LIFE&STYLETHE DECEMBER/JANUARY ISSUE

Photo c/o Ritchie Sham Photography

LOOKING BACK: CLOTHING SWAP

Nothing signals the beginning of a good night better than being greeted at the door with complimentary cups of Starbucks coffee and lemonade. On the day before final exams, F&LS and Uniiverse’s Clothing Swap provided a much-needed study break. Clothing was hardly in short supply, as within minutes, tops and bottoms covered the entire front row desk. After being photographed on the makeshift red carpet, the swapping officially began. There was no cat fighting here; Western students proved they were well-versed in clothing swap etiquette. Almost as quickly as it had begun, the table was cleared of clothing, save for a handful of tops given to charity. To give (and to get), students were given a dose of early Christmas spirit, walking home with not just a coffee buzz, but with the buzz of a night well spent.

EVENTS

THE FASHION & LIFESTYLE SOCIETY’S

Article by Angelica Ng

The day after Halloween—all stores have donned their Christmas decorations, signage and music. Although, stores like Shopper’s Drug Mart and Nordstrom have postponed their yuletide preparations for a date that’s closer to the day.

Receiving mixed reviews from customers, some say Shopper’s Drug Mart is a “scrooge” and Christmas carols are an excellent way to enjoy the festive spirit. Due to the overload of Christmas cheer people are bombarded with early on. they see this as an escape.

Aside from stores, what about daily life? We are too quick to notice neighbors who have their Christmas lights up in September. And the Santa Claus Parade that takes place mid-November, even before the first frost.

Isn’t Christmas a time for family, love and joy? It is easy to see why people are so eager for the season to come. It also means a break from work and school stress.

However, do these early Christmas preparations in stores and day-to-day life ruin the holiday spirit?

We want to know what you think. Do you accept living holiday to holiday in constant preparation for the next? Or are you someone that likes a period of down time before the next gift-giving holiday? Email us your thoughts at flsnewsletteruwo@gmail.com!

While Christmas is commercially over-done, its intentions are genuine and remind us to value what we have. Christmas decorations and carols may begin unnecessarily early, but it’s never too early or too late to embody the lessons and deeper-meaning behind the Christmas season.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but does starting the season’s preparations too early dampen the Christmas spirit? Keshia Saldanha gives us her thoughts.

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

MANAGING DIRECTORS Shivani Patel, Angelica NgLAYOUT EDITOR Joyce YuTEXT EDITORS Teresa Harris, Cassanda Giugno, Joyce YuCONTRIBUTORS Teresa Harris, Alli Knox, Angelica Ng, Keshia Saldanha

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Life&Style is the UWO Fashion & Lifestyle Society’s monthly newsletter. It highlights club events and happenings, fashion news, trends, and more!

Too Early?

WEARING WHITE

Forget the old “No white after Labour Day” adage and embrace what is arguably the freshest neutral in our colour palette: clean, crisp white. Whether you lean toward cream, or prefer to keep things as white and bright as possible, white is winter’s natural colour and should be a year-round staple in our wardrobes.

Here’s how to keep it on point and in season:

FABRIC CHOICEGo for heavier fabrics like wool; for a dressier look, choose satin or silk; and for every day, you can’t go wrong with cotton—as long as it is a heavier weight. If you’re feeling extra luxe, white faux fur is sure to turn a few heads. Avoid sheer tops and lightweight cotton pants, which scream summer picnic or island vacation.

50 SHADES OF WHITEWhile white on white may seem like a breath of fresh air in the warmer months, you could end up looking like an Ice Queen if you try to pull it off once the temperature dips below 0 degrees. To avoid camouflaging with the snow, a chunky, white knit sweater with a pair of charcoal grey skinnies is cute and casual. For a dressier look, layer a pair of white pants under a taupe blazer and neutral camisole for the perfect job interview outfit. Think you have what it takes to brave white-on-white? Accessorize with a pair of dark leather boots to ground the look.

TO TOP IT OFF...A long, white wool coat is an elegant and pretty topper to keep you warm while still looking cool. Can’t bring yourself to stow away your favourite LWD (Little White Dress) until flowers bloom again? A black leather jacket and warm cognac boots keep it in season.

Article by Teresa Harris

STEP 1Take a piece of fabric, shawl, or a scarf, and place one end on your left hip.

STEP 2Begin wrapping the shawl/fabric around your waist. Remember to wrap the fabric tightly to ensure the skirt stays up.

STEP 3Once you have made one complete rotation, twist the fabric a couple times to create a nice twist detail.

STEP 4Twist a few times to create a more defined twist.

STEP 5Continue to wrap the fabric around you until you have just the end left. Tuck the end into the side of your skirt.

STEP 6Rock your beautiful new draped skirt!

Instructions by Alli KnoxPhoto from Pinterest

DIYDRAPED SKIRT

Article by Teresa Harris