Fall Fashion 101

Fall Fashion 101

Bailey Chauner

Autumn is my favorite time of year in Missoula. The air is crisp and I swear the smell of pumpkin lingers in the air. The golden leaves float off the trees almost hinting toward the snowflakes soon to fall. My scarves make their way forward from the back of my closet and my peep-toe wedges are swapped for knee high boots. However this fall, it’s camo, denim vests, and fur. A few months ago, the thought of these pieces made me cringe. Fast forward to October, and they’re hanging in my closet. So, what gives? A cool breeze rolled in bringing new fall fashion!

Photos by Turk Ismail

Our first trend is camouflage. While this trend may have made me fear the introduction of hunting gear as fashion, don’t be scared! Camo is chic. Kelsi embraces this trend casually with camouflage pants with a white tee, cardigan and ankle boots

Denim vests have made a huge comeback from the grungy nineties. A denim vest is a great piece because it adds interest to your outfit and can be dressed up or down.  I chose to dress up my denim vest with a long cream sweater, leggings, and a wide brimmed felt hat.

Leggings revolutionized modern fashion and now they are being updated! The latest leggings are patterned with flowers, tribal prints, camo and leather.  Michelle styled her floral leggings for a daytime and evening look.  She paired her leggings with a casual sweater and beanie for a cozy daytime look.  For evening, Michelle used her floral leggings to create interest when paired with a simple denim vest and black leather jacket.

Love or hate it, fur graced the runways this fall. And while real fur can be an ethical issue, faux fur is a perfect solution.  Fur is fashioned into vests, coats, and the lining on hoods and gloves to give an upscale accent to your outfit.  












This Fall, Pinterest pages are covered with over sized sweaters, especially with an tribal design. Over sized sweaters are extremely versatile with your autumn apparel.  The large knitted pieces can be worn casually with leggings or dressed up with a skirt. Aurora finds the perfect happy medium.  She chose to pair her over sized dolman sleeved sweater with a skirt and tights for a feminine look. Aurora makes this outfit applicable for everyday life with a pair of comfortable combat boots.

Jocelyn is wearing a thick, knitted, loose aztec printed cardigan.  This fall you can’t open a magazine without seeing this new style.  Again, this sweater is easy to style and very comfortable. Match this warm sweater with jeans, boots, or some leather leggings and you will be Vogue worthy!

In Montana, jackets are required to keep us from freezing.  However, just because our outfit might be covered, this doesn't mean we can't look fashionable. Yoko is wearing a wrap around trench coat.  This style is great because the coat is stylish, comfortable, and warm.

Wide brimmed hats are topping off lady’s outfits everywhere this fall. Made of suede, these sun hat inspired accessories can cover up any bad hair day or give your look a unique finishing touch

Turk gives us the only male look sporting a forest green button up and leather vest.  Leather is an undeniable trend this fall.  The material infiltrated fall fashion and shows up in entire pieces, such as this vest, or as small accents.

Autumn is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with fashion. The cool weather allows for your summer, autumn, and winter wardrobe to work together. With a touch of fur, a splash of pattern on your leggings, or a wide brimmed hat, your look is refreshed and guaranteed to be the envy of any fashionista.

Thrifty Shopping

Thrifty Shopping

Bailey Chauner

Most of us have used the phrase “broke college student” to describe our place in life.  Tuition, loans, food, rent, and gas accumulate to make list of never-ending expenses that stress out even the thriftiest of finance majors.  As students, we try to balance out these unavoidable expenses by getting minimum wage jobs. But even these jobs don’t seem to make a dent. Those of you who are lucky enough to obtain highly-appraised internships may even feel hopeless. We often find ourselves relying on an aunt sending a holiday card or mom sympathizing with a break up to get a little extra cash.  As students, we want this money to stretch as far and for as long as possible.  We want the two for one drinks on Thursday and the new blouse--so that maybe we can get those drinks for free.  How do we get both?

Thrift shopping is our answer. The Macklemore hit blasted from all of our cars at some point or another, but now it’s time to take his lyrics literally.  Missoula is a goldmine for thrift shopping.  With a simple Google search, a map of Missoula becomes sporadically spotted with numerous thrift shop locations.  And, with all the stylish people of Missoula, there are bound to be some secondhand fashionable finds.

As students, where do we even begin?  How can a person begin to sift through everything? Aurora, a thrifting junkie and member of Trendsetters at The U, helped me create a set of tips to help students search for stylish bargains to find success.

1) Take Your Time. Before going thrift shopping, make sure you have time to shop.  Thrift stores are overflowing with items and being in a rush won’t allow you the time to adequately sift and search.  Be able to pace yourself when shopping to look through the racks at individual pieces.  Finding the right item for you requires patience and time to look through all that’s offered at a thrift store.

2) Look in every size. Often times thrift stores can become unorganized and size smalls infiltrate the mediums and mediums land in the large section. Previous owners may have dried and shrank their clothes making the labeled “large” shirt actually a medium. Keeping a lookout for misplaced sizes or mislabeled items allows you to find the perfect fit regardless of the label on the rack or tag.

3) Try the Opposite Gender Section. If you're female, try out the male section. The male section is a great resource for oversized sweaters or flannel button ups. Oversized sweaters are trending this fall and you can find a ton of cute, stylish pieces for cheap. Men, you might be afraid to wander into the womens section, but, that XXL white crew neck tee shirt may be just the right fit...

4) Check out the accessories.  For the finishing touches of your outfit check out the accessories, especially belts. Belts from the thrift store to cinch skirts and dresses come in tons of great textures, metals,sizes and are exceptionally cheaper than a new belt at the mall. Thrift stores can be the jackpot for modern and vintage jewelry, scarves, and purses.

5) Try it On. Many thrifters are hesitant to try on an article of clothing.  Maybe they're afraid of the last person who wore the item or think fitting rooms in a thrift store are too strange.  Regardless, we encourage you to try on the clothes! This will ensure getting the right value for the money you’re spending. This will also guarantee you will arrive home without discovering a hidden pair of shoulder pads! If you’re uncomfortable trying on thrift store clothing, wear a t-shirt, tank top, or leggings that can stay underneath your possible purchases.

As a team, our Trendsetters attempted to master thrift shopping this weekend. We explored, examined, rummaged, rejected, and purchased some previously owned treasures. We took our newly bought pieces, and paired them with our personal wardrobe. Our Trendsetter Team successfully created a stylish and affordable look after thrifting. This proves, that as college students we don’t need to sacrifice style due to insufficient funds! Let Macklemore’s song ring in your ears as you use the Trendsetters at the U’s tips to discover the joy of thrift shopping.

Kelsi- vintage Beatles tee and lace up oxfords.  (Secret Seconds)

Michelle- sparkle sweater (Goodwill)

Bailey- denim blouse (Goodwill) and purse ( Secret Seconds)

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Hello Readers! Our Trendsetter Michelle recommended we join Bloglovin'  This website is fantastic and are hoping it will launch our blog!

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Day and Night

Day and Night

Turk Ismail

School, work and other responsibilities in life can make us busy enough that we disregard what we wear.  Should I wear a fancy outfit that fits well or those comfortable sweatpants calling my name? This is the conversation I have with myself everyday.

When facing a busy schedule we tend to care less and  grab the closest item to us from our closet and bounce.  However, I think we still can do that and keep our swag.

H&M and Forever21 are my favorite brands for an everyday outfit.  Oftentimes when I purchase items from these stores, I’m not sure when or where I’m going to wear the pieces I chose.  Instead, I buy the clothes and I match them later with something I already have.  A collaboration of new trendy pieces and older classics guarantee your outfit will be cool and original.

Day Outfit

For this daytime outfit, I chose my T-shirt from Armani Exchange, that I previously purchased in Seattle. Denim and chambray are very trendy and can be embraced by both men and women.  I found this unique bleached denim shirt from H&M and placed it over my tee.  Guys, to add interest to a basic tee, try throwing an open shirt over top.  A button up shirt makes your tee look less casual and are very popular right now.  Many button ups range in different fabrics and patterns from denim to flannel or camo.  Finally, I added some skinny black pants, that can be worn casually or dressy.  As for my shoes, men today have a great number of options for footwear.  We don’t have to stick to the same old boring lace up sneakers. There are many options oxfords, laced boots, or leather loafers.  I chose my white leather shoes to complete the look.

Night outfit

For the night outfit I always go for something unique and classy.   Blazers seem to be my newest obsession.  I bought my army blazer online and luckily the jacket fit me perfectly. Dark colors, a scarf, and black and gold watch are perfect combination.  Last is my black boots.  When I first spotted them, they looked nice.  But for me, just “nice” doesn’t cut it.  I wanted to add something unique and edgy.  I bought these spikes online and added them.  Did I mention that black and gold are my favorite colors?

Day and night looks are not just for women or for self proclaimed fashionable men.  A stylish day and night look can be achieved by even the guy who thinks he is not fashionable.  The key is combination.  While a graphic tee may seem easy enough, add a button up for a just as effortless but more stylish look.  At night, toss on a blazer.  Yes, blazers are not just for our fathers going to work anymore.  Blazers are a great way to look fashionable and add an element of sophistication.  Guys, we don’t have to put in too much effort to look like we know what we’re doing. 

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Thanks a lot for checking out this post and we would love to hear your feedback so please leave a comment  or  Email us at trendsettersattheu@gmail.com or do both  ;)

Photographer : Bailey Chauner
http://www.montanakaimin.com/blogs/article_073ac86c-29f8-11e3-9f2b-0019bb30f31a.html

From Milan to Missoula

From Milan to Missoula

Bailey Chauner

Greeted from an aged brick apartment complex, Turk and I are welcomed inside by a sandy blonde, slender girl with the cheekbones envied by any bronzer obsesser.  Sydney, a junior in the journalism program, recently returned to the United States from Milan, Italy.  After spending almost a year abroad Turk and I were eager to get Sydney’s perspective about living in one of the fashion capitals of the world.

Headquarters to the household names Armani, Prada, and Dolce and Gabbana, Milan is synonymous with high fashion. However, is the presence of such esteemed and often unattainable brands translated down into the Milanese local style?  We wanted to know. How does a person dress appropriately in a place where Valentino is located around the corner?  

“Buying expensive clothing, doesn’t guarantee good style,” Sydney answers.  

With a cold season that averages 51 degrees fahrenheit and 78 in the warm season, Milan has a fairly mild climate. Explaining the two occasions of snowfall during her stay, heavy winter jackets were nearly non existent. Most of the jacket market is dominated by leather and peacoats. So, what guarantees style in a mecca of high fashion designers and prestige?

Sydney continues, “most Milanese wear black, dark, and earth tones.  Very little color is worn.  The majority of people in Milan dress in a sophisticated and basic manner and add a unique article of clothing or accessory to make their look distinct.”

As she spoke, she shuffled through her closet and withdrew the three items to guarantee a stylish Milan worthy look: a leather jacket, chelsea boots, and an interesting or unique piece or accessory.

First, a leather jacket is the easiest way to look fashionable.  A leather jacket is a timeless piece that never goes out of style.  Milanese consider a leather jacket a staple of their wardrobe and Sydney was soon to follow. Her black leather jacket is individualized with statments zippers and pockets.

Photos by Turk Ismail

Second, she showed us her leather oxblood chelsea boots. Described as “worn by everyone” chelsea boots are trendy and practical footwear to ensure a local Milan worthy look. Burgundy or dark red colored boots are the most popular color seen in Milan.

Finally, Sydney dons her unique piece, a silk varsity inspired jacket. Embellished with detailed embroidery of a stitched bird and flowers, this jacket could add interest to any basic item.

Granted, the streets in Missoula and Milan pose some differences. Missoula is guaranteed more snow while high heels are practical in Milan almost year round. Missoula may not be running with ladies holding full shopping bags from the world’s most reputable fashion designers, but after speaking with Sydney, neither is Milan.

Milan is a city where high fashion intercepts everyday life and locals find their niche to express themselves through clothing. Chelsea boots, a leather jacket, and unique piece are key to channel your inner Milanese even when strolling the streets 5,000 miles away in Missoula, Montana.

Another Manic Monday

Another Manic Monday

Bailey Chauner

Happy Monday, readers!

Is happy the word I want to use to greet this day? Most likely, our Mondays involve hitting the snooze button more than once and maybe an extra shot of espresso in our morning latte.

For myself, I know Mondays often come too soon, especially at the beginning of the year. My first Monday of class this year began with the plan of waking up early, making a healthy breakfast and leaving for class before the morning traffic. I went to bed feeling prepared and calm. My first day could not go awry. The next morning, I hit my snooze button as the sun was just peeking through my blinds and what seemed like the five minutes turned into over an hour. Feeling especially rested, I awoke to see my phone read 9:19 a.m., and my class began at 9:40. Jolted awake by adrenaline and panic, I jumped out of bed.

I had precisely 21 minutes to get to class and on the first day when most students put extra effort to make a lasting first impression. What was I supposed to do next? Dealing with getting ready during a time crunch similar to mine may seem nearly impossible, but by choosing the correct pieces from your closet, you can appear as if you were in no rush at all.

Out of bed and looking at what is usually a jumbled array of clothing spread from my closet to the window, what do I grab? While snatching a sweatshirt may seem the easiest and quickest option, you will also appear to have put in the minimal effort. Take the extra seconds to shift your eyes from the lounge clothing bundled up on the floor to your hanging pieces. Think there is not time to meticulously pair a blouse with a matching jacket and tie up your knee-high, lace boots? Well, there is not. However, with this surefire Trendsetters at The U method, you can quickly sift through your wardrobe and come out with a flawless outfit that took minimal time and appears to be strategically planned.

The key to a quick and fashionable outfit is three pieces: an interest piece, a basic piece and an accessory.

I define an interest piece as any article of clothing (even shoes) that have a standout color, texture, pattern, structure or detail that grabs attention. A basic is an piece with less interest. Often these are the pieces that easily match most of our wardrobe, such a white T or black pants. An accessory is any item that can top off your outfit, from jewelry to headwear or a belt. Which clothing item falls into each category is up to you! The outfit above features a basic gray button-up, jeans with pattern and texture to create interest, and a sea foam green necklace to top if off.

As I rushed with less than 15 minutes until my class, I grabbed my three pieces: a basic black crewneck shirt, patterned jeans as my interest piece and my accessory, a blue floral bib necklace. My outfit was completed with just a touch of creativity using the three-piece method and no time wasted!

Next, with a swipe of concealer and mascara, my face began to come to life. And finally, thanks to the popularity of topknots, whipping my bed head into a messy high bun was completely acceptable and out the door I flew. I sat down in class at 9:39 a.m. looking more prepared than I felt and not needing any coffee as I buzzed off the sudden challenge to beat the clock.

Students will face the occasional time constraint, especially when battling with the snooze button. Alarm clocks fail and sometimes the idea of putting effort into our appearance may seem impossible or unnecessary. However, maybe we don’t have to choose between the snooze button and the straightener or the blankets and the button-up. We can have our cake and eat it too by setting our alarm 15 minutes later, using the three-piece method and walking into class looking prepared and fashionable.

Our next Trendsetters at The U meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 332 in the University Center. For more information, please contact trendsettersattheu@gmail.com.

Buyers BEARware

Photos by Turk Ismail

Buyers BEARwear

Bailey Chauner

We are t-minus two days from our Griz football team playing Oklahoma Panhandle State in our beloved Washington Grizzly Stadium.  At the last football game I noticed the wide array of unique Griz fashion.  Students wore their pride in the form of customized tasseled t shirts, retro Griz sweaters, bedazzled headbands, and enough face paint to touch up the 50 yard line.  The Trendsetters team decided to raid the UM Bookstore for some fashionable pieces to pair with today’s trends to create your perfect Griz look for any football game!

Michelle, a student in the education program, chose this v-neck maroon sweater with striped detail on the right bicep. She gave her outfit a retro vibe with a high waisted, denim flare skirt and matching denim wedges.  This look is great for ladies channeling their extra girly side!

For this look, embraced the recent comeback of the nineties “grunge” look with this modern, glittered Griz shirt.  To get a similar grungy Griz look, pair your favorite UM shirt with a pair of combat boots.  I added a pair of maroon and white striped socks to add some spirit and topped off my outfit with a Griz baseball hat.  To ensure a grunge appearance, turn your hat around backwards and tie a plaid shirt around your waist.

Abby, a sophomore in the business program and member of the Trendsetter Team, chose this Griz colored tank top available at the bookstore.  By the brand “Uptop”, this tank is a great fundamental to your griz wardrobe!  Abby chose an edgy look by pairing this racerback tank with leather leggings with a sheer detail.  To complete the outfit, she added Griz legwarmers and a flat bill cap.

Ikumi (right) and Yoko (left) Uezu, sisters from Japan studying English, rocked a basic striped Griz racerback tank and rugby inspired sweater.  Yoko (left) paired her Griz tank with a pair of leopard shorts and Griz ears.  Wearing leopard with your Griz apparel will let you embrace the animal print trend and give your outfit a modern spin.  Ikumi is pictured wearing a Missoula button up rugby sweater with a pastel dress.  A Grizzly rugby sweater is a great piece that can be paired with a variety of pieces.  Ikumi has a self described “feminine” style, so matching the sweater with the dress was a perfect choice. Finally, we can’t forget these sisters’ plush Grizzlies to top off their outfits!

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We love this pink hat! It’s the perfect way to add some girly Griz spirit, without needing to break out the fashionista in you. Relaxed, comfortable, this screams cute and keeps you casual.

This post would not be complete without a pair of high waist-ed shorts! Michelle and Abby add these waist defining, leg baring shorts with their basic Griz tops for a guaranteed stylish look.  Adding high waist-ed shorts will add overall interest to a standard tee.

I absolutely love the rugby sweater (previously seen on Ikumi)! I wanted to give this sweater a preppy twist, so I wore the same knee high striped socks. Try pairing your preppy look with a pair of Converse sneakers so you don’t have to worry about teetering on your heels!

Most of the pieces we featured are available in the UM Bookstore for sale.