Contest

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IU style

Spirit Style Tips from Jessica

Congratulations to the IU Style Contest winner and finalists

September 26, 2011

Natalie Wise, BA'07, is the winner of the IU style contest. Jessica Quirk selected Natalie as a winner from a group of ten finalists selected by votes from the Spirit of IU community. The contest, which was sponsored by the Indiana University Alumni Association, ran from July 19 to September 19.

"Indiana holds a special place in my heart," says Natalie. "It's where I grew up, and I graduated from both IU High School and IU. I'm excited to be chosen because this outfit gave me so much confidence. Midwesterners and IU alums are just like my outfit: bright, creative, inspired, and happy. We want to make the world a better place. And where else to start than with a fabulous outfit?"

Here are some more details about the winner and the nine finalists, all of whom will receive IU apparel items selected by Jessica and a signed copy of Jessica's book, What I Wore, Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style:

1. Natalie Wise's winning outfit is the one she wore to her graduation in 2007. In addition to her crimson blouse and white pants, she's wearing a tassel necklace, a hair clip designed like the IU seal, and cream-colored heels.
2. Joanna Vlahos, BS'07, gives her IU style a nautical twist as she heads out for an afternoon on a boat named Sink the Biz.
3. Alysha Balog, BA'11, entered a photo taken during her summer abroad in Venice, Italy. She combined a new T-shirt from the IU School of Fine Arts with her naval-inspired shorts and a white fedora she bought from a street vendor. "It's cool to win because the photo is all very in the moment," says Alysha.
4. Emily Farra and her twin Liz are currently students at IU Bloomington. Emily, who is studying journalism and art history, says, "I'm a Hoosier at heart wearing my crimson and cream, but I love to express my personal style too. It's all about mixing things up, like pairing a flirty bow-print dress with Converse sneakers."
5. M.C. Madrigal, is also a current IU student. She's studying arts administration, studio art, and art history. M.C. says, "I was inspired by the fall weather, my new bike, and IU colors. I'm very excited to have won. It's very flattering when others admire your style."
6. Dave Glenn, BA'03, wins for his head-to-toe IU outfit.
7. Ross Miller, BA'04, shows that the spirit of IU is all about giving back. This photo shows members of the Colorado Chapter hard at work during an IU Cares event. Ross is the president of the Colorado Chapter.
8. Kristin Black, BA'10, and a friend are getting ready to support the Hoosiers.
9. Julie Otis, BA'11, shows us how to layer an IU T-shirt.
10. Kelly Coyle-Shikany, BA'86, calls herself the "ultimate IU fan." What defines the ultimate IU fan more than the purchase of an IU snuggie for your child? She submitted this photo of her son, Phil Shikany, wearing his sister Erin's IU snuggie. (Erin is currently a freshman at IU.)

Announcing: the Fabulous Prizes

August 18, 2011: 5:00PM

It's time to reveal what you could win the IU Style contest! I had a lot of fun personally selecting the prizes, and you can see a sample of them below.

There is literally something for everyone. We have sweatshirts, t-shirts, cardigans, workout clothes, a watch, cream and crimson jewelry, even boxer shorts. Brands include Fossil, Victoria's Secret PINK, Not My Momma's Jewelry, the Bradford Exchange, and Forty Seven Brand.

The grand prize winner will get first choice of TEN of these awesome prizes.

The top 9 finalists will get to choose their favorite item of IU apparel. And all finalists and the top winner will be featured in an IU video and will get a signed copy of my book, What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style.

Can't you just picture yourself in that super cool retro IU cardigan? Or maybe you fancy the boxer shorts. For your chance to win, you just have to upload your photo of yourself in your best school spirit gear at the IUAA's Spirit of IU's Show Us Your IU Style Contest!

School Spirit - the Big Event

August 9, 2011:: 4:00PM

In my last post I wrote about how to add subtle touches of school spirit into any neutral outfit. Today we're going to go all out with what to wear to an alumni or sports event.

College apparel has come a long way from basic screen printed crew necks. There are a wide variety of fashion forward options and here I've picked out some of my favorite items for game day (or every day).

For women:

• Long Sleeve Red Indiana East Tee
  When the weather turns a little bit chilly (but not out right cold), wear this red long sleeve tee with a beat up jean jacket with the sleeves cuffed up enough to show a sliver of red. Pair with even darker denim flares and find yourself a cup of hot cocoa!
• Heather Gray V-Neck Tee
  V-Necklines can be a little more flirty than their crew neck counterparts because they elongate the neck. However, this V isn't too deep and would be perfect for a tailgate or basketball game (especially if you're looking to wear something other than red!) I'd pull out this tee for my most casual kind of day and wear with medium wash jeans and a red zip up front jacket.
• Retro Football Tee
  I love the old school vibe of this tee shirt. I'd pair it with some roll cuffed chinos, a great leather belt, a pair of nude colored wedges and a pony tail.

For men:

• Zip Front Jacket
  I like this jacket for the warmth of a pull over sweatshirt but a little more cohesiveness as far as an outfit is concerned. Dress it up (just a little!) with a button up shirt and dark wash pair of jeans. Works for the game or an easy dinner out.
• Embroidered Polo Shirt
  Believe it or not, my friend Jeff just walked into my office wearing a very similar polo. He calls it "Coach Day" when it wears it. I agree that this is a lot more grown up and put together than a basic tee. Maybe someone will mistake you for part of the coaching staff too?! He's sporting it with dark jeans, but casual khakis would work equally well.
• Pull Over Hooded Sweatshirt
  Proper sizing is key in finding the right men's sweatshirt - too big and bulky and you'll like like you're en route to the gym instead of the game. I love the color (a bit darker than your traditional Hoosier hoodie) and the time worn appearance of the print. Pair up with khaki shorts and a white IU tee underneath.

Bonus points:

• Faded IUPUI Cap
• IPFW Cap
• IU Legacy Cap

Keep in mind that you don't need to be dressed head to toe in school colors. In fact, I'd probably leave that to undergrads (ditto for face paint). Instead select one main item in your school's dominant color (Crimson, Royal Blue, Navy, Purple) as the focus of your look.

Don't forget to upload a photo of yourself in your best school spirit gear at the IUAA's Spirit of IU's Most Fashionable Alumni Contest!

Accessories: Show Your Spirit with Color

July 18, 2011 :: 9:00am

Whether you're at every football game or only occasionally  make it to an alumni event in your area, here are some ideas on integrating a little more IU spirit into your wardrobe.

To get started — say it with color! You don't need a team jersey or embroidered polo to show your spirit (although, if you have 'em, rock 'em!).  Instead, try integrating even a small touch of your school colors. For women, a piece of costume jewelry, like a big beaded necklace or bangle added to a neutral outfit look great. Depending on the event, for men I'd suggest a red printed belt (more casual) or red necktie (for something more formal) as the perfect addition.

For women:

• Printed Red Scarf (J. Crew)
• Enamel Bangle (Bauble Bar)
• Leather Flats (available in more colors)
• Handbag (Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini)

For men:

• Silk Bow Tie (Peter Elliott Mens)
• Classic Neck Tie (Polo Ralph Lauren)
• Funky Neck Tie (Marcel Lone Neckwear)
• Belt: Similar (Vineyard Vines)
• Watch (Timex Military Classic)
• Old School Style Sneakers (Saucony Jazz Original)

How do you integrate in school spirit?! Show us in the Spirit of IU's contest for the most fashionable person!