Fashion ends in college.

In high school I would walk through the hallways observing. I was not the one to speak, but believe me when I say that I observed every single interaction, clothing article, and movement in the student body. Setting aside the creepiness of that statement (just because I was quiet, doesn't mean I wasn't listening. I know all of your secrets), and that one too, the real point I was trying to get at is the wide array of fashion styles I would see in that hell hole. There were the bros, the elitists, the hipper than thous, the awkward anime children, the band kids who were trying their hardest to fit in but weren't quite making the cut (me), the kids who would rather spend their time with a teacher, the smelly ones, the loud cheerleader types, those obnoxious scene kids, and oh so many more genres of high school folk that I really don't miss at all.

However, there is one thing I miss. The attempt at looking nice. (Although it was only ever achieved by few, and I was definitely not one of those few. I went through my awkward angsty emo years too.)

I know that we're all in college now, but honestly it doesn't take that long to put on a blouse and some rip-free pants. Not to mention, college really isn't that difficult that you need to wear the same The North Face running suit or whatever you call it, every single day. (I know how you acted in high school, you didn't participate in enough sports or outdoors activities to give you the right to wear The North Face.)

I mean it's one thing for an outdoorsy type high schooler to continue to rightfully wear these garments, but to see anyone else sport (pardon the pun) this garb is a shame. You all dressed much nicer before. In the wise words of Wiki How, "Dress to impress". And people, we're not trying to impress the outdoors in college. We're trying to impress professors. So unless you're taking an environmental science of any sort, then get it together and purchase some real clothes.

Two Directions

So, I must admit that over the past few days I've developed an obsession with One Direction's "What Make's You Beautiful" and it's got me thinking. I should make a boy band.

It wouldn't be that hard, i'll just gather up some guys and sing and dance for millions of teenage girls. However, when pondering the logistics of creating an international hit boy band in my local Starbucks one problem arose. The only guys I know are in no way boy band material. So, faced with this adversity, I've decided to break the mold of the boy band. Instead of having five twenty somethings, I'm thinking my 55 year old father, my 30-something brother in law, my 22 year old brother, and I. I'd say it'll be an instant success.

This coming summer await the new single, "What Make's Your Mom Beautiful" by the international sensation Two Directions.

The Art of a Graceful Gift Exchange

Christmas is a holiday of giving, and of course, receiving. Now what happens when you receive something that you completely abhor, and the friend/relative didn't include a gift receipt? Well surely some awkwardness will ensue, but that's to be expected.

In my case, I received a wool sporting sweater from REI.

Now I'm not saying that it's completely awful, I just knew I wouldn't ever wear because I'm not a huge fan of zippers or sports. It just didn't fit my personality. So, in my opinion, the only option was to man up and ask for the receipt.

Don't feel bad for hating the gift, however don't openly hate it. Graciousness, especially at Christmas time, is a must. Showing disdain for a gift could hurt the giver's feelings and could lead to some awkwardness afterwards. However, if you did slip up, and Lord knows that all of us do sometimes, then be sure to apologize. After all, they had the sense to try to get you something in the first place!

The way I see it, each Christmas gift given or received is a place marker, so don't be ashamed to ask for the receipt! Either way the person will still have gotten you gift, whether it be the original product, store credit, or cash back. However, if you don't want to tell them the truth about as to why you're returning the said item (i.e. "It is absolutely awful and I hate it"), then be vague or even lie a little. You could say that it doesn't quite match your taste, it doesn't quite fit (in the case of clothing), or say you already own it. I'm not advocating lying, however if it spares a little hurt feelings, then I say go for it!

H&M After Christmas Sale

Christmas is the holiday of giving. Be it in the form of presents, good cheer, or food, everyone always has something to give. Hell, even stores are festive enough to offer outrageous discounts, in order to move their fall/winter merchandise out of the way for next years styles of course. However, don't let the excitement of pre-Christmas sales empty your bank accounts. If you just wait until the 26th, you'll find significantly better sales. 

For instance, if you're a fan of H&M then you'd be pleased to know that they're having an after Christmas sale.

The sale includes items from $5, which is pretty good no matter how you look at it. If you're feeling cheeky, the first 100 people in line when the doors open get scratch-offs valued up to $300. I mean, you could wait in line with us.. because we'll be there. Doors open at 8 a.m. so be there!

What to Get your Girlfriend for Christmas

The holiday season often goes hand in hand with indecision. For the completely oblivious gentleman (or lady) out there, finding a present that will suit your significant other's desires can be challenging. Yet, should you find that special present, you may find giving is almost as good as receiving. You might even get something in return ;o

Here are a few tips to figuring out what to get your significant other this holiday season:

If your girlfriend has even touched a computer, she'll most likely know what ModCloth is. For those of us who haven't crossed paths with this Women's clothing store, it's filled with all of the things that girls love. Not to mention the sickeningly 'cute' titles such as the "Safari As I Know" dress. Aside from the clever names they do carry a fairly limited range of menswear from graphic tees to sweaters that are worth checking out.

They constantly have sales going on, so don't ever buy anything full price on this site. According to Sydney, "They have great quality stuff.. better than your 'Forever 21'" (Keep in mind this was said in a slight British accent so take it as you will).

In all seriousness, they have great products for great prices (when you can find them), just make sure to leave ample processing time as it usually takes an additional 3 days for your order to ship.

Now, if your girlfriend has heard of ModCloth then she has most certainly heard of Etsy. Think of a massive craft/garage sale -- online. People can sell keen things they make as well as well as vintage goods. The site is comprised of a bunch of individual sellers, all of whom usually have special sales around the holidays.

Now, if you're savvy enough to uncover your girlfriend's account, take a look at her favorites! I guarantee you'll even find something nice for yourself. You know, 'tis the season and all.