Transformers: robots in disguise

With the sequel blockbuster coming out this summer, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," and the 25th anniversary of the cartoon, there has been a comeback in Transformers apparel.

And you're in luck. You can get a large array of Transformer tees at 80stees.com. Not only do they have tees from our childhood cartoons, but they also provide 80s movies, video games, and super heroes.

-Christina

Forever 21

Many fashionistas are torn, and some just don't care. Forever 21 has been knocking off designer looks for years and for those years they have been sued for copyright infringement.

This so-called Christian company has been stealing designs from designers like Marc Jacobs and Diana Von Fustenburg. So shoppers don't know whether to support Forever 21 or support the designer. Of course Forever 21 is cheaper, but it was the designers original idea.

Whose side are you on?

Forever 21 v. Diana Von Fustenburg

Forever 21 vs. Marc Jacobs

-Christina

Beach Bunny Swimwear Grand Opening

Beach Bunnies of Newport gathered around on May 7 to celebrate and welcome the grand opening of Beach Bunny Swimwear at 950 W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, 92663. (949) 548-3300. Click HERE to visit and shop for swimwear for this summer.

As all the beautiful people of Newport Beach poured in, the models came out showcasing the shop's summer 2009 line.

Your very own me, serving inverted strawberries

There was music, food and hot hot girls. Even some celebrities like Tara Reid made it out to get their very own Beach Bunny suits.

Tara Reid

Laurie from "the Real Housewives of OC"

This parking lot party was hit and was welcomed by neighboring buisnisses like Ferrari, 930 Sushi, and Mardo Jewlery.

Mardo Jewlery

Mardo Princess

Tennis star Jan-Michael Gambill with Newport Harbor's Clay Adler

"Girl Next Door," Bridget

Oakley

When most people think of Oakley the first thing that comes to mind is eyewear and there is no reason why it shouldn't. The company is considered number one at eyewear. But incredibly,there is much more to the company.

They offer golf apparel, sunglasses for the military and a built-in MP3 connected to your shades.

Oakley's eyewear is so high tech it has patents on its designs. They test every pair of glasses before they're on the market?

I learned all of that and more when I took a tour of the headquarters of Oakley. The Oakley facility is an incredible sight to say the least. They even have a military tank hanging out in the front. Check it out.

The Star Wars looking entrance.

Spikes all along the side of the building? Crazy cool.

Look how tall this door is.

-Christina

Vans shoes at OCC

Since 1966 Vans has immersed itself in almost every part of American culture with its well-known shoes. And Vans representatives took some time out of their busy schedules Thursday night to tell Orange Coast College all about it.

Things you may not know about Vans:

1. Vans is a family own company founded by Paul Van Doren.

2. Was originally called the Van Doren Rubber Company.

3. The original price for the men's shoe was $4.49 and the women's was $2.29.

4. 1975 is when Vans started making shoes for skateboarders.

5. The checkered slip-ons first became popular when they were featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. That led to Van Doren's having to sell nationally as opposed to just in California.   

Representatives from almost every department in the Vans company came to talk to OCC about their job and how to get into the action sport industry. Even the founder's children work for the company and offered words of wisdom on topics ranging from resumes to work ethic. They had a lot of information to give out, as well as a bag of goodies from the company.

-Christina 

Courtyard Couture

Fashionistas flocked to the Quad for "Courtyard Couture" a fashion event put on by Special Events and Promotions class (Fashion 225). Every semester this class has a group project to produce a fashion event.

Professor Erin Bianchi as well as the PR manger for Bloomingdales at South Coast Plaza, put all of the planning of this event into her student's hands. They were responsible for using their contacts to find all the local vendors at the event.

Vendors ranged from Lucy Love, Krochet Kids International, Le Brian, B.B. Dakota, H.B. Choppers, Tan2U, Bella Bleu, Jamba Juice, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Kettle Corn who all had something to add to the mix. The students also donated some of their clothing to put up for sale.

A portion of the proceeds went to the fashion department's scholarship fund, and will help fashion students be able to attend fashion events for a lower cost.

An exciting aspect to the event was the raffle. For just a small price for the tickets, you could get Disneyland Park Hopper tickets, a free tan from Tan2U where Katie Cunningham has a mobile airbrushing service that comes to you, a $25 gift cards to either Gypsy Den, Macy's, or Bloomingdales, a Roxy suitcase, Wesc headphones, or a Laura Mercier beauty set.

The event was quite a hit with many people coming out to buy clothes from the vendors, check out the raffle, make some fashionable buttons, while listening to a booming DJ.

Beautiful Spring dress from Lucy Love

Vendors, Vendors, Vendors

Fashion students help making buttons

Prizes.

Roxy suitcase.

Fashion goddesses, Cheri Lawell and Erin Bianchi

-Christina

Couture Beauty

Couture Beauty is a network of makeup artists, hair and fashion stylists who are involved in photo shoots, fashion shows, bridal styling and teaching.

This team of men and women are dedicated to their art and wish to share it. Couture Beauty offers workshops to anyone that wishes to learn about styling makeup, fashion and hair.

They will teach you the ins and outs of what you need to be successful in the in this industry, weather it is what you need at a photo shoot, or how you should present yourself to your client.

They are currently not listing the upcoming workshop, but there will be one soon. Check out their website here.

-Christina

Nina Peter x Gloves x Clutches

The ultimate glove and clutch goddess Nina Peters drops her April 2009 Spring Collection which leaves my mouth watering for more.

Pants? Please?

Lady Gaga has a very unique style to say the least. If you have taken any notice to her wardrobe, you can't help but notice that she lacks something rather important-pants.

I'm under the impression that she actually refuses to wear any. Day in and day out you can see the full extent of her legs. I don't necessarily have a problem with seeing them, they aren't that bad looking. I just dislike the lack of variety in her wardrobe. But at the same time I applaud the fact that she is open to wearing whatever she wants and doesn't let the public sway her another way.

I like her confidence but this no pants thing is getting old.

-Christina

Totes

Element Eden is collaborating with the Southern California based magazine Foam to hold a design contest for the best reusable tote bag.

If yours is picked you can get some extra cash and your tote will be in the next line of bags.

Let's reduce plastic bag use.

To find out more information visit here.

-Christina  

Kana Beach

Kana Beach, a lifestyle surf brand, was founded in France in 1986 and is now beginning to make their mark in the U.S. 

This creative women's and men's clothing line has made their mark in France as one of the bigger brands. They are working hard to make their line colorful original. 

They currently have three different clothing lines that are complemented by bags and accessories. 

Their first line is Circus. This line is for everyday wear made with easy-to-wear materials. It emphasizes the urban creative style. 

Biologik is their environmentally friendly line. The clothing in this line is at least 55 percent hemp mixed with cotton. This line is what they are known for. 

Elegant is their more high-end line. It is made for that night out on the town. This line also emphasizes being the girl that everyone looks at in the room. 

   kanabeach.com

They are very new to the U.S., and are working on getting everything in order. You can find their line at Macy's and Nordstorm. They are working on the U.S. website, so you can probably see it in a couple of months. The France website shows products sold in both countries. 

-Christina

Alexander McQueen for Target

Target's most recent addition to their line of featured designers is mastermind Alexander McQeen.

Ranging from dresses, t-shirts, bottoms, and complete outfits, Mcqueen has introduced rocker flair to the masses. Considering the past designers that have hit the floor at Target, I believe this is quite an improvement.

But don’t have this confused with their famous Go International line. This is their new Designer Collaborations. The plan is to have a program were high end designers make collections at Target prices.

Check it out here.

-Christina

Champion Sweatshirts

With the weather constantly changing on a daily basis, it's nice to have something that is not too heavy and not too light. With that in mind, having a stylish sweatshirt might be a good option.

Champion Sportswear has got it covered. They recently held a competition called the Champion Hoodie Remix where people designed and submitted their own styles, which are currently being judged. But you are still more than welcome to design your own for fun.

Tomorrow the quarter finalists are going to be announced so feel free to check it out.

Like my hoodie?


-Christina

TOMS and Element Skateboards

In my quest to find some sort of transportation to get around the CSUF campus next semester, my friend introduced me to a skateboard called the One for One cruiser.

This skateboard is a collaboration between TOMS shoes and Element Skateboards. For every skateboard that is purchased another is donated to a child in South Africa.

I think it's a great purchase to get around CSUF, and to help out a child in need.

As well as the skateboard collaboration, the two companies have designed some limited edition shoes. They have a women's and a men's line.

You can find more information about the cause here. And you can purchase your board or shoes here.

elementskateboards.com

-Christina

Whodini Handmade

Orange Coast College's very own fashion department graduate, Jay Pezzelle took some time to answer my questions so we can get updated on his handmade line of totes, wallets and sometimes custom jeans.

1. What's your name and where is company based?

Jay A. Pezzlle based out of beautiful Long Beach, Calif.

2. What is Whodini handmade all about? What do you sell?

At the current moment I am making tote bags and wallets but I would like to get back into making an array of things. Whodini is all about fun and handmade. I feel I am getting back to the basics, my first love of sewing simple fun tote bags and wallets. Nothing too fancy, just good clean stuff.

3. How long have you been doing this?

I have been sewing Whodini products since 2003 I think.

4. What was your original inspiration?

Originally I wanted to be more than just some boring tee shirt company, so I learned to sew. I would have to say that Paul Frank was one of my first real inspirations, and still is for that matter.

5. What inspires you now?

I just like making things when I get the free time and energy to turn on the machines and get to work.

6. Do you have a wife? Any kids?

I have my lovely wife Kelli. We have been married almost four years and we have little Sloane Rose still in the oven due out on July 8th! Can't wait.

7. What is currently going on at Whodini Handmade?

Not too much. I had to put things on hold when I was in a motorcycle accident in November. Now I am doing better but bummed I missed that holiday season. Now I am trying to make some stuff here there and get back in the swing of things.

8. Any plans for the future of Whodini Handmade?

Just to keep on trucking with new fun designs for all the party people out there. Keep making fun well made product for the chosen few.

Thanks for answering my questions, Jay. We hope to see a lot more of your stuff in the future.

-Christina

Mustache March Part II (Finished by Justine)

(Courtesy of MustacheMarch.com)

Why are mustaches looked down upon in the work places, school, or even with your girlfriend? Mustache March is here to create a movement once a year to exercise the power of facial hair and show how inspirational it can be.

The word mustache came from the french word, moustache which comes from the Italian word mostaccio and so on and so on. The original word begins in Greece with the word mullon which translates to lip.

The famous military men were the originators of the mustache trend. The mustache represented ranks in the military. The bigger the mustache the more important the man. I don't understand why in the present times mustaches still don't hold the same meaning they did back then.

British Soldier Claude Maxwell Macdonald
(Courtesy of wikipedia.com)
Disneyland's dress code used to included a "no mustaches or beards" rule but later removed the ban in 1957. Even though beards aren't acceptable still, mustaches are making their comeback, according to nytimes.com.

Oh, but Walt Disney can wear his mustache to work...
(Courtesy of Google.com)

Men, bring out your Rogaine, and just grow it.
Rob, 47, Orange Coast College maintenance worker would be king if he were to have lived in the days when mustache size mattered. I believe this mustache took months to grow out and probably consists of much maintenance. It's awesome. My favorite mustache of the week.

Quiksilver Women's Line

Many of us living in Southern California like to dress the part. But often it seems like there isn't very much selection for the average 20-year-old. Sometimes we are looking through the racks at beach boutiques wondering when we are going to find some clothes that are not so juvenile. That's where this new Quiksilver Women's line comes in. The choices are colorful, they look to be comfortable and adult.



-Christina

Hello Kitty x Mac Cosmetics

Hello Kitty finally collaborates with Mac Cosmetics to create a soft pink line with an adorable fresh feel. But does it target the youth too directly?

Introducing the Hello Kitty Colour Collection which includes six new shades of lipsticks (tones of pink) and eye shadow pigments from greens to turquoises.
Hello Kitty Kouture features the more high-end collectables, a pendant featured in white crystals for the Hello Kitty lovers.

To me this line is a bit frightening. Hello Kitty has always been a play character for children and recently has become a beauty icon for young adults. Hello Kitty has been turned into jewelry with diamonds on them and now has teamed up with Mac makeup which causes a confusion for me. Does this promote children to wear and purchase makeup made for adults? Is teaming up with Hello Kitty a marketing tactic to target to a much much younger crowd?

Let children stay children. Leave the makeup play for the adults.

Mustache March madness begins Part I...

(courtesy of musatchmarch.com)

It's finally March and there is something to look forward to men (and boys). It is Mustache March. Mustache March began as a charity event to raise money for the Follicle Freedom Foundation-what it is I'm not yet sure.
The event is a "temporary cultural movement for the benefit of charity," according to Mustachemarch.com. Instead of a marathon, walk-a-thon, or dinner party, they decided to bring back the mustache that is under appreciated these days and make it support a good cause.
These are just some of the popular mustaches you can sport during the month of March. So remember, do not shave until April boys. Let the games begin. For more on Mustache March, visit here.

For the men who can't grow out their staches, American Apparel has created a hoodie-beanie in honor of Mustache March. You can pick it up at any American Apparel store near you for just $14 or shop online here.

I will be posting pictures of my favorite OCC mustache of the week. Be sure to tune in.

Orange Coast College student Matt Schirmer, 23, decided to rock a trucker mustache. This is my favorite mustache of all time.

-Justine Cuenco