Since it’s the first week back in the apartment, house or dorm room, I thought I’d share one of my favorite organizational ideas for my first post.  DIY projects have become a huge trend lately with sites such as Pinterest, providing countless ideas.  Trying to squeeze a collection of clothing and accessories into a small apartment or dorm room can be challenging, but this idea takes up little space and simplifies selecting jewelry.

You know that clumped ball of metal otherwise known as a collection of bracelets and necklaces? Well, with a piece of corkboard, t-pins and a little creativity you can untangle that mess once and for all.

Corkboards are abundant and affordable at the beginning of the school year, offered in various shapes and sizes. T-pins can be found at office supply stores and are longer than push pins, providing more space to hang chunky jewelry.  Earrings can be placed directly onto the board. Once you have your jewelry separated, use your imagination to create a pattern with your pieces.

You can personalize your jewelry board by adding a colorful trim or elaborate frame, or by covering each board in a fabric of your choice. If you have an extensive jewelry collection and spare wall space, you could color coordinate your boards, accenting each one with a matching fabric.

I love this idea because not only does the board eliminate that dreaded clump of tangled jewelry, but it also creates a great décor piece. Let’s face it; your jewelry deserves to be shown off!

 -Annie

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One trend that I have been following religiously this season is the mix between feminine and masculine pieces.  I noticed a very popular way to turn an extremely girly outfit into an edgier ensemble by incorporating spikes and studs.

Before studs were used with feminine pieces, I feel we all had an unsure view of the impression they gave off.  In the past, the gothic trend made studs known.  However, for those who shy away from harsh trends such as this, studs were never on the majority of our minds.

In spite of this, they have come into the public eye again, but in a totally different view.  All fashionistas are lusting over studded shoes, shirts and shorts to mix with their floral tops and sequined dresses.

The only problem is that this look comes with a massive price tag.  As soon as studs are added to a simple garment, it seems the price almost doubles.  For a college student like me, I had to figure out a more affordable way to stay on trend this season.

After deciding to get crafty, I ordered some studs from eBay for less than $2.  The selection was immense and all were extremely affordable.  Majority of the studs offered on eBay come with four pointy prongs on the back (this is crucial to the project).

These prongs poke easily through all different types of fabric, even denim and leather!  Once you poke the prongs through, flatten them with pliers or a butter knife.  Then, VOILÀ!  This is a simple way to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

-Jackie

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I remember flipping through Harper’s BAZAAR magazine at an early age and wishing I owned all the haute couture clothing. My dear mother would buy my siblings and I clothing from the thrift stores and always told us how we would grow out of them soon. I would hate knowing that I owned used clothing instead of buying them from department stores. My disliking of thrift stores quickly ended in high school when I realized that I could get quality clothing for a few dollars. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt; you have to search through the sand to find the gold. The more I went to thrift, the better I got in finding very good name brand items.

My rule of thumb: first look at the overall look of the item, then the brand and then the size. I have found silk dresses and leather purses that would normally cost over hundreds of dollars, but I snagged them for a few bucks.

I have always been interested in fashion but never considered studying it in college. When it came time to pick a major I resorted to my only interest. I am currently a sophomore studying fashion merchandising and could not be happier about it. One thing that I have noticed is that I can’t follow trends as easily as others. I either like it or I don’t. Some fads are hideous, but people wear them just because it’s considered “fashionable.” Through thrift store shopping I have developed a keen eye in what I like and can quickly decipher clothing that is worth wearing.

I am a first generation American and had the opportunity to study abroad in Slovakia my junior year of high school. There the fashion is very different, and luckily I have adapted some of the trends I saw there. I am very interested in studying abroad again and hope to go to Hong Kong next year. I think that everyone needs to travel overseas to broaden their views as well as their style.

My style fluctuates often, but there are a few items that I will always enjoy. I am in love with leather and fur. I have found so many leather purses and jackets at thrift stores, and they have lasted me to this day. I refuse to buy pleather (sorry PETA). Fur collars are coming back into fashion, and I cannot wait to wear them this winter. Leather bomber jackets are my favorite, but not when they look plastic and over studded.

I have recently become very interested in how clothing fits. I used to wear flowy and over-sized shirts but now resort to tight fitting fabric. Spandex is my best friend, and I believe that everyone should find the right fit in clothing to compliment his or her body shape.

My dream job after I graduate is to be a personal stylist, personal shopper or closet organizer. Hopefully one day I can be all three. There are a lot of jobs in the fashion industry, and I honestly have no idea where I will end up. I am very excited to be a Fashion Blitz blogger this year, and hopefully my posts will be enjoyed just as much as I enjoy writing them.

Much love,

-Karo

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