Inspired by organic and natural fiber and hemp material, Loralee Harding began her business, Circle Creations, at age 18. Harding is self-taught. Learning from friends and sewing books helped Harding’s career take off.

“It was a natural occurrence, sewing was something I was good at.”

Similarly, couple James Breech and Karen Cross began Trust Hemp, a sustainable culmination of clothing, chocolate and jewelry. Circle Creations, Trust Hemp and a third business, Watermelon Kids, own and operate the store Trillium, located at 3235 Donald St.

The store has a variety of items and the ability to draw in a wide audience because they sell children’s and adult clothes. “We attract people who are interested in buying organic with the ethic to shop local,” Harding said.

Eco fashion began to take off about six or seven years ago. That is when these designers began to see their designs for eco-friendly organic clothing take off. During this time Etsy also began to grow, allowing these business to start selling their items online.

Each business started out selling their items at local markets, such as the Saturday Market in Eugene. They then opened Trillium roughly two years ago. “The store is great, because now everything is together and it’s simplified,” Cross said.

All the people involved in these businesses have been friends for a while making Trillium an easy, cooperative working place. “We’ve all been friends for a long time, it’s been a hybrid cooperative thing. It seems to work really well,” Breech said. “You have to love the people you work with,” he continued.

Cross’ inspiration for creating her own clothing company started out with her crocheting. She then began adding fabric and from there, started making clothing. It evolved the past 15 years to the point she is at today. Cross makes each of her pieces one at a time, so each item is extremely unique.

“I really enjoy the process, I don’t really mind how long it takes,” Cross said.

Cross has a strong relationship with her customers and enjoys doing custom orders. If one of her customers has a hole in one of her designs she will patch it up for them, or re-dye it if there is a stain. The strong customer relationship, the uniqueness of the clothing and the ability to produce locally is what makes this store different than many others. Each business strongly emphasizes the importance of making sure they do their best to remain a sustainable business.

As a way to keep their business sustainable, Cross saves all of her scraps and makes other pieces from her scraps. If she can’t use the scraps because they are too small, she saves them until she has a good amount and then will sell her small scraps on Craigslist for someone else to use.

Harding said that her favorite part of owning and operating her own business is  being able to interact directly with the customer.

“I enjoy the exchange and appreciation that people have for locally made stuff,” Harding said.

Clothing styles and popular trends are in flux, however, style at the University of Oregon hasn’t evolved as much as you might have thought. After flipping through decades of archived photos from past yearbooks, it is evident that there are styles present on campus today that were a hit way back when.

Combat boots then:

Combat boots now:

Junior Reyn Yeager. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Freshman Pei Xuefei. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Long jackets then:

Long jackets now:

First year Eman Almaghoouth. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Sophomore Yiren Wang. (Courtney King/Emerald)

High-waisted jeans then:

High-waisted jean now:

Sophomore Sarah Blanchard. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Flannel then:

Flannel now:

Sophomore Haley Stupasky. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Dressing up then:

Dressing up now:

Staff Member Jordan Guess. (Courtney King/ Emerald)

Staff Member Angel Ochoa. (Courtney King/Emerald)

You either love it or you hate it. There rarely seems to be a happy medium when it comes to Valentine’s Day. But whether you are headed out on a dinner date, or going out with friends to run the town (queue Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,”) Valentine’s Day calls for something special. If nothing else, the holiday is a wonderful excuse to get dressed up and wear that dress you ordered last year and still sits in the back of your closet.

When it comes to fashion, Valentine’s Day can get tacky pretty fast. To avoid looking like a first grade teacher, be sure to keep your outfit simple. Though what you choose to wear is completely up to you, here are a few ideas that won’t have you feeling overly clichéd for dressing up on Valentine’s Day.

Out on a dinner date:

Though we all go out to dinner more than once a year, why not take the chance to get a little more dressed up and really “wow” your date. If you are looking to stand out I would stay away from red or pink, seeing as just about everyone and their mother will be dressed in those colors. For something feminine and flirty try a patterned skater dress. Pair that with wedges, or booties (ones you can actually walk in) and a bold red lipstick. To give the look a bit more of an edge, throw on a leather jacket.

Guys: A nice pair of khakis and a button up. Add a tie if you feel like being a bit more formal. But, please, don’t wear your dirty old Nike’s.

Going out with friends:

If you’re going on a group date or out with friends, dress up your usual skinny jeans. Dark-wash jeans are a bit more formal than light-wash so grab a pair of those, and do your best to stay away from distressed jeans. Pair the jeans with a chiffon top to keep it dressy and add a black blazer or something of the sort. Add some black booties, and layer a few gold necklaces to make your outfit a bit more glamorous.

Gents: Jeans are acceptable (no sagging allowed) and a button up.

 Staying in:

When staying in comfort is key, but comfortable doesn’t mean you have to look like a bum.

Ladies: Try a slouchy off-the-shoulder shirt. Or, try a T-shirt with a low back.  Combine the top with a pair of jeans or leggings if you are really going for comfort.

Gents: Jeans and a t-shirt are totally acceptable.

So, whatever you choose to wear just make sure you are confident, because that is the key to looking your best!

Dead lifting 165 pounds is nothing out of the ordinary for Ava Connolly, though it’s not something many might expect from this 5-foot-2-inch sophomore. She hits the gym like many other students on campus. However, she does so for an unexpected reason: Connolly is motivated by her bodybuilding career.

“So many people are like, ‘That’s crazy,’”she said. However, for Connolly, bodybuilding has been a seamless lifestyle transition, and for that she is grateful.

In May, Connolly will compete in the bikini division of the National Physique Committee competition. During the competition, Connolly will wear a two-piece swimsuit and high heels. According to the NPC competition website, bikini division competitors will be judged on presentation — competitors will walk onstage alone and perform their “model walk.”

Some of the things Connolly said the judges look for include skin complexion, tone, confidence and body symmetry.

Another UO student, Lee Blachly, a fifth-year senior, also competes in the NPC competitions. He started lifting when he was 18 and competed in his first NPC competition at 20. He competes in the body building division but hopes to also compete in the men’s physique division in the future.

“I would love to go do a pro show some day for men’s physique,” Blachly said.  ”Modeling gigs come from that.”

Blachly described the competition in a phone interview as a “freak show” backstage.

“Backstage, everyone is tan, oiled up. It’s fun to be a part of,” he said.

The competition is 16 weeks away and both Connolly and Blachly have started their training. Connolly is at the Student Recreation Center six days a week lifting weights for an hour at a time. She supplements her weight lifting with cardio two to three times a week. “I am like the only girl who weight lifts consistently in the rec which is kinda sad,” she said in a phone interview.

Connolly also has a strict diet that she follows. “From now on I have to be really serious. I can’t veer off my schedule,” Connolly said.

Blachly started his diet a month ago.

“The hardest part is having to eat constantly so I don’t lose weight,” Blachly said. “It gets expensive, too.”

Connolly was previously in UO ROTC and has run multiple half-marathons, so this intense training is nothing new for her.

However, she said, “I was by no means born with any special genetics.”

Blachly enjoys competing for fun. It keeps him focused and allows him to succeed in other aspects of his life due to the strict schedule. “If anyone is going to be successful you have to enjoy the training and dieting,” Blachly said.

Connolly would love to qualify for nationals in 2014 and get sponsored by a major company such as Muscle Pharm or Quest Nutrition.

“I’ll do a couple more shows before I go to nationals. After that, I’m not sure. Becoming pro is extremely difficult and a full-time job,” she said.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week began on Thursday in New York where some of the biggest designers began showcasing their fall/winter 2014 collections. The Lincoln Center, which serves as the central hub for this event, is filled with fashion gurus and celebrities alike. Ready or not designers have already got your fall/winter trends picked out for next year.

Here are my thoughts on what has come down the runway thus far.

Day 1:

The red dress show has become a traditional kickoff to New York Fashion Week since 2002. Thursday evening instead of models, actresses and performers walked the runway in red dresses. Many designers, including Zac Posen and Carolina Herrera, contributed these red dresses specially for this show to raise awareness of women battling heart disease.

So far we have seen many designers sticking with muted neutral colors for the most part. Asymmetrical seems to be a rather common theme. Models sported long layered looks by BCBG, Nicholas K, and more. Nicholas K had a predominantly black and white collection with a grungy feel models walking the runway in black combat boots. Leather and fur were seen as accents throughout the collection. Raoul’s collection was comprised largely of muted colors with an emphasis on structure and texture.  Creatures of the Wind’s, Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters, used a wider range of color. Most of the collection seemed to take on a boxy feel and consisted of long, slightly oversized pieces. Tadashi Shoji had a romantic collection of evening wear. Bold colors including reds and purples were used to creating an elegant feel.

Day 2:

Kate Spade, Jason Wu, Rebecca Minkoff and Trina Turk were among the many to show their collections on Friday. Trina Turk brought color to the table, a refreshing change from the popular muted colors. Models were sent down the runway wearing a multitude of patterns. Models also wore a selection of newsboy hats. Jason Wu had a collection that emphasized purple, in many shades. Silky textures were also prominent in his show.  Rebecca Minkoff had a very versatile combination of pieces, but all with a sort of boyfriend style.

Day 3:

The morning started off with Ruffian, Lacoste and Jill Stuart to name a few. Ruffian’s collection was a culmination of religious silhouettes and rich fabrics. Full skirts in soft colors and floral patterns offered a nice contrast to the collection. Clean lines and simplicity were the major themes in the Lacoste collection.

Shows will continue through Feb. 13

Name: Hannah Arrigoni

Year: Sophomore

Major: Pre-journalism

Hometown: Seattle, Wash.

Arrigoni appreciates many different styles and can’t define her style specifically. “It changes,” she said, also adding that her fashion is often influenced by music and movies. “If I watch a movie or listen to a song, my style might be influenced by that.”

How would you describe your personal style?: Arrigoni said she has a versatile style that changes daily and is based on her mood. Some days she will describe her style as preppy and other days as more grungy.

Hobbies: ”I am super into art, painting and drawing.”

Key items in your closet: “Definitely black high-wasted pants.”

Favorite place to shop: Free People, Anthropologie and Crossroads Trading Company.

Trends you like right now: Layered necklaces.

Trends you hate right now: Leggings as pants. “Longer shirts over leggings is fine but flat out as pants is not chill.”

How would you describe Eugene style: Arrigoni described Eugene style as a mix of things. A comfortable, yet weird style. People like to look good but also want to be comfortable.”Very urban kind of grungy looks but also very preppy looks.”

The energy and effort put into the rebirth of downtown has inspired two friends to open up a store on Eighth Avenue and Willamette Street, Heritage Dry Goods and Plume Red.

“I love these kinds of stores. They are unique and very Eugene,” Gena Adair, a fan of the two shops, said.

PH (Plume Red and Heritage Dry Goods) is a culmination of a bright open space beautifully crafted goods and an assortment of things to catch the eye. This amusing store is owned and operated by two friends, Nicole Desch and Cindy Matherly.

The two met each other about four years ago because their children attended the same daycare. After talking they realized they both had the idea of opening up a store, so decided to do it together. Desch owns Heritage Dry Goods and Matherly owns Plume Red.

Desch and Matherly have been working for about two years figuring out the logistics of opening up the store. They signed their lease for their downtown location last April and opened their doors to the public in August.

Plume Red supplies the store with items that have a European flare, while Heritage Dry Goods focuses on American-made products. What are technically two different stores work cohesively to create a fascinating place to shop.

“It’s just an inviting store to be in. They have done a nice job,” Adair said.

Portuguese toothpaste and Lithuanian linens are among the many unique items the store carries. There are so many different products that the store has the ability to appeal to a wide audience. The owners are constantly seeking out new products to bring in and so the items in the store are constantly changing.

Molly Adair came in seeking out a safety razor. “The shaving stuff has been a huge area that has really increased in interest,” Desch said.

Since opening, the store has been extremely successful. The success of the store comes from a lot of time commitment, especially when the owners are also the only employees.

Both owners are mothers to young boys and are constantly juggling work life and family life. “We are trying to keep everyone somewhat sane,” Matherly said. Even when they are not in the store they are actively scouting out new vendors, new products and working to build relationships with other business in the area.

The owners are continuously working to change the perception of downtown Eugene. “One of the biggest challenges has been trying to shift people’s ideas of what downtown is,” Desch said.

The owners have thoroughly enjoyed watching and participating in the rebirth of downtown. “We are excited to be apart of it,” Matherly said. “And I think other people see that.”

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Name: Spice Walker

Year: Junior

Major: Advertising

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Spice Walker is inspired by her friends and draws on her surroundings to create a style that varies. Walker’s style changes on a day-to-day basis and is a direct reflection of her mood.

How would you describe your personal style: “A mix between Oregon’s style and Los Angeles. It’s a bit casual, but I also like to keep it sophisticated. I always wear lipstick, though; that’s a constant.”

Hobbies: Concerts, going to plays, reading, writing.

Favorite place to shop: Forever 21, H & M, Urban Outfitters. “You find the best pieces at thrift shops though, so I love shopping at value village or Buffalo Exchange.”

Trends you like right now: Pencil skirts, delicate accessories and artistic prints.

Trends you hate: “Can’t stand the fuckin’ cut outs of dresses where it’s like mesh and cut outs; it’s just all too much.”

Name: Oliver Alexander

Year: Senior

Major: Business entrepreneurship

Hometown: Medford, Ore.

Looking to make your wardrobe a bit more professional? Look no further than to senior, Oliver Alexander. One of the founders of Orchid Health Collective, Alexander knows how to incorporate professionalism in his personal style.

 Describe your personal style: Business, casual hipster.

 Hobbies: “I’m really into starting companies, but I’m also a fan of golfing and playing volleyball when I’ve got time.”

 Recent purchase you love: “I bought a Ralph Lauren patterned winter sweater which I really like. Also, I recently purchased some Sorel suede chukkas which are ridiculously comfortable.”

 Trends you like right now: ”Cool socks. Everyone is starting to toss out the solid color socks and go for the pattern or image socks. Also, the elbow pads on shirts and sweaters are great.”

 Trends you hate right now: “I can’t get into high wasted jeans, if you know what I mean.”

How you describe Eugene style: “Eugene style is dependent on where you are. On campus, it varies a ton but off campus I’d say it’s kind of like REI crossed with a hippy.”

Gone are the days of being called “four-eyes” or “nerd.” The once dorky accessories are now making a statement in the fashion world. Glasses are being spotted across campus and are being worn as a fashionable accessory. Black square glasses and thick rims seem to be making a statement on campus.

Sophomore Siyang Wang. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Siyang Wang

Year: Sophomore

Major: Business

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since age seven.”

Junior Shanice Brown. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Shanice Brown

Year: Junior

Major: Sociology

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since second grade.”

Staff member Sam Bethel. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Sam Bethel

Year: Staff

How long have you been wearing glasses: “For about four years.”

Junior Nick Sugiyama (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Nick Sugiyama

Year: Junior

Major: Digital arts

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since elementary school.”

Junior Carey Greiner (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Carey Greiner

Year: Junior

Major: Advertising

How long have you been wearing glasses: “ I Just got them this winter break.”

Freshman Corbin Pforsich. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Corbin Pforsich

Year: Freshman

Major: Undeclared

How long have you been wearing glasses: “About 10 years.”

American English Institute student Yun-Yun Lee. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Yun-Yun Lee

Year: N/A

Major: American English Institute student

How long have you been wearing glasses: “About 10 years, I usually wear contacts though.”

Sophomore Nicole Vorsaph. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Nicole Vorsaph

Year: Sophomore

Major: General Social Science

How long have you been wearing glasses: “One year.”

Freshman Morgan Hegarty (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Morgan Hegarty

Year: Freshman

Major: Journalism

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since I was four, so 14 years.”

Junior Ben Bailey. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Ben Bailey

Year: Junior

Major: Journalism

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since first grade.”

Junior Spice Walker. (Courtney King/Emerald)

Name: Spice Walker

Year: Junior

Major: Advertising

How long have you been wearing glasses: “Since I’ve been blind, which has been forever.”