Morgan

Name: Morgan S.

Year: Freshman

Major: Journalism

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

 Morgan’s look is a collection of cool pieces she’s picked up secondhand from her friends.

How would you describe your everyday style? Well, it always kind of depends on what I’m feeling that day. Today, I wanted to be casual but also wear something springy and summery, something happy. Usually, my style reflects the mood that I am in on that particular day.

Has your style changed since coming to Oregon? Yeah, I definitely wear and buy more boots now! Back home, I would wear booties more often because you could show your legs more, but here you just want to keep them warm! I also don’t wear heels as often. In high school, I used to wear heels all the time! I pulled off the “Pretty Little Liars” look they have going on in the show.

Her boots are from ShoeDazzle and are the most expensive part of her outfit.

Are there any stories behind the pieces you are wearing today? Well the jacket, funny story, I stole that from my friends. Sometimes they will say, “Ooh what happened to that one jacket?” And I will never say anything because I want to keep it! I call it the pimp jacket because of the fur. It makes me feel like a pimp. And my romper was only one dollar! I got it from a girl at school who was selling her old clothes.

And the hat? Oh the Love Your Melon! It’s for a nonprofit organization where all the donations go to making beanies for kids who have brain cancer.

She got her hat at a booth at the EMU.

Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? Oh yeah. I went through so many phases. I went through the rock phase, kind of like the emo rock thing where you wear a lot of black. I even wore fishnet stuff! I also went through a lot of flare jeans too, especially the jeans with little stitch designs on them. Those dominated my wardrobe for a while.

Has there been any other changes in your life, little or dramatic, that you’ve noticed since going to college? I wear absolutely no makeup, which is weird because I thought I would care more about my appearance, but it turns out I care more about my clothes. I guess I’ve become more comfortable with myself and how I look without a lot of makeup on.

Are there any fashion trend that you hate? I hate Crocs. I believe only doctors are allowed to wear them, NO ONE ELSE. No one.

Words and photos by Darienne Stiyer, @dariennekaye

 

Haley

Name: Haley J.

Year: Sophomore

Major: Product Design

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Haley pairs a Free People top with a midi-dress from Urban creating a unique look.

Can you tell me about the boutique you work at in Eugene? I’ve worked there [Mannequin@Salon DeLange] for three years. I do some of the product managing, and I’m a buyer. I think that influences my style in some ways. Part of that is when I’m not at work, I get to be a little more creative and have fun with it. I enjoy styling people, and I think I’m better at styling other people than myself.

What is Mannequin @Salon DeLange? We’re a collection boutique [and hair salon] so we go to markets in Portland, Vegas and Seattle. We handpick all of our pieces, and we try to focus mainly on stuff that’s made in the U.S. We try to get pieces that we will be the only place that carries. We’re also having a fashion show in March at the salon. We dress up our clients and have a really wide age range. We just go through and talk about styling and everything.

Haley ordered her bag on Etsy from a company in the Ukraine. Here are some other practical yet chic Etsy finds: here, here and here.

How did you get your job? I was hired when I was 16 to sweep hair in the salon, and it just evolved wildly since then.

What does being a buyer entail? It entails going to Portland – they have these hotels that have been completely renovated into these giant shopping centers – and you go and look at upcoming collections and pick pieces that interest you. It’s really exciting.

Haley’s earth tone blue shoes are from Coolway. 

You said that you dress other people better than yourself. How do you approach dressing someone else? I used to just have people walk around and see the pieces that appealed to them. But more than anything, I think you kind of have a gut reaction to what you think they would look good in. A lot of it is just experimental. A lot of it is being willing to try stuff on; I think that’s the best way to be successful. I think it’s really hard to dress yourself, because you are so inhibited by your insecurities. But I think other people see us more honestly than we see ourselves.

Wide brim hats are an easy way to complete a look. Haley’s is from Forever 21.

What role do you see fashion playing in your life? I think it’s a really good way to communicate with people. We can’t choose a lot of things about ourselves, but we choose what we buy and how we put it on and how that communicates with the world. I think it helps us find our people. I’m thinking about adopting an uniform too.

How would you explain what an uniform is? A uniform is a skin that you choose.

Words and photos by Elinor Manoogian-O’Dell, @ElinormODell

Finals (Fashion) Week

As Fashion Weeks around the world are showing off Fall 2016 collections, ducks are showing off their best (and worst) finals style. These three students are giving us serious motivation to get out of our sweats and “workout” clothes. Read below to find out more about how they’re getting through finals and what they are doing for spring break. From us here at Dressed Up Ducks, we wish you good luck on your exams and a fun spring break. You deserve it!

Name: Callie S.

Year: Freshman

Major: Undeclared, but interested in sociology

Hometown: Oregon City, Oregon

Do you have any big spring break plans? I’m going to Canon Beach with my mom. We are going to do a little spa thing. So that will be fun. And then I’ll go camping with a friend up in the Gorge. I’m not sure where yet, but we will be camping. So that will be fun and pretty relaxed. I’m also going snowboarding at Timberline Lodge or Meadows Ski Resort at Mount Hood.

Do you like to spend a lot of time outdoors? Yes I’m very outdoorsy. I’m just excited to get out and not do school work.

Is your style affected by finals? Oh yeah. The other day, I was pretty cozy, and today I feel like looking like I’m not being lazy. I want people to think, “Oh she doesn’t look like she’s being affected by finals.” You know what I mean? You can tell when people think I’m lazy and tired because I can totally understand that. But usually, when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you look good.

What is getting you through finals? A lot of coffee. A lot of “Parks and “Recreation.” And a lot of Spotify. I’ve been listening to a lot of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and the Growlers too.

 

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Name: Zachariah P.

Year: Sophomore

Major: Architecture

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

How is your finals week going? Fine. I just got a couple of projects wrapped up. I’m on my way to the craft center. We have to get a book bound for human context of design. It’s an architecture class. We had to do a case study of a place around campus and study it. There is a lot of stuff like circulation and usability and traces and proxemics and all kinds of stuff that we had to look at. My partner and I did the Elk Horn Brewery just down the street. So, there was a lot of just sitting around and marking where people were. Other than that, it’s just an essay and three finals.

Do you have any big spring break plans? I have a job interview. I was recommended for a job. So I’m meeting with the guy who is the head of hiring at this firm in Portland called ZGF. That’s for this summer, and that’s next Friday actually. I don’t think I’m nervous yet. I probably will be on Friday morning. Now it’s too far away. I have too much other shit to do right now.

Will it be a big opportunity for your career? It could be because it’s all about getting exposure. It’s rare to get a big job like that really early. I just happened to have a connection to one of the accredited professionals there, which is the reason I got interested in architecture in the first place.

What’s your career goal in architecture? We’ll see. I haven’t decided if I’m going to end up starting my own thing yet. We’ll see. I’m more interested in doing competition firm stuff because there is a lot more design happening.

What is getting you through finals? I always listen to music. I always have my headphones on. Right now, Spoon is still playing. It’s “Knock Knock Knock.”

What types of music do you listen to while studying? It depends. If it’s a lot of reading, I have a reading playlist on Spotify that’s mostly classical and instrumental stuff. Other than that, it just kind of depends on the mood that I need. Music for me can set a tone really strictly. So, it’s kind of important what I have playing, but it all depends on the mood I’m in that day and what I have to get done.

What’s your finals music mood? It’s a lot of Spoon and Arctic Monkeys stuff because for my finals, there is only one that I really have to think that hard about. It’s mostly about making myself do it.

So it’s motivation? Exactly. As opposed to the kind of droney stuff that I listen to more if I actually am trying to get something in my head.

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Name: Lydia B.

Year: Freshman

Major: Education

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Why did you decide to study education? I really like kids. I’ve been working with kids for the past three years. I really think that teaching makes a positive difference.

What age do you want to teach? Fourth grade. I work best with ages around 8 to 9. So third grade works too. Since I’ve had so much experience working with kids, I’ve found that I connect best with kids around that age.

Do you have any big spring break plans? Not specifically. I hope I’m going hiking at the Gorge. I’m from Portland. So it’s pretty close. I have this huge passion for hiking. I love being in nature. It’s actually one of my dreams to hike the Pacific Crest Trail after college.

What is getting you through finals? Just a lot of studying. Just setting aside a lot of time just to study.

What have you been doing when you’re not studying? I’ve just been hanging out with friends in the dorm and stuff. It’s just really relaxing. It’s nice to be around the really supportive people that I’ve met here.

Is your style affected by finals? Finals hasn’t really affected anything, actually. I’m dressing the same way I have been.

How would you describe your style? Honestly, it depends. I prefer dresses and skirts to jeans. I like lipstick a lot. I feel a lot freer in them (skirts and dresses). I don’t feel as constrained necessarily.

 

Words by Hannah Steinkopf-Frank, @HSteinkopfFrank

Photos by Elinor Manoogian-O’Dell,@ElinormODell and Hannah Steinkopf-Frank

 

Victoria

Name: Victoria L.

Year: Freshmen

Major: Romance Languages

Hometown: Ashland, Oregon

Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? Oh yeah! When I started going through my mom’s closet. I “borrowed” the first thing, a pair of clogs, from her closet two years ago I think. But it’s okay, because I see her wearing my clothes around all the time too!

All the clothes Victoria is wearing are either from Goodwill or her mom’s closet.

Would you say you’re inspired by your mom’s style? Not quite. I guess I take inspiration from places like Goodwill and thrift stores all over the place and moms, just like moms in general. I really like moms’ styles, as weird as that sounds.

What’s your favorite thrift store back home? I actually like the ones here more, especially St. Vincent de Paul and Value Village. We don’t have either of those in Ashland. We only have Goodwill and the Freebox, but hardly anyone goes to Freebox, so pretty much only Goodwill.

Is there a story behind your jewelry? Yeah, my earrings are actually from a grocery store back in my hometown. Where I grew up is kind of a hippie town, so when you go to the grocery store, you can find things like prayer flags and incense and earrings. These aren’t actually real gages. They’re just regular earrings that look like gages. And my necklace is actually my mom’s again! It’s all of the astrology signs. I’m really into astrology and that sort of thing. I’ve even gotten my astrology chart read.

Is there anything else that inspires you? My music definitely influences my style, but it depends on what song in particular I’m listening to. I’m super into music! I’ve only been playing (guitar) for eight months, but it feels like I’ve been playing for longer! I won my guitar at my senior all night party, and I taught myself how to play the guitar after coming back from spending half the year in Spain.

Is there a song that describes your style? Anything by Glass Animals

Words and photos by Darienne Stiyer, @dariennekaye

Morgan

Name: Morgan L.

Year: Freshman

Major: Business

Minor: Product Design

Morgan’s denim jeans and sweatshirt are from American Apparel.

Growing up in Eugene, have you always wanted to be a Duck? Not really. My first choice would’ve been the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles or a design school in San Francisco. But since I’m here, I’m embracing it. S’co ducks!

Do you think that living in Eugene has influenced your style? Eugenians are known to be hippies, so not in that sense. My fashion inspiration comes from Youtube vloggers and websites like Lookbook, Pinterest and Tumblr. I’d say I have more of a street style mixed with some high-end fashion. As a fashion minimalist, I like to focus on fine details like texture and quality.

Where do you get most of your clothes? Mostly ASOS, American Apparel, Forever 21 Men and some bits and pieces from Urban Outfitters. I like to hit the sale and clearance racks when it comes to clothing staples so that I can invest in expensive brands that I love, especially for shoes.

Both his backpack and mesh shirt are from Feathers.

What are your favorite trends of this season? Oversized jackets, asymmetrical t-shirts and Adidas sneakers.

Nike or Adidas? I couldn’t tell you! I own more Nike products, but I also dig the Adidas trend… it’s here to stay. Wearing Nike socks with my Adidas sneakers lets me represent both of the brands.

Representing both brands, Morgan’s sneakers are from Adidas while his socks are Nike.

When you’re getting dressed for the day, what do you like to listen to? Currently, my go-to is “Work” by Rihanna ft. Drake.

Who are your favorite artists? I’ve been listening to Marc E. Bassy, Tinash, and Rihanna. They have some club bangers that I love to dance to!

What do you hope to accomplish at UO? I want to graduate with a business degree, concentrating in entrepreneurship and product design. After that, I’d like to land an internship with a magazine or fashion company in L.A. or work behind some kind of fashion movement. Hopefully, one day I’ll live in a luxurious flat, own a clothing line and be able to treat my parents to dinner since they’ve done so much for me.

Words and photos by Rachel Lauren, @rach3llaur3n

Kathryn

Name: Kathryn K.

Year: Freshman

Major: Human Physiology

Hometown: San Diego, California

Katheryn breaks up an all black look with some classic denim.

Does fashion play an important roll in your lifestyle? Some days, yes. Some days, I’m just really feeling it. I just throw on a cute outfit, and it makes my whole day better. Some days, I just want to roll out of bed and feel comfortable.

Where do you find your inspiration? Tumblr and through people watching.

Her crystal earrings add a bit of personality to the outfit.

Where do you usually shop? There’s a place I would always shop at called Dream Girls, which is a little boutique down by the beach (in San Diego). I also shop at Thrift Trader, Urban Outfitters and Buffalo Exchange.

Have you ever gone through any fashion phases? I went through a phase where I would always wear stripes. Every shirt I wore had stripes on it.

Katheryn styles her Chelsea boots by rolling up the cuffs of her denim jeans.

Since you’re from Southern California, was it hard for you to adjust to Oregon’s colder, wetter weather? Yeah. I wear a lot more layers, and I like to wear big comfy coats—which I never got to do back in California. Also, boots! I also started wearing a lot of beanies, but not so much recently.

Would you say that you’re inspired by the southern California lifestyle/fashion? Yeah, but I can’t wear it up here. Sanuks were a big thing down in San Diego, and they were what we would wear in the winter, but we really can’t wear them in the winter here.

Why did you choose to come to the University of Oregon as opposed to schools in California? I wanted a change in the environment where I would get all of the seasons. I wanted to be where it was actually green, and there were trees. I also really like sports, and I wanted to go to a school known for its sports.

Katheryn’s black leather bag keeps with 

If you had to describe your style in one word, what word would you choose? Comfortable.

What kind of music do you listen to? All kinds of music except country. My four favorite bands right now are Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Tribe Called Quest, Tame Impala and Alt-J.

Words and photos by Maddy Wignall, @WignallMaddy

Cassie

Name: Cassie M.

Year: Freshman

Major: Business

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

How would you define your personal style? I would say my style is preppy, although, I add a little touch of other styles to express my personality better. Some days, it’s dresses or skirts with booties and some days, it’s my high-waisted jeans, a crop top and a cardigan sweater. I wear a lot of black. I also really like wedges because I am short and just love cute shoes. Plus, they easily dress up any outfit.

Since you’re from Oregon, what are your suggestions for dressing cute in rainy weather? Well, I dress however I want, rain or shine, but always make sure to have my raincoat in hand. Raincoats are key!

Where are your favorite places to shop? H&M, Urban Outfitters and Francesca’s. Oh yes, Francesca’s is definitely my top. And I do shop at Nordstrom’s a lot too. I tend to shop for solid colors and statement pieces. I occasionally buy patterned outfits, but that’s normally exclusive to floral pieces. I also love any sort of silver jewelry.

Tell me about the jewelry you currently have on. Every day I put on my silver Betsey Johnson watch, my matching Tiffany necklace and charm bracelet and my Alex & Ani bracelets. I have three different Alex & Ani bracelets that each have something different dear to my heart represented by a charm. The “C” charm stands for my name and was given to me from my cousin, the Disneyland charm is from my 18^th birthday when I got to go to Disneyland with one of my best friends and I have the Kappa Delta charm because joining a sorority has been the best college decision I have made so far. I always wear all of my bracelets on my left wrist so my diabetes tattoo can still be seen.

What are the stories behind each of your tattoos? My diabetes tattoo is actually a medical alert tattoo that I got when I was 15. Medical alert means that in case of an emergency, a medical responder will be able to know right away that I am a type 1 diabetic. My cactus and moon tattoo was just a spontaneous tattoo done by one of my best friends one day while we were hanging out. She does them as a hobby, and I picked a cactus and a moon because I thought they looked cute together. I also decided to put them in a spot that isn’t easily seen so they are like a little secret.

Does being diabetic influence your style at all? Yes! I sometimes have to “dress for my pump” which means dressing in a way that allows me to carry my pump 24/7 and have it easily accessible. So, I wear a lot of dresses so I can easily hide it underneath without it being too noticeable.

Are you involved in anything on campus? I’m in a sorority, Kappa Delta, and am also in the sports business club. They both have allowed me to be more social and meet new people, and business club is helping me make connections that will especially help me with my major.

Being a business major, what are your career goals and/or aspirations for the future? My career goal is to be able to work in business, specifically marketing, and a dream would be getting the chance to work in the fashion industry. I try to dress presentably and appropriately so I always have a great first impression.

Words and photos by Alexandra Jacobsen, @al_jacobsen

Trending: Pantone’s Colors of the Year

Matt Young, a journalism major, contrasts neutral oxfords with a relaxed blue-hued polo.

Pantone’s decision to release two colors of the year instead of one is an exciting change and gives those of us who love fashion a chance to experiment with more than just one trendy color. Since the 1960s, Pantone has hosted secret conferences in European capitals biannually to decide on a color of the year. Pantone’s choice of two very versatile colors makes the task of creating an ensemble a much simpler one. A lot goes into the composition of an outfit, and complementary colors, shapes and textures are essential to achieve a perfect sartorial balance.

These coffee-colored oxfords are sure to clean up any ensemble.

This tone of blue is a perfect contrast to Matt’s skin tone, completing his fresh look.

What were the colors chosen this year? They are two pastels, one reminiscent of sickly-sweet, cotton candy and the other of clear, crisp summer skies. Rose Quartz’s soft peony pink is meant to evoke compassion while Serenity’s periwinkle blue promotes a sense of tranquility. Both are perfect for any occasion and any season of the year. These comforting shades can be found nearly everywhere, from destinations around the world to the catwalks of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and J.W.Anderson.

The two paired together “demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” said Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. This gender fluidity is reflective of larger trends in the fashion industry. With companies like 69, Not Equal and Butch baby and Co. producing clothes that don’t conform to a set gender binary, it’s only fitting that the colors this year complement the times.

Sona Hodaie, a masters student in the PPPM department, pairs a pastel pink dress with warm weather accessories and black Dansko Shoes, which are such an Oregon classic.

When it comes to incorporating these colors into your wardrobe, it’s hard not to find other colors that fit well with the pair. Deep earthy hues like khaki brown and ashy gray match just as well as brighter tones like peach and sea glass green. Of course, black and white — the ever-popular minimalist colors — will be stunning complements to either of the two, and a little experimentation can help you find the best options.

These colors work well with muted grey and basic black pieces. 

Fortunately, companies like The Black Tux, a Los Angeles-based tuxedo rental company, offer accessories in these colors. They feature two bow ties that are perfect for every event, from date night to a class presentation to something as formal as a wedding. The Black Tux has you covered and gives you the capability of including this year’s most popular colors into your attire.

Courtesy of The Black Tux

 

Words by Melissa Epifano, @melissaepifano
Photos by Lindsey Epifano, @lindseyepifano, and Elli Manoogian-O’Dell, @ElinormODell

Harley

Name: Harley E.

Year: Freshman

Majors: General Social Sciences and Political Science

Hometown: Washington, D.C. and Eugene, Oregon

Harley looks sleek and warm in a tan Banana Republic jacket and skinny jeans.

How did you pick your majors? It’s just what interests me the most, and I think there are a lot of really interesting careers that I can go into after this. I would love to work for an international NGO or some sort of international institution like the UN or the State Department.

Is it hard being close to where you spent a large part of your childhood? I think it’s kind of nice. I can visit my family whenever I want, which has been good. But by saving so much money on school by going instate, I’m also allowed to travel way more. So, I am closer to home most of the year, but I also get to go to way cooler places when I’m not studying.

Have you gone anywhere yet? I went to Peru last summer, and over winter break, I went to Los Angeles, D.C. and New York, which I probably wouldn’t have done if I went to a $50,000 a year school.

Is there a dream place you would like to travel to? There are a lot of places. I really want to go to Greece, Morocco and Thailand. Those are my top three.

Her trendy Chelsea boots are from Nordstrom Rack.

Who are some of your style inspirations? I really like Karlie Kloss. I like most of the things I see her wearing on Instagram. I’ve actually been a fan of hers since middle school, so I haven’t really changed much.

How would you describe your personal style? Definitely urban, professional, chic. I always kind of dress like I’m going to a job rather than to school.

Why do you like dressing professionally? It makes me more focused during school. It makes me more driven just in case I happen to meet my future employer in a class or on campus. If I’m meeting with a professor, I just like to look more like an adult than a student.

Do you think you stand out because of that? Maybe a little bit. When I’m walking and there are people wearing sweats and UGGs around me, I hope that I do.

Her simple maroon turtleneck from Forever 21 makes her statement necklace, also from Forever 21, shine.

Do you ever wear sweats? Not really. I’ve never owned a pair of sweatpants or real UGGs. My relaxed look includes jeans or nice leggings.

Does dressing make you feel confident? It just makes me feel better about myself knowing that I look at least somewhat decent. It does give me more confidence.

I know a lot of students struggle with dressing for a work setting. What tips do you have for dressing professionally? Just looking like you put some effort into your outfit. It’s also good to actually thinking about what you’re putting on and not just what is convenient.

Have you always cared about what you wore? Well, I wore a school uniform until I was in fifth grade. It was actually super cute. It looked kind of like the ones in “Gossip Girl.” It was blue and plaid, and there was a skirt and a little button-down shirt.

Like a little Blair Waldorf. Yeah, basically. So, when I had the freedom to start wearing whatever I wanted, that was when I started caring.

The gold details give this leather Aldo backpack a cool, urban touch.

Nowadays, do you feel your style is set or is it still evolving? It started to get more consistent the past year or so. I sort of realized that recently, actually. I’m definitely drawn to colors and sharp lines. I don’t wear a lot of patterns. I don’t know if that will change or not, but that’s currently where I am.

Are there any trends or brands you really like right now? I really like Chelsea boots. I’m wearing them now. I wear them like three days a week. I wear a lot of sweaters, and I really like Banana Republic. Before I went in there, I thought it was mom clothes, but I went in, and it’s not.

Has it been difficult for you to transition to college? Well, I went to high school around here, and I took classes here my junior and senior year, so the academic transition wasn’t hard at all. I think the social transition has been tougher just because you’re not in classes with the same people all day long, and you kind of have to work to make friends. Up until now, you’re put in classes with the same people, so it’s easy to form relationships that way. I think that’s the main difference.

Words and photos by Hannah Steinkopf-Frank, @HSTEINKOPFFRANK

Izzy

Name: Izzy K.

Year: Senior

Major: Advertising

Hometown: Portland, OR

What does fashion mean to you? Fashion is a way that I express who I am. It’s actually a big part of my personal brand, which is a big thing for me especially as an advertising major—even my hair cut is very specific. It’s a way for people to get to know who I am before they get to me, and since first impressions are so important I usually like to try and look presentable.

How would you describe your style? I always say that adorable is approachable, so that’s usually how I describe it. If I try and be adorable, people will want to work with me, because in advertising it’s all group work, so if they feel warm and welcome they’re going to give me better work in the team if they feel comfortable with me.

Where do you usually shop? I shop at H&M a lot but I also like to go to consignment shops—I used to work at Plato’s Closet. I wish that I went to places that were not as known, but I shop at Target and DSW and places like that. I like the color gray too as you can tell.

If you could change one thing about the fashion industry what would that be? I think the fashion industry is starting to do a good job of expressing individualism, because that’s where everything originates from, but I just wish it were more inclusive. Instead of, “Oh, why is she wearing that?” we need more of, “Ooh that’s cool that she’s doing that– that’s really different.” So that’s what I would kind of change, and that’s not so much the industry, but more of people’s perspectives.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone on style? Go with your gut. Usually I start my day and I’m like, “Okay, what do I want to wear?” and what ever first pops into my mind is what I  I don’t care what others are going to think of it, it’s what I feel comfortable in and then that’ll be better in my life if I’m comfortable.

Words by Melissa Epifano, @melissaepifano
Photos by Lindsey Epifano, @lindseyepifano