Preparing for Summer: Bathing Suit Style Guide

As the month of May approaches, we are getting the first few days of the nice weather that compromises Spring and Summer. It is time to break out our shorts, tank tops, and sundresses. Along with this fun and flirty wardrobe comes one of the most dreaded/loved times of the year: bathing suit season.

Although I love to lounge on the beach with a good book soaking up the sun, I hate having to find the right apparel to do it in. Those winter months of lack of sunlight and cold have left me feeling pale, fat, and downright moody. It is time to shed off those winter pounds, sweat pants and hit the gym in order to prepare myself for my three month bikini clad break from school.

I can't recall ever have met anyone who has honestly said they enjoyed shopping for bathing suits. Between the outrageous price tags and skimpy material, bathing suit shopping has become more of a chore than a spree. Cosmopolitan magazine recenlty published a list of tips for women of all shapes and sizes in order to help them find suits appropriate and flattering for their body types.

For women with a curvy butt, a bottom with a low rise cut and a few extra inches of support at the hips slims down a full figured bottom.

For busty women, thick straps and a wide band provide the bra like support that your body needs for water activities. For women with a smaller top, triangle tops with lots of detail or funky design draw the eye and are attention grabbing. Good for highlighting what you do have.

Finally, for women with a fuller middle, the classic empire waist and tankini style adds inches to your torso. Classic black will also help to make you look more slender.

Bathing suit season is one of the worst things to shop for but one of the best parts of summer so enjoy your body and have fun in the sun.

Taking Back the Night in Black T-shirts

The Feminist Collective of Towson University hosted its first ever Take Back the Night Rally Thursday April 16. The rally was used to raise awareness about sexual assault, rape, and domestic abuse. Over 50 men and women participated in the March across the Towson University campus and through the Towson Community.

Participants carried motivational signs and wore black Take Back the Night t-shirts. A candle light vigile along with inspriational chants like "Yes means Yes, No means No. Whatever we wear, Wherever we go!,"created a very powerful image and sent strong messages to anyone who witnessed the parade.

I was fortuanate enough to have had the opportunity to be part of the rally. Although not a member, I was proud to be included in the group who fought for such a cause that supported the end of violence against women.

For more information about the Feminist Collective of Towson or rape and domestic abuse and how to get help, please contact the Towson University Women's Center at (410) 704-2051.

Living History: Fashion through the Decades

Glamour magazine recently published a series of photos portraying popular, young actresses as some of history's most famous women fashion icons and fearless females.

These women, both fictional and real, ranging from Amelia Airheart to Carrie Bradshaw to Michelle Obama, have not only made a lasting and changing impression on society but have also led to a revolution in the fashion industry. These women have not only influenced and empowered the nation with their accomplishments and beliefs, but have also shaped the images of women throughout history with their sense of style.

I think it is important for women of all ages to see these photos. The actresses who have taken up the roles of these historic women are sending a powerful message. Hopefully, young girls will see these and take a special interest in what women have done in the past and can do in the future. Hopefully, older generations will recognize familiar faces and inform others about what they have lived through.

I think there are many more women who can be added to this list of fashionable, fearless historical figures. I hope that these women will serve as role models for generations to come and that the list will continue to grow through the decades.

For the rest of the images, please click on the link above.

Latest Trends a Fashion Don't for Men

The fashion industry and a focus on clothes in general are stereotypically considered a female dominated medium. It is no wonder that most men show little support or real interest in the latest trends or newest styles. However, there are some trends and beauty routines that many men acknowledge but do not understand.

Glamour Magazine asked several men what fashion practices they just couldn't get after viewing the creations from New York's famous Fashion Week. Some of the Spring trends listed included futuristic tin foil and shiny leather slacks and sundresses, 80's inspired shoulder pads and colors, cartoon inspired patterns, and animal like seperates. Although I have to say that some of this spring's trends are not something I would wear on any basis, I do recognize the artistic value and craftsmanship incorporated into each piece.

There are some mens' fashion faux pas that I just don't understand, like overly baggy jeans with visible boxer shorts, but fashion is open to interpretation by each individual. I guess fashion will just have to be added to the list of debates in the battle between the sexes.

Sex and Fashion Sparks Controversy in Today's Media

The Italian clothes line, Relish, is making headlines with its controversial new ad campaign featuring male Rio cops molesting women dressed in the labels latest styles. The ads have been considered to racy for audiences and officials have ordered that the billboards be removed.

From a feminists point of view, although I agree that these ads are promoting violence against women and sexism I do not think that these ads in particular are any different than most ads seen in today's media. Some ads, especially fashion related, can be considered almost pornagraphic. At least in the ad by Relish the women are fully clothed. I think that the Relish ad is doing exactly what a good ad is designed to do, appeal to a particular audience and catch the eye. I do not neccessarily think that the Relish line is geting the right message across concerning their line but they are certainly getting the desired publicity effect the ad was intended for.

Saving money while staying Chic

As college students, we hardly have enough money to pay for textbooks and tuition let alone splurging on shopping sprees. Today's economy is suffering and poor students are not the only ones feeling hopeless with empty pockets. Some fashion designers have recognized the economic crisis and have made it possible for everyone to look hot without putting themselves in debt. Department stores have begun carrying famous name brands for affordable prices like Vera Wang for Kohls, Alexander McQueen for Target, and Matthew Williamson for H&M.

Another way to save money is to go vintage. Take a trip down to the basement or up to the attic and check out some of the clothes your mom and dad used to wear. I wouldn't risk borrowing an entire ensemble because you might come out looking like Madonna or Kevin Bacon, but a bold blazer and funky bangles in moderation can add new edge to a recycled outfit.

The North Face

North Face, its everywhere on campus. You see it on every type person in every color. In response to a letter to the editor in Monday's edition of the Towerlight, I have to say, yes, the North Face brand name is pricey but it is also a high quality product. With the winter weather we have faced this year I couldn't imagine wearing anything else. It is similar to the all too popular Uggs that girls are seen wearing at Towson. They are over priced winter boots but they are comfortable and warm. A necessary winter accesory. All I can say is this is college, not high school. I think people have started to realize at this point that you are not only judged by the clothes that you wear but the way you present yourself and the way that you act.