanned bods, but no one else. Don’t even think about it. It’s just wrong. Nothing short of wrong. It’s just not right. So let’s get that splendid idea out of our heads. Even if you’re in France for the summer … don’t.

For you lovely ladies, I don’t have much to say to you, but I do want to bring up an article from earlier in the semester that discussed color. Let’s remember that color is important. White and baby blue look beautiful on tanned skin, so work that out. I can only wish I could wear a white bikini. It’s summer so bring out the pastels and brights — try to stay away from blacks … live up the season while it’s here. Don’t just wear your weather; wear your weather’s colors.

Take a break from classes and work every once in a while and look around you. The world is full of beautiful people and beautiful things to enjoy. It will be summer in just a few weeks. Some of us will be graduating and starting our new lives. Some of us will be venturing on to new wonders before we start up again in September 2003. I think we all deserve new beach attire. As Pepperdine students, we have earned it … though I do know that we spend most of our time at the beach anyway.

On a personal note, I hope each and every one of you takes care of yourself as you embark on journeys that might possibly change your lives this summer or that might just enhance the comfort of where you are right now.

No matter what, dress to impress, dress to kill. Life awaits you — be dressed and ready for it!

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{fashion focus} Something for the imagination

For once in my life, I got an e-mail regarding my last article. Woo hoo! So I thank you, Nate Watts, for your thoughts.


Though Mr. Watts did send me some love in the inbox, I got many a reader who talked to me personally about the sentiment of saggy baggy pants on women. And since I love each and every one of you who reads my column every other week, I will write shortly about the issue of showing underwear among femme fatales.

Let me first say: Let's not let that happen, Ladies. I mean, come on! Do any of us really think it's attractive to show off what doesn't need to be seen?! Wear a belt. One that fits. My seeing your choice of underwear is totally unacceptable, including classlesss. Yep, I said it. Sure, it happens to me and I get totally embarrassed. I mean, I should buy some extra belts, too, ya'll.

I will say one thing as a woman (I have this urge to stand on my soapbox so here we go): We as ladies cannot give men reasons to disrespect us - whether in action or in dress. It's easy for them to see us as property or easy targets for hormonal pleasure, but we are so much more than that. We are daughters of a King who wants us to love ourselves, our bodies, and who we are as much as He loves us.

I am saying this much, Beauties: tight clothes and low-rise jeans do not need to define who you are - be you and love it. Any man who wants you because you dress or act a certain way is worth as much as my faux Tiffany bracelet (and that was free, OK?). Here it is - fashion is something that I like to pride myself on; we all do. But as my mom says, "It doesn't matter what size it is, it matters if it looks good on you."

I'll admit that I'm not the skinniest lady in the world, nor am I built the best, but I know who I am and I love it. The man of my magazine dreams may walk on by and not glance at me once and it's OK. I don't have to impress anyone with how I dress, what perfume I buy, or how many times a month I get my toes done (though twice a month is highly recommended). Because that man who I've always dreamed about, he won't take me for granted, he will respect me, he will cherish me, and he will treat me like a princess. And, most likely, I'll fall in love with him without even knowing it.

Ladies, and you guys as well, when it happens, it happens. Know who you are because you love to sing or dance or write. Fall in love with his stare or with her smile. Cover up and respect your bodies because they're temples. After all, we want to leave something for the imagination - and let's be honest here, underwear hardly ever matches.

And that, my friends, is just tacky.

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{fashion focus} I see France now pull up your pants

This week I decided on boys. I want to write on boys. Well, not on them per se, but about them — I wanted to write on the subject of boys. I feel as though I leave you all out every other week and I thought I should mix it up a little bit.

We go to a school where the boys are notoriously known for dressing better than the ladies at times … I daresay much of the time. But our ladies are vixens of fashion so this can only mean that we have one heck of a beautifully dressed school. But what happens when bad clothes happen to truly good people? I can tell you one thing that happens … saggy non-baggy pants.

It’s been the style for more than five years now, am I wrong? This whole sag your pants and wear them baggy below your bottom and down to your knees thing? Really, am I right or am I right? I thought they went out with the formerly ever-present skort but much to my amazement, the fad has outlasted Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career.

I myself am all about it … I admit that I am indeed a huge Eminem fan and love the look, but what about when you boys forget the baggy part of the equation. Lately I’ve noticed that boys like to wear tight jeans (which I enjoy heaps more than baggy pants) sagging around their thighs. Is that right? I mean, honestly, is that okay? What is the sense of having jeans that are wrapped around your thighs with a belt holding them “up?” Is it comfortable? Is it in? I need to know because I find it disconcerting and totally unattractive when I look at a fabulously dressed male and suddenly I’m staring at a mix of Ralph Lauren plaid boxers, a studded belt and tight jeans hanging around skinny legs. Pull them up!

Let me tell you what I’m really hot and bothered about. The pants are usually too short. That’s right, they are just too short and the mix of the non-butt, cropped pant just boils my water. It’s just too much all at once. I am not one to complain and leave you with no resolution, however. Indeed I’m not. So, what can we do to remedy the situation?

Well, if you’re wearing these pants without the accompanying hat, shirt, shoes, and look that really make the jeans say “bah-dow!” then you just need to revert back to normal pants coupled with a Pepperdine t-shirt. If, on the other hand, you want this punk rocker look, we can help with the saggy non-baggy problem. Jeans that fall just above the hips (us ladies call them hip-huggers) with an un-assisting belt wrapped around them would make the look complete. You’d have a bit of a sag without the unsightly appearance of underwear.

So pull up your pants, throw on a trucker’s hat from the Goodwill, a used shirt from the Salvation Army (or Urban Outfitters … any will do), some Converse All-Stars, and you are set for a night on the town. After all, we are a beautifully dressed campus; we need to make sure we dress accordingly.

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{fashion focus} Showing your true (Pep) colors

Next week, we as a university will be celebrating one heck of a week. With that in mind, I thought I would chat a bit about Homecoming fashion — well not fashion, per se, but Homecoming color.

Our colors are orange and blue — two of the most intriguing hues in the color spectrum. Of course you must wonder, as I did for a while, how the color blue could possibly be interesting — or more so than others.

I was sitting on the beach last weekend watching the sun fall down through the water to the cities beyond my vision and I noticed that orange and blue make up one of the most beautiful color combinations I have ever seen. The gold that was left over from the sun’s last minute rays sparkled across the wet sand as the tide met with the beach — it was then that I saw what beauty was.

The blue hue spanned from white to navy in one fell swoop and immediately I realized all of the emotions that colors could possess. In just a few minutes, the sun went from broiling red to bronze to a yellow tinted blanket across the deep blue of the ocean. And there it was, the feeling of surrender to something beyond my control — the marvelous and definite separation of the water from the sky.

I know Pepperdine’s colors are blue and orange because of the ocean and the orange groves, but I choose to think that it’s the beauty of the ocean as it meets the last hint of day painting a glorious new picture for us to appreciate each day, every day.

Next week we’ll have T-shirts everywhere in various colors of blue and orange — some deep, some muted. Some people will even go all out and get ribbons, pants, jewelry and hats that enhance the occasion. And it will be wonderful. We will be a sea of orange and blue for a week (or at least a game on Wednesday and one on Saturday) showing the beauty of who we are as a united school.

There isn’t much to Homecoming fashion because it just seems to be “whatever goes,” but for one week, people can see who we are. We are a campus on a hill, we love our school and we love the ocean.

And we are lucky.

We are lucky to be where we are, where we can sit on the hill outside Dorm 14 or along the road on Greek Row and stare at the beauty that is Pepperdine.

I guess this wasn’t really about fashion this week, but about what to wear next week. I encourage you to look back in your closet and pull out that old orange tank or sweater and pair it up with some jeans, grab that tattered hat you bought when you were first accepted back in high school and slide it on. Let’s show Gonzaga who we are as a school and go out to support our basketball teams in glorious splendor. We have the opportunity to be a sea of orange and blue — two glorious hues in the spectrum that make up one of the most beautiful color combinations that I have ever seen. After all, there’s just something about that ocean . . .

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{fashion focus} Why not wear your weather?

It's that time of year again, and that we live in the 'bu, we must be prepared for every season - even winter. And since a significant portion of the Pepperdine population is from Seattle, we may rest assured that some of us know what "rain gear" is.

Yes, rain gear.

In the past we have, as a collective whole, been known to wear our flip-flops everywhere. I have even been known to wear them a time or two in rainy San Francisco. But we need to now learn how to wear the weather... That's right: wear the weather.

Let's be honest here, backless shirts went out with August and were, to the dismay of myself and plenty of others I'm sure, worn throughout the month of September. But if this type of apparel were meant to be worn throughout the year, the raincoat would never have been invented, boots would not be in every department store and tiny shoe boutique, and scarves would solely be used as waist ties.

Now you must be wondering what I'm talking about with this "wear the weather" business. I simply mean to say that there is a time and a place for everything, including that Abercrombie mini jean skirt that you scored at half price during a summer sale. But, sadly, the time for those sorts of items is not now.

It's getting cold around here, even when most of us arrived on our heavenly campus a week and a half ago and it was 80 degrees out. Therefore, let's look at what's in our closets that will compliment us and our surrounding temperature. There are really cure bootcut jeans available right now that could take the place of that adorable slit-up-the-front skirt or those shorts that you guys wear that hit between your knee and calf.

As for sweaters, merino wool is the place to be. These fabulous numbers can quickly go over any collared shirt to make a nice, snappy casual outfit and the colors just don't quit. I enjoy a nice black or pink, whereas my brother really likes maroon or grey. Journey out, explore, buy - those babies are on sale now!

I digress, however, back to the rain gear.

Honestly I don't believe anyone I know own any piece. Myself, I have one thing: my automatic umbrella. With the push of a button I'm not "covered in rain" as Johnny Mayer sings, but am totally dry. Hey, with an umbrella there really isn't any need for hats or waterproof jackets.

Nevertheless, the temperature tells us what we should wear, as well as bring with us out the door in the morning. It's the middle of January, wear those bulky sweaters and pea coats - there are way too many good-looking ones out there to not wear them while you can. Let's think about it: if we weren't supposed to wear our weather, the stores would still be full with summer tanks and spring florals.

So wear winter up.

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{style and substance} The perfect dress for the perfect night

If there is one thing that is going through every girl's mind right now, it's the thought of this semester's Greek formals - guy's and girl's. Though some of the big days have already passed, some are quickly approaching and girls are still scrambling trying to get that "perfect dress" for that "perfect date".

As if trying to get the special someone to go with you wasn't enough, ladies, fashion always gets us down when it comes to what to wear. The seasons are changing and the options are getting slim; should you buy a new dress or borrow one?

Whichever you choose, remember this: color scheme. It's already the middle of November and therefore it's, completely, fall. Taht's right ladies, fall. Don't try and get away with wearing last spring's pastels or last summer's floral patterns. That is a no-go. Be young and beautiful in deep reds, browns, and maybe go crazy and throw emerald into the mix. I am not a fan, personally, of the ever-prevalent black dress, but with this year's climate, a little black number might just hit the jackpot.

Now, far be it from me to sound a bit motherly here, but a lady who goes out without anything around her shoulders is just not thinking ahead. Go buy yourself a wonderful matching shawl or wrap for the big event. A deep mixture of colors is a good offset to a solid dress. Thought it would be wonderful if your handsome date were to give you his jacket, you can never depend on a man when it comes to this stuff, so it's better to have your own warmth readily available. It's cold out there! And if you want to stand out, try a lovely fur muff or any other faux fur accessory to add a beautiful holiday flare to the evening; it can also really accent a solid dress. Oh! Don't forget the jewelry either, as most of the time it makes the ensemble complete.

With all of this said, don't forget to have fun. Take time and get to know the people around you. And enjoy your date's company. I know, for me, he was the best part...

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{style and substance} The Shawlshank Redemption

They were originally meant to fend off the elements for ladies going to evening soirees. For years they were thought to be for older women who wanted to look sophisticated while staying slightly warm. As fashion has evolved, however, the shawl has become an accessory, if not a staple, in every girl's closet.

Where shawls used to cover the shoulders, women are baring it all and trading their belts for a wrap.

Shawls, scarves, and ponchos are gracing fashion magazine pages with new placements each month. Take, for example, the highly European look of the shawl wrapped around the waist. Two years ago no one would have ever thought that throwing their mom's old scarf around their hips would make a tremendous statement. Today, a bias cut shawl can elongate the legs, giving a tinge of Euro or South American flavor

A shawl, wrap, or scarf can be used as a belt for the everyday snappy casual outfit, or a fringed number will do a saucy trick for the first date. Either way, the girl with the shawl around her trendy waist always gets a second stare.

The lady who enjoys shawls but doesn't like the constant upkeep of the waistband look shouldn't worry - there are more styles out there. After all, it does get a bit bothersome always pulling the ends of the material to make sure it stays tight. Instead, one can fold it in half - lengthwise of course - and pin it to her shoulder, letting the ends hang in front and in back of her. This does nothing for warmth, but it is quite princess-like. Of course, there is the way mom likes to wear it: strangely wrapped around the shoulders creating either a choking sensation or that of a straightjacket. The materials, in this case, would be more elegant, not that of a regular, everyday shawl.

So, where did this trend start? And who would ever want to accessorize with a large piece of material? Designers from Europe took inspiration from the South American and Spanish cultures. Whatever they put in the windows of stores, and on the pages of In Style we want and therefore the style begins.

Of course we know that, most likely, within the next year or two shawls will be "last year" and no one will don the sultry trend. Fashion items like these go in and out, but always leave wonderful pictures behind.

And besides, every girl will grow up and go to those lovely evening soirees. She can just keep it in her back pocket, or around her waist, until it's her time to look sophisticated while staying slightly warm.

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}

{style and substance} Be O-Town or The Boss if you want

First things first - No, I don't know what I will be for Halloween this year.

It seems that lately all I keep hearing is, "What are you going to be this year?" as though I was something good last year and I have to think of something better to outdo myself. I must ask myself how I cannot be something more interesting being that one of my girlfriends and I were Cloud Nine a year ago and there is no way that this year's costume won't beat the cotton balls that were scattered on my $5 shirt of last October 31.

That said, I must try and analyze now the point of Halloween costumes. I will admit that I have no idea whether we wear costumes to blend in with the goblins or whether we're trying to scare them away; every year I think that I seem to do the latter. However, it has become a staple in American life to dress up like who knows what and ask people that we have never met to fill buckets and pillowcases full of candy - all while making sure that they think we look the best in our outfit. Well, I still do at least - you can score a good month of Reeses from those trips...

But I don't think that I can handle another generic cowboy or cowgirl (being that I'm one every other year) or a generic rock star for that matter. Let me be frank with you here: if you want to be famous, dress like the person you wish you were. It's the one day that you can go all out, right? Be O-Town if you want. Or you can try dressing up like The Boss. Now that's a costume.

Whatever we decide this year, it seems to me that Pepperdine students are shying away from the clowns and witches of old. This year is all about new and totally random. I think we'll look fabulous no matter where we go or what we do. After all, the night is really about candy and real fun. However I still have no idea what I will become Thursday night...

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}