Name: Kasey Watson

Year: Junior

Major: Accounting with a concentration in Finance

Hometown: Salem, Oregon

How would you describe your style?

Very refined and classic with stripes and lots of blues, greys and neutral subdued tones. A few adjectives that describe my style are soft, subtle, relaxed, blended, comfortable, elegant and muted.

What is your go to outfit when you are running late but still want to look nice?

A nice sweater or long sleeve shirt, jeans and Clark Desert boots; I usually add a nice jacket too if the weather is permitting.

Why do you think it is important to have good style? And to present yourself in such a manner?

I am convinced that it is important to always be presentable so that first impressions are positive and memorable. I live by the philosophy that you never know who you might run into that could be an important opportunity for networking and making connections (perhaps a future employer).

How would you describe Eugene style?

Very eclectic! Due to the diversity of students attending the university, I see quite a few different and unique styles being represented. The greater Eugene style is known as being sort of “Hippie,” but I believe that there is a lot more to it than what people notice right off the bat. Maybe they are looking, but not really seeing.

Has living in Eugene influenced or changed your style?

I wouldn’t say so. I know what I like and I am always adding those items to my wardrobe as I am out and about.

What are some trends you can’t stand or even hate?

For girls definitely the high waisted short shorts! The high waisted shorts remind me of shorts I could see my mother wearing in her flashback Friday photos on Instagram. I just can’t find myself attracted to that style of shorts. Although, I understand that older fashion trends tend to resurface after some time, I wish that wasn’t one of them…

For guys I don’t like it when guys represent other university’s apparel.

What do you want to splurge on next?

A nice watch! Right now I am very fond of the Shore watches with the replaceable wristbands. I’ve been looking into getting one for a while, but I can never decide which I like most and is versatile enough to wear formally and casually.

Favorite places to shop?

Nordstrom, ASOS, Bonds, Jack Wills, J Crew, Banana Republic, Gap, and H&M to name a few.

Who/what influences your style? Where do you take inspiration from?

Carol Tuttle’s energy profiling and dressing your truth. Carol talks about styles that look best on each person in regards to their unique energy profile. Mine happens to be very soft, blended, comfortable and subdued. I have recognized these features of my personality and dress in a way that best reflects those aspects of my identity and character.

Follow Sarah Vella-Labrador on Twitter @SarahKiana95

If you haven’t noticed while walking to class, the winter chill has definitely set in. Check out these five jackets that will keep you warm and stylish this winter. Since all these jackets are $75 dollars and under, it means you can even snag a coffee on your way to class feeling guilt-free.

1.The Chambray Military Jacket

This jacket is a classic twist on the olive green utility jacket, but in denim. The light wash adds an unexpected twist and allows you to pair it with darker denim for some denim-on-denim action. It cinches at the waist to add some shape to the jacket and has tons of pockets to hold everything. This Chambray military jacket also has a hood which, as we all know, is quite necessary for Eugene. This jacket is on sale from $81 dollars to $61 dollars and is available online at Gap.com or in store.

2. The Perfect Slim Quilted Jacket.

This jacket reminds me of the famous luxury brand Burberry. It also appears to look like a hundred bucks, but really it is only $49.95. This means you can get a cute new scarf, too. This jacket will go with everything, and if the plaid design isn’t for you, it also comes in navy blue and black. The quilted consistency will keep you warm while maintaining a feminine shape that some jackets lose when they are quilted. Pair it with a fancy dress, tights and brown leather boots and you’re ready for Thanksgiving with the fam.

3. The Halifax Down Packable Puffer Jacket.

If full on puffy quilting is more your style, check out this style steal. This puffy classic is currently on sale at Kohl’s. It was originally priced at $180 dollars, but has now been reduced to $72 dollars. This jacket looks like the classic Columbia puffy jacket that the brand is so well known for, but it has a colorful stripe down the front where the zipper is. This jacket comes with a carrying case, it is machine washable and it is lightweight. The Halifax Down Packable Puffer Jacket comes in a multitude of colors to stand out from the everyday black jacket.

4. The Zac Draped Jacket

This next jacket I consider to be the queen of all jackets. It appears to be suede, but it is cotton and polyester. The Zac Draped Jacket available from the Tobi style house is a fancy piece for a special occasion. I am partial to this jacket in the burgundy color because since the style of the jacket is bold already, you might as well go full on bold with a bright color (which can be really fun to wear). This jacket has folds in the front which draws the eye and creates a slimming affect. Amazingly enough, this jacket even has two zippered pockets to hide your phone and lipstick. I would definitely recommend wearing this jacket for a date night over a dress and bringing an umbrella since it is not waterproof. This jacket is an amazing find for only $74 dollars, and if you sign up to the Tobi mailing list, you get 50 percent off your first order.

5. Faux Suede Jacket

The next piece is an edgy upgrade to a basic Moto/Aviator style jacket. This faux suede jacket has all the bells and whistles with a cinching belt at the bottom, a faux fur lining throughout and tons of zippered pockets. This piece can be paired with almost anything due to its light color. The fur around the neckline adds to its winter elegance and will definitely keep you warm. Thanks again to Forever 21 for providing us college students with fashionable and affordable clothes. This stylish piece is only $58 dollars and has continuously been selling out. Be sure to snatch this jacket up quickly when the next shipment comes in.

Most professors maintain a pretty conservative sense of style when they’re at work, but every now and then we get professors with superb taste. We might even find ourselves thinking, “Wow, that’s a really nice shirt,” while spacing off in the middle of lectures. This closet profile honors one of those classy professors: Michael Allan of the Comparative Literature Department. “He has pretty good taste, especially in shoes,” said his former student LaDara Brydson. Here’s our interview:

How would you describe your style?

Cobbled together.

How do you feel about student’s outfits? Do teachers ever get jealous when students come to class wearing sweatshirts and Ugg boots?

With all due respect to my wonderful students, I’m rarely jealous of their clothing choices, especially if such choices involve sweatpants and Ugg boots. That said, I did have to interrupt lecture once to acknowledge how amazing a student’s cat print hat and matching cat print tank were. I suppose I can’t help but notice clothing with animals, indie bands or unicorns.

In your opinion how important is it to look professional on campus?

Oregon seems to accommodate multiple definitions of what constitutes professional. I’m certainly no fan of the corporate menswear uniform, but it works for some.

What’s your go to outfit for when you need to look nice but are in a crunch for time?

Jeans, boots and a button-down shirt.

What is your favorite item in your closet?

My dinosaur print socks.

Where do you shop?

This part feels more like a confession, especially considering the frightening conditions under which my mass-produced clothing is probably manufactured: Uniqlo, H&M, Jack & Jones, Pull & Bear, Zara … and am I allowed to admit Target?

A more general question: what do you teach and why are you passionate about it?

I teach comparative literature (French/Arabic/English) and have always been drawn to art, philosophy, literature, music and film, as well as international relations, politics and global history. Comparative literature is a discipline that helps me fuse together all of these interests and if I might say so myself, our department has some of the coolest undergraduates on campus.

Follow Sarah Vella-Labrador on Twitter @SarahKiana95

Wednesday night, a fox, a Cleopatra, a sailor and many more creative costumes hit the runway in the Erb Memorial Union Ballroom at the very first Second-Hand Zombies: The Salvaged Costume Show. This fashion show featured creative thrift store costumes from Kitsch-22, Custom Cranium and Buffalo Exchange. The event was orchestrated by two campus publications, Her Campus Oregon and Envision.

Upon entering the ballroom, one saw a row of tables stocked with snacks and plastic spiders. Immediately to the right, Envision and Her Campus members hosted booths with information about their publications. Two of the thrift store sponsors had small booths set up in the back as well. As promised, Buffalo Exchange came with a rolling rack full of costumes available for purchase, ranging from a full-body inflatable getup that makes whoever wearing it appear to be riding an ostrich, to a sexy police outfit and a table full of wigs, crazy glasses and masks.

“We buy costumes year round, but there is always an increase of costumes dropped off in October and November. We offer 30 percent cash back or 50 percent trade in-store,” said Buffalo Exchange employee Janelle Derven.

Custom Cranium’s table was filled with spooky animal claws, bones and fur. Darien Goldman, a Custom Cranium employee, stated that everything they make is real and handmade. All animals died of a natural death, so no animals were harmed in the making of these items.

Audience members enjoyed popcorn from an old-fashioned popcorn maker and Luna bars, which were placed on every seat, as they waited for the show to start. Soon enough, DJ Good Vibes stopped his techno music set so that the two hosts of the night, UO students Jordan Hathorne and Jacob Salzberg, welcomed Kalen Wolf of UO’s Comedy Club to the stage. Wolf kept the audience laughing about everything from grandmas to her lack of style.

When Wolf finished her set, the music changed, the lights dimmed and the first set of models from Kitsch-22 took over the runway. First a dress with glow-in-the-dark designs, followed by a Cleopatra, a Maleficent, a Catwoman and a Wednesday Addams, among others. Next were the Buffalo Exchange costumes, including a cupcake, a few hippies and a skeleton body-con dress. In addition to their costume, each model wore costume makeup resembling faces of the undead, thus the show’s name: Second-Hand Zombies.

The last set of models flaunted Custom Cranium’s animal furs. One of the more memorable ones was the first: a fox fur, complete with the head, tail, limbs and claws, draped over model Jesi Wu’s face and shoulders. Wu said it was warm, heavy and smelled strange. The retail price of the fox fur is a whopping $1,200.

Once the show was over, the models walked back out on stage to shower the audience in confetti and express gratitude to the event’s coordinator, Alison Jelden, with a bouquet.

The show was an effort to raise awareness and support Eugene’s thrift movement. When asked what she loves about thrift shopping, Wu said, “Knowing there is a story behind every piece of clothing, like why someone bought it and chose to give it away.” Overall, the event was successful in inspiring and encouraging audience members to buy their costumes at one of the many thrift stores in Eugene this Halloween.

With Halloween right around the corner, everyone is trying to figure out their costumes. This year, if you’re on a budget, but still want to look great, snag some inspiration from the models at the Second-Hand Zombies: The Salvaged Costume Show this Wednesday (October 22) in the EMU ballroom. This event will be showcasing the many creative ways to put together costumes from local thrift store finds. Some of the local thrift stores include Buffalo Exchange, Kitsch-22, Custom Cranium and The Clothes Horse.

This fashion show is the first thrift fashion show orchestrated and organized by Envision and Her Campus Oregon. While each publications’ primary focus is different, they came together to create a unique event for the students at the University of Oregon. “Envision is an environmentally focused publication and Her Campus specializes in fashion, among other things, so combining the missions of both just made sense,” said Heather Baldock. Baldock works for both organizations and helped bring the two publications together for the event.

Make sure to get there when the doors open at 6 p.m. to enjoy the photo booth, Luna bars, popcorn, apple cider and candy. If the fashion show inspires you and puts you in the shopping mood – before or after the show people will be able to purchase costumes from Buffalo Exchange, Kitsch-22 and Custom Cranium.

While the fashion show doesn’t start until 7 p.m., DJ Good Vibes will be holding it down with live tunes until the UO Comedy Club starts the fashion show with a laugh.

Both Her Campus Oregon and Envision are comprised of college students who recognize how hard it can be to stay on a budget, whether it’s Halloween or not. That’s why there will be a donation box where people can drop off any gently used clothing at the thrift fashion show. All the clothing will be directly donated to the Lane Community Closet.“The Lane Community Closet is a free used clothing closet that’s donated by Lane students and worn by Lane students,” said Alison Jelden director of Public Relations at Envision who helped facilitate the fashion show. “It’s an example how students care for other students and support thrift clothing. It’s a great program for students to use and Envision would love to see a program like this at the UO campus.” This closet, also known as the “No-Cash Clothing Stash” serves the student body by allowing any student who takes one credit to pick up five adult items a week and five children’s items per week.

Even though it isn’t Halloween yet, and you might not quite feel in the mood for giving thanks quite yet, donations both monetary and clothing will be gratefully accepted.

The Second-Hand Zombies: The Salvaged Costume Show has been in the makings since last spring and is guaranteed to be full of creative costumes, great music, good times and food. Be there or be scared!

Post your creative thrift finds and costumes on Instagram and tag us @EmeraldFashion

If there’s one thing I have learned from college culture it’s that Halloween in college is very different from Halloween in elementary school. In college you are more likely to freeze your butt off in your skimpy DIY Halloween costume and binge on Jell-O shots and candy corn the whole week. Back in the good old days you would buy a costume and hit the town with mom, dad and your whole squad in tow.

While each year pop culture changes and brings about new ideas for who to impersonate for Halloween, try and steer clear of these tired classics.

1. The Cat — The cat seems to remain a staple year after year. One reason this costume is always a hit is because most of the pieces can be easily found in your closet, and because black is a flattering color on everyone. This year if you insist on being a cat maybe go tabby cat or calico … get some color in there.

2. The Firefighter — While this costume varies in its articles of clothing, two things remain the same: boots and suspenders. Yes, this costume does flatter your upper body but it is so overused! Maybe bring sexy back in the form of another public service official this year.

3. The Native American — While I must admit I dabbled in this trend last year I highly recommend steering clear of anything in reference to cowboys or Indians. No matter what politically correct term you try to convey, someone will be offended. So take it from me and avoid the cultural appropriation.

4. The Hippie — Hey man, bonus points for trying to stay trippy but the hippy is so typical. Plus, while you’re walking around Eugene “trick or treating” on Halloween night some of the resident homeless may try to claim you as their new friend. Some of the locals might be very interesting people with cool stories, but remember, whatever you do, do not eat their candy!

5. Mean Girls — Yes everyone loves the movie and will totally get your costume reference, but try a new movie this year! If you need a hint about what characters are popular this year, check out our Film & TV section. Lastly, Halloween is not on Wednesday … so no pink!

I hope you all have a safe and festive Halloween, don’t forget to tag your outfit pictures to #Emeraldfashion on Instagram.

Follow Sarah Vella-Labrador on Twitter @SarahKiana95

Name: Emily Chounlamany

Year: Sophomore

From: Seattle, Washington

I would describe my style as: Sophisticated and simple with bold accents. The predominant color in my wardrobe is grey.

Favorite trends: One of my favorite trends would be the bohemian look. I like it but it’s not really my style. Instead of going full boho, I like to play around with solid and different patterns in small doses. Another trend I admire is the classic laid-back look, for example oversized sweaters, thin cardigans and rolled up jeans with short boots. I wear more loose and baggy pieces.

Favorite places to shop: Since I worked at Nordstrom this summer I have been able to broaden my perspectives on style. I have been able to keep tabs on latest style changes and trends. Some of the trends I noticed at Nordstrom this summer was lots of leather and moto leggings. This allowed me explore my own sense of style and play around with the young sophisticated look I created for myself. When it comes to shopping, I am very meticulous about the pieces I purchase; for example, cardigans and sweaters that are versatile make it easy for me to dress it up and down. Also, as a college student I have found pleasure in shopping at Target and H&M for fabulous deals and hidden gems.

My Dream Purchase: Shoes. I would love to own Dolche Vita wedges or boots.
Eugene Style is: Bold, because you get a variety and a mix of different styles. Bold on campus ranges from abstract colors to neutral layers.

Favorite trends for guys: I like the simple look on guys so jeans and a Henley T-shirt.

When it becomes winter I will be sad to put away: Crop Tops

When I wake up late and want to look cute my favorite go to outfit is:
Leggings paired with a loose blouse and I would quickly throw on a sweater or cardigan with combat boots. The result of this outfit is a look that is both effortless and comfortable.

Tove Lo recently released her first major album, titled Queen of the Clouds, on September 30. She is currently best known for the track Habits (Stay High), which is also included on her new album. Tove Lo is still breaking into the American scene, as she originally hails from Stockholm, Sweden (like her famous friend, DJ Alesso).

Tove Lo, born Tove Ebba Elsa Nilsson, has written songs for Icona Pop, Cher Lloyd and many other artists. In Europe, Tove Lo is having a major moment; she is scheduled to go on tour with Katy Perry until December, and she also just wrapped up a quick tour in the US. Her own music can be classified as pop, alternative and electropop. Currently, Tove Lo’s song Habits, remixed by Hippie Sabotage, has over 65 million views on YouTube, and her other songs are on the rise as well.

Tove Lo announced that Queen of the Clouds is broken into three parts based on the pattern she noticed in her love life: the sex, the love and the pain. Her album is composed of 16 songs and opens with “The Sex (Intro).” Toward the middle of the album, there is a song titled “The Love (Interlude),” and the final track is a song titled “The Pain (Interlude).” On these three tracks, Tove Lo simply speaks her mind on what these three parts mean to her. They are short and simple, but speak powerful words to what these three things do to humans in relationships.

On the track “Talking Body,” Tove Lo sings about a physical attraction to someone. What makes her song unique is the way she uses her gentle voice to surprise the listener with sudden swearing: “If you love me right, we fuck for life.”

Tove Lo also displays her gentle voice contrasted by bold lyrics in the song “Moments”: “I, I’m not the prettiest you’ve ever seen. But I have my moments, I have my moments. Not the flawless one, I’ve never been. But I have my moments, I have my moments. I can get a little drunk, I get into all the don’t’s but on good days I am charming as fuck.” In this song, Tove Lo is both realistic and inspiring, something more female artists should learn to balance in their songs.

As a whole, Queen of the Clouds is a breath of fresh air in the world of female pop artists. Her music is perfectly catchy (yes, it will get stuck in your head) with its electric roots, infused with a heavy backbeat that will make powering through a workout easy.

Every freshman living on campus has this moment: You walk into your dorm room, only to realize it really is a shoebox and you overpacked. Try these nine tips to maximize your closet space this year.

1. Slim hangers: Skinny hangers are lightweight and ideal for a cramped closet. Most of these hangers also have a small hook that hook onto the adjoining hanger, making the most out of a tight closet space. They’re also available in a variety of colors.

2. Locker shelves: If you thought you left these shelves behind in middle school along with your Abercrombie and Fitch stamped clothing, think again. Locker shelves serve as an easy and affordable way to add additional shelving space to your closet. You can put these stackable shelves at the bottom of your closet in the empty space where shorter items such as T-shirts hang.

3. The burrito technique: Also known as a “ranger roll”, this technique is an alternative way to fold your clothes. First, flatten out the shirt and fold the sleeves in. Take the bottom of the shirt and fold it under about five inches to create a cuff. Next, fold one half of the shirt inward and bring the other side on top of it. Start tightly rolling the shirt from the top (opposite of the cuff) until you get to the cuff. Now, take the cuff and wrap it around the shirt, and you’ll have your own T-shirt burrito.

4. Roll your sweats: In high school, sweat pants might have been looked down upon, but in college they are a necessity. Instead of simply folding them in half, try rolling them up. Simply smooth the pants out and fold one side over and roll from the bottom up (like a sleeping bag).

5. Hanging shoe rack: A shoe rack might look cheesy, but it’ll save you space and time, because you’re far too busy to dig through random shoes to find your favorite pair. If you have extra slots, you can also use them for accessories. Before you hang your shoe rack on the back of the door, make sure to talk with your roommate and see if they’re okay with it.

6. Ship seasonally: Have your parents send your springtime wardrobe when the season approaches. But, remember to ship them back the clothes you aren’t wearing anymore

7. Tiny T’s: If the burrito technique isn’t for you, try this compact folding technique. After flattening out the shirt, fold it in half, tuck the sleeves in, now fold it in half and then fold it in half once more.

8. Under bed storage: You can utilize the room under your bed for storage with bed risers. These are available for purchase at Grab ‘n’ Go Market in the Hamilton Dining Complex.

9. Space Bags: These bags are perfect for after winter. You simply stuff these oversized, Ziploc-like bags with your clothes and vacuum out the air. They’re truly lifesavers; they shrink down to a small, flat size which can easily fit under your bed.

Most of the items listed above can be found at Target or Bed Bath & Beyond.

‘Tis the season for freshmen to descend upon campus, begin the transition into dorm life, live away from home and, of course, search for restaurants in their new town. The Emerald asked freshmen and upperclassmen alike what places they would recommend and where they want to explore.

Thirteenth Avenue boasts a wide variety of food and shops with everything from pizza, burritos and burgers to Asian cuisine and gyros. When students crave a break from dorm food, there are plenty of great options to explore.

If you’re looking for tasty, affordable Thai food, try Sweet Basil Cafe. “Sweet Basil is great for Thai. They’re good and cheap,” said sophomore Christina Joseph. The environment in Sweet Basil is calm and casual. It is the perfect place to read and dine.

Be sure to head to Dough Co. to satisfy your late night pizza cravings with a made-from-scratch calzone. Dough Co. delivers ’til 3 a.m., making it the perfect place to call after campus and downtown restaurants have closed. If you are craving something sweet, Dough Co. has you covered with oven-warm cookies and milk. “Peanut butter cookies from Dough Co. are great,” senior Mike O’Dell said.

Thirteenth Avenue has some great cafes and places to get your caffeine buzz on, but what about pastries? If you’re searching for a great flaky croissant, try Espresso Roma.“Espresso Roma has great pastries; they are fantastic. I am a baker, so it is very important to me,” said freshman Amber Cecil.

As students from across the country and around the world settle into life in Eugene, the differences in culture may come as a surprise to some and a welcome change for others. “Thirteenth has many hippies,” Rodolfo Ruela of Brazil said. “They are very interesting to talk to because they come from all over the U.S.”

Once you feel ready to go explore off-campus, don’t worry about the social scene. “It’s clean and not as busy and everyone in the community is very friendly,” said Erin Dolan, a freshman from Philadelphia. While dorm food is comparable to restaurant quality, going out to eat can be a great way to change scenery and familiarize yourself with the culture of Eugene.