SIN STYLE
page 8
By Aisling Scally
The Fresher’s Guide to Fashion Ah the carefree life of a Fresher. Nothing to worry about but where to get the cheapest naggin and if you’re going to get the ever elusive shift in Coyotes. Easily spotted, this abundant species of student roams the college plains with careless abandon... especially in the fashion department. The following is a message for all my little Pirates of the Corribean; if you don’t want to spend your first year in college looking like an uncultured ragamuffin, read on. These five easy steps will leave you looking effortlessly chic on campus. Radioactive Chic Ladies, lose the tan. The first week of college concourse looked like the Ulster Orange Day Parade. I walked into the O’Fla the other day after what was clearly a first year lecture and the smell of Sally Hansen nearly killed me. I’ll readily admit I marinated myself in the stuff for years. I thought it made me look sunkissed, continental, Amazonian, if you will. I’d also be lying if I said I still didn’t indulge in a moment of medium glow on a night out. However, in the harsh light of day(and the unforgiving light of the AMB) , you’ll just look like you auditioned to be an oompa loompa in CP’s next Willy Wonka party. Streaks were never a good look, especially when they’re a distinct Cellafield orange. Corrib Couture I myself sailed the great Corribean back in the day and am well accustomed to the uniform: a massive hoody, sweat pants, fake Uggs and a not-so-hot ponytail. I know it’s comfy but darlings, look in the mirror. No-one ever got the shift wearing stained sweatpants and semi-dissolved Uggs. Substitute the fatmans with leggings, jeggings or the old reliable skinnies and swap the mofo hoody for a cute cardi or jacket. Cute ankle boots are in abundance around the shops at the mo, with both River Island and New Look stocking some knockouts for less than €40, an investment that won’t break the bank.
Adding an element of continental chic to the corridors on NUIG is Eoin Keane. Frequently spotted around Áras na Gaeilge, this strapping Clareman sports a wool and cashmere mix mancoat by an unknown Italian designer. Teamed with his favourite American Eagle jeans Eoin adds an air of French flair to his everyday wardrobe. When asked how he chooses his ensemble every morning Eoin replies: “My first thought is usually where are my underpants”.
Uggs During your time here in Gaillimh, you will, at some point, own a pair of Uggs (the real or not so real variety). I’m a huge fan, they’re like walking around in a fleecy duvet. However, there’s nothing worse than sitting beside someone in filthy, soaking and smelly uggs for a two hour seminar... bleugh. I got my first pair in Boston 2 years ago
and they’re still practically perfect, but my friend purchased some at the same time and they were in bits within a couple of months. These bad boys don’t come cheap so when you make the investment make sure you but a rain and stain repellent to keep your new sheepy friends looking (and smelling)awesome. As we all learned during our adolescence, we should always use protection in the bedroom, and the same applies to sheepskin footwear. These boots were not designed for trudging around in the inclement climes of NUIG so spray them down before hitting the town. The Hood Not just a term for the hippest ghetto in town, the hood is your new best friend. Whether it’s struggling across the Quincentennial being battered by gales and thundering rain, or running from concourse to Áras Uí Chathail or beyond in a heavy shower, a hood can take you places your umbrella never dreamed of. The slightest puff of wind and it’s au revoir umbrella, bonjour drowned rat chic. A hood will never let you down. Let’s face it, it’s going to lash rain all winter, so it’s definitely a worthy investment. Whether you chose to keep toasty and dry in a bomber jacket, a trusty parka or a mofo ski coat, just make sure it has a hood to keep your locks looking lush and the dreaded panda-eye syndrome at bay. And Finally... One for the Lads There’s little I love more than ogling a good looking man. However, a fine face and a hot bod will only get you so far. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Taylor Lautner or Bradley Cooper slobbing around Hollywood in trackie bottoms and a Mayo jersey... and there’s a reason. I’m not saying suit up for class (although occasionally that would be nice), but maybe put a little more thought into your look than sniffing the first item you find on the floor, shoving it on and bathing yourself in Lynx. River Island and Topshop do some great garments for guys, and it doesn’t have to look too put together or “gay”, as my brother likes to call anything not made by Canterbury. A casual check shirt, some cool jeans or a trendy tshirt will go far. Loose the snow-white pumas for some Converse, Vans or Nike 6.0s and you’ll be fighting off the women. Especially if you smell nice(Hugo Boss, Jean Paul Gaultier or Abercrombie Fierce I’m alooking at you... meow).