Crash course in Fashion 101
Katie Rosenbaum
News Editor
I may not have any more authority than the next person regarding fashion. I’m not a judge on “Project Runway” nor do I have an in to Fashion Week in Paris or Milan.
Ten things every guy should own:
1. Jeans
2. Polo
3. Sweater
4. Sandals (preferably flip flops)
5. Belt and matching dress shoes
6. Button-down shirt
7. A power tie
8. Properly fitting suit
9. Plaid shorts
10. A quality wallet
Ten things every girl should own:
1. Tailored jeans
2. Black and white shirts
3. Ballet flats (preferably in bright colors)
4. Trench coat or a blazer
5. Clutch, everyday bag and a large bag
6. Classic dress
7. Favorite “going out shirt”
8. Skirt
9. Classic sweater
10. Black heels
However, I do pay a lot of attention to clothing and fashion. I have watched far too many episodes of “What Not to Wear,” read Vogue and People Style religiously and have spent far too many hours shopping online. I would also like to think that being from Chicago keeps me updated on current trends.
Like I said, I am not an expert.This is mostly just my opinion on dressing for specific occasions; take it or leave it. I am not writing this article to offend anyone, just to offer fashion advice from my perspective. But at the same time, don’t take fashion too seriously—dressing should never be a chore.
Interviews
Now that my friends and I are interviewing for “real” jobs and internships, interview attire is more important than ever. I think interviews are probably the one situation where more classic styles rule (unless you are interviewing for a place at fashion school or to work for an Indie music label). Never wear flip flops to an interview. This rule not only applies for an internships, but also for on campus jobs. Making a good impression is important, and shoes that flop around do not lead to good impressions.
Do not wear scuffed up shoes from high school. If you have the nicest suit on but your shoes look five years old, your professionalism plummets. Ballet flats are always a cute, classy option that make the outfit look more polished for girls. Polished dress shoes work well.
For girls going into a professional interview, I would suggest wearing pants. Skirts can be tricky, as you may not know what type of skirts are acceptable at the office. A nice button-up with a sweater works or my favorites, a blazer or jacket, complete an outfit nicely.
For guys, please match shoes with a belt. A tie shouldn’t be too crazy, but should not look like it came from a stock broker’s closet. A tie is the place to show your personality. Never wear a bow tie unless you are walking down the aisle.
Dates
First dates can be awkward and figuring out what to wear on a first date can often be the most stressful part.
Girls: I have often had some bizarre fashion choices (I am only 20, I want to have some fun with clothes. I have time to look completely polished like a J Crew ad when I’m 30). However, I think something simple for a first date is best. If the date is not too fancy, jeans are always a good option. I prefer dark denim that has a more tailored, polished look. Skirts or sundresses can also be worn as long as they don’t look like they have been shredded to pieces and have a sense of class. A short skirt should not be worn with a too revealing top; pick one or the other.
Every girl should have a go-to shirt that she can wear in certain situations: a shirt she feels pretty and comfortable in and is cute without being trashy or tacky. There are too many tacky girls out there and you don’t want to join them. Keep it classy, girls!
You should also probably save the leggings for the third date. Guys don’t really understand them.
Guys: Khakis are a standard date option. Paired with a polo or button-up shirt you will likely look put together. I’m also quite the fan of plaid shorts. Flip-flops can be acceptable in certain situations. However, tennis shoes should be worn with more caution. Any shoe that you can run in should not be worn on a date. This means that Pumas and some New Balance shoes are acceptable as long as the shoes don’t reek.
cafepress.com
You really shouldn't wear a shirt like this out on a date.
Guys, please don’t wear message tees with “hidden” sexual innuendo. These messages are not hidden or funny. We are in college. I don’t want to date a high-schooler who thinks these message tees portray his supposed “player” status.
Random Fashion Thoughts
There are a few things that apply for both men and women. T-shirts from high school should probably only be worn to bed or around the dorm at this point. I get it, you were a member of the soccer team, band or insert club here. However, we are at Xavier now.
Hoodies are really not attractive. You look three times larger than you actually are when wearing hoodies. Zip-up sweatshirts or track jackets are more stylish alternatives to hoodies.
I never want to see a guy wearing a wife beater on Xavier’s campus unless it is worn under a shirt. We are in Ohio, not the coast of Florida.
Sequins and glitter should only be worn in small doses. You do not want to look like a disco ball.
White socks bother me a lot on girls. Colored socks look a lot better with Birkenstocks and jeans than white socks do. Guys aren’t exempt from this either. Don’t wear white socks when you dress up.
Jean shorts on a guy. Really? Please don’t wear them.
Ultimately, fashion is a personal decision. But remember, you never know who you are going to meet, where you are going to end up or what opportunities you may have, so dress to be ready for these situations.
Say Ola to Mr. Muskie 2008
Emily Hoferer
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Erika Bresee
Do you think the bank takes giant cardboard checks?
Xavier has crowned its 11th Mr. Muskie, junior international affairs major Ola Shokunbi, with a tiara to sport and a check for $300.
Wednesday night freshmen Mike Franke and Andrew Leon, sophomore Patrick Russell, junior Ola Shokunbi and seniors Algis Aukstuolis and Ray O’Brien set out to prove that they have what it takes to be Xavier’s GQ Mr. Muskie, all while displaying their creative sides through such antics as interpretive ribbon dancing and stand up comedy acts.
The show opened with a roar as the contestants modeled their swimsuits, though most sported ripped abs and speedos. Shokunbi went the untraditional route modeling a floral bikini claiming to have come from Fr. Graham’s collection and O’Brien showcased his physique with a lime green Borat style “slingshot” swim suit.
There was never a dull moment in between scenes. The audience was entertained by the always hilarious hosts Briana Hansen and Reid Faylor as they played a guitar duet and a rap off. Faylor even polled the audience for advice on asking Hansen out.
The competition judged the six young men on talent, swim wear, Q&A and dancing abilities. The laughs kept coming as each put aside their dignity and let their inner goofball erupt.
Erika Bresee
Patrick Russel sings both Aladdin and Jasmine’s parts in “A Whole New World.”
For three lucky contestants their hard work paid off as O’Brien received $50 and third place, Mike Franke took home $150 and the title of second runner up.
“The swimsuit competition was the most challenging part,” said O’Brien. “Especially not having the most prized physic and competing against three swimmers and an Ola.”
“It was a very peculiar show,” said freshman Tahshara Boochee. “The talents were funny and the contestants were outrageous. My favorite talent was when [Patrick Russell] dressed as both Aladdin and Jasmine and sang “A Whole New World,” I especially loved the bra.”
The final four contestants, O’Brien, Shokunbi, Russel and Franke, were given the task of learning to tango, salsa, swing dance or waltz with their given partner in just minutes. While some had two left feet, Ray O’Brien said he especially loved swing dancing with Ashley Marine.
“It feels good to be Mr. Muskie minus the tiara,” said Shokunbi. “I will feel like I’m on top of the world for like the next two weeks. I really enjoyed putting all this together with the help of my friends; they were sending me a lot of texts saying “you can do it.”
When asked what he will do with the $300 winnings, Shokunbi says it has made him bold enough to ask a volleyball player out on a date.
Catherine Stahl
Diversions Editor
Guitar Hero
Do you think you are a guitar hero? Come show your skills at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 in the GSC Clock Tower. Sign up in the SAC Office. The top three winners receive prizes. There will be pizza, chips and drinks for all. Each participant receives a Rock Star Energy Drink. Call x3534 if you have any questions.
Late Night Movie
The GSC Late Night Movie for April is “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Show times are 11 p.m. Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12 in the GSC Theatre. Admission is free to all XU students with All Card. Sponsored by the Gallagher Student Center and SAC.
Madden tournament
Sign up for the Madden tournament on Friday, April 11. Tons of prizes and free food, Admission is only $5 with a chance to win prizes such as Montgomery Inn Gift cards and movies, totaling almost $150 in prizes. Sign-ups will be all this week in Gallagher. Event hosted by Delta Sigma Pi.
“Life is Beautiful”
At 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 in the GSC Theater the Xavier Italian-American Club is hosting the 2nd annual viewing of “Life is Beautiful.” Shirts will also be sold at the event for $10.
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