Fall Fashion Trends for 2008: Your Exclusive Shopping Guide

Now that the fall fashion shows of 2008 are done and over with, it's time to get a good look at what's tiptoeing off the runway and sneaking into the wardrobes of women everywhere. Want to look hot for back to school? Here's what to look for in every area.



Jeans: Just about every style imaginable is making a debut this fall, with high wasted and skinny styles still bearing strong.

• Skinny
• High wasted
• Boot cut
• Wide legged
• Bright, bold colours

Colours: The emphasis will be placed on rich, warm colours, as well as neons and other brights.

• Purples, burgandys, and navys
• Neons
• Rusty colours (oranges and browns)
• Black and white
• Jewel tones

Outer Wear: Vests are still hot!

• Windbreakers
• Vests
• Pea coats
• Trench coats
• Cardigans

Dresses: If you haven't already, update your wardrobe with a couple of dresses; they're here to stay!

• Maxis
• Minis
• Flapper dresses
• Animal and bright floral prints
• Baby dolls

Shoes: Shoes for this fall are meant to make a statement and stand out.

• Bold colours
• Ankle boots
• Slouchy boots
• Flats
• Vans and Converse styles
• Gladiators

Accessories: You know the drill, they can make you or break you. Stay updated by adding lots of crazy prints and bright colours.

• Chunky jewelry
• Animal prints
• Scarves
• Socks over tights
• High socks
• Totes
• Big purses
• Studs
• Waist belts
• Leg and arm warmers
• Big sunglasses
• Large bows

Themes for Fall: Anything that falls under these themes is fair game at the rack.

• School girl - Menswear and plaid both have staying power this season; combine them both with cute school girl attire! Plaid mini skirts, cuffs, collars, knee high socks, vests, ties, suspenders, etc.
• Fur - Splurge on the real stuff or keep it green with faux pieces. Either way, anything fuzzy will keep your look updated through winter. Furry hats, coats, etc.
• Motorcycle chick - Make a statement at school by looking like you just walked off the runway and a Harley. Think leather, studs, metal, zippers, etc.
• Ballerina - For a sweet and feminine feel, use those tutus as inspiration! Elastic flats, ruffles, lace ups, etc.
• Knits - Knitwear is making a comeback, large and bulky. Knit Uggs are especially cute, and will help you to embrace the everlasting Ugg trend without looking like a classic-tall-chestnut clone. Knit boots, hats, coast, etc.
• Prints - Prints, prints, prints! Go either safari style, floral flower child, or embrace bright abstracts.
• 1920's - Go way vintage with fall's new utilization of the 20's. Flapper dresses, jeweled sandals, etc.

And don't forget the golden rule of shopping: if you don't like it, don't buy it! Fashion trends should be used as guide lines, not rules. Besides, if you genuinely adore something, you'll be more likely to wear it even when it goes out of style (which will save you some cash in the long run by keeping your closet from thinning out too quickly).

50 Things Every Freshman Should Know

Having made it far enough to summer, I'm pretty proud to say that I survived through my freshman year with all my limbs in their correct places. I've always been an advice giver with my friends, especially the ones a grade younger. Because of this I keep getting the question, "Have any tips for my first year?" Well, I can tell you one: it's not what you expect. For some reason, most eighth graders have have this idea in their head that high school will be exactly like they see on TV. Well...it's not. The mean girls don't have a group of girls in matching clothing that follow them around like lost puppies, and the kids with the pocket protectors don't get thrown in the dumpster near the cafeteria. In fact, high school's a little bit like middle school on steroids. Same kind of teachers. Same cafeteria food. Same dress code. The only difference is that every one's got a big head their first year and you've got to work a hell of a lot harder if you really want to achieve something. (That is, if you were like me and ended up treating the eighth grade like a walk in the park; if not, you probably won't have to shift your strategy too much.)

So for all you incoming frosh out there, I've compiled a list of what every one of you should know. Of course, it doesn't even begin to touch the surface with the amount I could right on the topic, but it should be enough to get you ahead of the game a little (and some tips even last through your senior year).

1.) Don't act like you know everything. You don't.
2.) Use a condom.
3.) Yes, studying IS necessary.
4.) Karma's a bitch.
5.) Your dog can no longer eat your homework.
6.) Everyone hates a cheerleader. Always have, always will.
7.) Word gets around. Fast.
8.) Yes, sweetie. Drugs, sex, and alcohol DO exist.
9.) And yes, you won't be "cool" if you don't participate.
10.) That doesn't necessarily mean you should do it.
11.) No one is "out of your league".
12.) Tough times don't last. Tough people do.
13.) 4:20 is not just a time of day.
14.) Confidence will get you everywhere.
15.) Be kind to everyone, do wrong to none. (Refer to #4))
16.) Enemies are bad. Very bad.
17.) But no matter how hard you try, there will be people who don't like you.
18.) Smile.
19.) Your friends can make or break you. Choose them wisely.
20.) Nothing is permanent, and nothing lasts forever.
21.) Pantsing is a suspendable offense.
22.) You are who you associate with.
23.) Everyone is a potential backstabber. (Yes, everyone.)
24.) Don’t stereotype yourself or anyone else. You'll just end up looking stupid. (This includes “I’m so aZn!”)
25.) Whatever your expectations for high school are, well, forget about them.
26.) You don't "owe" your boyfriend anything.
27.) Don't get a pair of Uggs. Guys hate them and they shatter your individuality.
28.) Someone will always make a sexual pun every time you say that something sucks/blows/bites.
29.) Wikepedia no longer counts as a citation source.
30.) No amount of Advil will ever cure a hang over. Not getting one in the first place will.
31.) A guy's shoe size does not correspond to anything.
32.) You have a better chance of finding a word that rhymes with purple than varsity football actually winning state.
33.) You probably won't like your schedule.
34.) Upperclassman will always think that they’re better than you. To avoid complications, let them believe it.
35.) No matter what anyone says, the work really isn’t that much harder.
36.) Take an elective that you’ll enjoy. It’ll help to maintain your sanity.
37.) The campus really isn’t as big, scary, or confusing as when you see it on the first day.
38.) Make as many friends as possible. The more connections, the better.
39.) Don’t make fun of the geeks/nerds/braniacs. They’re your boss in ten years.
40.) Organization.
41.) Organization.
42.) Organization.
43.) If you learn to be organized, you can tackle anything.
44.) Be mature.
45.) Put all excessive amounts of money in a savings account.
46.) Get a locker. Then use it.
47.) Looks alone won’t get you very far.
48.) Showering will.
49.) Don’t tick off people with power. (I.E. Teachers, the popular kids, anyone twice the size of you, etc.)
50.) Enjoy it. Really.