The Campus

With fall 2009 in full swing, the five words on everyone's lips are, "I need to go shopping!" But with so much going on and so many new trends it's easy to get overwhelmed and just go with the look you had last year. But this year, let's try something different. There are so many "Look or Less" ideas that can be helpful, but I have my own method that I'm sure works just as well if not better than any morning show fashion segment.

When we see a runway look that tickles our fancy, we run out to the stores looking to replicate it. This usually leads to disappointment. To avoid the shopping burnout, the best method is to break down the runway look piece by piece.

In perspective, the reason people don't fully reach their personal style potential is because they are afraid of the new and unknown or they just don't want to dress up and live a little. You should not be afraid to go that extra mile when it comes to fashion. Everyone deserves to have clothes and accessories that they can be proud of. If everyone had the opportunity to look the way they really wanted, the world would look different.

Fashion, no matter the style, should be seen as an outer expression of beauty and personality but when you live in a world such as ours, so many are afraid to step outside of the box labeled "comfortable and safe." In order to be seen, you must first understand what draws attention. Make sure you cater to your own interests first, but do pay attention to the trendsetters you see in public or on television. Don't be shy, open your eyes and inherit their fearlessness. Fearlessness equals confidence, and that's what it's all about. People respond well to those that are sure of who they are and what they want.

Surely by this point, you're wondering how does all this tie into recreating runway looks from Fashion Week. The message here is to take what you see and be able to recognize it when you shuffle through clothing racks. However, it takes a keen and confident eye to notice what to buy and what spells disaster. If you're not daring and willing to shop beyond your comfort zone then nothing will ever change. Don't worry about failed attempts. Practice makes perfect, but if you stick to the inspirations of the catwalks, fashion magazines, and fashionistas on the streets, you most certainly cannot lose!

Take what is new and hip and make it your own. No, don't run out and go shopping every time there's a new trend. However, some trends like leggings, skinny jeans, and Nike dunks will go the distance. It would be wonderful for everyone to be labeled as "fashionable," so why not embrace it? As said in The Devil Wears Prada, "We live our lives in it." It's our outer skin and it should be represented exactly as we want it to be.

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