Strolling down 13th Avenue, the fashion on display can range from flannel shirts and Birkenstock sandals to football jerseys with running shoes, but even high fashion can be found on campus in the form of chic dresses and designer high heels.

Students from around the world attend the University of Oregon, bringing style influences with them, but adjusting to Eugene’s casual fashion standards and inclement climate can can be a challenge.

The Emerald profiled four fashion-forward UO students about how their personal style has developed since moving to Eugene.

Students we spoke with felt that adapting their fashion sense to function in Eugene’s wet weather and casual clothing norms was a bit of a tricky process. Senior Macaihah Broussard advises embracing personal style regardless of location.

“When I think of somebody setting a trend or creating something that’s different, I think of somebody that’s not being afraid and not wanting to hold back. I just kind of wear what I want,” Broussard said.

Here’s what each of these four students had to say about their fashion identity and how they’ve adapted their styles to fit Eugene.

Alyssa Blackman

Alyssa Backman (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)

Hometown:

Los Angeles, California

Major, Grade:

Public Relations and Advertising, Senior

Blackman: While living in L.A., Blackman worked for a small clothing boutique. She closely followed fashion trends at the time and took issue with how expensive many of the popular items were. Blackman realized that she could create and sell less expensive versions to her friends and customers on sites like Poshmark.com. Now that she is about to graduate, Blackman plans to continue wearing her personalized style as she enters the workforce.

Emerald: When did you first become interested in fashion?

AB: I’ve always really been into fashion. Ever since I was 6 years old, when I went to New York for the first time, and I fell in love with it.

E: How has your hometown influenced your style?

AB: I’m from L.A. and I would say that my style is a little bohemian. Just very chic, but I don’t really want to confine myself because there’s some days when I throw on an all-black outfit and look super grungy and then some days I’m like, ‘I’m gonna wear all white and look like the goddamn First Lady,’ though not exactly our First Lady now.

E: How do you adapt your style to fit Eugene?

AB: That was one of the hardest changes to my wardrobe, not only because of the weather constraints, but mostly the comfort aspect. People in Eugene dress for comfort and convenience and it was hard because my outfits are always the farthest from those two C’s. I tried to lessen aspects of my outfits, but soon I got over the shrinking of myself and decided to keep wearing funky clothes because it’s what makes me happy and confident. I wear the same outfits I would wear in L.A., but I just add a big fuzzy sweater or coat to it. To this day I still refuse to wear or own a rain jacket, even when it’s pouring rain. Whoops.

E: Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

AB: I’m constantly online shopping and looking at fashion blogs for different outfits. My biggest inspiration is a fashion blogger based in New York. She’s known as We Wore What, but her name is Danielle. Another really cool one is based in big cities and it’s called Citizen Couture. It’s a couple of photographers who go around and just take street-style pictures of people, and sometimes they’re influencers, fashion bloggers or people in fashion, but then sometimes they’re just random people who have really cool outfits.

E: What fashion advice do you have for students?

AB: Just think outside of the box. It’s easy to gravitate toward that sweater or that color that you like, but I think that putting yourself out of your comfort zone is a big thing with fashion.

— Leanne Harloff

Melissa Epifano

Hometown:

Banks, Oregon

Major, Grade:

Journalism, Senior

Originally from the East Coast, Epifano’s fashion influence primarily comes from childhood trips to New York City. Her chic, minimalist style sense is expressed through neutral colors and high-quality fabrics. Epifano writes for various fashion publications, including CollegeFashionista.com and Suitcase magazine. She hopes to write for a major fashion magazine like Vogue after graduation.

Emerald: When did you first become interested in fashion?

Epifano: I got more into it when I was a freshman/sophmore in high school. I thought it was a cool way of self-expression. I started going to different classes and camps over the summer at different universities to immerse myself in more of a fashion-oriented place, like Los Angeles or New York City. Then I started designing and illustrating my own clothing for a little bit.

E: How has your hometown influenced your style?

ME: I was born on the East Coast and since I got to take trips to the city, and people generally dress a lot nicer on the East Coast I kind of developed my style from that. Even though I moved to the Pacific Northwest and it’s very laid back and casual, I still like to dress up.

E: How do you adapt your style to fit Eugene?

ME: I think it’s about choosing pieces that aren’t too nice. You want versatile pieces that can go well in different settings. Throwing on a bomber jacket, oversized denim jacket or wearing a sweatshirt under a nice wool coat can tone things down for school. It gives it a nice contrast while being stylish.

E: Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

ME: Pinterest is a really big source for inspiration for me for fashion, but I also think it’s cool to do it the more traditional way and read magazines. I also think it’s fun to look at high-end fashion and see how you can downplay it and turn it into something you could wear every day.

E: What fashion advice do you have for students?

ME: My biggest advice would be to not be afraid to wear things because of what other people would think.

E: Spring trend that you can’t stand?

I can’t stand Birkenstocks, which people wear year round here, but more so in the spring. I also don’t like when people wear workout clothes to class. I change between my cycling class and my creative writing class because I can’t stand wearing workout clothes. If there are so many stylish pieces… Why not wear those?

E: Ideal Spring outfit?

ME: Something that’s all black but that still keeps me cool; an all black romper would be cute.

— Kara Thompson

Amber Villahermosa

Hometown:

Honolulu, Hawaii

Major, Grade:

Asian studies and International studies, Junior

Villahermosa’s sense of style is unique because she switches back and forth from casual pieces to more dressed up, girly pieces. Her fashion influences come from a mixture of her Hawaiian roots and interest in the fashion trends happening on the mainland. Villahermosa finds fashion inspiration from her friends and magazines like Vogue. Her ideal spring outfit is a dress or romper with a floppy hat.

Emerald: When did you first become interested in fashion?

Villahermosa: I started to be more aware of what I wear around my sophomore and junior years of high school. I started watching beauty bloggers and wanted to adapt my style to that and express myself through what I wear and how I do my makeup and hair.

E: How has your hometown influenced your style?

AV: Being in Hawaii really influenced my style because it’s a mixing pot of cultures and fashion styles. The weather is pretty much always the same but everyone wants to keep up with the fashion styles on the mainland. We like to wear ripped jeans but also give things a Hawaiian-esque feel, so we wear flowery tops or floral items.

E: How do you describe your style?

AV: I bounce back and forth between laid-back, like skater girl fashion. I like to wear khaki pants that boys would wear and crop-top sweaters or shirts. I also like floral rompers, spring dresses and heels. It really depends on what my mood is for the day and what the weather is like.

E: How do you adapt your style to fit in Eugene?

AV: I have more street fashion here. I like to stay comfortable and dry so that I don’t ruin whatever I’m wearing for the day. If I’m wearing a crop top and high-waisted jeans I wear a nice comfy sweater that will keep me warm and protect me from the rain. I have adapted to more waterproof, but cute outfits being in Eugene.

E: What fashion advice do you have for students?

AV: Go to any store in the mall and grab a bunch of different clothes that you’re not necessarily comfortable wearing, try them on and see how you feel in them. Don’t be afraid to try different styles every now and then because you never know what will interest you or look good on you if you don’t try it.

— Kara Thompson

Macaihah Broussard

Originally from Oregon, Broussard grew up observing the state’s laid-back fashion scene. As he developed an interest in fashion, the world around him became his main source of inspiration. Broussard is striving to promote self-expression through his willingness to take risks and embrace the styles that he loves.

Hometown:

Milwaukie, Oregon

Macaihah Broussard (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)

Major, Grade:

Advertising, Senior

Emerald: When did you first become interested in fashion?

Broussard: I actually dressed really bad all throughout middle school and most of high school. In middle school I wore a lot of oversized shirts and in high school I wore a lot of athletic clothes. I really started to focus more on fashion when I lost 30 pounds and slimmed down a little bit. I became more interested in what was trending during my freshman year of college.

E: How has your hometown influenced your style?

MB: I don’t think Milwaukie has specifically. I would say a lot of my influence have come from my dad. At a young age, he taught me to have an eye for what goes well together. I think that’s kind of fueled me as well as a graphic designer since I take a lot of my inspirations from my surroundings. If it’s seen outside or in the natural world then it will work in a good combo.

E: How do you describe your style?

MB: All of freshman year my friends would joke around and call me Mr. GQ. Now my friends call me hipster or trendy. I don’t intentionally do this or think about it but I always have one piece of clothing that’s a bit out there.

E: How do you adapt your style to fit in Eugene?

MB: I guess a lot of people look at me as a trendsetter. When I think of somebody setting a trend or creating something that’s different, I think of somebody that’s not being afraid and not wanting to hold back. I just kind of wear what I want.

E: Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

MB: I pull inspiration from a lot of different things. It kind of depends on how my day is going and what the weather is like.

E: What fashion advice do you have for students?

MB: Understand that when you’re trying something for the first time, people will question it, but you just have to keep doing it. If you want to rock it, you’ll rock it. Just be confident in what you wear regardless of what people say. I would say just to get out in the world and pay attention to different textures. Be observant of everything that’s not fashion.

— Kara Thompson

Update: An earlier version of this article referred to Macaihah Broussard as a junior. He is a senior. The error has been corrected. 

The post Campus Style: Faces of Fashion appeared first on Emerald Media.

Springtime brings more than just sunny skies and flowers. For many on campus, spring signifies the end of wearing turtleneck sweaters, scarves and winter coats on an everyday basis. More clothing options become available thanks to warmer weather, and most of us feel like we start to get some of our fashion freedom back.

Many college housing setups make organizing your closet and getting prepared for mini skirt weather tricky. Small closets and limited storage space are frustrating to work with, but with a little bit of time and effort, you can find a way to make more room for your spring wear and pack away your winter clothes until next year. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when reorganizing:

Store your winter coats

Winter coats are typically bulky and take up a lot of precious closet space. In order to create more room for your crop tops and mini skirts, find a place to store your coats. You likely won’t need them again until the fall. Try using plastic storage bins, which can usually fit underneath your bed or on top of your closet.

Keep a light rain jacket within reach

It may be warming up, but in Oregon the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It’s not unusual for it to be sunny one minute and pouring down rain the next. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep one light rain jacket in your closet so you’re prepared. Rain jackets are typically thin and won’t take up too much space in your closet or dresser.

Light sweaters are always a good idea

You may want to put the majority of your thick, wool sweaters away, but it’s a good idea to keep a few lightweight sweaters within reach. Keep your brightest colored sweaters available to set the spring mood and store your neutrals.

Color coordinate

It’s a lot easier to put an outfit together in the morning when you know which color shirt you’re looking for. Color coordinating is not only practical, but it makes your closet look more aesthetically pleasing and will save you some time.

Be mindful of hangers  

If you have ever hung up a sweater or a nice shirt only to take it off the hanger and discover that it has creases on it, you’re not alone. Sometimes hangers with grips can be more harmful than they are helpful. Pay close attention to which hangers work best for your clothes. Spaghetti strap shirts work well on hangers with grips whereas sweaters, cotton tees and silky dresses don’t. Try folding your lightweight sweaters and hanging anything other than thin-strapped tanks on hangers without grips.

Switch out your shoes

Tall boots aren’t a spring necessity and can also take up a lot of closet space. Consider storing these boots underneath your bed or in a plastic bin for the spring and summer seasons. It’s best to prioritize space for one or two pairs of booties, sneakers and sandals.

Get creative with storage bins

It’s common for college students to have small spaces to work with when it comes to storage. Plastic bins are great, but there are other options if you can’t place bins in a concealed area. Try a decorative basket or a fabric bin with a simple design on it. These storage options will give you some extra space while adding character to your room.

The post Spring Cleaning: Closet Revamp appeared first on Emerald Media.

Noisette Pastry Kitchen in downtown Eugene is known for its tasty croissants and friendly staff. With desserts, coffee, sandwiches, soup and an evening wine bar, there is something delicious waiting for every customer — but what makes Noisette unique is where many of its ingredients come from.

Visit Noisette Pastry Kitchen at 200 W Broadway. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

Tobi Sovak, owner of Noisette, has sourced many of her bakery products locally since she opened her business in 2012. Having lived in many different places in the U.S. and Europe, Sovak has found that the raw ingredients here in the Willamette Valley are exceptional.

“We have really great access to high quality ingredients and to the people who grow them,” she said. An advantage to sourcing locally includes the ability to communicate with farmers to find out what products are available. Because Sovak has worked with them for so long, she understands which ingredients are best during each season and can change her menu accordingly.

Some of the ingredients she sources locally include grain, produce, dairy, lamb, wine and hazelnuts. Sovak named her pastry kitchen Noisette, the French word for hazelnut, because Oregon is known as the largest hazelnut supplier in the U.S.

Other products, such as cheese, chocolate, vanilla and almonds come from all over the world. “A lot of the products that you would use in a pastry shop have to be sourced from farther away,” Sovak said. “Even though we do source from a lot of local farms, there is so much product that we get from elsewhere.”

The disadvantages of using local ingredients are minimal in Sovak’s opinion. “The only disadvantage would be if the season didn’t go as well as we thought it would,” she said. Because she runs a small business, it’s easy to purchase ingredients from larger sources when problems arise locally.

Noisette has a mouth-watering array of desserts. (Samuel Marshall/Emerald)

However, when sourcing locally, it’s not uncommon to find inconsistencies in the products. Sovak said she would love to find products that are the same shape, size and flavor. She recognizes that’s not always the way nature works though. “When products are at the height of their season we are aware of it and try to use them as frequently as possible,” she said.

Two things Sovak wishes customers knew more about include seasonality and local sourcing. “We try to do our best to educate our customers. Some people care a lot, some care a little and some couldn’t care less, but it’s important to us.”

According to Sovak, having staff and customers who are educated on the seasonal aspects of food is important. Many customers don’t understand that certain foods aren’t always readily available. Seasonal changes affect which ingredients are best.

Read about local vegetarian and vegan restaurants that you don’t want to miss here.

Occasionally, people call in the dead of winter asking for a berry tart. They typically will agree to do it, but then have to buy the ingredients from retail. “It’s not something we prefer to do,” Sovak said. “Everything we serve is in season now, although we can get things that are in season somewhere else in the world.”

It took Sovak a couple of years to adjust to the seasonal differences when she moved from Los Angeles to Eugene, but being knowledgeable on which fruits and vegetables are in season has benefitted her business. One of Sovak’s friends explained how the heavy rainfall in Oregon creates an abundance of gorgeous fruits in the summer. Those fruits are what help her maintain a locally sourced pastry kitchen. 

Next time you visit a bakery or restaurant, consider asking where they locally source their ingredients. 

Read about Eugene truffles here.

The post Noisette Pastry Kitchen: Supporting local farmers appeared first on Emerald Media.

Color processing your hair is not only costly, but can cause more damage than you expect if you aren’t prioritizing your hair’s health. Products, styling tools, brushing habits and water temperature can all contribute to the damage that is caused after having your hair done. Kelly Browne, a hairstylist at Gervais Salon & Day Spa, shared some tips on how to keep your locks healthy after color processing:

1. Use quality products

It’s important to pay attention to what ingredients are in the products you use. Look for products that are low in sulfates and paraben free. Sulfates are a form of salt, which can be abrasive and drying to the hair. Parabens are man-made substances that can cause the hair to have a waxy, coated texture. When both of these are overused, they can compromise the integrity of your locks.

Another thing to consider is how concentrated your hair products are. A lot of products out there are expensive, so you want to make sure they are concentrated. High concentration allows the product to break down in your hands more easily before you apply it to your hair.

In the long run, it will save you to choose products that are going to strengthen your hair. “When you put a lot of money into getting your hair done, I think walking out with a good support system is really important to take home with you,” Browne said.

2. Be gentle with your hair

Be gentle when brushing your hair to avoid damage. (Kevin Doncaster/Flickr)

Any vigorous brushing or pulling of your hair can cause it to break. Likewise, using hot tools too often can contribute to the damage. “When you rip through your hair, you break the elasticity which causes it to be weaker,” said Browne. Having weak hair and putting it through color processing is only going to add to the damage.

If you have tattered or torn hair but want to have it dyed then Browne suggests getting a botanical treatment or mask done. These treatments add proteins and moisturizers back into your hair to make it healthier. Depending on the severity, a series of these treatments may be recommended. Usually within a month the hair will be strong enough to be colored.

3. Use cold water

Most of us love taking hot showers, but when the water is too hot it opens the cuticle, which is the first layer of your hair. An open cuticle can cause the color in your hair to leak out. Additionally, it can be drying because the natural oils are melting out.

If you wash your hair with hot water every day then you are going to see damage. Try to be mindful about how often you wash your hair, but if you have to wash it daily, using cool water is important.

4. Find the right stylist and hair color

Visiting a professional is key when it comes to color processing your hair in a healthy way. “If you have previous highlights in your hair you have to be careful about overlapping the color,” Browne said. This is why it’s important to see someone you trust. “You don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot.”

Browne recommends setting up a consultation beforehand so you can get a feel for what is right for your hair. Be open to more than one option if you are at all concerned about the damage it will cause to your strands.

Another option for those that want a bit of a change without committing to a high expense and potential for damage is to have a few pieces in the front of your hair highlighted. This is a style that will give you the burst of color you’re looking for without breaking your wallet. Make the right choices for your hair and remember that it is okay to be frugal.

The post Coloring your hair? Keep it healthy with these tips appeared first on Emerald Media.

Learning to manage stress is an integral part of student life. When exams, class presentations, homework assignments and job searches take up the bulk of your time, high stress and anxiety levels can become the norm.

Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, which in return initiates positive feelings in your mind and body – something many college students could use more of. 

Chantelle Russell, University of Oregon associate director of physical education, says the impact physical activity can have on stress is huge. Taking care of your body often comes second to getting everything checked off your to-do list and this habit can take its toll on your overall well-being.

A common reason students don’t exercise is because it’s difficult to find time in their schedule. “When you feel stressed, one of your top priorities needs to be maintaining some regularity to your healthy behaviors with sleep, nutrition and exercise being the key components,” Russell said.

Stress is common for many college students. Read this piece about stress on campus.

In order to focus and feel good, your body needs to be taken care of. “When it comes to stress reduction it’s important to listen to your body because sometimes getting exercise in can be stressful,” Russell said.

Maybe you can’t get to the gym every single day, but you can incorporate exercise into your everyday life without much disruption. Try going on a walk to clear your head or doing some simple stretches on your bedroom floor. There are many different ways you can get your body moving without taking too much time out of your day.

The social aspect of exercising can also contribute to stress reduction. Even if you’re just meditating in a yoga class, you’re still surrounded by others who are practicing the same mindfulness alongside you. Russell says this can help with stress reduction because you’re all sharing the same experience. Another example of this would be working with a partner while rock climbing or hiking with friends.

When it comes to finding what type of exercise helps you to most effectively reduce stress, Russell believes it’s very individualized. Some days you might just need time to stretch and other days may require something more intense, like a kickboxing or martial arts class with physical contact.

Russell says that one of the best things about UO’s Student Recreation Center is that it offers many different ways to get your body moving. It’s helpful to change up your workout routine rather than doing the same exercises on a regular basis.

Check out our article about how to beat stress and anxiety here. 

“I highly encourage people to get as much experience doing different physical activities so that they can find different options and find out what works for them,” she said.

Russell’s experience in teaching ranges from yoga to CrossFit, and she has seen many students benefit from stress reduction in her P.E. classes. At the end of each term, students complete a class reflection and many of them comment on their lowered stress without being prompted. 

Finding the time to exercise should be a top priority, especially if you are feeling stressed. When you make time to take care of your body, you may find that many aspects of your life improve. You will feel more focused, refreshed and balanced, and the impact of exercising is much greater than that of coffee or energy bars.

Russell recommends adding a P.E. class to your schedule to create the time to care for your body. Even with a busy schedule, you always have time for what you prioritize.

The post Feeling stressed this week? Exercising can help appeared first on Emerald Media.

Spring break is quickly approaching, and tt can be an exciting time, hinting at the impending summer.  It’s easy to get caught in elaborate plans with friends and before you know it, your flight back to school is a day away and your week of freedom has come to an end.

For those of us on the search for a job, it might be beneficial to exchange music festivals for informational interviews this break. Networking is a crucial part of being a college student because it can present opportunities you may not have otherwise had. The much-needed week off is also the perfect time to consider where you might want to live post-graduation.

Networking has huge benefits and traveling for informational interviews is a perk. Get a sense of what your life would be like if you chose to live and work in a particular city. After all, the most important thing is your happiness and location can play a big role in it.

Here are some ways you can make your spring break productive while still having fun.

1. Travel to your potential “home”

There are so many beautiful and exciting places where you might think you would want to live, there’s a lot more to consider than just aesthetics. Take climate, available transportation, expenses and distance from loved ones into account. It’s easy to feel like you know exactly what you’re doing when you’re 22 years old, but you want to be sure this destination will bring you happiness in the long run.

If you’re applying for jobs all around the U.S., pick one or two of these locations and spend some time exploring the area. Could you see yourself starting a family there? Is it affordable? What are the people like?

It’s good to branch out of your comfort zone and live somewhere new while you’re young, but make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

2. Schedule informational interviews

If talking to professionals in your field of potential work doesn’t excite you, then you probably chose the wrong career path. Informational interviews give you the chance to learn more about the career you’re getting into while also allowing you to network with professionals in the industry. This can give you a good feel for what your life will look like.

Schedule as many interviews as you can and make sure you go prepared with plenty of questions. Research the people you are planning on meeting and cater your questions to them specifically. People love to talk about themselves, and they will be flattered if you show up knowledgeable of their work history.

3. Apartment hunt

Touring apartments might be a productive way to spend some of your time. Many apartments that are listed online have photos that don’t accurately depict what the space looks like. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check out the property in person. The environment you live in is an important part of your decision making when it comes to looking for a job. In order to make sure this is the right place for you, it’s helpful to check out what type of housing you’ll have to choose from.

The post Use spring break to your advantage by networking and traveling appeared first on Emerald Media.

University of Oregon senior advertising student Ahoua Toure’s energy is contagious, and her passion for designing her own clothing line is seen in her fashion. Originally from the Ivory Coast, all of her designs are made with vintage African fabric from her home country. 

“They are really unique patterns that have simple designs,” Toure said. “Whenever I go back home, I try to do as many designs as I can.”

Toure had an artist from her home country paint an image of a strong, African woman on the black fabric of her dress. (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)

Toure moved to North Dakota in high school where she began to design clothing, but she created the majority of her collection last summer. Toure wanted to go to fashion school but her parents weren’t as excited about the idea. She decided to take matters into her own hands by designing clothes for herself. When peers started complimenting her designs, she began to take it more seriously.

“The fashion world is really competitive and crazy. I didn’t want to do anything unless I knew I could bring something unique and I could change the game,” Toure said. “Last fall, I finally decided I should do something about it.”

With her goal in mind, Toure saved over $2,000 and used the money to buy more fabric. She wanted to prove to her parents that she was serious about pursuing a career in clothing design. Toure was nervous to show her parents what she created, but when they saw her designs they started to believe in her.

“It’s definitely a bonus when the people that I love and respect are supporting me.”

Toure begins her design process by sketching in her notebook and writing a short description to accompany each piece. She wants women to feel empowered when they wear her clothing, and the description of each piece captures the unique qualities she instills in each design.

One of the blouses she designed is named “Lola.” A note next to her sketch reads, “Lola is a free spirit woman who is sweet and a little extravagant. Never afraid to try and do everything. Lola is always on the run for a new adventure.” 

Read about other UO entrepreneurs who have started their own clothing lines here.

Toure finds inspiration from her everyday life. “One time my mom was yelling at me and I saw that the patterns on the pillow behind her were really nice,” she said. “They had gold peacock feathers and I thought it would be a really nice fabric.”

Ahoua wearing one of her latest creations, high waisted pants and a crop top. (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)

Eventually, she wants to take her brand to the next level by creating her own fabrics.

Toure has a team of four people in the Ivory Coast that sew her designs. She said they work perfectly together and Toure has a lot of respect for them because she knows how much time it takes to pull the intricate details of each design together.

“The details are really important to me and they can only be done by hand,” Toure said.

Her collection features bright patterns, many of which have Swarovski crystals on them. But Toure says that most people on the Ivory Coast rarely wear African clothing because it is considered to be outdated.

Toure wants to change that because she believes that culture is an important part of everyone’s life. “Once people start wearing my designs and feeling more comfortable, I’m hoping that they will start to love African fabrics more,” she said.

Toure completed over 30 different designs last summer alone. The quality of the designs she makes is especially important to her: She wants the fabrics on the inside of her pieces to be as nice as they are on the outside. For example, a denim jacket she designed has a velvet interior.

“It’s really important to me to deliver the best work possible,” Toure said. “I want the people that buy it to feel like they are investing in it.”

Toure hopes to work in advertising and also own a boutique where she can sell her clothes. Over the summer, Toure completed a 12-credit internship while still designing her own clothes. 

“As long as I want to do something, I will always find time for it.”

Toure tends to choose brightly colored fabrics for her designs. (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)

Follow Kara Thompson on Twitter @karathomp8.
Follow Phillip Quinn on Instagram @phillipquinnphotography.

The post UO student from the Ivory Coast designs clothing to empower women appeared first on Emerald Media.

For many students, moving away from home for the first time and adjusting to college life can mean significant dietary and lifestyle changes. These changes can play a large role in vitamin and mineral intake, affecting your everyday life. Some common symptoms include memory loss, fatigue and a weakened immune system.

According to University of Oregon Medical Director Richard Brunader, an unbalanced diet can contribute to vitamin deficiency. If you haven’t been feeling your best, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in your body may be the reason.

So how do you know if your vitamin intake is at a healthy level? A simple blood test can be done to determine this, and if vitamin deficiency is the cause, you will most likely need to make dietary changes or take supplements.

“If you’re 21 and otherwise healthy, there’s not a strong reason to have blood work done,” Brunader said. However, if you are having symptoms that are causing you to feel run down, he suggests talking to a doctor.

Two of the most commonly deficient vitamins among young adults in Oregon are vitamins B12 and D, according to Brunader. Oregon’s lack of sun contributes to lower levels of vitamin D in the body.

“There just isn’t any sun,” Brunader said. “In the winter it’s worse, and in the summer it can get better.”

Some of the nutritional sources that can increase your vitamin D levels include fish, milk and egg yolks. Vitamin B12 can improve memory and help to limit fatigue. Many vitamins and minerals rely on working together in order for your body to properly absorb the nutrients it needs.

“Vitamin D is important with calcium because it helps calcium absorb into your bones,” Brunader said. “You need adequate amounts of these, especially when you’re young in order to build up your bone mass.”

Brunader doesn’t suggest supplementing unless you have had blood work done. Having excess amounts of certain vitamins and minerals in your body can be more harmful than helpful.

Brunader believes it’s important to understand why you aren’t feeling your best and why the situation happened in the first place. He recommends speaking with a doctor to find out if your situation might be improved by taking supplements.

“We need things at a proper balance,” he said. “If there’s a provider you like, it’s good to stick with them because they get to know you better,” he said. “That two-way communication is critical.”

The length of the deficiency can play a role in how long it will take for those nutrients to build up in your body. According to Brunader, the time it takes to notice a change varies for each individual — everyone is different, but on average it takes as long as one to two months. If you’re not feeling better after a long period of consistently taking supplements, then something else may be contributing to the way you’re feeling.

According to Brunader, vitamin deficiency should be more heavily addressed on campus because the solution to it can be simple. Taking supplements or making dietary changes are easy solutions that can help you get back to feeling your best. 

“Diet can contribute to deficiency in a big way,” he said. “If we have a good outreach on nutrition, we will have less students getting sick.”

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