Category Archives: Fashion

Bougie on a Budget

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Do you like money? Personally, I love money. Like many of my student peers, what money I do have goes towards boring necessities; bills, gas, dog food, human food, etc. While we’re being responsible poor young adults, we forget to treat ourselves…so let’s look at a few ways we can pamper ourselves without spending our life’s savings.

Now, being rich makes things a little easier in the pampering department and us poor folk may have to work a little harder– but it just makes the results that much more satisfying. (I tell myself it’s more satisfying to make it seem like a choice…) The saying: “look good, feel good” has some truth to it, especially to the younger generation that is typically obsessed with self-image. So, if you have your nails done your chances of feeling good are much higher. However, are we really going to use two weeks’ worth of grocery money to get our nails done? No, because we’re poor independent college students who don’t need no nail tech.

  For this, Walmart is our best friend; there are options ranging from $2 to $25 that give you the freedom to do your own nails. Look up YouTube tutorials on the type of nails you want and then…do it yourself. Taking the time to learn a new skill and then executing it, in this case nail care, can be a frustrating emotional roller coaster but the more time and effort put into it will bring you that much more satisfaction in the end when you know you did something yourself. 

So now that our nails are well taken care of we can move on to eyelashes. Eyelash extensions have been taking over the planet, and what’s not to love about eyelash extensions? The price. Extensions can start around $100 and go up from there with a monthly fill of about $50 or more. So how are we getting long luscious lashes on a budget? We’re growing them ourselves! We’ll take a few household ingredients– castor oil, coconut oil, and a Q tip- and put it on every night before bed which produces long healthy lashes for under $10. The results aren’t as instantaneous as eyelash extensions, it will take a few months to see results, but that’s the price we pay for not paying more money up front.  

Our nails are done, our lashes are long, and we are feeling great! You don’t need to be rich to feel and look like a million bucks. 

Daily Kinky Hair Routines

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Natural hair takes time and effort to grow and keep healthy, especially if you don’t have a routine of how you take care of your hair. Everyone’s routine is different, some people wash their hair every day, every week, and some wait even longer. There are naturally oily scalps and there is a naturally dry scalp. And knowing how your hair reacts to different products is especially important.

If you’re like me, for example, I have very thick, kinky hair, and my scalp is always dry. In turn, I part my hair to make sure every inch on my hair has been taken care of when moisturizing and oiling my scalp daily, otherwise I will have dandruff everywhere. My mother has thin, wavy hair and scalp keeps oil longer compared to mine. She can wash her hair every day, and her daily hair routine doesn’t take so long.

Products

Finding natural hair products are becoming easier because more people are coming out with products, the only barrier I face is the cost. I find some products on the expensive side but work so well with my hair. If I feel like the product is worth it then I continue with it, if not my main goal I find a good oil, tea tree, coconut, and almond are a few I use. For other oil, choices click here.

Options

After the day of getting my big chop, I was a new person. I had to form myself a routine to keep up my new hairstyle.

I tried washing every day, moisturize, but eventually, my scalp said no. I used Cantu for a year or so and then my hair became immune to the whole product line. Eventually, I found a product good to hold my hair, and I flat twisted it on Sundays and I kept it all week for the next week to wear a fro. When my hair was long enough, I started wearing box braids. Oiled my scalp and may be used mouse or oil sheen every now and then. This was my routine: braids for about three months let my hair breath for a week or two and get braids again. Living in Texas, the heat is unbearable so during the summer I would wear my natural out all three months but would get my braids as soon as school started back. Not too much maintenance and my hair grew so fast. Until it didn’t grow anymore. Now I am on another journey to grow it longer.

Not everyone can wear box braids, but there are other options.

Find your routine, whether it is washing every day or every two weeks. Stick to one product or multiple products. Or use protective styles every now and then.

3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018

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Dallas salon, Lavish Lounge will host their 3rd Annual Showcase Decemeber 2nd Sunday evening 5pm-10pm. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Looking for a diversion only a couple of hours away this weekend?

“It’s not a competition, but a display of talent. We have various makeup-artists, barbers, stylists, and fashion people. As entrepreneurs, these people making a living using their gift in their field. Displaying their talents in front of audience and their peers takes courage and boldness”, said Entrepreneur and Guest Host, Eric Lockhart.

Dallas fashion industry professionals will showcase their creativity when Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz hosts their 3rd Annual Showcase December 2nd Sunday evening, 5-10 p.m. at The Highland Dallas Hotel 5300 East Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75206.

A list of Lavish Lounge Showcase 2018 participants. Photo Credit: Lavish Lounge Cutz & Stylz.

Attendees will see creative, unique, yet stylish pieces among showcasing participants. “It will include conventional makeup, body makeup, various haircuts/beards, various hair styles and fashion from boutiques to actual designers”, said Lockhart.

Before being selected for the showcase, participants must follow proper standards and procedures. “They have to own their own brand and display qualities in their work product & service”, said Lockhart.

The stylish salon set a professional theme for fashion industry business — “Excellence”. Attendees will also support regional business vendors, including hair, real estate, clothes, and makeup.

Frederick Johnson aka Sipp the Surgeon will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase event December 2nd. Photo Credit:@sippthesurgeon

The third year showcase will also honor fashion industry guests Bridgett LaDawn, Sipp The Surgeon, Meke Stephens, and Princess The CEO. “These individuals have exhibited excellence and longevity in these fields with influence, giving back and power”, said Lockhart.

All proceeds will go towards the non-profit organization, IMAGINE WELL, Inc. “We are the founders of IMAGINE WELL, a non-profit organization that works with kids and the adult entrepreneurial industry”, said Lockhart.

With great expectations, Lockhart looks forward to the high-end, energetic showcase. “A unified, high energy show with great host, comedian, food, networking, vendors, great time”, said Lockhart.

PrincesstheCEO will be honored within the 3rd Annual Lavish Lounge Showcase December 2nd. Photo Credit: PrincesstheCeo.

A wide range of individuals are welcome. “Dress to impress. Attendance of 500-600 people to come out with energy and enjoy a great show”, said Lockhart.

Make-up artists, stylists, models, hair stylists, barbers, or fashion industry professionals are welcomed from all areas including Texarkana.

Tickets can be purchased via Evenbrite.

For upcoming events or bookings visit Lavish Lounge.

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Email: Lavishlounge5@att.net 

Batted Eyelashes in Dallas

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iLash Magic held their eyelash workshop November 17th 8:00-1:00pm. Photo Credit: iLashMagic

Eyelash specialist and iLashMagic owner, Tiffany Brown (no relation to this writer) held an eyelash workshop Saturday morning, November 17th in Dallas, Texas. Attendees of all levels  learned lashing techniques 8:00am-1:00pm.

“The workshop event is a lash extensions certification workshop. I included a kit, manual, certificate of completion, and a mannequin to practice with”, said Brown.

For the past two years, she has specialized in eyelashes and have taught more than one course in Dallas, Texas. “This is not my first lash workshop. I’ve been lashing for almost two years. Proudly can say I walked away from corporate 9 months ago”, said Brown.

With a leap of faith and great ambition, the iLashMagic owner created her own brand within the fast-growing makeup trending business. “I came up with the workshop because, as the lash industry is growing there is a need for lash extension education”, said Brown.

The eyelash course included proper eyelash applications, a little history behind lashes, and business techniques. “The students learned the introduction to the history of lashes, how to apply and remove lashes as well as proper sanitation, and marketing”, said Brown.

iLashMagic graphic art. Photo Credit: iLashMagic.

Makeup experiences were not required, however certain requirements were met before registry. “They must be 18-years of age and did not have to be experienced or have a certificate to attend the class. The class was for education purposes only”, said Brown.

For the next upcoming eyelash course or bookings visit, www.ilashmagic.net or call 214-702-8377. You can also follow iLash social media below:

iLash Magic Facebook

iLash Magic Instagram

Email: tiffany@ilashmagic.net

Be Bold. Be Confident. Be Stylish. Be You.

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Houston native, Latecia Rockwall poses with a 2017 February or March Vogue issue. Rockwall’s fashion for passion began with that particular Vogue issue. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

Want to know who’s wearing the hottest fashion trends right now? If you guessed Rihanna’s pope-inspired 2018’s Met Gala dress, Kendell Jenner’s Christian Louboutin’s patent leather pumps, Selena Gomez’s yellow trench coat, then you’re wrong. If you guessed yourself, then you’re 100% correct. According to Texarkana’s fashionista, Latecia Rockwell, you can rip the runway with your own fashion sense with this simple method.

“Don’t pay attention to who is wearing what, but how and why they’re wearing it. With this basic instruction, Rockwell found her own sense of style beyond the fashion dark walls of as capitalism, high-end clothing brands, and famous models who wear them. “I’d never been like fashion best-dressed in high school or into fashion fashion. I watched so many seasons of America’s Next Top Model, so that was one of the seeds that kind of dropped in there. As I got older, I was attracted to seeing Vogue”, said Rockwell.

Her attraction led her to a life changing moment. “It was around February or March 2017, I was drawn to this Vogue magazine in Walmart. I remember telling my husband I don’t know why I got this Vogue magazine, but I got it”, said Rockwell.

As a fashion grasshopper, Rockwell began digging deeper into the true meaning of the word fashion and its purpose. “I saw the cover and it showed different diversities of women. They were wearing similiar pieces, but as I flipped through I saw so many diverse fashion designers doing different things from different countries with colors, types of clothing and their creativity. I started to realize that fashion necessarily isn’t teaching us how to dress, but how to express ourselves through our attire and being free to do that. That’s what drew me into it”, said Rockwell.

Latecia Rockwall’s natural hair head shot. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

Once the stylish veteran grasped the concept of fashion, her passion began dwindling inside, however she didn’t release it immediately. “My focus was different. As a wife, we focus on others verses ourselves. My husband was my main focus. I had this passion, but sometimes when you want to be a good wife and want to please God, your focus is strictly on that and it’s not always focused on creativity. I also had a job as a full-time registered nurse, which consumed a lot of my energy, then I was a full-time wife and a believer. I was just focused on those three things. I didn’t know that I could fit my passion and creativity into that. I don’t know if I was willing to do that at that time”, said Rockwell.

Rockwell lit her spark in fashion after a personal experience. “I realized I have to stand alone now. My husband is in Heaven. It pushed me to figure out my passion. I always remember when my husband and I first got married, I was so consumed in our relationship he would ask me what are hobbies and what do you like to do? You need to find something to do. It was funny, but so true. When he passed away, I dived right into it, because I realized that it’s not just me and him no more, it’s just me”, said Rockwell.
Once Rockwell connected the dots with her fashion purpose, she quickly found her own sense of style. “Bright colors. Dresses. I love dresses and sandals. I love color. I dont really have a favorite color. I just like bright colors”. With so many fashion do’s and don’ts, how did she find them her way?

“The first step is definitely figuring out who you are and what you like. What colors, styles you like, what flatters your body type”. Mastering this particular step requires utilizing this particular tool. “Appreciate who God created you to be. Once you accept that, you began exploring what you really like and accepting of what you have,” said Rockwell.

Avoid this common mistake. “People base their style off their confidence and self-image. I also think that people will see what magazines put out and they think they’re supposed to dress like that. They feel like because they’re not a size 2, 4, or 6 they have to cover up or hide their curves or body types. Your attire can express who you are”, said Rockwell.

Make the second step with confidence. “Be free to dress how you want with modesty, because our outer appearance speaks before you do”, said Rockwell.

Be comfortable in your quirks. “The most beautiful people are the most comfortable in their own skin. There’s an upcoming fashion model in general named Joya on instagram. She has natural long red hair and freckles. She’s peculiar and it works for fashion. She’s just comfortable being herself and I like the message that she sends” said Rockwell.

Fashionista, Latecia Rockwall poses within Broad Street Park. Photo Credit: Tiffany Brown

Step outside the box with common sense. “Don’t be a fashion robot. Be more than that. I used to scared to try bright colors. I didn’t want the attention. I didn’t want people looking at me. I loved that dress, but I was like I would never wear this out in public. Whatever you love, just wear it, because you could look the best in it”, said Rockwell.
Similar to the fashionista, find yourself a shopping home. “Everything I wear is from probably from Target. I don’t do it purposely. I feel like Target and whoever they have shopping for them is shopping for me. I go and buy what I like. They pay attention to what’s in and what’s trending. They make it at a more affordable price and eventually all their stuff goes clearance”.

In your fashion home, have financial responsibility. “A lot of stuff I purchase is on clearance. I go to the back of store. I shop out of season and prepare for the next season. Shop out of season and prepare for the next season. Fashion magazines will tell you what’s hot for that season, but they’re bringing stuff back over and over. You can find stuff out of season for the summer, winter, spring, and fall”, said Rockwell.
Find your own inspirations. “Pinterest has a wide variety of fashions. Instagram is doing a lot. It’s centered around fashion. Follow people with those hashtags. Going to the store picking out what you like”.

With those simple instructions, you can pull off any desired look.

For more fashion tips follow the links below:

Latecia Rockwall

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9th Sheer Madness Avant Garde Hair and Fashion Show

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Texarkana College Cosmetology School held their 9th Annual Sheer Madness Avant Garde Hair and Fashion show Monday afternoon, November 12th. With big hair, creative makeup, and high fashion wear, local high school students and adult college students battled on the red runway in the Truman Arts Center with entries they have worked on for weeks. Dual credit high school students entered the hair mannequin competition, while the adult cosmetology students strutted their photo-inspired runway looks. Both categories competed for first, second, and third place.

Video Shot and Edited: Tiffany Brown

Natural Hair 101

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Photo Credit: AyeCiara

Natural hair is a beautiful thing. Without the right tools, it can be a frustrating, yet beautiful thing. Regardless of the frustration, natural hair does not require much for healthier lengths. With minimal work, it is quite simple. Minimal work does not mean neglecting your hair. It means the right strategies that work for your hair. Your hair needs your cooperation, not your help for healthier lengths.The following steps will help you personalize a successful hair care routine and surpass the stumbling blocks for healthier long locks.

Moisturize your hair daily

Photo Credit: Naptural85

Just as your body needs moisture, your hair needs moisture. Water is the moisturizing agent for natural hair. Without moisture, the hair dries, brittles, and results in breakage, single-stranded knots, or split-ends. Spritz your hair with a water bottle regularly. Lock in the moisture with water-based products (creams, leave-in conditioners, oils) for daily use. Water-based products should list water as the first ingredient. Based on your hair’s porosity, use the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) or LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method. Use the LCO method if you are low-porosity. Use the LOC method if you are high-porosity. If you do not know your hair porosity take a porosity test. Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. To determine your hair’s porosity, you will need a hair strand and a cup of water. Find a loose hair strand and place it in a cup of water. If the hair soaks, it is high-porosity. If it floats, it is low-porosity. High porosity hair quickly absorbs moisture. Low porosity hair slowly absorbs moisture. The moisturizing process becomes easier after your hair porosity results.

Deep condition your hair weekly

Photo Credit: ivycharlaine

Deep conditioners add extra moisture than regular moisturizers. You will need a hooded dryer, steamer, heating cap, plastic cap, or a plastic grocery bag with a warm towel. Heat is not the enemy. It is an essential tool for a successful deep conditioning routine. Heat opens your hair’s cuticle layers to receive the moisture your hair needs. Without heat, your hair cannot get the proper moisture you need, especially if you are low-porosity. Regular moisture will not retain moisture if you do not properly deep condition with heat. Depending how dry your hair is, deep condition for 20 minutes to an hour.  Your hair becomes softer and more manageable.

Wash your hair on a regular basis

Photo Credit: Jewellianna Palencia

Remove product build-up with a sulfate-free shampoo. It will not dry or strip the hair as rumored. Shampoos clarify and cleanse the scalp, but do not condition it. Co-wash cleansers do not equal a shampoo. They do not remove product build-up as a shampoo. After a few days, your scalp becomes itchy and dirty, resulting in hair loss. Of course, your hair is moisturized, but is still dirty from product build-up. Product build-up keeps the hair from retaining moisture. Regular shampooing keeps the hair moisturized, yet clean. Clarifying shampoos are available at Sallys, Target, Wal-Mart, and beauty supply stores. If a clarifying shampoo becomes too drying, use a moisturizing shampoo for a clean scalp instead. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp.

Trim your ends regularly

Photo Credit: Craving Curly Kinks

Length does not mean healthy hair. Do not be afraid to trim your ends. Health should be the primary focus of your hair. Your hair will still grow over time. Split-ends, see through ends, or single-strand knots should be cut immediately. Avoiding them will split the hair strand towards the top. Straighten the hair after a shampoo wash, deep conditioner, and a blow dry. Cut your ends evenly with a sharp pair of scissors. Even cuts prevents unevened layers unless you desire the layered look. A regular trim should be every three months.

Wear protective styles

Photo Credit:
Ambrosia Malbrough

According to CurlCentric, hair grows half an inch monthly. This means your hair grows six inches per year. Protective styles retains length throughout the year. They should be worn every 5-7 days. Braids, twists, wigs, or weaves should not surpass 4 weeks. Protective styles also prevent constant touching or styling the hair. Constant combing, styling, brushing causes breakage, hairloss, and split-ends. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and require the most attention. Tuck them away and leave your hair alone. During protective styles, you are still accountable for your hair. Braids will not give you longer hair if you neglect it. Your hair will be more prone to dryness and breakage.

Find holy grain products

Photo Credit: PowerInYourCurl

Holy grain products are stable products that work best for your hair. They provide the best results and cater to your hair’s needs. Once you’ve found them, stick with them. Do not change them, unless they stop working. Holy grain products are called that for a reason. Your hair responds extremely well without issues. Do not switch products based on millions of YouTube product reviews. Through trial and error, you will find the right product. It takes time, but not forever. Products are reviewed through daily YouTube videos. Read the comment sections and remember similar pro’s and con’s. Google and read product reviews before purchasing it. Once you purchase the product, focus on your hair’s reaction. If the hair responds well, keep it. If the hair responds bad, return it.

Research

Photo Credit: NaturallyTemi

You will not know everything about natural hair. With daily research, you will learn certain methods regarding your hair type, curl pattern, texture, and porosity. YouTube and blogs are the perfect places for learning natural hair care. They provide specific instructions for each individual’s natural hair care needs. Each individual will also learn beyond the basics. YouTuber, GreenBeauty teaches natural hair visual learners scientific facts through 3D cartoons videos and regular photos. Viewers understand better concepts behind split-ends, natural hair myths, protective styles, and proper hair care.

Choose a successful hair twin

Photo Credit: Glamtwinz

A hair twin matches your hair type, texture, and curl pattern. You can easily spot them through YouTube and social media. If you have a 4a/4b hair curl pattern, follow someone with a 4a/4b hair curl pattern. It makes your hair journey easier to understand based on their experiences. Do not take advice from someone above a 4a hair type. Their hair journey will not be relatable as the 4a/4b hair guru. Millions of natural, curly-haired gurus post YouTube videos social media hashtags. This gives you plenty of choices to follow. Keep in mind, you cannot follow everyone with the same 4a/4b hair. You might have the same 4a/4b hair curl pattern, however, you might not have the same texture, or porosity level. Plus, you will not learn proper natural hair care with too many options. It becomes frustrating and confusing. Narrow down your choices and follow your top favorite. This person should be well-experienced, especially if they have successful healthy hair. Focus more on their health, than length. Their hair did not grow healthy overnight. They experienced set backs and failures like everyone else.  Keep in mind, your hair twin are not hair gods. No need to follow everything she says. She will change routines or products often. You do not have to purchase an item every time they review a product. Stick with what you know and apply what you have learned.

Listen to your hair

Photo Credit: NickyBNatural

No one knows your hair better than you. If something goes wrong, your hair will let you know first. For example, if your hair does not respond to a product your favorite YouTube guru raved about, do not force yourself to love it. Immediately, stop using it and return it. Do not compromise your hair based on another person’s opinion. It causes unhealthy, destructible results. Another example, if your hair seems drier than usual, re-moisturize your hair. Do not stress about a scheduled routine. It’s better to respond to your hair’s needs, than a set of rules. Never ignore what your hair tells you and consider better solutions to your problems.

The Return of the 19th Century

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Begone high waist shorts, belted swim suits and strappy sandals! Summer fashion has come to an end. It is now time to prepare for the return of the 19th century. The season of boots and scarves are about to take its rightful place among us.

Courtesy of Vogue

Fall officially begun September 22, 2018 and so much is in store for the fall fashion season. The new trends to be on the lookout for this Fall 2018, are going to be a sight to see.

Starting with both Checks and Plaid, a popular trend from the 1800s until the late 1890s. Plaid is perfect for the fall and extremely versatile. Plaid and checks can be styled as casual or upscale. Designer Christian Dior has already been seen with plaids on his runway!

Fashion Designers are beginning to add more Gloss and Leather to the market. Fashion is taking it back to the 40s and 50s with this style.

Courtesy of New Leather Jacket

Styles inspired by the Late Michael Jackson, dressed in his red leather jacket with the strappy bottom, are a LOOK.

Think big – very big.  Upgrade your denim. Go loud with your colors and remember real animal clothing isn’t as comfortable unless it’s on a heel or boot. Returning to the market this fall will be Animal print. Animal print has been around since the early 1920s. Models have been captured wearing animal print while being on the runway, for The New York fashion week.

Courtesy of Yoox

Celebrities have been spotted cheetah blazer coats, dresses, and shoes from designers across the globe like Dolce&Gabbana, Caroline Charles, M&Co., ASOS, and Missguided.

Remember 80s cocktail designs? Miniskirts, bandage dresses foil and big shoulders. Saint Laurent has designed a fashionable blazer with floral print and exaggerated shoulders to die for!

Cover your head all fall with a fashionable hat. Head fashion can be seen on citizens across the world. Oversized topper have been a thing since the 70s. Imagine this, an all red outfit with red shoes and a cheetah hat. The cheetah topper was so simple that it completed your whole outfit.

You can’t step into fall without that perfect shoe. Tis the season of boots, boots, and more boots. There are slouch boots, ankle boots, knee boots, booties, over the knee boots, thigh boots, lace-up lug, combat boots, and of course cowboy boots. Boots are available in all shapes, colors and prints to go right along with the Fall fashion trend that’s coming.
Mules and slides are also important and breathable. These two can be perfect for any business casual look.

Courtesy of Highsnobiety

Who doesn’t enjoy a great pair of Sneakers? Sneakers can also be key look to your fall fashion statement, especially when matched with a cute jumpsuit, sweat suit, wind breaker or sweatshirt. I know I’ll around campus in a few sporty chills looks myself. Brands like Nike released  Nike Air Span 2 Premium “Desert Camo” on September 6thand Skepta x Air Max Deluxe on September 8th. Adidas released their new line of Yeezy with Kayne West on September 15th.

When shopping for your fall clothing this season, never forget the words of The legendary Coco Chanel “The best things in life are free. The second best are very, very expensive.”

How Do I Look?

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I stood in front of the closet with my arms folded and let out a long sigh. I do not usually put extra time and effort into planning my outfits, but this was a special occasion. I was going to a communications conference that Saturday and had no idea what I was going to wear. When I asked my mom, she told me to dress business-casual. I looked on Pinterest for outfit ideas, confused when I saw outfits that I had always been advised against. I had always been told to stick to neutral colors, but the outfits I saw had a mix of colors and patterns. This was when I noticed that the rules had changed.

Business-casual is a new term in fashion, only dating back to around the 1980s. It was used in companies where the employees did not spend as much time in front of consumers and spent more time in the office. It became a way of expressing yourself and still maintaining a professional attitude without the formality. What is business-casual?

Robert Johnson, executive team leader of human resources at Target in Texarkana, said “Business casual for me would be a nice pair of jeans, a nice polo shirt. For ladies, there are several variations of blouses and shirts that are definitely appropriate for an interview. When I dress business casual, I wear a long-sleeved button-up and slacks or khakis.”

For men, this is a simple take on business casual that is always acceptable. The look is easy to replicate and there are many different variations to it to make it more unique. 

Business casual has changed over time and pieces considered unacceptable like jeans or sneakers can be dressed up to look more professional. Overall, business casual is a step above what you would wear on a typical day, but not fancy enough to be formal. Blazers and sports jackets can pair with chinos, khakis, or nice jeans. When choosing a pair of jeans, it is best to stay away from overly distressed jeans and wear a dark pair.

It is also important to remember that business casual depends on the workplace or the event. When going to an interview Johnson said you should present yourself at your best.

“I’ve been doing this for several years, and you can tell when a person is presenting themselves to the best of their ability or not. I say this because you could have someone from a scheduled interview come in whatever they were wearing that morning. Their tennis shoes are not laced up or tied and you can tell if they could have done better than that,” said Johnson.

The dress code at Target is more relaxed than other businesses and it is not a deal-breaker for you to come into an interview with jeans. However, there are times to keep jeans in the closet. If possible, it is best to overdress a little for an interview than underdress. The interviewer will be able to tell if you have spent time on your appearance and it will make a good impression on them.

Women have a variety of clothing options to choose from, which is part of what made my outfit decision for the event difficult. I did not know if I should wear a skirt, dress, blouse, heels, pants, or flats. In Vanessa Rodriguez’s article, “What is Business Casual Attire for Women? Outfit Tips, Advice & Ideas,” she writes a list of tips to help women pick the right outfits. One of the safest options is khakis or dark pants with a button-down shirt. Sweaters are also a very good choice.

An important tip for women to remember is to pay attention to the types of shirts and skirts or dresses they wear. It is considered inappropriate for cleavage to be visible. If a blouse is a little sheer, make sure to wear a camisole underneath. Skirts and dresses should stay at knee length or longer. Clothes that are too tight also can send the wrong message to a potential employer or business connection.

With many options out there, the most important idea to remember is that there is no simple answer for what to wear. Your outfit will depend on the environment and the nature of the event. No matter what, take your time to pick the outfit that makes the best impression.

Field to Fashion

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live the life of a model? To walk down a runway with all eyes on you? Wearing amazing clothes, and your hair and makeup styled to perfection by a professional artist?

Sophomore Julianna Summerlin, a Mass Communication Major from our campus, gives us the inside scoop. However, her story is much bigger than just posing for the camera. She juggles school, modeling, and plays for our women’s soccer team. Activities that certainly take some time management. Both her soccer and modeling stories began long before she graduated from North Hills Preparatory in Dallas, TX.

Julianna began playing soccer at age four. Not surprising, considering her four siblings also played. The first four years were purely recreational, but second grade started to get competitive leading her to college ball. She emphasized the transition by saying “I was playing with girls and coaches I didn’t know, doing drills I had never seen before, making me the most exhausted I had ever been in my young life.”

She began her modeling career in the sixth grade. She has always been on the taller side, and decided to pursue her interest after being persuaded by a friend. She was signed to The Campbell Agency at the age of twelve years old. With a strict 5’8”-5’10” height requirement, and limiting sizes 0-4, this narrows down the number of women that can even begin their process with the agency.

She describes her first impression of modeling as being very intense, but having a sense of “extreme amazement.” She said, “At twelve I was an awkward, gangly, stinky, five foot seven tomboy… and barely spoke.” She used the first few years as opportunity to shed her shy personality, and work towards building up to the confidence level she possesses. Modeling has given her the opportunity to network with “models who grace the covers of “People Magazine” and the Victoria Secret Runway, to makeup artists who create highly successful charity organizations in their free time.” People most young women only dream of interacting with.

Both modeling and soccer require her to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physically and mentally. The overwhelming stereotype that models don’t eat is false. “My agency loves me, they care about me, they want me to be healthy. No one has ever encouraged me to stop eating or hurt my health in any way during my eight years as a model.” The agency is big on girls reaching their body goals in a healthy fashion. She aims for a diet filled with protein and veggies, and an exercise program based off of intense circuits to keep her in shape year round.

However, the older she gets, the more competitive it is with both activities. “Modeling consistently causes you to compare yourself to others; what your measurements are, how many pictures are in your portfolio, how many agencies you are signed to, how big your social media following is.” With soccer it is a lot of comparing times and how much better someone else is at winning the ball. Even though it can be hard to not take these criticisms personally, she said “There are days I may feel a little defeated after a hard practice and an email saying I didn’t get that runway show I interviewed for, but I just have to remember it’s not the end of the world.”

To sum it all up, Julianna stressed how blessed she is for both. With soccer being part of her life for as long as she can remember, it is impossible for her to imagine life without it. As far as modeling goes, she says “I am sure I would have maintained my shy and awkward ways if it were not for modeling– it really pushed me out of my shell.” Juggling school, modeling, and soccer, she has without a doubt become a much stronger person.