Equality Through Fashion

   

                                           
                                         

       Following in other state's footsteps, more and more Mississippi school systems are choosing to require students to wear school uniforms. Previously, private schools were the only schools who had uniforms.  The biggest debate over this decision is the idea of equality and if uniforms are really worth it.

      Requiring students to wear practically identical clothing is supposed to eliminate status and judgement as well as enhance and reinforce school unity. If everyone is wearing the same style of clothing, it is more difficult to know their financial status. Wearing school colors is beneficial to the level of school spirit and appreciation for the school. Uniforms also help with enforcing school dress code.

http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Pros-Of-School-Uniforms-Why-Students-Should-Wear-School-Uniforms.htm

     Unfortunately, having to buy school uniforms along with regular clothing may increase the amount of money that parents spend on their children's wardrobe. One of the biggest arguments against school uniforms is that it eliminates self-expression. 

http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm

If it isn't broke, should you fix it?

     

   

College Cozy

 

   
     

     My favorite aspect of college is not the parties or the idea of being on my own. I love the fact that I could wear anything I wanted, which of course was a t-shirt and shorts. I quickly learned that college has its very own dress code, one I like to call college cozy.  College cozy consists of oversized t-shirts, shorts or leggings (depending on gender and season) and flip flops, boots, or Cole Haan's (again, depending on gender and season). I feel that this style was initiated by the Greek community. This slouchy look is extremely acceptable and definitely a norm.
   
     Being that Hattiesburg is a college town, I have noticed that this style has extended to the high school age group. Fashion is extremely influential. We are defined by our style. With college cozy being accepted by college students, high school kids probably consider themselves extremely stylish when dressing in a t-shirt three times their size.
 
      There is a lot of irony to this phenomenon. We actually think we look cool. The  reality is we look effortlessly homeless. My mom has desperately tried to get me to understand that leggings are not pants. I ignore her, after all I am in college. I should know what is considered stylish. Right?

Keep Calm and Shop Local

     Southern economics relies heavily on local shopping. Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas have a variety of boutiques and other fashion retailers that are locally owned. Consumers value the relationship that is made between small business owners and the customers. Shopping local is a special experience. You are not only putting money back into the community but you can also enjoy having your name and face remembered.

     Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shoppers across the country enjoy Small Business Saturday. The holiday is a twist off of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday supports and celebrates small businesses everywhere.

     This holiday is very beneficial for small towns like Hattiesburg that are built on the foundation of small businesses. Customers may decide to shop it boutiques that they do not normally go into and then become regulars. This is perfect timing considering people are generally buying for Christmas after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Do your part to support local businesses. Keep Calm and Shop Local!

Signature

Photo Credit: Signature Magazine Facebook Page

     The Pine Belt area has a local magazine called Signature, a "Scene and Be Seen" magazine. Signature Magazine is published monthly by Hub City Spokes. The September fashion issue is a collection of advertisements and description of local boutiques, a 2013 Best Dressed section and wonderful fashion photos accompanied with perfect style quotes.

     Some boutiques are chains, like Material Girls, some are exclusive to the area ,like Jessi Jayne  in Purvis. The Best Dressed Section features a variety of professionals in the Hattiesburg area who are very fashion forward. The professions range from teachers to CEOs. Each winner describes their style, most prized accessory, and their style icon. The photography spread shows local girls modeling outfits from boutiques in the area.

     Everyone in the area hopes, dreams and aspires to see their smiling face in an issue of Signature. For fashionistas alike, it is an honor to be in the September issue. Signature really shows the class and style of the Pine Belt area. It shines a light on the events and style that are executed with southern flair.

A Football Field Fashion Show

                                                   

     Homecoming is a well-liked tradition, especially in the South. It has become more than a time to gather with friends and support your school. It has evolved into a fashion show, played out on a green carpet.

     Southerners go big or go home when it comes to football, food, dresses, and hair - all of which are apart of a homecoming. In high school especially, girls live to be on the homecoming court. It is a night to be your school's royalty. Picking the perfect dress is crucial.

     As soon as school starts, dress shops begin advertising all of the new styles. Large, lavish ball gowns are usually the perfect choice. Glitter and sparkle are an absolute must, after all you must be the talk of the town. As for hair, the bigger the better. During homecoming season, beauty and dress shops are packed with girls who are ready to be dolled up for their fifteen minutes of fame. Everyone gets to enjoy the glitz if there is a homecoming dance, which is practically a miniature prom. Popular homecoming dresses are generally shorter and cocktail style.
 http://ezinearticles.com/?2012-Homecoming-Dress-Trends&id=7234783

     The South prioritizes homecoming events. It is necessary to look your best. Go big or go home.

Football Fashion

   

      Football season has become more than tailgating, fried chicken platters, painted chests and team chants.   It seems that games are now an undeclared fashion show, especially among Southern women. You can no longer throw on your favorite jersey and lip gloss and still be the best dressed (You may however be the most comfortable--besides the point). Females now spend hours choosing the perfect outfit that coordinates with their team's colors. Heels are even the expected shoes, despite the grass and bleachers that must be conquered before the game even starts. Local boutiques in the Hattiesburg area showcase items that are colors of favorite teams. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151569344807181&set=a.10151569345877181.1073741852.137124987180&type=1&theaterThe stores often put together entire outfits, therefore taking the effort out of looking fabulous. http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/stylish-game-day-dresses-00417000074845/

     Looking fashionable is difficult, especially in the southern heat. Many blogs and articles explain how to look your best without "melting". The biggest tip is to accessorize and keep your actual clothes to comfortable fabrics and solid colors. http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/what-to-wear-to-a-college-football-game/

     The South is making a fashionable statement. Football games are now a chance to look your best. You might even say it is the modern day Kentucky Derby. http://www.firstandtengamedaydresses.com/

CLICK into Fashion

Photo Credit: Click Boutique Facebook Page

     More and more high-end labels are being sold and worn in Hattiesburg, MS. One of the most iconic stores is a classy, fun boutique called Click. Click features fun, flirty clothing with a retro twist. The colors are as vibrant as the wonderful staff who are always willing to help you put together an outfit that compliments you. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Click-Boutique-Gallery/157828194251614

     Click is located on Front Street in the downtown area. The owners, Jason LaViere and Adam Myrick, are very passionate about Hattiesburg, especially Downtown.  Click has not only made a fashionable impression on the city but has also lit a fire in the heart of Hattiesburg residents to re-establish and appreciate the downtown area, as it once was.
http://www.hattiesburghistoricneighborhood.com/

     Downtown has seemingly been forgotten in the Hub City. This is a shame since at one point, downtown was the heart of the city. The area has so much potential and LaViere and Myrick are doing their part to reveal all downtown has to offer. They have a vision for what Hattiesburg can be and their small boutique is where it all starts. The duo hope to bring the entire city together and create a sense of community that Downtown has been missing. http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/05/17/click-boutique-revives-hattiesburg-downtown-retail-district/