Dressing up the LBD

In my last blog, I mentioned that I had to attend multiple events before my final semester of college comes to a close. After surveying my (and my roommate’s) closet, it has come to my attention that I have four Little Black Dresses (LBDs) that I could wear, all of varying necklines and cuts. In true fashion of a poor yet resourceful college student, I am determined to work with what I have. The problem is, well, its spring! Isn’t wearing all black all the time going to get boring? The answer is no, at least not with the proper accessories.

The All-Occasion LBD
Just recently, I picked up a New York & Co. LBD at a second-hand store for $5. It’s one of those dresses that is flattering on anyone, can be dressed up or down, worn for work or play. With a scoop neck and a bodice that sits nicely in all of the right places, it’s the type of cut that is flattering on almost any body. But, worn alone, it’s boring as all hell. Paired up properly, however, and it could really stand out. Add in a bold statement necklace and a bright pair of heels, and the dress will speak for itself. Or a belt and a bangle. By itself, the dress will look like I’m off to a day at the office. But after putting only a few dollars down for some accessories or a new pair of bright heels, it will look like a brand new outfit.

The Timeless LBD
Last weekend, I raided my roommate’s closet and borrowed a low-cut black maxi dress with a crotched back to wear to a dinner. With all of these details, this dress was making major statements of its own already, and needed very little help to bring it up to par. I added some gold hoops and bangles, and a simple vintage cocktail ring. In order to focus attention on the extremely low neckline and the back, I swept my hair up. With some dramatic cat-eyes and a pair of gold wedged heels, I called it a night. Without these accessories and attention to minor detail, however, the dress would have fallen flat; I would have looked like I was attending my aunt’s wedding rather than a college dinner social.






The Modern-Yet-Classic LBD
Another LBD that I re-discovered was a little silk Zara number that was hiding in the back of my closet that I had found on the clearance rack in New York City, marked down from $60 to $19.99. A modern twist on a classic dress, this dress features a sweetheart neckline, with a lace upper body. Thus, it requires no necklace. Again, this is a dress that makes its own statement in the design, requiring an up-do and no necklace. For this one, I choose to go with a bold multi-strand pearl bracelet and over-sized pearl earrings. Simple black pumps and simple makeup keep it looking classy. Too many accessories with this dress will make it look gaudy; not enough and it looks stuffy, almost funeral-like. Finding the balance between the two is key.

The Sassy LBD
For my twenty-first birthday, I bought a more risqué LBD (which one of my friends inevitably dubbed “the naked dress,” because the neckline dipped so low in the front, and only a braided rope of fabric held the back together) for a mere $14.99 from T.J. Maxx. This dress was wild, so I went all out. I wore the gold wedges which I ended up bringing back for the maxi dress at last weekend’s event, and painted my nails coral. Yet again, a necklace proved to be unnecessary, so I skipped that. I instead wore a bold gold cuff, just as bold gold earrings and a turquoise vintage cocktail ring. At the time my hair was short and the weather was hot, so I wore it away from my face as best I could and kept my makeup simple.

Irregardless of the fact that the dress was revealing, I still managed to keep a level of classiness in it by ensuring that it fit properly and, yet again, pairing the proper accessories with it.

The true sign of a fashionable woman is her ability to work with what she has, no matter what the size of her wardrobe or her budget. And always, always accessorize! (Just don’t ever overdo it.) Find one (or four) great LBDs that work for your shape, and work with them. Don’t always stick to the same accessories and shoes, either. Rotate your selection, and you will constantly create new and exciting outfits.

The poor college student's miniature guide to survival

I have been a poor college student for far too long. More-over, I spent the first eight months of this academic year as a poor college student doubling as a poor intern, living for four of those months in a major U.S. city, and have thus spent the rest of my time recovering from said internships. Needless to say, I've learned a bit about budgeting when you haven't got much to budget with. Being a poor college student is hard, but is completely do-able if you follow a few golden rules.

1) Ask for hand-outs whenever, wherever.
People are usually willing to help you out, provided you explain your circumstances to them. “Mommmm… I can’t afford my cell phone last month/this month/next month/probably the rest of the year because I am a poor college student and have to pay rent and buy groceries. However, I am made Dean’s List/was inducted into XYZ Honors Society/just volunteered with XYZ community service group/am doing some other wonderful thing that college students group.”

Also, don’t be afraid to get creative! Just last week I made a deal with the bartender at the local bar. I pulled out a quarter and told him, “Heads, I get a drink. Tails, I wash the bar down after last call.” He agreed, and I walked away with a rum and coke.

When people do actually cut you a break, thank them! Profusely.

2) Never, ever, ever restrict your groceries.
Seriously! This is an easy concept for poor college students to forget, but it can be so detrimental. I always put buying food as the last thing on my list, and wind up living off of rice for one week out of every month. Needless to say, that is the week that I feel the most exhausted, do the worst in my classes, and accomplish little to nothing. Clip coupons, get those irritating little key tags from the supermarket that save a bundle of money, and go to the cheapest supermarket around. And eat healthy! Even though ramen and hot dogs are practically free, they don’t do much on the performance level. Make a shopping list ahead of time and then splurge a bit on healthy food. I guarantee you will notice a better GPA.

3) Pool your resources.
Just last week, I figured out that I had to attend seven formal functions before graduation. Being a poor college student, I obviously can’t afford to buy that many dresses. (And just because I am poor doesn’t mean I lack a sense of fashion, so therefore I obviously refuse to wear the same dress twice.) However, I am in a sorority. And, on top of that, I am in COLLEGE. Meaning I am surrounded by dozens of other girls who are the same age and size as me. Therefore, I reach out to my fellow fashion-focused females, and enlist in their help in the form of closets. I dip into their wardrobe, add a bit of my own style, and voila! My own unique look.

This rule doesn’t necessarily apply for just clothing. Text books, beers, notes for a class you’ve only attended three times and now it’s the end of the semester. It doesn’t matter.

Pounding Pavement

Two years ago this Saturday, one of the most important people to ever enter my life had a heart attack while driving, struck a building, and died. His death was the first and, to date, last that I have experienced and it was certainly impactful.

A few posts ago, I included a quote about how the people who enter your life, no matter how brief that entrance may be, undoubtedly have an impact. We encounter people, opportunities, and downfalls for a reason, and although it may take years to discover why, there are always reasons behind them.

I only knew Kenney for a little over two years, but he taught me so much about the world, about life and about myself. He taught me the importance of family, about dreams and about success, and about pursuing what matters most. He brought a whole new meaning to my life and (ok, we’re getting deep here,) has been one of the few men I have ever trusted.

The last time I saw Kenney was MCLA’s Parents Weekend, 2007. My sorority hosted an event at our house, I was inducted into an honors society, and then Kenney treated my mother and I to sushi. Each year, on the same weekend, the same events take place; it is always a difficult weekend.

This year, I’ve decided to beat my emotions to the punch. Last fall, I had set a goal of running in MCLA’s Annual Sam Gomez Classic Road Race. By March, I had promptly forgotten said goal. However, the race is almost upon us, as is the anniversary of Kenney’s passing. Last week, I saw a flyer for the Sam Gomez, and decided that I was going to follow up on my goal, in honor of Kenney. I marched up to the coordinator’s office and put my name down on that list. I don’t care if I come in dead last, (which I won’t, I’m not a LOSER and neither was Kenney!) I am finishing the Sam Gomez.

“I’m running for Kenney. He’d want me to,” I texted my mom as I left the office. A week later, I feel like I had already accomplished something. I know that on Sunday, when the race rolls around, I won’t be running alone. Kenney will be there, pounding the pavement right by my side.

RIP Kenney Tynan 10/24/2007