NRFSA-Shop.org Conference

The National retail federation holds a scholarship competition for college students; if you are lucky enough to win you get an expense paid a trip to the Shop.org Conference in Chicago. One of Lasell’s seniors was the fortunate winner of this renowned scholarship. I was able to meet up with Chelsea Plum and get an interview about her experience. 

Chelsea spoke about the purpose of the Shop.org conference in depth.   It’s purpose is “to educate retailers and professionals about the digital side of fashion and how it’s not about the clothes and stores anymore but about Omni channel.” 

I asked her intently ………”So Chelsea, how did you feel when you found out that you won the scholarship?”

 “ I was very excited and delighted that the department chose me to represent the school” she said.

I commented “ I would imagine that would be an extreme honor; did you ever feel that winning the scholarship and the trip to the Shop.org conference put any kind of pressure on you?”

She replied, “No I found that it was more exciting because I’ve been working with technologies like this for so long, it’s just becoming growth for me professionally”

Now tell me a little about what the atmosphere of the event was? Chelsea stated “It was a very large space with a lot of companies from around the world traveling in groups, everyone was very attentive and excited to be there. The guest speakers included tory Burch executives and other companies giving presentations about ecommerce and potential innovations. “

I commented was there any way that you had to prepare for the conference?  

Chelsea listed “Yes I had to prepare my resume as well as business cards, and make a schedule for the weekend there were 4 days of events, as well as packing for the climate and finding a hotel. “ 

I wondered about if she about felt unprepared for the conference; “More nervous than anything, the shop.org dinner was kind of awkward because it was all the winners and no one really wanted to talk. “ 

Explain what was your favorite and least favorite part of the experience?  “id have to say it was networking with large companies and making professional contacts. The least favorite part was some of the information in the presentations were a bit redundant and vague more elaboration, it was supposed to be a seminar but sometimes they came off as a sales pitch.”

Chelsea explained to me what she learned from this experience?

“Just being able to have conversations can expand your thought process, and you learn that our industry is so big yet everyone knows each other."

Why do you think that is important to fashion students to become members of the NRFSA? “Its important because you gain access to lots of great information there all very innovative they all post numerous opportunities and new technologies.”

 I totally agree with Chelsea that being able to have access to these resources from the fashion would is an extreme upper hand on the fashion industry.  Being a fashion student at Lasell takes a lot of work and dedication to the fashion would, the teachers expect us to be a part of the fashion world. Having these recourses at our fingertips is such an amazing opportunity.

By: Sarah Dougherty

Lasell Fashion: Trends of Fall 2013

    By Mariah Cole  


         As a Fashion Communication and Promotion major it is the job of the student to be able to predict and write about upcoming fashion trends. So for Fall 2013, a trend that has been sweeping the runway and the streets, are over the knee boots. Boots are a constant go to item during the Fall/Winter season and can be seen on the feet of toddlers to the feet of the elderly. They are versatile and can provide the wearer with a style of their choice, be it; rugged, edgy, or prim and proper.

(Source: glamour.com)

        Featured above is Kat Thomsen, a blogger for Glamour.com. She is pictured above wearing boots typical of an equestrian; they touch just below the knee and hug the calf in just the right way. One does not have to own a horse or take riding lessons to wear these types of boots. But, if going for the equestrian look, pair boots with beige pants or leggings, a high collared white or striped blouse and a navy blue blazer. If the weather is a too cold for just a blazer, try a trench coat.

(Source: fashionbombdaily.com)

          Rihanna, pictured above, was seen wearing boots from Tom Ford’s Fall 2013 show. The boots are being worn as a statement piece, which is usually the job of accessories, but not anymore. For the edgier individual, wearing these boots with a leather A-line mini skirt, a neon green sweater and gold accessories would be perfect for their urban, street style. These boots can also be paired with jeans and a basic white tee for a more casual look.

          Boots are a classic style and have been worn by workers, hikers, and fashionistas for a long time. Boots can be worn with leather material one minute and suede the next, the possibilities are endless. For those with wider calves, shoe designers are becoming more understanding and are including wider sizes in their lines. Over the knee boots come heeled, flat and wedged. For Fall 2013, to stand out from the crowd add over the knee boots to your wardrobe you might be surprised at how many compliments you receive.

Lasell College Fashion Show 2011 Displays Trends Now Fashionable Today- Emilie Beloin

At the end of every year, the Lasell College Fashion department hosts a fashion show for the senior design students. Each senior creates a clothing line from which they shine through. A few of the designers put out looks that showed a high-low skirt or dress or an outfit that had a cut out. These looks from two years ago have now become one of the most popular trends worn by the fashionistas of 2013. 

The High-Low Skirt

Student's design from the 2011 Lasell College Senior Show

High-Low skirt worn by model

The high-low trend started in the year of 2011 and has escalated since then. The first picture shown is a screen shot from the 2011 senior show at Lasell College. Many of the designers put out looks that incorporated a high-low; high-lows are seen in skirts and dresses.  This look can be worn many different way and can add some spunk to a boring outfit. The seniors were defiantly keeping up with emerging trends and took the opportunity to use the high-low when creating new designs. Today, the high-low is a basic piece that every woman has in their wardrobe. The trend can be dressed up or down and can be a starter piece when creating the perfect outfit. 

Cut Outs

Student Design 2011

Model wearing shirt with a cut out back

The cut out trend adds an element of surprise to any outfit. When featured on the runway, a model comes out wearing an average dress, but when they turn at the end of the runway, the crowed is left in awe by the intricate and unique cut out design. This trend has been taken apart and pieced back together by designers. They take the cut out trend, then shape it to meet their own design sense.  Different takes on the cut out include different shapes, such as hearts, geometric patterns, and lines. In the second picture above a model is wearing a simple cut out design. When it comes to this outfit, choosing the simple cut out was the right idea. When paired with the striped pants, from the front it looks like an average shirt, but when she turns around, it puts the outfit on another level. The cut out trend is perfect for a hot summer day, the wearer looks stylish, and now has great article of clothing that allows air flow. 

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