Brianna Buziak
The Silhouette
All over campus you can hear the buzz of students and faculty alike talking about the upcoming homecoming game against the Waterloo Warriors this Saturday. If you’re anything like me, you got your ticket well in advance, but forgot one thing: McMaster gear.
Going to homecoming in any other colour scheme besides maroon and grey might give off the impression that your loyalty is with another team. To ensure that no one assumes my support lies with our competition, a trip to the Campus Store was definitely in order. If much like this devoted Marauder who left her colours back home, here are last minute items to add to your homecoming wardrobe.
The Triple Tee Pack
In addition to this being a great way to save costs, if you’re a first year and are looking for some staple items to contribute to your McMaster clothing collections, check out this pack.
For $29.95 (plus tax) you get three McMaster University t-shirts in white, grey and maroon. If you don’t need all three, split with a couple friends. Be sure to layer these shirts with a long sleeve shirt of another colour to keep warm, otherwise you’ll be making trips to DBAC every ten minutes to warm up.
Circle Crest
The Circle Crest sweater, available as either a hoody or a crew neck, will keep you warm and cozy during the long game. Wearing one of these will not make your outfit stand out (as almost every student has this sweater in at least one of the four colours available) but it is one of those timeless McMaster pieces that you will wear over and over again. Both styles are available at the Campus Store for $29.95.
Classic Marauder Baseball Cap
In the off chance that the sun decides to show up to help cheer on the Marauders, be prepared with the Marauder baseball cap. With an embroidered crest on the front and the “Fear the Bird” slogan on the back, you’ll be able to enjoy the game without worrying about a glare or an awkward face burn in the middle of October. The hat is $21.95 plus tax, but worth it to prevent your nose from experiencing an intense sunburn the week before Thanksgiving.
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All these items are articles of clothing that you have probably already seen around campus. This year, The Campus Store starting carrying items referred to as “cheer gear.” If you wish to stand out from the crowd at homecoming, but still show your marauder spirit, these new pieces may be for you. Or not…
MAC Daddy Fedora
The name pretty much says it all. For $8.50 plus tax, this polyester suede hat may not completely protect you from potential sunburn, but it will ensure you look like “that guy” while you watch McMaster defeat the Warriors.
Handlebar Moustache
Ever wanted to know what you would look like with a moustache, especially with Movember coming up so soon? This is your chance! Campus Store has a maroon handle bar moustache for those who wish to test out the facial hair waters while supporting their favourite football team.
Furry Leg Warmers
I’m honestly speechless.
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Bags
Forever21 = Studded Clear Tote $23.80
This lightweight clear tote is ideal for those lazy days at the beach.
Dresses
H&M = Patterned Dress $24.95
Go wild for this bold patterned dress. Not only is the price great, but you can feel great by doing the environment right: this dress is made from 100% recycled material.
Shorts
Target = Frayed Dip Dye Shorts $19.99
Get in the summer spirit with these brightly dyed shorts. Target has an array of colours to go with any summer style.
Hats
Aritzia = Talula Pelham Hat $28
Stay sun-safe with this stylish straw fedora.
Shoes
Old Navy = Colour-Blocked T-Strap Sandals $20.94
These sandals come in many bright colours and styles, all under $30!
Scarf
Zara = Rustic Cotton Scarf $39.90
This bold print is perfect for any summer occasion. The cotton blend will keep you cool during the day and warm on cold summer nights.
Moisturizer
Sephora = Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel $23.50
The ultra-soothing gel provides lasting hydration and comfort for those long days in the sun. Use this when you stayed out a bit too long and need some scorch relief.
Sunglasses
American Eagle = AEO Square Sunglasses $15.50
What’s a sunny day without sunglasses? AE has many colours to choose from.
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Spring is on its way. How do I know this? It’s not because the birds have started chirping at 6 a.m. or that the days seem longer. It’s not even because the snow is beginning to melt. What marks spring for me, is when the stores debut spring fashion. This year it is going to be pastels, lace, florals and stripes.
Pastels are always popular with the coming of Easter and are even easy to wear right now. Look for tints of jade green and lilac in cardigans and skinny jeans, which are easy to transition and versatile throughout spring. Knitted tops and blazers are perfect for layering during the colder months.
Lace is the perfect feminine fabric to add an elegant sophisticated touch to any colour palate. Look for lace in dresses, accessories and tops in any colour. This year, cream, sky and rose are all favourites for lace. This trend is another piece that can be winter ready. Why not try a lace tank peeking out from under a blazer?
Stripes, a classic, can be used year-round. Stripes can be used to offset an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or to have fun by mixing with other prints. Whether it be horizontal, vertical, wide or thin, anyone can pull off stripes. Try a thick striped skirt with a solid top for a simple look or a navy striped top with red jeans for a nautical look.
As the perennials come out so do the floral prints. Wear the colorful prints with dark pieces now and plan on pairing with other pink and orange hues in a few months. This year’s trend for floral is pairing a bold sweater or cardigan with a crisp collard blouse and chic oxfords.
By: Bahar Orang
The Peplum Trend:
What does it look like? A peplum is a small strip of gathered or pleated fabric attached to the waistline of a garment (skirts, tops, blouses, and jackets) to create a frill effect. The word “peplum” comes from the Greek word for tunic – “peplos.” A peplum can be sewn horizontally or diagonally, and can be sleek and architectural or loose and flowy.
Where will you see it? On the catwalk (styled with an above-the-knee skirt and ankle boots), bright red or black formal H&M dresses, loose florals, velvet skirts, cream-coloured tops paired with pencil skirts or skinnies in pastel shades or chunky gold necklaces, Emma Watson, Blake Lively, bloggers opting for feminine-edgy wearing peplum tops in leather with stilettos and acid-wash jeans.
Where does it come from? The history of the peplum dates back to Ancient Greek clothing. Usually made from wool, both Greek men and women wore loosely-fitted “peplos.” During the Renaissance, the peplum took on a more structured form and extended outward like a short skirt. Peplums have since been cyclical, coming back in the ‘50s (following the war, when women went back to staying at home and more feminine designs re-entered the fashion industry), the ‘80s (big shoulders, big hips) and the ‘90s.
Yay? Mitigates the size of a food baby, creates the illusion of a more idealized hip-to-waist ratio, very feminine, adds a retro flavour to any outfit
Or Nay? Some peplums can look like frilly valances.
When will it end? The peplum is so terribly in right now, that there must eventually be some kind of a backlash – there’s a little bit of peplum on just about each article of clothing in every Zara store and a quick “peplum” search on the Forever 21 website produced sixty-two items. However, the peplum is always coming back – the flattering silhouette it creates is appealing to women of all body types.
