Spring Trend Alert

As the weather finally starts to get warmer (amid the daily showers that seem to be plaguing Lewisburg), we’re all eagerly breaking out our shorts, sandals, and long-awaited sundresses. In addition to these staple pieces, there is one controversial trend that’s sticking around this spring: the romper. These one-piece statements worked their way into the fashion world a few years back, featured on the runway by designers such as Marc Jacobs and Max Azria. Rompers intially got a few questioning looks and didn’t fully catch on, but have persevered and are showing up everywhere this season.

Here are some of my favorites:

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What are your thoughts? Love or hate this trend?

Keep it classy!

Red Carpet Glam

I’ve watched the Academy Awards more times than I can remember, and last night I realized something for the very first time: Oscar is naked.

Luckily, those attending the event last night showed up in considerably more clothing, but the night was not without its share of bloopers. Matthew McConaughey mispronounced co-star Ryan Phillippe’s last name, and Justin Timberlake revealed that “the red carpet has a fuschia-thing going on. It’s not red.” Who knew?

Here are some of my favorites:

Showing up on best-dressed lists everywhere, Mila Kunis arrived in a sexy, yet tasteful, lavender Elie Saab gown.

Anne Hathaway’s second (of many) Oscar ensembles was Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci, and had an old-school Hollywood feel to it that was perfect to kick off the night.

Helena Bonham Carter is continually one of my favorites on the red carpet, and often not even because of a stunning outfit. She has her own style and knows what works for her, and delivers every time.

Celine Dion showed up in a silvery streamlined Armani Prive gown, looking poised and elegant as always.

Are we really surprised? Natalie Portman looked effortlessly beautiful in a plum silk chiffon Rodarte gown, baby bump and all.

One of my favorites of the night, Halle Berry wore a nude Marchesa number with intricate beading and tulle train that was almost as delicate as the actress herself.

I loved Hailee Steinfeld’s performance in True Grit, but her light pink Marchesa gown made me love her even more… especially because she designed it herself. Adorable.

Jennifer Hudson showed off her rocking new figure in a tangerine Versace gown. The best part? She’s still got her booty!

Proving that age and beauty are not mutually exclusive, Helen Mirren shone in a ruched gray silk gown by Vivienne Westwood.

I’m normally not a huge fan of velvet, but I am a huge sucker for one-shouldered numbers. Maria Menounos definitely pulled off this Johanna Johnson gown.

Never the conformist, RDJ suited up in a navy blue tux and white-on-white tie & shirt combo that really stood out from the sea of penguins on the red carpet.

James Franco’s light blue shirt and navy bowtie played up his originality. But he looks good in anything.

Jeremy Renner comes out of left field with a blue-lapeled tux.. and having Scarlett on his arm didn’t hurt, either.

Russell Brand is a hate-him-or-love-himkind of guy, and his getup last night was no different. After you get past the “are those stripes..?!” moment, though, it’s obvious that Brand’s outfit reflects his image perfectly. And he brought his mom. Good catch Katy!

Anne Hathaway and James Franco opened the night with a hilarious Inception parody – complete with Morgan Freeman narration – and continued to entertain throughout. Their skits and overall hosting performance is taking some major hits this morning, but I personally appreciate their efforts to let their personalities shine and keep the night lighthearted and fun. In case you missed it…

Keep it classy!

New Year, New EIC

Kate Matelan (former EIC) with Erin Rafferty (the NEW EIC)

So before the new year starts, I (Kate) need to do some quick boasting about Be mag’s new EIC, Erin Rafferty.

1)  She is a powerhouse and will deliver more than you are ready for (but you’ll love it no doubt).

2)  Erin can rock the EIC title with style AND fantastic skills (she learned from the best haha).

3)  She has a sick team ready to take Be to bigger and better places (even if that sounds cliche, so deal).

4)  Think you loved our last issue, Living Fashionably?  Well, you’re going to want the next edition on stands ASAP (grab your copy of the Homecoming edition as soon as its out in October).

From the former EIC, I’d like to say the magazine is left in VERY good hands.  So get your bad selves ready for Erin and the entire Be team to show you what they’ve got.

Best Buys for the Summer

Even though I have now graduated and am considered a “real” adult, life has yet to hand me the keys to adulthood. Instead, I have played out fantasies of beach side living and exploring random places at will. To make sure you’re ready for some summer adventures I’ve compiled a list of necessary objects for the summer:

A Day to Night Shirtdress:

“Daytripper” sun dress, Quiksilver

A Rugged Green Cargo Jacket:

Long Ripstock Anorak, Anne Taylor Loft

Denim Bermuda Shorts:

Patch & Repair Jean Cutoffs, The Gap

A Summer Into Fall Dress:

Asha Dress (in Grape), Billabong

A Pair of Nude Pumps:

January Platform Heeled Court, The French Connection

In some cases, theses items paired with just a simple tee should keep you cool (and warm in those air conditioned theaters/malls!) until fall, when they’ll really come in handy.