The Classy LIBERTYne

A new resolution

Moriah N. Costa — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:38:54 +0000

Today was the first day of Fashion Week in glamorous New York City. While reading up on the latest on one of my favorite weeks of the year, I realized something is from my life. And that something has been The Classy LIBERTYne.

Everyone needs an escape: something to take their mind off of the mundane and hectic routine of living. For me, that’s fashion.

Fashion was my first love. My mother (bless her) had what I thought was next to no fashion sense. I rebelled at the young age of five, arguing with her over why she should buy me those pink leopard pants (I won). I even attempted to design my own clothes, but never had the skills or patience to make them. And for a while I entertained the idea of becoming a fashion designer.

So my wonderful LIBERYnes, expect to read my fashion rants more often as I attempt to fill the world with more classiness.

Leopard Print

Christine-Marie L. Dixon — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 05:25:52 +0000

“Is leopard print acceptable?” is a question we hear a lot. While it’s true that leopard print is one of those styles that can easily go wrong, it is always acceptable in tasteful moderation. If it’s good enough for the queen of class, it’s good enough for the discerning LIBERTYne.

Hula Hoop Bags

Christine-Marie L. Dixon — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 06:25:01 +0000

Dear Chanel,

You’ve lost us with this bag, you really really have. Forget going out for a night on the town with this bag, you’ll just end up hitting people with it. A friend comes in for a hug? Oops, sorry about the black eye! A guy tries to dance with you? Sorry, not too close.

Maybe that’s the point, in which case this bag is perfect for loner fashionistas and just about no one else.

New Trend: Long Skirts

Moriah N. Costa — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:32:30 +0000

I’ve always loved long, flowing skirts. Reminiscent of those days when showing your ankles was scandalous, long skirts can also make you appear taller and thinner. This is a huge benefit to someone who is on the shorter side like myself. For a few years, however, long skirts were considered outdated. Reluctantly, I hid my flattering skirts in the back for shorter, more modern skirts and pants. Until this year. Because this year designers have realized the elegance and class of long skirts.

There are many different types of long skirts. My favorite is a split pencil skirt. These types of skirts provide the elegance of a long skirt while allowing a peek of what’s underneath. Other variations of the long skirt include waterfall skirts, mermaid skirts, ruffled skirts, and wrap skirts. This fall, when deciding what to wear to a conference or to the office, I urge you to consider bringing back the days of lace and elegance with a long skirt.

Mermaid Skirts (or Dresses)

Ruffled Skirts

Wrap skirts

A-Line Skirt

Long Split Pencil Skirt

Business Casual Isn’t So “Black and White”

Chelsea Close — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:00:37 +0000

When people think of business casual, they often turn to the standard colors of black, grey, white, tan, etc. If you are wearing business casual attire you are most likely at an event where networking is a high possibility, so why blend in?

You can show your personality through your personal style by adding pops of color, an interesting pair of shoes, eye-catching accessories, as well as different takes on old standards.

Adding color to your attire can take many different forms. Women can do so by choosing a bright and fun nail polish color (please no neon or sparkles!), a brightly colored blouse or shoes, a patterned scarf, or a nice handbag; an eye-catching clutch can go a long way.

Men can add color by wearing a bold tie (or bow tie) or a brightly colored shirt as well as choosing something like burgundy shoes instead of the typical black. A lot of men don’t realize that their footwear can say a lot about them.

Accessories can sometimes be a tricky subject; it is extremely easy to go over board. If you were wearing bolder earrings then it would be a little much to wear a dramatic necklace as well. You can make a statement with your jewelry without them being too loud. Choose colorful stones instead of clear diamonds, or maybe go with a grey pearl instead of white.

Vintage cufflinks are a fantastic twist instead of just plain cufflinks. Also, a brightly colored or patterned pocket square can add just the kick you need to complete your ensemble.

These little tweaks can really set you apart in a sea of the typical in the room.

Men, still want to wear a classic suit? Jazz it up by choosing a shark skin type material. Students For Liberty’s Clint Townsend made a debut wearing such a suit on the Stossel Show during the 2012 International Students For Liberty Conference and stood out of the crowd.

Women, still want to wear black pants and a button-up? Maybe go for a wide legged pant and a button-up shirt with ruffles.

These are just a few examples of ways for you to stand out of the crowd. Put your own twist on it, come up with your own ways to diversify your wardrobe; half the fun of clothes is pairing them together!

Introducing Chelsea Close

theclassylibertyne — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:52:18 +0000

We’d like to welcome the newest member of The Classy LIBERTYne’s staff, Chelsea Close! Chelsea is a student studying at the University of North Texas and a Campus Coordinator with Students For Liberty. We’re delighted to have her as part of our team. Look out for her first post tomorrow!

Scarves

Christine-Marie L. Dixon — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 05:40:00 +0000

One of the most commonly overlooked accessories is the scarf. Most people only think of accessorizing with a long scarf when it’s cold outside, but you can use a scarf in warmer weather, too. It’s a versatile accessory that can be used in several ways.

Some examples:

At the office

With sunglasses, á la Audrey Hepburn

As a hair accessory

Scarf tying is unfortunately a dying art, but there are many tutorials available online that can show you different ways of tying and styling scarves. This is a classic and timeless look and a scarf is sure to enhance any wardrobe.

LIBERTYne Don’t: Midriff clothing

Moriah N. Costa — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:14:30 +0000

I have spent this summer attending many different libertarian conferences and have been delighted with the variety of class and eloquence of dresses and bow ties I have seen. But there are a few trends I have seen which appall me. One of these are midriff shirts.

There is nothing that is professional about showing your stomach during a lecture on Austrian Economics. There is a time and a place to show a little skin. Wearing shirts that show off your sexy belly button ring are fun… on the beach. And ofcourse, you have to wear a short dress or mini-skirt to a club. But at a conference? Ladies, don’t. Use common sense. You can be sexy and professional without baring your skin.

Flesh-Colored Clothing

Christine-Marie L. Dixon — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:55:01 +0000

I was driving home from work today and saw what I thought was a girl wearing a shirt and nothing else. As I got closer, I saw that she was wearing a pair of shorts…the same color as her skin. From down the street, it looked like she was bottomless.

Flesh-colored anything is not considered an alternative to baring your skin. If what you’re wearing matches your skin color closely enough that it looks like you’re not wearing anything from 5 yards away, don’t do it.

DIY: Waterfall Skirts

Christine-Marie L. Dixon — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:05:20 +0000

I’m currently obsessed with waterfall skirts. It’s a versatile look which can be dressed up or dressed down. I wouldn’t recommend it for business casual wear, but for Friday night drinks with the girls this style is perfect. It’s kind of like the clothing (and stylish!) version of the mullet: party in the front, business in the back.

If you have some long skirts in your closet, you can easily turn them into waterfall skirts! All you need is a pair of scissors to cut the front of your skirt short (but not too short!).

Trim any loose ends and voilá!